Chieftains should remember that hospitality, warmth and courtesy will captivate even the most oppressive foe

Chieftains should always aim high, going after things that will make a difference rather than seeking the safe path of mediocrity

Suffer long for mediocre but loyal Huns. Suffer not for competent but disloyal Huns

Adequate training of Huns is essential to war and cannot be disregarded by chieftains in more peaceful times.

The Bones of Caravans Past: “Lessons Learned”

We must never fail to analyze the past. No bleached bone of a battle lost Hun must go unnoticed as we prepare for the future by laying aside the ill-conceived and undisciplined strategies of our past.

Surviving Defeat: “There is Another Day”

Sometimes you will lose, regardless of how prepared you are to win.

Lament, if necessary, but do not dwell too long on your bad moments lest they rise to rule your emotions forever.

As a Hun breathes, all is not lost.

Attila and the Pope: “The Art of Negotiation”

It is never wise to gain by battle what may be gained through bloodless negotiations.

Honor all commitments you make during negotiations lest your enemy fail to trust your word in the future.

Never trust negotiations to luck. Enter every session armed with knowledge of the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses; knowing his secrets makes you strong.

ONLY ENGAGE IN WARS YOU CAN WIN — Use diplomacy, negotiation, or other techniques of conflict in battles you cannot win. When in a political war, always keep an eye to your rear. When in an external war, go all out. [Waging war is a natural condition]

Booty: “Rewarding Your Huns”

Be generous with small tokens of appreciation-they will multiply in retuned loyalty and service.

EXPLOIT THE DESIRE TO ENJOY THE SPOILS OF WAR — Harness your peoples’ desires for short-term gains. Grant small rewards for light tasks. Reserve heaps of booty for other times, and be generous with items that hold a value to yourself. [Never underestimate the ability to buy obedience]

Horse Holders: “The Art of Delegation”

Chieftains should never delegate responsibilities necessitating their direct attention.

Wise chieftains grant both authority and responsibility to those to whom they have delegated assignments.

The Omen of Aquileia: “The Essentials of Decisiveness”

Wise is the chieftain who never makes a decision when he doesn’t understand the issue.

A chieftain should allow his subordinates the privilege of making decisions appropriate to their level of responsibility. Weak is the chieftain who reserves every decision for himself out of fear that he might lose control.

USE TIMING IN MAKING DECISIONS — Never rush a decision, although sometimes you have to because the moment is ripe or an omen exists. It’s better to use timing, to find the obscure places and critical elements needed to ensure you always make the right decision. This way, you ensure that even a less-than-perfect decision is followed. [Time your decisions]

It takes less courage to criticize the decisions of others that stand by your own.

Self-confidence is critical to decisiveness, for without it, a chieftain loses his following in challenging situations.