Factions (Bannerlord)

There are eight major factions or kingdoms, and several minor factions of each kingdom in Mount&Blade II: Bannerlord that comprise the powers of Calradia.

The Bannerlord map as of Gamescon 2018

Minor Factions

Banners of all minor factions (v1.8.0 beta)

Each minor faction is associated with a native culture and employ unique troops. They are clans, not kingdoms - as such, they are free to change faction allegiance like any other clan. They function as mercenary bands competing with the player's clan, unless or until the player establishes a kingdom or joins one as a noble. As a kingdom leader, the player may enlist these minor factions as mercenaries. Use the in-game encyclopedia ('N' by default) to determine which faction they currently associate with.

Currently, a plausible unintended interaction may occur by recruiting minor factions to your own kingdom while doing so if their faction leader is your prisoner. This will make the game behave as if the minor faction is your vassal rather than a mercenary, and the mercenary company will be considered for votes for new fiefs. This will make it possible for mercenary companies to acquire their own fiefs. Should your contract with them expire, for example by an opposing faction hiring them, they will take their fiefs with them.

Leaving an already established kingdom and not returning the fiefs you hold will anger any currently hired mercenary companies just as much as ordinary vassal clans, potentially reducing your reputation with them below what is required for the minor faction to consider taking on a contract with your kingdom in the future.