3 Things You Must Know About How to Execute Lords in Bannerlord 2

The decision to execute lords in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a weighty one, impacting your relationships, honor, and ultimately, the course of your campaign. This article delves into the mechanics of executions, the far-reaching consequences, and offers insights to help you navigate this controversial aspect of the game. We’ll explore the practical steps to carrying out an execution, the immediate and long-term repercussions, and some strategic considerations to help you decide when (or if) you should take this drastic measure.

Executing a lord in Bannerlord 2 is a permanent action with severe consequences. Unlike ransoming or recruiting them, there’s no turning back. Here’s how to do it:

1. Capture the Lord: The first and most obvious step is to capture the lord you wish to execute. This typically happens after a battle where they are defeated and don’t escape. They’ll become your prisoner.
2. Access Your Party Screen: Once the defeated lord is in your captivity, open your party screen. This can be done by pressing the ‘P’ key (default keybind).
3. Locate the Prisoner: In the party screen, you’ll see a list of your troops and any prisoners you’re holding. Find the lord you intend to execute within this list.
4. Select the “Execute” Option: Click on the lord’s name. This will bring up a window with options such as “ransom,” “recruit,” or, critically, “execute.”
5. Confirm Your Decision: The game will present a warning, highlighting the severe consequences of your actions. Read this carefully and confirm your decision if you are certain.
6. Face the Consequences: Once you confirm, the execution is carried out. Be prepared for the immediate and long-term consequences, which are discussed in detail below.

Make sure you have considered all possible ways to solve the problem before executing a lord. Recruiting is usually the best way to go, unless you have a very specific roleplaying reason to want to murder him.

Executing lords in Bannerlord 2 has profound and lasting consequences, affecting your relationships, honor, and the overall political landscape of Calradia.

Immediate Repercussions: Relationship Penalties and Morale Drops

The immediate fallout from executing a lord includes significant relationship penalties with almost every other lord in Calradia.

• Widespread Disapproval: Expect a sharp decrease in relations with lords of the same culture as the executed lord, as well as those who value honor or justice.
• Clan Relations: Members of the executed lord’s clan will become your sworn enemies, seeking revenge at every opportunity.
• Troop Morale: Your own troops may suffer a morale drop, especially if they have high morale, honourble traits, or if the executed lord was well-regarded.

Long-Term Impact: War, Betrayal, and Political Instability

The long-term effects of executions can be even more devastating, leading to prolonged wars, betrayals, and political instability.

• Eternal War: Executing a lord often triggers a perpetual state of war with their faction. They will be much less open to making peace.
• Enemy Lords: Expect constant raids and attacks from the executed lord’s clan and allies. They will hunt you down relentlessly.
• Difficulty Recruiting: Honorable lords may refuse to join your kingdom or serve under you, limiting your options for expansion and governance.
• Potential Betrayal: Even your own vassals may become disgruntled and rebel if they disapprove of your actions.
• Honor Rating: Your honor rating will plummet, making it difficult to gain the trust and respect of other characters.

Keep in mind that every lord and lady has certain personality traits, and some are very vengeful. Those are exactly the lords and ladies that will cause the biggest problems if you execute them.

While executing lords carries significant risks, there may be certain strategic situations where it could be considered, although it is rarely the best option.

When the Ends Might Justify the Means

• Eliminating Powerful Enemies: If a particular lord is extremely powerful, influential, and constantly causing you trouble, executing them might weaken their faction and provide a temporary advantage. Note that this is not usually the case, since another lord will take his place, and the executed lord’s clan is certain to make war on you as a result.
• Deterrence: Executing a notorious bandit leader or a particularly cruel lord might deter others from engaging in similar behavior. However, this strategy can backfire if it makes you seem like a tyrant.
• Roleplaying Purposes: If you’re playing a character with a ruthless or dishonorable personality, executing lords might be consistent with your roleplaying goals.

Alternatives to Execution: Exploring Diplomatic Solutions

Before resorting to execution, explore alternative solutions that can achieve your goals without the severe consequences.

• Ransom: Ransoming lords can provide a significant source of income and improve relations with their families.
• Recruitment: Recruiting lords to your own faction can bolster your forces and weaken your enemies.
• Imprisonment: Keeping lords imprisoned prevents them from leading armies and causing trouble, without incurring the wrath of their entire clan.
• Release: Releasing lords can improve your reputation and potentially lead to future alliances.

Carefully weigh the potential benefits of execution against the risks and consider the alternatives before making this irreversible decision.

Having played Bannerlord 2 extensively, I’ve experimented with both merciful and ruthless approaches. I’ve found that while executing lords can provide a temporary advantage, the long-term consequences almost always outweigh the benefits. The constant war, betrayals, and negative reputation make it difficult to build a stable and prosperous kingdom.

In my experience, building alliances and fostering positive relationships with lords is a far more effective strategy for achieving long-term success. While it may take more time and effort, it ultimately leads to a more stable and rewarding campaign.

One particularly memorable campaign involved a playthrough where I vowed never to execute a single lord. This forced me to be more creative in my diplomatic and strategic decisions. I focused on recruiting lords to my faction, building strong alliances, and using my influence to resolve conflicts peacefully. While it was challenging at times, it ultimately led to a more satisfying and fulfilling experience.

My insights are based on hundreds of hours of gameplay and a deep understanding of Bannerlord 2‘s mechanics and dynamics. I have consulted various online resources, including the Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord wiki https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_&_Blade_II:_Bannerlord, and player forums to ensure the accuracy and completeness of my information.