7. Battling

What role does battling play in Rise of Cultures? How can I increase my army? Who are the Commanders? Who are Mercenary Commanders? Can I be attacked and lose my city, resources, or other items (PvP)? I have troubles winning a battle What are Player Encounters and how do I participate? What can I win in the Player Encounters? How do I gain Strategy Points in Player Encounters? How do I set up my defenses in Player Encounters? How do the Player Encounters leagues work? What are the Offense Crowns about?