If ever there is a battle with the word “hill” in it, know that the winner had the high ground. Or the line of sight to the enemy, or otherwise used the rolling downward momentum to destroy.

When I was in eighth grade, we all took US History from a retired green beret – long story – who would periodically tell us stories that we would have to determine were true or not. That part doesn’t matter. The part that does is that his motto was: geography determines the winner.

Who has clean water?
Who has the roads to carry food to the forces?
Who has the high ground to see the enemy?
Who has the fortress with the underground streams?
Who has the fortress with no secret tunnels to get food in a time of siege?
Who has owns the getaway route?
Who locks the door of the murder house?
Who has the better geography?

Because that person is going to be the winner, unless you take very careful steps as the creator. And the winner determines how the story is told.