Minor Factions
November 21, 2025
Roundup of minor clans (Jawwal, Eleftheroi, etc.) and their roles.
In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the world is not just divided into the great Kingdoms. The spaces between—the forests, steppes, and borders—are filled with Minor Factions. These groups add depth to the lore and chaos to the campaign map.
Major vs Minor Factions
What is the difference?
Major Factions (Kingdoms): Have a King/Queen, own fiefs (Towns/Castles), have a noble hierarchy (Clans Tier 3-6), and enforce laws.
Minor Factions: Do not own land (usually), consist of a single clan, act as mercenaries or outlaws, and typically have unique troop trees that differ from the major culture.
For a full list of these clans and their units, see our detailed guide on Minor Clans & Mercenaries.
The Mercenary Market
Minor factions are the primary source of mercenary manpower for the Kingdoms.
Shifting Tides: A Kingdom losing a war will often hire multiple minor factions to bolster their numbers. This is why you might see the Company of the Golden Boar fighting for Vlandia one month and Battania the next.
Player Interaction: As a King, you can hire these factions to protect your lands. They are cheaper than maintaining a standing army of that size but can be unreliable.
Dealing with Rogue Clans
When not employed, many minor factions turn to banditry.
Raiding: Clans like the Wolfskins or Eleftheroi are hostile to almost everyone. They will raid caravans and villagers.
Hostility: Unlike Looters, minor faction parties are well-trained and well-equipped. Engaging them early game can be a death sentence.
Opportunity: Defeating them provides excellent loot and high-tier prisoners which can be recruited into your own party.
Summary
Minor Factions are the wildcards of Calradia. Whether you hire them as Mercenaries or hunt them down like Bandits, ignoring them is impossible.