[vladikus]

I'll throw this into the void: could there be a game option to randomize the first side to attack (rather than the defender always getting the first attack)? Maybe a check box in an in-game menu?

That would add some extra element of surprise and make skirmishes a bit less about amassing a couple more units as cannon fodder.

Although, as I reflect on this tactic, having the defender always attack first adds an extra element of strategy to the game (e.g. if you have a slightly smaller force than your enemy, then you would have the opportunity to retreat since the enemy would be hesitant to attack).

It's way to far into development to implement this, but this is an idea: certain tiles could have random chances of allowing first attack to the defender or aggressor. For instance, if you attack while on a forest tile, maybe there is a 30% change the aggressor attacks first due to forest ambush. With a castle or tower, the defender would always attack first. If a swamp, the defender would be more likely to attack first.