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( . . . ) All those minor nobles who work in chanceries as well as pampered tradesmen draw their knowledge about warfare exclusively from chivalric romances. Ignoramuses like them tend to assume that battles are won with personal skill and valor of each individual soldier, the so called heroes. This line of thinking is complete rubbish. Yes, a personal skill will undoubtedly save your hide if you get into a tavern brawl or decide to duel for the honor of your dame, it's hard to argue with that. However, the moment two war parties clash on the battlefield, the importance of it falls off. A battle is no place for dueling rules or codes of honor. A month of drills under an experienced commander is all it takes for a mob of yesterday's peasants to hold their ground  against bandits, who may individually be more skilled, yet incapable of forming a line. Battles aren't won with superior numbers or better equipment, but rather with good plans and the ability to execute them. The understanding of when to attack, when to turtle up, and when to press the advantage, preventing the enemy from regrouping and gathering their wits - these things are what truly separate a sloppy duelist or a yesterdays' thug from a real soldier. ( . . . )  <!--