Would it not be strange to fight every one of our mini scenarios without command figures? There would be Rock, not Sergeant Rock. Just imagine: Blucher with no attached Field Marshall title. Can you imagine the impact of Adolph instead of "der Fuhrer?"

Some great commanders might not have quite the impact, at least from a psychological viewpoint without their illustrious titles. After all, the use of that high and mighty title could well be by design in order to intimidate an enemy, or at least the enemy commander. The Persians learned to fear "the Great" Alexander because his name implied his deeds on the battlefield, past, present, and future. On the other hand, sometimes the deeds did not justify the high title of that leader (McClellan).

So it always amuses me to read about a person who waves his credentials like a flag in order to validate his point of view. It's like they were trying to intimidate some distant opponent with their "press clippings" or letter jacket. When I run into one of those people and they try to tell me what they have done in the past, I look them in the eye and ask, "Well, that's nice,but what are you doing now?"

Other Thoughts

I have an effective cure for a malady called "Gamemasters Burn-Out". Definition: It's a noun - a saggy-baggy feeling you get after working too many cons and getting your stuff broken and ripped off. (Also, see frumped-out, stressed, fatigued, and unappreciated.) Solution: Take a rest!!!

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