Mount And Blade Bannerlord How To Recruit Clans

Hey there, fellow lords and ladies (or soon-to-be lords and ladies!), let's talk about something crucial for your Calradian conquest: recruiting clans in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. This isn't just about slapping a few more banners on your troops; it's about building an empire, a network of powerful allies who will help you crush your enemies and, more importantly, share in the glorious loot!

So, you've been running around, kicking butt, maybe even conquered your first castle (high five!), but you're noticing your army is... well, a bit thin on the ground. You've got your trusty recruits, a few seasoned veterans, but what you really need are those big, established groups of warriors – the clans! They bring their own armies, their own influence, and a whole lot of potential for sweet, sweet alliances. But how do you get them on your side? It's not like they're just hanging out in the tavern, offering their services for a tankard of ale. Though, wouldn't that be a great game mechanic? Imagine this: "Sir Reginald, would you consider joining my noble cause? I'll even buy you a round of your finest grog!"

Alright, enough daydreaming about tavern recruitment. Let's get down to the brass tacks. The primary way to bring other clans into your fold is by earning their favor. Think of it like dating in Calradia – you gotta woo them! And in Bannerlord, wooing often involves a bit of legwork and a lot of good deeds.

The most direct and, frankly, the most rewarding way to boost your standing with a clan is through quests. Yep, those little tasks the notables in towns give you. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Quests? Those are just busywork to get me a few denars and maybe some pottery!" And sometimes, you'd be right. But when a quest is given by a notable who is part of a clan you're eyeing, completing it gives you a nice chunk of Renown and directly improves your Relationship score with that clan. It's like doing a favor for your potential in-laws; it counts for a lot!

So, keep an eye on who gives you quests. If you see a quest originating from a town that belongs to, say, the Vlandians, and you want to get in good with the Vlandian nobles, take that quest! Even if it's just "Go beat up some bandits," every little bit helps. And hey, it’s a good excuse to go on a bandit-slaying spree, right? Think of it as a win-win-win: you get experience, the notable gets their problem solved, and you get one step closer to that sweet clan alliance.

The Art of the Deal: Diplomacy and Deeds

Beyond quests, the most common and effective way to gain clan allegiance is through positive interactions and shared goals. Remember that whole "dating" analogy? Well, sometimes you just need to be a good guy. What does that mean in Bannerlord? It means helping them in battle.

If you see a clan you want to recruit is engaged in a fight, and you're on the same side, jump in! Even if you don't know them personally, showing up and helping them smash some enemy heads is a surefire way to get on their good side. They'll see you as a reliable ally, someone who has their back when the going gets tough. And in Calradia, where betrayal is as common as bad weather, that kind of loyalty is gold!

Conversely, if you're fighting against a clan you want to recruit later, maybe reconsider. Unless you're aiming for a very specific, dramatic redemption arc, it’s generally harder to mend bridges once you’ve burned them with a flaming sword. So, choose your battles wisely, my friends.

Another fantastic way to improve your relationship with clans is by participating in tournaments. While tournaments are primarily for individual glory and riches, they can have a ripple effect on clan relationships. If you see a clan leader or a prominent member of a clan participating, doing well, and you happen to be in the same tournament, your victories can indirectly impress them. Think of it as showing off your skills on a grand stage, and they're the VIPs in the audience. "Oh, look at that impressive swordplay! That chap might be useful..."

Plus, winning tournaments often gives you special rewards, including items that can be gifted to clan leaders, further boosting your relationship. It’s a whole ecosystem of awesomeness!

The Ultimate Power Move: Marriage!

Now, let's talk about the ultimate power move, the ancient Calradian tradition that can forge the strongest of bonds: marriage! No, not necessarily your marriage (though that's an option too!), but arranging marriages for your companions.

This is where things get really strategic. If you have a companion you want to see rise in the ranks, or if you’re trying to secure an alliance with a specific clan, arranging a marriage between your companion and a member of that clan can be incredibly effective. You'll need to have a high Influence score to propose these kinds of arrangements, but the payoff can be huge. It literally ties your family (or your trusted companions, which is basically family in Bannerlord!) to theirs.

The best part? This often has a direct impact on the clan's willingness to join you later. They might see it as a sign of respect, of commitment. It’s like saying, "We’re not just allies; we’re family now!" And who doesn’t want more family to help you conquer the world?

Remember to check the relationship scores and make sure the individuals involved are compatible, or at least not actively hostile to each other. Nobody wants a wedding day to end in a duel, right? Unless it's a really cool duel that ends with the bride and groom becoming co-rulers, but that’s a story for another time.

When All Else Fails (and Sometimes, Even When It Doesn't): The Art of Persuasion

So, you've done quests, you've helped in battles, you've even considered arranging a few inter-clan nuptials, but still, some clans remain stubbornly independent. What now? It's time for the persuasion check, my friends! This is where your character's skills and your Charisma come into play.

When you're talking to a clan leader, you'll sometimes get an option to try and persuade them to join your cause. This is a skill-based dialogue check, often referred to as the Persuasion dialogue. The success of this depends on your character's Persuasion skill, their relation with the clan, and sometimes even their general renown and influence.

If you have a high Persuasion skill, and a good relationship with the clan, you'll have a much better chance of convincing them. Think of it as a really important job interview. You’ve got the qualifications (your deeds and relationships), and now you need to ace the interview with your smooth talking! You might have to try this a few times, especially if your relationship isn't stellar, but don't give up!

Sometimes, you can also improve your chances by offering them something valuable. This could be denars, land, or even titles. It’s like making an offer they can’t refuse. Though, try to avoid the Godfather-esque undertones; we’re aiming for noble alliances, not shady backroom deals. Unless, of course, that’s your style, you magnificent scoundrel!

The Kingdom Factor: When You're the Big Cheese

Now, let’s talk about the ultimate endgame: becoming a king or queen yourself, or joining an established kingdom. Once you're a ruler, or are part of a kingdom with a strong leader, recruiting other clans becomes a tad easier.

As a ruler, you can directly offer land and titles to clans that join you. This is a huge incentive! Imagine being able to say, "Join me, and I'll grant you the rich farmlands of... uh... wherever the good farmland is!" It’s a tangible reward that can sway even the most stubborn of lords. You're basically the ultimate matchmaker, but instead of finding them a spouse, you're finding them a whole darn estate!

If you're not the ruler yet, but you're serving one, your influence within that kingdom can also help. As you gain renown and influence with the king or queen, you might get the opportunity to advocate for certain clans to join, or to be granted land themselves. It’s all about building your network and making yourself indispensable.

And let's not forget the simplest form of recruitment: conquering their lands. While this isn't exactly "recruiting" in the friendly sense, it definitely brings their clan under your banner. It's a bit of a "my way or the highway" approach, but in Calradia, sometimes that's exactly what you need. Just be prepared for a potential loyalty hit if you're too heavy-handed. Think of it as a very, very assertive merger and acquisition.

Things to Keep in Mind (The Not-So-Fun, But Necessary Bits)

Before we wrap this up with a flourish, a few important caveats. First off, not every clan is going to be willing to join you. Some have deeply ingrained loyalties to other kingdoms, or they might simply dislike you. That’s okay. Bannerlord is a vast world, and there are plenty of other fish in the sea, or rather, plenty of other clans to recruit!

Also, clans have different personalities and priorities. Some might be more easily swayed by promises of land, others by promises of glory, and some just want to be left alone with their sheep. You'll learn to read them over time. It’s like understanding different breeds of dogs; some are eager to please, others are a bit more independent.

Finally, remember that loyalty can be fickle. Even after you’ve recruited a clan, you need to keep them happy. Ensure they have fiefs (castles, towns), treat them fairly, and keep your own power base strong. A weak ruler is an invitation for former allies to reconsider their allegiances. So, keep your sword sharp and your diplomacy sharper!

Phew! That was a lot of info, wasn’t it? But here’s the good news: every single one of these methods – from a simple quest to a well-timed marriage proposal – brings you closer to building the empire of your dreams. It’s a journey, and it’s filled with challenges, but the satisfaction of seeing those banners fly alongside yours, knowing they’re there because you earned their respect and trust? That’s a feeling unmatched in Calradia.

So go forth, my aspiring rulers! Be brave, be kind (when it suits you!), be strategic, and never stop building those relationships. Your Calradian destiny awaits, and with a little effort and a lot of grit, you'll have a magnificent coalition of clans ready to march with you into glory. Keep fighting the good fight, and may your banners always be on the winning side!