Our doctrine is one of cost-efficiency. Any officer who believes extermination of the enemy is a valid path to victory should immediately be demoted back to the ranks.”–Marshal Ranker

Mercy might be the mark of a great man, but then so’s a tombstone.”– Extract from the personal memoirs of Dread Emperor Terribilis II

I’ve found that the best way to win at shatranj is usually to turn into a giant snake and tear my opponent’s throat out.”– Dread Empress Vindictive III

Those who live by the sword kill those who don’t.”– Dread Emperor Vile the First

Please, do keep digging your own grave. I look forward to your splendidly inevitable demise.”– Dread Emperor Benevolent the First

Never back the Praesi in a corner, son. That’s when the devil-summoning starts, and it’s all downhill from there.”-King Jehan of Callow, addressing the future King Pater the Unheeding

Who reigns up high?A dead man’s sighWhat sleeps below?A crown of woeThat is the Tower:Learn and cower.”– Extract from ‘And So I Dreamt I Was Awake’, Sherehazad the Seer