Hello to everyone I am new to the series..

[Saxon]

Yep, the demo allows you to do all of the basics. You can research up to level 4, but the highest level is 9.

You will love this game, may I suggest experiementing with magic, as it is wonderfully implimented in the game, but occasionally subtle.

You might also want to learn about Super Combatants, often Pretender Gods who become super powerful in combat. There is nothing quite like destroying a large enemy army single handed! It is a also a nice way to power early expansion and build up your territories.

Enjoy!

[Nerfix]

The manual that comes with the full game is excelentm so don't worry if you don't understand all of it now.

...and welcome.

[daesthai]

Welcome aboard Demetrious! Pleased to meet you.

[Meglobob]

Welcome Demetrious! It is a great game, it will steal yr life away.

The demo allows u to do everything the full game does, but there is a limit on nations playable and a turn 40 limit, can not play after that.

[Shovah32]

Theres also a rather strict magic limit. Once you get the full game and can get higher level spells and items you will be in love with this game (if your not already).

I can still (not much though) remember the joy i felt when i recieved my copy of dominions 2(which i also stumbled upon by accident) and, later when i discovered this forum my enjoyment increased even more and, as far as i can tell ive played dominions 2 far more than any other game i have (warcraft 3 and a few old n64/gameboy games may come close though)

[Folket]

I think I have the answer to your questions. On your left when looking at a province you see your commanders and thier current orders. By clicking on the order you can give them diffrent orders. Do not confuse this with clicking on the commander icon which just selects the commander. The order is on the lower part on the icon, as default is defend unless you are moving the commander.