I'm going to leave the creation/finding of a map until the first couple of apps are accepted, just so there is a bit more freedom when designing the landscape. But yes, there will be a map.

It will depend on the nation. For example, a nation full of scientists and researchers might have early pistols or cannons, but a less scientifically advanced nation may have to make do with crossbows and balistas or even bows and catapults. However, advanced technology will be more expensive and take longer to make, so while you're trying to build a cannon, you might end up losing a city to a less powerful but much cheaper catapult. I would say that anything before 1400 is fine.

The OOC will be up at midnight GMT.