Q: New to game, need advice - getting wrecked

[Taqwus]

Some of the strategy-affecting differences...

Dom 2:
- No Eras.
- Base Nation + Theme option; themes generally cost design points.
Most themeless nations resemble Middle Era D3 nations.
Themes may be similar to other eras.
A couple of themes have turned into global enchantments.
- You bought one fortress design with design points, and used it on all terrain; hence, one could go for 'mad castling' with a cheap fortress.
- And forts were cheaper, too.
- It was much easier to access all magical paths; randoms were either FAWE, SDNB, or FAWESDNB. Sages were common and had a FAWESDNB random. Spectres had two.
- Far fewer national spells.
- Half the income and supply of D3. Combine with cheaper forts and there's more emphasis on mages and SCs than large armies.
- Lifedrain weapons not restricted in how much they could drain...