Good War/Bad War

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Good War/Bad War: The terms "good war" and "bad war" are expressions used by mercenaries to differentiate between small-scale actions within the Imperium and full-scale wars between the Imperium and outside forces.

Small scale actions are viewed as good because the Imperial rules of war are in effect, and a unit knows that it will not be subject to nuclear weapons. Good wars are usually short and not particularly bloody. A unit in a tight spot need merely surrender and activate its repatriation bonds to be removed from combatant status. Even antiguerilla actions are good, under this classification, because of the fact that although most guerillas usually observe no restraint with captured government forces, captured mercenaries can usually be ransomed to serve as a source of income.

A war is bad when no such controls are in effect, and a mercenary unit will be subject to the full horrors of war. Mercenary units are understandably reluctant to accept bad war contracts, but they may be forced into them, especially when near the border areas adjoining two or more factions of the divided Imperium. -ld IE