the earlier you arrive at his place, the more floors he has built (concentrating on the main castle), and the later you arrive, the more he focuses on the army and the development of other castles.
I haven't noticed such a tendency.
He only built the final level of the mage tower after the minotaurs, and the minotaurs after the third level.
And if you arrive at his place on turn 13, there was always a full tower!
Added after 5 minutes
I immediately dismissed the option of sailing:
it takes too long to build it yourself (grabbing a 3rd town + needing 8000 gold and 50 wood), and you can wait for the computer for a long time...
For example, in my towns I didn't build anything except the dock. I built everyone with genies and joined troops.
