EU 3 Noob Questions, please help!

[Abul'Khair]

I've been playing a campaign as Ethiopia, and I seem trapped in geographic ignorance. The entire world is blocked out, I assume because I haven't discovered it. How the heck to I discover other lands without sending armies that will anger my neighbors? Also, I only have access to armorless spearmen. Is there a way to acquire armor and more advanced weapons? I am fairly certain that Ethiopia around 1400 did use light armor, swords and helmets. Is it possible to Limit the timeframe from 1400-1500 but continue playing? I don't want technology to exceed the 1500 mark.

[Coal143]

I've been playing a campaign as Ethiopia, and I seem trapped in geographic ignorance. The entire world is blocked out, I assume because I haven't discovered it. How the heck to I discover other lands without sending armies that will anger my neighbors? Also, I only have access to armorless spearmen. Is there a way to acquire armor and more advanced weapons? I am fairly certain that Ethiopia around 1400 did use light armor, swords and helmets. Is it possible to Limit the timeframe from 1400-1500 but continue playing? I don't want technology to exceed the 1500 mark.

1 - Since Ethopia was "Uncivilized" it's reasonable that they have geographic ignorance. Sending armies does not upset your neighbours, i don't understand what you mean. Army movements don't affect relations at all.

2 - Don't pay too much attention to sprites, the stats on your units are more important

3 - It's possible to limit the timeframe to 1500, but not continue playing. Alternatively, you could simply make it so that Post-1500 Technology is so insanely expensive that it will never be reached

[Abul'Khair]

I have no clue how to do this. There is no option to simply continue playing like in total war? How do I acquire armor and weaponry that is not tribal for my army?

[Coal143]

I have no clue how to do this. There is no option to simply continue playing like in total war? How do I acquire armor and weaponry that is not tribal for my army?

It's best to not use a total war mindset while playing eu3.

1 - The game ends in the 1800's i think.
2 - Westernize, there should be a decision for this.


Perhaps it would be best for you to play a relatively easy European nation to get the hang of it first.

[Kanaric]

You should play an easier nation first. Ethiopia is one of the hardest to play in the game.

[John I Tzimisces]

The comments above are all right. Ethiopia is at considerable disadvantage. It will take a long time to modernize your tech group, and in the meantime, more technologically advanced nations (such as the Mamluks, who have the additional advantage of not being the same religion, reducing their penalty to attack you) see your provinces as easy pickings.

England, Castille, France, or maybe even Muscowy are better choices for someone new to the game, given they are considerably more powerful than most of their neighbors. It'll give you time to wrap your head around the game's mechanics.