WG. Nine in one. Ears

How are things with hidden objects and secret partisan paths on this map?;)

Hello, sir Marmot.
We don't even know how to answer you... The first thing that comes to mind is: "How are things with your human players? Have they not yet banned save files? And other tricks, like pre-studying maps in the Editor?" (of course, we are not talking about you personally: your position on this issue is well known to everyone; but there are countless hooligans - we are talking about them).
But that's the first reaction. And then you remember how inadequate and easily offended you people are, and you don't want to say anything...
About "9 in 1...". Secret paths (SP) are essential: the poor AI is completely defenseless against human cunning, but in general, almost all Castles can be reached without using SP. It seems so. Although Gry has done something strange here too: some Castles can only be taken at the cost of significant military and time losses, and at the same time, the same Castles, if you go through the SP, can be taken without any bloodshed and much faster. This is an esoteric strategy. And not just for Castles. Approximately like that. We're being a little vague, but otherwise it won't be interesting.
There are no hidden Teleports. Except, it seems, for one, but it is necessary. And you will be literally pointed to it, and as many times as necessary to find it. No, there is another one, but it is only for Babies; Humans reach those Objects directly. Almost directly. :)
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Added 05.02.2012.

What kind of cataclysm happened to Europe?

What "Europe" are you talking about, sir?
The events take place not in a reflection of Earth, but in one of the provinces of the Fabled Worlds - the Province of Ears.
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Probably, that's all?...
Sincerely, Old Mage.