cthia wrote:Also, we have no idea what glue the Soul of Steel wields to keep her government functioning. There is no guarantee that Beth's successor will command the same power or allegiance. You don't want to find out the hard way just how valuable an asset you gave up.
...just how valuable an asset
and position you gave up.
For instance. How long has Queen Elizabeth ruled since her father's assassination? She has led Manticore for a very long time. It takes a long time to horse trade your way into her particular political position of power, which we all know is a tedious balancing act that can tip over at any time.
I don't think any of you are taking into account the possible lost of "position" that changing rulers can cause. Not to mention the loss of momentum. It isn't that the Peep's were wrong about their tactics and the possible effects of a successful assassination. It was extremely possible the next ruler and associated government wouldn't be up to the task at hand. A 'Soul of Steel' is an unnatural resource. Quite rare.
On the chessboard, the development of your pieces (government, trust, military, lobbyists (Cathy Montaigne), foreign relations, allies and spies) takes time. Lots of it. A lifetime in most cases. As it is on the chessboard, one wrong move can upset the entire board as each piece and move was predicated on the previous move that is made with several more moves planned in advance. All of a sudden your momentum is disrupted, your tactical and strategic situation has changed across all boundaries political and naval ...
Your Queen is in check, threatened to be removed from the board. Your
position will be very different. Untenable? Are sure sure?
It is like playing Jenga with a house of cards. Remove the wrong piece and the house comes tumbling down.
Have you ever found yourself in a hopeless position on the chessboard because of the unexpected removal of one piece? No? Surely you have never played against my niece.
P.S. If you haven't watched the series
The Queen's Gambit then do yourself a favor. It is a great series! And maybe you won't be reminded of my niece. The little
snot.