I believe this game should have white flags, in game. I realize that we have forums for discussing things without fear of (instant) retaliation, but on more than one occasion I've found a small village, decided to explore it, and been dispatched violently from its premises. I propose this; make a white flag and make it a two handed item with no function. Graphically it should be easily noticable on the character. I realize that not everyone is exactly... sportsman-like, and that some players upon seeing an unarmed and obviously disinclined to combat. I'm not exactly big on enforcing morality, so rather than a De-buff to the attacker, I suggest a buff to the victim. If attacked by a player while wielding a white flag, that player is automatically put into run regardless of tile type. Additionally they recieve a (slight) reduction in stamina cost for running.
That said, this obviously isn't a critical suggestion, just something to add an extra layer of depth to combat.