Duel or Battle

[Ayem]

A character may play to win, or they may not, dependent on their personal psychological make-up. You hear the call of "no-quarter" frequently in historic and pseudo-historic films, novels, plays and poems because quarter generally was given.

It may be the task of a "military commander" to win, and to follow Sun Tzu's directive, to counter a small force with a larger force on sympathetic ground. However, many people are ensigns, sergeants, lieutenants etc., career soldiers who, while keen to win, also do not wish to die. In some circumstances, over-extension increases the chance of casualties. I prefer not to die, if possible, unless on a disposable character like my Trained.Slaves. As a result of this, if I have fought for an hour against the Baf and beaten them back, I am quite content to leave matters as they are. It is a victory. I have forced the enemy to give ground. It is a boost to morale on my side, and an erosive force against morale on their side.

I always try to give people an opportunity to withdraw before the engagement, because violent conflict is an inefficient method by which to expound a point; be it "this territory is mine and my master's", or "stop harassing the commonfolk". The diplomacy and intimidation are all that are often required.

Also, some characters are not homicidal and do not like to commit murder.

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