Mindes Kalokyres was a renowned Videssian military writer. His Art of Generalship was considered the greatest commentary on military matters in the Empire. A century after his death, Ortaias Sphrantzes carried a copy of his work wherever he went so he might refer to it at need. He was keen to meet Marcus Scaurus since his "Ronams" managed to beat an equal force of Namdaleni in a mock training battle on foot. When they did meet, Ortaias cited Kalokyres' recommendation to ply the Namdaleni with arrows from a distance and that they were invincible at close quarters. Scaurus was non-committal, only agreeing that it would be interesting to hear what Kalokyres would have to say over the Ronam victory.