5 Proven Tactics to Deal With Negative Companion Traits in Bannerlord 2

This article solves the problem of managing companions with undesirable traits in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. It provides five proven tactics, ranging from strategic role assignment to outright dismissal, to help you build a more effective and harmonious warband. We’ll delve into the nuances of each approach, offering practical advice and unique perspectives gleaned from countless hours spent navigating the treacherous political landscape of Calradia.

Companions in Bannerlord 2 aren’t just stat sticks; they’re characters with their own personalities, backstories, and, crucially, traits. These traits, both positive and negative, influence their behavior, their effectiveness in certain roles, and even their loyalty. Ignoring these traits can lead to disastrous consequences, from disgruntled companions undermining your authority to incompetent quartermasters bankrupting your war effort.

Identifying Problematic Traits

The first step is recognizing which traits are actually causing you problems. While some are objectively negative (e.g., “Greedy,” “Dishonest”), others are situational. For example, a “Merciful” companion might be detrimental to a ruthless leader seeking to crush all opposition, but invaluable to a benevolent ruler aiming for long-term stability. You can identify companion traits by looking at their character screen.

• Leadership: Traits impacting morale and party cohesion.
• Stewardship: Traits influencing economic efficiency and resource management.
• Tactics: Traits affecting battlefield decisions and combat effectiveness.
• Personal Conduct: Traits influencing relationships with other characters and overall loyalty.

One of the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of negative traits is to assign companions roles where those traits are less detrimental. This involves a careful understanding of both the companion’s skills and their personality.

Matching Skills to Roles, Ignoring Traits (Initially)

Start by assigning roles based purely on skill proficiency. If a companion has high Medicine, they are automatically assigned as the surgeon. High engineering skill will make them an automatic choice for siege engineer.

Adjusting Based on Negative Traits

Once you’ve assigned roles based on skills, assess how negative traits might affect their performance. For example:

• A “Greedy” companion with high Stewardship might be a good quartermaster, but be wary of potential inventory loss (caused by his bad behavior) and be prepared to monitor finances closely.
• A “Cruel” companion with high Leadership might inspire fear in troops, but could also lead to low morale and desertion, requiring careful management of morale-boosting activities.

Example: The Case of the “Upright” Quartermaster

Imagine you have a highly skilled steward with the “Upright” trait. This sounds positive, but it can be a problem. “Upright” companions often refuse to engage in less-than-ethical activities, like buying goods at a low price due to local misfortune, which impacts profit. However, instead of removing him, you can make him your party leader. “Upright” characters provide boosts to morale, improving party cohesion and decreasing desertion.

While you can’t change a companion’s personality, you can influence their skill growth. By focusing training on specific skills, you can somewhat compensate for the negative effects of certain traits.

Identifying Skill Deficiencies

Pinpoint the skills most affected by your companion’s negative traits. A “Lazy” companion might have stunted skill growth in areas requiring diligence, such as Scouting or Engineering.

Prioritizing Relevant Skill Training

Concentrate training efforts on these deficient skills. Use the Training field within your party to improve these skills. For example:

• For a “Lazy” companion, assign them tasks that passively train skills, such as scouting. The scouting skill increases while the party is traveling.
• For a “Greedy” companion, focus on improving their trade skill. A higher trade skill allows you to create caravans without losing money.

The Limits of Training

It’s important to acknowledge the limitations of this approach. Training can’t completely negate the impact of a deeply ingrained negative trait. A “Greedy” companion will always be more likely to take advantage of situations for personal gain, regardless of their Trade skill level.

Negative traits often manifest as behavioral issues that impact party morale and companion loyalty. Addressing these issues proactively is crucial.

Monitoring Morale Levels

Keep a close eye on your party’s morale. Low morale can lead to desertion, infighting, and reduced combat effectiveness.

Implementing Morale-Boosting Measures

Employ various strategies to maintain high morale:

• Provide a variety of food.
• Win battles consistently.
• Ensure regular pay for troops.
• Avoid overly harsh punishments.

Addressing Loyalty Concerns

Companions with particularly disruptive negative traits might become disloyal. Signs of disloyalty include:

• Frequent complaints or criticisms.
• Reduced effectiveness in their assigned role.
• Open defiance of your orders.

Dealing with Disloyalty

If a companion becomes disloyal, you have several options:

• Attempt to improve your relationship through conversation and gifts.
• Reassign them to a less critical role.
• Ultimately, consider dismissing them from your party.

Sometimes, the most effective solution is direct communication. Engaging in dialogue with your companions can provide valuable insights into the root causes of their negative behavior and offer opportunities for reconciliation.

Initiating Conversations

Regularly talk to your companions. Ask about their well-being, their opinions on your leadership, and any concerns they might have.

Addressing Specific Issues

If a companion’s negative trait is causing a specific problem, address it directly. For example, if a “Greedy” companion is suspected of skimming profits, confront them with your suspicions.

Potential Outcomes of Dialogue

The outcome of these conversations can vary:

• The companion might admit their wrongdoing and pledge to improve.
• They might offer a valid explanation for their behavior.
• They might become defensive and hostile, further damaging your relationship.

Knowing When to Cut Your Losses

If dialogue consistently fails to improve the situation, it’s time to consider other options, including dismissal.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a companion’s negative traits are simply too disruptive to tolerate. Dismissing them from your party might be the best course of action for the overall well-being of your warband.

Recognizing the Need for Dismissal

Dismissal should be considered when:

• A companion’s negative traits consistently undermine your goals.
• Their behavior is detrimental to party morale and loyalty.
• Dialogue and other interventions have failed to produce positive change.

Minimizing Negative Consequences

Dismissing a companion can have negative consequences, such as a temporary dip in party morale. However, the long-term benefits of removing a disruptive influence often outweigh these short-term drawbacks.

Finding a Replacement

Before dismissing a companion, make sure you have a suitable replacement lined up. Recruit a new companion with complementary skills and a more agreeable personality.

I once had a companion, a skilled engineer, with the “Pyromaniac” trait. While his engineering skills were invaluable during sieges, his penchant for setting fires (even when unnecessary) caused widespread damage and alienated the local population. I tried retraining him, reasoning with him, and even assigning him to less sensitive roles. Ultimately, however, his destructive tendencies proved too detrimental to my long-term goals. I dismissed him, and while my siege capabilities took a temporary hit, my reputation and relationships with local lords significantly improved. This experience taught me that sometimes, cutting your losses is the most strategic decision.

Dealing with negative companion traits in Bannerlord 2 requires a multifaceted approach. By strategically assigning roles, focusing on skill training, managing morale, engaging in dialogue, and, when necessary, dismissing troublesome companions, you can build a more effective and harmonious warband, ultimately leading to greater success on the battlefields of Calradia.