Author:
Simulacrum
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Date:
12/21/2020 5:56:43 AM
Subject:
Bannerlord Report: Early Game Findings
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the social structure and conventions. Apparently, there are six major factions bearing general similarities to those in M&B1 and Warband, but they have different names and slightly different characteristics. The Nords are now the Sturgians, the Vaegirs are the Vlandians, etc. The biggest faction is the Empire, which is divided into Northern, Southern, and Western subfactions and which doesn't seem to have a clear analogue in previous games.
Each faction subsumes several "clans," which have varying degrees of loyalty to the larger organization. Additionally, they may be associated by blood relation or marriage, or they may be auxiliary or mercenary. I am the head of my own clan, but I have very little renown and no influence. Thus, I pass unnoticed among the great families and don't even qualify as a desirable mercenary outfit.
As in previous games, the player and NPCs have attributes and skills, but they operate quite differently than before. This is too complex to go into, but I may cover it later. I will just say that I'm struggling a bit with it and hope to understand it more fully as time passes.
All named NPCs develop their own attributes and skills, including employable companions. These "wanderers" are lone mercenaries and are usually much better developed skill-wise than the player character. As before, they are principally useful for bolstering one's company in battle and for their party-related skills. More important, they can be given their own group under arms and carry out quests, manage caravans, and do other interesting things. I will explore this as I get further into things.
I have a pretty good Empire company with some mid-tier troops. I could level them into more powerful soldiers, but I'm trying to keep my expenses in check. They're more than adequate for facing down looters and mountain bandits. I have not seen hide nor hair of any powerful bandits like sea raiders. Maybe this is associated with my character level. In any event, I'm in a place right now where I need all the bandits I can find.
I'm doing pretty well financially, but I'm constantly looking for ways to make more money. Guides often wax enthusiastic about how profitable trading is in Bannerlord, but the reality is it ain't so great. Mostly trying to game bartering doesn't work too well because prices fluctuate wildly. So I have to rely on village quests and bandit hunting, neither of which is getting me the money or the experience I need at this point. Maybe things will change.
Owing to this money issue, my companions and I are still wearing bandit rags and carrying rusty, dented weapons, but at least we have horses. By the way, horses are much more important in Bannerlord than in earlier games, but I'll have to cover that in another report.
I'm enjoying the game quite a lot and can't really think of any major complaints. This may change, but so far so good.
