Byhata
The Byhata, also known as the Vitrian Art of War, is a text detailing the combat doctrine, philosophies and principles of warfare followed by the Vitrian Dragoons.[1a][1b]
The text consists of 8 million characters when printed in Vitrian. Each Vitrian Guardsman carries a copy of the Byhata, printed on sheets of gene-coded monofilament paper and stored in a pouch sewn into the owner's flak tunic, above the owner's heart.[1b]
It is considered a capital offence to allow a non-Vitrian to read the text.[1b] Despite this, certain individuals are known to have knowledge of the Byhata despite not being Vitrian themselves, including the Imperial intelligence operative Bel Torthute.[1c]
Known Excerpts
- "Make your first blow sure enough to kill and there will be no need for a second." — The Vitrian Dragoons often set their lasguns to fire at full power based on this maxim.[1a]
- "Life is a means towards death, and our own death may be welcomed as much as that of our foe."[1b]
Trivia
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The name "Byhata" is possibly a simple pun - as each Vitrian Guardsman carries a copy by their heart ("by heart-a").
