Any tips for a long-time player that still doesn't know how to conquer Calradia?

So I've played this game in its many forms on and off since about 2008, initially on a pc mag demo disc. Now here's the thing, i've played for countless hours on vanilla warband without cheats, and I struggle to find the means to actually hold a kingdom. Obviously taking a random fief by force results in dishonour and no right to rule.

I've played A clash of Kings aswell, and was amazed by the content but found the time investment too insane and troop exp to slow to grind out good units.

Is there a method of conquering by force that results in recognition of your kingdom? I've dabbled in the alliances and even marriages but it seems like 90% of the time helping a lord is just following him around on patrols, or delivering a message 50kms away. I thoroughly enjoy the game and simply exploring the land, i'd just love to take the next step and actually construct an honorouble kingdom, rather than being a glorified raider. Feel free to give your anecdotal explanation.

Also i'm sneakily hoping bannerlord has certain locations and fiefs that aren't under a kings rule at the beginning of a game and can be taken without causing political turmoil.

I'm sorta new to this sub (and reddit overall) and am cheering that I've found a M&B community that's so chill., if anyone wants to pm me feel free, I could talk M&B for days because I know literally no one that plays haha.

TL:DR - Someone plz explain endgame and how you got there.

Edit: Have experimented with cheat mode but obviously that takes the soul right out of it.

Submitted March 18, 2018 at 09:15PM by OrphanMeatFarmer http://ift.tt/2HJ469V