Troop Recruitment and Development in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

An army is only as good as its supply of fresh bodies. Whether you are replenishing losses after a siege or building your first warband, knowing where to look is half the battle.

Recruitment Sources

Villages vs. Towns

• Villages: The primary source of troops. Each village has a "Notable" (Landowner, Headman) who offers recruits.

• Towns: Also have notables (Merchants, Gang Leaders), but often offer mercenaries or urban troops.

The Relation System

When you click "Recruit Troops", you'll see a row of cards.

• First 2 Slots: Usually unlocked for everyone.

• Slots 3-6: Locked behind Relation.

  • You need to complete quests for the notable (e.g., "Family Feud", "Escort Merchant Caravan") to raise relation.

  • Higher relation unlocks these slots, which often hold higher tier troops (Tier 3+) or Noble Troops.

See Relationship Building with Notables for how to grind this quickly.

Unlocking Noble Troops

"Noble" troops are the elite units of each faction (e.g., Battanian Fian Champions, Imperial Elite Cataphracts).

• Where to find them: They rarely spawn in town centers. You find them in Villages bound to Castles.

• Identification: Look for recruits named "Vigla Recruit" (Empire), "Squire" (Vlandia), "Highborn Youth" (Battania), "Noble Son" (Khuzait), "Sturgian Warrior Son", or "Aserai Youth".

• Requirement: These are almost always in the locked slots (3-6). You must have high relation with powerful rural notables to get a steady supply.

Alternative Methods

Prisoner Recruitment

If you capture bandits or enemy troops, you can recruit them over time.

• Pros: Instant access to veteran troops.

• Cons: Costs Morale. If your morale drops too low, troops will desert.

• Tip: Recruit prisoners just before entering a town, then buy food or win a tournament to boost morale back up.

Mercenaries

Found in Taverns.

• Pros: No relation needed. Decent stats.

• Cons: Very expensive wages. They are a stopgap solution, not a long-term army foundation.

Summary

1. Quest for notables in Castle Villages to unlock Noble Troops.

2. Recruit prisoners to fill gaps, but watch your Morale.

3. Avoid mercenaries unless you are desperate.