This stage in the game marks your transition towards accumulating wealth and forging a powerful army. Before establishing your kingdom in “A Clash of Kings,” securing a reliable income and the ability to support a substantial army is crucial. A high leadership skill is essential as it reduces troop wages and increases the number of soldiers you can command.
The cornerstone of this mid-game phase involves becoming a mercenary for a faction. Essos remains the ideal location for this strategy because its factions engage in war and peace more frequently compared to Westeros, granting you ample opportunities to gain right to rule.
As a mercenary, you will periodically be asked to participate in military campaigns. If your relations with the marshal are not a concern, you can ignore these requests. However, strong relationships with lords can later incentivize them to join your faction when you decide to establish it. Completing tasks assigned by lords also earns you experience points.
When you’re not on campaign, you should focus on trading and establishing enterprises in major cities within Westeros. Initially, buying salt in Saltpans can be lucrative, but its price tends to increase significantly around day 200. Aim to buy salt for no more than 170 denars and sell it for at least 210 denars in other cities. Sell only a few bags per city before moving on to the next. Purchasing furs in White Harbour in the North is also a profitable venture, as they can be sold for approximately 250 denars in Essos. A high trade skill, or a companion with a high trade skill, is vital, allowing you to buy more for less and sell less for more. A high trade skill also allows you to assess prices better (go to the marketplace and at the top it will say “Assess the local prices”).
When establishing enterprises, prioritize towns that are infrequently besieged, as their prosperity will remain high, resulting in greater profits. Examine all available enterprise options to determine which will yield the most income, as profitability varies significantly from town to town. If you plan to remain in Essos, establishing enterprises in Westeros is advisable. However, be aware that Westeros factions will eventually declare war on you, significantly impacting your income.
Participate in tournaments and bet on yourself to earn considerable sums of money. Towns may also offer prizes such as horses or additional money, making tournaments a worthwhile pursuit.
You can travel to Braavos and open an account at the Iron Bank. You will receive 2.5% interest on the money in the bank, so to maximize profits you should deposit 10k as soon as possible and leave it until you need the money.
Capturing prisoners is also an excellent source of income. Using blunt weapons allows you to knock out enemies instead of killing them, enabling you to sell them to ransom brokers found in taverns throughout Westeros and Essos.
By focusing on trade, enterprises, tournaments, banking, and prisoner ransoming, you can build a strong economic foundation, preparing you to establish and sustain your kingdom in the turbulent world of “A Clash of Kings.” This A Clash Of Kings Guide Mount And Blade walkthrough should put you on the correct path to becoming a conqueror. Remember that smart decisions now pave the way for future success.
