A couple of questions from an old noob

[Flop]

Thanks Banadine, that's good advice. Although the scout thing does seem to be hinging on getting a scout province or two (or building less mages). I'll definitely keep it in mind, though.

@SsSam: Thanks for the guide. To be honest, I think I read it about a year ago, when I was trying out Pythium, but I very much appreciate the way it goes into specifics in the later stages of the game. Most guides I've read are much more vague (although that's not necessarily a bad thing, obviously).