It is always the same.
More nobles -> Everyone wants to become a lord -> Expand -> Some people leave -> Empty lands -> Less stuff to do -> More people leave -> More vacant regions -> Zombie state -> More nobles
I suggest creating your own enemies if you don't want to move north. The best option is to fight Swordfell since it is Luria's closest realm but even that is kinda far. So the second best option is to get more nobles and expand quickly then break into 3 smaller realms and fight each other.
