Aserai

The Aserai are the masters of the southern deserts in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Living in the vast Nahasa (Bronze Desert), they are isolated from the rest of Calradia by mountains and arid wastes. This isolation is their greatest strength, allowing them to grow rich on trade and strike out when their neighbors are weak.

Based on the pre-Islamic Arab tribes of the 7th century, the Aserai are a confederation of clans united under Sultan Unqid. They boast a versatile troop roster that balances heavy infantry, decent archers, and swift cavalry, making them a "jack-of-all-trades" faction that excels in open-field skirmishes.

Lore & Origins

The Aserai take their name from the legendary patriarch Asera. They are divided into various clans, often feuding over water and grazing rights in the Nahasa. The current Sultan, Unqid of the Banu Hulyan, holds this fragile alliance together with a mix of charm, bribery, and authority. Unlike the feudal lords of Vlandia or the senate of the Empire, Aserai politics are deeply rooted in clan loyalty and wealth.

Geography & Economy

The Aserai lands are arguably the best defensive position in the game. Access to the Nahasa is limited to a few choke points, primarily near Garontor Castle in the west and Danustica in the east. This makes invasions difficult, as enemy armies suffer movement penalties and attrition in the desert while the Aserai move swiftly.

The economy is powered by powerhouses like Sanala, which has an obscene amount of grain production (often 3 villages attached), and Askar, famous for its dates.

For a deeper dive into making money with Aserai trade advantages, check out our Economy & Trading Guide.

Troop Roster Analysis

The Aserai roster is often underestimated but is incredibly potent in the hands of a skilled commander.

Infantry

The Aserai Mameluke Palace Guard is the star here. Armed with massive two-handed executioner axes, they can shred through enemy shields and infantry lines faster than almost any other unit. While they lack the heavy armor of an Imperial Legionary, their offensive output is terrifying. Check out where they rank in our Best Infantry Units guide.

Cavalry

The Aserai Vanguard Faris is a unique heavy cavalry unit. They carry javelins, allowing them to harass enemies before closing in with lances. They are extremely effective as anti-cavalry skirmishers. The Aserai Mameluke Heavy Cavalry acts as a horse archer that transitions into a heavy lancer, giving you tactical flexibility. See how they compare in our Best Cavalry Units breakdown.

Archers

The Aserai Master Archer is a solid Tier 5 unit. While they don't have the range or damage of a Battanian Fian Champion, they have good armor and fire rate, making them reliable in sieges and open battles.

Strategy

Desert Warfare

The Aserai culture bonus provides no movement penalty in deserts. This is huge. You can outrun any invading army, picking fights only when you can win. Use this Party Speed Optimization to maximize your map movement.

Trade Dominance

With a 30% discount on building caravans and a 10% reduction in trade penalty, the Aserai are built for merchant princes. You can flood the map with Caravans early game to fund your conquests.

Expansion

Because of their protected heartland, Aserai can afford to launch deep raids into the Southern Empire or Vlandia without fearing immediate retribution at home. Secure the choke points, and the desert becomes your fortress.

For a broader look at how the Aserai fit into the world politics, read our Kingdoms of Calradia overview.