Turns out it's a good idea to revolt while the army is away, but it's then a bad idea to still be in a war when the other guys' army is still attacking you.
Madness string 101071
What I do know about junk drawers is that you don't just go diving in looking for what you want. That's an easy way to get your finger pricked on some random thumbtack or rusty edge. Tou respect the junk drawer. You push its items to the side, purposefully and considerately, until it decides to yield the item you were seeking.