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[–] midnightblue1335 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago  (edited ago)

Initiative and scouting are the variables which determine whether the defender has an inherent advantage.

Explanation: If the attacker has a well-planned offensive that the defender knows nothing to very little about, and the defender just has minimal preparation and little scouting information, then yes- the attacker has the advantage. If well coordinated, a swift strike can overwhelm a fortified position before the defenders realize what is happening.

On the other hand, if the defenders have some good scouts and communication, they can be prepared for the incoming attack. If they know "500 men are bringing ladders to the south and west walls", then they can position a lot of forces on those walls and prepare countermeasures for the ladders.

But if the attackers built their ladders in a concealed location that the defenders are unaware of, and the defenders believe "They are only coming to our gates with a few rams", suddenly the attackers have a massive advantage.

There are so many variables in combat, that IMO there are very few "set in stone rules". Fighting is chaotic and so many variables go into large-scale battles. A man defending the base of a hill absolutely has a disadvantage against the guy charging at him from the top of the hill. Does that mean attacking is better? No- because if the defender was on the top of the hill and the attacker was charging from the bottom of said hill, defender has a huge advantage.