[Saxon]

Gavinfox,

May I suggest that you forget about winning the first game or two? If you are really having a hard time with the game mechanics, focus on learning the mechanics rather than winning the game. For example, if you just figured out paying gold for provincial defense, all the fancy bless strategies and scales are not going to help you right now. Spend some time clicking on different things, try stuff out and experiment. Yes, you will make mistakes and lose, but you will learn the game. Play 20 turns, then start again with the same god. Play 20 more, then start again with another god.

Give that a try once or twice, then come back and try to win. You will understand the basics much more and will be in a position to try the fancy stuff. No offense to the others, but some of the suggestions are telling you how to run when you are still learning to walk.

Gandalf's suggestions are solid and his point that this game is not for everyone is very valid. I hope you are one of us, as it is an amazing game, but sometimes people are not into it. Give it a shot, we hope you stay!

Good luck!