So You Think You Want to Start a War, Eh? A Beginner's Guide (Not Really)
Ah, war. Glorious, terrible, historically bad for your manicure. But hey, who doesn't dream of a little geopolitical dust-up every now and then? Maybe you're feeling Napoleon envy, or perhaps your next-door neighbor's hedge is just a hair too high. Whatever the reason, you're here, Googling "war for dummies" and looking for a good scrap. Well, hold your horses (or, depending on your chosen war style, your chariot) because this ain't all sunshine and catapults.
Step 1: Picking a Fight (Like a Gentleman...ish)
Tip: Keep the flow, don’t jump randomly.![]()
First things first, you gotta find someone to tussle with. Here are some time-tested options:
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.![]()
- The Long-Lost Relative: Dust off that family tree and see if there's a disgruntled cousin in a far-off land who feels cheated out of a throne or a particularly impressive hat. Bonus points if they have a catchy national anthem.
- The Resource Grab: Oil? Spices? Dibs on the last decent wifi connection on Earth? Just make sure your desired goodies are worth the potential apocalypse.
- The Great Backyard Throwdown: Look, sometimes war is about the simple things. Maybe your neighbor's gnome collection is just overflowing with passive aggression. Just remember, flaming arrows over a property line dispute are a bit much.
Step 2: Propaganda 101: Turning Up the Hype Machine
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.![]()
Once you've identified your sparring partner, it's time to whip the masses into a frenzy. Here's where your inner reality TV producer comes in handy:
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- Fake News: Friend or Foe? In these modern times, a good social media campaign with some strategically placed misinformation can do wonders. Just don't get caught Photoshopping your opponent with a tiny mustache, it looks unprofessional.
- National Dress-Up Day: Nothing says "we mean business" like a nation adorned in matching tutus or repurposed oven mitts as war paint. It'll also confuse the enemy, which is half the battle.
Step 3: You Had One Job, Serge! (The Actual Fighting Part)
Alright, so you've drummed up support and prepped the PR. Now comes the messy bit:
- Rock, Paper, Scissors Throwdown: This age-old classic can settle almost any dispute. Winner takes all, loser surrenders their sock collection (a surprisingly effective bargaining chip).
- The Elaborate Re-enactment Society: Channel your inner history buff and stage a meticulously planned re-enactment of a famous battle. Just make sure everyone remembers it's fake butter on those catapults.
Important Note: Here at "How to Start a War for Dummies" (please note, we are not affiliated with any actual war-starting organizations), we strongly recommend against, you know, actually starting a war. They're messy, expensive, and a real pain on the laundry bill. Instead, put that energy into mastering the art of the epic pillow fort or perfecting your pie-throwing technique. After all, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone... much.
Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any rogue nations, disgruntled pigeons, or particularly enthusiastic LARPers who take this guide a little too seriously. Please war responsibly (if that's even a thing).