Europa Universalis 2

[Prospero]

Has anyone around here ever played this? I came across this on sale for $19.99, and it must be, by far, the most complex computer game I've ever played. It's like Civilization 3 went out and got a Ph.D. in medieval European history, and then drank a twelve-pack of Red Bull. The manual is 77 pages of 8-point type, and it doesn't even come close to covering the game's true complexity, as far as I can tell. I've played through the tutorial scenarios twice, but I've still got a lot to learn before I can begin to play with any proficiency. This game is truly, truly hardcore.

Looking around the 'net turned up a solid fan community for the game (at europa-universalis.com), but their so-called "newbie FAQs" are written by people that have been so deep in the game for so long that they've seemingly forgotten what things a newbie might actually want to know. So if anyone here is a player, and wants to give me some advice as to how to begin (what scenario to try first; opening strategies; etc.), then feel free to speak up. Also, if you're thinking of getting into EU2, and you want to struggle along with someone who knows only slightly more than you, then now's the time. I'd be happy to bounce ideas and discoveries off someone else.