[Micah]

A debit card that's got a visa or mastercard logo (or perhaps some other major credit card logo) on it should be fine, if not I doubt the store will take it.

You will need 2 copies of the game to play if you're planning on running it in 2 different locations and playing over the internet. Hotseat play should only require one copy.

The scripting restrictions are part of the game, and sometimes the AI doesn't do what you want it to. It can be frustrating, but remember: the other players have to deal with the same restrictions as you do, so it works out in the end. Holding for odd numbers of turns can also be faked by placing your troops differently, since putting them further back would create a virtual extra turn of holding in most cases (far from perfect, of course). I believe you can also set them to "guard commander" and have the commander hold for a number of turns and then attack. The drawback here is the commander is likely to get killed in the process, so you'll want to have some expendable commanders around for that.

The thing the demo doesn't really convey is that most dominions games are really about magic, not troops, and most battles are over fairly quickly (or if not the mages tend to be casting large spells and fall unconcious around the time they run out of scripted orders).

The age division is mostly thematic, the later the age the better the troops' equipment is and the worse the mages are (in general, this varies quite a bit by nation).

Creatures with trample are pretty nasty, and trogs are no exception. Try taking a pretender with fire magic as Arco and research Flaming Arrows (enchantment 4) and mass a bunch of archers behind an infantry screen, or better yet, province defense troops. Cast that and see how things go. Cast Wind Guide too if you have time to research it. There are plenty of other strats, but that should serve well enough for now =)

Good luck, and welcome.