Tips and/or suggestions for starting game

[Saxon]

True, Ulm is very much classic heavy infantry, so it makes more intuitive sense to a new player. Also, the units are pretty durable and are more forgiving. Just stay away from a blood strategy, they are tricky for even experienced folks. Think of blood as that interesting class you can take after you pass first year!

If you take Ulm and are winning, make sure you start experimenting with magic later in the game. It is critical to many of the other races, so experiment with it a bit when it is safe. Ulm is not great in this area, but you can still learn from it.

[Nerfix]

Ulm is also good for forge practice and thug practice.

Forge Earth Shoes for you smiths and deck out Black Knights with Swords/Axes of Sharpness, Charcoal Shields, Elemental Armors and Girdles of Might and then send them out, with troop support.

Not the strongest strategy, but I like it.