Bannerlord 2: Cheap Grain for Settlements, Happy People

This article solves the common Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord problem of keeping your settlements fed. We’ll cover where to find the cheapest grain, how to manage your food supply effectively, and how to avoid devastating starvation penalties. Specifically, you’ll learn the best markets, trading strategies, and even a few lesser-known tricks to keep your people happy and your coffers full.

The price of grain in Bannerlord II fluctuates wildly based on supply and demand, war, and random events. Finding consistently cheap grain requires understanding market dynamics and exploiting trade routes. Just blindly riding from town to town won’t cut it.

Identifying High-Supply Grain Markets

The first step is to identify towns and villages known for grain production. These are often located in fertile regions, typically the Empire and Sturgia factions, but sometimes can be found in Vlandia, Battania, and Khuzait territories depending on campaign circumstances. Look for villages connected to towns with names like “Grain,” “Wheat,” or anything agriculturally related.

• Villages connected to prosperous towns: Often have surpluses they are eager to sell.
• Check after harvest season: Prices plummet dramatically right after the harvest. This is the prime time to stock up. Harvesting time differs from each kingdom.
• Monitor Trade Rumors: Pay attention to rumors in taverns about surpluses in particular regions. This can give you a heads up on upcoming price drops.

Strategic Trading Routes for Grain

Once you’ve identified a potential source of cheap grain, you need to create a profitable trade route. The key is to buy low and sell high, taking into account travel time and the risk of bandits.

• Focus on short routes: Minimize travel time to reduce the risk of caravan attacks and to maximize the number of trips you can make. A route between two nearby towns, one with a grain surplus and another with a shortage, is ideal.
• Invest in pack animals: Mules and sumpter horses increase your carrying capacity, allowing you to haul more grain per trip. They’re worth the initial investment.
• Escort Caravans: Offer your services as an escort to caravans heading in the direction you want to go. This provides protection and sometimes a cut of their profits. This is particularly useful in dangerous areas.

Why My First Trading Attempt Failed – A Lesson in Scarcity

When I first started playing Bannerlord, I thought I had it all figured out. I bought grain cheap in one town, rode to a nearby settlement, and expected to rake in the profits. Nope. Turns out, that settlement had just had a good harvest too. The price was barely higher than what I paid. The lesson? Always scout the market before you buy. A quick ride ahead to check prices can save you a lot of time and money. I now make it a rule to send a companion ahead as a scout to check prices and report back. It’s a small investment that pays off big time.

Buying cheap grain is only half the battle. You need to manage your settlement’s food supply effectively to prevent starvation and unrest.

Diversifying Food Sources

Relying solely on grain is risky. If a siege or raid cuts off your supply, your settlement will quickly starve. Diversifying your food sources is crucial.

• Encourage Production: Invest in upgrades that increase food production within the settlement itself. Fields, orchards, and fisheries provide alternative sources of food.
• Import Livestock: Sheep and cows provide meat and milk, supplementing the grain supply.
• Hunt Game: Send out parties to hunt wild animals in the surrounding area. This provides a temporary boost to the food supply. (Check settlement Governor perks).

Prioritizing Security

Protecting your food supply from bandits and enemy armies is essential.

• Garrisons: Maintain a strong garrison to deter raiders and defend against sieges.
• Patrols: Send out regular patrols to clear bandits from the surrounding area.
• Walls and Defenses: Invest in upgrades that improve your settlement’s defenses, such as walls and towers.

Balancing Short-Term Needs with Long-Term Goals

It’s tempting to sell off all your excess grain for a quick profit, but this can leave your settlement vulnerable in the long run. Strike a balance between short-term needs and long-term goals.

• Maintain a Reserve: Always keep a reserve of grain in your settlement’s granary to weather unexpected shortages.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Use your profits to invest in infrastructure that will increase food production and security in the long run.
• Monitor Food Levels: Regularly check your settlement’s food levels and adjust your strategies accordingly.

A Grain of Truth: How I Almost Lost My First Castle

I remember when I captured my first castle. I was so focused on building up the garrison and defenses that I completely neglected the food supply. I sold off all the excess grain to pay for upgrades, thinking I could always buy more later. Then winter hit. Supply lines were cut off by snow, and the castle’s food supply dwindled to almost nothing. My garrison was starving, morale plummeted, and a rebellion was brewing. I barely managed to avert disaster by buying up every last bushel of grain I could find and rushing it to the castle under heavy guard. The lesson? Never take food for granted.

Beyond the basics, there are several advanced strategies and lesser-known tricks you can use to keep your settlements fed.

Exploiting Famine

While morally questionable, exploiting famine in enemy territory can be a lucrative way to acquire cheap grain.

• Buy Low: When a settlement is under siege or has suffered a famine, grain prices will plummet. Buy up as much as you can.
• Sell High: Transport the grain to settlements that are not affected by the famine and sell it for a significant profit.
• Risk: This strategy is risky, as it can damage your reputation and make you a target for enemy armies.

Utilizing Workshops

Workshops can be a reliable source of income, which you can then use to purchase grain.

• Choose Profitable Workshops: Some workshops, such as breweries and bakeries, use grain as a raw material. If you own the workshop, you can acquire grain at a reduced cost.
• Strategically Locate Workshops: Place workshops in towns that have access to cheap grain. This will maximize your profits.

The Power of “Waiting it Out”: A Personal Tip

Sometimes, the best strategy is to simply wait. I’ve noticed that grain prices often fluctuate in cycles. If prices are high, I’ll hold off on buying grain and wait for them to drop. This requires patience, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run. During these times, I’ll focus on other aspects of my kingdom, such as training troops or improving relations with other lords. Think of it as playing the long game.

Haggling Tactics

Mastering the art of haggling can save you a significant amount of money when buying grain.

• Start Low: Always start your offer lower than what you’re willing to pay.
• Be Patient: Don’t be afraid to walk away if the merchant is unwilling to negotiate.
• Build Rapport: A friendly attitude can go a long way in convincing a merchant to lower their price.

I once managed to buy a large quantity of grain at half price by simply telling the merchant a humorous story about a previous trading mishap. A little charm can go a long way.

Table: Key Settlements for Grain Procurement in Bannerlord 2

This table offers a starting point for your grain-buying expeditions. Keep in mind that prices and availability can change, so always scout the market before you commit to a purchase.

Securing a steady and affordable grain supply in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is crucial for the prosperity and stability of your settlements. By understanding market dynamics, diversifying food sources, and employing advanced strategies, you can keep your people fed and your kingdom thriving. Remember, a well-fed population is a happy population, and a happy population is less likely to rebel.