Tournament prep for a noob.

Hello all. I’ve only gotten into Warmachine in the past few months. I started collecting Storm Legion(seems like the most straightforward and beginner friendly army), but have recently seen the light of The Creator, and now I’m working on a Protectorate of Menoth army(while still collecting Storm Legion, and jumping into Kithguard when they release). All of that said, there is going to be a 100 pt tournament of my local Warmachine players, and someone was generous enough to offer to lend me Protectorate minis(since I barely have any, they are a little hard to come by), and I need some help.

1. Since I’m still new to the game, what tips do you have?

2. Any good recommendations for an army build? My usual playstyle for tabletop wargames is mostly melee, with some ranged support. I’m also looking for a balance between competitively viable, simple to understand, and fun to play.

3. Anyone know a good place to get Protectorate minis?