How to Start a Kingdom in Bannerlord: A Guide to Conquering Calradia
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord allows players to immerse themselves in a world of medieval warfare, politics, and intrigue. One of the most rewarding aspects of the game is the ability to start your own kingdom in Bannerlord.
This guide will help you navigate the process of establishing your rule over Calradia, offering practical tips and strategies to get you started.
Preparing to Found Your Kingdom in Bannerlord
Build a Strong Foundation
Before you can declare yourself a king or queen, you need to lay a solid foundation. This involves strengthening your character, accumulating wealth, and building a reliable army. Here are some steps to consider:
Level Up Your Character:Â Focus on increasing your leadership, tactics, and charm skills. These will be crucial for managing your kingdom and convincing others to join your cause.
Accumulate Wealth:Â Engage in trading, smithing, and completing quests to build up a substantial war chest. You'll need money to pay your troops, upgrade equipment, and bribe potential allies.
Recruit and Train Troops:Â A strong army is essential. Recruit soldiers from villages and towns, and train them into elite units. High-tier troops will give you an edge in battles and sieges.
Establish Political Connections
In Bannerlord, relationships matter. Befriend influential nobles and leaders. Completing quests for them, attending feasts, and giving gifts can help you gain favor.
Strong alliances can provide military support and legitimacy when you decide to declare your kingdom.
Seizing Your First Fief
Choose the Right Moment
Timing is everything. Watch for moments when other factions are weak or embroiled in multiple wars. This will make it easier to capture a town or castle with minimal resistance.
Capture a Castle or Town
To start a kingdom, you need to capture a fief. Aim for a strategically located town or castle that can be easily defended. Consider these tips:
Scout the Defenses:Â Gather information about the garrison size and layout. Attack when the enemy is least prepared.
Siege Tactics:Â Use siege engines like trebuchets and battering rams to breach the walls. Focus on weakening the defenses before launching a full assault.
Leadership and Strategy:Â Lead your troops wisely during the siege. Use formations and commands to maximize their effectiveness.
Declaring Independence
Make Your Claim
Once you've captured a fief, it's time to declare your independence. This is where the real challenge begins. Announce your kingdom and prepare for the inevitable backlash from other factions.
Name and Manage Your Kingdom
Choose a name for your kingdom and establish its policies. Set tax rates, manage food supplies, and maintain troop morale.
Your leadership skills will be tested as you balance the needs of your subjects and the demands of war.
Expanding and Defending Your Kingdom
Secure Your Borders
Defending your newly formed kingdom is crucial. Strengthen your defenses by building improvements in your castles and towns. Train a garrison to protect against enemy attacks. Patrol your borders to fend off raiders and rival factions.
Diplomacy and Alliances
Use diplomacy to your advantage. Send emissaries to negotiate peace treaties, trade agreements, and alliances.
Marriages can also be a powerful tool to secure alliances and gain favor with other factions.
Conquer and Expand
To grow your kingdom, you'll need to conquer more territory. Use your army to capture enemy fiefs, but be cautious not to overextend. Each new territory needs to be defended, and too rapid an expansion can strain your resources.
Managing Your Kingdom
Appoint Vassals
Delegate responsibilities by appointing vassals to govern your territories. Choose loyal and capable companions or nobles who will support your rule.
This allows you to focus on larger strategic decisions while your vassals manage day-to-day affairs.
Maintain Order
Keep your subjects happy by addressing their needs. Ensure there is enough food, keep taxes reasonable, and deal with bandits and rebellions swiftly. A content population is less likely to revolt and more likely to support your campaigns.
Develop Infrastructure
Invest in your kingdom's infrastructure. Build and upgrade marketplaces, training grounds, and workshops. A well-developed economy will support your war efforts and help sustain your kingdom in the long run.
Conclusion
Starting a kingdom in Bannerlord is no small feat. It requires strategic planning, military prowess, and diplomatic finesse. By preparing thoroughly, seizing opportunities, and managing your realm effectively, you can carve out a powerful kingdom in Calradia.
Whether you dream of uniting the land under a single banner or simply carving out your own slice of glory, the path to kingship is yours to forge.
So, sharpen your sword, rally your troops, and embark on the journey to crown yourself ruler of all you survey.
