With Fire And Sword Can't Recruit From Villages

Hey everyone, settle in! Let's chat about something a bit quirky from the world of gaming, specifically With Fire And Sword, a historical action RPG. Ever played it? It's got Cossacks, muskets, political intrigue... the works! But today, we're diving deep into a specific mechanic – or rather, a lack of one – that makes the game, in my opinion, strangely awesome. I’m talking about the fact that you can't recruit troops directly from villages. Yeah, you heard me right.

Now, before you shout "But that's basic RPG stuff!", let’s consider why this seemingly odd design choice actually adds a layer of depth and historical flavor that many games just...miss.

Why No Village Recruits? A Historical Hang-Up?

Think about most strategy or RPG games. You roll into a village, flash some coin, and suddenly, half the population is ready to grab a sword and follow you into battle. Sounds convenient, right? But is it realistic? Well, *With Fire and Sword* seems to argue…not so much.

The game is set in 17th century Eastern Europe, a period of constant warfare, shifting alliances, and a really complicated social structure. Villages weren’t exactly overflowing with trained soldiers eager to join just any random adventurer. People were concerned with… you know… surviving. Farming. Paying taxes. Avoiding getting caught in the crossfire between Poland, Sweden, Russia, and the Cossack Hetmanate. Recruiting wasn't like picking apples from a tree.

So, what do you do if you need an army?

Finding Your Fighters: Where Do the Troops Come From?

The recruitment system in *With Fire and Sword* reflects this more nuanced reality. You can't just rock up to a peasant's hut and say "Fancy a career in military service?". Instead, you need to get a little more…creative.

Recruiting From Castles and Towns:

This is your bread and butter. Fortified settlements are where you'll find recruiters willing to enlist men into your service. They offer different troop types, from basic infantry to more specialized units. The availability and quality of the troops will depend on the settlement's prosperity and its lord's preferences.

Hiring Companions:

Ah, the *With Fire and Sword* equivalent of adventuring buddies! These are named characters with unique skills and backstories. They're more expensive to hire and maintain than regular troops, but they offer significant advantages in combat and leadership. Think of them as your elite squad, the guys (and gals) you can really rely on.

Rescuing Prisoners:

Got a soft spot for the downtrodden? Then you can rescue prisoners from enemy lords and bands of brigands, some of them will join your cause. It is a great way to bolster your ranks, if you are willing to fight to get them.

The Prisoner Exchange:

Another way to get troops in your company is to exchange prisoners you have captured with those of another nation. This is another great way to get access to troops.

See? Already sounds a bit more involved than just clicking a button in a village square, doesn't it?

Why is This System So Darn Cool?

Okay, so it’s more complicated. But why am I calling it cool? Several reasons, actually!

• It Adds to the Immersion: By forcing you to rely on formalized recruitment channels and interactions with established powers, the game makes you feel like you're actually navigating the complex political landscape of the era. You're not just some random dude with a sword; you're building a power base, negotiating with lords, and carving out your own little piece of the world. Isn't that what RPGs are all about?
• It Creates Meaningful Choices: Where do you invest your resources? Do you focus on capturing castles and building up your garrisons? Do you spend your money on hiring elite companions? Or do you take risks rescuing prisoners and hoping they’re loyal? The choices you make in recruitment have real consequences for your long-term strategy.
• It Forces You to Think Strategically: You can't just endlessly churn out cheap peasant levies. You need to consider the cost of maintaining your troops, the availability of resources, and the potential threats you face. Every soldier counts.
• It Reflects Historical Reality (Kind Of): Okay, it's a game, so it's not a perfect simulation. But the recruitment system does a decent job of capturing the spirit of the time. Armies weren't just spontaneously generated; they were the result of complex social and political processes.

The "But What About…?" Questions

I know what you're thinking. "But doesn't this make the game harder? Doesn't it make it grindier?"

Well, yes, it can be challenging. Especially in the early game, when you're struggling to make ends meet and every zloty counts. But that's part of the fun! It forces you to be resourceful, to take risks, and to think outside the box.

And as for the grind? Look, every RPG has its grind elements. But in *With Fire and Sword*, the grind is intertwined with the core gameplay loop. You're not just mindlessly killing boars to level up. You're exploring the world, interacting with characters, and building your own story. Each battle has a purpose, as you may be rescuing prisoners or gaining resources in order to recruit more troops.

Compared to Other Games…

Think about it like this. In *Total War*, you can raise entire armies in a few turns, seemingly conjured out of thin air. That's fun, in its own way. But in *With Fire and Sword*, building an army feels like a real achievement. It's like the difference between ordering a pre-built computer and building one yourself. The pre-built one is faster and easier, but the one you built yourself? You appreciate it more because you know exactly what went into it.

Or consider *Mount & Blade*, the game *With Fire and Sword* is based on. Even in the original *Mount & Blade*, you can recruit from villages, though there are limitations and village relations affect recruitment. *With Fire and Sword*'s deliberate removal of this mechanic makes the recruitment process unique and adds another layer of realism. If you enjoy *Mount & Blade*, *With Fire and Sword* is worth a try to see how you like the more complex recruitment process.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge

So, there you have it. The strange, wonderful, and arguably brilliant decision to not let you recruit from villages in *With Fire And Sword*. It's a design choice that forces you to engage with the game's world in a more meaningful way, to think strategically, and to appreciate the value of every single soldier under your command.

Is it for everyone? Maybe not. But if you're looking for a historical RPG with a bit of grit, a touch of realism, and a whole lot of Cossack chaos, then give *With Fire And Sword* a try. You might just find yourself hooked.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a castle to siege, and a few prisoners to rescue. Wish me luck!