Confession time. I keep trying to get into this game but end up feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure what do at times. I like what I'm seeing but feel like I'm missing some really basic concepts about supply/economy as well as my strategic goals. Not sure if anyone has tips or some links to guides explaining key concepts. I'm not looking for a guide on how to "beat" the game but how to play it so it tells the story I know is in there somewhere.
Unfortunately, most guides for Thrones I've come across are either very basic (beginner's tips/"for noobs") or are of the "how to win" variety -- there doesn't seem to be much in between.
What areas are you struggling with/overwhelmed by, exactly? I mean, I can tell you right off the bat that it's a good idea to focus on improvements that increase your food output and/or army supply (especially in the early game), that you generally want to upgrade a province's main settlement's unique building chain as soon as you can reasonably afford it, etc. That's still pretty broad advice, though. If you have more specific questions, I'm happy to help as best I can.
As for strategic goals, most folks aim to establish one of the kingdoms (England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland), depending on which faction they're playing as. So Mide and Dyflin are both looking to "become" Ireland, Mierce --> England, Circenn --> Scotland, etc.
Personally, I often also identify a faction or two that I think needs to be eliminated. I often find that in the process of taking out these factions, I end up furthering my goal of establishing the larger kingdom as well -- that, or I lose gloriously and go down in flames, which is also fun.