early game expansion tactics

Originally posted by aldin:
Generically speaking, the leader of your first army shouldn't be stopping to search until you've at least expanded your borders a bit. This is really a decision you want to make when you're creating the pretender - what is their role? If it's combat, plan on searching other ways (or not at all) at least for a while.

~Aldin

Unless of course your research strategy includes a specific gem income. Important for nations that utilize national summons or speedresearch conjuration/enchantment/construction for suppliments to their national army types.