Tarvok: I've seen the collection of forum posts they call a FAQ or Guide, and it is somewhat helpful. But, while it's very good in the area of spellcasting and army formation, it seems somewhat light on economic development tips. Probably the best guide to a 4x game I've ever seen is Velocyrix's guide to Sid Meyer's Alpha Centauri. I've not found the equivalent for Master of Magic. Does it exist?
As far as I am aware, it does not. You will find a lot of excellent info, but it is scattered all around internet. The economical side is easy once you know a few tricks:
1) put the taxes to 2gp or at least 1.5gp immediately. Unrest is less important.
2) use a sequence of building: Builder's Hall - Granary - Marketplace - Farmer's Market - (Shrine), if not directly threatened.
3) Use spearmen garrison to quell unrest.
4) earn gold and use alchemy a lot to swim in mana.
This will make your empire economically dominant in 1.31 version almost in every situation.
INFORMATION elsewhere:
Personnally, I would use Master of magic wikia for basic_information (google).
http://masterofmagic.wikia.com/wiki/Master_of_Magic_Wiki Psyringe has created a great extra in-game help for MoM with all the secret / unclear info. Cannot recommend it enough.
http://realmsbeyond.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4190 Finally, I recommend this link page as the ultimate set of information:
http://realmsbeyond.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4208 (in there, Official standard guide explains the mathematical side of the game on > 400 pages, but, sadly, its tactical advice is completely unreliable.)
If you really want to, create a thread on the_last_active_MoM_forum at Realms Beyond Orion:
http://realmsbeyond.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56 A few of the people are true veterans with full experience who can give you the equivalent of Vel, including the exploits and spoilers.
