Bannerlord: Claiming Your First Settlement - A Guide

So, you're diving into the world of Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and you're probably thinking, "How do I get my own settlement?" Well, you've come to the right place, guys! Owning a settlement in Bannerlord is a huge step towards building your own kingdom and becoming a major player in Calradia. It's not just about having a cool castle to hang out in; it's about power, resources, and influence. But let's be real, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. There are a bunch of things to consider, from your relationship with different factions to the strength of the garrison you'll need. Don't worry, though! This guide will break down everything you need to know to claim your first settlement and start building your empire. We'll cover everything from choosing the right settlement to managing it effectively once it's yours. We'll explore the different types of settlements available, like towns, castles, and cities, and discuss the pros and cons of each. We'll also delve into the factors that make a settlement desirable, such as its location, resources, and strategic importance. So, grab your sword, saddle up your horse, and let's get started on your journey to becoming a lord of the land!

Preparing for Conquest

Before you even think about taking a settlement, you need to make sure you're prepared. This isn't something you can just rush into. You'll need a decent army, some cash flow, and a good understanding of the political landscape. First things first: your army. You can't just stroll up to a castle with a handful of recruits and expect to take it. You'll need a well-trained, well-equipped fighting force. Focus on recruiting higher-tier troops like Battanian Fian Champions, Imperial Cataphracts, or Vlandian Banner Knights. These guys can really make a difference in a siege. Don't underestimate the importance of having a good mix of infantry, archers, and cavalry. Each unit type has its strengths and weaknesses, and you'll need a balanced force to handle different situations. Next up: money. Sieges are expensive! You'll need to pay your troops, buy supplies, and potentially bribe enemy lords. Make sure you have a steady income stream before you start any major military campaigns. Trade is a great way to make money, but you can also earn cash by completing quests, participating in tournaments, or raiding enemy caravans. Finally, political awareness is key. Before you declare war on a faction, consider the consequences. Are they at war with anyone else? Do you have any allies who can help you? What's your relationship with the other factions? All of these factors can influence your chances of success. Remember, taking a settlement is a declaration of war, so be prepared for the fallout. Understanding the political landscape also means understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each faction. Knowing which factions are likely to come to the aid of the settlement you're targeting can help you prepare for potential counterattacks. Consider forging alliances with other factions or recruiting lords from the targeted faction to weaken their defenses from within.

Choosing the Right Settlement

Okay, so you're ready to conquer. The next step is choosing the right settlement. Not all settlements are created equal! Some are more valuable than others, and some are easier to defend. Location, location, location! That’s the most important thing. Look for a settlement that's strategically located. A castle on a hilltop is going to be much easier to defend than a town in a valley. Also, consider the settlement's proximity to your other holdings (if you have any). The closer it is, the easier it will be to manage and defend. Then think about resources. Some settlements are located near valuable resources like iron, wood, or grain. These resources can be used to improve your settlement's economy and provide your troops with supplies. Check the settlement's prosperity level. A prosperous settlement will generate more tax revenue and attract more merchants. Finally, consider the garrison. How many troops are currently stationed in the settlement? What's their quality? A heavily defended settlement will be much harder to take than a lightly defended one. Scouting the settlement before launching an attack is crucial. Use your companions or send out scouts to gather information about the garrison size, troop types, and any fortifications that might be in place. This intelligence will help you plan your attack and minimize your losses. Remember, the goal is not just to take a settlement but to hold it. Choosing a settlement that is strategically located, rich in resources, and easy to defend will greatly increase your chances of success. In addition to the physical attributes of the settlement, consider the political climate of the surrounding area. Is the settlement located in a region prone to banditry or factional warfare? These factors can impact the stability and prosperity of your new holding.

Declaring War and Initiating the Siege

Alright, you've picked your target. Now it's time to declare war and start the siege! Declaring war is a big decision, so make sure you're ready for the consequences. Once you declare war, the target faction will become hostile to you, and their lords will start raiding your lands. If you're already part of a kingdom, you'll need to convince your king to declare war on the target faction. This can be tricky, as your king may have other priorities. Once war is declared, head to your chosen settlement and begin the siege. Sieges in Bannerlord can be long and grueling, so be prepared for a war of attrition. Start by building siege engines like trebuchets, ballistae, and siege towers. These machines will help you break down the settlement's walls and defenses. While your siege engines are doing their work, protect them from enemy sallies. The enemy will try to come out and destroy your siege engines, so make sure you have enough troops to defend them. Once you've breached the walls, it's time for the final assault. Lead your troops into the settlement and engage the enemy in close combat. Be careful! Sieges are dangerous, and you can easily get killed. Focus on capturing key strategic points like the gatehouse and the keep. Once you've captured these points, the settlement is yours! Before initiating the siege, consider your long-term goals. Are you planning to keep the settlement for yourself, or are you hoping to offer it to one of your vassals? This decision can impact your siege strategy and the way you treat the settlement's inhabitants. It's also important to manage your siege supplies carefully. Food and water can quickly run out, especially during a prolonged siege. Make sure you have enough provisions to sustain your army until the settlement falls. Consider investing in siege-specific perks and skills that can improve your siege efficiency and reduce casualties. These perks can make a significant difference in the outcome of the siege.

Managing Your New Settlement

Congratulations! You've captured your first settlement! But the work doesn't stop there. In fact, it's just beginning. Managing a settlement is a complex task, and you'll need to balance a variety of factors to keep your people happy and your coffers full. First and foremost, garrison. You'll need to leave a garrison in the settlement to defend it from enemy attacks. The size and quality of your garrison will depend on the settlement's location and the threat level in the area. Don't skimp on the garrison! A weak garrison is an invitation for enemies to attack. Make sure to recruit troops from the local area to improve relations with the locals. Then, loyalty. Keeping your people happy is essential for maintaining order and preventing rebellions. Build improvements that increase loyalty, such as a governor's hall or a festival ground. Also, make sure to address any grievances that your people may have. Listen to their concerns and try to find solutions that satisfy everyone. It's really important. Taxes are a vital source of income, but don't overtax your people! High taxes can lead to unhappiness and rebellion. Find a balance between generating revenue and keeping your people content. It's always a good idea to invest in improvements that boost the settlement's economy and improve the lives of your people. Build workshops, granaries, and aqueducts to increase productivity and reduce the risk of famine. Managing your settlement's finances is crucial for long-term success. Keep track of your income and expenses, and invest wisely in improvements that will generate revenue and improve the settlement's overall prosperity. Regularly inspect your settlement's defenses and make sure they are up to par. Repair any damaged walls or towers and upgrade your fortifications to withstand enemy attacks. Also, consider appointing a skilled governor to oversee the day-to-day management of your settlement. A good governor can help you maintain order, boost the economy, and improve relations with the locals. Finally, be prepared to defend your settlement from enemy attacks. Keep a close eye on the political situation and be ready to respond to any threats. A strong defense is the best way to protect your investment and ensure the long-term prosperity of your new holding. Remember, claiming your first settlement is just the beginning of your journey to becoming a lord of the land. With careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a little bit of luck, you can build a thriving kingdom and carve your name into the history of Calradia.

Thriving as a Lord

Now that you've got your settlement up and running, it's time to think about how to thrive as a lord. This means expanding your influence, building relationships with other lords, and protecting your territory from enemies. Diplomacy is key. Building strong relationships with other lords can help you secure alliances, negotiate trade agreements, and avoid wars. Attend feasts, participate in tournaments, and offer gifts to curry favor with your fellow nobles. Also, consider marrying into a powerful family to solidify your position in the political landscape. Then you need expand your territory. Once you've established a solid base of power, start thinking about expanding your territory. This can be done through conquest, diplomacy, or marriage. But be careful! Expanding too quickly can overstretch your resources and make you vulnerable to attack. Also, always be prepared to defend your territory. Your enemies will be constantly trying to take your land, so you need to be ready to fight. Build strong garrisons, train your troops, and forge alliances to protect your holdings. Managing your finances effectively is crucial for long-term success. Keep track of your income and expenses, and invest wisely in improvements that will generate revenue and improve the overall prosperity of your holdings. Building a strong economy is essential for supporting your troops, funding your projects, and maintaining your position in the political landscape. Remember, being a lord is not just about owning land and collecting taxes. It's about serving your people, protecting your territory, and contributing to the overall prosperity of your kingdom. By focusing on these goals, you can build a lasting legacy and become a respected leader in Calradia. Stay active, engage with the community, and continue to learn and adapt to the ever-changing world of Bannerlord. The path to greatness is long and challenging, but with dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams and become a legendary figure in the history of Calradia. Good luck, and may your reign be long and prosperous!