A free mod for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, by OdyTTV.
This mod for Bannerlord will let you start the game as an imperial king, after finishing the banner quest.
In this way, you will start the game with a decent garrison, some decent armor, and a few well-geared companions. Most importantly, you will have pretty good social standing with the other rival factions as well.
You will start the game as an imperial king, which will allow you to build your own empire, in the most beautiful and dangerous world. You will be able to explore, fight, conquer, and build your empire, to become the greatest and most powerful king of all the lands.