Who is the Best Steward in Mount & Blade?
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The best steward in Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is generally considered to be “The Spicevendor.” They possess a starting Steward skill of 100, which is the highest among all companions. This makes them ideal for managing your settlements and clan finances effectively right from the start. Furthermore, The Spicevendor also boasts a high Trading skill (100), making them a versatile asset for your caravan management and overall economic success. Other companions can be good alternatives depending on your play style and the current perks available.
Understanding the Role of a Steward
Before diving deeper, let’s understand the role of a steward. In Bannerlord, a steward is essential for:
- Governing Towns and Castles: Stewards increase loyalty, reduce construction costs, and generally improve the prosperity of your fiefs.
- Clan Management: They contribute to the party’s food stores, wage reduction, and party size bonuses.
- Economic Development: Stewards with high Trading skill can significantly boost your income through caravans and workshops.
Therefore, choosing the right steward is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your success in Bannerlord.
Evaluating Steward Candidates
While The Spicevendor starts with a considerable advantage, other factors should influence your final decision:
- Skill Growth Potential: Check the companion’s learning rate in Steward. Some companions might start lower but can quickly catch up with proper training.
- Other Skills: A well-rounded companion can fulfill multiple roles. Look for individuals with useful skills like Medicine, Engineering, or Leadership.
- Personality: Some companions have traits that might clash with your playstyle or other companions. Consider their potential for causing issues within your party.
- Availability and Cost: Some companions are easier to find and recruit than others. Consider the time and resources required to obtain them.
Alternative Stewardship Options
While The Spicevendor is typically the top choice, the “Swift” can be an acceptable alternative. Other companions with good starting Intelligence and a decent aptitude for learning stewardship can also become excellent stewards with proper training. Focus on investing attribute points in Intelligence and learning perks that boost stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does the Steward skill do?
The Steward skill primarily affects your settlement governance and clan management. Higher Steward skill leads to increased loyalty in towns and castles, reduced construction costs, lower food consumption, and better party management.
2. How do I assign a steward in Bannerlord?
To assign a steward, go to the Clan menu. Select the Party tab if you want to assign them as the quartermaster for your party, or select the Town/Castle tab and choose a settlement, then select a governor from your list of companions.
3. What attributes are important for a steward?
The most important attribute for a steward is Intelligence. Intelligence directly affects the learning rate of the Steward skill, allowing your companion to level up faster.
4. Can I train my companions to become better stewards?
Yes, you can train companions by assigning them the steward role and letting them gain experience. Focus on battles and completing quests to give them opportunities to increase their skills. Equipping them with gear that boosts Intelligence also helps.
5. What are some helpful Steward perks?
Some of the most useful Steward perks include:
- Paid in Promise (Tier 1): Parties cost 5% less wages.
- Man of the People (Tier 2): +1 Loyalty in towns.
- Master of Planning (Tier 3): -10% building construction cost in towns.
- Logistician (Tier 4): Party size increased by 10.
- Gourmand (Tier 5): +0.2 Prosperity in Towns daily.
- Assessor (Tier 6): +5% tax income.
- Disciplinarian (Tier 7): -10% wage cost.
- Promoter (Tier 8): +1 militia in towns daily.
6. How does Trading skill relate to Stewardship?
While not directly related, the Trading skill is incredibly valuable for stewards. It allows them to generate more income through caravans and workshops, contributing to the overall prosperity of your clan and settlements. A steward with high Trading can significantly boost your economy.
7. Can my spouse be a good steward?
Yes, your spouse can make an excellent steward, especially if they have high Intelligence and a decent starting Steward skill. Training your spouse as a steward can free up other companions for different roles.
8. How many companions can I have in my party?
The number of companions you can have in your party is limited by your clan tier. You start with a limit of four, and each clan tier upgrade grants you an additional slot, up to a maximum of eight.
9. Where can I find The Spicevendor in Bannerlord?
The Spicevendor can usually be found in towns and taverns within the Aserai territory. Check cities like Qasira and Shariz frequently.
10. Are there any unique events or quests related to companions?
Yes, many companions have personal quests that can unlock additional skills, gear, or unique storylines. These quests often provide valuable rewards and deepen your connection with the companions.
11. What happens if my steward dies in battle?
If your steward dies in battle, their skills and bonuses will be lost. You’ll need to replace them with another companion. It’s always a good idea to have backup companions trained in stewardship in case of emergencies.
12. Can I use mods to improve stewardship in Bannerlord?
Yes, numerous mods can enhance the stewardship mechanics in Bannerlord, such as adding new perks, improving AI behavior, or increasing the impact of stewardship skills. Explore mods on platforms like Nexus Mods to find options that suit your preferences.
13. Is it better to have a specialized steward or a well-rounded companion?
The answer depends on your playstyle and needs. A specialized steward excels at governing settlements and managing clan finances, while a well-rounded companion can contribute to multiple areas, such as leading parties, scouting, or healing troops. Consider your overall strategy when making your decision.
14. How does a steward affect my relationship with other lords?
A good steward can indirectly improve your relationship with other lords by contributing to the prosperity and stability of your fiefs. Well-managed settlements are less likely to rebel or be targeted by enemies, which can enhance your reputation.
15. What is the importance of learning and education in Bannerlord?
Learning and education play a crucial role in character and companion development. Companions with high Intelligence and learning rates can quickly master new skills and contribute significantly to your clan’s success. Investing in their education is a long-term investment that pays off handsomely. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) highlights how games, like Bannerlord, can promote strategic thinking and skill acquisition. The GamesLearningSociety.org is the main hub for learning in the games.
Choosing the right steward in Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is a critical step toward building a successful and prosperous kingdom. While The Spicevendor provides a strong starting point, carefully consider other factors like skill growth, personality, and overall versatility to find the best fit for your unique playstyle.