NOW LIVE! Today's the day you meet your new best friend. You don’t have to leave Wolfy behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' your companions level up with you!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Cerebral Paladin" data-source="post: 3429902" data-attributes="member: 3448">The Princess smiled and reddened slightly.  “You do me too much honor, your grace.  And you are very forthright and direct, but I suppose I should have guessed that from your adventures.” “Yes, my family can be very direct at times.” <<Oh no, that makes it sound like he's about to kiss her,>> thought Dame Brionna. Kit agreed, but was a little reassured when Alistair simply looked at her meaningfully, and then asked another question.  “You mentioned studying strategy, your highness?” “Yes, especially military history and strategy.  I hope to find a method where we can fight, but with less loss of life.”  She thought for a moment for a good example of what she meant.  “Do you know that the Duchy of Avery and Kalinshire are on the verge of war?” “Yes, of course.” “Do you know why?” “Only in the broadest sense.  I know that there are border disputes, and I know that they are traditional enemies.” “Both true, but the reason is that Avery is too land-poor.  Oh, they have much land, but very little of it is arable, whereas Kalinshire has the best farmland in the region, at the river delta.  And so inevitably Avery’s population grows until they cannot feed them all.  And then the Duchy launches another war.” “To take Kalinshire’s farmlands.” “Yes, but you see, they accomplish their goals whether they win or lose.  If they win, they would take the farmland they need.  And if they lose… their problem stems from excess population. A losing war does a great deal to reduce that problem, horrible as it is to contemplate.  There are many similar situations:  around the Forest of Screams and in the Broken Lands Confederation.  I study strategy so I can understand how to prevent similar things.”  Princess Mirabelle paused and looked down sadly.  “I’m sorry, your grace.  I didn’t mean to talk about such unfortunate matters.  Perhaps we could discuss something nicer?” Kit grudgingly thought to Dame Brionna, <<All right, she's smart, I'll give her that...>> <<Well, she certainly has useful skills.>></blockquote>

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