1. I'm new to EB. Aren't they just the slave/rebel faction we normally have in a TW game? If so, then they should be enemies by default.
2. Yes
3. That makes them much more powerful than anyone else but ok.
4. Declare war on any army that has an army in our province that is obviously threatening (ie. not just passing by) or declare war with the permission of the Basileus or 2/3 of the council.