Shaun, I exploited the bug with the 'military request' event throughout that campaign. I found that it fires for a rival city (contrary to what the manual says). In my testing, I have seen no appreciable favor change for the requesting rival city, regardless if the troops are sent or not, and regardless if the troop level sent is enough to fulfill the request (you have to guess). (Usually) the event doesn't even come up in the message log history for that city! The only part about it that I've seen work is that the player will get some free weapons if they send some troops (regardless of success or failure), and their troops can gain an experience stripe on their banner.
There are really two factions within Xia Xia that are interacting with the player in the campaign. I didn't have space enough in the splash screens to explain it, although it is somewhat implied. You have the Xia Xia monarchy (who requests your military aid from the attacking Mongols), and you have independent Xia Xia bandit gangs (who send raiding parties against your city).
The 'trade shuts down' event with Xia Xia in 1207 CE is scripted. It fires then to model how war has an adverse effect on trade. It's followed later with a 'city becomes inactive' event, to simulate the temporary chaos of Xia Xia's surrender to Genghis Khan in 1209. When things settle down in a few months (after a few executions and acceptance of vassalage) a 'city becomes active' event fires for Xia Xia and it recommences interaction. As you can tell, I like to string together different events to model a specific effect.
I could tell you more specific information about these events and the trade-stoppage events within this campaign, but if I do it will cross the line into 'spoiler' territory. I will be happy to do it, if you wish (we can use private email if you prefer). Another option is for you to read the 'TFGK_Readme.txt' file. It explains more about these specific events, but it also reveals spoiler info.
[This message has been edited by Gweilo (edited 09-24-2003 @ 06:22 PM).]