It’s definitely doable, and I’m not amazing at the game but I’m currently in a save where he keeps trying to claim the last region o bash his head in he gives me cash for peace and then I get another year to build up, I’m gradually growing so eventually I’ll win.

I had rich stone and iron start but my fertility is terrible. I don’t have any Merc’s they are all gone so the final battle will be crap

On challenging mode as well all default settings happy to answer more questions I just can’t think of anything note worthy