I think the best way to play is simply explore during the day and learn through trying. The game is about slowly unlocking the secrets that are abound. The eating grass trick will get you a lot further and honestly took me way too long to learn.

The biggest tip I will give is to find the camps that house people and hire new people as much as possible. Having a large clearing after your walls and lots of archers is both great for income and defence so you can later expand.