You can set the AI to 'None' rather than easy, to get a feel for the game mechanics. Some people find that speed capturing the nearest recruitment centre(s) and building up troops is key; at least one person mentioned taking to dragon form early to pick off the enemy scouts before they could start capturing building sites.


It isn't focused on beginner help, or procedural advice (use of hotkeys, etc), but you could check out the topic:

What tactics have people discovered? [Theorycraft]