To get started, play in easy and make sure the game speed is slow or very slow. I found that slow was the sweetspot for me (set this in option before you go into the multiplayer lobby).
Make sure to pick a small map, namely Dragon Pass. It's one big pinch point, so it makes setting up a defense much easier. On that map, try holding the first recruiting hex at the base of your ramp. Have your forge rally to the recruiting center and build up your army there. That way if you do get attacked, all your units in in one good spot and you can jump into dragon mode and kick some rump. Watch out of for grenadiers. They will blow your dragon up if you're not quick. If you get low on health, don't sacrifice yourself. just hit R (morph hotkey) again and pop back to being a commander.
Make sure to have a lone trooper go take control of the base in the corner of you island. Each time you capture a point, you get recruits. use that second base (*dont build in it, just capture) to fuel your early recruits. Once you feel like your army can hold it's own, move out and try taking the bot down.
