Kingdom Management in Bannerlord

Ruling a kingdom is the ultimate test in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. It shifts the gameplay from personal combat to grand strategy, diplomacy, and logistics.

Founding & Legitimacy

You can start a kingdom in two ways:

1. The Dragon Banner: Complete the main quest (Neretzes' Folly).

2. Sandbox: Reach Clan Tier 4, be independent, own a fief, and appoint a governor to declare your new kingdom.

Once founded, you are the King (or Queen). You now have the power to declare war, pass laws, and recruit other clans.

For a step-by-step guide, see Starting Your Own Kingdom.

The Currency of Kings: Influence

Influence is the fuel of your kingdom. You need it to:

• Call armies.

• Vote on policies.

• Overrule council decisions.

• Expel clans.

How to get it:

• Battles: Winning large battles gives massive influence.

• Buildings: The 'Forum' project in towns generates daily influence.

• Policies: Laws like Sacred Majesty generate influence for the ruler daily.

Check Gaining Influence for farming tips.

Policies for Stability

Policies shape your kingdom's strengths. As a ruler, you should prioritize policies that consolidate your power and loyalty.

Must-Have Policies:

• Sacred Majesty: Ruler clan gains +3 Influence/day.

• Forgiveness of Debts: Increases settlement loyalty (crucial for preventing rebellions).

• Tribunes of the People: Reduces tax income slightly but increases loyalty.

See the full Policies & Laws list.

Diplomacy & War Strategy

You cannot fight the whole world alone. Diplomacy is about managing who you fight and when.

• Tributes: If you are losing a war, you may have to pay tribute to make peace. If you are winning, they pay you. Be careful—paying too much tribute can bankrupt your clans.

• Recruiting Vassals: You need other clans to defend your lands. finding the heads of other clans and persuading them (Charm check) to join you is essential. It often costs a lot of gold (300k - 1m denars).

Visit Executions & Diplomacy for the darker side of politics.

Managing Armies

As King, you can call other parties to your army using Influence.

• Cohesion: Armies fall apart over time. You must spend Influence to boost cohesion.

• Food: Ensure your army has enough food, or they will desert and die.

Learn about army logistics in Clan Management and Settlement Management.