[AlexH]

I kinda like the flag idea with a few alterations.
Each person taking part in the battle would be given a certain number of lives (say 3 for example).
Each time they die they get warped to the flag which would be placed by the King etc somewhere near the battlefield.
However once they have died 3 times they are warped back to main and their part in the battle is over.
This would make battles last longer so you wouldn't need as many people to take part for a good battle.