The distribution wasn't great; there were no Necropolises, and the ranged units were in 3 separate locations, which was tolerable. There was a path to the crossroads, but everything beyond that was blocked. I had 11 towns and 15,000 gold, but I decided not to build a castle, which was the right decision because even with 121, I didn't have enough to buy anything. I had to go for a one-way route. I didn't have any skills, but I had 3-4 conscripts with stats of 4-5 and no decent magic, so I decided not to risk it. In the end, on day 131, I found another conscript, 2-4, and left with 24 grams and 3 angels. But I didn't have enough money for a proper defense.
Then Crag showed up with 6 angels, or rather, I was led to him – you can't escape fate. I gave him the captured Necropolis with 2,000 income – it was his second town. I'm leveling up with a stolen Meteor Scroll, and on day 134, I find the first Hive. My skills are all Knight-related: Pathfinder, Training, and Wisdom. I was offered water several times, but with a ban on the Academy, no thanks.
Then I went back and took the old conscript on day 142, +3 angels, found a +5 shield, and linked it to the 2 conscripts and the scouts I found, but it wasn't serious. With stats of 6/10 against 30/20 and control, they found and killed me.
Thanks for your time.