My copy came in the mail!

[WolfHati]

I'm happy!

So any suggestions on what would make for a fun game for a newbie player? I did play the demo a bit, and I learn fast, so it doesn't need to be too easy. I don't mind if I lose, or if things are random and chaotic-that's a good thing, but as long as I have a fighting chance...

Anyway, hooray! I've been looking forward to this!

[Edi]

Congrats then! EA or MA Ulm are fairly good ones for learning the ropes, as is EA Ermor. MA Man likewise. Skim the manual, read the FAQ and give it a spin. IF you want to jump off at the deep end, see the strategy index.

[Ironhawk]

Its generally good advice for newer players to play the more basic nations. Nations that have strong military and uncomplicated magic. Abysia is usually a good choice. Marignon, as well.

[Tifone]

I'd say it could be fun for you trying with a couple of nations at once in the same game against some AIs, so you can see the differences and "give a hand to the other you" in case you're in trouble with one nation ^^ Also, you can try 2 pretenders at once, let's say a more magic-oriented one (crone, great enchantress, master lich... the ones who can have several paths easily) and one more combat-oriented (like a Great Wyrm or a Prince of Death, without much magic so you don't mind having him killed, as every death = -1 at all paths when recalled to life) so you can see which ones bring you more fun and fit your playstyle better

Oh, and of course... Welcome!! ^^

[Tifone]

PS for everybody: Don't worry, I'm not gonna put that giant signature everywhere, just where there is new fresh cannonfod... forum users ^^, to let them know (and you remember, maybe ^^) some of the nicer threads of the past ^^

[Gandalf Parker]

An early mistake that many make is to turn the independents down in a game in order to make it easier. That has an opposite affect. It allows the AIs to swarm you early in the game. Set the indepts abit higher and it will slow down the AIs.

[rdonj]

If you'd like the feeling of a nice, epic struggle between good and evil, play in the late age with Ermor as one of your enemies. Just make sure to recruit lots of priests.

[Sombre]

Yes I think playing late age with ermor involved as a fun idea.

I would also advise avoiding having any sea based nations (Atlantis, Oceania, Rlyeh) in your games for the time being.

[WolfHati]

So, since I couldn't wait to play, I rushed off and started a game without before any comments. I started early age Tir Na n'Og, and they seem pretty cool. The stealth on their heavy infantry is really nice, and they have javelins and high precision, too, for getting the first strike.

Definitely have had fun playing them so far, after I had gotten things up and running and having my prophet (he was a national hero too ) get trounced, I decided to make some elite archers to take them down, so over several turns I equipped ten of the sidhe champions with thunder bows and boots of giant strength, and sent them with a small squad of soldiers each to take on the baddies. It worked pretty well, but despite setting the commanders to cast eagle eye and attack largest, they seemed more interested in buffing their men than shooting. Though the one time they did was totally awesome, and it wiped out the enemy troll hero instantly.

It's gotten to the point, though, where I am dominating the computers enough (they're on easy) that it's a foregone victory. Managing to get the level 9 nature enchantment cast that makes ducks fat and mustard tasty (I don't remember what it is called) caused my cashflow to go through the roof--I'm spending a ton and still am gaining money, so I think that the AIs are totally outmatched in unit production, so I think I'm going to try something new.

The late era Ermor opponent sounds like fun...

And thanks for the suggestions!

[Ballbarian]

Congratulations!
Just don't forget to sleep and eat occasionally.