My suggestion in the following order
1) Use the walkthru as a guide.
2) Once you are more confident, create your own GOD. I suggest playing the default Ulm race as this race does not require much magic ability. Use a SMALL map. Pick ONE AI race & set the race to EASY. Do NOT set Ermor as an AI race.
3) Lurk in the forums & learn from the others.
4) Join a multiplayer PBEM game. You will definately get your head handed over a platter!
I know because I got trashed in my first PBEM game. Go check out the AAR.
My 2 cents