Bandit Hunting for Profit

Before you own workshops or caravans, your primary income will likely come from the "sword economy": killing bandits and taking their stuff.

The Profit Loop

1. Hunt: Find a party of bandits.

2. Fight: Win with minimal losses (auto-resolve is risky for Looters, safe for others if you outnumber them).

3. Loot: Take everything.

4. Prisoners: Capture as many as possible.

5. Sell: Visit a town.

Best Targets for Profit

1. Sea Raiders (The Gold Mine)

Sea Raiders drop mail armor, helmets, and throwing axes.

• Value: A single loot drop can be worth 500-1000 denars in the early game.

• Strategy: Farm the coast north of Omor.

2. Mountain Bandits & Desert Bandits

They occasionally drop horses (Sumpter horses or faction mounts).

• Value: Horses sell for 100-500 denars and also increase your carry capacity.

3. Looters

• Value: Low. Their gear is worthless. Only hunt them for XP or quests.

Selling Strategy

Loot

• Sell: Trade goods and armor directly to the market.

• Smelt: If you are leveling Smithing, smelt the weapons (pitchforks, hammers, axes) into materials. Hardwood and Iron are often worth more than the weapon itself.

Prisoners

You have two options:

1. Ransom Broker: Found in the Tavern. Pays full price. Always use them if available.

2. Tavern Keeper: Will buy prisoners but at a lower rate. Use them only if you are desperate for speed or capacity.

3. Manual Laborers: Some quests ask for "Bandit Prisoners". These pay 10x the market rate. Always save bandits for these quests if you see them.

For more advanced economy tips, check Advanced Money-Making Strategies.