Economy and Trade Basics

Understanding the economic simulation in Bannerlord is the difference between a struggling warband and a wealthy kingdom. This guide covers the fundamental concepts of trade and economy.

Core Concepts

Supply and Demand

Every item in the game has a price determined by supply and demand.

• Supply: Produced by villages (raw materials) or workshops (finished goods).

• Demand: Consumed by towns (prosperity consumption) or armies (food/gear).

When a town has a surplus of grain, the price drops. When it is starving, the price rockets.

Prosperity

Prosperity represents the wealth of a settlement.

• High Prosperity: More taxes, better items in shops, larger garrison capacity.

• Low Prosperity: Less tax, poor market selection, risk of rebellion.

See Economy & Trade Systems for a deep dive.

Price Drivers

Prices fluctuate dynamically based on:

1. War & Raids: Raided villages stop producing. Sieged towns cannot trade. This causes scarcity and high prices.

2. Caravans: Caravans buy low and sell high, naturally flattening price differences between towns.

3. Seasonality: Food is cheaper after harvest.

Trade Rumors

The Trade skill allows you to see "Trade Rumors". When you visit a market or talk to a caravan, your character remembers prices.

• Green Price: Lower than average (Buy!).

• Red Price: Higher than average (Sell!).

Hovering over an item will often tell you "Sell at Sanala for 50% profit".

Basic Trade Routes

For beginners, manual trading is a safe way to make money.

The Aserai Horse Route

1. Go to Askar or other Aserai desert towns.

2. Buy Desert Horses and Aserai Horses.

3. Travel north to Vlandia or the Empire.

4. Sell for massive profit (horses are scarce in non-desert/steppe regions).

See Trading Routes & Goods for more routes.

Next Steps

Once you have mastered manual trading, consider automating your income with Caravans Guide or Workshops Explained.