The Very Large army isn't quite as intimidating as it looks. Of course a newer player will have some trouble with it and will probably have to skip it, but it's far from impossible. A player with a modest attack bonus should be able to beat it if they know how to match up units and fight, or if they have rogues to spare. The Very Large army gets utterly smashed on Jaims where I'm built for combat, but even in Parkog where I run a more peaceful city, I can still beat it without difficulty.