There are very few places where you can build cities now. You really need to scout well in the first 60 turns or so, else be left in the dust. Getting a scout and a pioneer out early is the only way to compete. If monsters are getting in the way, play as Tarth or switch the difficulty down to Easy until you get an idea of how the new mechanics work for monsters.

Also might want to try a Temperate map as they have more places that are possible to settle. 

in the world size "tiny", map type "balanced" there are ~ 7 positions with grain for a city.

if i spam pioneers at the beginning (no scouts, thats waisting time pioneers and the heroes can explore, too) i can get 5-6 cities, cause there are no monsters/troops attack the cities and theres no need for defencetroops. is it cause i played "novice" or are there never randomtroops attacking the cities? if there are never randommonsters you should insert!