Let me try to summarize:
1. Aim to deploy creatures in the first week.
2. Build upgraded Griffins and use them to break through archers.
3. Move quickly and capture all resource locations (Orcs - go home!), gathering resources for your second castle.
4. Quickly capture your second town and start developing it.
5. A hero with Tactics and Expert Air becomes twice as powerful! :)
6. If you don't hide, Crag Hack isn't to blame! :))
And Crag Hack is a very formidable hero; it's an honor if he decides to visit the tavern in your town!