In this episode of Mahabharata, rules of warfare are laid down.
Tropes found here are
- Rules Of Warfare: Bhishma establishes them. They forbid all of the following
- Kick Them While They Are Down: An unconscious warrior must be spared.
- Slain in Their Sleep: No attacking anyone at night.
- Death from Above: A chariot borne warrior cannot use the height advantage to attack a dismounted warrior.
- "Hey, You!" Haymaker: Combat must be initiated by warning an opponent to defend himself
- Conveniently Timed Attack from Behind: No one can butt in to save an ally faring poorly in a duel.
- There Is No Kill Like Overkill: One cannot fight a duel with an overpowered weapon. For example, a swordsman cannot fight a mace wielding warrior.
- Zerg Rush: Multiple warriors cannot simultaneously attack a single enemy.
- Heel Realization: Karna starts to regret his behavior towards Draupadi.
- Trapped in Villainy: Karna realizes that because of his crimes against Draupadi, he can never defect to the side fighting to avenge her.
