While Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord might not immediately conjure images of sprawling naval battles, the potential for seafaring significantly alters the diplomatic landscape. This article explores how the introduction of naval warfare – even in a limited capacity – could reshape alliances, trade, and conflict resolution within Calradia. It goes beyond simply stating the obvious and delves into practical implications and less-explored avenues of diplomatic maneuvering.
The most immediate impact of naval capabilities is the strategic importance of coastal territories. Currently, castles and cities are primarily land-locked or strategically positioned along rivers. Naval power would drastically increase the value of coastal settlements, forcing factions to prioritize their defense and actively seek alliances to secure their coastlines.
Securing Coastal Regions: An Overview
- Coastal Raiding: A faction with a strong navy can raid coastal villages and towns belonging to rival kingdoms. This would force the defending faction to divert resources to coastal defense, weakening their overall military strength. A good starting point would be to have specific Raider skills in your party.
- Naval Blockades: Control of sea lanes allows a faction to blockade ports, disrupting trade and crippling the economy of enemy factions. This economic warfare can be a powerful tool to weaken a kingdom before launching a full-scale invasion.
- Amphibious Assaults: Landing troops directly on enemy shores can bypass traditional land-based defenses, allowing for surprise attacks and the capture of strategically important coastal cities.
- Alliance Formations: Kingdoms bordering the sea may seek alliances with naval powers to protect themselves from coastal raids and blockades. This could lead to the formation of powerful maritime alliances that dominate trade and exert significant political influence.
Practical Applications: Protecting Coastal Towns
Imagine the Battanians, traditionally focused on forest warfare, suddenly needing to defend against Vlandian longboats raiding their western coast. They might seek an alliance with the Northern Empire, offering them favorable trade deals in exchange for naval support. This shifts the power dynamic, forcing the Battanians to consider alliances they might previously have dismissed.
From personal experience, I’ve often seen the Battanians fall quickly due to their geographically vulnerable position. A naval threat would amplify this vulnerability, but also force them into strategic alliances, potentially lengthening their lifespan in a campaign.
Currently, trade in Bannerlord is largely overland. Rivers offer some transport options, but the sea provides a far more efficient and expansive network. Naval dominance translates directly into economic dominance, allowing factions to control trade routes and dictate terms.
Trade Route Control: Securing Sea Lanes
- Establishing Trade Hubs: Coastal cities with good harbors and access to resources can become major trading hubs, attracting merchants from across Calradia and generating significant revenue.
- Controlling Sea Lanes: A strong navy can protect trade routes from pirates and rival factions, ensuring the safe passage of goods and maximizing profits.
- Taxation and Tariffs: Factions that control key sea lanes can impose taxes and tariffs on passing ships, further increasing their wealth and influence.
Exploiting Trade Opportunities: Building Economic Strength
Consider a scenario where the Aserai, known for their desert caravans, gain access to shipbuilding technology. They could establish a trade route linking the southern coast of Calradia to the Northern Empire, bypassing the dangerous mountain passes controlled by bandits. This new trade route would generate wealth for both factions, fostering closer diplomatic ties and potentially leading to a military alliance.
I’ve found in my own campaigns that a strong economy is the backbone of any successful kingdom. Naval trade routes would add a completely new layer to economic development, requiring players to consider factors like naval escorts, port infrastructure, and diplomatic relations with coastal factions.
Beyond direct warfare and trade control, a strong navy serves as a powerful symbol of a kingdom’s strength and resolve. The ability to project power across the seas significantly enhances a faction’s diplomatic leverage.
Intimidation and Negotiation: Using Naval Power as Leverage
- Naval Shows of Force: A faction can send a fleet of warships to patrol the coast of a rival kingdom as a show of force, signaling their displeasure and potentially forcing the rival to concede to their demands.
- Support for Allies: A navy can be used to transport troops and supplies to support allies in distant lands, strengthening alliances and deterring potential aggressors.
- Deterrence: The mere existence of a strong navy can deter other factions from attacking or interfering with a kingdom’s interests, maintaining peace and stability.
Forming Alliances: Building a Naval Coalition
Imagine the Khuzaits, primarily land-based horse archers, developing a small but effective fleet. They could use this fleet to patrol the coast, deterring Vlandian raids and projecting power into the sea. This act could lead to alliance opportunities with other land locked kingdoms who lack ports, making it a valuable diplomatic tool.
In many playthroughs, I’ve seen kingdoms crumble simply due to a lack of allies. Naval power offers a tangible asset to bring to the negotiating table, allowing smaller or geographically disadvantaged factions to punch above their weight in the diplomatic arena.
Table: Potential Naval Unit Types and Their Diplomatic Impact
| Unit Type | Description | Diplomatic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Longboat | Fast, maneuverable raiding ship | Enables coastal raids, forcing defensive alliances. |
| Merchant Carrack | Large cargo ship, heavily armed | Facilitates trade, strengthening economic ties. |
| War Galley | Heavily armed warship | Projects power, intimidates rivals, and supports allies militarily. |
| Coastal Defense Ship | Designed for harbor protection | Secures ports, encouraging trade and economic growth. |
Naval warfare isn’t just about sinking ships. It’s about the subtle dance of diplomacy that surrounds it. Alliances forged for mutual naval protection, trade agreements negotiated based on sea lane access, and the constant threat of naval intervention all contribute to a richer, more complex political landscape.
I believe that the lack of naval warfare is a missed opportunity in Bannerlord 2. It limits the strategic depth and reduces the incentive for diplomacy. Adding even a rudimentary naval system would open up a whole new dimension to the game. These factors need to be considered to truly harness its impact on diplomacy.
The introduction of naval warfare in Bannerlord 2 wouldn’t just add a new combat mechanic; it would fundamentally reshape the diplomatic game. Coastal control, trade dominance, and power projection would become crucial factors in determining a kingdom’s success. By understanding these implications, players can leverage naval power to forge stronger alliances, cripple their enemies, and ultimately, conquer Calradia.