3 Bold Predictions for Bannerlord 2 Naval DLC: Storylines and Quests

The anticipation for a naval-focused DLC in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is palpable. Players are eager to take to the seas, but what kind of stories and quests could such a DLC offer? Forget simple naval combat; let’s dive into some compelling and immersive possibilities. This article explores three bold predictions for the Bannerlord 2 Naval DLC: Potential Storylines and Quests, focusing on the kind of narratives that would truly make it a game-changer.

One of the most popular requests from the community is a reimagining of the Viking Age. Imagine a scenario where a new faction, inspired by Norse raiders, lands on the shores of Calradia.

Implementing the Invasion

Instead of just adding ships, this storyline would fundamentally alter the power dynamics of the game.

• New Faction: The “Northmen” or a similar name, with unique units, weapons, and culture based on Viking history.
• Coastal Raids: Players could join the Northmen and raid coastal towns and villages for resources and slaves. This would add a new layer of strategic depth to the game, forcing coastal factions to invest heavily in defense.
• Invasion Campaign: A storyline where the Northmen attempt to conquer parts of Calradia, challenging established kingdoms and forcing players to choose sides.

Player Choice and Consequences

This storyline could be approached from multiple angles:

• Play as a Northman: Lead raiding parties, build settlements, and establish a new kingdom in Calradia.
• Defend Calradia: Join an existing kingdom and fight against the invaders, protecting your lands and people.
• Exploit the chaos: Use the invasion as an opportunity to seize power, playing the factions against each other.

Unique Naval Warfare

This storyline provides opportunity for new types of naval warfare, incorporating:

• Longboats: Agile and fast ships perfect for raiding and coastal warfare.
• Boarding Actions: Emphasizing close-quarters combat on the decks of ships.
• Naval Raids: Players would use their ships to attack coastal settlements, loot resources, and capture prisoners.

Another exciting possibility is a storyline centered around trade and naval dominance. This would allow players to build a powerful trading empire, controlling the flow of goods and resources across Calradia.

Building a Trading Empire

• Naval Trade Routes: Establish trade routes between coastal cities, transporting goods and generating wealth.
• Naval Fleets: Build and command fleets of trading ships, protecting them from pirates and rival factions.
• Coastal Warehouses: Construct warehouses in coastal cities to store goods and facilitate trade.

Managing Rivalries and Piracy

A trading empire storyline would introduce new challenges and opportunities:

• Rival Trading Companies: Compete with other factions for control of trade routes and markets.
• Pirate Encounters: Defend your ships and trade routes from pirate attacks, hiring mercenaries or building your own naval defenses.
• Trade Wars: Engage in naval battles with rival factions to disrupt their trade and seize control of valuable resources.

Intrigue and Politics

This storyline could also incorporate elements of intrigue and political maneuvering:

• Naval Blockades: Disrupt the trade of rival factions by imposing naval blockades on their ports.
• Trade Agreements: Negotiate trade agreements with other kingdoms to secure access to valuable resources and markets.
• Smuggling: Engage in illegal trade activities to bypass tariffs and maximize profits.

Imagine a scenario where a lost colony from across the sea arrives on the shores of Calradia, seeking refuge and a new home. This “New World” storyline would bring new technologies, cultures, and conflicts to the game.

Discovery and Settlement

• The Arrival: A fleet of ships arrives from a distant land, carrying settlers, soldiers, and advanced technologies.
• Establishing a Colony: The colonists seek to establish a new settlement in Calradia, facing resistance from existing factions.
• Cultural Clash: The colonists’ unique culture and technology clash with those of Calradia, leading to conflict and intrigue.

New Technologies and Warfare

The introduction of a new culture would bring new technologies to the game:

• Advanced Weapons: The colonists could possess superior firearms and artillery, giving them a significant advantage in combat.
• Naval Innovations: New ship designs and naval tactics could revolutionize naval warfare in Calradia.
• New Resources: The colonists might introduce new crops, materials, and technologies that could transform the Calradian economy.

Political Intrigue and Alliances

This storyline could lead to complex political alliances and betrayals:

• Colonial Expansion: The colonists might seek to expand their territory, leading to conflict with existing kingdoms.
• Alliance Formation: Kingdoms might form alliances with or against the colonists, depending on their strategic interests.
• Cultural Assimilation: The colonists might attempt to integrate into Calradian society, or they might maintain their unique identity and culture.

Personal Experience and Naval Battles

Having spent countless hours playing Bannerlord and being fascinated by naval history, I see a huge opportunity to introduce asymmetric naval warfare. Imagine facing an enemy with superior numbers but you have the advantage of maneuverability and superior gunnery. This creates truly memorable battles. In one memorable multiplayer siege, I was completely outmatched in terms of infantry, but I was able to use cavalry and hit-and-run tactics to whittle down their numbers and ultimately win the day. A naval DLC should offer similar possibilities.

Actionable Tactics for the New World Storyline

When engaging in naval battles in the “New World” storyline, consider these tactics:

• Outmaneuvering: Use smaller, faster ships to outmaneuver larger, more heavily armed vessels.
• Gunnery Duels: Focus on destroying enemy ships with accurate and sustained fire.
• Boarding Actions: Use boarding tactics to capture enemy ships and turn them against their former owners.

Ultimately, any naval DLC needs to build upon the existing strengths of Bannerlord. This means incorporating the game’s robust combat system, deep strategic layer, and intricate political intrigue. The possibilities are vast, from Viking invasions to trading empires to lost colonies. The key is to create storylines that are engaging, immersive, and meaningful, adding new depth and complexity to the world of Calradia. A well-executed naval DLC could breathe new life into Bannerlord, keeping players engaged for years to come.

This table highlights the core elements of each proposed storyline and the conflicts that players could face, providing a clearer picture of the potential gameplay experiences.