Problem with Alliances/Diplomacy

[Sand]

Maybe try making the AS a protectorate using Force Diplomacy? The AI tends to respect protectorate deals more than alliances.

There was a bug whereby your treasury would be wiped out be a Protectorate before, but I *believe* it was fixed. Certainly would be worth a try.

As for offering them tribute...to be honest, no matter the combination the AI hates your guts and will attack you. The tributes and peace are not significantly correlated I believe. As Makedon I had the Getai nice and peaceful, sharing borders, for decades whilst I expanded elsewhere and I didnt pay them a penny.

[MarcusAureliusAntoninus]

Protectorates are bugged and the 'protector' will get a crazy profit/loss every turn. The money script makes this weird treasury even worse.