After years of anticipation, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord has delivered on its promise of large-scale medieval warfare, deep sandbox gameplay, and a vast, living world. Central to that world is its map – the continent of Calradia – a dynamic battlefield where politics, trade, and open warfare shape every campaign.
Whether you’re chasing down roaming bandits or building your own empire, understanding the layout of the land and the factions that inhabit it is key to your success. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the world map and the factions that dominate it.
The Map of Calradia
Calradia is a richly varied continent filled with deserts, forests, mountains, and plains, each home to a unique culture. With eight major factions and countless minor ones, every part of the map tells a story — from snowy northern tundras to sunbaked southern sands.
The map is larger and more complex than in Mount & Blade: Warband, and faction placement affects everything from strategy to trade routes to tactical engagements. Let’s look at each major faction and its territory.
Vlandians
- Location: Western Calradia, near the coastline
- Inspiration: Normans/Feudal Europeans
- Leader: King Derthert
- Troop Specialization: Heavy cavalry and crossbowmen
- Faction Bonus: +20% experience to troops from battles
Vlandia is a powerful feudal kingdom with strong economic centres and well-defended borders. Their heavy cavalry and elite crossbow units make them a formidable force both defensively and offensively.
Sturgians
- Location: Northern Calradia, across snowy forests
- Inspiration: Norse/Slavic cultures
- Leader: Prince Raganvad
- Troop Specialization: Heavy infantry and shock troops
- Faction Bonus: -20% movement speed penalty in snow
Sturgia excels in infantry-focused warfare and is adapted to harsh northern terrain. Their economy benefits from fur trading and woodcutting, making them rugged and resourceful.
Northern, Southern, and Western Empires
- Location: Central Calradia (split into three regions)
- Inspiration: Byzantine Empire
- Leaders:
- Northern Empire – Senator Lucon
- Southern Empire – Empress Rhagaea
- Western Empire – General Garios
- Troop Specialization: Balanced units with strong cataphract cavalry
- Faction Bonus (All Empires): +20% construction speed for town projects, wall repairs, and siege engines
Once a unified empire, the Calradic Empire has fractured into three competing states, each claiming to be the legitimate successor. They dominate the centre of the map, making them geopolitically pivotal.
Aserai
- Location: Southern Calradia, mostly desert terrain
- Inspiration: Pre-Islamic Arab tribes
- Leader: Sultan Unqid
- Troop Specialization: Mixed cavalry and infantry
- Faction Bonus: 30% cheaper caravans, 10% less trade penalty
The Aserai control vast deserts and rely on commerce and mobility. Their mixed armies are especially effective in open terrain, and their economy thrives on trade and caravans.
Khuzait Khanate
- Location: Eastern Calradia, steppe region
- Inspiration: Mongol tribes
- Leader: Khan Monchug
- Troop Specialization: Horse archers and light cavalry
- Faction Bonus: +10% campaign map speed for cavalry units
The Khuzaits dominate the steppes with blisteringly fast armies. Their horse archer units are perfect for hit-and-run tactics, making them deadly in open-field engagements.
Battanians
- Location: Western highlands and forests
- Inspiration: Celtic tribes
- Leader: King Caladog
- Troop Specialization: Archers and guerrilla infantry
- Faction Bonus: -10% movement penalty in forests
Battania is a rugged kingdom of skilled archers and forest warriors. They excel at ambush tactics and defensive play in rough terrain.
Each faction in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord brings unique strengths, regional advantages, and strategic challenges. Whether you prefer fast cavalry warfare, infantry-heavy armies, or balanced, empire-building playstyles, your faction choice will shape your journey through Calradia.
