[Worf]

Reminds me of how kings used to (I think, I'm bad at history) actually fight the battles themselves. Now the head of state, the head of government and the other top people don't fight themselves. Even the admirals only plan and command, AFAIK.

[Fnoord]

Big diff between RU and modern Western military (including UA) is officers on the field. RU has a very top-down hierarchy.

In the end, everyone is replaceable. But a king is a bit more difficult to replace, as historically shown.

[bhickey]

Celtic kings in Ireland were subject to ritualistic sacrifice if, for example, crops failed.

[ikr678]

Less fight, more be present on the battlefield as a show of confidence.