Alethi Codes of War
The Alethi Codes of War represent principles of military leadership, which dates to the time of the Silver Kingdoms, when old Alethkar was home of the Knights Radiant and dedicated to protect and fight.
Over the centuries the use of the Codes has waned and the Alethi has drifted from ideals represented by the codes. They were reintroduced by King Gavilar Kholin who was taken by them, following his reunification of Alethkar. After Gavilar's assassination his brother Highprince Dalinar, and by extension, his sons and officers, started to strictly adhere to the codes, which caused a good deal of friction with the other highprinces and warcamps, during the War of Reckoning.[1]
After being appointed to the position of Highprince of War, Dalinar intended to introduce the Codes to all the ten Alethi camps.[2]
The Codes
- Readiness: The officer will be prepared at all times for battle. Never drunken on wine, never without his weapon.
- Inspiration: The officer will wear his uniform when in public, to look ready for war and to give strength to his troops.
- Restraint: The officer will refrain from needless duels, arguments, or squabbles with other officers in camp, to prevent injury to men who may be needed to command.
- Leadership: The officer will require no action of his soldiers that he would not be willing to perform himself.
- Honor: The officer will not abandon allies on the field, nor will he seek to profit from the loss of his allies.
Dalinar's interpretation of the codes:
| “ | Never ask of your men a sacrifice you wouldn’t make yourself. Never make them fight in conditions you would refuse to fight in yourself. Never ask a man to perform an act you wouldn’t soil your own hands doing.[3] | ” |