Ok, Kurt, Vita, to answer your questions, you can build out an AC even if you don't border on the ocean and we are just going to ignore the other states.
Now combat, here is how it works:
1. It takes a day to move troops to anywhere in the country.
2. If one side greatly out numbers the other side then they will win automatically and wipe out all of the other troops.
3. If they are somewhat close in number then environmental factors will come into play and so will basic advantages and disadvantages of attacker and defender roles.
4. A group of units can only attack one thing per day. For example the Western Republic assault group can currently only attack one other group or state, but if we split it into two smaller groups than we could attack two things.
5. After initial contact with enemy troops if you defeat them in the first battle or if there is no defense than you can began a siege of the state.
6. Sieges will take 2 full days and can be disrupted if you lose a battle while sieging.
7. After the siege is complete you will gain control of the state and are able to manufacture one more type of unit per day.
For now I will decide the outcome of close battles given the method stated and won't be biased about it, but if anyone else wants to gain this ability just post in the thread and I will explain the system better.
If you have any questions just ask.