An enemy general remains exposed, making a cavalry decapitation strike the preferred first move. The tactic returns against another faction leader because it has worked reliably throughout the campaign. A commander's death or flight can deprive troops of direction and damage morale, especially when the force is already under pressure. The instant routs belong partly to the game's morale system, so this is a lesson in command vulnerability rather than a universal historical rule.
Notable Point · 1:27:19-1:30:04
Why targeting the commander can unravel an army
Repeated attacks on exposed generals show the value of disrupting command and morale, while the game's rapid routs require a realism caveat.