From the start I realized the game would drag on; the exits were all ranged blocks, the path to the GO was blocked by a miniature resp with 2 crypts (underground).
They have some kind of text file there stating that the crypts generate underground.
The only consolation was that Shakti had 140+ troglodytes thanks to 2 native heroes, and the bonus artifact +1 speed, so I didn't even think about resting, counting on recovering at the secondary town. But the first secondary town turned out to be snow; I ran along the road to its middle, and there was a pack of storm elementals — I really didn't want to lose troglodytes, so I turned back. At home I have 1 Nagash's thing; scouting showed it was 4-6.. So I sat for 2 weeks with no money. But I took another secondary town, swamp.. There was a troglodyte conservatory visible on the snow; on day 131 I take it, break through the block, and took a tower with a poor move. Meanwhile, a scout intercepted an observation post in the swamp, which revealed part of the opponent's resp; through the barbarians' secondary town I go to him, and he has 4!!! conservatories.. and all unclaimed:D 2-stack, mini, mini, 2-stack.. The opponent strongly insisted that he would create the game, unwittingly arousing suspicions.. 4 conservatories in the native area, all claimable in 1 day, all by the road within a step of each other as if stamped. On day 142 I take his empty castle; there are dragons, but all bought out. Then another 2-stack conservatory from him. Shakti's move points are off the charts — boots and expert Logistics. I built 4 GM1, but found Slow only in the opponent's castle). On day 144 I descend into the underground and catch Ivor there. Stat-wise, Ivor was slightly ahead; I found nothing anywhere except boots. But Shakti has Expert Offense, Defense, Tactics, and Earth Magic.
Ivor: 5 green dragons, 45 grand elves, 3 angels, about 10 unicorns+3 non-griffins, 15 silver pegasuses, almost 100 grand centaurs.
Me: 9 angels, +1+1+180 troglodytes, 13 manticores, 18 minotaurs, 11 dendroids.
Nothing interesting in the fireball; with Tactics I move forward and they all fall. Overall a strange opponent, with so many unclaimed conservatories at home)