Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Sands of Salzaar" in English language version.
The battles are something that I really enjoyed while playing Sands of Salzaar. Since you unlock abilities for your character while playing the game it turns the game into some sort of League of Legends battle system.
Troops? Well yeah, obviously you need an army. Thanks to its damage system and semi-automated, MOBA-ish combat.
This means that where Mount & Blade's combat is about your own prowess, Salzaar is about delighting in your character's power.