Sword of Damocles tips
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TheRighteousMan
Sergeant at Arms
fifth tip (if you're an ornery prick like me) loot every enemy town possible 
I never go broke with just that tip. You have to be careful though. If you wander too far the ai will siege your stuff and take it before you get a chance to defend it!
I never go broke with just that tip. You have to be careful though. If you wander too far the ai will siege your stuff and take it before you get a chance to defend it!
Cyzyk
Sergeant
Sixth tip:
Figure out which mercs complement your army or combat style (or have nice boots; I feel the Elephant Guard and Conquistadors are too gaudy) and look for a starting castle near their base. Hiring merc singles at base level and training them up is pretty cheap, and they make good cannon fodder while you build up your barracks/range/stables/nobles production chain.
Plus, hiring them doesn't impact your village population and economy like recruiting peasants. Got to be careful early on if you want to out-breed the Legion down the road.
Figure out which mercs complement your army or combat style (or have nice boots; I feel the Elephant Guard and Conquistadors are too gaudy) and look for a starting castle near their base. Hiring merc singles at base level and training them up is pretty cheap, and they make good cannon fodder while you build up your barracks/range/stables/nobles production chain.
Plus, hiring them doesn't impact your village population and economy like recruiting peasants. Got to be careful early on if you want to out-breed the Legion down the road.
Cyclohexane
Knight at Arms
Cyzyk said:
When your relations is high enough a mercenary guild, they will send a representative to your castle. Then you can hire from your castle at any time (have to walk into lords chambers) and they will follow you around like your council.
So, doing mercenary guild quests with favorite guild is not a bad way to start the game off (good XP, some denars, and higher guild relations). Unfortunately, many of the quests are still bugged and I'm not sure if the representatives are working in beta yet (been to busy working on other stuff to test).
Nothing348
Recruit
in my game, EVERYONE picks on the swadians, cause they are in the middle, so dive in and loot all the villages and take everything worth value, get a core group of soldiers, and hire some disposable mercs, then take a town. (if ur not up to a town, a castle is an O.k. starting point)
Oskatat
Squire
try to pick a castle near a bandit spawning place, but not inside it. I prefer to fight sea raiders, since they have the most valuable loot. Get a castle on the border. It means you can easily get to a neutral town and you can decide to make peace with one neighbour only to declare war on the other, expanding where it is easiest
A few tips to stop yourself going broke early on in your kingdom:
1. Make sure you have a lot of money before taking a castle/town...
This is easy - just do tournaments, trade, loot, tackle sea radiers, whatever you have to.
You'll need the money to build up your settlements so you can get some nice cheap homeland troops.
2. Cut down on your army size. You really don't need that many troops to take your first settlements and hold it if you waited for another faction to take it first (so the garrison is weak).
After you've taken your castle/town, build a barracks/archery range straight away and start killing off any mercs you hired to take it in the first place. Do this just by killing other lords, who you can later ransom.
Homeland troops are MUCH cheaper, rely on them as much as you can.
3. Keep your garrisons small.
This encourages AI lords to attack you, which means you can destroy their armies and capture them (for ransoms) easier, since you have the advantage in battle. Just don't wander too far from your castle.
Obviously this also saves you money.
4. Try not to use regiments if you don't need to - if you do need them to capture something, disband them straight after your task is complete.
Troops in regiments cost a fortune.
Also, don't use expensive troops/mercenaries in your regiments, because a) they don't benefit from your surgery, b) they cost more.
And, of course, capture some more towns/villages as soon as you can. Give castles to your lords, keep enough villages and towns for yourself to keep your books in the black.
1. Make sure you have a lot of money before taking a castle/town...
This is easy - just do tournaments, trade, loot, tackle sea radiers, whatever you have to.
You'll need the money to build up your settlements so you can get some nice cheap homeland troops.
2. Cut down on your army size. You really don't need that many troops to take your first settlements and hold it if you waited for another faction to take it first (so the garrison is weak).
After you've taken your castle/town, build a barracks/archery range straight away and start killing off any mercs you hired to take it in the first place. Do this just by killing other lords, who you can later ransom.
Homeland troops are MUCH cheaper, rely on them as much as you can.
3. Keep your garrisons small.
This encourages AI lords to attack you, which means you can destroy their armies and capture them (for ransoms) easier, since you have the advantage in battle. Just don't wander too far from your castle.
Obviously this also saves you money.
4. Try not to use regiments if you don't need to - if you do need them to capture something, disband them straight after your task is complete.
Troops in regiments cost a fortune.
Also, don't use expensive troops/mercenaries in your regiments, because a) they don't benefit from your surgery, b) they cost more.
And, of course, capture some more towns/villages as soon as you can. Give castles to your lords, keep enough villages and towns for yourself to keep your books in the black.
Bang
Recruit
I was playing yesterday for like 8 hour straight in m&b, only cheat I used was the quickstart money cheat and my army upkeep was like 90000. Does my lords armies count in since that was just wtfomg? Also I wiped out the swadian guys and when we attacked Uxkhal and lost 1000 guys, first the autoresolve with the kt one. Then I executed all the enemy lords and kings and I wondered why my kingdom actually declared war on me.
IfJawsCouldWalk
Regular
Bang said:
-Face Palm-
Read that last sentence clearly... And ponder for a bit why on Earth would they not like you doing that.
Nothing348
Recruit
sgtalex86 said:make sure u have 200 men extra when taking first castle cause ai WILL try to take it back with war party (300-800 men
Its standard tactic. I think its coded into the AI to try to retake anything they lose fairly instantly so Calradia doesnt become all one nation if you leave it alone long enough (native)
Thats why i always bring 100+ archers along with me, along with some strong troops like Iron Guard. Hold the line while we shoot em to pieces.
Wish i could get my men some of those pistols the Black Army Raven Captains use sometimes
IfJawsCouldWalk
Regular
Oskatat said:
If you're going to execute anyone and I mean it's not the greatest decision to make I'd execute only Kings. Simply because they are a huge force to be reckoned with. But even so I've never been taken prisoner except once when I was backed into a corner at Praven by 4 Spears and I was sitting there for 2-3 weeks which was a HUGE deal because of lost funds and a village of mine got raided.
Uofriek82
Recruit
To get a Great Start, no matter what[with a small amount of skill]
\\1
[To Start]
Proud Kingdom of Aden, Maybe even the Villianese as they have great melee trained archers and the scouts are superb as well as they are cheap, easy to make, and extremely effective vs foot units.[Haven't tried with this]
Tournaments and Duels
The One
Fight, I just love War!
\\2
Disband all your members but 5, including yourself.
The ones left over should be hero's that dont mind looting, or cavalry.
I chose, Artimenner, Deshavi, and Katrin
Artimenner > 10 Strength, rest intelligence. Engineering obv, any intelligence abilities you want to share to achieve more quickly with Deshavi
Deshavi > Intelligence - All your movement abilities, tracking sucks so you dont NEED to get it. But you can. Also, Surgery, wound treatment etc etc later on.
Katrin > 10 Strength, Rest Charisma. Trading.
\\3
Attack Looters and Forest Bandits only at this point. Hold all your troops in the back.
You will achieve levels very quickly by killing these units, as they are very easy. Avoid Sea Raiders, and especially Steppe Bandits.
Generally Remain in the Swadia Region and Nord Border with Swadia
\\4
Go purely strength until level 18, max iron flesh and power attack asap.
Train other abilities with excess points like Shield Block, Athletics until they cap[at 2]
\\5
Go to a city and buy the longest lance you can find, Old and Young Realm Lances are Amazing.
Also upgrade your armor if you choose to, for a helmet you want a "black" cape with mouth cover or whatever its called for bonus leg and chest armor.
Eventually, you will want to buy the heavy charger with 34 charge. But that is later.
\\6
Attack Villages by "Forcing the peasants to give you goods"
They Will Resist.
Hold all units.
Be wary of the Peasants with Polearms[Trident-like Polearms]
Avoid these and try to kill them with your long lance, DO NOT get close to them unless you are confident that you will kill them or not take damage.
Keep killing Peasants with ur 1h sword / lance until all the polearm peasents are dead.
Then go Crazy and finish the rest off.
It will then allow you to pillage and burn the village, you will lose relations with the faction, but you will lose relations with the lords and village.
This allows you to pillage villages without worrying about going to war.
Deserters may try to attack you when you do this, pay them off 150 Denars and continue pillaging.
If you are attacked by Boar Warriors or whatever, use ur lance to kill off their horses. Remain at maximum distance at ALL times. And slowly pick them off. Your companions will probably get wounded in this scenario.
Looters/Bandits will on occasion as well. Just kill them. Sea Raiders are the only annoying type because of their throwing weapons which can be very lethal. Archers are a tad easier as long as you constantly circle them ^^
\\7
Continue Step 6 over and over, many many many times. And Constantly Upgrade your armor and weapons / your companions weapons and armor.
Equip Artimenner and Katrin with Lances, 1h weapons/shield.
Deshavi with whatever you intend for her to be, but remember she wont ever really be powerful.
Artimenner and Katrin can equip many different weapons and armor with 10 strength, and have a decent starting wep proficiency.
Speaking of weapon proficiency, yours will increase ridiculously fast due to the many hits your getting out.
\\8
With the money from step 6, on top of tournaments your coffers should build.
Collect ~ 50,000 if you really want to be safe.
Choose which kingdom you believe is the easiest for you to fight
Gather a small army, or mercs.
Either
A] Wait for them to take a castle, and immediately seize it after before a lord is selected to own it.
or
B] Gather a fairly large army, or mercs. And Attack a castle directly. Make sure you capture it. Remember if you take a castle that is easy to stomp all over, when enemies attack you they can do the same thing.
\\9
Start building your Barracks/Archery Range as you will need these cheap units to survive. If needed, buy peace treaties with warring factions. Certain lords will allow you to make a peace treaty for much cheaper than others.
\\10
Take another Castle when you can, and give both Castles to your lord. Keep the villages.
Visit City Taverns and buy Refugees and Townsmen but not Manhunters.
Put these units in the Castles and watch them magically become Sword Sisters \ Merc units.
Also hire Peasants whenever you can, and farmers.
Another good strat is to hire A sheet ton of Peasants and have a few companions with high training. Stay in your castle for a few nights and do not upgrade them until all peasants can be upgraded.
Upgrade them into effective and cheap units.
\\11 Conquest
Give your lords All your units, keep nothing but perhaps a decent group of elite units in case a castle is attacked and your lords are being stubborn/slow because of their massive army.
You will not have to pay for the units your lord keeps, but you can control the armies anyway.
Take Cities, and keep cities.
This new version you will need to start training your intriques/administration etc. So you may have to give away some excess buildings.
\\12 Imperial Legion
Good luck.
Cavalry, Cavalry, Cavalry, Cavalry.
Black Army Cavalry Mercs [150 Elite, 1 month]
Green Serpent Cavalry Mercs [150 Elite, 1 month]
Good luck x2
\\1
[To Start]
Proud Kingdom of Aden, Maybe even the Villianese as they have great melee trained archers and the scouts are superb as well as they are cheap, easy to make, and extremely effective vs foot units.[Haven't tried with this]
Tournaments and Duels
The One
Fight, I just love War!
\\2
Disband all your members but 5, including yourself.
The ones left over should be hero's that dont mind looting, or cavalry.
I chose, Artimenner, Deshavi, and Katrin
Artimenner > 10 Strength, rest intelligence. Engineering obv, any intelligence abilities you want to share to achieve more quickly with Deshavi
Deshavi > Intelligence - All your movement abilities, tracking sucks so you dont NEED to get it. But you can. Also, Surgery, wound treatment etc etc later on.
Katrin > 10 Strength, Rest Charisma. Trading.
\\3
Attack Looters and Forest Bandits only at this point. Hold all your troops in the back.
You will achieve levels very quickly by killing these units, as they are very easy. Avoid Sea Raiders, and especially Steppe Bandits.
Generally Remain in the Swadia Region and Nord Border with Swadia
\\4
Go purely strength until level 18, max iron flesh and power attack asap.
Train other abilities with excess points like Shield Block, Athletics until they cap[at 2]
\\5
Go to a city and buy the longest lance you can find, Old and Young Realm Lances are Amazing.
Also upgrade your armor if you choose to, for a helmet you want a "black" cape with mouth cover or whatever its called for bonus leg and chest armor.
Eventually, you will want to buy the heavy charger with 34 charge. But that is later.
\\6
Attack Villages by "Forcing the peasants to give you goods"
They Will Resist.
Hold all units.
Be wary of the Peasants with Polearms[Trident-like Polearms]
Avoid these and try to kill them with your long lance, DO NOT get close to them unless you are confident that you will kill them or not take damage.
Keep killing Peasants with ur 1h sword / lance until all the polearm peasents are dead.
Then go Crazy and finish the rest off.
It will then allow you to pillage and burn the village, you will lose relations with the faction, but you will lose relations with the lords and village.
This allows you to pillage villages without worrying about going to war.
Deserters may try to attack you when you do this, pay them off 150 Denars and continue pillaging.
If you are attacked by Boar Warriors or whatever, use ur lance to kill off their horses. Remain at maximum distance at ALL times. And slowly pick them off. Your companions will probably get wounded in this scenario.
Looters/Bandits will on occasion as well. Just kill them. Sea Raiders are the only annoying type because of their throwing weapons which can be very lethal. Archers are a tad easier as long as you constantly circle them ^^
\\7
Continue Step 6 over and over, many many many times. And Constantly Upgrade your armor and weapons / your companions weapons and armor.
Equip Artimenner and Katrin with Lances, 1h weapons/shield.
Deshavi with whatever you intend for her to be, but remember she wont ever really be powerful.
Artimenner and Katrin can equip many different weapons and armor with 10 strength, and have a decent starting wep proficiency.
Speaking of weapon proficiency, yours will increase ridiculously fast due to the many hits your getting out.
\\8
With the money from step 6, on top of tournaments your coffers should build.
Collect ~ 50,000 if you really want to be safe.
Choose which kingdom you believe is the easiest for you to fight
Gather a small army, or mercs.
Either
A] Wait for them to take a castle, and immediately seize it after before a lord is selected to own it.
or
B] Gather a fairly large army, or mercs. And Attack a castle directly. Make sure you capture it. Remember if you take a castle that is easy to stomp all over, when enemies attack you they can do the same thing.
\\9
Start building your Barracks/Archery Range as you will need these cheap units to survive. If needed, buy peace treaties with warring factions. Certain lords will allow you to make a peace treaty for much cheaper than others.
\\10
Take another Castle when you can, and give both Castles to your lord. Keep the villages.
Visit City Taverns and buy Refugees and Townsmen but not Manhunters.
Put these units in the Castles and watch them magically become Sword Sisters \ Merc units.
Also hire Peasants whenever you can, and farmers.
Another good strat is to hire A sheet ton of Peasants and have a few companions with high training. Stay in your castle for a few nights and do not upgrade them until all peasants can be upgraded.
Upgrade them into effective and cheap units.
\\11 Conquest
Give your lords All your units, keep nothing but perhaps a decent group of elite units in case a castle is attacked and your lords are being stubborn/slow because of their massive army.
You will not have to pay for the units your lord keeps, but you can control the armies anyway.
Take Cities, and keep cities.
This new version you will need to start training your intriques/administration etc. So you may have to give away some excess buildings.
\\12 Imperial Legion
Good luck.
Cavalry, Cavalry, Cavalry, Cavalry.
Black Army Cavalry Mercs [150 Elite, 1 month]
Green Serpent Cavalry Mercs [150 Elite, 1 month]
Good luck x2
wadedidit!
Regular
When I play (without increasing the Betting amounts for tournaments) I usually run trades and have a running force of 20 - 50 cavalry and all I do is hunt down forest bandits and sea raiders and sell their loot, I also escort caravans as well.
I am not much of a village looter though I must say.
I am not much of a village looter though I must say.
Mauibuilt
Recruit
1. Go buy yourself a blunt weapon and go hunting for looters south of Tihr. Should have 3~5 looters spawning there constantly. Nab a bunch of prisoners than sell it to Ramun at Tihr for 50 a pop. With starting 3 leadership you can carry 40 prisoners. 40x50 = 2000 easy money. It's ALOT easier with Zerrinikian since harvesters/reapers are equipped with a blunt weapon and can make things faster. In one in game week I can make 15k. Subtract the 700 for upkeep and thats 14.3k profit every ingame week. Keep doing this til you get 100k. Also this will increase your weapon profieciencies real quick. Looters have no armor so you do more damage per hit which means quicker increases.
2. Pay attention to the world map and wait til someone captures a castle (usually near Swadian territory). I prefer Grunwalder since it's real easy to defend with archers. Also make sure the village that's attached to it has a high population so you can garrison troops. This point on get rid of any mercenaries you have (overpriced) and start replacing it with your homeland troops. If you still don't have a barracks go around recruiting peasants from villages and if you have a NPC with a decent training skill they'll go to Peasant+ real quick just by resting in the castle.
3. If you have to funds go and make peace with whatever faction you took the castle from. Usually is only like 3k. Get a barracks real fast. After that just start garrisoning troops in your castle. Do upgrades to your castle and let time go by to lower your badboy rating. Now with a badboy rating of 0, you won't have to worry about factions attacking your castle. Now go build up money again (quests for mercs, trading fur, selling looters) til you hit 100k again. Hopefully by now you'll be walking with a 100 size party and 150 troops in your castle.
4. If you picked a castle near the middle, chances are castles near you are constantly swapping hands. This time go do the same thing and capture it when someone takes it. Go pay the money to make peace with whatever faction. Recruit a lord and give him the castle. He doesn't need the village right now since you're at peace with everyone. Build up moneys again and repeat. With 3 castles/villages, you should have 3 lords. Give them a castle/village. Than go siege a town. Take the town and congrats you're on your own from there since that's where I'm at.
BTW this way is easy but it takes incredibly long. I'm at day 284 right now with 3 castles and one town.
2. Pay attention to the world map and wait til someone captures a castle (usually near Swadian territory). I prefer Grunwalder since it's real easy to defend with archers. Also make sure the village that's attached to it has a high population so you can garrison troops. This point on get rid of any mercenaries you have (overpriced) and start replacing it with your homeland troops. If you still don't have a barracks go around recruiting peasants from villages and if you have a NPC with a decent training skill they'll go to Peasant+ real quick just by resting in the castle.
3. If you have to funds go and make peace with whatever faction you took the castle from. Usually is only like 3k. Get a barracks real fast. After that just start garrisoning troops in your castle. Do upgrades to your castle and let time go by to lower your badboy rating. Now with a badboy rating of 0, you won't have to worry about factions attacking your castle. Now go build up money again (quests for mercs, trading fur, selling looters) til you hit 100k again. Hopefully by now you'll be walking with a 100 size party and 150 troops in your castle.
4. If you picked a castle near the middle, chances are castles near you are constantly swapping hands. This time go do the same thing and capture it when someone takes it. Go pay the money to make peace with whatever faction. Recruit a lord and give him the castle. He doesn't need the village right now since you're at peace with everyone. Build up moneys again and repeat. With 3 castles/villages, you should have 3 lords. Give them a castle/village. Than go siege a town. Take the town and congrats you're on your own from there since that's where I'm at.
BTW this way is easy but it takes incredibly long. I'm at day 284 right now with 3 castles and one town.
