So there's a steam sale going on at the moment, both Mount & Blade and Warband are on sale.
I haven't played either and have only seen Warband on the quick look but want to play it, is the original worthwhile?
 
Thanks for any answers.

You should get Warband, because they're both pretty much the same "story" wise and Warband has new features like multiplayer and a new faction (I can't remember the sultanate being in the original Mount&Blade)

Warband it is :)
 
Thanks, i look forward to stabbing someone viking style very soon.

... oh man, 200 v 200 infantry wars are my new favorite thing.