Start on "Hero".

No, I try to avoid using mods so I can play with my friends.

Your friend just needs to have the same mod, and the game will work ;)

Added 6 minutes later
There's another interesting thing. New templates were created for RMG (file RMG_Templates.pak):
https://yadi.sk/d/BF9wGa17gR4Uf
Install it in the data folder.

You can play on them and tell me about your impressions.

Maybe it will be more enjoyable to play on them. It will also be easier to progress.