Sorry for misunderstanding you, then! It is strange, but the round was meant to be slow from the start, so I guess it's working. I can't say I haven't been glad for the slow speed at times (and likewise hoping everyone gets their turn in fast at others). I usually just put in my turn as soon as it's done, so I know I at least have
something when the turn hosts, but I usually make a couple adjustments afterwards.
As for barbarian attacks, well, don't take misfortune 3 then
You've got a giant empire and terrible luck scales. The only thing keeping you from disintegrating entirely is Order 3. Misfortune doesn't just make more bad events happen, it also unlucks more. You're getting a lot of barbarian attacks because Misfortune 3 unlocks multiple independent attack events. Not only do you roll more unlucky events but more of those unlucky events will be indy attacks.