[Eorl of Rohan]

I picked up a copy of "The Prince" of Machiavelli to see if there's any way this Scarburg situation could be resolved peacefully. This is what Machiavelli says:

Chapter 5. The Way to Govern Cities or Dominions That, Previous to Being Occupied, Lived Under Their Own Laws

When those states which have been acquired are accustomed to live at liberty under their own laws, there are three ways of holding them. The first is to despoil them; the second is to go and live there in person; the third is to allow them to live under their own laws, taking tribute of them, and creating within the country a government composed of a few who will keep it friendly to you. Because this government, being created by the prince, knows that it cannot exist without his friendship and protection, and will do all it can to keep them. What is more, a city used to liberty can be more easily held by means of its citizens than in any other way, if you wish to preserve it. (...) And whoever becomes the ruler of a free city and does not destroy it, can expect to be destroyed by it, for it can always find a motive for rebellion in the name of liberty and of its ancient usages, which are forgotten neither by lapse of time nor by benefits received; and whatever one does or provides, so long as the inhabitants are not separated or dispersed, they do not forget that name and those usages, but appeal to them at once in every emergency, as did Pisa after so many years held in servitude by the Florentines. (...) But in republics there is greater life, greater hatred, and more desire for vengeance; they do not and cannot cast aside the memory of their ancient liberty, so that the surest way is either to lay them waste or reside in them.

Current Situation: Scarburg, Free Republic, is Occupied by Lord Athanar, and there is an undercurrent of local dissent that shows itself in petty brawls and raised voices.

The rule of the former Eorl was more of a 'Free Republic' than the rule of the current Eorl. I think quite a few posters mentioned that the discipline and order around here were less than that of the Capital. For instance, locals murmured over Athanar's anger at Lothar's boistrousness, saying that the former Eorl would laughed and let it slide. The locals resent the introduction of new authority and the change that it heralds in its wake, and have showed their resentment in ways that could not be passed over. So, how to hold Scarburg? The second means suggested by Machiavelli is already in effect: the Eorl Athanar is living in Scarburg. The third means of creating a friendly government is also in effect: Thornen, the local official and magistrate, has been set up as the second-in-command. This apparently isn't enough. There's only one other way: despoil. Now it's time for Lord Athanar to show some cruelty, perhaps.

17. Of Cruely of Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared

I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness. Cesare Borgia was considered cruel, but his cruelty had brought order to the Romagna, united it, and reduced it to peace and fealty. If this is considered well, it will be seen that he was really much more merciful than the Florentine people, who, to avoid the name of curelty, allowed Pistoia to be destroyed. A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and faithful; for, with a very few examples, he will be more merciful than those who, from excess of tenderness, allow disorders to arise, from whence spring bloodshed and rapine; for these as a rule injure the whole community, while the executions carried out by the prince injure only individuals. And of all princes, it is impossible for a new prince to escape the reputation of cruelty, new states being always full of dangers. Wherefore Virgil through the mouth of Dido says: "Res dura, et regni novitas me talia cogunt / Moliri, et late fines custode tueri." Nevertheless, he must be cautious in believing and acting, and must not be afraid of his own shadow, and must proceed in a temperate manner with prudence and humanity, so that too much confidence does not render him incautious, and too much diffidence does not render him intolerant.

From this arises the Question: Is it better to be loved more than feared, or feared more than loved?

The reply is, that one ought to be both feared and loved, but as it is difficult for the two to go together, it is much safer to be feared than loved, if one of the two has to be wanted. For it may be said of men in general that they are ungrateful, voluble, dissemblers, anxious to avoid danger, and covetous of gain; as long as you benefit them, they are entirely yours; they offer you their blood, their goods, their life, and their children, as I have before said, when the necessity is remote; but when it approaches, they revolt. And the prince who has relied solely on their words, without making other preparations, is ruined; for the friendship which is gained by purchase and not through nobility of spirit is bought but not secured, and at a pinch is not to be expended in your service. And men have less scruple in offending one who maketh himself loved than one who makes himself feared; for love is held by a chain of obligation which, men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose, but fear is maintained by a dread of punishment which never fails.

But everyone in a Tolkienesque Universe is so *nice*, I wonder if this cynical view could be applied to Rohan or the Riders of the Mark. Hm... Ah, well. Lord Athanar will decide, I suppose.
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