Getting started..............

[Gandalf Parker]

The game saves everything each turn. Its part of the basis of a PbEM game (play by email) which this actually is. Copying your games directory to another name will create a backup. Various players have created different methods to do the same. From simple modification of the shortcut file on your desktop, to extensive python programs.

As far as getting started, I personally recommend Middle Age Ulm as a nation to play. It relies very little on magic or preaching. Most of the nations tend to specialize in something. Ulm specialized in armor. Most people tend to come to the game already understanding armor. So it has fairly low learning curve. You can just get used to making armies, moving armies, etc.

[sansanjuan]

pap,
Another suggestion is EA Niefelheim on a small map with two other AI players. Plenty of strategy stuff on them in the forum. The game should go pretty quickly on the small map. This won't prepare you for MP (multiplayer) or late game tactics but it should be fun as a first non-tutorial adventure.

-SSJ
PS Don't forget the cold-3 scales and a starting Dominion above 3. Enjoy.

[dirtywick]

I would pick a nation without blood magic to start. EA Arcosphale is pretty straight forward. MA Ulm isn't bad to start with if you understand the scales, just take Production 3 in the scales if you.

There's a strategy index at the top of the page, I would pick one with a guide so you can follow it a bit as you go.

[DonCorazon]

MA Ulm is good to start with in SP since SP moves quickly and the AI is not particularly effective at using magic against you.

I wouldn't recommend MA Ulm though for your first MP game. It was my first MP nation in an MP noob game and found that not only did I get crushed but I didn't learn much about magic, so my next game I was just as much of a noob. MA Ulm is easy in that you can focus on the other game mechanics, but given the slower pace of an MP game, MA Ulm is probably too limited. If you want to get up the learning curve quicker you might want to try a nation with a bit more magic. I like LA Tien Chi because they have solid troops (infantry, archers, and calvary are all good) but also a fair bit of diverse magic that will help give a more well-rounded intro into the game.

[Tyrant]

One thing to understand when learning this game is that it is a magic game with armies, not the other way around.

I second GP's suggestion that you start out with the Middle Age, but i would recommend a nation with more magic that Ulm, perhaps Marignon or Machaka. If you're having difficulty beating the AI a nation with strong province defense (PD) such as Marginon, Pythium or Ermor will be easier to win with. I'd also suggest skipping the Blood Magic nations such as Mictlan and Abysia until after you have gotten the hang of things, blood magic is weird and takes a little more effort than the conventional schools.

You might want to try Tien Chi next, they have a broad range of magic and that will give you a chance to mess around with lots of spells and summons.

[llamabeast]

I'd recommend Middle Age Marignon. Good combination of strong human troops and powerful fire magic to use on the battlefield.