This conversation reminded me of a sci-fi book I read many years ago, written by Saxton Burr I think.
It was about this secret agent, Baxton I think that arrives in a paralel universe, set in a medieval background. To save himself from imminent death, he joins this great kindom's army, as a soldier and they march to battle. Medieval battle remember, so all of them are with swords, etc.
The two armies meet. They set up in 12 triangles each and each triangle facing the enemy triangle. Then, the first soldier of the first triangle meets in the middle with the first soldier of the enemy triangle. Soldier number 1 wins. Enemy soldier, second from the triangle, steps forward to fight him. He kills the enemy soldier. Then, from his side another soldier steps up and etc. etc. Always, 1 soldier vs. one soldier.
Our secret agent joins the "battle" at some point and kills the entire enemy triangle. Obviously, the rules state that he is not allowed to fight enemies from another triangle.
The army that kills the most triangles wins the battle.
This is exactly how Balian and Kirk imagine this game being. A player attacking a player with nobody else getting in-between. Well, life is not fair. And if 20 player gang on you, is not because they fear you. But because losing 100 troops on 20 villages is better than losing 2.000 on one village. Buckle up little soldier.
Your star will soon rise!
And no, I did not invent the triangle thing. It is an actual book. A very, very stupid book by a very obscure author (and it's not Saxton Burr the scientist). If anyone is interested in reading it (although I don't recommend it) let me know.