Who Would Make a Good Warlord?

[Raellus]

There's a somewhat interesting German film called The Wave (that, at least, is the American English title) about a high school teacher who conducts a simulation/social experiment with his students on the topic of totalitarianism. I don't want to give too much away but things spiral out of control pretty quickly.

[Bullet Magnet]

While people in certain occupations may be more likely, I think anyone with a sharp mind, tenacity, and the ability to persuade, could potentially become a warlord in a T2K situation.

Think of Tina Turner's character in 'Thunderdome'. It's been a while since I've seen that movie, but I seem to recall, in one scene, she's talking to Max & asks him what he did before their world went charcoal. Then she talks about her life back then, and as I recall, she was nothing special then (I don't recall exactly what). She was a "nobody", worked a crap job. Then, the "boom", and after that, she clawed her way to "the top", running Barter Town.

It's all about getting an opportunity, and being able to see the opportunity, and knowing how to seize the opportunity.

[James Langham2]

Originally Posted by Raellus

There's a somewhat interesting German film called The Wave (that, at least, is the American English title) about a high school teacher who conducts a simulation/social experiment with his students on the topic of totalitarianism. I don't want to give too much away but things spiral out of control pretty quickly.

Possibly more accessible is the English novel of the experiment by Michael Rhue.

[Raellus]

Thanks, James, I'll check that out.

Quite a few of the replies to my original query re-listed the usual suspects. I guess I was hoping for some subtlety and/or a little authentic humanity- in other words, something not already portrayed in popular media ad nauseum. We all know the archtypes- they're easy to identify, familiar, comforting even, but to seasoned post-apoc warriors such as ourselves, they're also becoming rather trite, colorless, and cliché.

For a case study in subtle, nuanced humanity and the creation of a real-life warlord, let's look at history's most notorious example. Physically, he was unattractive and less than average by most metrics. His one defining physical feature became iconic only after his ascension to power. Prior to that, it was fairly commonplace and wholly unremarkable (unless you were familiar with early American cinema). This man's early career goal was not something associated with martial/political leaders of men. He suffered failure, professionally and personally, on several occasions. He did serve in the military during wartime, in combat, with distinction, but his unit-mates didn't think much of him. He certainly wasn't warlord material at that point in his life. He spent time in prison. He wrote a book that not many people at the time bothered to read. He had at least one serious romantic relationship, although many suspect it was never properly consummated. There are second hand reports of some kinky pseudo-sexual behavior. He was fond of little children (although, apparently not inappropriately) and doted on his dog. He surrounded himself with other unattractive people who could well have been described by their contemporaries as losers. All in all, this is not a description of your typical warlord as portrayed in popular media.

If he hadn't been a master manipulator, with a gift for public speaking, myth-making, inspiring intense personal loyalty to himself in others, and unleashing these followers' potential for committing great evils, none of us would ever have heard of Adolf Hitler.

[James Langham2]

Actually it is interesting looking at the published modules:

good guys - civil leaders
bad guys - ex-military

I know this is a simplification but it is understandable really. Actually warlord is a kind of biased term...

I like the concept of the reluctant warlord forced by circumstances.

[Bullet Magnet]

Originally Posted by James Langham2

Actually it is interesting looking at the published modules:

good guys - civil leaders
bad guys - ex-military

I know this is a simplification but it is understandable really. Actually warlord is a kind of biased term...

I like the concept of the reluctant warlord forced by circumstances.

Rather than 'interesting', I think a more appropriate adjective would be 'stereotypical'. After all, this has been the belief our masters in Hollywood have been ordering us to follow since the 1960s.

[rcaf_777]

I would think that anyone can be a warlord given the right set of circumstances.

In the aftermath of the TW 2000 nuclear strikes many people who hold leadship postions could find themselves becoming a warlords.

Why? cause in time of crisis people look for leaders and seek there help.

A Military Officer could find that when face with frighten soilders and civilians, them begin issues orders that make him a warlord

The same could be said of any Law enforcement Officer, or Mayor or any community leader.

[James Langham2]

Originally Posted by Bullet Magnet

Rather than 'interesting', I think a more appropriate adjective would be 'stereotypical. After all, this has been the belief our masters in Hollywood have been ordering us to follow since the 1960s.

one of the problems with stereotypes is that they have a basis in reality to begin with...

Actually I am reading a short history of the wars in the former Yugoslavia and that lists a few pre-war professions of warlords. I will try and type them up when I have a minute.

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by James Langham2

Actually I am reading a short history of the wars in the former Yugoslavia and that lists a few pre-war professions of warlords. I will try and type them up when I have a minute.

I've been looking for a good history of the most recent Balkan wars. What's it called?

[Adm.Lee]

Originally Posted by James Langham2

Actually it is interesting looking at the published modules:

good guys - civil leaders
bad guys - ex-military

I know this is a simplification but it is understandable really. Actually warlord is a kind of biased term....

Several of the ex-military warlords that I remember in the American modules were deserters or those who had been jailed/dishonorably discharged?