Naval combat in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord offers unique tactical challenges, especially when leveraging the strengths of mercenaries. This article dives into effective strategies for employing mercenaries in naval conflicts, providing actionable methods and unique perspectives to help you dominate the waterways of Calradia. We’ll explore how to optimize mercenary recruitment, deployment, and combat tactics to secure naval superiority.
The foundation of a successful mercenary-based naval strategy lies in smart recruitment. Don’t just grab the first group that offers their services. Consider these factors:
- Clan Tier: Higher-tier clans generally have access to better-equipped and more experienced troops. Check their troop quality carefully.
- Culture: Different cultures possess varied naval strengths. Vlandians, for example, are renowned for their heavy infantry, which can be devastating in boarding actions. Sturgians boast hardy warriors adept at cold-weather fighting, crucial for coastal campaigns in the north.
- Skills: Look for mercenary clans with leaders who possess high Tactics, Leadership, and Steward skills. Tactics will improve their performance in battle, Leadership will boost their troop capacity, and Steward will reduce the burden on your supplies.
- Terms: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. You can often reduce the daily wage by a small percentage, especially if you have high Charm skill.
Table: Mercenary Clan Culture and Naval Advantages
| Culture | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Deployment Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vlandian | Heavy Infantry, Boarding Prowess | Limited Archer Support, Slower Movement | Close-quarters boarding actions, sieges of coastal towns. |
| Sturgian | Cold Weather Expertise, Resilient Warriors | Less effective in warmer climates, Limited Cavalry Support | Raiding coastal villages in the north, defending against naval invasions in snowy regions. |
| Battanian | Guerrilla Warfare, Strong Archer Support | Weaker in direct confrontations, Limited Naval Experience | Ambushing enemy ships from hidden coves, harassing enemy fleets with ranged attacks. |
| Aserai | Fast Ships, Desert Warfare Expertise | Vulnerable to cold weather, Less heavily armored | Raiding coastal trade routes, supporting land campaigns in arid regions. |
| Empire | Well-Rounded, Disciplined Troops | Lack specialized naval units, Can be expensive to maintain | Supporting large-scale naval operations, defending key coastal cities. |
| Khuzait | Fast Raiding, Horse Archers on transports (situational advantage) | Dependent on open water, Vulnerable when dismounted | Hit-and-run tactics, raiding enemy supply lines, providing mobile support for land-based armies. |
Once you’ve recruited your mercenaries, the next step is strategic deployment. Consider these points:
- Scouting: Always scout enemy fleets before engaging. Knowing their numbers, troop composition, and likely tactics is crucial. Use fast ships, if available, to gain reconnaissance.
- Flanking Maneuvers: Use your ships to outflank the enemy. Focus your attacks on vulnerable targets, such as archer ships or ships with damaged hulls.
- Boarding Actions: Boarding actions can be decisive. Prioritize boarding ships that pose a significant threat or those that are isolated from the main fleet. Ensure your boarding parties are well-equipped with axes and shields.
- Support Land Forces: Coordinate your naval operations with your land forces. Use your ships to transport troops, provide fire support during sieges, and cut off enemy supply lines.
A Personal Experience: The Bait and Switch
In one campaign, I faced a vastly superior Imperial fleet. Instead of a direct confrontation, I used a small contingent of lightly armed mercenary ships as bait, luring the enemy fleet into a narrow strait. Once they were committed, I ambushed them with my main force, consisting of heavily armed Vlandian mercenaries. The cramped conditions negated the Imperial fleet’s numerical advantage, and the Vlandians’ boarding prowess turned the tide of the battle.
Beyond basic deployment, several unique tactical approaches can amplify your mercenary’s effectiveness:
- Decoy Ships: Constructing cheap cogs and staffing them with a minimal crew can serve as decoys, drawing enemy fire and allowing your valuable mercenary ships to maneuver freely. This is particularly effective against factions relying on ranged naval combat.
- Amphibious Assaults: Coordinate a land invasion with a naval bombardment. Deploy your Sturgian mercenaries to soften the enemy defenses before landing your main force.
- Naval Raids: Use fast mercenary ships to raid enemy coastal villages and trade routes. This can disrupt their economy, weaken their war effort, and force them to divert resources to defense.
- Culture Matching: Assigning troops of similar cultural backgrounds to the same ships can create significant morale buffs, increasing their combat effectiveness and reducing desertion rates. This is especially true when the troops are away from their home territory.
Personal Opinion on Naval Factions:
From my perspective, the lack of dedicated naval units for each faction is a missed opportunity. While cultures like the Sturgians and Vlandians have inherent advantages, a true naval power, with unique ship designs and naval-focused units, would add another layer of strategic depth.
Mercenaries are motivated by coin, but their loyalty isn’t solely transactional.
- Prompt Payment: Always pay your mercenaries on time. Failure to do so will result in a significant morale penalty and may lead to desertion.
- Successful Campaigns: Victories breed loyalty. Lead your mercenaries to successful campaigns and reward them handsomely for their efforts.
- Spoils of War: Allow your mercenaries to plunder conquered cities and villages. This will not only boost their morale but also increase their overall wealth, making them more likely to remain in your service.
- Companions: Assign companions with high Leadership skills to lead your mercenary units. This will improve their discipline and combat effectiveness.
Expert Advice and Considerations:
As a long-time Bannerlord player and strategist, I’ve found that understanding the nuances of mercenary employment can be the difference between victory and defeat. Don’t underestimate the importance of scouting, strategic deployment, and maintaining mercenary loyalty. Remember that a well-managed mercenary fleet can be a powerful asset in your quest to conquer Calradia.
The world of Bannerlord is constantly evolving. Stay updated on the latest patches and game mechanics to ensure your naval strategies remain effective. Experiment with different mercenary combinations and tactics to discover what works best for you. With careful planning and execution, you can transform your mercenary fleet into a force to be reckoned with.
Mastering the use of mercenaries in naval conflicts in Bannerlord 2 requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on optimized recruitment, strategic deployment, unique tactics, and maintaining mercenary loyalty. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively leverage the strengths of mercenaries to achieve naval dominance and secure your place as a ruler of Calradia.