This guide delves into the crucial mid-game phase of A Clash of Kings, focusing on building a strong economic foundation and a formidable army. Before establishing your kingdom, accumulating wealth and sustaining a substantial army are paramount. A high leadership skill is vital, reducing troop wages and enabling you to command a larger force.
The mid-game hinges on becoming a mercenary for a faction. Essos remains the optimal location, as factions there frequently engage in war and peace, granting you increased right to rule.
As a mercenary, you’ll be occasionally requested to join military campaigns. While neglecting these campaigns won’t directly affect your relations with the marshal, maintaining good standing with lords can potentially persuade them to join your faction later. Completing assigned tasks also provides valuable experience points.
When not actively participating in campaigns, focus on trading and establishing enterprises in Westeros’ major cities. Trading effectively relies on identifying profitable routes and goods. Salt from Saltpans can be lucrative initially, but its price may fluctuate significantly. Purchase it for no more than 170 denars and sell it at other cities for at least 210 denars, selling only a few bags per city before moving on. Furs from White Harbour in the North can be sold for around 250 denars in Essos, offering a reliable income stream. A high trade skill or a companion with high trade skill is invaluable, enabling you to buy more for less and sell for more. The “Assess the local prices” option in the marketplace, unlocked with a higher trade skill, further enhances your trading prowess.
When setting up enterprises, prioritize towns that are rarely besieged to ensure consistent prosperity and profit. Carefully evaluate all available enterprise options in each town to determine the most lucrative investments, as profits vary significantly from town to town. If your long-term plan involves staying in Essos, establishing enterprises in Westeros is advisable, but be aware that Westeros factions may eventually declare war on you, negatively impacting your income.
Participating in tournaments and betting on yourself is another excellent way to amass wealth. In addition to monetary rewards, tournaments may also offer prizes like horses, making them a worthwhile pursuit.
You can travel to Braavos and set up an account at the Iron Bank. The Iron Bank offers 2.5% interest on your deposited amount. Deposit 10,000 denars as soon as possible to maximize your profits and leave it untouched until needed.
Prisoners are also a substantial source of income. Utilizing blunt weapons will allow you to knock enemies unconscious instead of killing them, allowing you to sell them off to ransom brokers, who can be found in taverns throughout Westeros and Essos.
By strategically combining mercenary work, trade, enterprises, tournaments, Iron Bank investments, and prisoner ransom, you can establish a robust financial foundation and build a formidable army to conquer Westeros or Essos.
