[Twan]

There are high chances of course, but diplomacy may also make the central plain less contested (some players will just want 3-4 provinces in the entrance of the plain, to fund their expansion in the caves, and may find agreements with their neighbours).

Also, preferring to stay out of the central region and control provinces of the circle of mountain and other choke points may pay. Nations advancing far in the plain are very vulnerable as the road between their capitol and their armies may be cut by neighbours.