Kingdoms are always looking for assistance from mercenaries and new vassals in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, depending on whether they're currently at war. Joining a kingdom is a great way to earn money and fame. It's also a sure way to get into sieges and huge battles.
How to join a kingdom as a mercenary
The first step in joining a kingdom is as a mercenary. Nobody knows who you are and as such you first need to prove your worth as a sellsword.
- Level your clan up to 1. (Completing the "Rebuild your Clan" quest also requires this.)
- Wait for the kingdom you wish to join goes to war.
- Find a lord of a kingdom you wish to join on the map.
- Speak to them about joining as a mercenary.
You're now enlisted with that kingdom. Its enemies are now your enemies unless you cancel your contract. You can now join battles, armies, participate in sieges, and earn some serious coin. Influence earned throughout is also turned into coin, which offsets your army upkeep slightly, allowing you to remain in the action for longer.
Do note that kingdoms your kingdom is warring with will now try and take you down should they spot you alone in the field. You won't earn any settlements or forts here, but you will be able to acquire military, plenty of items, and prisoners.
How to join a kingdom as a vassal
Your clan needs to hit level 2 before you're able to join a kingdom as a vassal. Joining first as a mercenary helps to build relations. If your clan has considerable renown, you can join a kingdom as a vassal. By doing so, you will be swearing to a ruler and going all-in with a specific faction, so choose wisely.
- Level your clan up to 2.
- Find the ruler of a kingdom you wish to join as a vassal.
- Speak to them about joining as a vassal.
- Swear an oath and progress through the dialog.
The major difference between mercenaries and vassals is the latter has a closer tie to the kingdom. As a vassal, you will be able to vote on various political topics, be in with the chance of acquiring land, and raise armies yourself.
The successor to the popular Mount & Blade: Warband strategy game, Bannerlord adds plenty of improvements to make this an even more immersive medieval experience.
