Improving your relationships with clans in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is crucial for long-term success, whether you’re aiming to forge your own kingdom or rise through the ranks of an existing one. This article breaks down proven methods and offers unique insights to help you navigate the complex world of Calradia’s clan politics.
Good clan relations unlock numerous benefits. You’ll gain access to better troops through recruitment, secure favorable political alliances, and find it easier to influence kingdom policies. Conversely, poor relations can lead to feuds, defections, and even open war. Therefore, investing time and effort into building positive relationships with other clans is a cornerstone of successful leadership in Bannerlord 2.
Why Good Relations Matter
- Increased Influence: Higher standing allows you to sway votes on crucial kingdom decisions.
- Loyalty and Stability: Content clans are less likely to rebel or leave your kingdom.
- Military Strength: Allied clans contribute troops and resources during wartime.
- Trade and Prosperity: Improved relations facilitate trade and economic cooperation.
- Marriage Opportunities: Alliances can be solidified through strategic marriages.
Here’s a breakdown of effective strategies to improve your standing with clans:
Completing Quests for Clans
Taking on quests offered by clan leaders is a straightforward way to improve your relationship with them. Focus on quests that align with your character’s skills and playstyle for efficient completion. Deliver requested goods, eliminate bandits, or rescue family members to earn their gratitude. Always prioritize clan leader quests, as they have a greater impact on relations than those from other clan members.
Releasing Captured Lords
After winning a battle, you’ll often have the option to imprison or release captured lords. Releasing lords, especially those from clans you wish to befriend, grants a significant relationship boost. While holding them for ransom can be tempting, the long-term benefits of improved relations often outweigh the short-term financial gain. Be mindful that consistently releasing enemies of clans you are allied with can negatively impact those relationships.
Supporting Clan Policies
During kingdom votes, actively support policies that benefit the clans you want to align with. Pay attention to their priorities and vote accordingly. If a clan consistently advocates for increased garrison sizes, supporting that policy will earn their favor. Conversely, voting against their interests will damage your relationship.
Participating in Tournaments and Games
Winning tournaments and games held in clan-controlled fiefs is a good way to improve relations. It is also a good way to acquire experience and boost your Renown. Consistently performing well in these events will impress the local clan and demonstrate your skills.
Strategic Marriages
Marrying a member of your clan to a member of another clan can forge a strong alliance. Carefully consider the potential benefits of each marriage, including the clan’s influence, wealth, and military strength. Marriage can also provide powerful heirs with excellent stats.
Gifting Fiefs and Lands
Gifting conquered fiefs to clans is a surefire way to earn their loyalty and improve relations. However, exercise caution when distributing land, as jealousy and resentment can arise if some clans feel unfairly treated. Consider the clan’s size, influence, and proximity to the fief when making your decision. A powerful clan holding a strategic fief will be far more useful to your kingdom than a weaker clan in the same position.
Beyond the standard advice, here are some less obvious, experience-based strategies for improving clan relations:
The Power of Personal Interaction
Don’t underestimate the value of direct conversation. Seeking out clan leaders for personal discussions can reveal their motivations, concerns, and desires. By listening attentively and offering support or advice, you can build genuine rapport and earn their trust. This is especially true for clans experiencing internal conflicts or external pressures.
Understanding Clan Culture and Values
Each clan in Bannerlord 2 has its own unique culture and values. Taking the time to understand these nuances can help you tailor your interactions and build stronger relationships. For example, some clans may prioritize honor and chivalry, while others may value pragmatism and wealth. Appealing to their specific values will make you more effective in winning their favor.
The Long Game: Consistency is Key
Building strong clan relations is not a short-term project; it’s an ongoing process. Consistency in your actions and interactions is essential for maintaining trust and goodwill. Avoid making promises you can’t keep and always strive to be fair and impartial in your dealings with all clans. This builds credibility over time, which is invaluable in the long run.
My Own Experience: Learning from Mistakes
In my early campaigns, I focused heavily on military conquest and neglected clan relations. This led to widespread discontent, rebellions, and ultimately, the collapse of my kingdom. I learned the hard way that diplomacy and relationship-building are just as important as military might. Now, I prioritize clan relations from the very beginning, and my kingdoms are much more stable and prosperous as a result.
Scenario: Solving a Clan Dispute
Imagine two clans within your kingdom are engaged in a bitter feud over a contested territory. Instead of simply siding with one clan or the other, you can act as a mediator. Gather both clan leaders for a meeting, listen to their grievances, and propose a fair compromise. By resolving their dispute peacefully, you’ll earn the gratitude of both clans and strengthen your position as a leader.
This approach highlights a key element: focus on the long-term consequences rather than short-term gains.
My experience with Bannerlord 2 stems from hundreds of hours of gameplay, numerous successful (and unsuccessful) campaigns, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. I have thoroughly explored the game’s diplomacy system and experimented with various strategies for building clan relations.
- Clan System Explanation: For a more in-depth overview of how the clan system works in Bannerlord 2, consult the official Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord wiki. https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Clans
| Clan Tier | Clan Members Limit | Party Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 1 |
| 2 | 8 | 1 |
| 3 | 10 | 2 |
| 4 | 12 | 2 |
| 5 | 14 | 3 |
| 6 | 16 | 3 |