+ + + + + + INQUISITORIAL REPORT + + + + + +

COMMIT TO: Inquisition Record 2313 626-2000
CROSS FILE: Inquisition of the Vindicators
INPUT DATE: 3746914.M36
AUTHOR: Inquisitor Ryjak
TRANSMITTER: Astropath Tertiaus Tabitha
RECEIVER: Astropath Tertiaus Marana
SUBJECT:  Battle Focus THOUGHT: A plan abandoned is worse than no plan at all.

    Lord, what follows is a digital copy of one of the many writings of Captain Korovus, Arch-Crusader of the Crusade of Vindication.  It is actually hand written on paper, by his own hand.  I secured this manuscript through one of my spies planted within their Fortress Monastery.  Unfortunately, I believe he was discovered, for the transmission ends abruptly.  May the Emperor protect his soul on its journey.

    Through the course of my life I have witnessed many battles, both as a leader and as a trooper.  My study of the martial ways has taught me many things, and it is the purpose of this manuscript to pass some of them onto you, a brother I will meet only in our Emperor's presence.
    The most important quality any leader of men can possess is discipline.  Discipline over his men, discipline over his emotions, and discipline over his mind.  A leader without discipline will find his troops do not trust him, and will be ineffective no matter how inspired and righteous a commander he may be.
    Discipline is tested most during the heat of battle.  I have seen too many commanders become emotional in conflict, and forget the true purpose at hand.  You must never forget your true purpose, to dispense the Emperor's will upon those among you and against you.  If your objective is to break through the heathen's lines, do not become obsessed with killing them.  That task is for those who follow you.  If instead your task is defense, remember that any loss to your forces is tragic, no matter how great the toll they inflict upon the enemy.
    To keep me focused, I have obtained the habit of writing out my set objective before every battle, and my plan for achieving that objective.  I look at it periodically, especially before I issue new orders to my men.  No matter how tense the situation, I never fail to do this.  I have found that this has kept me on the one true path, when I might otherwise be tempted to alternate actions.
    The next most important quality for any leader is that of faith.  Faith in the Emperor, faith in himself, and faith in his men...

Transmission ends

    If you need to contact me Lord, send your transmission to Inquisitor Ryjak

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