Re: Non-Novel: The Klingon Art of War by K.R.A. DeCandido Review Threa
Well, yes, the qeS'a says that, and a true believer should live by that standard, but in practice I doubt many do, and even fewer when the Empire was at its expansionist height in the 23rd Century, when cloaks first became common (and when the traditionalist movement promoting devout attention to Kahless' teachings was only beginning to come back into vogue).
I imagine very few people would refuse to use a tactical tool because of devout attention to religious texts - for one thing, they'd become increasingly irrelevant in the face of invention. So they'll find a way to justify why it's acceptable, to twist the rules so that to adapt and change is honourable even where logic would seem to suggest that it isn't. On top of that, the easiest way to remain honourable at all times is to declare whatever you do honourable.
Yes, the devout follower of Kahless would find that abhorrent, and totally contrary to the point, but I imagine Klingon society in general finds a compromise, a way to satisfy its desire to win with its supposed values which teach that to lose against worthy opponents is as honourable and satisfying as victory. The book does touch on something like this with the issue of energy weapons, and the changes their introduction brought, with the idea that the Klingon Empire was morally weakened and experienced the rot of dishonour being tied to the increased use of these non-traditional tools.
Although I would like to see the novels touch on how a close follower of the teachings explained within this book justifies their use of cloaking, yes.
Well, yes, the qeS'a says that, and a true believer should live by that standard, but in practice I doubt many do, and even fewer when the Empire was at its expansionist height in the 23rd Century, when cloaks first became common (and when the traditionalist movement promoting devout attention to Kahless' teachings was only beginning to come back into vogue).
I imagine very few people would refuse to use a tactical tool because of devout attention to religious texts - for one thing, they'd become increasingly irrelevant in the face of invention. So they'll find a way to justify why it's acceptable, to twist the rules so that to adapt and change is honourable even where logic would seem to suggest that it isn't. On top of that, the easiest way to remain honourable at all times is to declare whatever you do honourable.
Yes, the devout follower of Kahless would find that abhorrent, and totally contrary to the point, but I imagine Klingon society in general finds a compromise, a way to satisfy its desire to win with its supposed values which teach that to lose against worthy opponents is as honourable and satisfying as victory. The book does touch on something like this with the issue of energy weapons, and the changes their introduction brought, with the idea that the Klingon Empire was morally weakened and experienced the rot of dishonour being tied to the increased use of these non-traditional tools.Although I would like to see the novels touch on how a close follower of the teachings explained within this book justifies their use of cloaking, yes.
