Take elements of Pikmin 3 and Xenoblade 2
Instead of having a magical carvan that can hold endless soldiers and equipment, have certain maps be "strongholds". Once taken over, you must designate a "stronghold captain" (and support units, if you wish). The stronghold captain will passively gain experience governing and defending the "stronghold", not unlike Xenoblade 2s Merc Missions. The Pikmin 3 part comes in when, in the middle of battle, you a messenger notes that a previous stronghold is under attack by enemy forces. You can let the computer play out your set tactic, or toggle between game boards. (Stronghold maps will be much simpler than the story maps.)
Oh and add dysentery like Oregon Trail.
Muda Muda Muda Muda Muda Muda!!!!