Let's say you guys use a mix of the two ideas. An old fantasy world, where warring factions are engaged in a battle to determine the ruler of said world. Henceforth known as LeeMel, the Republic of Skallandia. 

There would ideally be no more than two or three factions, tops. Any more than that and it gets messy. Depending on the amount of people, maybe only two. One led by an NPC charismatic rebel leader named, Shin, and one led by the vicious fist of an NPC robot named Clockwork. 

Each skirmish would take place in a predetermined land. Where the victor would gain some type of overall advantage. Perhaps Shin sends two of his lesser leveled rebels out to the crimson badlands, where they run into trouble with the tyrant, Clockwork man's equally leveled soldiers sent to set up shop. 

Now you have an overall conflict. What is your goal? Is it for Shin's men to esscape? Is it for Clockwork's to wrangle up any rebel supporters? Is the sin condition capture or escape? Win by defeating the opponent? The GM decides such things and the players play it out, with the GM providing some commentary and background as the battle occurs to help flesh out everything. 

Well, what is the prize? For the rebel leader is it more men for his cause? For The tyrant is it the decimation of his foes, conquering more land as he proceeds?

Let us say, for this, Shin's men are captured,after a ruthless game of car and mouse. The thread is awarded to Clockwork and his faction. What are the reaults of such, again. Up to the GM, but for this:

A marked increase in Clockwork soliders in the area, making future camapigns. Harder for the rebels in the area. Clockwork's presence is further felt in surrounding lands he may not have reached yet. 

I foresee the map, if there is one, being colored based on who controls what, the beginning it is slanted towards Clockwork by one, a lot of unclaimed land, etc. Each had a xerttain number of victories needed to be claimed by either party. For instance, The Dreamers Forest would require three wins by either side to be claimed, while the Olde Wood needs only one