Is there a reliable way to get the better weapons for the Vanguard? The only ones I can make are the first tier, and Ive only found a single Mithril axe. I dont even KNOW if you can get the armored horses

How do you get Kurohime to be one of the Vanguards? Ive declared war on Dorgania, but the war won't actually START (Also can't upgrade watchtowers to stone for some reason) and talking to Kurohime about missions just gives the normal generic text.

It's on the Dorgania map, you should some kind of viper icon on Lualombo I believe. At least that's what I remember.

You get equipment from defeating enemies and looting chests in vanguard battles, finishing the battles, and vanguard arena battles. Or you can buy them on the overview map from the caravan, when it appears.

The icon for Kurohime's event appears on the country overview map in Dorgania when you finished all previous events with Kurohime, Ryen fucked Lady Akira at the brothel, and you prepare for the war with Dorgania. (Going to war isn't even possible yet)