So we begin.
First order of business...
Disbanded several mailed knights, way too much of a drain on our weak early game economy, and built basic farms in all settlements. Also married off the princess to a pretty decent general, he spawned in Lisbon and spent his time travelling across to Zaragoza (offending the spanish along the way).
Moved any non essential units in eastern provinces into an army commanded by the heir and marched on Valencia
Whilst building rams and ladders our heir gets married, must of been a grand wedding in the siege camp.
Battle begins!
I have 1 ram and 2 ladders attack from the west with the bulk of my force, on the southern flank I have 1 ram and 1 ladder attack with a smaller force in hopes of splitting their forces.
The southern force successfully breach the gate after the western forces' ram is burnt down. My troops were well matched on the western walls and only sheer force of numbers allowed us to take the walls. The enemies towers taking a heavy toll among the missile troops.
The flanking force is charged by mailed knights, missile cav and a bodyguard unit. Forcing me to charge my knights into the scrap to hold the southern gate. Eventually we gain control of the western gate and my general and two mailed knights charge through and into the rear of the desperate fight for the southern gate.
Shortly after the devastating rear charge the battle is won
Casualties would of been significantly lower if the pathfinding wasn't so terrible on walls.
Not much occurs in the next few turns, built some mines and tanners and the economy is coming along strong.
Begin converting Valencia into a city as Pamplona is more than enough.
What are you doing Spain??? They just walked past and into France, AI you so silly.
'Bout time some one recognised my greatness
What are you doing there Moors? Turns out it's their Sultan, all by himself right on our border, TARGET ACQUIRED.
Cue rounding up units in Valencia and Lisbon to launch an attack on the Moors.
War is declared upon the Moors and the Valencia force takes out a large Moorish force north of Cordoba. Then I march them onto the capital, didn't have the movement to besiege it though.
Meanwhile our king and some of the Lisbon garrison marches on the Sultan's camp. Ram is built but he surrenders next turn, up to the next player if they capture or kill him.
So this is Portugal now. Pretty good position I reckon, might need to get some more mercs into the army by cordoba though.
Also early on I directed our merchant to Timbuktu...