The fate of the kingdom.

Thank you for your feedback. Initially, the idea was to make the AI strong. Is the AI strong at the start? - then we need to make the start difficult for the player. Is the AI annoying and keeps coming from all directions? - then we need to add more paths, etc. But as for what you described as "frantic running around" and "tedious sailing," I see it as the ability to manage weaker units and control territories. Thank you again, and I am undoubtedly proud that my map made even such a veteran map player as you suffer.
P.S. And yes, there is a sextant on the map, and not just one, but four.