This article is timeless and should be accurate for any version of the game.

Your choice of start date and character have a major influence on the game's feel and difficulty.

This page aims to highlight interesting characters and explain why they're challenging, fun, or easy. Characters with golden names have been used in game of the week (GOTW) challenges[1], which often suggest special goals for players.

A general recommendation is to steer any historical character to an ahistorical destiny.

Most playable characters in 867 or 1066 are also playable in Crusader Kings III.

Featured Rulers [ edit ]

Some rulers have been marked by Paradox itself as characters of special interest. These rulers are highlighted in the main menu with a custom description about the character's goals or traits, and are eventually replaced by another character of note after a certain period of time.

These must be played in Bronzeman mode, which is started the same way as Ironman .

From the oldest character to the most recent:

Religion Character Starting Year Description Challenges Hugues de Lusignan, Count of Lusignan 1066 Join the Crusades as The Devil of Lusignan![2] None Johann the Blind, King of Bohemia 1337 Become the Blind Warrior of Bohemia![3] None Arwa Sulayhid, Sultana of Yemen 1074 Discover God's Will in her lifetime![4] None Mindaugas of Lithuania, High Chief of Lithuania 1236 Unravel the mystery of this King![5] None Charles de Anjou, King of Hungary 1307 Bring prosperity to the Kingdom of Hungary![6] None Mauregato of Asturias, Count of Astorga 769 Secure the title of King and prevent the Kingdom from falling into noble hands![7] None Bohemond d'Hauteville, Prince of Antioch 1098 Opportunities fall upon this ruler like autumn rains![8] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Bye, Zantium! Member of your dynasty becomes emperor of Byzantine Empire! - - Hold the title Emperor of Byzantine Blood, sweat & tears Bohemond participates personally in as many wars as possible. Crusade counts as two wars. Simultaneous wars do not count. Participate in 6 wars Participate in 10 wars Participate in 15 wars Vassaline! Have as many landed vassals of your dynasty as possible. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 10 landed vassals of your dynasty Have 20 landed vassals of your dynasty Have 30 landed vassals of your dynasty. Petronilla Jimena, Queen of Aragon 1157 Ruler as a child, last of a dynasty, can it be prolonged?[9] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Arastrong! Have the Jimena dynasty as large as 75 living members. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. - - Have 75 living members of your dynasty Arastay! Have as many kings titles as possible. Any additional king of the Jimena dynasty adds 1 point, regardless of the number of titles they have. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty Have 3 king titles and Jimena kings. Have 4 king titles and Jimena kings Have 5 king titles and Jimena kings Aragonastop? Petronilla must have as many children as possible born to the Jimena dynasty! Both live and dead children count. Children conceived out of wedlock do not count - legitimate bastard or not. Feat only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. Have 2 children Have 4 children Have 6 children Llywelyn the Great, King of Gwynedd 1195 Develop an Independent Wales and take it further![10] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Dragon's Fire Conquer Wales and control these provinces: Anglesey, Rhos, Perfeddwlad, Powys, Ceredigion, Builth, Dyfed, Gwyr, Breconshire, Glywysing, and Gwent. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. - - Control all provinces Princes of Wales While holding the Kingdom of Wales, you must have as many vassals as possible be of the same dynasty as yours. Have them retain the title Duke or higher. Bastard members do not count unless legitimized. Your character must be an independent ruler. The ruler and vassal must also be of Welsh culture. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Have 3 vassals of your dynasty Have 6 vassals of your dynasty Have 9 vassals of your dynasty Love Spoons Marry as many of Llywelyn's children to those of English culture. Only the English spouses with titles or claims count toward this feat. The married children and their spouses must be alive to count toward this feat. Feat is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. Have 2 English spouses married to your children Have 3 English spouses married to your children Have 4 English spouses married to your children Tamari, Queen of Georgia 1184 Recreate the Golden Age of Georgia![11] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Megaloscheme Tamari must become Megaloscheme, the highest rank of Saint Basil community. Feat only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. - - Reach Rank IV in Society Hot Tamari Secure as many marriages with foreign realms as possible using your dynasty's children. The children must be married to a person of King or Emperor tier, or the child of a King or Emperor tier ruler. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 2 children married to foreigners Have 4 children married to foreigners Have 6 children married to foreigners Golden Girls Have your dynasty acquire as many artifacts as possible! Since you can't have duplicates in your treasury, give them to your family. Only live dynasty members count, no bastards unless legitimized. Alchemy ingredients do not count towards this feat. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 10 artifacts Have 30 artifacts Have 50 artifacts Nuno, Duke of Porto 1066 Become King... just try not to die on the way![12] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold King of Portugal Form Portugal and become a King! You must also have at least 3 duchies in your realm. Feat only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. - - Become King of Portugal Money Order! Have as many simultaneously prosperous counties as possible. Only directly owned prosperous provinces count towards the feat. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 2 prosperous counties Have 4 prosperous counties Have 6 prosperous counties Ahead of their time European colonization brought new diseases to continents, which killed millions of indigenous people. The colonization process didn't begin until centuries later, but can you create and manage "colonies" of your own? Provinces must be disconnected from the capital and a minimum of 400 in distance away. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 3 "colonies" Have 7 "colonies" Have 13 "colonies" Mihajlo, King of Serbia 1066 Unite his nations and become the true King of the Slavs![13] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold A Serbian Dream Ensure that you don't lose the title King of Serbia and that it never falls into the hands of someone who's not of Serbian Culture. Additionally, have a Serbian ruler in at least one of these Kingdoms: Croatia, Hungary or Poland. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty and the title holder of Serbia is of Serbian Culture. - - Fulfil conditions With or Without Me? Have as many Serbian Dukes as possible! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty. Have 4 Serbian Dukes Have 8 Serbian Dukes Have 12 Serbian Dukes Papal Support As a Catholic ruler of Serbia, ensure you are on good terms with your Catholic bishops (Opinion at least 60). In addition, if the pope likes you (Opinion 60+), you get 2 points. You must be a Catholic to complete this feat. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's Dynasty Have 4 Catholic bishops liking King Mihajlo Have 6 Catholic bishops liking King Mihajlo Have 8 Catholic bishops liking King Mihajlo

Monarch's Journey [ edit ]

On October 20th, 2019, as part of patch 3.3, Monarch's Journey was released which uses the previous "Featured Rulers" system as its base.

A new ruler is added biweekly, but previous rulers can still be played (via top-right arrow). These must be played in Bronzeman mode, which is started the same way as Ironman .

By completing the challenges, players may unlock cosmetics in Crusader Kings III:[14]

Wizards Beards, 10 score points

Wizards Beards, 10 score points The Pageboy, 20 score points

The Pageboy, 20 score points Chaperon, 30 score points

Chaperon, 30 score points Jesters Hat, 40 score points

Jesters Hat, 40 score points Cone Shaped Hennin, 55 score points

Cone Shaped Hennin, 55 score points Medieval Mullet, 70 score points

Medieval Mullet, 70 score points The Miller, 90 score points

The Miller, 90 score points The Joan of Arc, 110 score points

Most challenges have 3 levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, each worth 2 score.

From oldest to the most recent:

Religion Character Starting Year Description Challenges Konan II de Rennes, Duke of Brittany 1066 Konan II, Duke of Brittany would find himself in an uphill struggle to ensure his rule over Brittany. Having lost his father as a child, he faced many challenges to his rule from within and outside of his family. His uncle usurped his inheritance, and was later chained and imprisoned for his efforts. After becoming enthroned, he would face threats from William the Conqueror, later dying to suspectedly poisoned gloves while attempting to invade Anjou.[15] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Time Bending Try to recreate Breton by controlling as many of these provinces as possible: Cornwall, Devon, Anjou, Maine, Mortain, Caen, Léon, Kernev (Cornouaille), Poher, Tregor, Domnoea (Penthievr), Broërec (Vannes), Roazhon (Rennes), Naoned (Nantes), and Retz. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Own 10 of the listed provinces Own 12 of the listed provinces Own all of the listed provinces Gloves Come Off! Historically, King Konan is said to have died due to poisoned gloves. Ensure that King Konan has a male heir and a few to spare! Non-legitimized sons do not count. May only be accomplished within the featured ruler's lifetime. Have 2 sons alive Have 3 sons alive Have 5 sons alive Pre-Emptive Self-Defence Have you and your dynasty kill as many of William de Normandie's dynasty members as possible. Killing William himself gives 2 points! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Kill 3 members of the de Normandie dynasty Kill 5 members of the de Normandie dynasty Kill 7 member of the de Normandie dynasty Llywelyn the Great, Duke of Gwynedd 1195 King of Gwynedd, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, would unify Wales through great war strategy and diplomacy with the kings of England and the princes of Wales. He had troubles with marcher lords, often finding himself fighting in border disputes, while also forming many alliances with rulers in the Marches. In 1234, he brought peace to Wales which remained until his death in 1240.[16] Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Dragon's Fire Conquer Wales and completely control the following provinces: Anglesey, Rhos, Perfeddwlad, Powys, Ceredigion, Builth, Dyfed, Gwyr, Breconshire, Glywysing, and Gwent. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Own all provinces. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Princes of Wales While holding the Kingdom of Wales, you must have as many vassals as possible be of your own dynasty. Have them retain the title duke or higher. Bastard members do not count unless legitimized. Your character must be an independent ruler. The ruler and vassal must also be of Welsh culture. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. (NOTE: even though not specified in game, female vassals do not count for Prince of Wales, even with full status of women and absolute cognatic succession.) Have 3 qualifying vassals of your dynasty Have 6 qualifying vassals of your dynasty. Have 9 qualifying vassals of your dynasty. Love Spoons Marry as many of Llywelyn's children to those of English culture as you can. Only the English spouses with titles or claims count toward this challenge. The married children and their spouses must be alive to count toward this challenge. This challenge is only accomplish-able with the featured ruler during their lifetime. Have 2 children with qualifying spouses Have 3 children with qualifying spouses Have 4 children with qualifying spouses Saad Mordechai, High Chief of Baghdad 1289 During his lifetime, Sa'ad al-Dawla would be the bridge that supported Jewish peace and prosperity in Baghdad. His reputation and knowledge as a physician would give him the chance to cure Arghun Khan of an aliment, forming a great trusting friendship and allowing Sa'ad to secure a safe haven for Jews to live. His position and relationships with Arghun, and the fact that he was Jewish would cause much hatred from Mongolians who wanted to corrupt the flow of finances, and Muslims who did not enjoy the idea of having a Jew in a position of power over them. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold One of Us! While not practising Judaism yourself, have your council consist of openly Jewish people. They must also be capable at their job, with a minimum of 10 in the attribute related to their position. Those practising Judaism in secrecy do not count. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 Jewish councillors 3 Jewish councillors 4 Jewish councillors Peace! Be on good terms (60+ opinion) with those of your vassals who are openly worshipping another religion than your own. Secret religions are disregarded for this challenge. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 5 vassals 8 vassals 12 vassals Secret stays with Me Sa'ad al-Dawla was murdered by his enemies who disagreed with his religion. let's turn the tables! Playing as the featured ruler, continue to practice Judaism in secrecy while pretending to be a Sunni Muslim. Kill as many Muslim (religion) and Mongol (culture) characters as possible: Duel, assassinate, or execute them. Yes, Mongol Muslims are worth two points. Kills where your complicity is hidden is worth another 1 point! Progress for this challenge stops if you should change religion. This challenge is only accomplish-able with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 6 kill points 10 kill points 16 kill points Konstantinos II, Doux of Samos 1108 Konstantinos Angelos was a man of exceeding beauty and bravery, who came from a small aristocratic family. He would marry Theodora Komnene, daughter of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos and be granted the title of sebastohypertatos, a high Byzantine dignity. He would start the Angelos dynasty, which would disastrously rule the Byzantine Empire in 1185-1204, crippling the empire and eventually leading to its deconstruction. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Moving Up Rise from a life of obscure nobility! Have your dynasty obtain as many king titles as possible. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 king titles 3 king titles 4 king titles Lovely Rule! Change the course of history and ensure the Angelos dynasty becomes a grand one! Acquire the highest game score you can. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Score: 5000 Score: 10000 Score: 15000 Kon Once, Kon Twice... As Konstantinos, have the largest family you can. Your children must be alive and of your dynasty to count. This challenge is only accomplish-able with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 3 children 7 children 10 children Louis II the Stammerer, King of Aquitaine 867 Louis II of Aquitaine was a ruler famous, and named so, for his physical weaknessess. He was crowned twice, the second time by Pope John VIII, after succeeding his father's rule of West Francia. Three of his sons would become kings of West Francia, the last of which would be known as Charles III the Simple, with a reputation of being straightforward. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold French Toast! Hold the Kingdoms of France and Aquitaine, completely controlling their de jure provinces, and form the Empire of Francia. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Fulfil conditions. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. His Unfulfilled Dream King Louis passed away before he could see through his dream of a northern crusade. Kill as many characters of the Germanic faith as possible! Reformed Germanic pagans also count. Norse characters with ONE OF these traits count as two points: Viking, Ravager, Seaking, Sea queen, Berserker, Shieldmaiden. The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 4 kill points 7 kill points 10 kill points Why Don't You like Me? Make those vassal dukes like you! Get as many with +65 opinion as possible! The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 4 vassals 6 vassals 8 vassals Shajar al-Durr, Queen of Egypt 1250 The second Muslim woman in history to become a monarch. Queen Shajar al-Durr of Egypt would enjoy only a short time as ruler. She would be the first of the Mamluk Sultanate, a realm that would last until 1517. There would be a brutal end to her reign, being captured for her involvement in the murder of Sultan Aybak and later beaten to death by the bondmaids of Al-Mansur Ali. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Heiroglyphics! Make sure your bloodline lives on by expanding your dynasty to a size of 80 members. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Have 80 members of your dynasty. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Tutan-Kha-Doom! Kill as many landed characters of other dynasties as possible. The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 3 kills 4 kills 5 kills Don't Stop Me Now! Hold as many queen titles as possible. Progress continues for as long as you play a female character of the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 queen titles 3 queen titles 4 queen titles Paul (Pavao) I Šubić, Duke of Croatia 1278 Duke Pavao of Croatia, the most impressive member of the Šubić house conquered Bosnia and declared himself overlord, rulling over Croatia and Dalmatia and parts of Serbia. He declared peace with Venice and his political actions would later see Charles I become the king of Hungary. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Conquerer from Bribir! Ban of Croatia, lord of all of Bosnia, and uniter of Dalmatia, finish what Paul never could and conquer Serbia as well! Hold the Kingdom of Serbia and duchies of Bosnia, Croatia and Hum and completely control all their de jure provinces. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Control all 4 titles. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Established Paul appointed his brothers and sons to many positions of power throughout his realm. Continue this tradition and make sure that the dynasty has a strong grasp on the land. The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 4 landed dynasty members 6 landed dynasty members 8 landed dynasty members Šubić-Stantial Legacy Paul built multiple monasteries, a church, a fort, and relations with Venice. Can you leave an even grander legacy behind? Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 1 great works built 2 great works built 3 great works built Arwa Sulayhid, Sultana of Yemen 1074 Arwa al-Sulayhi, Sultana of the Sulayhid Sultanate referred to as the Noble Lady, was the first woman to be given the title of hujja, the closest living image of God's will in her lifetime. She reigned over Yemen for 68 years, improving economy, building schools and mosques. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Long Live the Queen! Under Arwa's rule Yemen prospered. Hold the Sultanate of Yemen and completely control its de jure provinces for 100 years. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Rule the Yemen for 100 years. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. God's Will Be Done Build as many temples in your realm as you can. The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 5 temples in realm 8 temples in realm 12 temples in realm Dawn of a New Da'is! Convert as many Hindus to Shia as possible. Only characters converted through character interaction count toward the challenge! The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 2 Hindus converted to Shia 4 Hindus converted to Shia 6 Hindus converted to Shia Harald IV Hårdråde, King of Norway 1066 Harald Hårdråde, King of Norway spent a great period of his life fighting battles, joining his first in 1030, the Battle of Stiklestad at the age of 15. Exiled for the loss, he was sent to Kievan Rus where he eventually became captain in the army of Yaroslav the Wise and later commander of the Byzantine Varangian Guard. He would eventually claim England but lose his life in battle of Stamford Bridge, starting the end of the Viking Age. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Harder Than Steel Hold the kingdoms of Norway & England and completely control their de jure provinces. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Hold the Kingdoms of Norway and England. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Hide the Pain, Harold... Kill as many members of King Harold II of England's dynasty, the Godwins, as possible. Deaths caused by other members of your dynasty also count! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Kill 5 members of Godwin dynasty Kill 10 members of Godwin dynasty Kill 15 members of Godwin dynasty With an Iron Fist Crush as many revolts as possible. Crush those who rise up to oppose your rule! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 4 revolts crushed 8 revolts crushed 12 revolts crushed Hethum I, King of Armenia 1226 In marrying Isabella of Armenia, Hethum I would become king of Armenia in 1226. He founded the Hethumids, the last native Armenian dynasty. Hethum is famous for his relations with the Mongols in which he travelled great distances to offer gifts in the face of the rapidly expanding Mongol Empire. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Not-So-Little Armenia A sobriquet of the Kingdom of Armenia at the time was Little Armenia. Can you change that? Double the size of the kingdom! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Have 8 provinces. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Keep Your Friends Close... Have good relations with Mongols (60+ opinion). Rulers, their vassals, and their courtiers with Mongol culture count. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 3 Mongols with 60+ opinion 6 Mongols with 60+ opinion 9 Mongols with 60+ opinion We Will Not Submit Hethum I decided to submit to Mongol suzerainty as their rapid expansion were of great concern. Can you keep the Armenian kingdom independent? Rule for as many years as possible as an independent kingdom, without becoming a tributary. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 25 years independent 50 years independent 75 years independent Kulin Kulinić, Doux of Bosnia 1173 Kulin of Bosnia was the man who would lead Bosnia through the Bosnian Age of Peace and Prosperity, responsible for creating a de facto independent state. Often regarded as a hero of Bosnia, his leadership was not without difficulty, with Kulin often having to find political balance between the powers of Hungary, Serbia and the Pope. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Not-So Landlocked Rule an independent Kingdom of Bosnia! You must hold the Kingdom of Bosnia, completely control all its de jure provinces and be independent. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Fulfil conditions. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Heretical Company Have as many courtiers as possible who openly practise a heretical belief. Prisoners don't count. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 6 heretical courtiers 9 heretical courtiers 12 heretical courtiers Celebrating Our Indepedence Day! As an independent realm, remain at peace and independence for as long as possible! Progress resets on character death and when entering a war. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 4 years of peace and independence 8 years of peace and independence 12 years of peace and independence Liao Hongji, Khagan of the Liao Khaganate 1066 Emperor Daozong would be remembered as the emperor who ignored the corruption that would destroy his empire. Rejecting the advice of his wife, Xiao Guanyin, to end the corruption and paying little respect to the role he had as emperor, he would allow his officials to fool him into executing the empress, after being convinced she had written a love poem about an affair. He would also execute the crown prince as well as various other officials following the advice of Yelü Yixin. He would realise his mistakes later, however the corruption in Liao was beyond repair. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Lavish Spending Have as many temples in your realm managed by a Buddhist as you can. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 4 temples managed by Buddhists 8 temples managed by Buddhists 12 temples managed by Buddhists Land Mass! As a nomadic tribe, have as many provinces in your realm as possible! Progress continues tor as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 100 provinces 150 provinces 200 provinces Clanky! Get along with other clans! Ensure clans have an opinion of you higher than 60. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 clans liking yours 3 clans liking yours 4 clans liking yours Basarab I, King of Wallachia 1310 Basarab I of Wallachia was the first independent ruler of Wallachia, becoming so after becoming disloyal to the Holy Crown of Hungary in 1325. He founded the House of Basarab in 1310 which would later provide a line of princes that would include Vlad III the Impaler. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Voivodes of Wallachia Basarab was the Voivode of Wallachia before he became an independent ruler of the kingdom. Have as many dukes in your realm of your dynasty as you can! Bastards do not count towards this challenge unless legitimized. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Have 3 vassal dukes of your dynasty Have 6 vassal dukes of your dynasty Have 9 vassal dukes of your dynasty So Much at Stake With a character that has the impaler trait, kill as many people as you can! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 3 kills 6 kills 10 kills Castle Mania Have as many castles and royal palaces in your realm as possible! Each stage of a royal palace is worth 3 points. The royal palace must be active to count. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 4 castles and royal palaces 8 castles and royal palaces 12 castles and royal palaces Mindaugas, High Chief of Lithuania 1236 The only King of Lithuania, King Mindaugas had a history shrouded in mystery. It is believed that he was a young duke that had inherited power, using such power to eventually found the Lithuanian state. He converted to Catholicism, becoming baptised and exchanging some lands for acknowledgment of King by Pope Innocent IV. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold A Christian King Be crowned the King of Lithuania! You must: hold the Kingdom of Lithuania, completely control all of Lithuanias de jure provinces, be Catholic and be crowned by the Pope. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Fulfil conditions. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. True Faith Convert provinces in your realm to Catholicism. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 4 Catholic provinces 6 Catholic provinces 8 Catholic provinces Writing History While historic records of the only Christian king of Lithuania are scarce, ensure that this isn't the case this time around! Construct a Great Library and fill it with book collections. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 book collections built 3 book collections built 4 book collections built Botstain Stenkyrka, Grand Mayor of Gotland 1066 Gotland, famous for its numerous medieval churches and many runic stones, was also an important and powerful centre of world trade for Sweden during the age of Vikings. The island was home to over 50 trading centres and harbours, with a great deal of the population contributing to the dealings of the republic. The island was incredibly prosperous in 1066 and during this time Botstain was elected as the young grand mayor of the Gotland republic. With a keen eye for commerce, setting up networks of trade posts was key to his success. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Aegir's Island! Successfully make Gotland an independent kingdom by becoming king and appointing Gotland your capital! You must: completely control the Duchy of Gotland, have a minimum of 20 cities in your realm, have a fully upgraded Family Palace and have the province of Gotland as your capital. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Fulfil conditions. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. Embargo! Own as many trade posts as possible! You can either construct or seize control of them. The trade posts needs to have at minimum the second tier upgrade on all their buildings to count towards the score. The challenge is only accomplishable with the featured ruler during their lifetime. 3 upgraded trade posts 4 upgraded trade posts 5 upgraded trade posts Trading Cities Make Gotland a grand republic, with as many trade posts as possible! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 20 trade posts 40 trade posts 60 trade posts Stefan Nemanjić, King of Serbia 1196 King Stefan the First-Crowned, so called for becoming the first Rascian king, did so by promoting Serbia as a kingdom in its own right. He would help his brother, Saint Sava The Enlightener, found the Serbian Orthodox Church to secure his title. Challenge Description Bronze Silver Gold Saint-King Create a saintly bloodline! Either a godly or a wicked saint bloodline counts. Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. Create a saintly bloodline. This challenge doesn't allow partial completion. The First of Many Hold as many king titles as possible! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 king titles 4 king titles 6 king titles God is Good to Me Have as many dynasty members as possible beatified or declared saints! Progress continues for as long as you play the featured ruler's dynasty. 2 beatified dynasty members 3 beatified dynasty members 4 beatified dynasty members

Christian feudal lords [ edit ]

Achaea, Duchy of [ edit ]

Matilda d'Avesnes, Princess (in-game Duchess) of Achaia, August 2, 1316: She's 23, but by the time you start, she has been twice widowed. Fun fact: she's from Flanders.

Anatolia, Kingdom of (inc. independent duchies) [ edit ]

Roussel de Bailleul, Duke of Charsianon, August 26, 1071: A Norman mercenary captain in the Byzantine army, who created a short-lived independent principality in Anatolia after the disaster at Manzikert. Try to rewrite history by creating an independent, lasting, Catholic Kingdom of Anatolia.

Antioch, Duchy of [ edit ]

Reynald de Châtillon, Duke of Antioch, 1153-1160: Historically, an opportunist who married for land, tortured bishops for money, and broke treaties for profit. He was one of the major stumbling blocks to peaceful coexistence between the Muslims and the Crusader States. After his capture at the Horns of Hattin, Reynald was berated for his "maleficence and perfidy" and beheaded by Saladin himself. In-game, this is a tough spot. Reynald is a skilled tactician with four of the seven deadly sins (and deceitful besides!) and 0 Diplomacy. He controls two of the three counties in the Duchy of Antioch, with the third being held by the dreaded Hashshashin. Reynald never swore fealty to the Byzantines, and he proved a fractious vassal of Jerusalem. If you don't swear fealty to someone, expect to be holy warred into oblivion.

Aquitaine, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Louis II "the Stammerer" Karling, King of Aquitaine, 867: You start surrounded by West Francia to the north, Lotharingia to the east, Italy to your south-east, Muslims just across the mountains to the south, and Asturias needs help to your south-west. As if that wasn't bad enough your dukes are not your biggest fans, and you have gavelkind succession and two sons. Just putting your own house in order and maintaining independence will be tough, but you also stand to inherit the Kingdom of West Francia and finally unite France. Then what direction will you focus on? Turn back the Moors? Try to retroactively outdo Napoleon? Who knows?

Aragon, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Jaume de Barcelona, the Conqueror, King of Aragon and Count of Barcelona, Sept 14, 1213 - 1276 : The only son of King Pere of Aragon. After his father died defending the Occitan lands from the catholic crusade against the Cathars he inherited as a little child a Kingdom that had just lost its main political sphere of influence. Jaume is forced to focus his attentions to a Reconquista that, after the victory of the Christian faction at Navas de Tolosa in 1212, is an achievable objective as it has never been before. During his more than 60 years of government, married Violant of Hungria and conquered the Kingdoms of Valencia and Mallorca (Duchies, in-game), ending the reconquest of the Kingdom of Aragon and allowing his heirs to expand their sphere of influence to the rest of the Western Mediterranean, mainly Sicily, Napoli and Sardenya, but also Greece.

: The only son of King Pere of Aragon. After his father died defending the Occitan lands from the catholic crusade against the Cathars he inherited as a little child a Kingdom that had just lost its main political sphere of influence. Jaume is forced to focus his attentions to a Reconquista that, after the victory of the Christian faction at Navas de Tolosa in 1212, is an achievable objective as it has never been before. During his more than 60 years of government, married Violant of Hungria and conquered the Kingdoms of Valencia and Mallorca (Duchies, in-game), ending the reconquest of the Kingdom of Aragon and allowing his heirs to expand their sphere of influence to the rest of the Western Mediterranean, mainly Sicily, Napoli and Sardenya, but also Greece. Sancho I Jimena, King of Aragon, 15 Sept. 1066 : A one-county Kingdom in the Pyrenees, your extensive de jure claims over the eastern Iberian Peninsula offer great opportunities for expansion without disturbing the wasps' nest that is the Andalusian Muslim factions to your south. You will have to pick your battles carefully, though; the neighbouring Emirate of Zaragoza and Duchy of Barcelona are both stronger than you, but you also have the rest of the Jimena kingdoms watching your back. If you can take the peninsula, the world is your oyster.

: A one-county Kingdom in the Pyrenees, your extensive de jure claims over the eastern Iberian Peninsula offer great opportunities for expansion without disturbing the wasps' nest that is the Andalusian Muslim factions to your south. You will have to pick your battles carefully, though; the neighbouring Emirate of Zaragoza and Duchy of Barcelona are both stronger than you, but you also have the rest of the Jimena kingdoms watching your back. If you can take the peninsula, the world is your oyster. Alfonso de Barcelona, King of Aragon, October 16, 1174 : At last the quarrelling Jimena are contained in what remains of Navarre, but their legacy continues to poison the unity of the Iberian Catholics. Portugal, Castille, and Aragon remain divided even against the united Almohad Caliphate (Sultanate in-game). The House of Barcelona is surrounded by greater powers and has few friends. But you are Alfonso the Troubadour. Such a magnificent name demands a demesne to match. Perhaps even Gondar should owe fealty to Aragon...

: At last the quarrelling Jimena are contained in what remains of Navarre, but their legacy continues to poison the unity of the Iberian Catholics. Portugal, Castille, and Aragon remain divided even against the united Almohad Caliphate (Sultanate in-game). The House of Barcelona is surrounded by greater powers and has few friends. But you are Alfonso the Troubadour. Such a magnificent name demands a demesne to match. Perhaps even Gondar should owe fealty to Aragon... Queen Petronila of Aragon, August 16, 1157: She's the last of the Jimena dynasty. She is 24 and married (to the Count of Barcelona) and has one newborn child at this start. Kill/divorce the husband, remarry matrilineally and switch your succession law (to Elective or Ultimogeniture).

Arles, Kingdom of [ edit ]

King Rudolf of Arles, 936: Originally the king of Upper-Burgundy, he collected the two halves of Burgundy to form the new Kingdom of Arles. The Italians to the east, led by the industrious Hugues of the Bosonid dynasty, form a threat to the capital of Arles as well as the area around Provence. Besides that, Rudolf is in a good position to ally with most of the rulers around him, though his Kingdom is small enough to be tossed aside by the larger powers at play.

Barcelona, Duchy of [ edit ]

Ermengol d'Urgell, Count of Urgell, 15 Sept. 1066 : Start your Reconquista from the safest county in Spain - but beware of Jihads targeting your liege. Make sure you have the power to defend against them before they happen.

: Start your Reconquista from the safest county in Spain - but beware of Jihads targeting your liege. Make sure you have the power to defend against them before they happen. Wifredo de Barcelona, Count of Rossello, 867 : The founder of the House of Barcelona, son of Sunifred, (earlier Count of Barcelona, Urgell, Cerdanya Girona, Osona, Besalú, etc.) he starts as a Baron in Urgell under Duke Bernard Gellones of Barcelona, so you'll have to land him and reload as him. While he's been reduced to a barony, Wifredo has a strong claim on the Duchy of Barcelona, courtesy of his father. He was historically granted the County of Barcelona (the Duchy, in-game) after siding with Charles and his son Louis against a faction of noble rebels, among them the previous Count of Barcelona, Bernard of Gothia (Bernard Gellones in-game). He's the founding father of the independent Catalan counties and maybe the main hero in Catalan medieval folklore. A legend tells that the Arms of the House of Barcelona (which became the Catalan national flag) were created by Emperor Louis, who gave him a golden shield and blotted it with the blood of his wounded vassal. A hard game if you wish to follow in his footsteps and take over the Catalan counties, as you have a quite powerful Frankish liege and the Carolingian mess can be less tumultuous than in real life.

: The founder of the House of Barcelona, son of Sunifred, (earlier Count of Barcelona, Urgell, Cerdanya Girona, Osona, Besalú, etc.) he starts as a Baron in Urgell under Duke Bernard Gellones of Barcelona, so you'll have to land him and reload as him. While he's been reduced to a barony, Wifredo has a strong claim on the Duchy of Barcelona, courtesy of his father. He was historically granted the County of Barcelona (the Duchy, in-game) after siding with Charles and his son Louis against a faction of noble rebels, among them the previous Count of Barcelona, Bernard of Gothia (Bernard Gellones in-game). He's the founding father of the independent Catalan counties and maybe the main hero in Catalan medieval folklore. A legend tells that the Arms of the House of Barcelona (which became the Catalan national flag) were created by Emperor Louis, who gave him a golden shield and blotted it with the blood of his wounded vassal. A hard game if you wish to follow in his footsteps and take over the Catalan counties, as you have a quite powerful Frankish liege and the Carolingian mess can be less tumultuous than in real life. Ramon Berenguer III, Count of Barcelona and Provence, 1113 : Through his marriage with Dolça of Provence, Ramon Berenguer III The Great rules not only as Count of Barcelona (Duchy in-game) but also as Count of Provence (Duchy in-game) and his already born son Ramon Berenguer will inherit the County of Gevaudan, making him one of the most powerful Christian lords in the Western Mediterranean. Historically, despite him reconquering Tarragona permanently and Mallorca temporally, his main political focus was centered in the Occitan lands, policies that were continued by his descendants until 1213 with the death at Muret of King Pere of Aragon during the Cathar crusade. Upon his death, he gave Barcelona to his firstborn son Ramon Berenguer IV the Saint (father of King Alfons of Aragon) and Provence to his second son Berenguer Ramon, despite King Alfons reincorporating it when the county passed to Berenguer Ramon's granddaughter (only to give it upon his death to his brother, also called Ramon Berenguer).

: Through his marriage with Dolça of Provence, Ramon Berenguer III The Great rules not only as Count of Barcelona (Duchy in-game) but also as Count of Provence (Duchy in-game) and his already born son Ramon Berenguer will inherit the County of Gevaudan, making him one of the most powerful Christian lords in the Western Mediterranean. Historically, despite him reconquering Tarragona permanently and Mallorca temporally, his main political focus was centered in the Occitan lands, policies that were continued by his descendants until 1213 with the death at Muret of King Pere of Aragon during the Cathar crusade. Upon his death, he gave Barcelona to his firstborn son Ramon Berenguer IV the Saint (father of King Alfons of Aragon) and Provence to his second son Berenguer Ramon, despite King Alfons reincorporating it when the county passed to Berenguer Ramon's granddaughter (only to give it upon his death to his brother, also called Ramon Berenguer). Ermengarda de Narbonne, Countess of Narbonne, 1143-1197: Should be unmarried and childless at the beginning of her 54-year reign. A very cultured lady - she especially liked bards. Unfortunately, she was unlucky in marriage.

Brittany, Duchy of [ edit ]

Konan II de Rennes, Petty King of Brittany, 15 Sept. 1066 : Last legitimate male of his dynasty in 1066. He threatened to invade Normandy as soon as William's army had crossed the Channel, when this happened he promptly did as promised. At the end of the year, he donned a pair of poisoned riding gloves and collapsed dead, most probably on William's orders. His premature demise meant the end of the de Rennes dynasty; he was succeeded by his sister and, after her death, his brother-in-law. Your first priority is to marry, have children and continue the de Rennes male line. Start forging claims on Cornwall, Wales and Ireland, then begin your wars of expansion. In many ways, Brittany in 1066 is the ideal tutorial playground. Konan is the central character of "The Monarch's Journey" which is first in a series of scenarios with challenges to overcome in order to earn cosmetic rewards for the upcoming Crusader Kings III game.

: Last legitimate male of his dynasty in 1066. He threatened to invade Normandy as soon as William's army had crossed the Channel, when this happened he promptly did as promised. At the end of the year, he donned a pair of poisoned riding gloves and collapsed dead, most probably on William's orders. His premature demise meant the end of the de Rennes dynasty; he was succeeded by his sister and, after her death, his brother-in-law. Your first priority is to marry, have children and continue the de Rennes male line. Start forging claims on Cornwall, Wales and Ireland, then begin your wars of expansion. In many ways, Brittany in 1066 is the ideal tutorial playground. Konan is the central character of "The Monarch's Journey" which is first in a series of scenarios with challenges to overcome in order to earn cosmetic rewards for the upcoming Crusader Kings III game. Edouarzh de Penthièvre, Count of Penthievre, 1066: A 67-year-old count who founded the youngest branch of the de Rennes and was once duke of Brittany, so you have a strong claim on it. With good luck and health, you can take the duchy back and have a similar good start to your liege and nephew Konan II, except you're much older. But the most interesting thing about this character is that he has not only a daughter, but THIRTEEN sons (half bastards) and SIX grandsons (all legitimate), so it's a wonderful start to learn how to build a new family, marrying duchesses or even princesses to grow the familial lands.

Castille, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Berenguela, Queen of Castille and Toledo, June-August 1217 : This queen had an incredibly short real-life reign; she abdicated in favor of her son Ferdinand III after only two months. Make her reign longer and give Berenguela a chance to prove herself as a ruler.

: This queen had an incredibly short real-life reign; she abdicated in favor of her son Ferdinand III after only two months. Make her reign longer and give Berenguela a chance to prove herself as a ruler. Sancho II Jimena, King of Castille, 15 Sept. or 26 Dec. 1066 : Why play as El Cid when you can play as his liege? Use a young Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar to command your army as you bring Iberia under your control. Your brother is not exactly on good terms with you and the usual Muslim infidels are everywhere. Can you avoid Sancho's historical fate?

: Why play as El Cid when you can play as his liege? Use a young Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar to command your army as you bring Iberia under your control. Your brother is not exactly on good terms with you and the usual Muslim infidels are everywhere. Can you avoid Sancho's historical fate? Enrique de Trastámara, Count of Asturias de Oviedo, 14 Jan. 1332: The bastard son of Alfonso XI of Castile, he holds a one province minor in the northwest of the country. Historically, he was supported by his father, but after his death, staged many revolts against his brother, Pedro the Cruel. With French and Aragonese support, he overthrew and killed his brother, and went on to become King Henry II. His family would go on to unite Castile and Aragon and lay down the basis for what would become the Kingdom of Spain. Making the move from count to king will be difficult, let alone to become Emperor of all Spain (technically King), especially with only 120 years to do it, but it's a good challenge.

Croatia, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Dmitar-Zvonimir Trpimirovic, Duke of Slavonia, 15 Sept. 1066 or King of Croatia, 1081 : Historically, Croatia passed to the King of Hungary after a bloody succession crisis, due to the machinations of Dmitar's widow, Ilona, who was also the King of Hungary's sister, and entered a union with Hungary that lasted until 1918. Can you prevent the extinction of House of Trpimirović and the union with Hungary (or perhaps, see Hungary and Croatia united under your house)?

: Historically, Croatia passed to the King of Hungary after a bloody succession crisis, due to the machinations of Dmitar's widow, Ilona, who was also the King of Hungary's sister, and entered a union with Hungary that lasted until 1918. Can you prevent the extinction of House of Trpimirović and the union with Hungary (or perhaps, see Hungary and Croatia united under your house)? Ilona, Queen of Croatia, 1090-1091: Dmitar-Zvonimir's widow, an Arpad princess who starts with the King of Hungary (her brother) as an ally. This start should be somewhat easy since she has such an awesome ally and you can build her family as you wish.

Denmark, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Svend II Estrid, King of Denmark, 15 Sept. 1066 - 1074: Historically he feuded with Hardrade, had little success in military affairs, and fathered an impressive twenty or more children, all the better to secure alliances and inheritance. Svend also starts with a claim on England. Whether you attempt to reunite the North Sea Empire, create the Kalmar Union or restore the Danelaw you've got plenty of options open. You can start the Baltic crusades early and take your share of the pagan land. You start with a small but stable kingdom and if you're lucky the Holy Roman Empire will neglect to counter your growth in the north allowing you plenty time to become a great northern empire. The housecarl retinue adds some strong muscle you can put to good use. With reasonable goals and a little luck, the north is yours! There's also an achievement for conquering England as him.

Duklja, Duchy of [ edit ]

Mihajlo I Dukljanin, Duke of Duklja, 15 Sept. 1066: He starts independent and needs one province to create Serbia. Easy right? Well, not when both of the other Serbian provinces are in the ERE. One is owned by your 9th son (that's right, 9th), the other by the future Emperor Michael VII, not a man you want to get on the wrong side of. Can you form Serbia and go on to unite the Slavic kingdoms?

Edessa, Duchy of [ edit ]

Baudouin II de Rethel, Duke of Edessa, 1100 : Just south of Rum, Edessa formed in 1098 as an independent French Catholic Duchy, surrounded almost completely by Muslim neighbors. The preferred start is 1100 as in 1098 you start as an insignificant member of an established house, while in the 1100 start you get to play as Baudouin, a successful Crusader who inherited Edessa. Historically he ended up as the King of Jerusalem, through unknown relations to King Baudouin I, he surpassed the other claimants and obtained the throne. Install Baudouin II as the King of Jerusalem or simply trying to stay alive as Edessa, your choice. Quite a challenging start probably requires swearing fealty to Jerusalem or the ERE.

: Just south of Rum, Edessa formed in 1098 as an independent French Catholic Duchy, surrounded almost completely by Muslim neighbors. The preferred start is 1100 as in 1098 you start as an insignificant member of an established house, while in the 1100 start you get to play as Baudouin, a successful Crusader who inherited Edessa. Historically he ended up as the King of Jerusalem, through unknown relations to King Baudouin I, he surpassed the other claimants and obtained the throne. Install Baudouin II as the King of Jerusalem or simply trying to stay alive as Edessa, your choice. Quite a challenging start probably requires swearing fealty to Jerusalem or the ERE. Raimbaud de Afranji, Count of Aintab, 1072: Sitting in the county of Aintab is probably one of the most challenging starts in the game. Historically, Raimbaud served Philaretos Brachamios (Vahram Varajnuni) as a mercenary captain in command of 8,000 men. He was given the castle of Afranji ("Franks" in Armenian) and proved quite loyal - he died defending Brachamios' tent during a battle. In-game, it doesn't quite pan out like that for Raimbaud - he has nowhere near 8,000 men under his command; he is a one province Frankish Catholic count, vassal to an Armenian Miaphysite and the next-door neighbour to the mighty Seljuk Turks. Good luck, you'll need it.

England, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Harold Godwinson, King of England, 26 Sept. 1066 : Yes, he's at the Stamford Bridge start as usual, but with the most recent patches his odds went from underdog to David versus Goliath. Start a few days later and Hardrade is out of the war after Godwinson's victory at Stamford, leaving you a decent force to attempt to turn back the Norman tide. Even so, expect William to put up a ferocious fight and never make the mistake of fighting him on open ground - even the mighty huscarls don't fare well against the Norman knights.

: Yes, he's at the Stamford Bridge start as usual, but with the most recent patches his odds went from underdog to David versus Goliath. Start a few days later and Hardrade is out of the war after Godwinson's victory at Stamford, leaving you a decent force to attempt to turn back the Norman tide. Even so, expect William to put up a ferocious fight and never make the mistake of fighting him on open ground - even the mighty huscarls don't fare well against the Norman knights. Henry I de Normandie, King of England, 3 Aug. 1100 : Last of the de Normandie kings of England. Can you make sure your house doesn't shatter into pieces and honour The Conqueror's legacy? Or is the House of Normandy destined to die out like it did in reality?

: Last of the de Normandie kings of England. Can you make sure your house doesn't shatter into pieces and honour The Conqueror's legacy? Or is the House of Normandy destined to die out like it did in reality? Henry II Plantagenet, King of England, Jan 1. 1155 : Start off the Plantagenet dynasty and the Angevin Empire on the right foot and see if the sons you sire end up any better than the ones Henry spawned historically. Alternatively, start as him in 1187; The Lion In Winter, CK2 style. Henry had established himself in both England and the continent but at a high personal cost. He is estranged from his wife and 2 sons and historically died 2 years after his sons rebelled. Although Richard is the Lionheart, let the old lion roar one last time in his twilight, and put his house in order before he departs.

: Start off the Plantagenet dynasty and the Angevin Empire on the right foot and see if the sons you sire end up any better than the ones Henry spawned historically. Alternatively, start as him in 1187; The Lion In Winter, CK2 style. Henry had established himself in both England and the continent but at a high personal cost. He is estranged from his wife and 2 sons and historically died 2 years after his sons rebelled. Although Richard is the Lionheart, let the old lion roar one last time in his twilight, and put his house in order before he departs. Edward III Plantagenet, King of England, Hundred Years' War start : Unfortunately Edward III doesn't have the traits he should, but you do begin with a strong claim on France (via your mother) and a powerful, centralized realm. Your son and heir, the future Black Prince, is a young boy and ready to be tutored to greatness, and France will often be divided and thrown into various civil wars. Forge marriage alliances with Scotland and Brittany, wait for an opportune moment and pounce.

: Unfortunately Edward III doesn't have the traits he should, but you do begin with a strong claim on France (via your mother) and a powerful, centralized realm. Your son and heir, the future Black Prince, is a young boy and ready to be tutored to greatness, and France will often be divided and thrown into various civil wars. Forge marriage alliances with Scotland and Brittany, wait for an opportune moment and pounce. Alfred of Wessex, Earl of Dorset, 867 Become King of England Remove all Norse territory and religion from the de jure kingdoms of England, Wales and Scotland Stay Catholic and Anglo-Saxon Obtain the title 'the Great' on at least one ruler

Oswulf of Bamburgh, Earl of Northumbria, 1066 : A native son of the North, you've had your fill of being lorded over by southerners, who, to add insult to injury, have held the Earldom (in-game Duchy) of Northumbria since the murder of your grandfather, Uhtred, 50 years ago. First, arrange a little "accident" for your cousin, Eadwulf, who holds lands just across the border, preferably before he has children. This should give you a foothold to restore Northumbrian rule to Lothian. Once you have Eadwulf's land, you'll need to turn your attention to the Mercian brothers (hopefully neither of them dies childless and leaves the other with both Mercia and Northumbria), from whom you will want to claim the Duchy of Northumbria and perhaps more. After that, the succession crisis in the south represents a golden opportunity, no matter which route you choose. Restore Northumbria as an independent kingdom, perhaps, and avert a millennium in London's shadow? Provide England with a new royal dynasty to stem the endless succession of pretenders from the mainland and the powerful earls who jostle for the crown through the Witenagemot? Or unite the entire island, no, the entire British Isles, for the first time, and see if you can reproduce the success of a united British Empire? Whatever you choose, surely a gruff, hardworking Northerner, if anyone, is up to the task?

: A native son of the North, you've had your fill of being lorded over by southerners, who, to add insult to injury, have held the Earldom (in-game Duchy) of Northumbria since the murder of your grandfather, Uhtred, 50 years ago. First, arrange a little "accident" for your cousin, Eadwulf, who holds lands just across the border, preferably before he has children. This should give you a foothold to restore Northumbrian rule to Lothian. Once you have Eadwulf's land, you'll need to turn your attention to the Mercian brothers (hopefully neither of them dies childless and leaves the other with both Mercia and Northumbria), from whom you will want to claim the Duchy of Northumbria and perhaps more. After that, the succession crisis in the south represents a golden opportunity, no matter which route you choose. Restore Northumbria as an independent kingdom, perhaps, and avert a millennium in London's shadow? Provide England with a new royal dynasty to stem the endless succession of pretenders from the mainland and the powerful earls who jostle for the crown through the Witenagemot? Or unite the entire island, no, the entire British Isles, for the first time, and see if you can reproduce the success of a united British Empire? Whatever you choose, surely a gruff, hardworking Northerner, if anyone, is up to the task? William I de Normandie, Duke of Flanders, 3 Feb. 1127 : As the grandson of William the Conqueror you just have been given your grandmother's land, the wealthy Duchy of Flanders. Now can you take your grandfather's land too, and become the next king of England, instead of your uncle Henry?

: As the grandson of William the Conqueror you just have been given your grandmother's land, the wealthy Duchy of Flanders. Now can you take your grandfather's land too, and become the next king of England, instead of your uncle Henry? Kadoc Cerneu, Earl of Cornwall, 15 Sept. 1066 : the last Cornish Earl of Cornwall. He's still around in 1066 (both Stamford Bridge and William the Conqueror start) but will disappear in a couple of months, like in history. Descended from the ancient Kings of Dumnonia, he starts with a wife, brother, daughter and some nephews. Apart from Ralph de Gael (Earl of Norfolk), he's the only Breton ruler left in Britain. You can't form the Duchy of Cornwall immediately, and although the King always can, he's far more likely to give it to one of his many kinsmen than you, but with luck and patience, you'll have your chance to usurp it sooner or later.

: the last Cornish Earl of Cornwall. He's still around in 1066 (both Stamford Bridge and William the Conqueror start) but will disappear in a couple of months, like in history. Descended from the ancient Kings of Dumnonia, he starts with a wife, brother, daughter and some nephews. Apart from Ralph de Gael (Earl of Norfolk), he's the only Breton ruler left in Britain. You can't form the Duchy of Cornwall immediately, and although the King always can, he's far more likely to give it to one of his many kinsmen than you, but with luck and patience, you'll have your chance to usurp it sooner or later. William Marshal, Earl of Dyfed, 1204 scenario or 1197 onwards Acquire the 'True Christian Knight' modifier (with any player character) Remain a vassal of the king/queen of England. Rebellion is forbidden. Acquire 5000 prestige with one ruler

Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, 1225 : Leader during the Barons' War against King Henry III, he became the de facto leader of England for a short time before his death in battle. Starting as a simple earl, making Simon's rise match that of history might be a challenge, but one worth a try.

: Leader during the Barons' War against King Henry III, he became the de facto leader of England for a short time before his death in battle. Starting as a simple earl, making Simon's rise match that of history might be a challenge, but one worth a try. Alan de Penthièvre, Count of York, 1 Jan. 1071 : This is Alan Rufus, one of the richest men in history. Sadly, his wealth is not modelled in-game, but he's still an interesting historical figure.

: This is Alan Rufus, one of the richest men in history. Sadly, his wealth is not modelled in-game, but he's still an interesting historical figure. King Æthelstan of England, 936: As the first king of a truly collected England, Æthelstan is very much in the prime of his power. But only a year later, historically speaking, he had to fight the coalition of the Kingdoms of Dublin, Alba and Strathclyde in the Battle of Brunanburh. His victory secured the new frontiers in the north, but if he had lost? Who can say what would have happened with the Isles if that had happened?

France, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Jeanne Capet, Countess of Navarre, 1 January 1327 - Hundred Years' War Bookmark Acquire the titles once held by your paternal grandmother: the Kingdom of Navarre and the Duchy of Champagne. Conquer all counties belonging de jure to Navarre and Champagne. Stay Frankish. Press your claim on your paternal grandfather's realm - France itself!

Geoffrey Plantagenet, Duke of Anjou, 2 Jan. 1129 : Play as the founder of the Plantagenet Dynasty and try to claim England from your small duchy! You can marry Matilda, the daughter of the still-living Henry I of England. This will give any children born to you a claim on the kingdom of England. If you play your cards right, Henry will die without a male heir, leaving the kingdom to Matilda, who is your wife. This means that your children will inherit England! You may want to consider starting the game on 24 Aug. 1129, Geoffrey's 16th birthday. The widow Princess Matilda is likely to marry someone else before you have a chance if you start the game months too early. Being a bastard is not an issue as far as marrying a widow princess is concerned.

: Play as the founder of the Plantagenet Dynasty and try to claim England from your small duchy! You can marry Matilda, the daughter of the still-living Henry I of England. This will give any children born to you a claim on the kingdom of England. If you play your cards right, Henry will die without a male heir, leaving the kingdom to Matilda, who is your wife. This means that your children will inherit England! You may want to consider starting the game on 24 Aug. 1129, Geoffrey's 16th birthday. The widow Princess Matilda is likely to marry someone else before you have a chance if you start the game months too early. Being a bastard is not an issue as far as marrying a widow princess is concerned. Marie de Blois, Countess of Boulogne, 1160 : At first glance, the youthful Marie seems like a minor French noblewoman. No, wait, she is Norman... and a princess! The Anarchy has ended leaving Marie's brothers dispossessed of their father Stephen's English crown, and her brothers have since both died childless. Marie is thus left with her father's county of Mortain, her mother's county of Boulogne, and a weak claim on England. She is 24 and childless but married to the son and heir of her liege, the Duke of Flanders, so arranging a quick end to the marriage is necessary. With Marie's second cousin Henry controlling all of England, a large part of France and most of Aquitaine, claiming your heritage will be very challenging. Very.

: At first glance, the youthful Marie seems like a minor French noblewoman. No, wait, she is Norman... and a princess! The Anarchy has ended leaving Marie's brothers dispossessed of their father Stephen's English crown, and her brothers have since both died childless. Marie is thus left with her father's county of Mortain, her mother's county of Boulogne, and a weak claim on England. She is 24 and childless but married to the son and heir of her liege, the Duke of Flanders, so arranging a quick end to the marriage is necessary. With Marie's second cousin Henry controlling all of England, a large part of France and most of Aquitaine, claiming your heritage will be very challenging. Very. Philippe I Capet, King of France, 15 Sept. 1066 : You are under-age, have a demesne of two, and have several vassals more powerful than you. The Duke of Flanders wants independence, the Duke of Normandy is waging a war for the English throne, your uncle, the Duke of Burgundy wants to become King of France himself, and the Dukes of Aquitaine and Toulouse are way more powerful than you. Can you repeat history and survive and prosper against all odds?

: You are under-age, have a demesne of two, and have several vassals more powerful than you. The Duke of Flanders wants independence, the Duke of Normandy is waging a war for the English throne, your uncle, the Duke of Burgundy wants to become King of France himself, and the Dukes of Aquitaine and Toulouse are way more powerful than you. Can you repeat history and survive and prosper against all odds? Jean I Capet, King of France, 15 Nov. 1316 : Your dynasty is almost as weak as in 1066, but you don't have giga-vassals. However, you are surrounded by Castille, Aragon and the HRE. If you die and your uncle doesn't manage to have children, you have the Hundred Years' War. If not... there are only a few English counties left in southern France and you could have Brittany and Savoy easily. Sadly, the regency preceding his rule has been replaced by him living longer, so by beginning at the above date, you are not a posthumous newborn.

: Your dynasty is almost as weak as in 1066, but you don't have giga-vassals. However, you are surrounded by Castille, Aragon and the HRE. If you die and your uncle doesn't manage to have children, you have the Hundred Years' War. If not... there are only a few English counties left in southern France and you could have Brittany and Savoy easily. Sadly, the regency preceding his rule has been replaced by him living longer, so by beginning at the above date, you are not a posthumous newborn. Guilhem VIII de Poitou, Duke of Aquitaine, 15 Sept. 1066 : In 1066 the Duke of Aquitaine is the mightiest of the dukes beneath the King of France. If you can lead a successful campaign against the young King Philippe and free your realm from his vassalage, Aquitaine stands to raise itself to a mighty kingdom. From there, another series of wars with France to reclaim the rich Duchy of Toulouse and the reconquest of the once-Aquitainian Duchy of Barcelona will set you on the road to being one of the mightiest realms of Europe

: In 1066 the Duke of Aquitaine is the mightiest of the dukes beneath the King of France. If you can lead a successful campaign against the young King Philippe and free your realm from his vassalage, Aquitaine stands to raise itself to a mighty kingdom. From there, another series of wars with France to reclaim the rich Duchy of Toulouse and the reconquest of the once-Aquitainian Duchy of Barcelona will set you on the road to being one of the mightiest realms of Europe Guilhem IX de Poitou, Duke of Aquitaine, 25 September 1086: You've played as a great conqueror, or three, and achieved greatness from nothing... so why not look into cultural achievements, instead? Duke Guilhem IX of Aquitaine is, while of some importance as a historical figure, better known for being the first recorded troubadour, with several of his works of bawdy Occitan poetry about love, sex and feudal politics - some of which are still hilarious - surviving to this day. Furthermore, he was a renowned womaniser, significantly involved in struggles for dominance within France in his efforts to take over other duchies, and alternately promoted and defied the Catholic Church. To top it all off, he was also a crusader in 1101, albeit an unsuccessful one - and Eleanor of Aquitaine's grandfather, to boot. History also records that he declined to kill an enemy bishop, quipping "I don't love you enough to send you to paradise!" What more is to be said, other than that his start as a powerful duke is not particularly difficult, and that you are free to take this great, womanising poet wherever you want into the history books. Maybe just try not to be quite as horrible to his wife as he was, this time.

You've played as a great conqueror, or three, and achieved greatness from nothing... so why not look into cultural achievements, instead? Duke Guilhem IX of Aquitaine is, while of some importance as a historical figure, better known for being the first recorded troubadour, with several of his works of bawdy Occitan poetry about love, sex and feudal politics - some of which are still hilarious - surviving to this day. Furthermore, he was a renowned womaniser, significantly involved in struggles for dominance within France in his efforts to take over other duchies, and alternately promoted and defied the Catholic Church. To top it all off, he was also a crusader in 1101, albeit an unsuccessful one - and Eleanor of Aquitaine's grandfather, to boot. History also records that he declined to kill an enemy bishop, quipping "I don't love you enough to send you to paradise!" What more is to be said, other than that his start as a powerful duke is not particularly difficult, and that you are free to take this great, womanising poet wherever you want into the history books. Maybe just try not to be quite as horrible to his wife as he was, this time. Eudes II de Bourgogne, Duke of Burgundy, 1153 : The former spouse of Louis VII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has helped the English king to inherit all of Aquitaine, practically 1/4 of France. Half of the de jure kingdom is now in the hands of the Plantagenets, and they also look at Toulouse with greed. As a loyal vassal of the good, but not so skilled Louis VII, help to defend the remaining French realm and reconquer the lands that rightfully belong to the Capets! Of course, after the French crown and lands are secured, you can stop being (or pretending to be) a loyal servant and take the crown for yourself.

: The former spouse of Louis VII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has helped the English king to inherit all of Aquitaine, practically 1/4 of France. Half of the de jure kingdom is now in the hands of the Plantagenets, and they also look at Toulouse with greed. As a loyal vassal of the good, but not so skilled Louis VII, help to defend the remaining French realm and reconquer the lands that rightfully belong to the Capets! Of course, after the French crown and lands are secured, you can stop being (or pretending to be) a loyal servant and take the crown for yourself. Boudewijn V, Duke of Flanders, 15 Sept. 1066 : The wealthiest provinces of France with the option to go HRE whenever you wish, one or two counties away from forming Frisia, and some fine relatives to boot.

: The wealthiest provinces of France with the option to go HRE whenever you wish, one or two counties away from forming Frisia, and some fine relatives to boot. Guilhelm IV de Toulouse, Duke of Toulouse, 15 Sept. 1066 : A very interesting character that allows for very plausible switches into alternate history. Historically, the counts of Toulouse and the kings of Aragon were very close until the rise of the Montforts and the Albigensian crusade, when Simon de Montfort defeated the combined forces of Aragon and Toulouse at the battle of Muret. With a closely linked Aragon and Toulouse, you could potentially become the king of Aragon, and end up with a disunited Spain. There could be a Hispanic Portugal and Castile in the far west, and an Occitan Aragon that spreads along the Mediterranean coast from Provence in the east to Murcia in the west, and stretches from Sicily in the south to Gap or even Vienne in the north.

: A very interesting character that allows for very plausible switches into alternate history. Historically, the counts of Toulouse and the kings of Aragon were very close until the rise of the Montforts and the Albigensian crusade, when Simon de Montfort defeated the combined forces of Aragon and Toulouse at the battle of Muret. With a closely linked Aragon and Toulouse, you could potentially become the king of Aragon, and end up with a disunited Spain. There could be a Hispanic Portugal and Castile in the far west, and an Occitan Aragon that spreads along the Mediterranean coast from Provence in the east to Murcia in the west, and stretches from Sicily in the south to Gap or even Vienne in the north. Raimond V de Toulouse, Duke of Toulouse, 1 Jan. 1187 : With the Cathar heresy at its zenith, you can choose to crush it, or join it.

: With the Cathar heresy at its zenith, you can choose to crush it, or join it. Eudes Capet, Count of Chartres, 867

Herbert Karling, Count of Vermandois, 15 Sept. 1066 Reclaim the Holy Roman Empire or Francia, with respective De Jure territory based on the title you claim Put at least 3 Karlings on the throne of the Papacy Win 2 Papacy-Called Crusades Have the following combination of traits on at least one of your rulers: Genius, Quick, or Strong Brilliant Strategist or Skilled Tactician Crusader Defender, Unyielding, Organizer, or Experimental Leader 3 of the following: Chaste, Temperate, Charitable, Diligent, Patient, Kind, Humble 1 or none of the following: Lustful, Gluttonous, Greedy, Slothful, Wroth, Envious, Proud Just, Honest, Brave, or Gregarious No stat beneath 8

Hugues de Vermandois, Count of Vermandois, 1st April 1085 : If the last direct male descendant of Charlemagne doesn't appeal to you, play as the husband of his sister and successor, Adèle. A son of the deceased King Henri of France, Hughes is the founder of the Capetian cadet branch of the House of Vermandois, which puts you in a very interesting position; you may be a mere count in northern France but you are the younger brother of the king, Philippe Capet. This, of course, grants you a strong claim on the kingship. With the Normans downstream from Paris, the Duke of Aquitaine controlling half the kingdom, and the house of Burgundy plotting to usurp the throne, will you stand by your Capetian brethren or aid their enemies and put a new dynasty on the throne of France?

: If the last direct male descendant of Charlemagne doesn't appeal to you, play as the husband of his sister and successor, Adèle. A son of the deceased King Henri of France, Hughes is the founder of the Capetian cadet branch of the House of Vermandois, which puts you in a very interesting position; you may be a mere count in northern France but you are the younger brother of the king, Philippe Capet. This, of course, grants you a strong claim on the kingship. With the Normans downstream from Paris, the Duke of Aquitaine controlling half the kingdom, and the house of Burgundy plotting to usurp the throne, will you stand by your Capetian brethren or aid their enemies and put a new dynasty on the throne of France? Adelaide/Adele, Countess of Vermandois, 1080 : She may look innocuous, but she happens to be the last surviving Karling. She's married to the heir to France and has a newborn daughter, so this is a difficult start. Restore the Karlings the hard way!

: She may look innocuous, but she happens to be the last surviving Karling. She's married to the heir to France and has a newborn daughter, so this is a difficult start. Restore the Karlings the hard way! Eleanor de Poitou, 1140s-1173 : Yes, that Eleanor (aka Aliaenor), a masterful political manipulator. You can play her as a minor countess (of Poitiers and Saintonge; you can do this starting in the 1140s). You can also start as her second husband, Henry II of England, in 1155 - give her the Duchy of Aquitaine (which she should have from age 13/15, but doesn't), then reload the world and switch to her. Make sure you annul her regular marriage as soon as you can so your game doesn't end when she dies.

: Yes, that Eleanor (aka Aliaenor), a masterful political manipulator. You can play her as a minor countess (of Poitiers and Saintonge; you can do this starting in the 1140s). You can also start as her second husband, Henry II of England, in 1155 - give her the Duchy of Aquitaine (which she should have from age 13/15, but doesn't), then reload the world and switch to her. Make sure you annul her regular marriage as soon as you can so your game doesn't end when she dies. Charles Capet, Count of La Marche and Lusignan, December 1314 : Starting in the very first days of Louis X's reign, play as the youngest son of the glorious Philip IV, the Fair, and see how far you can reach. France? Navarre? Aquitaine(Louis will create this title as soon as he can)? Or just the timid county of Artois, which will be passed to your unfaithful wife at the death of the old Mahaut d'Artois? Can you repeat history, becoming Charles IV, or contradict it, keeping the Capets on the throne?

: Starting in the very first days of Louis X's reign, play as the youngest son of the glorious Philip IV, the Fair, and see how far you can reach. France? Navarre? Aquitaine(Louis will create this title as soon as he can)? Or just the timid county of Artois, which will be passed to your unfaithful wife at the death of the old Mahaut d'Artois? Can you repeat history, becoming Charles IV, or contradict it, keeping the Capets on the throne? Guillaume, Duke of Toulouse, 769 : You start as an 18-year-old duke of one of the best de jure duchies in the game, vassal to Karloman, King of Middle Francia. And your dynasty is named the Nibelunging, with three rings for your CoA (like the legendary Ring of the Nibelung). Your father is the Duke of Burgundy, and he is a very powerful man. When he dies you have a claim on the Duchy.

: You start as an 18-year-old duke of one of the best de jure duchies in the game, vassal to Karloman, King of Middle Francia. And your dynasty is named the Nibelunging, with three rings for your CoA (like the legendary Ring of the Nibelung). Your father is the Duke of Burgundy, and he is a very powerful man. When he dies you have a claim on the Duchy. King Louis IV of West Francia, 936: Louis is among the last kings of the Karling dynasty. He was followed by Lothair, his eldest son, and later his grandson Louis V, which ended up as the final monarch of the dynasty. In our bookmark, King Louis is 15 years old and has recently returned from England to rule his homeland. Under his rule is the strongman Hugues the Great of the Capet dynasty, as well as unruly Occitans in the south and the newly settled Normans to the north. If he can only quell his vassals and their bids for power, West Francia is a strong base for the future of the dynasty.

Galicia, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Nuno II Vimaranes, Duke of Portucale, 15 Sept. 1066 Maintain Portuguese culture Remain Christian in some way. Converting to Orthodox or a Heresy allowed. Form Kingdom of Portugal with all De Jure territory Add the De Jure territory of Galicia, Leon, and Andalusia to your empire. Kingdom titles themselves optional. Place a member of your dynasty (other than yourself) on 3 foreign kingdom-level thrones. At least 1 of these kingdoms must border the Mediterranean.



Galloway, County of [ edit ]

Fergus of Galloway, Earl of Galloway, 1100: You start on a Scottish peninsula flanked by a strong Scotland and nearly unified England. With only 2 provinces, starting as a kid, with no family or vassals, relying on nothing but an unrelated minor regent with a giant intrigue and a plot to inherit your lands, it truly would be a challenge to not be gobbled into Scotland, or to even retain one's title once within it. Perhaps a suicide game but the relative instability of Scotland could give you a small window to seize power.

Holy Roman Empire [ edit ]

Ermesinde de Namur, Countess of Luxembourg, 1197-1247 : The last of her dynasty (at least in-game), Ermesinde was 10 in 1197 when she began her rule as Countess of Luxembourg. She tried twice to press her claim on Namur, but failed both times; this claim is absent in the game, however. It also appears that her husband and ally might not be in the game either, so you can have her marry far above her social station and try to conquer some of the surrounding areas - if not more.

: The last of her dynasty (at least in-game), Ermesinde was 10 in 1197 when she began her rule as Countess of Luxembourg. She tried twice to press her claim on Namur, but failed both times; this claim is absent in the game, however. It also appears that her husband and ally might not be in the game either, so you can have her marry far above her social station and try to conquer some of the surrounding areas - if not more. Friedrich II von Hohenstaufen, Kaiser of Holy Roman Empire, 5 Jul. 1212 - 12 Dec. 1250 : One of the most ambitious and powerful of the Holy Roman Emperors, Friedrich best embodies the average CK2 player's drive to rule the world. He represented the pinnacle of House Hohenstaufen and had plots in nearly every corner of the world. He attempted to claim Jerusalem by marriage (and is married to the Queen of Jerusalem in the 1220s), warred against the pope, and very nearly turned the HRE into a proper nation-state.

: One of the most ambitious and powerful of the Holy Roman Emperors, Friedrich best embodies the average CK2 player's drive to rule the world. He represented the pinnacle of House Hohenstaufen and had plots in nearly every corner of the world. He attempted to claim Jerusalem by marriage (and is married to the Queen of Jerusalem in the 1220s), warred against the pope, and very nearly turned the HRE into a proper nation-state. Richard of Cornwall, Kaiser of Holy Roman Empire, 28 Jan. 1256 - 2 Apr. 1272 : He is King (in-game Kaiser) of the Holy Roman Empire. And English...and a Plantagenet! A very special experience and starting point. He is emperor between 28 January 1256 and 2 April 1272.

: He is King (in-game Kaiser) of the Holy Roman Empire. And English...and a Plantagenet! A very special experience and starting point. He is emperor between 28 January 1256 and 2 April 1272. Johann de Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, 1310 - Note: the blind one, although only from 1337.

- Note: the blind one, although only from 1337. Otto II von Nordheim, Duke of Bavaria, until 1070 : create the Kingdom of Bavaria and take over eastern Europe.

: create the Kingdom of Bavaria and take over eastern Europe. Welf I Welf, Duke of Bavaria, 1 Jan. 1070 and 1079 : the bastard son of Duke Alberto II Azzo d'Este of Lombardy, can you resurrect the old and powerful House of Welf (Guelph)? It's a fun game being an illegitimate bastard with a wife that has a claim on neighbouring Swabia. If you can pacify the Bavarian Lords and consolidate, you could potentially become the most powerful man in the Holy Roman Empire. Not to mention the weak claim you will receive when the old man Alberto Azzo II dies, and the impending succession crisis in Lombardy which means you can seize your moment and swallow Milan as well. Bringing glory back to the Welfs should be a fun undertaking.

: the bastard son of Duke Alberto II Azzo d'Este of Lombardy, can you resurrect the old and powerful House of Welf (Guelph)? It's a fun game being an illegitimate bastard with a wife that has a claim on neighbouring Swabia. If you can pacify the Bavarian Lords and consolidate, you could potentially become the most powerful man in the Holy Roman Empire. Not to mention the weak claim you will receive when the old man Alberto Azzo II dies, and the impending succession crisis in Lombardy which means you can seize your moment and swallow Milan as well. Bringing glory back to the Welfs should be a fun undertaking. Vratislav II Premyslid, Duke of Bohemia, 15 Sept. 1066 : You have a better inheritance law than the other HRE dukes (Seniority's not as good as Elective, but it beats Gavelkind hands down), the County of Prague has more space for upgrade than most places, and you start the game with everything you need (except the gold and piety, obviously) to create the Duchy of Moravia and then the Kingdom of Bohemia. Also, with a little ruthlessness, you can connive for your son Bretislav to inherit the throne (and royal demesne!) of the Kingdom of Hungary; even if he doesn't hold on to the kingdom he has a decent chance of holding on to the duchies. Be warned that if you don't want to adopt German culture you may well need to make more use of the "spawn random aristocrat" buttons than might otherwise be the case.

: You have a better inheritance law than the other HRE dukes (Seniority's not as good as Elective, but it beats Gavelkind hands down), the County of Prague has more space for upgrade than most places, and you start the game with everything you need (except the gold and piety, obviously) to create the Duchy of Moravia and then the Kingdom of Bohemia. Also, with a little ruthlessness, you can connive for your son Bretislav to inherit the throne (and royal demesne!) of the Kingdom of Hungary; even if he doesn't hold on to the kingdom he has a decent chance of holding on to the duchies. Be warned that if you don't want to adopt German culture you may well need to make more use of the "spawn random aristocrat" buttons than might otherwise be the case. Lothar-Udo II Udonen, Duke of Brandenburg, 15 Sept. 1066 : You know the drill, obtain the black eagle and start rolling.

: You know the drill, obtain the black eagle and start rolling. Pierre de Savoie, Duke of Savoy, 15 Sept. 1066 Form Burgundy with all de jure land Reclaim the traditional Duchy of Burgundy, in France Defeat French or German opponents in at least 8 wars with you as a primary participant. Independence from the Holy Roman Empire Add 3 duchies outside of de jure Burgundy to your nation, not counting the Duchy of Burgundy

Matilda di Canossa, Duchess of Tuscany, 15 Sept. 1066 : A good grip on Italy at the beginning as the duchess of Tuscany, and a vassal of the HRE. It offers many possibilities and allows to learn the game mechanics safely within the HRE while recreating the Kingdom of Italy. Can you make Matilda the mother of an independent Italy, or will the Italian culture be obliterated by the Germans once and for all?

: A good grip on Italy at the beginning as the duchess of Tuscany, and a vassal of the HRE. It offers many possibilities and allows to learn the game mechanics safely within the HRE while recreating the Kingdom of Italy. Can you make Matilda the mother of an independent Italy, or will the Italian culture be obliterated by the Germans once and for all? Gerhard Chatenois, Duke of Upper Lorraine, 15 Sept. 1066 : Just a duchy title away from being able to create the Kingdom of Lotharingia.

: Just a duchy title away from being able to create the Kingdom of Lotharingia. Werner von Habsburg, Count of Basel, 15 Sept. 1066 : rise from one county to rival the historical extent of Emperor Karl V's dominion over Europe.

: rise from one county to rival the historical extent of Emperor Karl V's dominion over Europe. Hendrik Reginar, Count of Brabant, 15 Sept. 1066 : Beginning under a strong duke, it will take your full attention and resources to break away from your ducal liege. Once you're done, you can work towards creating your own Dutch Kingdom within or outside of the Empire.

: Beginning under a strong duke, it will take your full attention and resources to break away from your ducal liege. Once you're done, you can work towards creating your own Dutch Kingdom within or outside of the Empire. Geraud de Geneve, Count of Geneve, 15 Sept. 1066: The score description is almost taunting. Can you do better by ruling more than your single county, or even by sticking to one? Moreover, it is an interesting character. He could have a claim on the kingdom of Burgundy through his great-grandfather Konrad III, king of Burgundy. Indeed, when the last independent king of Burgundy, Rudolf III, died childless in 1032, the title became vacant. The Ottonian dynasty, with Henri II, should have inherited the throne, but they became extinct before the kings of Burgundy. Hence, Eudes, count of Blois and Champagne, should have inherited but was defeated by emperor Conrad II who usurped the throne as the successor of Henri II. As the house of Blois has failed and is now too busy with French affairs, maybe it is time for Geraud to step up as the last local male descendant of King Konrad and reclaim what is his and restore the Burgundian nation from within?

Ota 'the Handsome' Premyslid, Count of Olomouc, 15 Sept. 1066 : Who is this magnificently handsome man? Well, it's Ota, younger brother to the starting Duke of Bohemia. Sure, you start with one province in the corner of the realm, but with some luck, good assassinations and perhaps a small war or two, you can quickly take control of the Duchy, or Kingdom, of Bohemia! Not to mention, you're handsome!

: Who is this magnificently handsome man? Well, it's Ota, younger brother to the starting Duke of Bohemia. Sure, you start with one province in the corner of the realm, but with some luck, good assassinations and perhaps a small war or two, you can quickly take control of the Duchy, or Kingdom, of Bohemia! Not to mention, you're handsome! Ezzelino III da Romano, Count of Verona, early 1200: Considered one of the most ruthless and cruel feudal rulers in all the Middle Ages. At the time, he was said to be the anti-Christ or the spawn of the devil. A crusade was issued against him. He once sentenced 10,000 citizens of Padua to death in a single day. He also enjoyed the mass use of torture, said to feel pleasure at the screams of people walled in alive, and he would often command kids to be blinded for his enjoyment. He was also a supporter of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II in the war between Guelphs and Ghibellines and married his daughter.

Here's a quote from The Picture of Dorian Gray about him: "Ezzelin, whose melancholy could be cured only by the spectacle of death, and who had a passion for red blood, as other men have for red wine--the son of the Fiend, as was reported, and one who had cheated his father at dice when gambling with him for his own soul"

That's quite a reputation. Can you match it in true Crusader Kings style? Note: he currently starts as a Lord Mayor, so you'll have to make him playable first, one way or another.

Werner Salian Needs to be verified in case he's supposed to be Werner V , Count of Pfalz, 867 Try to climb insurmountable odds and establish the Salian Dynasty as masters of the Holy Roman Empire. House Salian provided 4 Holy Roman Emperors, an immense task to be sure!

Try to climb insurmountable odds and establish the Salian Dynasty as masters of the Holy Roman Empire. House Salian provided 4 Holy Roman Emperors, an immense task to be sure! Ernst von Babenberg, Duke of Austria, 1066 : He is in a weak position with a lot of potential; you can go in any direction. Each of the four counties in your duchy is held by a different house: Bavaria has Passau, Bohemia has Znojmo, Carinthia has Steiermark, and you hold only Österreich, the capital. With one or two carefully chosen alliances, you can beat Bavaria and Carinthia, and then, with most of the duchy under your control, maybe even challenge Bohemia—or expand eastwards into Croatia. For longer-term goals, you can form Bavaria, get elected Kaiser, launch an invasion of Hungary, or take Jerusalem in a crusade.

: He is in a weak position with a lot of potential; you can go in any direction. Each of the four counties in your duchy is held by a different house: Bavaria has Passau, Bohemia has Znojmo, Carinthia has Steiermark, and you hold only Österreich, the capital. With one or two carefully chosen alliances, you can beat Bavaria and Carinthia, and then, with most of the duchy under your control, maybe even challenge Bohemia—or expand eastwards into Croatia. For longer-term goals, you can form Bavaria, get elected Kaiser, launch an invasion of Hungary, or take Jerusalem in a crusade. King Otto of Germany, 936 : In many ways, Otto is the protagonist of the Iron Century bookmark. Having just been crowned King, Otto has quite the task ahead of himself in trying to put together the Holy Roman Empire and beat back the pagan encroaching from the east (Hungarians) and the north (Norse tribes). To the west, the vassal holding the Stem-Duchy of Lotharingia (Lorraine), Duke Giselbert, recently changed his allegiance to the young King Louis Karling of West Francia. Not to mention the tumultuous kingship of Italy, that will be needed to recreate the Holy Roman Empire.

: In many ways, Otto is the protagonist of the Iron Century bookmark. Having just been crowned King, Otto has quite the task ahead of himself in trying to put together the Holy Roman Empire and beat back the pagan encroaching from the east (Hungarians) and the north (Norse tribes). To the west, the vassal holding the Stem-Duchy of Lotharingia (Lorraine), Duke Giselbert, recently changed his allegiance to the young King Louis Karling of West Francia. Not to mention the tumultuous kingship of Italy, that will be needed to recreate the Holy Roman Empire. Duke Boleslav (the Cruel) of Bohemia, 936: The Bohemian rose to the title of Duke through the fratricide of his brother (Good King) Wenceslaus. Though his rise to power was bloody, Boleslav ruled well and was known as an efficient administrator. Early in his rule he ended the tribute to the German king Otto and ended up in conflict with the Germans for the next 15-20 years. Boleslav is a tough start, as he is surrounded by pagans in every direction, be it with the Polish rulers to the north, Hungary to the south or the Kievan Rus to the far east.

Hungary, Kingdom of [ edit ]

Note that with the changes to raiding in 2.4, rulers of Hungarian culture can always raid (as long as they remain Hungarian).

Péter, King of Hungary, 1044-1046 : You'll have to edit defines.txt to play as him. But why bother, you ask, aren't there loads of other Arpad kings to play as? Simple: Peter is no Arpad! No, he's Pietro Orseolo, son of Oddone Orseolo, Doge of Venice, who inherited the throne by lineage as Stephen I's nephew. In real life, Velencei Péter (Peter the Venetian, although for some reason, he's Hungarian in-game) was immensely unpopular, overthrown once (in-game his first reign is simply missing), regained the throne thanks to the Kaiser, to whom he swore fealty, before finally being captured and allegedly blinded by his successor, Andrew I. Perhaps you can steer this anomalous Venetian king to a more worthy destiny?

: You'll have to edit defines.txt to play as him. But why bother, you ask, aren't there loads of other Arpad kings to play as? Simple: Peter is no Arpad! No, he's Pietro Orseolo, son of Oddone Orseolo, Doge of Venice, who inherited the throne by lineage as Stephen I's nephew. In real life, Velencei Péter (Peter the Venetian, although for some reason, he's Hungarian in-game) was immensely unpopular, overthrown once (in-game his first reign is simply missing), regained the throne thanks to the Kaiser, to whom he swore fealty, before finally being captured and allegedly blinded by his successor, Andrew I. Perhaps you can steer this anomalous Venetian king to a more worthy destiny? Salamon I Árpád, King of Hungary, 15 September 1066 : Barely more than a century and a half ago, the Magyars were a nomadic tribe ravaging westwards through the steppes of Asia to flee from their more powerful neighbours. Now, the Kingdom of Hungary is poised to strike back at the Pechenegs and also has good opportunities to expand in Croatia and Poland, as well as Galich to the northeast. With a Princess of the Holy Roman Empire as your wife, you are backed by a mighty ally, just beware of the Byzantine Empire. The historical Árpád dynasty managed to add Croatia to its domains, but then was almost destroyed by the Mongols and only survived thanks to the death of the Great Khan - and due to constant infighting which only became worse after the Mongol invasion subsided, Hungary could barely hold itself together while the dynasty slowly headed towards extinction on the agnatic line, which finally happened in 1301. Can you do better?

: Barely more than a century and a half ago, the Magyars were a nomadic tribe ravaging westwards through the steppes of Asia to flee from their more powerful neighbours. Now, the Kingdom of Hungary is poised to strike back at the Pechenegs and also has good opportunities to expand in Croatia and Poland, as well as Galich to the northeast. With a Princess of the Holy Roman Empire as your wife, you are backed by a mighty ally, just beware of the Byzantine Empire. The historical Árpád dynasty managed to add Croatia to its domains, but then was almost destroyed by the Mongols and only survived thanks to the death of the Great Khan - and due to constant infighting which only became worse after the Mongol invasion subsided, Hungary could barely hold itself together while the dynasty slowly headed towards extinction on the agnatic line, which finally happened in 1301. Can you do better? János Báthory, Count of Szekelyföld, 1337 : The first son of Briccius, founder of the House of Báthory, which would later become very prominent and influential in Hungarian history. It went on to produce several voivodes and princes of Transylvania, a King of Poland, and the infamous "Blood Countess", Elizabeth Bathory, along with some other top-level Hungarian nobles. A few of its scions were also members of the Order of the Dragon. In 1337 the family is not yet very prominent; claiming that destiny is up to you. It might be more interesting with mods that push the end date forward, at least if you like keeping to history, as the real high point of the family takes place after the Ottoman conquests.

: The first son of Briccius, founder of the House of Báthory, which would later become very prominent and influential in Hungarian history. It went on to produce several voivodes and princes of Transylvania, a King of Poland, and the infamous "Blood Countess", Elizabeth Bathory, along with some other top-level Hungarian nobles. A few of its scions were also members of the Order of the Dragon. In 1337 the family is not yet very prominent; claiming that destiny is up to you. It might be more interesting with mods that push the end date forward, at least if you like keeping to history, as the real high point of the family takes place after the Ottoman conquests. King Árpád Zoltan of Hungary, 936: Not many years has passed since the Magyars descended from the steppes and into the basin, pushing out the Bulgarians and anyone else who stood in their path. However, now they are one of the few pagans left in the area, surrounded by the Germans to the west, Bohemians to the north and the Bulgarian Empire to the south. Led by the Árpád dynasty, it is time to find their destiny, be it as the raiders and conquerors of Europe, or (as they did historically) become one of the defenders of Christianity.

Iceland, Duchy of [ edit ]

Sigfus, Count of Vestisland, 15 Sept. 1066: Let's face it: Vestisland is not what you would call "profitable". Iceland as a whole kind of lame at this time, made even worse by that old Duke. He sits complacently on the throne of the northernmost landmass in Europe, content whi