Bannerlord How To Stop Being A Mercenary

Okay, so picture this: I'm leading my ragtag band of looters-turned-soldiers across the Battanian forests. We're fresh off a "totally legitimate" trade deal (read: successful raid) and feeling pretty good. Then BAM! A noble, dripping in gold, rides up with his fancy retinue. He wants to hire us. "Mercenaries!" he proclaims. And me, thinking only about the denars, I'm like, "Sure, why not?" Fast forward a few in-game weeks, and I'm knee-deep in a war I don't understand, fighting for a king who probably thinks my armor smells like goat cheese. Sound familiar? Yeah, being a mercenary in Bannerlord can be a quick way to make some coin, but it's also a fantastic way to get dragged into someone else's mess.

So, you're ready to ditch the whole "sword-for-hire" thing and carve your own path in Calradia? Good choice! But how exactly do you stop being a mercenary in Bannerlord? It's not always as straightforward as you might think. Don't worry, though; I've been there, looted that, and lived to tell the tale. Here's your guide to breaking free from your mercenary contract and taking control of your destiny. Consider it your personal "Freedom From Feudalism" handbook.

Understanding the Mercenary Life

Before we dive into the escape plan, let's quickly recap why you might be looking to quit in the first place. Sure, the initial payout can be enticing, but mercenary life has some serious drawbacks:

• Constant War: You're basically signing up to be cannon fodder in someone else's conflict. Prepare to chase lords across the map and get bogged down in sieges that feel like they last for actual years.
• Political Instability: One minute, you're buddies with the king; the next, you're at war with your former allies because he decided to pick a fight with their neighbor. Who needs that kind of drama?
• Limited Control: You can influence some decisions, but ultimately, you're taking orders. Want to raid that lucrative village? Too bad; the king wants you to defend this strategically worthless castle instead.
• Risk of Reputation Loss: If the faction you're fighting for is seen as tyrannical or prone to raiding villages (which, let's be honest, many are), your reputation will take a hit. Nobody wants to be known as the guy who helped pillage Grandma's farm.

Essentially, you're sacrificing your freedom and autonomy for a paycheck that, while decent, is never quite enough to offset the headaches. You'll be thinking, "Wow, all that work for some slightly better armor?".

The Great Escape: How to Cancel Your Mercenary Contract

Alright, enough complaining; let's get down to business. Here are the steps you need to take to break free from your mercenary contract:

Step 1: Locate Your Employer

First things first, you need to find the ruler of the kingdom you're working for. This is usually a king or queen, but in some cases, it might be a particularly powerful clan leader (especially if you're a mercenary for a smaller faction).

You can usually find them in one of their major cities or castles. Try looking in the keep or castle hall. Keep an eye out for their banner flying above the settlement. You can also use the encyclopedia (press 'N') to find their last known location, though keep in mind that this information might be outdated if they're constantly on the move (which they usually are, because...war).

Step 2: Initiating the Conversation

Once you've tracked down your employer, approach them and initiate a conversation. You'll need to navigate the dialogue options until you find the one related to your mercenary contract. Usually, it's something along the lines of: "I wish to discuss my contract with your kingdom."

Important Note: Make sure you actually have a contract! It might sound obvious, but sometimes you get caught up in the game and forget exactly what you've signed up for. Check the clan tab in the menu to confirm your mercenary status.

Step 3: Breaking the News (and Possibly Paying the Price)

Now comes the tricky part. When you bring up the subject of ending your contract, you'll likely have a few options:

• Terminate the Contract Immediately: This is the quickest option, but it usually comes with a penalty. You'll have to pay a fee to break the contract early, and the size of the fee will depend on the length of your contract and your current relationship with the kingdom. It's basically like paying an early termination fee on your cell phone... except with swords and horses.
• Give Notice: Some contracts allow you to give notice that you intend to leave. This means you'll continue to serve the kingdom for a set period of time (usually a few weeks) before your contract officially ends. This option avoids the immediate penalty, but it also means you're stuck fighting for them for a little while longer.
• Wait for the Contract to Expire: This is the easiest and cheapest option, but it requires patience. Simply wait until your contract runs out naturally. You can check the remaining time on your contract in the clan tab.

Pro Tip: If you're short on cash, waiting for the contract to expire is usually the best option. Use the time to build up your finances and prepare for your next adventure. You could raid looters, participate in tournaments, or even start a workshop to generate some passive income.

Step 4: Dealing with the Consequences

Once you've officially ended your mercenary contract, there might be some lingering consequences to deal with:

• Relationship Changes: Breaking a contract can negatively impact your relationship with the kingdom and its lords. They might view you as unreliable or disloyal. This can make it harder to trade with them, recruit troops from their lands, or even travel through their territory safely.
• War Declarations: If you immediately join another faction after leaving your previous employer, they might declare war on you. This is especially likely if you took any castles or towns while serving as a mercenary. Be prepared to defend yourself!
• Rumors and Gossip: Word travels fast in Calradia. Your decision to break your contract might be the subject of rumors and gossip, which can affect your reputation with other lords and factions.

Mitigating the Damage: To minimize the negative consequences, try to leave on good terms. Avoid raiding or looting villages in the kingdom you're leaving, and don't immediately join a faction that's at war with them. You can also improve your relationship with individual lords by completing quests for them or helping them in battle.

Life After Mercenary Work: What's Next?

So, you're free! What do you do now? Well, Calradia is your oyster! Here are a few options for your post-mercenary career:

• Become a Trader: Focus on building up your trade skills and establishing profitable trade routes. You can buy low in one city and sell high in another, earning a steady income. Just be wary of bandits!
• Become a Tournament Champion: Hone your combat skills and participate in tournaments across the land. Winning tournaments can earn you valuable prizes, fame, and the respect of lords and ladies.
• Become a Landowner: Pledge your allegiance to a kingdom and become a vassal. You'll be granted a fief (usually a village or castle) and be responsible for defending it. This is a great way to build up your power and influence.
• Start Your Own Kingdom: The ultimate goal for many players is to create their own kingdom. This is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that requires careful planning, strategic alliances, and a lot of military might.

The Choice is Yours: Ultimately, the best path for you depends on your play style and your goals. Do you want to be a wealthy merchant, a renowned warrior, or a powerful ruler? The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

Breaking free from a mercenary contract in Bannerlord can be a liberating experience. It allows you to take control of your destiny and pursue your own ambitions. Just remember to plan ahead, consider the consequences, and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. Now go forth and conquer (or trade, or whatever floats your boat)! Good luck, and may your loot be plentiful and your enemies few.