It is true however that these are but my ways and while they may have won me friends they are not an easy path and not one I would ask of others without serious consideration. They are also presented here for future discussion and further suggestion.
The First – That one should never lie. To lie is to dishonour, to remove all trust from the relationship that you have been trying to build. Never will I lie. If the truth is too painful or dangerous to tell then evasion, misdirection and flat refusal are all acceptable, but a direct lie will only come back to haunt you.
The Second – That there is no substitute for direct personal action In my experience the strongest friendships are those built in the heat of action. The to’ing and fro’ing of combat and the risks all of that holds have given me some of my greatest friendships. The pressure that these are formed under is often so intense that it forges them tougher. And any alliance or friendship is nothing without the commitment to live up to what you have agreed; already having shown that commitment can often mean that less work is required to seal deals or prove yourself.
The Third – That Luck should never be overlooked Sometimes no matter how hard you work your skill is never enough. Often, it seems, it is pure chance that leaves you in the right place at the right time. Never underestimate that value. Remember also that sometimes it will put you in the wrong place at the wrong time as well. I have often found that a good set of leagues or a quick tongue may well help in those less pleasant cases.
The Fourth – That friends are the key to survival There are many threats in Edreja that cannot be countered by the actions of just one person, one faction or even two. Some of the things we face as a nation require concerted efforts from all those we can bring to bear, our friends, our allies and the guilds. Those friendships you create as an ambassador are your arsenal, your armoury.
The Fifth – That my word is my bond If I give my word I will do all within my power to achieve it. If you have built trust between you and the people you are dealing with then such things can be very important. Never break your word for it makes any further work you do so much more difficult, both with the first party and with any others wh0o should discover your oath. I have seen many swerve on wordings and play to the letter but always be aware that it is the spirit that is far more important and that some will consider a breach of the spirit far more serious than any abuse of grammar or other pedantic claims.
The Sixth – That individuals are the basis of any alliance Even when dealing with whole nations it is a person you end up talking to. And vice versa. A distinct and close relationship can be based merely on the shoulders of 4 or 5 people. Without those people alliances will shift and where once you thought that you had covered your back you will find yourselves exposed. You will always need more than one or two contacts in any one place and try to make sure that they are spread through the social circle of the factions. It is terrifying to discover that all of your good friends in one faction fell in one battle. Help your friends where you can.
The Seventh – That one should never rest on one’s laurels. Friendships need maintenance. You cannot expect people to remember you were really good friends when you have not seen them for three years – their lives will have moved on. Take the time to enjoy the company of those you care about, whichever faction they may be in. Through this you will keep up the contact and learn what troubles them as they will do about you. Do not expect favours long forgotten to be repaid, although sometimes people will surprise you.
