Editing Xia: Art of War (section)

=Overview=

This page is a '''Lore Sheet''' for '''Art of War''', a set of '''Shen Secrets''' relating to the application of tactics and strategy to warcraft.

These techniques can only be used for '''mental conflict'''. Additionally, they can only be used in ''mental conflicts'' that relate to commanding military forces in battle and war.

Note that Sun Tzu's famous text "The Art of War" is still many many centuries away in the default setting, so tactics and strategy really are secret arts in this era. Unless the Xia has a mentor who already knows of the chi principles of the ''Art of War'', it is unlikely he will find or access such secrets. 

Its also worth noting that this lore sheet on its own likely won't win many battles - a smart general will have mastered the [[Xia: Eight Lessons of Rightful Mind|Eight Lessons of Rightful Mind]], and will apply them to his warcraft.

==Prerequisites==

Even with a suitable teacher or source of Lore, it is impossible for a Xia to begin training in the Art of War without knowing the [[Xia: Specialised Skills|Specialised Skill]] '''Warcraft'''.

==Warfare and Optional Rules==

GMs and players might find it a little surreal that mass warfare is treated as a mental conflict between generals rather than as a comparison of opposing military forces. This reflects the nature of the ''Xia'' game - its about the actions of heroes, not of the nameless masses. Having said that, there are times that the GM may want to simulate the difference in quality of forces. The following '''Warfare modifiers''' are suggested:

* '''Superior Weaponskill...''' +1 accuracy to the general for each 20% more weaponskill his army has.
* '''Superior Fitness...''' +1 power to the general per 20% better physical fitness his army has.
* '''Superior Communications...''' +1 motion to the general per 20% better comms his force has.
* '''Superior Mobility...''' +1 initiative and max multiple attacks to the general per 20% better mobility his army has.
* '''Superior Discipline...''' +1 interference to the general for each 20% more discipline his army has.
* '''Superior Equipment...''' +1 absorption to the general per 20% better equipment his soldiers have.
* '''Superior Position...''' +1 evasion to the general per 20% better terrain and position his army occupies.
* '''Superior Numbers...''' +(Mental Trait) mental resilience to the  general for each 20% greater numbers he has.

Note that this assessment is made once, at the start of the combat, and the bonuses then remain in place for the whole battle.

Preparing an army for battle so you can maximise these advantages can be the subject of one or more game sessions, and will likely be a team effort.
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