Marshal Guide
The Marshal is your military advisor, responsible for the training and readiness of your armies. While their direct impact on diplomacy or intrigue is minimal, their role in warfare is paramount. A well-trained and organized army can be the deciding factor in a successful conquest or a desperate defense.
Primary Task: Train Troops
- Assigning your Marshal to "Train Troops" in a county within your realm will increase the local levies and the quality of your soldiers. This is a fundamental task for any ruler looking to expand or defend their territory. Focus on counties with high development and good military buildings.
- The effectiveness of "Train Troops" is directly tied to your Marshal's Martial skill. Higher skill leads to faster increases in levy size and potentially better combat effectiveness.
Other Tasks:
- Organize Levies: This task is less about increasing numbers and more about improving the combat effectiveness of your existing troops. It's a good option when you're not actively recruiting or when you need to shore up your defenses quickly.
- Suppress Revolt: If a peasant revolt or a vassal faction is active in a county, your Marshal can be tasked with "Suppress Revolt." This will help to quell the uprising by engaging and defeating the rebel forces.
- Raid: If you are a tribal ruler or have certain cultural traditions, your Marshal can lead raids on neighboring territories. This is a way to gain prestige, gold, and sometimes even abduct characters for ransom or other purposes.
Choosing Your Marshal: High Martial skill is the most important attribute. Perks from the Martial lifestyle, such as "Commander" and "Military Organizer," will further enhance your army's capabilities. Traits that boost combat skill or reduce stress are also beneficial.
Synergy with Buildings: Remember that your Marshal's efforts are amplified by military buildings in the counties they are assigned to. Barracks, archery ranges, and training grounds will all contribute to a stronger fighting force.