[SPOILERS] Stop that Infernal Racket!

[Mafro]

Mortals.

Such sweet innocence....

Such naive thoughts....

Such delicious souls....

Herein is recorded the trials and tragedy of Hyborem. For a tragedy it is and ever shall be, especially should Erebus be lost to the eternally damning fires of Hell....

Let us hope for the best.

[Mafro]

Turn 106.

A summons undeniable, and we have been pulled into a strange and forbidding world. A mortal world.

Gone the burning sands of Hell and the comforting screams of tormented souls. Gone the mighty snake pillars standing sentinel, and the endless fields of perdition.

This new land to which we are summoned seems to be a bizarre cacophony of variety - jungles next to ice, desert alongside vast lakes of fresh water.

And then these odd things that the locals, once sufficiently...pressured, identified as "bananas".

:dancing5:

It seems we must now found a settlement with our scant retinue and remake this world in our own image, in the image of Hell....

We start the game with the powerful hero Hyborem (more on him later), two iron-shod champions, two longbowmen, an imp (adept), three manes (used, among other things, to grow Infernal cities), a worker, and two settlers.

We are in a crappy spot. Take a look at it. Where would you settle? The spots suggested by the game are each more than one move away.

Oh, and notice we start with 0 gold and an income of -4. Yep, unless we plant a city now, then next turn our units will go on strike. I don't recall if we'll lose units immediately or only after a turn of being on strike, but I'm not going to chance it. This limits our options considerably.



Now, before considering the best place to settle, we should discuss hell terrain. With the appearance of Hyborem, and as the Armageddon Counter rises, hell terrain is more likely to appear and replace regular terrain. Desert turns into burning sands, plains to fields of perdition, grasslands to broken lands - you get the idea. Burning sands is especially fun, as it has a chance of bursting into flames for periods of time (I'm unsure of the exact mechanics of this), but units without some resistance to fire are unable to enter these tiles.

Wherever I settle, the surrounding tiles will turn into hell terrain in short order. In fact, wherever my culture expands, those tiles will also turn into hell terrain. I intend to use this to my advantage, by encouraging and indeed creating borders of deserts that will become burning sands, their flames impermeable to those without resistance to fire, unless water magics quench them or life magics remove their hellish aspect.

While we Infernal do not eat in the same way as mortals (more on that later), I still wish to avoid having deserts - soon to be burning sands - as workable tiles simply because they offer less than hills or fields of perdition.

Given my starting location, I cannot build my capital south on the mana (nor would I want to) or east on the goblin fort. Nor can I pass through those tiles and still build it this turn.

While I could build where I stand, this would burden me with seven workble burning sands tiles. Moving one north is little better, granting me workable marble, but still burdening me with six burning sands tiles. While it is true I could convert that first mana node to water and then convert those tiles to plains, it would be a sad use of my first mana.

All things considered, I have instead decided to build my capital one tile to the northwest. Doing so burdens me with only three burning sands tiles. It also forces attackers from the west to attack from grasslands, thus denying the attacking force a defensive bonus.

Here is a view of the newly settled city. I immediately merged the three manes with it to give it more population as well as reduce my unit maintenance. I also set my one worker to building a mine on the tile he started on, while Dis builds a second worker to be followed by the hero Rosier.

As you can see the city is desperate for improved tiles to work.



Unfortunately this city location delays my access to the mana node to my south and limits the potential future size of Golden Leane. Why would I worry about the Malakim city? Because I intend to soon make it mine.

I strongly considered building Rosier first, as he is an ideal unit with which to conquer the Malakim. The best unit of theirs that I have seen is a stonewarden, and Rosier starts play with a +40% bonus against disciple units.

However, I know that investing in improved tiles is critical for my ability to produce both hammers and commerce in the long term. I also know that there are better cities out there than mine, and that one of these cities may very well have been tasked with building Rosier.



That being the case, I would hate to lose the race and have my first few hammers go to waste. That said, in the unlikely event that no one has created Rosier in the three turns it takes me to build the worker, then I will see if I can sneak him in.

In my next turn update I will discuss my broader strategy for playing Hyborem and the Infernals, detailing their strengths and weaknesses. I will say that I will be playing a military game from the get-go, and so those planned moves will be covered as well.

[Bobchillingworth]

Moving one north is little better, granting me workable marble

Err, not quite. Infernals don't get Marble, due to Hell Terrain. Instead you get the much more awesome Sheut Stones, for +1 unholy strength on everything.

[Mafro]

Err, not quite. Infernals don't get Marble, due to Hell Terrain. Instead you get the much more awesome Sheut Stones, for +1 unholy strength on everything.

Err, doh! During my one test game playing the Infernals I didn't run across Sheut Stone.

Well, in 16 turns my borders will expand to the third ring and at that time I'll have cultural control of both the Sheut Stone and the raw mana node.

[Mafro]

Turn 107 Diplomacy.

The diplomatic side of the game has begun, though properly hindered by there being only a single message passed per turn. I shall begin by sharing the two messages that I have received from my opponents, who clearly must have made contact with me during their respective turns.

Delivery: Urag gro-Shug to Hyborem

Subject: FFH-20 Turn 107 message

To Lord Mafroborem, we send greetings,

Welcome to Erebus! We orcs are not known for planning ahead, or I'd already have a message prepared for you.

The map is toroidal, and consists of a series of identical rectangles(3 high, 2 wide). It seems that you've arrived at the eastern border of the Malakim Empire. We orcs are currently devouring the rest of the Malakim Empire. To the north of you are the Ljosalfar, and the Hippus are toward the distant east. The orcish homeland is to the south.

Here's the initial positions:
Ljosalfar --- Khazad
Malakim --- Hippus
Clan --- Kurioate (now clan)

The Clan is currently the strongest civilization, and the elves are the next strongest. I am interested in working with you in various ways, and would love to borrow your iron at some point.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions or proposals.

Good Luck, and Welcome!

Urag gro-Shug, of the United Orc Clans

It is clear that Ellimist seeks parlay and iron, at least until such time as he is better positioned to destroy me. He negotiates from a position of strength, but recognizes that his strength could very well be ephemeral. Siding with him would be a strategic mistake, allowing him an even greater chance of victory. No, I will be siding with the weak against the strong, seeking to strengthen myself with every turn. Indeed, I look forward to a conflict between the Ashen Veil armies of the Clan and those of the Ljosalfar with...anticipation. Such a conflict will not only weaken them both, but should fill my cities with new manes created from the deaths of their evil-worshiping units.

I shall delay response for a time, but not too long. I wish to convey the sense that I am focused elsewhere, and thus am no threat. And when I do respond it shall be as one who is weak and overwhelmed, but who might at some point be a ready tool for him to use. I wish to offer hope to each of my opponents that they might wield me as a sword, until such time as they find themselves the target of my might.

Not to be outdone, some two hours later I received the following missive from HidingKneel, playing the Ljosalfar. I have found that the length of a message often correlates to the need of the sender. One who sends an epistle in volumes is usually fighting despair.

I love how he references his "hopes" in the very first paragraph, for reasons detailed below.

Delivery: Arendel Phaedra

Subject: FFH XX Diplomacy

Great and terrible Lord Mafro of the Infernals,

I bring greetings from Queen Arendel of the summer court. We have summoned you to Erebus in the hopes that we might join us in common cause against our enemies.

I know it is would be foolhardy to appeal to the good nature of a demon such as yourself. But perhaps I can appeal to your pragmatism. I know that you already have contact with the Clan of Embers. They are extremely powerful right now, and only growing stronger. Though we are not currently at war with them, I fear that the war is not long in coming. No one civilization on Erebus can hope to defeat them alone. But we might stand a chance if we work together, however strange such an alliance might seem.

Let me tell you a little bit about the situation in which you find yourself. As you are no doubt already aware, your city of Dis immediately borders the Malakim empire. The Malakim are in the process of being conquered by the Clan, and they will not last long. The city of Golden Leane is four tiles to your west. It is presently guarded by two units, and would be an easy conquest for you. It is also surrounded on two sides by desert, which would make excellent defensive terrain once converted into hell terrain. Further west lies the Malakim capital, for however long it remains standing.

Much of Erebus remains unsettled. In particular, you will find a great deal of unclaimed territory to the south of Dis, should you wish to expand unmolested.

To the north, you will find the lands of the Ljosalfar. Of course, we would very much prefer that you did not expand in this direction. In case our offer of alliance does not convince you, you should know this: should we beckon, the trees themselves will rise to defend our homeland. In addition, the great elven hero, Gilden Silveric, is well-trained and ready to defend our southern border, flanked by a host of summoned tigers. So you have little to gain from a conflict with us. Neither of us would benefit from having the other as an enemy, so why not be friends?

Slightly to your east is a small sea. Beyond that lies the lands of the horselords. As you may know, the Hippus summoned an angelic host to Erebus. But after a bitter conflict with the Clan, the angels departed through their gate. They now have a peace treaty with the Clan, and I am not sure how long it will be in effect.

Finally, I should mention the dwarves. They are far from Dis, and seem to have little interest in the affairs of other races. Our sages cannot determine what they do with their time, but speculate that it might involve swimming through giant vaults overflowing with gold.

Finally, a quick request. There is a lion roaming the desert, immediately to the northeast of your settler. Queen Arendel would regard it as a personal favor if the lion were to remain unharmed until it can be tamed by a Ljosalfar hunter (we have on en-route to the area for precisely that purpose).

Queen Arendel very much hope that our peoples can find ways to cooperate in the coming years. We have some suggestions in that regard, but perhaps it would be better to hear your own thoughts first.

Regards,

HK, Advisor to Queen Arendel of the Ljosalfar

Here is one who has needs and hopes clearly greater than those of the Clan, as witnessed by the length of his message. Again, I will delay my response for a time, eventually delivering one aimed to balance his hopes that I will be his ally against concerns at my apparent lack of focus and aptitude. Such a view will cause him concern that I may not be an effective weapon to wield against his enemies, but will ease his mind against thoughts that I might be a threat to his own interests some day.

Having received the previous two missives, I responded by instead reaching out to the one who might offer me the greatest benefit right now: Weezel.

However, before exploring my response, let me first mention the spirit with which I shall be engaging my opponents in the militaristic art of diplomacy.

I am playing Hyborem, Lord of the Balors, Archangel of Agares the Angel of Hope who would become the Angel of Despair. I am not Agares' creation, but rather his corruption of Cernunnos, Archangel of Sucellos the Angel of Nature. Agares, the self-styled King of Hope, is my master and my muse.

Wherever possible I will conduct diplomacy in this character, as one who offers (false) hope, manipulates others to my own ends, and ultimately corrupts. I will avoid lies, but embrace deception. I will use the threat of action before action itself, for a notched arrow is more powerful than a bow whose arrow has just been loosed. I will dissemble, be a false friend, and do whatever is necessary to survive, thrive, and win.

I will be the offspring of Machiavelli and Sun Tzu, conceived in Clausewitz's bed.

In that spirit, I offer my first attempts at diplomacy in Erebus, with my doomed neighbor Weezel.

Delivery: From Hyborem to Weezel

Subject: FFH PBEM XX - Infernal Diplomatic Message: Turn 107

Greetings mortal.

It seems the summoning of the elves has left me bordering your city of Golden Leane. In my brief time on this plane I have learned that the Clan threaten to dominate Erebus, and are indeed seeking to conquer you at this very moment. None shall subjugate these lands of puny flesh and blood unless it be me! Therefore, I offer you hope in the form of this deal.

I will bring this war between you and the Clan to an end, or support you in your struggle until you prevail. How this will be done shall be up to me, but allow me to offer three hints:

1. The leader of this Clan has already come seeking my favor...granting it could be made conditional upon signing a peace accord with you.
2. I am in possession of iron, of which I have currently little need...we need but a single road built for it to be delivered to your swordsmen.
3. My power is great, as you can see for yourself. Indeed, I currently have nearly twice the soldiery of my nearest rival...and it must find a foe to be set against.

In return for your very existence and the chance to wreak revenge upon he who even now seeks to be your master, I ask but these three small things:

1. Allow Ashen Veil missionaries to preach in your territory; once they have found success then you will actively spread the faith to all your cities. I do not ask that you purge your people of the filthy dwarf worshipers, but merely to allow and encourage another view to coexist as well.
2. Loan me the use of two of your palace mana for a period of 10 turns, to take place at a time of my choosing. I do not ask for all three, nor that they be granted for all time...just for two, and for a mere pittance of turns.
3. Liberate Golden Leane to me immediately. I know you will see this as the most painful. And yet, with my capital of Dis about to expand its borders from a mere three tiles away, the city will be lost to culture anyway even should you somehow withstand the Clan without my aid.

I shall look to the liberation of Golden Leane as a sign you have agreed to these terms. To speed my ability to aid you against your foes, it would be wise to also send on your map and an offer of open borders.

In the Name of the King of Hope,

Hyborem

Most of my goals in this message are quite obvious. As mentioned earlier I shall seek to ally with the weak against the strong, strengthening myself throughout the process. I have offered Weezel hope, though at a great price. My calculation is that he is rational, seeing his position as hopeless and my offer as a means to at least stymie his foe, if not to actually defeat him.

If he accepts, then I will encourage him to build a road between Golden Leane and Dis, ostensibly that I might provide him with iron. With his maps I will be able to see his territory and the threat that it is under, and based on that will judge how best to pursue my goals.

If he is hard pressed I will request the mana immediately, that I might use Sun and possibly Mind upon my one imp. An imp with Sun I can scorch hell terrain, turning it into burning sands with flames that can be difficult to bypass.

I may actually grant him my iron as well, though only for a short period. I will do this if he has sufficient units of the proper type to take advantage of it such that he might be able to turn the tide or at least cause significantly more harm to the forces of the Clan.

Other outcomes are also possible, though it will depend on how future events unfold.

One other goal I have, however, is more of a meta-game goal. Weezel is clearly in a bad position and is most likely losing interest in the game. He seems to be checking for his turn infrequently, to say the least. In appearing to ally and support him, I'm kinda hoping he will regain his interest in the game - if indeed that is what hinders his play - and deliver his turns a bit faster.

[Selrahc]

3. My power is great, as you can see for yourself. Indeed, I currently have nearly twice the soldiery of my nearest rival...and it must find a foe to be set against.

Bear in mind, at least for yourself, that the Infernal palace gives a million soldier points and your actual armies aren't terribly scary yet.

[Tasunke]

Indeed, the palace power is "false power" just like that added by population, gold, etc.

something to consider is that a city completely surrounded by desert/burning sands is safe from many types of soldiers.

iirc, angels, orcs, and malakim are immune to this fire-wall strategy, due to their racials having an innate fire resistance.

--> But it still protects against most humans, most Zombies, skeletons, spectres, wraiths, and Catapults.

[Mafro]

Bear in mind, at least for yourself, that the Infernal palace gives a million soldier points and your actual armies aren't terribly scary yet.

[Mafro]

Indeed, the palace power is "false power" just like that added by population, gold, etc.

something to consider is that a city completely surrounded by desert/burning sands is safe from many types of soldiers.

iirc, angels, orcs, and malakim are immune to this fire-wall strategy, due to their racials having an innate fire resistance.

--> But it still protects against most humans, most Zombies, skeletons, spectres, wraiths, and Catapults.

Yes, I'm definitely aware of the power of burning sands (with flames). That was actually my chief motive for requesting palace mana from Weezel. The Malakim palace provides Sun mana...which allows Scorch...which allows imps to become builders of flaming walls of terrain. I intend to build a few imps and then request Sun mana, using it to promote them to Sun I.

The real question is whether to immediately start helleforming, which would make my opponents aware of my knowledge and allow them to prepare to counter it (with Spring from Water mana or Sanctify from Life mana). From what I can see of the map, there is little use for Water mana outside of quenching the flames on burning sands, and I'd prefer my opponents to devote their nodes to other mana for as long as possible. As it stands, it appears Arendel Phaedra (HidingKneel) is the only civilization whose palace provides one of these types of mana, in their case Life mana.

So...unfortunately the most powerful civilization, the Clan, can largely ignore this strategy. Most of their melee units start with orcish, though their arcane and recon units do not (except the puny goblin).

And the second most powerful, the Ljosalfar, can counter it with Life mana.

So...it has its use, but that use is quite limited.

[Mafro]

Turn 107 Report.

Let's begin this turn report with a bit of diplomacy, for we've heard back from Weezel of the Malakim.

[COLOR="Yellow"]I am glad that you can see the threat that the Clan poses to the rest of Erebus. It is true that they have conquered a large part of my territory already, and in fact I was about to send you a message with a similar proposal to what you have sent to me! I am willing to assist you in return for war against the Clan, preferably immediately although I can understand if you wish to build your forces first. A buildup of force would of course only be desirable to me if you can arrange a peace, however temporary, between the Clan and myself.

My sages are currently attempting to discover the ways of the Ashen Veil, and have half-completed this research. At the least I am planning to train as many ritualists as I can which will in turn add manes to your empire should they fall in battle against the orcs. I can agree to your terms of spreading Ashen Veil, and to loan you two palace mana at a time of your choosing. I will grant you control of Golen Leane right away, and ask that you lend me those resources that you can to counter the unhappiness of drafting my cities, since your demonic citizens have no use for such things.

I will also offer open borders, and my world maps. You will see that the world is mirrored, so my request of happiness resources isn't too demanding as all the empires of Erebus have the same resources making trading them relatively worthless.

The Malakim look forward to making further plans against the Clan, even if our cities have fallen we will always seek revenge![/COLOR]

And with the delivery of the save I see that all my requests have been granted. Golden Leane is now mine.



Note that he also granted me open borders and his map, as requested.

I also am greeted with the warning that Blight is coming....



I do love the wickedness of man...and elf...and orc....

I also finally have a shot of the power graph, so I can get a sense of what I'm up against. Ouch. The Clan appear to have nearly quadruple the power of the Malakim. Even with all their cities and the troops needed just to garrison them, that's a big power difference.

I also see my first goal - live longer than the Mercurians did.



I then founded my second city. I guess it's actually my third city, now that Golden Leane is Infernal. The land is pretty poor...I don't see a way of getting a city down there that will be able to work more than 10 land tiles or so. Therefore, I decided to plant the city early in order to get out a worker and start improving the land. In fact, you'll see that all three cities are currently building workers.



North of my territory is the Ljosalfar city of Zbolub, probably captured from barbarians. That suggests there may be a strong Ljosalfar force not too far away. However, given that HidingKneel summoned me, I am not overly concerned about him then rushing me - that would be a bit of a waste. I just need to hold out the hope to him that I'll aid him in his cause against the Clan, which I almost certainly would do anyway.

That said, he wants my aid very badly...and given Zbolub is within the first ring of my cities, I really don't want it in the hands of one my opponents. Let's see if there's a deal to be made here....



Here's a shot of the world west of my lands. Weezel has indeed lost roughly half his territory to Ellimist (a.k.a. Urag gro-Shub), including the Holy City of the Runes of Kilmorph. That was clearly not given lightly, so he must be in full retreat - this is no defensive gambit of trading territory for time.

In fact, I'm guessing this will end up as a wholehearted defense of his capital. The siege may already be underway for all I know.



Lastly, here is a shot showing the small force that I am moving westward. I am strongly considering moving it into Weezel's capital and giving him a much stronger defense than he would otherwise have. However, if the Clan forces are overwhelming, then the Malakim may already be a lost cause....



All that said, here is my response to Weezel. I am hoping that in addition to giving me a city that he will also help connect it to my capital.

Excellent. I am moving the bulk of my forces, including Hyborem himself, westward with all haste. We should be ready to defend your capital and help punish the Clan within two turns.

What can you tell me of the current state of the war between you and the orcs? How large is his force and where is it situated? What units form the bulk of his force? Where are you making your stand? Is there a chance to retake Zenithar or Dibella?

Also, if you wish resources and faster reinforcements, then please have your worker build a road on the tile SW of Dis to connect it to Golden Leane. Without that road, I am unable to deliver resources and my flow of troops coming to your aid will be slowed. I have only a single worker and a capital with no improved land.

Here's to sweet, sweet revenge...!

Hyborem

Now that I have a better grasp on what is happening in the game (and truly have contact with everyone except Carlos the Dwarf), it is time to begin diplomacy in earnest, Hyborem style.

Greetings mortal.

It is only fitting that the Founder of the Ashen Veil be the mightiest denizen of this realm. As Archdemon of Agares, I know the King of Hope himself is pleased by your progress.

Take then as a gift to you, O great Urag gro-Shub, that the citizens of Golden Leane now also worship the Veil, with tithes being sent to the Unholy City under your control. Indeed every city that falls into Infernal hands shall do the same without need of savants to spread the word. In this case, the fearful leader of the Malakim granted me the city at my...suggestion...and it no longer produces soldiery to resist your indefatigable orcish might.

Thus, despite my newness to this world and my relative weakness, I have served the cause of the Founder of the Ashen Veil.

That said, the wily elves of the Ljosalfar have already made contact with me, expressing concern and envy at your growing might. It seems they have full knowledge of the map and have been plotting action against you for some time. They now seek allies at the final moment, knowing the nearness of Blightfall and it's debilitating effects upon the unprepared and overstretched.

With so few cities and such scant forces, I can make no open move against them and shall instead, for the time being, endeavor to gain their trust and learn the disposition of their forces. However, until that happens, I bid you send out sentries across all your borders. Leave no place in shadow. For should an army march against the Holy City whilst your own pursues conquest abroad, then my allegiance must needs turn elsewhere....

If you are unable to defeat the dwarf-loving Malakim quickly, then I bid you leave them to me, lest your own homelands be caught with forces insufficient to hold them. The light-blinded sand-lovers are broken beyond repair and the coming Blight dashes any hope of recovery for them. They are the dark teat upon which I would suckle, drawing strength from them even as they grow weaker and weaker.

I would lay further plans with you, yet when I gaze upon the map I see only darkness. I bid you send me a map so that I might better serve the Lord of the Veil.

In the Name of the King of Hope,

Lord Mafroborem

My goals here are simple:
1. Grovel a bit and dissuade any sense that I am a threat.
2. Create the perception that I am Ellimist's ally, without stating explicit terms.
3. Remind Ellimist that he benefits (slightly) from my growth, as the tithes from the Ashen Veil religion in my cities will fill his coffers.
4. Attempt to get him to back off Weezel by suggesting HidingKneel is about to attack him. I through something in there about the Blight as well, just to get him thinking about his weaknesses.
5. Create the perception that I am a roleplayer seeking to support whoever owns the Ashen Veil (Un)Holy City. This is my attempt to create a reason for apparently doing something unreasonable - supporting a player who already looks like they're in it to win it. It's another reason for him to see to his defenses.
6. Get him to either attack the Malakim recklessly (thus losing more units himself, weakening his force and granting me more manes) or cease attacks against them altogether (allowing me to claim the palace mana that has been promised and allowing Weezel to strengthen his forces, thus eventually costing more Clan units and delivering more manes).
7. Lastly, it's always nice to have an updated map.

We'll see how he responds.

I also reached out to HidingKneel of the Ljosalfar (try saying that three times fast...heck...or even just one time slowly).

Greetings mortal.

Your summons have not gone unheard, nor unanswered.

I agree that the power of the Clan must be stopped, else their ember shall burst into an all-consuming flame. However, I am new to this world and have, as yet, few cities and scant forces. I am blind as to the disposition of territories and armies. My power is weak. With the bulk of the orcish forces dooming the Malakim not far from my own cities, it is likely they will next turn towards me. It would seem I will be lost before my strength is found.

However, the one great power I have is Hyborem, Archdemon of Agares. I could join my strength with the Malakim and defend their cities alongside their own forces against the Clan. In that way I might be able to stem the orcish tide, at least for a time. I have proposed this to the Malakim and they have agreed.

That said, I must also look to build a core of strength from which to fight our common foe. To do that I need to complete at least a few cities to ring my capital. Doing so will grant me some defensive depth, as well as the production and resources that are necessary if I am to have a fighting chance battling our foe.

Unfortunately, your city of Zbolub resides within that core defensive ring. Therefore, I ask that as a token of good will you liberate it to my control with the understanding that I shall not send settlers further north. Indeed, this city must be distant from your own capital and a drain on your resources, even under City States, so liberating it to me would cause you little harm. If for some reason you see holding Zbolub as key to your own plans, then I shall see that those plans involve claims of territory bordering my capital, and will look...unfavorably...on further cooperation.

Lastly, I offer to strengthen your forces against our common enemy with Iron. If you have workers in the area of Zbolub, then upon liberation of the city set them to building a road towards Dis, that my Iron may strengthen your own soldiers.

In this way your summons may fulfill their purpose, and you may gain a strong ally against the Clan.

In the Name of the King of Hope,

Lord Mafro of the Infernals

My goals here are a blend of those with the Malakim and Clan of Embers.
1. Grovel a bit and dissuade any sense that I am a threat.
2. Create the perception that I am HidingKneel's ally, without stating explicit terms.
3. Get him to want to strengthen me, including sharing intelligence - an explicit request for his map will wait for next time.
4. Persuade him that it is worth the loss of Zbolub to gain my full trust.
5. Get him to build roads between my newly acquired city of Zbolub and my capital.
6. Hold out the promise of a loan of iron, thus showing him I am of more value alive than dead.

I will also reach out to the Hippus soon, but that will wait for another day....