some noob questions

[Psycho]

Hello everybody. I've been playing the demo for some time and I really liked it, so I started considering buying the game. But the problem is that I've never bought anything online and I can't seem to find the game anywhere.

So my first question is how do you do about buying something online. Do you need a credit card? I have a Maestro card (which is a debit card) - will that do? Also, is the delivery of the manual payed separately? If so, how much should I expect to pay (I'm from Serbia). I don't know if this forum is the best place to ask, but I have no idea where else to ask.

Is one copy of the game enough for me to play over internet against my brother, or do we need a separate copy each? I know we can't both play on the dominions servers, but I suppose we can play by e-mail.

Regarding the game - I love the concept of pre-issuing the orders and not being able to control the troops in tactical combat. The biggest flaw I see is that I don't have enough control over my units. It would be nice to be able to script more than five spells, or at least a spell for spamming (like summon skeleton) after the initial five. Also sometimes it would be great to be able to hold for one or three turns with my troops. But what bothers me most is the absence of a stand ground option - why can't my archers just sit and wait for the enemy to get into range instead of charging forward and ruining my formation.

The thing that's got me puzzled is this division into ages. What is the purpose for this division, what is accomplished by it?

I've read quite a bit of this forum and particularly the thread about the different strategies for different nations. I find this stuff very interesting. I look forward to being able to go beyond the demo's 40 or so turns and try all that stuff and of course I'll have to try MP.

And for the end I was hoping someone could give me advice on how to stop being crushed by hordes of troglodytes. I'm playing blitz games on small random maps against my brother in the demo. He takes agartha and just masses dozens of troglodytes and tramples me over every time. Of course, I need tactics that can be used by either acro, marverni or kaliasa and limited by level 4 of research.

P.S.
Sorry for the long post.

[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.

[S.R. Krol]

Psycho said:
So my first question is how do you do about buying something online. Do you need a credit card? I have a Maestro card (which is a debit card) - will that do? Also, is the delivery of the manual payed separately? If so, how much should I expect to pay (I'm from Serbia). I don't know if this forum is the best place to ask, but I have no idea where else to ask.

Acceptable credit cards would be: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Payments through Paypal are also accepted.

I am not sure if this is possible, but we may also accept a bank to bank wire transfer.

Payment is for the full package, meaning the manual is included. Being in Europe I think there will also be VAT.

My suggestion to you is to register at our online store and send a support ticket(http://www.gamersfront.com/xcart/support_ticket.php), inquiring on (a) other payment options and (b) how much shipping to your country will end up costing. Someone should be able to help you with both.

[llamabeast]

I believe you'll actually only need one copy to play against your brother by PBEM. I could be wrong about that though.

[Zylithan]

For PBEM you need one copy for each player. I can say this with good certainty, having tried it. For hotseat you only need one copy of course.

[Psycho]

Thanks everybody for the answers. i did as S.R. Krol suggested and now I'm awaiting response.