That’s the great thing about the Mount & Blade games, they have stripped away all the bells and whistles of modern society and gaming and boiled this historically-based gameplay to its pure essence and molded it into a game of great variety and breadth.
Trade is an important facet of life in the beginning (don’t forget to take at least a point or two in the trade skill during character creation), persuasion is useful as well. Once you’ve got some wealth it’s time to build up your party. I find a good balance of marksmen, infantry and mounted units does wonders for not losing many in quick battles. Plus, it also gives you a wide range of options when you start getting into heavier trade and are building your trading caravans. Caravans are a quick way to turn a major profit but there are also dangers along the road so you need those troops.
The tavern still plays a major role for socializing, meeting interesting people and gathering informationin Mount & Blade With Fire & Sword . Mercenaries hang out with ransom brokers and random travelers who are always a wealth of information about the region and perhaps someone you’re looking for. There are even the random pub goers who might be up for a contest of strength to make a few extra Thaler (the monetary unit in the game).
From there you might amass a big enough force that you are able to capture a city. From there you start managing the day-to-day operations and appointing people to control things in your absence. All manner of civic structures are able to be built to strengthen your influence and begin to expand your reach.
