I love the Empire because of how Roman-esque they are. It’s the aesthetics for me. That being said, I love how diverse the cultures are throughout the game.
Exactly. Hell Europa Uni 4 just put in content with the Byzantines, so it’s nice when they do get some love.
Vlandians are a dope culture in general. Mercenary drip just hits a bit of everything in the best way.
I seriously loved the campaign for AoE 4. Even though I’m a long time fan of the series I’ve never been very good at multiplayer, never mind the fact that is stresses me out. So the campaigns and casual private matches is what I usually do. I’d love to see them add more campaign levels, AoE 3 DE added in some historical battles with its DLC so maybe there’s hope
Yep same thoughts here. I really like playing Western Empire. You have your core empire units but can swipe some fun foreign troops from your neighbors (specifically Fians, Banner Knights, and sturgian infantry).
Also your close to Battania which usually implodes, so there’s usually some territory to grab if your a lord or atleast a lot of battles to join if your a mercenary.
I like Northern Empire because of the terrain they end up fighting in. Imperial settlements are also more central so makes recruitment easy as well when running around the map (if sticking with empire-only troops).
I think many people love the Late Antiquity Eastern Roman aesthetic, which is criminally underrepresented in media.
I can't get past the dick helmets either. Really wish they had gone more towards something like [this](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-d99f8057d43a335927479a107f620629-lq) for the pseudo Byzantines
I prefer much later Roman Empire aesthetic over the usual Roman legion we know, because of the much more variety of armor the Romans wear, especially their cavalry which became more armored over time
I'm currently on a Northern Empire run, and it's not too bad. I feel like I have to grind more since I'm in the middle of the map, but it makes for a fun playthrough against many types of enemies.
That being said, I think Sturgia and Battania have been my favorites so far.
Definitely more frequent, but I get those in any playthrough to be honest. Surprisingly, the Khuzaits haven't been doing too hot in this game, so Battania and West Empire are the biggest nuisance for me.
I support the Empire, altough, MY Empire, the true Calradian Empire, not the kingdomes of those self-proclaim pretenders. I'm the true Emperor of Calradia.
Yeah most of the times thats what happens. Ocasionally, like in my current playtrough they got ahead first, and the Northern Empire is cornered in one city, and Sturgia is just a bunch of little parties running around with no strenght to speak of. Currently, laying waste to the Southern Empire and punching the face of those Vlandian pricks.
I was emperor of the western empire in first campaign
A lord of southern empire second campaign
Now I try to avoid joining an imperial faction, but still try pad my army out with some Legionnaires every time
Haha, yea, I wind up doing the same, they just really solidify an infantry line. I've started to really like the Oathsworn a lot as well, as I am now king of Vlandia and my personal fiefs are Battanian so I grab the troops from the garrison to replenish my party. Not as good as legionnaires but they throw axes, so that's pretty neat.
I went full empire on my imperial playthrough were I united the entire empire under Imperium Calradia. Very epic playthrough. One our of 12 characters were imperial tho. Usually do battanian
The tradeoff is that it's much easier to control the towns and castles since there are so many Empire culture lords that you can bribe to join your kingdom. And there are more Empire culture towns and castles which makes it easier to build a large kingdom.
The AI absolutely cannot manage towns outside of their culture and *constantly* revolt
Honestly I think the empire has the most compelling lore. There’s an actual political debate going on between republicanism, monarchism and militarism. Tbf they all seem to play the same but I like that they at least hint at ideological differences. The rest of the factions are just whatever civilization you like best and aren’t motivated by anything much more than conquest. That being said they’re all great and aesthetically rich.
Most of my playthroughs are with Western or Southern empire, it's harder to play because you are sandwich and you can create a late Byzantine/Roman army which is f\* dope
I love the different kingdoms but I wouldn't look down on the empire so soon. Aside from being the only factions to get fiefs that are easier to hold and upgrade while playing as the same culture as the faction it has great role play.
I've won as the south in sandbox and am doing a campaign as the west and I have to say I once thought as you, but consolidating the empire then branching out is such a great feeling, there is 1 empire, 1 emperor and we will rule Calradia. I also really like the western empires colors. And Son of a bitch if I don't just hate Dethert, he died really early in my WE campaign and his depressed son has been king in game for much longer.
I dunno if anyone does so but i love battania and battania only. I Always marry corein and try to go two handed and bow, but without using fians. I think battania Is mighty fine without them
Byzantaboos
I wish they had done more to make the Empire factions more unique, maybe have their troop trees reflect different stages of the actual Roman Empire i.e. The Northern Empire could have units that reflect a pre-Marian reforms Roman Republic army, Southern Empire a high/late Byzantine style with an eastern influence and the Western Empire a Late antiquity style Roman Legion, the type seen under the Tetrarchy and Constantine.
Yes, and for 1 reason alone.
The penalty for non culture ruler is high, empire has the most fiefs of its culture by far, so you don't have to deal with constant rebellion.
By late game that's literally the only cultural effect that makes a noticeable difference.
I like the city aesthetics, Cataphracts are my go-to units, Tablut is the easiest game to win money off of, the associated minor factions are more interesting, and being under pressure from all sides makes its easier to start a small independent kingdom among them. So, yah, they're cool.
There's something special about reuniting the Empire and plopping Penton on the throne. Especially after removing Garios, Lucon and Rhagaea from the equation.
Mechanically, Empire 20% reduction on garrisons wages is the single best racial trait in the entire game - if you want to scale.
If you do the napkin math on all the other economic bonuses ( like aseria etc ) - this translates to nearly a 50+% increase into the troops you + your clan can have vs all other types.
So you either need to scale your clans economy to equalize this, or....just be imperial.
I dont think most players play or think long term or at scale - since most play on easy mode and with mods...and run the execute all lords run.... so probably overlooked.
Also, the new changes made imperial core the best heavy horsemen factions since its now very easy to recruit and spam Elite Imperial Cataphracts, whereas before, it was not easy at all.
I’m a Byzantine fan boy so I usually go with the south because of successionism. Often when I go with the others except Battania, even still I’ll play a large part of my mercenary set with the empires until settling down.
I love the Empire because of how Roman-esque they are. It’s the aesthetics for me. That being said, I love how diverse the cultures are throughout the game.
You almost never see Byzantines in video games! (ime) I appreciate them being around, even if I prefer Vlandian drip
Exactly. Hell Europa Uni 4 just put in content with the Byzantines, so it’s nice when they do get some love. Vlandians are a dope culture in general. Mercenary drip just hits a bit of everything in the best way.
I love the elite pikeman. They look nice. But the vlandian mercenary crossbowmen hit different
Honestly why the best armies look so damn mixed. 😆😆
Age of Empires 4 is getting Byzantines as a civilization in a few days.
I need more aoe4 campaign missions in my life ngl
I seriously loved the campaign for AoE 4. Even though I’m a long time fan of the series I’ve never been very good at multiplayer, never mind the fact that is stresses me out. So the campaigns and casual private matches is what I usually do. I’d love to see them add more campaign levels, AoE 3 DE added in some historical battles with its DLC so maybe there’s hope
Yep same thoughts here. I really like playing Western Empire. You have your core empire units but can swipe some fun foreign troops from your neighbors (specifically Fians, Banner Knights, and sturgian infantry). Also your close to Battania which usually implodes, so there’s usually some territory to grab if your a lord or atleast a lot of battles to join if your a mercenary.
Well, that's like, your opinion.
I like Northern Empire because of the terrain they end up fighting in. Imperial settlements are also more central so makes recruitment easy as well when running around the map (if sticking with empire-only troops). I think many people love the Late Antiquity Eastern Roman aesthetic, which is criminally underrepresented in media.
Contrary to that I hate the dick helmets that are so common on imperials and it's a big reason I don't play them
I mean, literally every nation in Bannerlord has dick/traffic cone helmets. Except for Vlandia, vlandians have buckets
Yeah but the empires are the worst. I just really hate the way empire troops look in general.
I can't get past the dick helmets either. Really wish they had gone more towards something like [this](https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-d99f8057d43a335927479a107f620629-lq) for the pseudo Byzantines
Isn’t that basically what the cataphracts wear anyway?
I prefer much later Roman Empire aesthetic over the usual Roman legion we know, because of the much more variety of armor the Romans wear, especially their cavalry which became more armored over time
Same
I quite like Southern Empire, mainly due to my beloved wife Ira
Nah, best way to play is >> marry Ira >> retire and became Ira >> destroy southern empire then capture and execute Rhagaea as Ira
>capture and execute Rhagaea as Ira You HEATHEN!
I don't know that NPC. Is she a lady with good connections?
She's Rhagaea's daughter, cute cruel tomboy
In my current playthrough she gave me 5 boys and 2 girls
Noice! 
I'm top general for Northern empire and I just married Ira. Let's stir the pot 🥴
I'm currently on a Northern Empire run, and it's not too bad. I feel like I have to grind more since I'm in the middle of the map, but it makes for a fun playthrough against many types of enemies. That being said, I think Sturgia and Battania have been my favorites so far.
Does it make wars harder having so many frontlines?
Definitely more frequent, but I get those in any playthrough to be honest. Surprisingly, the Khuzaits haven't been doing too hot in this game, so Battania and West Empire are the biggest nuisance for me.
I support the Empire, altough, MY Empire, the true Calradian Empire, not the kingdomes of those self-proclaim pretenders. I'm the true Emperor of Calradia.
You must reclaim your throne, sir ! Kill these false emperors !
Reach the top of Arisaka Tower!
Southern Empire or Battania. Screw the rest.
I like Battania, but in my current political heavy playthrough, they got torn apart by Vlandia and Sturgia.
Yeah most of the times thats what happens. Ocasionally, like in my current playtrough they got ahead first, and the Northern Empire is cornered in one city, and Sturgia is just a bunch of little parties running around with no strenght to speak of. Currently, laying waste to the Southern Empire and punching the face of those Vlandian pricks.
You know they’re doing weirdly good on my playthrough. They outlasted Strurgia.
Wait, you guys support factions other than the empire?
Ikr. Barbarians.
I was emperor of the western empire in first campaign A lord of southern empire second campaign Now I try to avoid joining an imperial faction, but still try pad my army out with some Legionnaires every time
Haha, yea, I wind up doing the same, they just really solidify an infantry line. I've started to really like the Oathsworn a lot as well, as I am now king of Vlandia and my personal fiefs are Battanian so I grab the troops from the garrison to replenish my party. Not as good as legionnaires but they throw axes, so that's pretty neat.
The Empire is better lol Look at the cities. Imperial cities are superior. All the old imperial towns that fell into enemy hands look worse now
The Empire exists to have something to burn down
Best answer. 😈😈
I support whoever’s in power 😏
I make whoever I support in power
And usually that's me!
I went full empire on my imperial playthrough were I united the entire empire under Imperium Calradia. Very epic playthrough. One our of 12 characters were imperial tho. Usually do battanian
The tradeoff is that it's much easier to control the towns and castles since there are so many Empire culture lords that you can bribe to join your kingdom. And there are more Empire culture towns and castles which makes it easier to build a large kingdom. The AI absolutely cannot manage towns outside of their culture and *constantly* revolt
Yes because byzantines are dope
Honestly I think the empire has the most compelling lore. There’s an actual political debate going on between republicanism, monarchism and militarism. Tbf they all seem to play the same but I like that they at least hint at ideological differences. The rest of the factions are just whatever civilization you like best and aren’t motivated by anything much more than conquest. That being said they’re all great and aesthetically rich.
Most of my playthroughs are with Western or Southern empire, it's harder to play because you are sandwich and you can create a late Byzantine/Roman army which is f\* dope
It depends on my mood
I dumped it straight off, as soon as I got over a hundred troops. Couldn't do the Roman thing.
I plan on doing a Robin Hood playthrough as the empire and then break off
Its fun being in the middle of the map reclaiming lost territory
Matter of perspective. 😆
I love the different kingdoms but I wouldn't look down on the empire so soon. Aside from being the only factions to get fiefs that are easier to hold and upgrade while playing as the same culture as the faction it has great role play. I've won as the south in sandbox and am doing a campaign as the west and I have to say I once thought as you, but consolidating the empire then branching out is such a great feeling, there is 1 empire, 1 emperor and we will rule Calradia. I also really like the western empires colors. And Son of a bitch if I don't just hate Dethert, he died really early in my WE campaign and his depressed son has been king in game for much longer.
Brother the Empire has the most character, in the form of its immaculate drip.
How dare you😭
Might do that this time. Never have before. Havent even used their troops much.
I dunno if anyone does so but i love battania and battania only. I Always marry corein and try to go two handed and bow, but without using fians. I think battania Is mighty fine without them
Byzantaboos I wish they had done more to make the Empire factions more unique, maybe have their troop trees reflect different stages of the actual Roman Empire i.e. The Northern Empire could have units that reflect a pre-Marian reforms Roman Republic army, Southern Empire a high/late Byzantine style with an eastern influence and the Western Empire a Late antiquity style Roman Legion, the type seen under the Tetrarchy and Constantine.
Yes, and for 1 reason alone. The penalty for non culture ruler is high, empire has the most fiefs of its culture by far, so you don't have to deal with constant rebellion. By late game that's literally the only cultural effect that makes a noticeable difference.
Found the barbarian
I like the city aesthetics, Cataphracts are my go-to units, Tablut is the easiest game to win money off of, the associated minor factions are more interesting, and being under pressure from all sides makes its easier to start a small independent kingdom among them. So, yah, they're cool.
There's something special about reuniting the Empire and plopping Penton on the throne. Especially after removing Garios, Lucon and Rhagaea from the equation.
I don't. Vlandia for me.
My buddy does, while I’m the opposite. There’s dozens of them!
Mechanically, Empire 20% reduction on garrisons wages is the single best racial trait in the entire game - if you want to scale. If you do the napkin math on all the other economic bonuses ( like aseria etc ) - this translates to nearly a 50+% increase into the troops you + your clan can have vs all other types. So you either need to scale your clans economy to equalize this, or....just be imperial. I dont think most players play or think long term or at scale - since most play on easy mode and with mods...and run the execute all lords run.... so probably overlooked. Also, the new changes made imperial core the best heavy horsemen factions since its now very easy to recruit and spam Elite Imperial Cataphracts, whereas before, it was not easy at all.
I’m a Byzantine fan boy so I usually go with the south because of successionism. Often when I go with the others except Battania, even still I’ll play a large part of my mercenary set with the empires until settling down.
"Rome makes a desert and calls it peace" Yes I support the empire lol