I like the fantasy idea better – it allows for a good way to portray the idea of three warring factions!
1st faction – humans;
2nd – possibilities include: elves, barbarians, some kind of heretics;
3rd faction – 1 character, but super-overpowered, because he's a necromancer (kills once, and then his zombies do everything for him).
One faction, in any case, should be "hidden." That is, there will be no war. And I don't like the plot "barbarians infiltrated the city and are now trying to destroy the peaceful inhabitants, hiding among them and killing at night."