Conversation so far:
How did Timur begin to attain power?
It was in this period that Timur reduced the Chagatai khans to the position of figureheads while he ruled in their name.
Did Timur accomplish that through battle or subterfuge?
Timur spent the next 35 years in various wars and expeditions.
Did Timur go on to expand his people's lands?
Timur not only consolidated his rule at home by the subjugation of his foes, but sought extension of territory by encroachments upon the lands of foreign potentates.
Are there any other interesting aspects about Timur's rise to power besides reducing the Chagatai khans to figureheads, fighting in various wars and expeditions, and expanding his people's lands?
Timur gained a following of people in Balkh, consisting of merchants, fellow tribesmen, Muslim clergy, aristocracy and agricultural workers, because of his kindness in sharing his belongings with them
What was the result of Timur's popularity in Balkh?
Timur's behavior contrasted with that of Husayn, who alienated these people, took many possessions from them via his heavy tax laws and selfishly spent the tax money building elaborate structures
Did Timur end up ruling Balkh?
Around 1370, Husayn surrendered to Timur and was later assassinated, which allowed Timur to be formally proclaimed sovereign at Balkh
Did Timur fight any battles?
Timur spent the next 35 years in various wars and expeditions.

Question: What other ploys did he use to gain power?
Self-contained rewrite: What other ploys did Timur use to gain power besides fighting battles?