The respawn turned out decent. Gurnison got a secondary (double) somewhere around 1.1.3 with dogs built, scouted a mini Griffin Conservatory (but with 5 birds was afraid to attack). There was also a Dragon Fly Hive guarded by a pack of kings-cyclops—also skipped. Knocked down a few chests, using that to build 1,2,3,4,6,7 on day 1
in the Citadel and birds in the fort on the secondary. On week 2, upgraded the birds, bought bears, and rushed to the top, where there could be an exit to the treasure zone. Found the 3rd castle as well. Played a bit sloppily, losing a day or two gathering bonuses and visiting the stable, broke a mini Dragon Fly Hive behind a pack of giants and headed to the Griffin Conservatory with bear and bird growth.
1.3.3 near it the opponent appeared on a speed build with flies; my main couldn't reach him. Stayed near the Griffin Conservatory—but the opponent's chain worked well enough, and after bringing up troops he attacked. Stat superiority didn't help against 20 upgraded ducks with 3 angels.