How to Make Money in Norland
In Norland, making money is essential for the survival and expansion of your kingdom. If you’re like me, you probably started your journey focused on military conquests and building grand cities, only to find yourself broke and struggling to maintain control.
Managing your economy wisely, especially early on, can make the difference between thriving and constantly putting out fires.
Let me share some of my personal experiences on how to build wealth in Norland while keeping your people happy (or at least not ready to revolt).
Understanding Taxes and Citizen Happiness
The simplest and most consistent way to make money in Norland is through peasant markets. Every citizen has to buy food and drink. The challenge is figuring out how much you can squeeze out of them before they revolt.
I made the mistake early on charging my peasants way too heavily. I was trying to boost my treasury as quickly as possible, but the higher prices made them resentful. After a few in-game months, I faced a full-blown peasant rebellion. Lesson learned: balance is key.
Tips for Managing Markets in Norland
Moderate Prices: A good rule of thumb is to keep taxes moderate, especially early in the game. Try not to exceed 20-25% of the default price for peasants.
Population growth: Another tactic I found useful was increasing the population instead of raising taxes. The more citizens you have, the more money you collect, even with moderate rates.
Invest in loyalty: Occasionally, you might want to hold festivals or reduce taxes temporarily to keep your citizens happy. This can also help prevent revolts, which are far more costly than the few coins you’d save by squeezing taxes.
Trading and Market Manipulation
Once your economy is stable through taxes, it’s time to explore trade. Norland has a complex market system, and prices for goods can fluctuate based on supply and demand. This is where I really started seeing substantial profits.
I’ll be honest; when I first got into trading, I was pretty clueless. I used to sell whatever I had in surplus, but soon realized I could make a lot more money by actively monitoring the global market and exploiting price differences.
How to Trade Smartly
Monitor the market: Keep an eye on what goods are in demand and what you have in abundance. For instance, if the market is flooded with wheat, the price will drop. That’s not the time to sell. Hold onto it until demand rises.
Create production chains: Instead of selling raw materials, turn them into higher-value goods. For example, you can convert wheat into bread or wool into clothing, both of which fetch higher prices on the market.
War and Loot: The High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy
Let’s face it—war is expensive. But if you’re smart about it, it can also be one of the most profitable ventures in Norland. Whether you’re expanding your territory or simply raiding a neighbor, military conquest can boost your economy in several ways.
In one playthrough, I decided to raid a neighboring village just for the heck of it. I didn’t need the land, but I figured I’d take whatever resources I could carry. Not only did I come back with a hefty pile of gold, but I also captured several prisoners that I later ransomed for even more profit.
How to Make War Profitable
Target wealthy regions: Before launching an attack, scout your enemies. Richer kingdoms or towns tend to have larger treasuries, making them more lucrative targets.
Loot everything: After you conquer a town, loot their resources and treasury. You can take prisoners, who can either be ransomed back for a fee or used as forced labor in your kingdom.
Sell or use prisoners: If you capture nobles or important figures, ransom them for gold. For peasants, you can either incorporate them into your workforce or sell them as slaves—though this may affect your kingdom’s reputation and happiness.
Diplomacy and Trade Alliances
While war can bring in money fast, it’s not always the most sustainable option. Another way to ensure a steady income is through diplomatic relations and trade alliances.
In one of my more peaceful playthroughs, I focused on building strong alliances with neighboring kingdoms. Not only did it keep me safe from attacks, but these alliances opened up exclusive trade routes.
Benefits of Trade Alliances
Steady income: While war can bring large sums of money quickly, trade alliances provide a steady stream of income over time. It’s more reliable and less risky than constant conflict.
Reduced trade costs: Friendly nations may reduce tariffs or offer better trade deals, allowing you to buy goods more cheaply and sell them at higher prices.
Conclusion to Money in Norland
Making money in Norland involves a mix of strategies, from taxes and trade to war and crime. It’s all about balance. Push your citizens too hard with high taxes, and you’ll face revolts. Ignore trade opportunities, and you’ll miss out on a stable income stream.
But, when done right, you’ll find yourself with a flourishing economy, a well-stocked treasury, and plenty of room for growth.
Whether you prefer the path of diplomacy, the thrill of conquest, or the allure of shady underground dealings, Norland offers multiple ways to build your wealth.
Keep experimenting, and remember—sometimes, the best lessons come from failing (trust me, I’ve lost more than one kingdom trying to figure all this out).
