The Shogun's Scroll. Stephen F. Kaufman

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       Combining Domains Creates Natural Dissension

      There are many reasons why two or more groups may join forces. It can be owing to the demise of a clan leader, the conceptions of all groups involved of expanded growth and prosperity, or anything else that man is capable of thinking about to his advantage. When there is change in the structure of leadership ther-e must naturally be dissension among the participants. Someone must take charge, and that authority cannot be challenged. The leader of the domain being taken over must be removed from office once the agreement is accomplished, and he can never be made a partner. That being established, the following must be considered.

      People will do whatever they think is necessary for their own safety and convenience, without regard for the rest of the population. Understand this. You will inevitably make enemies of the leaders you have usurped even if the newly established conditions first seemed agreeable to all parties. People dislike change unless they institute it themselves. Actions can include overthrowing their own leaders in hopes of attaining a better life for themselves. When more than one person assumes control of a situation, neither can readily come to terms with it because of the lack of direct leadership.

      You can be sure you will injure many of the old regime when you restructure it. You will have undoubtedly made certain promises that you now deem unnecessary to keep. This is exactly what a strong leader must do when he is taking control. You must never relinquish your authority. It will mean nothing to anyone if you do, and can only cause additional confusion. There will always be dissension among the usurped group when they realize you are favoring your own people, as you absolutely must. Likewise, it is foolish for the people being taken over to think you will do otherwise, but that is their problem, and you must not allow their feelings to interfere with the attainment of your goals. Always be on the alert for detractors.

      Because there is inherent weakness in any new structure until it is set in place, you must be sure to satisfy the needs of your own people first, even while assuaging those of the new people you have taken on. The authority of your own captains must be reinforced so they do not lose heart when difficulties arise. This is certain to happen in the formation of a new domain, even if it is built on the strengths of older, time-proven tactics. It is essential to understand the ways in which the usurped clan was governed. If a loose hierarchy was in place, see that your own people do not infringe too harshly upon the restructured group. If the old regime was ruled with rigidity, it is easier to maintain that same structure without granting any additional liberties.