The game brilliantly captures the essence of its title through several core mechanics:
There is a dark irony embedded in both the phrase and the game. Often, the refusal to engage in diplomacy stems from leadership hubris or systemic failure. In the game, the lord's own mismanagement and the king's greed are what spark the rebellion in the first place.
Thousands of enemy units swarm the screen simultaneously, creating a sense of genuine dread and overwhelming odds.
Ideals are replaced by the cold math of supply chains and manpower.