The main problem with the influence mechanic is that it is used like a currency, which leads to the frequent criticisms of not being able to acquire enough of it to do anything, or it being worth any value. Influence should not be a currency to be spent, it should be something that is accrued due to your actions. It should not be spent. It should be similar to your fame/how well known you are/how popular you are, etc. One of the staples of the Mount and Blade games is that you are at first nothing but a lowly clan, and make your way up the political ladder of Calradia. Your influence should reflect this. Instead of it being a currency, your influence should be fixed and increase due to your actions. For example, joining a faction and introducing yourself to nobles should earn a base increase of influence, though only just a little bit. As you gain fame, fight in battles, become more well know, your influence, and therefore how well know you are, increase. In one instance in my playthrough I commanded an army of one thousand men and captured huge swathes of Aserai territory with little payoff. In this instance, I also think it would be cool to add things like titles, which give you a big boost in influence. Like the title "The Conqueror." The higher your influence is, the likelier the chance more nobles will follow you when you, for example, create an army. This will simulate you climbing up the political ladder of Calradia, instead of influence being nothing more than a currency that you have to grind over and over. It could also be connected to the relations with other lords. However, I also think your characters attributes should also play a role in your relations with other lords.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
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