Capturing enemy lords in Bannerlord is not just about winning battles; it’s about weakening rival factions, collecting ransom money, and gaining political leverage. The process, however, is governed by chance and your own party’s skill and circumstances. This guide breaks down how it works, what affects your odds, and what to do with captured lords.
How to Capture Lords in Battle
You can only capture enemy lords during field battles or after defending settlements. Sieges do not allow for direct capture unless you engage a party outside the walls.
Key Conditions:
- You must be the party leader.
- The enemy lord must surrender or be knocked unconscious.
- The battle must end in victory for your side.
Once the battle ends, a post-battle screen will show whether the lord is captured or escapes. The result is mostly random, but several factors can influence the outcome.
Factors That Influence Capture
1. Player’s Roguery Skill
- A higher Roguery skill can slightly increase the odds of keeping captured lords.
- Also improves value when ransoming or selling prisoners.
2. Party Size and Prisoner Capacity
- If your prisoner slots are full, captured lords may escape.
- Keep your party well-managed to retain key prisoners.
3. Enemy Traits
- Lords with the “Merciful” or “Honourable” traits are more likely to surrender.
- Those with “Daring” or “Devious” traits may attempt escape more often.
4. Battle Type
- Small-scale skirmishes have a higher chance of capture than large-scale wars.
- If you personally knock the lord unconscious, it may improve your chances slightly.
Best Practices for Capturing Lords
- Target Weakened Parties: Chasing down damaged or retreating enemy lords increases the odds of successful capture.
- Lead the Assault: When possible, be present in the battle instead of sending troops. It improves your control over the outcome.
- Equip Blunt Weapons: Unconfirmed but believed by many players, using blunt weapons may improve capture rates by knocking out enemies rather than killing them.
- Avoid Overfilling Prison Slots: Always leave space for high-value prisoners, especially enemy lords.
What to Do with Captured Lords
1. Ransom Them
- Visit a tavern and speak to the Ransom Broker.
- Prices vary but typically range from 500 to over 5,000 denars depending on the lord’s importance and your Roguery skill.
2. Keep Them as Leverage
- Holding a lord can weaken enemy armies by removing leadership and troop morale.
- Particularly useful in wars against powerful clans.
3. Execute (Not Recommended Early Game)
- Executing a lord severely damages your reputation.
- Factions will hate you, and you risk turning many characters hostile.
- Only advisable if you plan to play as a tyrant or are in the late game and can manage the consequences.
4. Exchange for Peace or Release
- In rare dialogue events, captured lords may offer peace or even join your cause.
- You can also choose to release them for Honour if you’re roleplaying a noble ruler.
Storing Captured Lords
If you don’t want to carry them in your party:
- Place them in a Dungeon: Any castle or town you own can hold lords. This prevents escape and buys you time to decide what to do.
- Assign a Governor with High Security: Improves the chance of keeping prisoners from escaping.
- Upgrade Dungeon Facilities: Some mods and mechanics allow for dungeon improvements which reduce escape chances further.
Can Lords Escape?
Yes. Enemy lords can escape if:
- Held in your party for too long without action.
- Stored in a poorly defended dungeon.
- Your town or castle is captured.
- An event causes them to flee (rare but scripted scenarios exist).
Seven Swords Takeaway
Capturing enemy lords in Bannerlord is part tactical choice, part luck. By managing your prisoner capacity, choosing your battles wisely, and understanding the personality traits of opposing lords, you can increase your success. Whether you choose to ransom, imprison, or execute, each decision shapes your path in Calradia.
Keep a close eye on your prisoner list, maintain a healthy balance between honour and strategy, and remember: in Bannerlord, every action has political consequences.
