In the first piece of the interview with Mikail Yazbeck from TaleWorlds we talked about the addition of firearms and their game balance requirements, captain mode where you take on a squad of 15 soldiers and fight off another player with the same sized squad and the new 
mechanics in the siege warfare.
For the second part we’ll look at what happens after you’ve successfully captured an area after siege, graphics, endgame, wagon forts and...cattle.
[GDN] Once you’ve stormed the city/fortress/castle, what can you do? Is it possible to loot/pillage or take control and begin managing the day-to-day operations?
Well you had better storm it successfully if you want to make the castle/town your own. You won’t be looting from castles/towns but you will gain control of them. And there is certainly a lot to be gained from doing so. Aside from just earning income from taxes you can train troops, order custom equipment, educate your companions, interact with banks, hire town specialists, and more.
[GDN] Urban construction - When you’ve got control of a village or city, how important will be the construction of various buildings?
That’s up to the player and his/her long term strategy. If you’re planning on playing a long term game with your eyes set on world domination, then you’ll probably want to be able to train troops at your castle/town. I hear extra troops do come in handy [winks]
[GDN] In regards to the offices - Will you be able to appoint particular people, say the nephew of a ruler of another area and gain favor/influence with them?
Nope.
(A pity as this would really have brought a new political element to the game. Perhaps in the next one.)
[GDN] How deep are the politics in that respect. Is it only actions (battles, quest) that affect relations with others or will that be tied into the running of your city and appointing of people to offices?
Politics and relations are driven through your actions in battles and quests. People you hire into special positions inside your castle/town only serve to provide extra bonuses or functions.
[GDN] For fans of the original and Warband, what does this really give them?
The expanded upgrades to the castles/towns add more personalization and value to each area you own as well as providing more options to the player.
[GDN] In regards to equipment what is new in arms and armor?
Lots and lots of historically accurate arms and armor! Each faction has some really unique weapons that you’ll want to be on the look out for. Like the Cossack double barrel pistol or the heavy 2-handed Russian cleaving axe.
