Conquer Calradia’s Coasts: Naval Warfare’s Impact in Bannerlord 2

The absence of true naval warfare in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a noticeable gap in an otherwise immersive medieval world. This absence not only impacts gameplay, but it also significantly alters the potential cultural and societal development within Calradia. This article will address why the lack of naval warfare matters and explore the cascading effects its inclusion could have on the game.

The world of Bannerlord is ripe for coastal conflict and maritime trade. Consider the geographical layout: numerous factions occupy landmasses bordering seas and rivers. The lack of naval options limits strategic possibilities and creates a less dynamic world. Sieges are confined to land battles, and trade relies solely on caravans, neglecting the potentially lucrative sea routes. This drastically alters the cultural exchange and economic development of coastal societies.

Limited Strategic Depth

Without naval warfare, coastal settlements lose much of their strategic value. A coastal city becomes just another town to besiege from land. Introducing naval combat would create layered defenses, forcing attackers to secure the seas before launching a land assault. Defenders could use naval forces to harass besieging armies, disrupt supply lines, and even launch counter-attacks behind enemy lines.

Cultural Stagnation and Isolation

Imagine the potential for unique cultures centered around shipbuilding, piracy, and maritime trade. The Vikings, for instance, were defined by their longships and naval prowess. Bannerlord could introduce similar factions, each with unique units, technologies, and cultural traditions. The absence of naval interaction results in a less diverse and interconnected world. Coastal cultures become isolated, their potential for growth and interaction stunted.

Economic Limitations

Sea trade routes have historically been vital for economic prosperity. In Bannerlord, the lack of naval trade limits economic diversity and forces players to rely on land-based caravans. Introducing naval trade would create new economic opportunities, allowing coastal cities to specialize in maritime industries. Players could invest in shipbuilding, establish trade routes, and even engage in piracy, adding a new layer of economic depth to the game.

Let’s explore some specific examples of how naval warfare could reshape the factions and cultures of Bannerlord:

Sturgia: From Forest Dwellers to Coastal Raiders

Currently, Sturgia primarily occupies inland areas. With naval warfare, Sturgia could evolve into a formidable maritime power, launching raids along the coastlines of rival factions. Their unique units could include heavily armored Viking-inspired warriors in longboats, capable of quickly traversing rivers and seas to strike at vulnerable targets. They could also develop unique ship designs tailored for raiding and coastal defense.

The Aserai: Masters of the Southern Seas

The Aserai, located in the deserts of southern Calradia, could leverage their access to the sea to establish a thriving maritime trade network. They could develop unique dhow-style ships suited for navigating the southern seas, trading goods between coastal cities and engaging in naval skirmishes with rival factions. Their culture could incorporate seafaring traditions, with unique units like skilled sailors and boarding parties.

Battania: Guerrilla Warfare at Sea

Battania, known for its forests and guerilla tactics, could extend its style of warfare to the sea. Instead of large warships, they could employ smaller, faster vessels to harass enemy fleets, raid coastal settlements, and disrupt trade routes. Their unique units could include skilled archers and ambushers, capable of using the dense coastal forests to their advantage.

Having spent countless hours strategizing in Bannerlord, I’ve often found myself frustrated by the limitations of land-based warfare. The strategic bottleneck often feels like a land grab, neglecting the potential for coastal dominance.

The Power of Amphibious Assaults:

Think about this scenario: you’re sieging a heavily fortified coastal city. Without naval support, you’re forced to grind through land defenses, suffering heavy casualties. Now imagine you have a fleet of warships capable of landing troops behind enemy lines, capturing key fortifications, and disrupting their defenses. Suddenly, the siege becomes much more manageable, and the defenders are forced to fight on multiple fronts.

Naval Blockades: Starving the Enemy

A well-executed naval blockade can cripple an enemy’s economy and force them to negotiate. By cutting off their access to sea trade, you can starve their cities, disrupt their supply lines, and undermine their war effort. This adds a new dimension to strategic planning, forcing players to consider the importance of naval control.

Unique Unit Compositions:

The introduction of naval units opens up a whole new world of tactical possibilities. Imagine combining heavily armored infantry with skilled archers on a warship, creating a formidable force capable of engaging in both ranged and melee combat. Or, consider using smaller, faster vessels to harass enemy fleets and disrupt their formations.

The addition of naval elements goes beyond mere combat scenarios. It fundamentally alters how we interact with and perceive the world of Calradia.

The Rise of Coastal Guilds and Maritime Laws

With the increase of trade across the water, we’d likely see the rise of powerful coastal guilds that control the sea lanes. These guilds would influence politics, commission ships, and even fund privateer fleets, creating a dynamic interplay between economic power and political influence. This would necessarily lead to the development of Maritime Laws to govern trade, piracy, and naval combat.

A New Form of Diplomacy: Naval Alliances

Alliances would no longer be solely based on territorial control. Naval alliances could be forged to secure trade routes, protect against piracy, or even launch joint naval campaigns against rival factions. This creates a complex web of international relations, where naval power becomes a crucial bargaining chip.

Social Stratification: The Rise of Naval Aristocracy

Just as land ownership defined social status in feudal societies, naval prowess could lead to the rise of a naval aristocracy. Successful admirals, shipbuilders, and merchants could amass wealth and influence, challenging the traditional land-based nobility. This would add a new layer of social complexity to Bannerlord, creating tensions and opportunities for social mobility.

Bannerlord 2‘s potential is vast. Addressing the absence of naval warfare is the next frontier. The lack of naval warfare limits strategic possibilities, stifles cultural diversity, and restricts economic growth. Integrating naval elements would create a richer, more immersive world, with new strategic options, unique cultures, and dynamic economic opportunities.
Bannerlord 2: The Impact of Naval Warfare on Culture and Society is significant. This addition isn’t just about adding ships; it’s about enriching the entire Bannerlord experience.