What can I say? I tried to make that Wasteland the more desolated as possible, in order to make the player to feel concerned about leaving his well defended town. To know that you feel like the hunters of the story makes me happy, since I achieved my goal
Now some hints:
* Destroy Salatiwar (red CPU player) and things will become easier - but do not let your town totally unguarded meanwhile.
* Don't worry about building some defensive towers, there are stone mines ahead (not in big quantity, but enough. You must save 600 stone to build the 4 towers required in the VCs)
* The real turning point in this scenario is when you can find an opening through the cliffs surrounding the Wasteland. This will allow you to stockpile big amounts of wood, which is very limited in the beginning, and train unlimited bowmen.
* DO NOT engage the Ghost until you are truly prepared for it.
Good luck!