Tip: Do the tutorial, and buy Glory early

[Zechnophobe]

Very early on in the game, leadership and use of your dragon is by far the strongest tools in winning combats. Further more, starting leadership for mages is especially low. Save your level 1 runes, and wait until you get level 2, which will happen when you finish the tutorial. Put a point into Glory.

This will just about double your starting army size, and make the first few levels significantly less frustrating to play! Saving up for another point will smooth it over even more so. Good luck!