I found M&B's mechanics take some geting used, especially combat. Once you develop an understanding of what's going on and what to do, the game really starts to open up. It doesn't help that you start off all alone with a low-level character with no one else in your party. That's the challenge though! Tournaments are a good way to learn the fighting mechanics. Level up by fighting small parties of bandits (a horse makes things loads easier) and recruit villagers to your party, who will also level up. Launch sieges against castles or defend your castles against sieges. Eventually, you get a lordship and maybe even kingship, but I haven't gotten that far yet.

I found M&B's mechanics take some geting used, especially combat. Once you develop an understanding of what's going on and what to do, the game really starts to open up. It doesn't help that you start off all alone with a low-level character with no one else in your party. That's the challenge though! Tournaments are a good way to learn the fighting mechanics. Level up by fighting small parties of bandits (a horse makes things loads easier) and recruit villagers to your party, who will also level up. Launch sieges against castles or defend your castles against sieges. Eventually, you get a lordship and maybe even kingship, but I haven't gotten that far yet.