Religions

Religions are individuals' or groups' beliefs in higher powers. The core Mount&Blade series do not feature a religion mechanic but Viking Conquest and several mods do. Contents 1 In Mount&Blade/Warband 1.1 Examples of Religions 2 In Viking Conquest 2.1 Featured Religions 3 In With Fire & Sword 4 In Bannerlord In Mount&Blade/Warband[] Religions are only alluded to in the core series. Starting with Warrider, characters would on occasion mention deities, spirits, or other supernatural beings, various religion-themed NPCs would be added or removed between versions, certain shields and banners would feature religious imagery, and religious buildings could be found in towns and castles, though only as decorations. As already mentioned, religions are not a mechanic in Mount&Blade and thus their presence is very superficial and is largely to add a bit of flavor to the game's world. Examples of Religions[] Mentions of religions are most prominent in Warrider (Mount&Blade v0.202). This is only fair given the dark fantasy setting of the game. Later versions have cut back on religious mentions but have expanded the visuals. Calradian religion: The religion inspired by Christianity and adhered to by the Swadians, Rhodoks, and Vaegirs. Adherents of this religion believe in a "God", in the "Seven Saints", and in the holy mandate of nobles. Clergy are called "priests" and addressed to as "Father". The main evil force in this religion is the "Devil". Examples of adherents include - most notably in Warrider - the kingdoms' Counts, and Fathers Larchas and Erascus, who are priests. Additionally, the followers Firentis, Katrin, and Klethi also seem to be adherents, at least when it comes to superstitions. In subsequent versions of Mount and Blade, "God", the "Saints", and the "Devil" are mentioned less frequently. Certain troop-types such as Inquisitors and Pilgrims were introduced and removed between versions - they were apparently quest-related. Various religious buildings began appearing as the game developed further. In v0.808, one could see a cross standing atop town towers. In later versions, dedicated church or chapel buildings were also added to some town and castle scenes. Crosses were also a common symbol on banners and on certain shields present in older versions of the game. Some in the fan community speculate that the follower Jeremus is either a priest or a monk in this religion given the fact that he wears a robe, fights with a staff, has a stereotypical "monk" haircut, and practices medicine as real-world Christian priests and monks did. However, he never speaks on any religious topics, rather fancying himself a man of science. Khergit religion: Mentioned exclusively in Warrider and adhered to only by Khergit NPCs such as khans Barthai and Nuyukh, among others. This religion apparently is a form of shamanism and ancestor worship, similar to real-life counterparts. Among the supernatural entities recognized by this religion are the "Gods of the Six Winds" - who seem to be presiding over the Khergit nomadic lifestyle - and the "Black Wolf", a Grim-Reaper-like entity that comes for the spirits of those who die. Shamans make up this religion's clergy and elders are respected for their wisdom. Ancestor spirits are often also sought for advice and appeased when misdeeds are committed. Dark Deities: Only mentioned in Warrider. This is less of a religion because the only individuals practicing it are Ecatha and Akhad Thell, the game's two necromancers, whose actions can be seen more as a way to obtain power rather than actual worship. The Hand of Tsannuh is apparently an artifact in this religion and is said to be a literal hand of a god. Given that human sacrifice is required to charge the Hand, it is likely that Tsannuh is one of the Dark Deities. The aforementioned "Devil" may also be considered one of the Dark Deities, even though most real-life religions do not treat the Devil as a god, even an evil one. Cult of Harlaus: Akhad Thell was planning to resurrect, fully restore, and make King Harlaus immortal so that the latter could become a god-king. For this end, he needed to charge the Hand of Tsannuh by sacrificing the Khergit princess Uruzuge at a special Sacrificial Ground during an eclipse. He was only partly successful, as the player character stopped both him and the undead king. Jumne religion: Sea Raiders, a bandit type added in versions after Warrider, when encountered, sometimes say "Today the gods will decide your fate!" before attacking the player's party. It is unclear if they refer to their own pantheon of gods or to gods in general. Given the fact the Sea Raiders are based on real-world Vikings, it is quite possible they are adherents of a religion based on Scandinavian Paganism. Their hostile approach to negotiations may also suggest that their pantheon consists of warrior-gods. The Nords, much like the Sea Raiders, are also originally from Jumne and may or may not adhere to this religion. Given the fact the Nords settled in Calradia, it is more likely that they adopted the Calradian religion. Then again, the Nords are also known to have a good head for commerce - this might suggest that if they still adhere to the Jumne religion, at least one of their gods is also a god of commerce or cunning. In real life Norse religion, the chief-god Odin is often equated to the Roman god Mercury, who was a god of commerce, among other things. Sarranid religion: With the introduction of the Sarranid Sultanate in Warband, the existence of a religion based on Islam was also alluded to. New kinds of buildings for scenes were added that are based on Islamic architecture, with the minaret being the most prominent. Sarranid banners feature the crescent moon - an important symbol in Islam - and there is a deactivated green shield in the game files that also features the crescent moon symbol. Green is also an important color in Islam. At the same time, is it possible that the Sarranids originally practiced a form of in-universe Zoroastrianism, given that some of their banners also feature flames. Additionally, several characters in Warband, including the player, speak of the "Heavens", as of a divine force. This is most likely a neutral term so as to not place characters into a particular religion, since most religions mention the sky in some way. In Viking Conquest[] In Viking Conquest, religions are a game mechanic. They affect NPCs' and kingdoms' attitudes towards the player and each other. Priests of either religion can be spoken to for certain services such as preaching, which can increase troop morale. The player can convert between religions and may also wish to make donations to priests of a chosen religion in exchange for its favor. This can grant access to special troops or other benefits, such as gameplay bonuses. For example, a high enough favor with the Norse religion can add bonus points to the player's combat skills. Minor religious buildings can be built in fiefs in order to convert the population to the desired religion, which increases loyalty and decreases the chance of assassination attempts. Featured Religions[] There are two primary religions featured in the game that can be joined: Christianity (Roman Catholicism): The religion of most kingdoms in Britain and northern Europe. It worships "God". Its clergy are called "priests". "monks" and "abbots" are a special category of faithful that dedicate themselves to worship without being clergy. Its buildings are called "monasteries". The player can visit these to learn to read Latin and/or buy wine. Additionally, abbots or monks can be hired to preach to troops for a morale boost, or to join to the player's court. Priests are also standalone units in all Christian nations' troop trees. Norse Paganism: The religion practiced largely by the Scandinavian kingdoms as well as certain kingdoms in northern Britain. This religion primarily worships "Odin" (or "Wotan") but other deities such as "Thor" and "Loki" are mentioned and have dedicated locations in the overland map. The player can make sacrifices to the Norse gods at Hofs - the religion's temples - in order to gain their favor. With enough favor, they can hire Berserkrs, a powerful type of troop. The Gothi - this religion's clergy - can be hired to preach to the troops for a morale bonus and to join the player's court. There are a few religions that cannot be joined and can be interacted with only to a minor degree: Roman Paganism: The religion of the Old Roman and his son Caio. It is only mentioned a few times during dialogue but cannot be otherwise interacted with. Caio is a dedicated follower of this religion and, if both are in the player's party, even gets into conflict with some of the Christian followers. Celtic Paganism: The religion of non-Christian and non-Norse Pagan Celts and/or Picts. The game treats it as paganism, although it is different from Norse Paganism. Dwywei is an adherent, with possible others. There are also several locations around the map, most prominently in the British Isles, that are connected to the Celtic religion. One such location has the player fight a large group of bandits for a treasure. Another such location acts like a Hof where the player may sacrifice prisoners to the Celtic deities, although the local priest himself admits that the cult's practices are not necessarily accurate to the historical Celtic/Pictish religious practices. In With Fire & Sword[] In With Fire & Sword, religions are likewise implied but are not a mechanic per se. Most factions and characters have a religion. Roman Catholic Christianity: The religion of the Polish Commonwealth, Spain, and France. Victor de la Buscador is Spanish and thus likely Roman Catholic. Jaques de Clermont and his companions, Cardinal Mazarin, D'Artagnan, the Queen of France, and "young Louis" are all French and thus Roman Catholic. (Eastern) Orthodox Christianity: The religion of the Cossack Hetmanate, the Muscovite Tsardom, and of Transylvanian Vlachs. Tepes is Vlach and is implied to be Orthodox Christian - that is, if he is not a vampire, which is also implied. Followers from the Cossack Hetmanate and the Muscovite Tsardom are also likely Orthodox Christians. Lutheran Protestant Christianity: The religion of the Kingdom of Sweden. Karlsson and Ingri are Swedes and thus likely adherents of Lutheranism. Islam: The religion of the Crimean Khanate. Bakhyt, Nogai, and Fatima are apparently Muslims. Folk Religion: Although Oksana is originally from the Cossack Hetmanate, her backstory implies she doesn't adhere to Orthodox Christianity and instead practices a form of folk-religion that involves soothsaying and healing. Alternatively, she might be a stereotypical gypsy, practising "gypsy magic". Additionally, nation-specific mercenary troops are also probably adherents of these religions, or others. The Kalmyk mercenaries of the Moscovite Tsardom, although not stated as such, are most likely Buddhists. German mercenaries come from the Holy Roman Empire and, as such, are likely to be Catholics, Lutherans, or Calvinists. The Azaps, Cebelus, and Janissaries of the Crimean Khanate come from the Ottoman Empire and thus are also Muslims or possibly Orthodox Christians (Janissaries). Scottish mercenaries are likely either Catholics or Calvinists. In Bannerlord[] This section is to be expanded Like in the original games, religions in Mount&Blade II: Bannerlord are only implied and, in fact, are barely even present in the game itself, with most mentions coming from the game's Digital Companion. Calradic religion: The religion of the Calradic Empire and its people as well as, possibly, the Vlandians and at least some Sturgians. It is through the Empire's influence that this religion spread across the continent. By the time of Warband, the pan-Calradic religion seems to be one based on Catholic Christianity but, in the time of Bannerlord, the Calradic religion seemed to be one based on Greco-Roman paganism. Cult of Emperor Darusos: A minor cult within the Empire, worshiping the deceased emperor Darusos, who was too young to successfully rule and was toppled by one of his generals. Members of this cult believe that Darusos will one day return and lead the world into a golden age. Prominently, the cult is represented by Embers of the Flame, a minor faction within the Empire. Emperor Arenicos was sanctified as a demigod during his lifetime. It is unclear if all emperors - or only select individuals - were treated as divine but it corresponds to real-world Roman tradition, namely the Imperial Cult. One (type of) imperial companion claims to have been a member of an underground cult that wanted to build the Kingdom of Heaven but ended up resorting to banditry in order to continue existing after its leader died. The cult managed to fight off several imperial punishing parties but was ultimately brought down. Battanian religion: Most likely based on real-world Celtic and Thracian paganism. Animism - the belief that gods or spirits inhabit objects and places - plays a central role in the Battanians' beliefs. They hold sacred the ancient yew grove next to the city of Dunglanys, using the trees growing on its outer edges for bow crafting - the ones in the centre of the grove, however, are off-limits. It is said that, in the olden days, the so-called Holy Men - the religion's clergy - would hang human sacrifices on the tree branches in the grove. Dunglanys itself is considered a place of religious significance due to the great cliff around which the city was built - and Seonon likewise, due to its lake. It is said that Holy Men can talk to deceased ancestors by drinking only the water of this lake. The Holy Men live ascetically, are allowed to travel unhindered anywhere in the land, and speak freely to anyone they wish. Other practices in this religion include: tattooing, collecting the heads of defeated enemies, and sending youths to live as animals in the local forests. The latter is an ancient practice that allows warriors to get in touch with their wild side. It is believed that, so long as a warrior lives like an animal, they are exempt from the laws of man. In-game this is represented by the Wolfskins, a minor Battanian faction. Additionally, several Battanian scenes feature carved wood and stone statues representing either great heroes or gods. Sturgian religion: Nothing is known about the Sturgian religion outside of the Nordic influences. Just like the Nords in Warband, the Sturgians are known as good traders and, as such, commerce and/or cunning may be tied to a particular deity from their pantheon. In real life, Veles is a Slavic god whose sphere - among others - includes trickery and wealth. Given that the Sturgians are seemingly based on the pre-Christian Kyivan Rus, it's likely they have their own version of Veles. Vakken religion: Nothing is known about Vakken beliefs. Since they are based on the real-world Finno-Ugric peoples, Vakken religion is probably also inspired by them. The Vakken are represented in-game by the Forest People, a minor Sturgian faction. Jumne religion: The religion of the Sea Raiders, the Skolderbroda minor faction, the Nord miners in northern Vlandia, and of a good number of Sturgians. As written above, this religion's most prominent gods are most likely war gods. Khuzait religion: Little is known about the Khuzait religion but they most likely share their beliefs with the Khergit, as described above. Even so, the clans in the Khanate all believe themselves descended from the "Great She-Wolf" and value freedom and clan loyalty above all else. The Iltanlar, a mountain people related to the Khuzait, worshiped a god named Iltan. It is unknown if Mount Iltan was named after the god - or if it was the other way around - but there is no way of finding out seeing as the Iltanlar were completely assimilated into the Khuzait Khanate, Sturgia, and the Calradic Empire. There is a removed Khuzait faction called the "Chosen of the Sky" in the game files and whose names implies it to be a religious group. Aserai religion: Little is known about the Aserai religion. They hold superstitious beliefs about the jinn, considering them dangerous if not outright evil. Another superstition is tied to the Kannic people, whom the Aserai believe practiced evil magics and cavorted with jinn and demons. TaleWorlds described the Aserai as inspired by pre-Islam Arabs and thus their religion is most likely based on Arabic paganism. Beni Zilal: The Sons of the Shadows are a quasi-religious order of assassins and warriors led by a messianic preacher. Not much is known about their beliefs and practices aside from the fact they keep some great secret and consume hallucinogenic herbs. They are a minor faction of the Aserai Sultanate and are most likely inspired by the real-world Order of Assassins, a Shia Islam order of warriors. There is mention in the game files of a character called "Father of the Night", which may or may not be the faction's formal leader. Darshi religion: The religion of the Darshi people. Nothing is known about it but, since the Darshi are inspired by Persians, it is possible their beliefs are based on pre-Islam Iranian paganism and Zoroastrianism. The Darshi are represented by the Ghilman, a minor Aserai faction. Additionally, people in Calradia observe various quasi-religious activities: People in the Empire, Vlandia, Battania, and parts of Sturgia seem to be observing solstices and equinoxes, lighting bonfires at nights and organizing gatherings. Many people throughout Calradia hold superstitious beliefs. One companion (type) backstory is that she believes herself to have been born cursed, because all her suitors ended up dying prematurely. Another companion (type) was disowned by her family because of a body mark she had been born with, which the family believed to be a mark of evil.