Villains

[Arthur]

This game has heroes why not villains? Every story needs a protagonist. Instead of just facing a band of enemies units that are nearly all the same, why not give a name to at least one of them. You could have them be the protagonist of story driven mini-quest given by Counts or Merchants.

For instance you could create a Villain named "Black Beard" and have them leading a band of Sea Pirates that does raids against coastal towns. Your job is to hunt down the dread pirate and bring him to Justice.

Alternately, you could have Anti-Heroes or Heroes that become villains.

 

[Kynes]

I think all this talk of storylines and heroes and villains is moot. It's obvious that your character should be called Inigo Montoya and the game should be based around you trying to find the six fingered man who killed your father. Take that copyright!

 

[Ancientwanker]

Yes, powerful villains would be great.

Each faction should get a list of them and in missions against that faction you might encounter one of them from time to time. Especially the "capture nobleman" quest.

Once you report back to base for a given mission the king/count might say, "One more thing, Ive heard you finished off Olaf the Black. Good work! Hers an additional reward for your efforts."