There are kings and emperors, yet none of these rule absolutely. The world is divided into several hundred counties, which, includes dukedoms, bishoprics, duchies and baroque castles. Now, a powerful emperor might rule as many as 10 counties, think of something equivalent to modern Bulgaria as size as something he largely rules directly, yet, for most kings, they will have dousins of lesser vassals, owning anwhere from one to four counties and perhaps even a duchy as well. Or even very powerful vassals, such as the king of Bohemina in the Holy Roman Empire. The more powerful the vassal, the more likely he can be to stage a rebellion, to either gain independence, or to depose the rulership of a king. Now, there are of course those vassals that are content to stick by their vows, yet, if the king or emperor should prove to be tyrannical, this is just cause for an uprising. In general it is better to be loved than feared, though, should a large rebellion be put down, it wil re-assert the power of the victor by quite some meassure. No one weeps for a traitor.
Now that we have established the basic rulership. I want YOU to be part of a let's play. That's right, you can create your own character here. To do this, there are certain traits and skills one must fill out.
Firstly we have the overarching career definition, which branches into five categories. The diplomat, the army, the financial, the plotting or the theological. Choose whichever level you think accurately describes you.
SPOILER: Highlight text to read: Amateurish plotter
Amateurish Plotter
1 The Amateurish Plotter has received an education emphasiing intrigue skills. Unfortunately it didn't stick
Intrigue: +1.00
Stewardship: -1.00
Flamboyant schemer Flamboyant Schemer 2 Flamboyant Schemers thrive on court intrigue and fancy themselves masters of the trade. However, their lack of secrecy tends to endanger even their best efforts.
Intrigue: +3.00
Stewardship: -1.00
Intricate webweaver Intricate Webweaver 3 The Intricate Webweaver is a master manipulator, well suited to a life of intrigue.
Martial: +1.00
Intrigue: +6.00
Diplomacy: +1.00
Stewardship: -1.00
Elusive shadow
Elusive Shadow
4 The Elusive Shadow has mastered the art of intrigue and should make a perfect Spymaster - as well as an ideal mentor for prospective schemers
Martial: +2.00
Intrigue: +9.00
Diplomacy: +2.00
Stewardship: -1.00
Naive appeaser Naive Appeaser 5 Naive Appeasers want to be well liked and fancy themselves diplomats. Unfortunately, everyone else just tends to bully them.
Diplomacy: +1.00
Martial: -1.00
Underhanded rogue Underhanded Rogue 6 The Underhanded Rogue is a rough but decently effective diplomat.
Diplomacy: +3.00
Martial: -1.00
Fertility: +5.0%
Charismatic negotiator Charismatic Negotiator 7 The Charismatic Negotiator is an excellent diplomat, impressing dignitaries with elegant dress and persuasive rhetoric.
Martial: -1.00
Intrigue: +1.00
Diplomacy: +6.00
Learning: +1.00
Fertility: +5.0%
Grey eminence Grey Eminence 8 The Grey Eminence is the epitome of statesmanship having fully mastered the art of diplomacy. A good choice for Chancellor as well as a tutor for children seeking the best education in diplomacy.
Martial: -1.00
Intrigue: +2.00
Diplomacy: +9.00
Learning: +2.00
Fertility: +10.0%
Indulgent wastrel Indulgent Wastrel 9 The Indulgent Wastrel was groomed to become good with money, and if good means spending it quickly, the Indulgent Wastrel certainly is.
Diplomacy: -1.00
Stewardship: +1.00
Thrifty clerk Thrifty Clerk 10 The Thrifty Clerk is a dutiful, if not particularly skilled, administrator
Diplomacy: -1.00
Stewardship: +3.00
Fertility: +5.0%
Fortune builder Fortune Builder 11 The Fortune Builder came out of adolescence armed with a well honed business sense, determined to live a life of luxury
Martial: +1.00
Diplomacy: -1.00
Stewardship: +6.00
Learning: +1.00
Fertility: +10.0%
Midas touched Midas Touched 12 This character is truly Midas Touched, never seeming to run out of funds - an excellent choice for Steward and mentor to children destined to become administrators.
Martial: +2.00
Diplomacy: -1.00
Stewardship: +9.00
Learning: +2.00
Fertility: +15.0%
Misguided warrior Misguided Warrior 13 The Misguided Warrior was trained in warfare and the martial arts, but sadly lacks all talent for it,
Martial: +1.00
Learning: -1.00
Health: +0.50
Tough soldier Tough Soldier 14 The Tough Solder is fearsome on the battlefield, but only a mediocre commander.
Martial: +3.00
Learning: -1.00
Health: +0.50
Skilled tactician Skilled Tactician 15 The Skilled Tactician is an adept in the art of war - a valiant warrior and reliable commander.
Martial: +6.00
Intrigue: +1.00
Stweardship: +1.00
Learning: -1.00
Health: +0.50
Brilliant strategist Brilliant Strategist 16 The Brilliant Strategist has an almost preternatural understanding of all things martial, having the perfect makings for a Marshall or a military tutor.
Martial: +9.00
Intrigue: +2.00
Stweardship: +2.00
Learning: -1.00
Health: +0.50
Detached priest / The Detached Priest received a clerical education but displays no talent beyond basic literacy.
Intrigue: -1.00
Learning: +1.00
Dutiful Cleric 18 The Dutiful Cleric is learned and possessed of beautiful penmanship, but lacks particular interest in theology.
Intrigue: -1.00
Learning: +3.00
Scholarly theologian 19 The Scholarly Theologian is wise and well read, with a deep understanding of philosophy and theology.
Intrigue: -1.00
Diplomacy: +1.00
Stewardship: +1.00
Learning: +6.00
Fertility: -5.0%
Mastermind theologian 20 The Mastermind Theologian is recognized as one of the top scholars of he Faith, perfect for the role of Lord Spiritual and as an eclesiastical teacher.
Intrigue: -1.00
Learning: +9.00
Diplomacy: +2.00
Stewardship: +2.00
Fertility: -5.0%
In my own case the 'tough soldier' trait might be appropriate.
Moving on to the second part. Which are the general traits.
You essentially have 5 primary traits. Diplomacy, stewardship, learning, intrigue and martial abilities. They all start on 5 in default, which is entirely 'ok' but can be better. Any trait at 15 is considered masterful, and Charlemagnes martial ability in this game has been rated at 22. That's roughly 60 years of warfare with no lost wars and only one marred battle so don't overprice your abilities.
Then you have certain traits. Now, the effects of traits stand too long to list. For example, if you incorporate the vice of greed, it might help your stewardship, but harm your diplomacy as no one likes a greedy person, except, perhaps, for those who are greedy themselves and admire such. The full list of traits can be found here - http://crusaderkings-two.wikia.com/wiki/Traits
Try to be honest, applicants who pick the 'genius' trait, are not likely to be featured a playthrough. I will allow for 'some' leniency, but it is fairly easy to point out those that are dishonest or pushing the boundaries a bit too much.
Now for a disclaimer, random events DO happen in this game. I've had one in my heritage turn into a much loved crusader, yet he incorporated all seven cardinal vices and some other dubious traits. So if your character turns slothful, then this half rp, half playthrough will incorporate this without scroutiny with the exception of some overly sensitive exceptions. I will also attempt my best to wiggle around sensitive regions. Though the game is rated as suitable for those 12 and above so it should not be too problematic overall.
Essentially I will play as your five advisors, and depending on how much they like you, the tone of them will change towards you. Also, give your age, a dynasty name 'I will design your dynasty shield for you' and if you have, a personal picture of yourself. Furthermore pick your position, be it a lowly courtier, or a great emperor. I will try to keep the 'sensitive' aspects to a minimum, though this is the late dark ages, and bad stuff will happen. If you get assassinated within the first year, I will portray so honestly in third person and someone else will get the chance to forge a dynasty that will stand the test of time, or be destroyed by the ambition which surronds this world.
Sign up, for God, King and Country!
