Norland: Best Character Traits In Lords (2024)

In the medieval colony sim, Norland, players control a family of lords and ladies, and it is only these characters who have Traits. These Traits determine how characters act, their moods, and what other lords think of them. There are a few different types of Traits in Norland and are acquired in different ways.

There are Personality Traits that are typically developed due to something happening, Childhood Traits that develop early depending on the happiness of childhood, and lastly, Inherited Traits that are passed on at birth by the parents. Some Traits can also be selected for the starting lords when players begin a new playthrough, but they will only be able to take one good Trait, while also being forced to pick a negative one.

1 Empathetic

Social Thoughts Are Enhanced

• Gained at random by having a happy childhood.

Social Thoughts dictate the relationships between lords in Norland, and if lords within the same dynasty and neighboring rulers all have healthy relationships, then everything will go more smoothly. Relationships between lords fluctuate between -100 and +100.

This is why the Empathetic Trait is to be desired, as Social Thoughts are enhanced, meaning better relationships are more likely. As this is one of a handful of Happy Childhood Traits, players can see why it's important to try and give their offspring a good start to life in Norland​​​​.

2 Calm

All Nervous Breakdowns Are Light

• Gained at random by having a happy childhood.

As a colony sim, Norland is also a management game and a tough one at times. As a result of this, there will be periods where one or more of their lords remain unhappy for various reasons. This will eventually lead to nervous breakdowns which, while mild at first, can quickly get out of hand after successive breakdowns.

Thankfully, with the Calm Trait, these nervous breakdowns will never be too bad and players will only witness a decrease in productivity and compliance without anything disastrous happening. To calm characters, the worst thing to happen is likely to be along the lines of a short drinking binge, where the lord samples all three types of alcohol in Norland.

3 Reckless

Higher Threshold For Bravery

• Gained at random by having a happy childhood.

If players plan on going to war in Norland, then the Reckless Trait is naturally a good one for any lord who will be leading a squad. With higher bravery, commanders will be less likely to balk at large enemy forces and will thus lead their warriors better.

Reckless is a Trait gained from having a happy childhood, and so, if players want more of their characters to turn out brave or with other positive Traits, they should make sure the parents aren't too overburdened to spend time with their children.

4 Ascetic

No Thoughts From Lack Or Excess Of Holy Rings

• A Personality Trait acquired after being a Fanatic for a long time.

Holy Rings are a type of currency used by lords for various functions, and it is usually important to stock up on them every time the Holy Caravan trader arrives. They are also associated with standing, as lords who don't have enough Holy Rings tend to suffer a loss in mood, while those who have plenty feel great about themselves.

As acquiring and maintaining Holy Rings isn't always easy, and players will want to use them for certain actions, the Ascetic Trait is highly useful. This is because any character with this Trait won't have any thoughts about the number of Holy Rings they have, good or bad. Any way to remove negative thoughts from lords is a good thing in Norland, as otherwise, they will refuse to work and cause trouble.

5 High Fertility

+30% Chance Of Getting Pregnant

• Inherited from parents at birth.

As a game where players create a family dynasty, giving birth to the next generation is important in Norland, meaning the High Fertility Trait is one of the best. As an Inherited Trait, it is passed down from parents, so players might want to look for it when trying to find a spouse for marriage in Norland.

The High Fertility Trait grants a +30% chance of getting pregnant, and having a whole host of offspring has more advantages than just securing the succession. For example, kings can marry their daughters off for a bride price, bringing in more money while improving relations with the family of her groom. Children also become useful in their teenage years as they can study books to obtain knowledge.

6 Strong Will

Works When Unhappy

• Gained at random by having a happy childhood.

There's nothing more annoying in Norland than a lord becoming unhappy and refusing to do their assigned tasks. This is why the Strong Will Trait is an absolute blessing, as lords will continue to work even when they are depressed.

Of course, in a perfect playthrough, unhappiness would be avoided altogether, but in a game where death, betrayal, and other hardships are rampant, such low moods are almost unavoidable. With this Trait, players will never have to worry about their lord refusing to manage the fields resulting in no harvest, for example.

7 Beautiful

+20 Interest From All Lords

• A Personality Trait acquired by random.

Looking good certainly helps in Norland as other lords will have a greater interest in the character, meaning it is easier for dates to occur and for characters to fall in love. As being in love and subsequently having the sex requirement filled will make characters feel happier all around, higher interest is a win-win.

Characters will even be more likely to tell jokes while engaging in deep conversations, which is usually a good thing and leads to more happiness and stronger relationships.

Norland

Strategy

Simulation

Platform(s)

PC

Released

July 18, 2024

Developer

Long Jaunt