Arming Your Settlement in Manor Lords
In the tranquil realm of Manor Lords, strategy and preparation outweigh the clamor of constant battle. This medieval city-builder invites players to carefully orchestrate their defensive strategies, ensuring their settlements are ready for the occasional skirmish against bandits or territorial disputes with rival lords. Key to this preparation is the formation of a militia, a task that begins with the crafting of essential armaments.
To fashion these critical implements of defense, the burgeoning town must evolve. This involves upgrading humble Level 1 Burgage Plots to Level 2 by ensuring the presence of a Well and a Church, and providing the plots with essentials like Fuel, Clothing, and diverse Food options from the local Marketplace. With these prerequisites met, the plots are ready to transform into specialized workshops.
Strategically, one must establish a Blacksmith’s Workshop, requiring 5 Regional Wealth and 5 Planks, a Joiner’s Workshop, and a Fletcher’s Workshop, both needing 4 Planks each. It is important to note that families inhabiting these plots become Artisans, dedicated solely to their craft, thus it is advisable to have a reserve of unassigned families ready to step in and fill any gaps in the workforce.
The workshops will then commence the production of weaponry and shields, using Planks, wrought from Timber at Sawpits, and Iron Slabs, smelted from Iron Ore at a Bloomery. The diversity of items produced ranges from Warbows at the fletcher’s to a variety of shields and sidearms at the joiner’s and blacksmith’s respectively. To manage the production effectively, one can adjust the Production Focus or even halt production temporarily if needed.
For efficiency, keeping the workshops in proximity to the Storehouse is recommended. This strategic placement ensures quick access to materials and equally swift storage of finished products.
In addition to weapons and shields, considering the acquisition of armor, whether through the construction of an Armorer’s and Tailor’s Workshop or via trade, is wise. While not essential for raising a militia, armor significantly enhances the durability of troops in combat. Given that militia members also serve as the town’s labor force, their well-being is paramount to the settlement’s economic stability.
Rallying the Troops in Manor Lords
With an arsenal at the ready, the focus shifts to the assembly of a militia. The process is straightforward: accessing the Army menu, represented by crossed swords, allows for the creation of new units. The type of unit formed depends on the available equipment. For instance, 24 Spears and Large Shields will yield a 24-man Spear Militia. The number and types of units one can raise are limited only by available resources and population.
Each unit type possesses distinct advantages and drawbacks and requires specific gear. From the mobile Militia Footmen to the ranged prowess of the Archer Militia, each plays a role in the defense of the town. The Retinue stands apart as elite heavy infantry, limited in number but formidable on the battlefield. Initially, a player may command 5 Retinue soldiers, with the option to expand their ranks and equip them with Plate Armor using Treasury funds.
When the need arises, deploying troops against adversaries is a matter of selecting the units and arranging their positioning and formations with precision. Commanding the troops in battle is done through quick access icons at the top of the Army menu.
Manor Lords has made a remarkable impression in the gaming community this year, earning its place among the best PC games of 2024. For those drawn to the challenge of city-building and strategic planning, this title is not to be missed, especially with an enticing sale and availability on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
