Managing a clan in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a bit like running a medieval startup. You’ve got a few friends, no money, and a dream of taking over the continent. But before you start slapping your banner on every castle you see, you’ll need to understand how to keep your clan from collapsing into debt, rebellion, or general chaos.
Let’s talk about the real nuts and bolts of clan management: the people, the money, and the politics that make the whole bloody thing work.
Understanding Clan Tiers
Your clan tier is basically your social credit score in Calradia. The higher your tier, the more you can do.
| Clan Tier | Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 150 renown | Can join a kingdom |
| Tier 2 | 350 renown | Eligible to receive fiefs |
| Tier 3 | 900 renown | Can create your own kingdom |
| Tier 4+ | 1,500+ renown | More companions, parties, and respect |
Focus early on tournaments, bandit hunting, and mercenary work to boost your renown. Think of it as networking, but with more spears.
Managing Your Companions
Companions are your clan’s backbone, or at least the ones who don’t get kidnapped every five minutes. Each one brings a unique skillset to the table.
- Appoint Roles Wisely:
- Quartermaster – boosts party size and supply efficiency.
- Engineer – speeds up siege construction.
- Scout – helps you avoid ambushes.
- Surgeon – keeps your army from becoming a medieval meat grinder.
- Outfitting Companions:
Don’t send them into battle wearing a potato sack. Even cheap armour helps morale (and survival). - Separate Parties:
Once your clan tier allows it, create companion-led parties. They generate income, gain renown, and expand your military presence. Just don’t expect them to be tactical geniuses.
Keeping Your Finances Stable
Money management in Bannerlord is a dark art. One week you’re flush with denars, the next you’re selling horses to pay wages.
- Income Streams:
- Trade goods between cities with large price gaps.
- Invest in workshops (smithy, brewery, or tannery).
- Set up caravans for passive income (just expect a few to be raided).
- Tax villages from owned fiefs.
- Expenses to Watch:
- Party wages (especially elite troops).
- Garrison costs.
- Army creation and kingdom tributes.
Keep 10,000 denars as an emergency buffer. If things go bad, you’ll need it to recruit and rebuild.
Managing Influence and Kingdom Politics
If you’ve joined a kingdom, influence is your currency of power. Use it wisely.
- Gaining Influence:
- Fight battles for your kingdom.
- Support kingdom policies.
- Donate troops or prisoners to your liege.
- Spending Influence:
- Support yourself in fief votes.
- Persuade lords to back your decisions.
- Change policies that benefit your playstyle (like Royal Guard for extra troops).
Play it cool in council meetings. No one trusts the over-eager upstart demanding castles every session.
Building and Managing Fiefs
Owning a fief is like getting a house with a massive mortgage and several hundred angry peasants attached.
- Improve Loyalty:
Keep militia high, build fairgrounds, and avoid harsh taxes. - Construct Buildings:
Prioritise training fields, granaries, and militia barracks. - Assign Governors:
Use companions with high stewardship or charm to improve stability.
Losing loyalty leads to rebellion, which means your garrison suddenly belongs to someone else.
Growing and Maintaining Reputation
Your clan name matters. It affects recruitment, diplomacy, and marriage prospects.
- Build Honour:
Release captured nobles, keep promises, and avoid pillaging too often. - Reputation Boosters:
- Win major battles.
- Marry into noble families.
- Support allies in wars.
Sometimes, the best PR move is not burning down an entire village.
Long-Term Strategy
Once your clan is stable and rolling in gold, it’s time to think big.
- Form Your Own Kingdom:
You’ll need 100 troops, 1,000 renown, and 2 settlements. - Recruit Vassals:
Use persuasion or bribery to expand your influence. - Establish Policies:
Tailor laws to your playstyle. Want more income? Choose Tribute Payments. Want larger armies? Choose Royal Privilege.
It’s not about winning every battle. It’s about making sure your banner still flies after everyone else’s has burned.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Running a Bannerlord clan isn’t about being the strongest warlord, it’s about being the smartest. The player who balances ambition with patience usually outlasts the one who charges into every fight.
So, manage your people, build your wealth, and let the world know your banner isn’t just decoration. It’s a warning!
