History Main / RiskingTheKing

* ''Series/JessicaJones2015'': Averted by Kilgrave. Since he doesn't have powers, his only way of fighting Jessica is to order other people to attack her.

** Darth Vader has a tendency to lead from the front more than one would expect from a political actor in the Empire. However, given that he is also an incredibly powerful Sith lord capable of casually stopping blaster shots bare-handed, it's likely not much in the way of ''risking'' the king in his opinion.
** In ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', the Emperor puts himself at personal risk to entice the rebels to attack the second Death Star and convert Luke to the Dark Side. This inevitably backfires when he's killed by the redeemed Vader (and even if that hadn't happened, he'd still probably have died when the rebels blew up the Death Star). Also, his plan to turn Anakin in ''Film/RevengeOfTheSith'' involved nearly being killed by Mace Windu, though it's [[AlternativeCharacterInterpretation debatable]] whether he actually planned that part or not.

* In ''VideoGame/DawnOfWar'', the Tau AI always sends their Ethereal out to fight. The Ethereal provides damage, health and morale boosts to every units while alive, but induces total morale loss in all units if killed. Guess which unit is [[ShootTheMedicFirst targeted with all priority?]]

* ''Literature/TheArtOfWar'' talks about the pros and cons of this trope at some length, pointing out the necessity of striking a balance between staying close to the battle lines and being seen to be leading from the front (and just as importantly being able to see what's going on and react to it quickly) and staying at a safe enough distance that you don't make yourself a priority target and [[KeystoneArmy leave your troops leaderless if you're killed or captured.]]

-->--'''Liberally paraphrased from Captain Kirk''', ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries''

* In the Windurstian quest line in the ''Wings of the Goddess'' expansion of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'', there comes a time when the Windurstian mercenary forces have to spring some allies out of Yagudo captivity. It's decided that a small task force would be best suited to this, instead of rushing the enemy position with the entire division. This task force ends up comprised of [[spoiler:Lehko Habhoka, Romaa Mihgo, Perih Vashai,]] and the player character. That's, in order, the tactical leader of the entire force, two separate [[spoiler: commanders of the two mercenary units present]], and the [[OneManyArmy most effective single soldier at Windurst's disposal.]] [[spoiler: Romaa]] and the player character at least have the excuse of being ''very'' capable and particularly well suited to the task at hand. [[spoiler:Lehko]] isn't much of a fighter in any regard, and [[spoiler: Perih]] is primarily an ''archer'' that wouldn't be greatly effective in the confined hallways of the enemy encampment.

* At the battle of Granicus, UsefulNotes/AlexanderTheGreat came within an inch of losing his life while he led the charge. A foe had dazed him and damaged his helmet, and was about to make the second, fatal blow when he was speared by one of Alexander's bodyguards. The Persians may have even intentionally targeted him; they had stopped Cyrus II by killing him in battle the same way.

* Deconstructed in ''Literature/TheLostFleet''; it's been expected for a long time that a good fleet commander a) leads from the front and b) uses [[AttackAttackAttack highly aggressive tactics at all times]]. This leads to [[GlassCannon battlecruisers]] being the most sought-after command and admirals being expected to use one as their flagship instead of a slower but much better-protected battleship. The end result has been a desperately high attrition rate and a dangerous slump in the quality of the Alliance's officer corps as the most talented personnel are assigned to the most high-risk postings.

* Played with in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins''. On the one hand, its played straight with King Cailan who takes the battlefield hoping to win glory. On the other hand, many around him are reluctant to do so and their fears are proven when he falls. The consequences of this trope are one of the central plot points. Also justified by Fereldan culture which has something of a tradition of AuthorityEqualsAsskicking that its only begun to grow away from and which will come into play during the game.

* In Season 4 of ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'', the top leader of the Earth Empire (Kuvira) is known for never demanding her soldiers to do anything that she would not do herself. Kuvira is an expert [[ExtraOreDinary Metalbender]], so she far outmatches most in a one-on-one fight.
** In one episode, Kuvira takes on a group of [[DishingOutDirt Earthbender]] bandits; even so much as telling her soldier to call off her security team beforehand.
** In another episode, Kuvira takes on Avatar Korra by herself [[spoiler: and wins. sort of.]].

* In the book trilogy "Literature/HisDarkMaterials", the ruler of the multiverse, Metatron, identifies Mrs. Coulter as a woman whose entire life is based on betrayal, yet he willingly goes alone with her to ambush Lord Asriel instead of sending a legion of mooks. Lord Asriel, meanwhile, plans this elaborate setup to catch and kill Metatron but decides to spring the trap on one of the most powerful beings alive with only himself instead of with a platoon of heavies. To top it off, they both decide to go unarmed (although there is probably a different trope for this).

** In ''[[VideoGame/FireEmblemJugdral Genealogy of the Holy War]]'', risking the multiple princes and princesses at once [[DeconstructedTrope can prove siginificant disadvantages at times.]] For one thing, [[spoiler: your ''entire'' party are ambushed and killed in one episode, allowing TheEmpire to instantly take over half of the world]].

* In Season 4 of [[TheLegendofKorra The Legend of Korra]], the top leader of the Earth Empire (Kuvira) is known for never demanding her soldiers to do anything that she would not do herself. Kuvira is an expert [[ExtraOreDinary Metalbender]], so she far outmatches most in a one-on-one fight.

** While not a king per se Darth Vader does lead from the front more than one would expect from a political actor in the Empire.

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* ''Franchise/StarWars'': While not a king per se Darth Vader does lead from the front more than one would expect from a political actor in the Empire.

* A common theme in ''CodeGeass'' - nearly every leader in that show will risk themselves to do something when subordinates are available. It's implied to be expected of them, armies refusing to risk their skin for someone who won't take the same risks. Lelouch and Cornelia in particular believe in the trope very strongly.

* In ''SaiunkokuMonogatari'', Ryuuki, the Emperor of Saiunkoku, puts himself in harm's way on several occasions - mostly to protect Shuurei. The most notable example comes when he leaves the capital city entirely to make sure that Shuurei and Eigetsu aren't attacked by assassins on their way to take office in Sa Province, which he has to do in secret and incognito for the obvious reason that, as the Emperor, he's not supposed to be doing anything of the kind.

* MarvelComics superspy ComicBook/NickFury was nominally the ''director'' of a covert agency called S.H.I.E.L.D., but from the SilverAge to the Dark Age of Comic Books, he behaved more like the main field agent. Despite S.H.I.E.L.D. having dozens or hundreds of agents DependingOnTheWriter, Fury was typically depicted working solo on commando missions, infiltrations, and so forth. This has become an AvertedTrope in recent years, especially with his [[UltimateMarvel Ultimate Universe]] incarnation.
** IronMan did much the same during the brief period when he became Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

* Princess Sally Acorn (and sometimes the other Acorn monarchs) in ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehog'', with varying attempts at story justification.

* Commander Root in Literature/ArtemisFowl doesn't do this... at first. Given the exceptional situation, he judges that there is none better to deal with it in the field than the LEP's commanding officer. Normally sending an officer into the field takes several months and lots of red tape, but the book notes "[[CaptainObvious Root had a lot of influence on the commanding officer]]".

* In the book trilogy "HisDarkMaterials", the ruler of the multiverse, Metatron, identifies Mrs. Coulter as a woman whose entire life is based on betrayal, yet he willingly goes alone with her to ambush Lord Asriel instead of sending a legion of mooks. Lord Asriel, meanwhile, plans this elaborate setup to catch and kill Metatron but decides to spring the trap on one of the most powerful beings alive with only himself instead of with a platoon of heavies. To top it off, they both decide to go unarmed (although there is probably a different trope for this).

** ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'': In response to criticism of the "Captain in distress" plots, GeneRoddenberry established a new Starfleet protocol that barred the Captain from going on away missions. Instead, leading away teams is first officer Riker's job. In practice, the writers often found excuses for Picard to go anyway, usually for reasons of diplomacy or protocol that require the captain's presence. In the first couple of seasons, Riker argues strongly against this, but usually loses. Eventually, he gives up and lets Picard do what he wants. Pretty much everyone else in the main cast routinely partakes in dangerous missions, not always for convincing reasons. The most extreme case is the two-part episode "Time's Arrow", in which Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, [=LaForge=], Crusher, and Troi all travel into the past, leaving ''Enterprise'' commanded by . . . O'Brien? Data's cat Spot? We never find out.
* ''Series/{{Merlin}}:'' Prince Arthur is often sent on all sorts of dangerous but relatively unimportant missions. Season five, however, subverts this since ''King'' Arthur is forced to spend most of his time inside the castle while the knights go on missions without him.

* This is the point of the ''FireEmblem'' series, which many liken to an extremely in-depth chess game with RPG elements. The main character has to come to every map and if they die it's game over. It's typically best to risk the king early on so that they can level up and be strong enough to defend themselves later. Especially since the last levels usually demand that they spend some time on the front lines.
** In ''[[FireEmblemJugdral Genealogy of the Holy War]]'', risking the multiple princes and princesses at once [[DeconstructedTrope can prove siginificant disadvantages at times.]] For one thing, [[spoiler: your ''entire'' party are ambushed and killed in one episode, allowing TheEmpire to instantly take over half of the world.]]

* ''WorldOfWarcraft'' began with faction leaders never leaving their capitals, but with each expansion it has taken increasingly less reason for them to come out and lead their forces personally. For comparison, in the original game the massive assault on the Gates of Ahn'qiraj, consisting of a joint coalition of Horde and Alliance, was led by the previous non-entity Saurfang. In Mists of Pandaria, the leaders of two Alliance races work together to clear out a small troll village.

* In the {{TableTopGames/Pathfinder}} Adventure Path Kingmaker, the Player Characters tame a fantasy land and then are given a charter to rule it. They're the first ones to any battle to protect that kingdom, which features a lot of dungeon crawling.

* At the battle of Granicus, AlexanderTheGreat came within an inch of losing his life while he led the charge. A foe had dazed him and damaged his helmet, and was about to make the second, fatal blow when he was speared by one of Alexander's bodyguards. The Persians may have even intentionally targeted him; they had stopped Cyrus II by killing him in battle the same way.
* Invoked by George Washington during the Whiskey Rebellion. Faced with the first rebellion in US history, he personally rode out to lead the militia in Pennsylvania as the President and crushed it into decline.

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* Used towards the end of ''{{Series/Dollhouse}}'', when the viewer learns that [[spoiler: Rossum's chief executive officer has been HiddenInPlainSight as Boyd the entire time]], despite this nearly getting [[spoiler: him]] killed repeatedly and despite having thousands of people around the world capable of acting on [[spoiler: his]] orders.

* MarvelComics superspy NickFury was nominally the ''director'' of a covert agency called S.H.I.E.L.D., but from the SilverAge to the Dark Age of Comic Books, he behaved more like the main field agent. Despite S.H.I.E.L.D. having dozens or hundreds of agents DependingOnTheWriter, Fury was typically depicted working solo on commando missions, infiltrations, and so forth. This has become an AvertedTrope in recent years, especially with his [[UltimateMarvel Ultimate Universe]] incarnation.

* A justified example is Rias in the arena combat Ratings Games in ''LightNovel/HighSchoolDXD''. As the [[ChessMotifs King]], she's expected to say in the base, defending it and keeping herself out of trouble. However, while Issei being worth all eight of her Pawns gives her the power of an extra superior piece in the field even before he promotes, it leaves her [[BlessedWithSuck with serious manpower issues]], and she often has to leave the base just to compensate for her side being outnumbered almost two to one.

** In many cases, Kirk takes along most of the senior officers, risking a decapitation of the command structure if the away team is lost. The most extreme case of this is the episode "Catspaw", which begins with Scott and Sulu being taken prisoner. Kirk organizes a rescue team consisting of himself, Spock, and McCoy, leaving command of ''Enterprise'' to Assistant Chief Engineer [=DeSalle=], an obscure character who only appears in three episodes of the series. (Why not Uhura? [[StayInTheKitchen Good question]].)

* Written from RealLife, experience the military tome Literature/{{Anabasis}} by the Greek general Creator/{{Xenophon}}. The exodus from enemy territory begins after Prince Cyrus, the claimant to the Persian throne for whom the Greek mercenaries were fightibg, is the only casualty in the first battle fought, despite his army seeming to think they won the encounter. (only to realise later the whole reason for coming to Persia was lost when the prince died and they now have to walk back home for several years.)

* Written from RealLife, experience the military tome Literature/{{Anabasis}} by the Greek general Creator/{{Xenophon}}. The exodus from enemy territory begins after the original general for the invading army is the only casualty in the first battle fought, despite his army seeming to think they won the encounter. (only to realise later the whole reason for invading Persia was lost when the general died and they now have to walk back home for several years.)

* Written from {{RealLife}} experience the military tome {{Anabasis}} by the Greek general {{Xenophon}}. The exodus from enemy territory begins after the original general for the invading army is the only casualty in the first battle fought, despite his army seeming to think they won the encounter. (only to realise later the whole reason for invading Persia was lost when the general died and they now have to walk back home for several years.)

* Franchise/Star Trek:
** The original ''Series/{{Star Trek|The Original Series}}'' series is notorious for this. As the show's resident ActionHero, Captain Kirk has to lead the away teams on dangerous missions, even when it would make more sense to send someone with more specialized training that would actually be useful. This usually leads to Kirk being taken prisoner (alone or with other crew members) and having to devise a way to escape.
** In many cases, Kirk takes along most of the senior officers, risking a decapitation of the command structure if the away team is wiped out. The most extreme case of this is the episode "Catspaw", which begins with Scott and Sulu being taken prisoner. Kirk organizes a rescue team consisting of himself, Spock, and McCoy, leaving the command of ''Enterprise'' to Assistant Chief Engineer [=DeSalle=], an obscure character who only appears in three episodes of the series. (Why not Uhura? {{Good question|StayInTheKitchen}}.)
** ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'': In response to criticism of the "Captain in distress" plots, GeneRoddenberry established a new Starfleet protocol that barred the Captain from going on away missions. Instead, leading away teams is first officer Riker's job. In practice, the writers often found excuses for Picard to go anyway, usually for reasons of diplomacy or protocol that require the captain's presence. In the first couple of seasons, Riker argues strongly against this, but usually loses. Eventually, he gives up and lets Picard do what he wants. Pretty much everyone else in the main cast routinely partakes in dangerous missions, not always for convincing reasons. The most extreme case is the two-part episode "Time's Arrow", in which Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, LaForge, Crusher, and Troi all travel into the past, leaving ''Enterprise'' commanded by . . . O'Brien? Data's cat Spot? We never find out.