Europa Universalis V confirmed

[Tamas]

So now I'm trying again from the beginning. Still need to figure out how to best improve the economy to create a solid base.

I think I have the early economy, at least partly, figured out now.

Concentrate on building within high control areas

Pump up your rgos first to get the food and industrial inputs you need to build your buildings (that will reduce the construction price) and once built to supply the building's production - timber, Lumber, stone, sand, wheat, and clay are good things to think about early on.

Gradually build roads to increase the radius of control

And, importantly, increase your crown power at the expense of the nobles.

[Norgy]

Yeah, this is muito bonito.

Don't go all in on roads at first. Use some cabinet members to increase a bit of control. When it hits around 30, it is good enough. At the start.

Never ever have a food shortage in the market. While you might want to invest in a mine, having a food deficit is rather punishing.

You actually have missions in EUV.
I would say there is room for improvement in that regard.

[Tamas]

Yeah thanks to CCs tips I am crawling up my central area's RGOs. I mean right now I am waiting for the plague to end.

Bulgaria and Venice took big chunks of Serbia in two separate war (well Venice took small parts). I have made myself a casus belli to join in but feels unwise to burn population on something I don't actually need

[Josephus]

I've reached 1370 now. Having fun.
Still learning, of course, and I have automated some tasks, primarily trade ones. I'm not really paying attention to the values too much either.

The world is interesting, to say the least. Poor, poor Ottomans. That whole area is one big mess.
And just like CK, there's no Scotland but Alba is pretty large.

I was doing pretty well (Naples) for the most part but have suffered some setbacks. My stab took a big hit at one point, not really sure why. Yes, I just want it to go up to +3,  but I haven't come across to many positive stab events. My prestige is also pretty low.

I also took out a loan, which surprised me because I thought I was doing pretty well financially. So I'm convinced at one point I must have done something that dropped my stab and lowered my treasury.  So I'm trying to climb out of this fine mess right now.

I've never been DOW'd at all in the game. Not sure if that's common or not. I am in a 5-way defensive pact, and have some pretty large -ish allies.