Camp panic is the "man-made disaster" ancient generals feared the most.
The principle of this phenomenon is simple. In an extremely tense environment, people are prone to intense emotions that can trigger similar reactions in those around them, like a small piece of feces in a pot of soup makes the whole pot unsalvageable.
In a wartime camp where nerves are strained, a random shout of "someone's attacking" could easily cause soldiers to break down. In this scenario, deserters are considered the kinder, gentler ones. Soldiers whose nerves are rattled by the battlefield might even turn their blades against comrades, inciting endless chaos.
The camp surrounding the Capital City isn't worried about camp panic; it requires the condition of "long-term combat leading to heightened nerves." Although the battle to defend the Capital is visibly challenging, it's not yet dire enough to turn a pot into a latrine from the start.
It's the Capital City itself facing potential panic.
