We recommend new players start with Humans first - as it`s the easiest race to play and get into. And humans have two ranged units - Archers and Crossbowman - and personally I like them the most - course of the Enfilade (setting up wooden spikes against cavalry charges), and fire arrows abilities.
Elves have 3 archer units - Female Warden, Ranger and Mounted Ranger (mounted archers) and while they do have the most lethal archers and can use Hide And Volley abilities - they can`t start fires.
But hey nothing stops you from starting human town to learn the basics and then creating an Elven one
