Done my turn, new turn up.
Dagan was a priority for Astral, I'm recruiting Mictlan indy mages in my second castle hoping to get the 10% +1 Astral or +1 Fire types. If I get the Astral I'll let Dagan go without any fuss. Of course you could try and outbid me on him, not much I can do about that
Niefelheim is sieging an indy castle at 77.
At turn 12 I'm at 9 provinces (including starting province). I was blocked from going towards Tien Chi by tough indies, now I see there is a port route from 130 to 159. I'll go that way.
Research-wise, I've done Alt 1 and Evo 1 and 2. I've found a 20% bonus Conj site for future summons.
My pretender has just awakened.
All is good.