The most challenging maps for you.

Regarding the "Gift" – the tournament was a long time ago, and obvious hints will most likely kill the interest in it. Take a look at the editor; there's a lot hidden there, including crystals. As for the strategy, since you get an angel who joins you on the first day, he's usually enough. I think I only took an army once during the entire game, and that was at the beginning when it was near my home city, just for speed. In general, the main advice is: study the editor thoroughly; everything you need is laid out there.