First I determine what region offers the greatest strategic benefit as a seat of power; natural borders, available resources, trade routes and predominant culture are all factors for consideration. Information gathering is delegated to suitable minions for the purpose of expediting the process and inciting paranoia among local populations with their presence. Once an optimal location is found I can begin focusing my efforts on undermining the established society, generally along the periphery. Isolated farmers make ideal targets as do outcasts and the downtrodden; if it is within my power to create dangerous monsters why not employ that same potential in uplifting the meek with inconsequential boons. Through them I can reach more that might otherwise reject my advances on the basis of superstition or loyalty to existing authority. The conduit for my influence may progress by whatever means is most feasible, whether it be subverting religion or enflaming dissidence. In the end, it is paramount that the people look to me for guidance. These preliminary acts must be done incognito of course, it wouldn't do to be too forthright with my intentions.
All the while I am certain that adventuring companies or mercenary bands will be exterminating my creations wherever they lurk. Unfortunate, but ultimately necessary. The more time is wasted on destroying my expendable minions the less is spent on disrupting my entrenchment within a community. In fact, I should make it a point to scatter my forces across a great area; a persistent threat, but not a concentrated effort. All the while I intend to entice the corruptible with promises to improve their lives in whatever fashion is relevant to their desires. The idea is to expand my sphere of influence and consolidate power while convincing others it is their influence and power. A time will come to cast off the cloak of insignificance, but for the moment it is better to be seen as one of many. My inherent power should be enough to assume the mantle of sovereignty once the local order is thoroughly destabilized; regime change is my goal, conquest may come after.
Once the exchange of control is complete I can begin eliminating rivals personally cultivated in the process, preferably all at once. Consider it the final disembowelment of the old guard. At this point the people should be loyal to my ideals no matter who champions them, or at the very least receptive. That I best embody said ideals is by design of course. What was once blasphemy becomes consecrated.
Now the veneer of modesty may be discarded and the full scope of my power brought to bear. My monstrous creations can be gradually concentrated as an indirect bulwark for my new dominion. Above all, it is important to deliver on my promises of empowerment, stability, and protection for the general populace as proof of my superiority to the preceding authority. In the end, it is the people who will ensure my safety; to eliminate me would deny their prosperity and thus give justification in spurring any attempts at removal. Through them I am shielded from errant powers, through me they are shielded from foreign ambitions.
