[Endoperez]

If we use anything based on Dominions system, advancement would be from items, not skills. Having a Katana or an Enchanted Sword instead of a Spear would give 2-to-3 point difference. There would have to be something non-mages could learn that did more than increase attack or defence.

Tricks like disarming or tripping (D&D-inspired, I know), or perhaps innate abilities like berserk or reinvigoration or luck.

Fatigue would also be a problem - unlike Dominions battles, ones the first guys go unconscious there's no one left to kill them.