Handling Henchmen: Proposed Revisions to Warmaster Varsh's 'Chopping Hands and Enslavement: Rewards and Punishments'

What is a Henchman?

Isthman (Organisational Hierarchies: A Mathematical Exploration 112 VVE) defines a Henchman as: "The right hands of your force. Commanders, Administrators; the leverage you apply to the masses." This particular definition has been corrupted over the centuries and modern dictionaries, especially those that have been captured from the Temples of the Light Deities, denigrate an inherently noble term.

A Henchman defines the organisation, they are your eyes and ears, your hands and feet, capable of delivering your will to every corner of your army. Varsh categorises Henchmen based on their function into three roles:

• Commanders
• Administrators
• The Unseen

This simplistic categorisation should not be dismissed. It was an element of its time, when the modern hierarchies and industry we rely on were not present. As such the broad categories covered Military, Administrative and Intelligence functions. These roles are still relevant today, but with the advent of research departments, subdivisions of administrative functions and technical expertise, the nomenclature itself has become meaningless.

In light of this, the author proposes removal of the categorisation as reductive, and instead the Henchman concept relies on the core integrators that a leader may rely upon.

Rewards and Punishments

Varsh was very clear in his work. Reward the strong. Punish the weak. The core concept must be refined. Reward the competent. Punish the lazy.

Before you stand women who struggled. They achieved victory before their defeat. Do not tarnish your name. The name of this institute in your fear. Reward them. Aspikia (Address to the High Council after the defeat at Vervain 12092 VVE)

The strong do not always deliver results, but the lazy never will. This does not mean to reward those who fail or make no effort. Chopping hands remains for the lazy as admonishment and deterrent. An army of humans moves sprightly if one in ten of its soldiers has lost one hand. Goblins relish laziness and the author's campaigns have been forced to rely on Goblin hordes and Human slaves in equal measure.

An effective technique has been to swap Henchmen. Human leaders for Goblin hordes and Hobgoblins to serve over the Humans. The species distance creates friction, but the Henchmen are more willing to effectively utilise punishment. Rewards must come from the leader, punishment from the Henchmen.

The field of Punishment Application has evolved significantly since his time, with many strong papers and works on the subject:

Amed Morsan (1500 Punishments for the Third Age 1140 VVE), Uman Norvek (Fist, Magic, and Steel: Results against multiple species 2564 VVE) and Varex Drake (Modern Applications and Outcomes in Rewards and Punishments 2024 AD-Reference Calendar)

Varsh lists three-hundred punishments, but only ten rewards:

1. Women
2. Men
3. Land
4. Money
5. Nobility
6. Art
7. Proximity
8. Function
9. Mana
10. Relics

Proximity is the reward that requires the greatest attention. It is the defining factor and most practitioners apply it almost instinctually. Your time and presence matter.

Maintain distance so that proximity may be a great reward. The author has found a ratio of 3:100 suitable. 3 days within 100 days must be spent with the Henchmen.

In this, Varsh was ahead of his time. Enough anecdotal evidence remains of his 'charisma' and the 'undying loyalty' of his soldiers, yet few records of actual interactions exist. His own notes are excessively detailed and show an almost cyclic pattern. Every ten days he would fete one of his Henchmen. The strongest of them at least.

Much of his work remains valid in principle but outdated in execution.

The author proposes a revised analysis for the cost and value of his Reward tables, many of the items no longer exist or have been superseded by new technology.

Relics in particular have strengthened over the millennia Aspikia (Compendium of Relics 114th Century Edition 2022 AD-Reference Calendar) and art fluctuates so greatly that local market rates, or black market rates are better indicators of value.

The punishment system is almost entirely useless and modern versions based on legal frameworks have been generated. Varex Drake (Modern Applications and Outcomes in Rewards and Punishments 2024 AD-Reference Calendar) Refer to the analysis of laws, both divine and mortal to generate a suitable punishment matrix.

Conclusion

Technical updates aside, the Henchman concept must be revived in the manner of Varsh, capable leaders that serve well. His chapters on betrayal and loyalty are worth a read with modern supplements, but most importantly:

Proximity.

Proximity is the defining factor for a relationship between you and your Henchmen. Gauge the distance well, annexure A has several tables and examples drawn from my recent experiences.

A competent Henchman, well rewarded, can ease a conquest by at least 43%.