New Player questions

[RegnorVex]

Hi Pretenders!

Actually, returning player from Dom2 (but it's been a while). A few questions regarding Dom 3:

1) Can I "lock" the map so that it won't move when I move my mouse around? I like getting it to a certain size and position, but when I mouse over to the edge of the screen or accidentally slide the wheel, things get wacky. I would like the size and position to stay fixed. Possible?

2) Do some nations not have scouts? I did the tutorial to dust off my memory of basic game mechanics and then started a game with C'tis. I began with 2 regular commanders and my Pretender. But no scouts? Are lizards just too cute to sneak?

3) I'm confused by "Afflictions". If I have a unit that gets 100% chance of Afflictions, what exactly does this mean? That he is guaranteed to inflict an affliction on a single opponent every round of battle? Or what? And what are the afflictions? Is old age an affliction?

4) Can someone help me get my head around research by suggesting a methodology? I understand the mechanics of gaining skill in paths, but I feel like I'm researching blind without goals and I'm sure that goals are important. Looking through the grimoire is fascinating, but overwhelming, making it near impossible for me to keep enough information in my head at one time to formulate a coherent strategy. Is this just a trial and error thing, do I just need to read the entire grimoire and gain experience with it to see what *all* spells do and then just shoot for the ones that seem cool, or is there some more efficient way of planning research? Related to this, how can I set up my Pretender's magic without understanding what my magical goals are?

Thanks, I can see that this is going to be murder on my bedtime habits. Just one more turn ...