When trying to keep neighbours from going all rabid on you, is better to offer a tribute gift or to give them an individual gift of the same amount every turn?

Much though it demeans our honour, I am concerned the people to the east will take advantage of the war that has drawn away all my troops to the west.

And thank you for the welcome! R:TW is fun as the Romans (not surprising, given the name) but the other factions always felt a little like the stage set for the Romans. EB cures that admirably.