In the world ofMount & Blade II Bannerlord, few quests carry as much historical and political weight as Unify the Empire. This quest is not only central to the main storyline but also defines the future of Calradia itself. Whether you’re a player driven by power, diplomacy, or unity, understanding how to complete and navigate the Unify the Empire quest in Bannerlord can significantly affect your campaign’s success. This mission represents the ultimate test of leadership, strategy, and statecraft within the game’s dynamic sandbox world.
Understanding the Context of the Unify the Empire Quest
The Unify the Empire quest inBannerlordemerges as a critical stage in the game’s main storyline, especially once you start exploring the fractured political landscape of Calradia. The continent is torn apart by internal conflicts following the collapse of the once-great Calradian Empire. Three separate factions Northern, Southern, and Western Empires are now competing for dominance. Your task in this quest is to restore stability by bringing these factions together under a single banner.
This storyline is tied to the player’s interaction with the main quest titled Neretzes’ Folly. After investigating the causes behind the Empire’s fall, players must choose how to shape Calradia’s future. Unify the Empire becomes one of the three main choices, alongside founding your own kingdom or destroying the Empire altogether. It appeals to players who wish to rebuild the old order instead of replacing or dismantling it.
How to Unlock the Quest
To access the Unify the Empire quest, you must first progress through the main questline. This involves gathering pieces of the Dragon Banner a legendary relic symbolizing authority and legitimacy over Calradia. Once you collect all the banner pieces, Arzagos and Istiana, two key characters in the storyline, will offer you different paths.
- Istiana’s PathShe supports rebuilding and unifying the Empire. Choosing her path will give you the Unify the Empire quest.
- Arzagos’ PathHe prefers creating a new, independent kingdom free from imperial control, leading to the Create Your Own Kingdom quest.
If you decide to side with Istiana, your journey to reunite the Empire begins. This decision will shape the rest of your campaign, influencing your diplomatic relationships, alliances, and even the endgame scenario.
The Goals of Unifying the Empire
At its core, the goal of the Unify the Empire quest is to restore Calradia to a single imperial state. This involves either allying with or defeating the rival imperial factions until one unified empire remains under your control. You can achieve this through conquest, persuasion, or a combination of both.
Key Objectives Include
- Joining or aligning yourself with one of the existing imperial factions (Northern, Western, or Southern Empire).
- Gaining influence and power within that faction.
- Defeating or diplomatically absorbing the other imperial factions.
- Consolidating your rule over all imperial lands.
The process can take dozens of in-game hours depending on your chosen playstyle, military strength, and political maneuvering skills. It’s not a simple matter of conquering cities; it’s about strategically managing relationships and maintaining stability as you expand.
Choosing the Right Empire Faction
One of the first major decisions you’ll face is choosing which imperial faction to support. While each one shares similar troop types and governance systems, their leaders and territories vary significantly. Choosing wisely can make your unification effort much smoother.
- Southern Empire (Led by Rhagaea)Known for a more diplomatic approach and better relations with neighboring factions. Ideal for players who prefer a balanced game of politics and war.
- Northern Empire (Led by Lucon)Focuses heavily on order and military discipline. This faction suits players who enjoy structured warfare and maintaining strict control.
- Western Empire (Led by Garios)Known for aggressive expansionism and strong leadership. Ideal for players who prefer a more militaristic route to unification.
Your choice will determine your early allies and enemies, as well as the political tone of your empire once it is unified. Aligning yourself with a leader who matches your personal playstyle is crucial to success.
Diplomatic vs. Military Approach
There are two main ways to complete the Unify the Empire quest diplomacy or conquest. Each path has advantages and challenges depending on your current resources and relationships.
Diplomatic Path
For players who prefer negotiation over warfare, diplomacy offers a peaceful route to unification. You can use persuasion skills to convince other imperial lords to join your side. High charm and trade skills are useful here, as they help in swaying powerful nobles to your cause. Offering marriages, trade agreements, and political favors can also strengthen your position.
Military Path
If you enjoy large-scale battles and sieges, the military route allows you to unite the empire through conquest. You must defeat rival imperial factions by capturing their cities, castles, and lords. This path requires a strong army, solid economy, and strategic use of tactics on the battlefield. However, it’s often faster and more straightforward than diplomacy, especially if your faction already has momentum.
Tips for Completing the Quest Successfully
Unify the Empire can be a challenging quest that tests your leadership on multiple fronts. Here are a few tips to help you succeed
- Build Strong RelationsBefriend key lords early on. Positive relations will make diplomacy easier and reduce rebellion risks once the empire is unified.
- Balance Expansion and StabilityExpanding too quickly can stretch your forces thin. Ensure your fiefs are well-governed and defended before moving on.
- Focus on EconomyA strong economy supports a strong army. Trade, manage caravans, and invest in workshops to sustain long-term campaigns.
- Upgrade CompanionsAssign skilled companions to roles like quartermaster, engineer, or governor. Their abilities can drastically improve efficiency and stability.
- Use the Dragon BannerThis symbol boosts your legitimacy and can help persuade other lords to join your vision of a unified Calradia.
Challenges and Political Consequences
Unifying the Empire is not without challenges. Even after defeating rival factions, internal power struggles can arise. Some nobles may resist central authority or defect to other kingdoms. Managing loyalty and keeping your empire united requires constant attention to policies, laws, and leadership decisions.
Additionally, foreign powers such as the Khuzaits, Sturgians, and Aserai might take advantage of internal chaos to launch invasions. Therefore, it’s crucial to secure borders and maintain strong military defenses during the unification process.
The Rewards of Unifying the Empire
Successfully completing the Unify the Empire quest is one of the most satisfying achievements inMount & Blade II Bannerlord. Once all imperial territories are under your control, you establish the New Calradian Empire a powerful and stable realm under your leadership. This not only completes a major story arc but also gives you immense influence across the entire map.
As ruler of the unified empire, you can shape its laws, appoint loyal vassals, and expand beyond the old imperial borders. It’s a political and military triumph that represents the pinnacle of your campaign’s progression.
Benefits of Completing the Quest
- Recognition as the legitimate ruler of the Calradian Empire.
- Access to imperial troops and policies unique to the unified empire.
- Increased influence with noble families and companion lords.
- A stable foundation for further expansion and diplomacy.
The Unify the Empire quest inBannerlordcaptures the essence of what makes the game so immersive strategy, ambition, and the pursuit of legacy. It challenges players to think like a true ruler, balancing war, diplomacy, and governance. Whether you achieve unity through peace or power, the process reflects the complexity of empire-building in Calradia. In the end, completing this quest is not just about restoring the Empire it’s about defining what kind of ruler you will become in the ever-evolving world ofMount & Blade II Bannerlord.