So, you’re ready to forge your own kingdom in Calradia? Good. But declaring yourself king or queen is only the first step. This article outlines five proven methods, focusing on practicality and efficiency, to not only start your kingdom in Bannerlord 2 successfully, but to make it thrive. We’ll cover preparation, strategic decisions, and long-term kingdom management, drawing from my own campaign experiences to offer unique insights. Forget the romantic notions; this is about cold, hard strategy. This article solves the problems of early game kingdom failures, resource mismanagement, and strategic miscalculations.
Before you even think about raising your banner, you need a solid foundation. This means more than just a decent clan tier. You need power and influence. This initial phase is critical; rush it, and you’ll be fighting a losing battle from day one.
Clan Tier and Renown: The Social Capital
Aim for Clan Tier 4, ideally Tier 5, before declaring your kingdom. **This unlocks access to higher tier troops and allows you to field multiple parties effectively.** Renown is directly tied to your clan tier, so focus on winning tournaments, completing quests, and engaging in successful battles. Don’t just fight looters; target larger bandit groups and even minor lords to maximize your renown gains. Each step up in clan tier dramatically improves your clan’s capabilities.
Amassing Wealth: The War Chest
War is expensive. You’ll need a substantial war chest to pay troops, buy equipment, and bribe lords. **Aim for at least 1,000,000 denars before starting your kingdom.** How do you get that much? Trade routes focused on high-profit goods like velvet, hardwood, and horses are key. Crafting high-value weapons and selling them is another viable option, especially if you specialize in smithing. Also, don’t underestimate the power of workshops. Setting up profitable workshops in safe towns can provide a steady income stream. Avoid relying solely on raiding villages; it damages relations and hinders long-term growth.
Strategic Territory: Location, Location, Location
Where you plant your flag matters immensely. **Choose a territory that is easily defensible, resource-rich, and strategically located.** Avoid border regions that are constantly contested. Ideally, you want a territory with good relations with your existing allies and one that provides access to resources you’ll need, such as iron, grain, and horses. Consider the cultural makeup of the region as well; establishing yourself in a region with a culture similar to your own can minimize unrest.
So you’ve established your foundation. It’s time to officially become a kingdom, but how to do it effectively?
Choosing Your Moment: Timing is Everything
Don’t declare your kingdom when a major war is brewing. **Wait for a period of relative peace or when a major faction is weakened by internal conflicts or external wars.** Declaring your kingdom during a faction’s moment of vulnerability gives you a significant advantage. Also, consider the season. Winter can be particularly harsh, making campaigning difficult and draining your resources. Aim for spring or summer when food is plentiful and travel is easier.
The Technicalities: The Quest for Independence
To officially create a kingdom, you need to complete the “Investigate Neretzes’ Folly” quest and then choose to either support or oppose the Empire. You also need to be in possession of a fief (a castle or town) which you control. The easiest method is to swear allegiance to a kingdom, then either take a castle, or trigger a war between your kingdom and someone else, and then take a castle, then declare independence. **Be sure to store all of your items (good weapons, armor, horses, food, etc.) in a safe city before you renounce your oath.**
Royal Decree: Policies and Governance
After taking a castle or town, you’ll be given the option to create your own kingdom. **Your policies will shape your kingdom and directly influence your stability, prosperity, and military strength.** Policies need to be chosen carefully, considering your kingdom’s culture and overall strategy. Some useful early policies are “Royal Guard” (increase garrison size in castles), “Forgiveness of Debts” (boost town loyalty), and “War Taxes” (increase revenue during war). Consider policies that counter your current weaknesses, such as low loyalty, or poor relations.
Declaring a kingdom makes you an instant target. You need to defend your territory, expand your influence, and manage your relationships with other factions.
Defensive Strategy: Fortification and Garrisons
Your first priority is defending your territory. **Invest in upgrading your castles and towns, focusing on walls, gates, and garrison size.** Recruit high-tier troops for your garrisons and ensure they are well-supplied. A well-defended fief can withstand a prolonged siege, buying you valuable time to respond to threats. Also, consider establishing a network of scout parties to provide early warning of approaching enemy armies. Quick response is essential. Build defensive structures as quickly as possible when you capture territory; this can be the difference between holding onto it and immediately losing it.
Diplomacy and Alliances: Choosing Your Friends (and Enemies)
Diplomacy is just as important as military strength. **Seek alliances with factions that share your interests and are geographically distant from your main territory.** Offer favorable trade agreements and military support to build trust and strengthen your alliances. Be wary of factions that are known for their treachery or aggression. Sometimes, it’s better to pay tribute to a powerful neighbor than to engage in a costly war. Use the Clan menu to assign diplomatic roles to family members and companions to improve their skills.
Recruiting Lords: The Power of Vassals
You can’t rule a kingdom alone. **You need to recruit lords to your cause, offering them fiefs, titles, and positions of power.** Target lords who are disgruntled with their current factions or those who are known for their loyalty and competence. Be generous with your initial offers, but be prepared to revoke fiefs from lords who prove to be disloyal or incompetent. Keep a close eye on your vassals’ relationships with each other. Internal feuds can destabilize your kingdom. A great way to attract new lords is to show up and help them fight battles, or defend their fiefs.
A strong economy is the backbone of any successful kingdom. You need to generate revenue, manage resources, and promote trade.
Taxation and Trade: Balancing the Books
Implement a fair and efficient taxation system. **Avoid excessively high taxes, as this can lead to unrest and rebellion.** Invest in infrastructure projects that promote trade, such as roads, bridges, and caravanserais. Encourage merchants to visit your towns by offering them incentives and ensuring their safety. Monitor your kingdom’s economy closely and adjust your policies as needed. A key sign that you are doing well economically is that your cities are developing improvements constantly.
Resource Management: Feeding the People (and the Army)
Ensure a steady supply of food for your population and your army. **Invest in agriculture, promote fishing, and import food from other regions.** Build granaries in your towns to store surplus food and prevent famines. Manage your resources efficiently and avoid wasting them on unnecessary projects. Also, be mindful of seasonal fluctuations in food production. Store extra food in the summer and autumn to prepare for the winter months.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in the Future
Invest in infrastructure projects that improve your kingdom’s long-term prosperity. **Build workshops, mills, and mines to increase production and create jobs.** Improve your towns’ defenses to deter raiders and protect your citizens. Construct schools and hospitals to improve the health and education of your population. A well-developed kingdom is a happy kingdom. A happy kingdom will, in turn, allow you to focus your efforts on expanding your territory.
Building a kingdom is only the first step; maintaining it is the real challenge. You need to manage internal affairs, ensure a smooth succession, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Dealing with Rebellions: Loyalty and Order
Rebellions are inevitable, especially in newly conquered territories. **Address the underlying causes of unrest by improving living conditions, reducing taxes, and appointing competent governors.** Maintain a strong garrison in rebellious towns and be prepared to crush any uprisings swiftly and decisively. Also, consider offering pardons to rebels who surrender peacefully to encourage them to rejoin your kingdom.
Succession Planning: Ensuring a Peaceful Transition
Succession can be a major source of instability. **Designate an heir early on and ensure they are well-prepared to rule.** Educate your children in the arts of war, diplomacy, and governance. Establish clear laws and customs regarding succession to prevent disputes and power struggles. Also, consider implementing a system of elective succession, where lords vote for the next ruler. This can help to legitimize your dynasty and prevent civil wars.
Adapting to Change: Flexibility and Innovation
Calradia is a dynamic and unpredictable world. You need to be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances, such as wars, famines, and political upheavals. **Embrace new technologies, experiment with different policies, and be willing to change your strategies as needed.** A successful ruler is one who is always learning and adapting. Also, listen to the advice of your counselors and vassals. They may have valuable insights that you have overlooked.
| Item | Target Value/Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clan Tier | 4-5 | Higher tier unlocks better troops and party sizes. |
| Denars | 1,000,000+ | Essential for troop wages, equipment, and bribes. |
| Strategic Territory | Secure, resource-rich location | Consider defensibility and cultural alignment. |
| Peaceful Environment | Factions at peace or weakened | Avoid declaring during major wars. |
| Vassals | At least 3-4 | Needed to help manage your kingdom. |
Personal Experience and Unconventional Advice
In my latest campaign, I completely ignored the conventional wisdom of capturing a town first. Instead, I focused on building up relationships with powerful lords from a dying faction. When they inevitably defected, they brought significant forces and wealth with them, giving me a massive head start. This also meant that I got my first fiefs with high loyalty and no need to fight for them. This is often overlooked, but is a powerful strategy for starting your own kingdom.Also, don’t be afraid to play dirty. Bribing enemy lords to defect or sabotaging their economies can give you a significant edge. Just be prepared for the consequences. Your reputation will take a hit, and you may make enemies.Finally, remember that Bannerlord is a sandbox game. There’s no one “right” way to start a kingdom. Experiment with different strategies, learn from your mistakes, and have fun!
Starting a kingdom in Bannerlord 2 is a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these five proven methods, you can increase your chances of success and build a lasting empire. Remember to focus on preparation, strategic decision-making, and long-term kingdom management. And don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt to the ever-changing world of Calradia.