The size of an empire cannot be larger than 1 month of travel from capital

Re:The size of an empire cannot be larger than 1 month of tr... by tablespoon on Friday January 06, 2023 @06:21PM (#34282806)

>> Having local forces isn't a good answer, because one of the easier paths to rebellion is for the leader(s) those forces to declare independence and make themselves kings.

> Have assassins embedded in their chain of command, so poison or dagger is always just few metres away. And they know how short their rein as a king will be.

I don't think that would be as effective as you think it would be. Why would your assassin be any more loyal than the other garrison forces? Especially when he's ten years away from any help or evacuation.

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Re:The size of an empire cannot be larger than 1 month of tr... by mxkopy on Friday January 06, 2023 @07:07PM (#34283261)

The rebellion would have to distribute its resources amongst an army large enough to hold a planet. At that scale, teams of dozens of people would be sufficiently motivated to kill whoever, if their reward is still some fraction of that.

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Re:The size of an empire cannot be larger than 1 month of tr... by sobkas on Friday January 06, 2023 @07:36PM (#34283527)

Blackmail is a wonderful thing if you know how to use it. For example if would be assassin doesn't fullfil his duty a little bird can whisper his name to people who would very violently frown at would be assassin. Or have things that for his wellbeing should be left in shadows. Things that you would prefer not to see in the planetary governor or a general. It's good to have some disposable pawns to do some dirty work. Even better if they can't be connected to you.

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