⏩ Initiative -

In conflict, if the defending side is unaware of the attack against them, the side with the fewest banners brought to a battle will be considered to have ‘initiative advantage.’ This is to simulate the ease of distributing orders and concealing movements over fewer forces.

The side with initiative advantage will have their orders conducted last, giving them the opportunity to react to the manoeuvrings of their more encumbered foe. If the attacking force proves smaller, they have the initiative and are making a surprise attack, the defender will not be able to respond before battle commences. If the defender has fewer banners, in the Region being attacked, they will be notified of the larger, attacking army and be given a chance to call in additional defences.

If the defender holds the initiative, they may take the enemy’s Battle Order dispatch and try to gain support from their alliance before, Forming Up. If the defender does not hold initiative advantage, they may only bring as many banners as are able to be committed from their own or adjacent regions.