This article breaks down the process of finding and recruiting mercenary companies in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. It’s not always straightforward, and this guide will equip you with the knowledge to efficiently bolster your forces with these valuable assets. We’ll cover where to look, what to consider before hiring, and some unique strategies for maximizing their effectiveness.
The mercenary life in Calradia is a lucrative one, both for the companies themselves and for the lords who employ them. But finding the right company can be tricky.
Checking the Encyclopedia
The first place to start your search is the in-game Encyclopedia.
- Access the Encyclopedia: Open the Encyclopedia by pressing ‘N’ or clicking the icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Search for “Mercenary”: Type “Mercenary” into the search bar. This will bring up a list of all mercenary clans currently active in your campaign.
- Review Clan Details: Click on each clan to see their information. The most crucial details are their strength (number of troops) and their current location. Knowing where they are saves you a lot of time.
This method ensures you’re looking at active mercenary groups that are actually available for hire. You can also glean information about their usual operating territories, which can give you a head start when searching in person.
Traveling to Towns and Taverns
While the Encyclopedia provides a good starting point, nothing beats boots-on-the-ground scouting.
- Visit Towns and Cities: Mercenary companies often frequent towns and cities to resupply and recruit.
- Check Taverns: Taverns are the primary gathering places for mercenaries. Walk around the tavern and look for clan leaders or their representatives. They’ll usually have a unique dialogue option indicating their willingness to offer their services.
- Use the “Find” Option on Clan Leaders: If you see the clan leader in the Encyclopedia, you can right-click on their name and select “Find”. This will place a marker on the map indicating their last known location. Note that this information can be outdated.
Don’t underestimate the value of simply talking to everyone in taverns. You might stumble upon information about a nearby mercenary company or even recruit individual mercenaries to bolster your own party.
Understanding Mercenary Contracts
Before you sign on the dotted line, understand the terms of the contract.
- Negotiate Terms: The most important factor is the daily wage. Mercenary companies can be expensive, so be prepared to negotiate. Your Charm skill will help with getting better deals.
- Contract Duration: Mercenary contracts typically last for a set period, usually between 20-60 days. Pay attention to the expiration date.
- Clan Tier: Mercenary clan tiers determine the size and quality of their troops and influence the cost of the contract. Higher tier clans are more effective but significantly more expensive.
Remember to budget for mercenary wages. Running out of money while employing a mercenary company can lead to them leaving your service abruptly, potentially at a crucial moment.
Beyond the basics, here are some strategic insights to consider when hiring mercenaries.
The “Decoy” Company Strategy
One often overlooked tactic is hiring a weaker, cheaper mercenary company simply to act as a distraction.
- Identify a Target: Choose a rival faction or a troublesome lord you want to harass.
- Hire a Small Company: Recruit a Tier 1 or 2 mercenary company with decent mobility.
- Send Them Raiding: Instruct them to raid villages and harass caravans belonging to your target. This will force the target to react, diverting their attention and resources away from your main operations.
This strategy can be surprisingly effective in disrupting enemy plans and creating opportunities for your own forces. It’s a form of economic warfare that can pay dividends in the long run.
Specializing Your Mercenary Forces
Don’t just hire any mercenary company; consider their specialization.
- Identify Your Needs: What does your army lack? Are you short on cavalry? Do you need more archers?
- Seek Out Specialized Companies: Some mercenary companies are known for their expertise in specific troop types. The Fianna clan, for example, is renowned for its archers. The Wolfskins are excellent light cavalry.
- Complement Your Strengths: Hiring a mercenary company that complements your existing forces can create a more balanced and effective army.
By tailoring your mercenary choices to your specific needs, you can maximize their impact on the battlefield. This is a far more efficient approach than simply hiring the largest and most expensive company available.
Managing Clan Relations
Your interactions with mercenary clans can have long-term consequences.
- Be Honorable: Avoid betraying or mistreating mercenary companies. This will damage your reputation and make it harder to hire them in the future.
- Pay on Time: Prompt payment is essential for maintaining good relations. Don’t let your mercenaries go unpaid.
- Consider Marriage: Marrying into a mercenary clan can significantly improve your relationship with them and make them more likely to support you in the future.
Building strong relationships with mercenary clans can be a valuable long-term investment. They can become reliable allies in times of need, providing you with a steady stream of experienced troops.
I’ve personally found that the most effective use of mercenaries is as a rapid response force. When a new war breaks out, I immediately hire a mercenary company to secure key strategic locations or raid enemy territory while I mobilize my main army. This buys me valuable time and puts the enemy on the defensive from the start.
I also learned the hard way that micromanaging mercenaries is a must. They aren’t always the brightest, and they can get themselves into trouble if left to their own devices. Always assign them clear objectives and keep a close eye on their movements. Otherwise, you might find them getting ambushed by a larger force or wasting their time raiding insignificant villages.
My expertise comes from hundreds of hours playing Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, experimenting with different strategies, and observing the game’s mechanics. While much of this knowledge is based on direct experience, I also consult reliable sources such as the Mount & Blade Wiki (https://mountandblade.fandom.com/wiki/Mount_%26_Blade_II:_Bannerlord) to ensure accuracy. The game is constantly being updated, so staying informed is crucial.
It is essential to check for update logs and patch notes to stay informed for new updates to the game.
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Finding and recruiting mercenary companies in Bannerlord 2 is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and execution. By utilizing the Encyclopedia, scouting towns and taverns, understanding contract terms, and employing strategic thinking, you can effectively bolster your forces and dominate the battlefields of Calradia. Remember, a well-chosen mercenary company can be the difference between victory and defeat.