The Shogun's Scroll. Stephen F. Kaufman

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.