# XI: Of Princedoms Which Have Been Won by Conquest explained — Uller Uprising

> Chapter companion for Uller Uprising by H. Beam Piper.

## What happens

General von Schlichten leads a direct assault on the palace of King Firkked in Skilk, culminating in a personal duel where he kills Firkked with sword and bayonet. After the victory, he ceremonially presents the Spear of Skilk to King Jonkvank, fulfilling his promise to make Jonkvank the new ruler, while advising Jonkvank on how to consolidate power through swift, just executions and religious legitimacy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Colonialism and Imperialism

Von Schlichten, representing the Uller Company, conquers Skilk and installs a loyal king, demonstrating the classic colonial pattern of military conquest followed by puppet governance.

### Military Strategy and Violence

The chapter details the tactical assault on the palace, street fighting, use of air support, and the personal duel between von Schlichten and Firkked.

### Power and Corruption

Von Schlichten advises Jonkvank to conduct a purge of enemies under the guise of justice and piety, showing how power is consolidated through calculated violence and manipulation.

### Propaganda and Ideology

Von Schlichten films a propaganda message with Firkked's head on a spear, using the imagery to intimidate and assert the Company's dominance.

## Character check-ins

### General Carlos von Schlichten

Leads the assault on the palace, kills King Firkked in single combat, and later gives the Spear of Skilk to King Jonkvank.

### King Firkked of Skilk

Killed by von Schlichten in personal combat; his head is impaled on his own Spear of State.

### King Jonkvank

Receives the Spear of Skilk from von Schlichten and is installed as the new king, though he must live in Skilk and leave his own spear in Krink.

### Colonel Paula Quinton

Objects to von Schlichten's decision to lead the attack on the palace in person, and later expresses outrage at the filming of Firkked's head.

### Jules Keaveney

Objects to von Schlichten's plan to personally lead the attack on the palace.

### Brigadier-General Barney Mordkovitz

Objects to von Schlichten's decision to lead the attack on the palace.

### Colonel Hideyoshi O'Leary

Seen off by von Schlichten and Jonkvank as he departs for Grank.

### Rakkeed

Mentioned as the false prophet who was given shelter in Skilk, and whose followers are to be killed in Jonkvank's purge.

## Key lines

> This is King Firkked's Spear of State, and here, upon it, is King Firkked's head. Two days ago, Firkked was at peace with the Company, and Firkked was King in Skilk. If he had not dared raise his feeble hand against the might of the Uller Company, he would still be alive, and his Spear would still be borne behind him. So must all those who rise against the Company perish.

Von Schlichten records a propaganda message showing Firkked's severed head on his own spear, warning that anyone who rebels against the Company will meet the same fate.

_This is a key example of propaganda used to intimidate the native population and justify the Company's rule._

> All that is as it should be. Except that it must be done quickly and all at once, before the memories of these crimes fade from the minds of the people. And great care must be taken to kill only those who can be proven to be guilty of something; thus it will be said that the justice of King Jonkvank is terrible to evildoers but a protection and a shield to those who keep the peace and obey the laws.

Von Schlichten advises Jonkvank to carry out a swift purge of his enemies, but to ensure it appears as just punishment for specific crimes, so that Jonkvank gains a reputation for fairness while eliminating opposition.

_This reveals the cynical manipulation of justice and religion to consolidate power after conquest._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uller_uprising_se/chapters/xi-of-princedoms-which-have-been-won-by-conquest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uller_uprising_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uller_uprising_se/chapters