Dor
Things i wish i learned sooner: With 1 caravan you can offer gold for resources via town orders. Ask alliance for resources, or global chat if no ally. Resource boosting buildings (kiln etc) are needed for starting techs but not worth the space in a small town (compared to cottages). Many crafted items are worth less than the cost to produce (siege blocks, horses). Trader hourly upkeep is only 30 g and the first one is cheap to build. You're allowed two accounts.
Town orders: As soon as you get caravans and appropriate storage you can buy resources via town to town trading. Markets => Place buy order => Location:this town. Seller must accept entire bid (210k max resources). Only works for basic and adv resources (tier 1 and 2).
Terraforming is great way to make gold as noob. Keep terraforming until you're rich enough to buy several for making your second acccount.
Brief Terraforming Guide by Dor
https://illywarmonger.blogspot.com/
https://illyriadinstitute.wordpress.com/
http://arcanum-illyria.com/wiki/Building_Charts
http://arcanum-illyria.com/wiki/World_Map_Resources
http://arcanum-illyria.com/wiki/NPC
http://arcanum-illyria.com/wiki/Cities
Illy Units Sheet by Dor
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There's something pleasant about being small time and exploring the game from the bottom up. If you enjoy your sessions you win at the game, no matter the outcome.