Mercenary vs. Vassal in Bannerlord: Which Path is Right for You?
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The age-old question in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord – mercenary or vassal? The answer, like most things in Calradia, isn’t straightforward. It depends entirely on your goals, playstyle, and current stage in the game. However, if you are looking for early game stability and a low risk environment, then being a mercenary is the better option. If you are prepared to manage fiefs, engage in kingdom-level politics, and build your own power base, becoming a vassal offers significantly more long-term rewards.
The Allure of the Mercenary Life
Freedom and Flexibility
The life of a mercenary is one of unparalleled freedom. You’re a gun for hire, selling your sword to the highest bidder. This means you’re not tied down to any particular kingdom or its political machinations. You can choose your battles, opting to join wars that suit your needs – whether it’s for renown, loot, or simply to test your skills against a specific enemy.
Building Renown and Skills
Mercenary work is a fantastic way to build renown and improve your skills. You’ll participate in battles large and small, leading your troops and racking up experience. This is crucial for developing your character and your companions, making you a more formidable force on the battlefield.
Financial Gains
The main appeal for most is the financial aspect. As a mercenary, you receive a daily wage from the kingdom you’re serving. This provides a steady income, allowing you to build your war chest and invest in better equipment, more troops, and other enterprises. This financial stability is vital in the early to mid-game.
No Long-Term Commitments
Perhaps the best part of being a mercenary is the lack of commitment. When the war ends, or if you simply tire of fighting for a particular kingdom, you can leave without any repercussions (aside from the possible hit to relations with lords who appreciated your service). This allows you to explore different parts of the map, fight different enemies, and generally experience all that Calradia has to offer. Being a mercenary does allow for the raiding of caravans and the burning of villages as well. Peace treaties will remove any negative effects.
The Path to Vassalhood: Power and Responsibility
Swearing Fealty: Joining a Kingdom
Becoming a vassal is a significant step. You are committing to a kingdom and its king, pledging your loyalty and service in exchange for land, titles, and a place within the realm’s hierarchy. This commitment comes with both immense power and significant responsibility.
Fiefs and Governance
As a vassal, you’ll be granted fiefs – villages, castles, or even towns – to govern. These fiefs will generate income, provide troops, and serve as your power base. However, managing these fiefs effectively requires careful planning and investment. You’ll need to build improvements, maintain order, and defend them from enemies.
Political Influence and Warfare
Being a vassal also grants you a voice in the kingdom’s political decisions. You can influence policies, vote on war declarations, and even propose candidates for new fiefs. You’ll also be expected to participate in wars, leading your troops alongside other lords and contributing to the kingdom’s overall military strength. You are able to command the troops of other lords under your banner, and lead them into battle as you see fit.
Long-Term Growth
Ultimately, vassalhood offers the greatest potential for long-term growth. You can accumulate wealth, build your power base, and eventually become a powerful figure within the kingdom. With enough influence, you might even be able to challenge the king for the throne, or perhaps leave and found your own kingdom!
Key Considerations
- Early Game: Mercenary work is generally recommended for the early game. It provides income, renown, and experience without the burden of managing fiefs or dealing with complex political issues.
- Mid-Game: As you gain experience and build your warband, you can start considering vassalhood. Look for a kingdom that aligns with your values and offers opportunities for advancement.
- Late Game: Vassalhood is essential for anyone who wants to become a powerful figure in Calradia. Whether you aim to rule a kingdom or simply dominate the battlefield, being a vassal provides the necessary tools and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is being a mercenary a good way to start in Bannerlord?
Yes! Being a mercenary is an excellent way to start. It provides a safe and stable environment to learn the game mechanics, build your character, and accumulate wealth without the pressures of managing fiefs or navigating kingdom politics.
2. What are the benefits of being a vassal in Bannerlord?
The benefits of being a vassal include gaining fiefs, wielding political influence, commanding larger armies, and building a long-term power base within a kingdom.
3. What are the downsides of being a vassal?
The downsides of being a vassal include being tied to a kingdom’s policies, having to defend your fiefs from attack, and potentially facing rebellions or betrayals from other lords. You also surrender your rights to diplomacy and future claimed cities and castles.
4. Can I leave a kingdom if I’m a vassal?
Yes, you can leave a kingdom as a vassal, but you’ll likely lose any fiefs you hold and risk going to war with your former liege.
5. Is there a penalty for leaving a kingdom as a mercenary?
No, there is no penalty for leaving a kingdom as a mercenary. You are free to leave whenever your contract expires or you choose to terminate it.
6. How do I become a vassal in Bannerlord?
To become a vassal, you need to improve your relations with a kingdom’s ruler or a powerful clan within that kingdom. Once you have sufficient relations, you can speak to the ruler and swear fealty.
7. What happens to my mercenary contract when war ends?
When the war ends, your mercenary contract is typically terminated. You can then choose to renew the contract, join another kingdom, or pursue other endeavors.
8. Can I overthrow a kingdom in Bannerlord?
While you cannot directly overthrow the king from within, you can leave the kingdom, take your fiefs with you, and then wage war to conquer the kingdom.
9. Is it possible to take over a Kingdom in Bannerlord?
Yes, it is possible to take over a kingdom. This can be accomplished by overthrowing the King, or succeeding the ruler in the line of succession.
10. Is it worth being a vassal in Bannerlord?
It is worth being a vassal if you want to build a long-term power base, control territory, and participate in kingdom-level politics.
11. Can a vassal be a lord at the same time?
Yes, a person could be both a lord and a vassal. Landed knights with large fiefs, would give small sections of land to other knights, and create their own level of obligation. Knights could serve multiple lords.
12. Can I recruit clans as a vassal in Bannerlord?
Yes, you can recruit mercenary or minor clans as vassals after you have captured the leader in war. Give the clan leader money (around 20k) and they will become vassals who can hold fiefs.
13. What are the most powerful troops to have in Bannerlord?
The most powerful troops in Bannerlord include Vlandian Sharpshooters, Vlandian Banner Knights, Imperial Elite Cataphracts, and Khuzait Khan’s Guard.
14. Who should I marry in Bannerlord?
The best nobles to marry in Bannerlord depend on your goals and the skills you need to improve your clan. Consider factors like age, skills, and clan relations when making your choice.
15. Can I become King in Bannerlord 2?
Yes, you can become King in Bannerlord 2 by establishing your own kingdom after leaving your current one.
Conclusion: Choose Your Path Wisely
Ultimately, the decision of whether to be a mercenary or a vassal depends on your personal preferences and goals in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Both paths offer unique advantages and disadvantages. As a final word of wisdom, remember that gaming can also be educational. Resources like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explore the cognitive and educational aspects of gaming, providing insights into how games can improve cognitive skills and strategic thinking. So, whether you choose the freedom of the mercenary or the power of the vassal, enjoy your journey in Calradia and the many lessons it offers!