Hi
@Denalot,
Welcome to Elvenar and to the forum!
If you look on your research tree (bottom, middle of screen), every time you start a new chapter you have Advanced Scouts which will 'reduce your scouting costs significantly'. It is a good idea to try not to explore too fast because of this. These 'very hard'/ 'hard' guidelines were recently introduced to help players in their exploration of the world map.
Another reason to not over-explore is that when you reach the 11th ring, you need orcs to explore new provinces. Orcs are not available to make until Chapter VIII Orcs and Goblins. If you have explored everything within the 11th ring before then, you will have to wait until you can make them. I fell into this trap!
If you go back to the research tree, hover over the golden chest at the end of your current chapter it tells you how many provinces are required for the next chapter. I
try to keep as close to this as I can.
I hope this has helped a little.
Welcome
@Rinkidink,
Glad you've found the forum!