I've been playing a little while, and it seems the only way to capture new sectors is by use of the military. I've just done my first adventure and it's been by use of the military.
I previously played Settlers 7 - Paths to a Kingdom and you could gain new sectors and complete good quests by other means. This was one of the main things I liked about it.
Surely there are a lot of "go out and conquer the world with your army" games. Frankly having to go to battle all the time is not my thing, and I am extremely disappointed because I think it's a beautifully well-designed and thought out game.
Or am I completely wrong?