[Peter Ebbesen]

Originally posted by Osium:
I would be in favor of an auto retreat, however I don't see why both sides have to retreat. The explaination given to satisfy those who want such an explaination so as not to ruin their immersion is simple. The attackers see they are not winning, or that victory is not possible, being far from friendly lands and supplies it makes sense they would retreat home to rethink/plan a new invasion. The defence being in its home land has no need to retreat, they stay put.

Of course, it also happens when the attackers are winning, but the defenders (or at least one defender) have happened to hold out for 50 turns. In that case only a stupid attacker would retreat home to plan a new invasion rather than forcing the attack, as that would give the defender time to regroup.