Naval blockades in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord are a powerful strategic tool often overlooked. While Calradia isn’t exactly known for its sprawling naval warfare, controlling coastal access and trade routes can cripple enemy economies, isolate key cities, and ultimately, win wars. This article dives into practical methods for effectively employing naval blockades, offering unique insights and actionable strategies beyond the basics.
The primary purpose of a naval blockade is to disrupt enemy trade. A successful blockade doesn’t just slow down the flow of goods; it can bring it to a grinding halt, starving cities and decimating the income of lords dependent on coastal trade.
Identifying Key Trade Routes
Before launching your fleet, scout the coastline. Focus on towns and cities with harbors indicated on the map, as these are the primary hubs for sea-based trade. Send out companions or use your own scouting skill to identify which goods are being traded and where they are coming from. This intelligence allows you to target the most lucrative trade routes, maximizing the impact of your blockade.
The Raider Approach: Direct Interception
This is the most direct method. Position your fleet near the entrance to a harbor or along a known trade route and intercept merchant ships. Be aware that this approach requires a strong fleet and can lead to battles with enemy warships or even the local garrison. Focus on capturing the ships rather than destroying them to replenish your own fleet or sell them for profit.
The Long Game: Starving Cities
A prolonged blockade will eventually deplete the food supply of the targeted city or castle. This will lead to unrest, lower morale, and ultimately, make the settlement easier to conquer. Keep a close eye on the settlement’s prosperity and food stocks to gauge the effectiveness of your blockade. This is where patience pays off.
Beyond Trade: Disrupting Reinforcements
Naval blockades aren’t just about economics. They can also be used to prevent enemy armies from reinforcing coastal settlements or escaping after a defeat. By controlling the seas, you can isolate enemy forces and pick them off one by one.
The Psychological Warfare Angle
The mere presence of your fleet can have a significant impact on enemy morale. Knowing that their trade routes are vulnerable and their coastal settlements are at risk can demoralize enemy lords and make them more likely to negotiate a peace treaty. Use this to your advantage by publicly announcing your blockade and showcasing your naval power.
My Experience: The Unexpected Diplomacy of Blockades
From my own experience, I’ve found that blockades can also open unexpected diplomatic avenues. A well-executed blockade might force a weaker faction to seek an alliance with you in exchange for lifting the blockade. I once managed to secure a crucial alliance with the Aserai by blockading their coastal city of Quyaz, effectively forcing them to the negotiating table. They realized continued trade disruption hurt them more than potential concessions. The key is to make your intentions clear and offer reasonable terms.
Scenario: Blockading Sargot for a Quick Victory
Imagine you’re at war with the Northern Empire and their coastal city of Sargot is proving to be a tough nut to crack. Instead of a costly siege, establish a blockade. Within a few weeks, the city’s food supplies will dwindle, and the garrison’s morale will plummet. This creates an opportunity for a swift assault with minimal losses.
Fleet Composition Matters
Don’t just throw a bunch of random ships together. A balanced fleet should include fast ships for intercepting merchant vessels, heavily armed warships for engaging enemy fleets, and transport ships for carrying troops. Experiment with different ship types and formations to find what works best for you. I personally prefer a mix of Battanian Fians on the decks of Vlandian Galleys, combining ranged power with durable hulls.
Patrol Patterns and Ambush Tactics
Establish regular patrol routes to ensure that no ships slip through your blockade. Set up ambushes near narrow straits or hidden coves to catch unsuspecting merchant vessels off guard. Don’t be predictable; vary your patrol patterns to keep the enemy guessing.
Watch Out for Pirates
Pirates can be a major nuisance during a blockade, preying on both your ships and the enemy’s. Invest in a few fast ships to patrol the area and hunt down pirate fleets. Consider offering bounties for pirate ships to encourage local lords to help you clear the seas.
Investing in Shipyards
To maintain a strong navy, you need access to shipyards. Controlling coastal towns with shipyards allows you to build and repair ships quickly and efficiently. Prioritize capturing these settlements when planning your naval campaign.
Training Naval Crews
A well-trained naval crew is essential for success. Assign companions with high leadership and tactics skills to train your sailors and improve their combat effectiveness. Consider recruiting sea raiders and other experienced sailors to bolster your ranks.
Upgrading Your Ships
Don’t neglect the importance of upgrading your ships. Invest in better armor, more powerful weapons, and larger cargo holds to make your fleet more competitive. Capture enemy ships and reverse engineer their designs to gain access to new technologies.
Table: Ship Types and Their Roles in Naval Blockades
| Ship Type | Role | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trader | Carry large amounts of goods | High cargo capacity, low cost | Slow speed, weak armor |
| Fishing Boat | Trade and explore. | High cargo capacity, medium cost | Slow speed, weak armor |
| Coastal Boat | Trade, transport and raid. | High cargo capacity, medium cost | Slow speed, weak armor |
| Warship | Engage enemy fleets, bombard settlements | High firepower, strong armor | Slow speed, high cost |
| Transport Ship | Carry troops | Large troop capacity, decent speed | Weak armor, limited firepower |
In conclusion, naval blockades are a powerful tool in Bannerlord 2 that can be used to cripple enemy economies, isolate settlements, and ultimately, win wars. By understanding the strategic importance of naval blockades and employing the practical methods outlined in this article, you can dominate the seas and forge your own empire in Calradia. Remember, a successful blockade is a combination of strategic planning, tactical execution, and a little bit of luck.
Alliance and Diplomacy
Consider forming alliances with factions that have strong navies to bolster your own naval power. Offer them trade concessions or military support in exchange for their assistance in maintaining a blockade. Be mindful of your reputation; attacking neutral or friendly ships can have severe consequences for your diplomatic relations.
Economic Impact on Your Kingdom
While crippling the enemy’s economy is the goal, remember that a prolonged war and constant blockades can also harm your own kingdom. Strike a balance between disrupting enemy trade and maintaining a healthy economy at home. Invest in infrastructure improvements and trade agreements to offset the negative impacts of war.
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