How to Recruit Lords in Bannerlord

You've started your kingdom, raised your banner, and... immediately got declared war on by three empires. You need friends, and you need them fast. Recruiting other lords to join your kingdom is the only way to expand sustainably.

Turning enemies into allies is the true path to victory.

Prerequisites

Before you go head-hunting, check your wallet.

1. Money: You need Millions. A poor clan might join for 300k Denars. A rich tier 5 clan might demand 1-2 Million. If you are broke, stick to companions-turned-lords.

2. Charm: High Charm skill is essential for passing the persuasion checks.

3. Relations: Lords who like you are cheaper and easier to persuade.

Step 1: Finding a Target

You cannot recruit just anyone. You must find the Clan Leader.

• Open the Encyclopedia (N).

• Go to Clans.

• Filter by the culture you want (matching culture to your fiefs helps loyalty).

• Pro Tip: Look for Fiefless clans. If a clan has no towns or castles, they are likely poor and unhappy with their current liege. They are the easiest targets.

Use the Encyclopedia to track down Clan Leaders.

Step 2: The Conversation

Find the leader on the map.

• Note: You can speak to them even if you are at war (if you catch them) or if they are your Prisoner! Recruiting prisoners is a great strategy.

• Dialogue option: "There is something I'd like to discuss." -> "Your liege is not worthy..."

Step 3: The Persuasion Check

You will enter a mini-game with 4 "circles" to fill.

• Choose dialogue options with the highest percentage chance.

• Critical Success: Fills 2 circles instantly.

• Critical Fail: Fills the "failure" bar. If you fail too many, the negotiation ends permanently.

• Save Scumming: Many players save before this conversation because RNG can be brutal.

Step 4: The Bribe (Barter)

If you pass the persuasion check, they will say: "Very well, I am convinced. But I need assurances..."

• This opens the Barter screen.

• You must fill the green bar until the "Gift" button becomes clickable.

• Cost: This varies wildly. From 1 Denar (if they love you and hate their king) to 1,000,000+ Denars.

• If you cannot pay, the deal is off.

Once paid, their clan (and all their parties and fiefs!) immediately joins your kingdom.

For tips on affording these bribes, see Making Money Fast.