Empire (Southern, Northern, Western)

The Calradic Empire is the Rome of Bannerlord. Once a unified superpower, it is now fractured into three civil-warring factions following the death of Emperor Arenicos. They share the same culture and troops but differ in leadership and geography.

The Split

After Arenicos died without a clear heir, the Empire split based on political ideology:

• Northern Empire: Led by Senator Lucon. They believe the Senate should choose the Emperor. Aristocratic and republican.

• Southern Empire: Led by Empress Rhagaea (Arenicos' widow). She believes in hereditary succession for her daughter, Ira. Monarchist.

• Western Empire: Led by General Garios. He believes the army should choose the leader. Militarist/Populist.

Faction Breakdown

Northern Empire

• Leader: Lucon.

• Geography: Northeast, bordering Khuzait and Sturgia.

• Challenge: Often squeezed by the aggressive Khuzaits.

Southern Empire

• Leader: Rhagaea.

• Geography: South/Central, bordering Aserai and Khuzait.

• Challenge: Very central, often fighting on all sides. Popular with players who want to marry Ira.

Western Empire

• Leader: Garios.

• Geography: West, bordering Vlandia and Battania.

• Challenge: Constant war with the powerful Vlandian cavalry and Battanian archers.

Troop Comparisons

All three factions use the Imperial Troop Tree, which is the most versatile in the game.

• Infantry: Imperial Legionary. Heavily armored shield infantry. Very durable.

• Archers: Imperial Palatine Guard. Good armor and reliable damage, though not as deadly as Battanian Fians.

• Cavalry: Imperial Elite Cataphract. Heavily armored shock cavalry. One of the best units in the game.

Strategy

When joining an Imperial faction, consider:

1. Geography: Which neighbors do you want to fight? (North = Khuzait, West = Vlandia).

2. Policies: They all tend to favor policies that centralize power.

3. Unification: The main quest allows you to reunite the Empire under one banner.

See Calradia Kingdoms Overview for other factions.