Crusader Kings 3

Edit Legends of Crusader Kings III are a set of 5 characters, one for each lifestyle, that have special historical events which may trigger. They are found in the Rags to Riches scenario.

Murchad ua Briain, Petty King of Munster - focused on Diplomacy Robert de Hauteville, Duke of Apulia - focused on Martial Vratislav II Přemyslid, Duke of Bohemia - focused on Stewardship Yahya Dhunnunid, Emir of Toledo - focused on Intrigue Matilda di Lucca, Duchess of Tuscany - focused on Learning and starts with an event dilemma about how to handle her marriage to Gottfried Wigeriche Christian characters Edit Catholic Edit Aragon Edit Sancho Remiriz de Aragón, King of Aragon: A three county kingdom in the Pyrenees, your claim over the Kingdom of Navarra offers opportunity 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 neighboring Emir of Zaragoza and Duke 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. Brittany Edit Konan mab Alan de Rennes, Duke of Brittany: The last legitimate male of his dynasty in 1066. He threatened to invade Normandy as soon as William's army had crossed the English 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 House de Rennes; 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 male line of your dynasty. Start forging claims on Cornwall, Wales and Ireland, then begin your wars of expansion. Edouarzh mab Jafrez de Penthièvre, Count of Penthievre: A 67-year-old count who is related to the de Rennes dynasty and was once Duke of Brittany, so you have an unpressed 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, except you're much older. But the most interesting thing about this character is that he has not only a daughter, but THIRTEEN sons (almost half of them being 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 Edit Sancho II 'the Strong' Jimena, King of Castille: Sancho was cheated out of his full inheritance by his father's division of the land among all three brothers. A man of opportunity, he quickly took up arms against his brothers as soon as the peace started to crumble, but only briefly got to rule the reunited kingdom before he was assassinated. Through military action and planning, can you restore the full kingdom to its glory under the one rightful ruler, and hold on to power? Croatia Edit Zvonimir Stjepanić Trpimirović, Ban (Duke) of Slavonia: Although he is merely a ban for now, historically (Dmitar) Zvonimir would eventually become one of the last native kings of an independent Croatia. After Zvonimir's death, a bloody succession crisis erupted, and due to the machinations of Zvonimir's widow, Ilona Árpád, the Croatian throne passed to her brother, and thus began a union with Hungary that lasted until 1918. Can you prevent the extinction of the House Trpimirović and the union with Hungary (or perhaps, see Hungary and Croatia united under your house)? Denmark Edit Svend II Ulfsen Estrid, King of Denmark: With blood ties to England and Norway, Svend has claims to both thrones. Unfortunately, his armies are small and undisciplined, making a war of conquest unfeasible. However, there are other ways to pursue one's dreams... If your children were to be married into powerful families, it could grant many useful alliances — alliances you could leverage to found an empire that would rival Rome itself! England Edit Harold II Godwineson of Godwin, King of England: Harold Godwineson was the leader of a powerful noble house, and the brother-in-law of the king, when the childless King Eadward the Confessor died. Now, elected the new King of England by his peers, he is faced with the challenge of holding onto the throne, as the covetous Duke William of Normandy, as well as King Harald of Norway, spurred on and aided by Harold's exiled brother, seek to replace him! With a large army at your back and the support of the Anglo-Saxon lords — will the wolves find that they have bitten off more than they can chew? Osulf Eadulfson of Bamburgh, Earl (Count) of Bernicia: 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 Duchy of Northumbria since the murder of your grandfather, Uhtred the Bold, 50 years ago. First, arrange a little "accident" for your cousin, Eadulf, who holds lands just across the border, preferably before he has children. This should give you a foothold to restore the Northumbrian rule to Lothian. Once you have Eadulf's land, you'll need to turn your attention to the Hwicce 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? Cadoc ab Cador Cerneu, Earl (Count) of Cornwall: The last Cornish Earl of Cornwall is still around in 1066, but pretty soon William the Conqueror will revoke his earldom and he'll fade into obscurity. Or will he? Descended from the ancient Kings of Dumnonia, he starts with a wife, brother, two daughters and some nephews, and is one of only two Brythonic Celtic rulers still in England. You can't form the Duchy of Cornwall immediately, and although the king always can, he's far more likely to give it to his mother than you, but with luck and patience, you'll have your chance to usurp it sooner or later. Ralf de Gael, Count of Norfolk: Having spent many years in exile in Normandy, Eadweard the Confessor proved unusually amenable to continental European retainers as king, and you were one of them; you served as his stalre (so roughly a marshal or seneschal). You've been rewarded for your service, more or less. You daresay you're the first of your kind to rule the lands of Norfolk in many long centuries, but given that you hold the de-jure capital of your liege Gyrth, the new king's brother, and have no important familial connections to show for your service to King Eadweard, you may also be the last. Which also puts you in the rare position of being a ruler firmly in the bosom of Christendom for whom immediate expansion is an existential imperative. After you've seen to that, there are so many ways your dynasty's future could unfold. Though you're a Breton by birth, your family are only minor nobles over there, and it may prove in your best interests to embrace Anglo-Saxon culture; surely not a great leap for a man already known in England as Rædulf Stalre. Or, your continental heritage might put you in a more favourable position if the Normans win the crown, as you historically found when you were granted Gyrth's earldom of East Anglia by William the Conqueror. But something primal and ancient deep within you tells you those aren't the only options: to hold fast to your Brythonic heritage, destroy the Germanic invaders from within and give history the united Prydain it never got to see. Eadgar Eadwardson Wessex, Earl (Count) of Warwickshire: You thought Harold was hard? Try playing as the rightful king. This unlucky teenager is the last male member of the English royal family, whose rightful throne is contested by not one, not two, but three different usurpers, all of them far more powerful than he could hope to be. All you have to work with are two unmarried sisters and a pressed claim on the Kingdom of England. Can you restore the House Wessex to its rightful throne? Eadgifu 'the Fair' Swanneshals, Countess of Bedanford: Lover of King Harold, mother of his five legitimized children, and the only one of the Swanneshals dynasty. At 41 years old, time is running out to have children of your own dynasty. Will your dynasty survive the Norman and Norwegian invasions? How will you deal with your bastard kids before you in the succession? Plenty of room for charm, intrigue and maybe even darker plots. Gyda Torgilssdatter Munsö, Countess of Devon: Your sons are fighting in a bloody war against each other for the future of England while being attacked by the Normans of Duke William II the bastard of Normandy. Your son Harold II Godwineson of England refuses to listen to your advice, while Tostig sided with the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada. From your estates in Devon, you might not be able to change the tides of the war but with the right alliances, you may force them to bend the knee to their mother and protect England. Maybe your kin in Denmark, King Sven II Estridsen, could profit from your actions and gain England with the help of the Witenagemot or Norse customs. France Edit Philippe Capet, King of France: You are under-age 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, the Duke of Champagne is your uncle, the Duke of Burgundy wants your vassals to be under their control, and the Dukes of Aquitaine and Toulouse are way more powerful than you. Can you repeat history and survive and prosper against all odds? If 'the Bastard' happened to have an "unfortunate accident", Normandy would more probably remain under French control... William II 'the Bastard' de Normandie, Duke of Normandy: The House de Normandie trace their lineage back to Norse Vikings, and established themselves on the mainland of Europe over 200 years ago. Now, William the Bastard dreams of leading his family to rule the Kingdom of England, and he believes his status as successor to the throne was promised by the late King Eadward the Confessor, and even recognized by Harold Godwineson himself. However, now that Eadward is gone, Harold has broken his oath and taken the crown for himself! William is at war with England. Can you muster your forces and claim what is rightfully yours? Guilhèm IV de Toulouse, Duke of Toulouse: A very interesting character that allows for very plausible switches into alternate history. Historically, the Dukes 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 then, with a little luck, perhaps even the Emperor of Hispania. There could be an Iberian Portugal and Castille 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 Lombardy in the north. Guilhèm VIII de Poitou, Duke of Aquitaine: 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. Robert 'Curthose' de Normandie, Count of Maine: Begin your journey as a 12-year-old count, the eldest son and heir of William the Bastard. Whatever comes of the Norman Conquest, you will be constantly battling your two younger brothers, vying to remain the heir. Through careful marriage, you could form alliances with other families, but of course, the risk is choosing someone small enough to not be a threat, but big enough to be a help in any disputes with your brothers. In real life, his long-running discord with his brothers and father (three kings, no less!) was possibly the most significant factor in ending the de Normandie dynasty. He went to war against all three of his closest male relatives, every time his miserable diplomatic skills costing him the throne (and general unreliability, as he was quite a fairly lazy man). Impulsive, begrudging, and proud, but with all the social graces of a chamber pot at high tide, he was eventually imprisoned by one of his brothers and died only a year before his youngest brother, ending the line of the House de Normandie forever. Robert was a front line warrior, better suited to the battles of arms than politics, and his fate showed this. Alternatively, he was also an important leader of the First Crusade. Raimond de Toulouse, Count of Rouergue: Raimond de Toulouse (or Raimond de Saint-Gilles) was one of the leaders of the First Crusade. He would be the only crusade leader not to swear an oath of fealty to the Byzantine Emperor, and would form a rivalry with Bohemond of Antioch. After the crusade, he spent the last five years of his life establishing the County of Tripoli in the Near East. Foulques d'Anjou, Count of Torraine: The ancestor of the Angevin Kings of England and the Plantagenet dynasty. Herbert Karling, Count of Vermandois: The last living descendant of the House of Charlemagne and a count near Paris. Hugues 'the Devil' de Lusignan, Count of Lusignan: Join the Crusades as the Devil of Lusignan! Eustace de Boulogne, Count of Boulogne: Play as the father of Godfrey of Bouillon and Baldwin I, the two sons that would lead the First Crusade and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Bring your dynasty to glory and make it known for brave and honorable Crusaders that liberated the Outremer from the infidels! Galicia Edit García Fernandez Jimena, King of Galicia: Given the most troubled kingdom of the three brothers, García tried many extreme remedies to stabilize his rule. However, the fragile land was soon too tempting for his brother Alfonso who invaded in 1071. This attack kicked off the many wars that followed between the brothers, but García would spend most of this time behind bars. Take up arms against your brothers and lead this unstable kingdom to glory and victory! Nuño II Mendez Vimaranes, Duke of Portucale: The Duchy of Portucale was created in 867, when Wimarano Petriz was named duke and given control of the regions between the Lima and Duero rivers. The title would stay in the family and eventually be given to Nuño Mendez in 1050. Despite being in a good position to continue control of the duchy, his dreams of an autonomous Portugal would create strong animosity from King García. Their forces faced each other in the Battle of Pedroso in 1071 and Nuño Mendez lost his life, leading to García declaring himself the first King of Portugal. There would never be another Duke of Portucale of the Vimaranes family. Defend against Holy Wars and Jihad from the south, then complete the Reconquista and set up an independent Kingdom of Portugal. Holy Roman Empire Edit Henry Salian, Holy Roman Emperor: Most famous for his humiliation during the Road to Canossa, Henry historically had a long reign. However, he was never able to tame the Italians, and after his son Henry V died in 1125, the Salian dynasty went into decline. In-game, most of your vassals' contracts are set to low taxes and low levies. Can you do better than the historical Henry in declawing the Italians? Ernst von Babenberg, Duke of Austria: He is in a weak position with a lot of potential. With one or two carefully chosen alliances, you can beat Steyermark and Bavaria, and then, form the Archduchy of Austria. This will change your succession law to primogeniture way earlier than your neighbors can. This allows you to create a strong centralized power without any risk of fragmenting your empire. Pierre de Savoie, Duke of Piedmonte: Reclaim the old Kingdom of Burgundy, destroy the Holy Roman Empire from the inside and then take on France in order to gain the Duchy of Burgundy, your rightful inheritance. Géraud de Genève, Count of Geneva: 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 historical great-grandfather Konrad Welf, King of Burgundy. Indeed, when the last independent King of Burgundy died childless in 1032, the title became vacant. The Ludolfingers, who held the title of Holy Roman Emperors at the time, should have inherited the throne, but they became extinct before the Kings of Burgundy. Hence, Eudes de Blois, Duke of Champagne, should have inherited, but was defeated by Konrad Salian who usurped the Imperial Crown as the successor of the Ludolfinger dynasty. As the House de Blois has failed and is now too busy with French affairs, maybe it is time for Géraud to step up as the last local male descendant of King Konrad and reclaim what is his and restore the Burgundian nation from within? Werner von Habsburg, Count of Aargau: The Habsburg dynasty played a major role in European history: they would rise to be Archdukes of Austria and Holy Roman Emperors and wear a good number of crowns across Europe. For now, you are just a small count though, so remember the motto: Bella gerant alii, tu, felix Austria, nube / Nam quae Mars aliis, dat tibi regna Venus (Let others wage wars – you, happy Austria, marry / For the riches which Mars gives those others shall be bestowed upon you by Venus). Ota 'the Handsome' Přemyslid, Count of Olomouc: Who is this magnificently handsome man? Well, it's Ota, younger brother to the current Duke of Bohemia. Sure, you start with two provinces 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! Friedrich von Hohenstaufen, Count of Ravensburg: The Hohenstaufen dynasty would bring the Holy Roman Empire its greatest kaisers: Friedrich I Barbarossa, Heinrich VI and Friedrich II. For the moment, you are only a count though. Historically, Friedrich was close to the kaiser and when his liege Rudolf von Rheinfelden revolted, he was made Duke of Swabia. Hendrik Lambrechtszoon Reginar, Count of Brabant: Beginning under a strong duke, who is also your uncle, 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 of Frisia within or outside of the Holy Roman Empire. Eglimar von Oldenburg, Count of Oldenburg: The founder of the House von Oldenburg, whose members have held the crowns of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Russia, and even Greece. Although Eglimar's reign did not historically begin until 1091, he is playable at the 1066 start date. Adalbert Ascania, Count of Mansfeld: Play as the grandfather of Albert the Bear, the establisher of the March of Brandenburg. By slowly colonizing the lands of the Slavs, secure a place among the powerful Kurfürsts of the the Holy Roman Empire. Expand your duchy even further east, into the lands of the Prussian pagans and create a kingdom that will be feared by every count of Europe. Friedrich von Zollern, Count of Zollern: The son of Burkhard, the recently-murdered progenitor of the Zollern dynasty, young Friedrich is unmarried and rules but a single county in the heart of Swabia - yet his descendants will rule Prussia and later a unified German Empire as the mighty Hohenzollerns. Can you drag Friedrich and his fledgling dynasty from mere counts to the dominant imperial family of Europe? Otgar Renart, Count of Spreewald: A character invented for promotional materials nestled at the Polish border under the Duke of Lausitz. As in the announcement trailer, your family is hounded by the neighboring bear-themed Jakob Bärenburg, already having killed your brother as an infant, and will soon turn his blade on you. Hold off his assassins while keeping the peace with your influential liege Duke Dedo and your predominantly-pagan court. Hungary Edit Salamon Árpád, King of Hungary: Barely more than 150 years ago, the Magyars were a nomadic tribe ravaging westwards through the steppes of Asia to flee from their more powerful neighbors. 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 Ruthenia to the north-east. With a Princess of the Holy Roman Empire as your betrothed, 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. 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? Iceland Edit Sigfus af Oddi, Chieftain of Vestrland: Let's face it: Vestrland is not what you would call "profitable". Iceland is, as a whole, kind of lame at this time, made even worse by that old jarl who rules it. He sits complacently on the throne of the northernmost landmass in Europe, content while the world passes Iceland by. Though this is the age of the Icelandic Commonwealth, and the Christianization of Iceland has been fairly thorough, the old tales boil Sigfus' young blood. Yet he is limited, especially since Norway is keen to assert itself over his lands. Perhaps if you wrest control of the throne of Iceland from his liege, you could rekindle the Viking spirit which brought your people to the foreboding, jagged shores of the rime-coated island. The Isles Edit Gudrød Haraldrsson Crovan, Petty King (Duke) of the Suðreyjar: Can you elevate the Kingdom of Mann & the Isles that will last for hundreds of years? The Isles are an interesting start because you are Norwegian and independent, but surrounded by Gaelic rulers and provinces. Swear allegiance to Scotland before you unpause; this will give you room to expand in both Ireland and Scotland without having to worry as much about being dogpiled by your enemies, otherwise, Scotland will always attack you over a de jure claim sooner or later. Alternatively, for those wanting a greater challenge, try to do all of this whilst remaining independent. León Edit Alfonso VI 'the Brave' Jimena, King of León: The middle son, and his father's favorite, Alfonso inherited the rich middle Kingdom of León. He moved on to outsmart and subjugate both his brothers, and he ruled over the reunited kingdom of his father. Through political and familiar diplomacy and aggression, do you have what it takes to unite the three kingdoms under one banner? Urraca Fernandez Jimena, Countess of Zamora: As the eldest child of Fernando the Great, Urraca had widespread influence over both her brothers and the Church. She and her sister Elvira received lordship over all the monasteries in the three kingdoms, and she did not sit idly by as her brothers tore each other apart. To outmaneuver her brothers and secure her place in history, Urraca needs both patience and daring — will you succeed? Navarra Edit Antso IV Gartziez Jimena, King of Navarra: Many lords in the west of the kingdom deserted King Antso after he ascended to the throne following the passing of his parents. He was soon embroiled in a war with his cousin King Sancho the Strong which saw Antso defeated, and after a rule marked by warfare and defeat he was assassinated by his own siblings. Rewrite history, outsmart your family, and secure your domain and heritage! Norway Edit Harald IV 'Hard Ruler' Yngling, King of Norway: Having displayed formidable military talent since youth, Harald has recently tried, and failed, to conquer Denmark. Now, he looks beyond the sea — by ancient contract, the crown of England should have passed to Harald, when the last king died without an heir. But, instead, the Anglo-Saxons have put Harold Godwineson on the throne! Luckily, the false king has made enemies, and Tostig Godwineson, Harold's own brother, lives in exile in Norway... By using his own enemies against him, can you give this Varangian Viking control over the North Sea? Poland Edit Bolesław II 'the Bold' Piast, King of Poland: You are a strong king with the Holy Roman Empire to your west and pagan heathens to your north. You have lots of expansion options for a Catholic and several endgame empires to choose from, including the Southern Baltic Empire or the Empire of Slavia. Sieciech Topór, Count of Zielona Góra: Historically, he managed to gain influence by exiling King Bolesław the Bold (also poisoning his son Mieszko) and taking advantage of his liege Władysław Herman (who is infirm in the game), even becoming his queen's lover. He was considered the de facto ruler of Poland and continuously tried to gain the throne through intrigue. He is also credited with conquering Pomerelia. Eventually, he was defeated in a civil war, exiled and blinded by the sons of Władysław in 1100. Pomerania Edit Budivoj Nakonid, Count of Lubeck: Budivoj is a one county ruler surrounded by many powerful realms. If you play well, you have the chance to create the Kingdom of Pomerania as a Catholic. You can try it as an independent count if you like it hard, or you can become part of the Holy Roman Empire or Denmark. Scotland Edit Malcolm III 'Canmore' Dunkeld, King of Scotland: Known to Scotland as the Great Chief, Malcolm's situation is tenuous, but full of opportunity. To the south, the rich lands of Northumbria lie vulnerable as England is torn apart by war, but Norse warlords and Gaelic highlanders yet contest the king's rule at home. The British Isles teem with dangers and opportunities: can you pluck a rose from this garden of thorns? Gospatric Dunbar, Duke of Lothian: Gospatric is a vassal of King Malcolm Canmore, and his realm straddles the Scottish Lowlands. You have numerous options here, such as backing one of the king's relatives as a pretender, attempting to take the throne yourself (quite possible via elective succession or a strong faction), expanding into Northumbria whilst England is in chaos, or simply remaining loyal to the Dunkelds and hoping to be rewarded for your efforts. All in all, a very interesting position. Máel-Snechtai MacLulach Loairn, Duke of Moray: The last of the relatives of the infamous King Macbeth, who is the title character of Shakespeare's tragedy. Can you retake the Scottish throne through murder and deceit, and can you, unlike Macbeth, keep it? Sicily Edit Richard Drengot, Duke of Capua: The Hautevilles may be the strongest power in Southern Italy, but you were there first. Historically, the Drengot family came from Normandy and became the first landed Normans on the Apennine Peninsula. Although they were not a match for the Hautevilles, they often served as a counterpower. Richard's son Jordan will play a key role in the struggle between the sons of Robert the Fox by supporting Bohemond. Roger de Hauteville, Count of Messina: Although Robert was the Terror of the World, it was Roger's line who founded the Kingdom of Sicily. A bold warrior and great statesman, he is remembered as the Great Count. His son would be the first true Sicilian and King of Sicily. Sweden Edit Erik II Stenkilsson Stenkiling, King of Sweden: Your northern vassals remain true to the old ways, while you and your southern vassals have adopted Christianity. Your uncle Erik, commonly known as the Heathen, rivals you in power and ambition, and might make a move for the throne. Will you stay loyal to the One True Faith, or bow once more to Odin and Thor? Wales Edit Maredudd II ab Owain Dinefwr, Prince (Duke) of Deheubarth: All members of your house, including you, are over 50 years old, but once you produce an heir, you can instead concentrate on reclaiming your other de jure lands. From there, unite Wales and then the British Isles through conquest, marriage or both. Bleddyn ap Cynfyn Mathrafal, Prince (Duke) of Gwynedd: You start with eight kids and a medium-sized duchy. All you need is one county and some money to quickly form a kingdom. Unite Wales, defend against the English, and play the marriage game. Maredudd ap Gruffydd Seisyll, Lord (Count) of Perfeddwlad: A fairly unremarkable young man who's inherited a remarkable legacy. Just 3 years ago Wales was, for the first and only time in its history, a united independent kingdom. Its king was your father Gruffydd. But the untimely death of his principal ally and brother-in-law the earl of Mercia left him vulnerable, and Harold Godwineson persuaded King Eadweard to sanction an invasion to dismantle the new Welsh kingdom. After narrowly escaping an ambush on his capital at Rhuddlan, the only king of all of Wales ever to reign was killed in the Snowdonian wilderness. To add insult to injury, Harold then married your mother. With your father's enemies returned to power in the redivided petty kingdoms of Wales, you have a lot of work to do before Wales is united again under its rightful king and you can have your revenge on now-King Harold. Historically, the attempts of Maredudd and his brother Idwal to reclaim their father’s kingdoms failed with their deaths at the Battle of Mechain. Are you up to the task? Orthodox Edit Byzantine Empire Edit Leon Pegonites, Doux (Duke) of Cyprus: Starts with the Duchy of Cyprus, split into the counties of Nicosia and Famagusta. There are two small Muslim rulers in nearby Syria as targets for expansion, but mostly an opportunistic doux will be looking for the correct opportunity to strike against the Fatimid Sultanate, which will conquer many lands. You will often lose land without having any say about the matter as the Fatimids formulate claims to your hard-won counties. Your position as an island gives you good protection from any holy wars, and the protection of the Byzantine Empire should ensure you last for a century at least (provided you're willing to stay loyal). Probably the most interesting thing about this start is that it is very difficult to quickly amass land. To combat the much more powerful leaders in this part of the world, you are forced to find ways to generate massive amounts of income relative to your stature so that you can afford to hire hosts of mercenaries, whilst building up your castles with the view of increasing your own (limited) levy. Good players will quickly find themselves in possession of 4 or 5 counties as the individual Muslim sheikhs fall to them, but much of what you do will depend on your character's own ability as a ruler. Weak leaders will lose land very quickly to the Fatimids, which will leave you waiting for internal factionalism (possibly brought on by assassinations hint hint) in the Fatimid Sultanate to target weak sheikhs and emirs. Alexios Komnenos, Doux (Duke) of Boukellarion: Arguably the last great basileus in the East, Alexios took power and saved the Empire more than once. He is the subject of the famed Alexiad, a medieval historical and biographical text written by the Byzantine princess Anna Komnene, daughter of Alexios. His appeals to Western Europe for help against the Seljuk Turks were also the catalyst that likely contributed to the convoking of the Crusades. Nikephoros Bryennios, Doux (Duke) of Kibyrrhaiotai: Historically, Nikephoros Bryennios was a prominent general who rebelled against Basileus Michael VII Doukas in 1077. He almost succeeded in defeating the army of Alexios Komnenos in the Battle of Kalavrye, but the betrayal of Pecheneg mercenaries turned the tide of battle and his ambition was crushed at last. Can you change his fate and establish a new dynasty? Nikephoros Palaiologos, Doux (Duke) of Epirus: First playable ruler of the later famous Palaiologos dynasty that ruled the Byzantine Empire from the reconquest of Constantinople in 1261 up until its demise in 1453. Alusian Kometopoulos, Count of Vidin: Son of the last independent King of Bulgaria, Ivan Vladislav. Alusian rebelled in 1040 against the Byzantines in Bulgaria, together with his second cousin Petar Delyan, but in the end, betrayed his kinsman by blinding him and defecting to the Byzantines. In return for his treachery, he was pardoned by the basileus and rewarded with a high court rank. He has a pressed claim on the Kingdom of Bulgaria, so you can make it an independent country again. If you survive the Seljuk invasion, of course. Radomir Kometopoulos, Count of Silistra: Nephew of Alusian and another descendant of the last independent Bulgarian king. As a grandson of Ivan Vladislav, he has an unpressed claim on the Kingdom of Bulgaria. Your two brothers have already turned Greek and become loyal servants of the basileus, but you are not going to do the same. The obvious aim is to lead a rebellion against the Byzantine Empire, as one of the few remaining Bulgarian rulers in the game. Georgia Edit Bagrat II Bagrationi, King of Georgia: Sandwiched between the three major powers of the Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Turks and Cumans, fight your way out, taking opportunities when civil wars consume the larger states to grab land, then brace yourself for the inevitable Mongol invasion. Novgorod Edit Sviatopolk Iziaslavovich Rurikid, Count of Beloozero: It's tough to be a bastard, but at least you've been legitimized. Your dad and uncles rule the lands of Rus', and you are stuck lording over a bunch of pagans on the edge of the Rurikid realms. To add insult to injury, your liege is your brother. Can you climb from the shores of the Lake Onega to the throne of Ruthenia? Real Sviatopolk could. Serbia Edit Mihajlo Vojislavić Vojislavljevic, Duke of Duklja: He starts as an independent ruler and needs to usurp a duchy from the Byzantine vassal to create the Kingdom of Serbia. Easy, right? Can you unite his nations and become the true King of the Slavs? White Rus' Edit Vseslav II Rurikid, Grand Prince (Duke) of Polotsk: Historical Vseslav was not eligible to rule Ruthenia, but that didn't stop him from trying. Can you do better and claim the throne when your duchy is not de jure Ruthenia? Apostolic Edit Byzantine Empire Edit Grigor II Pahlavuni, Prince (Duke) of Vaspurakan: If the Byzantines survive the Seljuk invasion successfully (which is luck of the draw and in your position, you can't do much to influence it), the fun starts! Try to expand within the Empire and when you are ready, wait for an opportunity and then break free to establish the independent Kingdom of Armenia under the Apostolic faith. Try to do so before Armenia is culturally and religiously assimilated into the Greek Orthodox Byzantine Empire! It will not be easy — it is hard to find allies as an Armenian Apostolic, and if the basileus doesn't like you, he can start revoking any ducal titles you may have. Gagik Bagrationi, Count of Lycandus: The last Bagrationi King of Armenia, now dethroned and given a "pension" in Anatolia to live off for the rest of his days. Historically, he and his two sons died because of intrigue and plots, but it is possible to reclaim your ancestral title. Also, your daughter is betrothed to the heir to the Kingdom of Georgia. Insular Edit Ireland Edit Domnall mac Niall Néill, Earl (Count) of Oriel: The current Earl of Oriel is from the Néill dynasty that descended from the legendary High King of Ireland, Niall of the Nine Hostages (and, according to DNA studies, the male-line ancestor of around 20% of the population of Ireland today). Mozarabic Edit Galicia Edit Shisnand Davides, Count of Kulumriyya (Coimbra): The last Mozarab ruler in 1066, Shisnand was a military leader of the Reconquista and an acquaintance of El Cid. Historically, he was educated in Córdoba by the Muslims, he was captured in a raid and pressed into service of Al-Mu'tadid Abbadid, the Emir (Duke) of Isbiliyyah (Seville). He later left and found himself in the service of Ferdinand the Great, leading the sieges to capture the lands from Guimarães to Coimbra from the Moors, and being granted the county of Coimbra for his success. Guaranteed to start as Honest, Humble, Temperate and a Skilled Tactician, Shisnand is well equipped to quickly to conquer his fellow neighboring vassals who all have fewer troops, earning the 3 of 4 counties required to create the Duchy of Coimbra. Furthermore, his wife is the only child and heir of his liege, the Duke of Portucale Nuño II Mendez. With a quick assassination you can set your heir up to inherit the Duke of Portucale and give yourself a strong start toward founding the Kingdom of Portugal. Additionally, if you have Fate of Iberia DLC, you could conquer eastwards to Establish the Kingdom of Toledo and restore Mozarabic rule to the heart of Iberia. Muslim characters Edit Ash'ari Edit Africa Edit Abd-al'Haqq Ibn Abd-al-'Aziz Khurasanid, Wali (Count) of Tunis: Appointed as the governor of Tunis, this dynasty protected travelers and merchants of Tunis from raids of the Hilalids, developing infrastructures and fortifications in Tunis. They would gain their independence from the weakened Zirids and maintain independence compare to other local forces, succumbing to Almohads after a century of rule in Tunis in 1158. A difficult position for certain, dryland in a single county, but Tunis is in a very prominent strategical position to usurp the Zirids, and even attack Europe; can you secure Africa from raids and develop it into a world center of trade? an-Nasir ibn Alennas Hammadid, Emir (Duke) of Bejaia: In the Northern coast of modern-day Algeria, this local power developed Bejaia from a small insignificant fishing holding to a seat of a powerful kingdom. Like many local powers, their rise came from the chaotic conflict between the Umayyads, Zirids, Maghrawavid, and the Fatimids. At the beginning of the game, an-Nasir murdered his cousin and became Emir; this marked the beginning of the rise of Hammadid as economically, Bajaia was developed into a great trading city with massive amount of new infrastructures. Militarily, they hired Hilalids as mercenaries to conquer Algeria from Almorivds. Trade flourished, even the Arabic number (1-9) was introduced to Europe from here. In their dynastic late stage however, they faced many similar problems as other dying local dynasties, facing military threats from too many fronts: European naval powers making incursions and taking lands in Northern Africa, the Hilalids raiding and settling in Maghreb, and the perpetual conflict against Almoravids and later, conquered by Almohads. The Hammadid is a relatively strong power at this point, you can quickly secure your surroundings against the various Hilalid and Berber nations, and perhaps preventing them from revolting against you in the future? Tamim ibn al-Muizz Zirid, Amīr al-Umarā (King) of Africa: Africa (or Ifriqiya) was, to the Zirids, the prize of their conversion to Ash'ari Islam and rebellion against the Fatimids. But it is theirs no longer. The Fatimids have bribed the Bedouin tribes to invade your lands, and have succeeded in carving your domain into a series of chiefdoms, each larger than the sliver of land that has remained under your rightful rule. To regain your birthright will take wise statesmanship, ruthless strategy, and an indomitable spirit. Succeed, and perhaps an entire continent will bear your name. Muhammad ibn Walmiya Hilalid, High Chieftain (Duke) of Jerid: Clan Banu Hilal! The epic story of hardship and love of the Arab tribes (150,000 - 300,000 people) that migrated from Arabia, through Egypt, and settled in Maghreb. This massive migration had heavily influenced the melting culture of modern-day Maghreb region. Legends say that the Fatima Dynasty payed them to invade the breakaway state of Zirid Sultanate, or maybe, according to some modern scholars, there could be other reasons such as environmental. These people divided into many sub-tribes that maybe in game (Athbaj, Riyah, Zughba, Adi, etc). They fought and settled throughout Northern Africa. You may have blended with the local population, fighting for the development of all counties, sadly, many uncontrollable forces would try to dominate North Africa. The Almohad Caliphate would later defeat Banu Hilal and force them to resettle westward in Morocco. Take fate into your hands and unite all in a brand-new epic story of your own. Daylam Edit Fariburz Salarzade Kesranid, Amir (Duke) of the Kesranid (Shirvan) Amirate: The Kesranids controlled their small and culturally prosperous realm in what is now Azerbaijan for the duration of CK3, outliving the Seljuks and only being annexed by the Safavids 100 years into the timeframe of EUIV. They are available as the Yazidids at the 867 start date but are more interesting in 1066, by which time the Mashriqi governors of Shirvan have become Persianized and started to glorify the pre-Islamic Persian past, tying it to their dynasty. The immediate goal is to be as much of a survivor as the real Kesranids and cling on against Seljuk and Christian onslaughts, but the long-term ambition is for this originally Arabian dynasty to supplant the Seljuks and create a truly Persian Empire in its place. Maghreb Edit Yusuf ibn Tashfin Almoravid, Emir (Duke) of Marrakesh: El Cid's Moorish arch-enemy from many Reconquista stories. You start with all the riches of the Almoravid Grand Emirate in your hands, can easily acquire the crown by plotting, and have claims on all your Berber neighbors. You can then expand north into al-Andalus, as Yusuf did historically. With the Almoravids resources, completing the conquest of Spain or even breaching into Europe proper isn't much of a challenge, but he is a good choice of a character for less experienced players. Mu'ansir ibn Hammad Maghrawavid, Emir of Fes: The conquest of Umayyad brought many opportunities for martially ambitious factions, Maghrawavids were one of the first tribes in Northwest Africa to convert to Islam. Throughout their existence, they leveraged their local power and connections between the conflicts of powers greater than them, gaining power under their suzerainty. Through this decisive diplomacy, they became a major military force in what is modern Morrocco. They were, however, not alone in the search for power; series of opportunistic conflicts severely weakened them, allowing other powers to take lands from them, resulting in their situation of internal conflict at the beginning of the game. Historically, they would be conquered by Almoravids in 1070. Can you balance between the local powers, unite your people, and retrace your ancestral glory? Isma'ili Edit Persian Empire Edit Qarin Sharyabzade Bavandid, Beg (Count) of Mazandaran: One of the few landed Daylamites at the start of the game, and a member of the Bavandid dynasty, a cadet branch of the Sassanids of old. Try to usurp the Empire of Persia and convert it to Isma'ili Islam a few centuries earlier than historically, or go for a long-overdue restoration of Zoroastrianism. Abu-Ali Fana-Khosrow Abu Kalijarzade, Beg (Count) of Shiraz: The only character of Buyid dynasty that is in the game in 1066. The Buyid Dynasty had once controlled much of today's Western Iran and Mesopotamia (934 - 1062). The Dynasty originally hailed from Daylam, their founder escaped with 400 soldiers and through a series of battles, founded a dynasty that would rule for a hundred years. Their Dynasty would create a series of policies and cultural institutions that would be followed by every subsequent Iranian ruler. The Buyid funded scholars, they militarized their nobility class, revitalized but also introduced many Daylam and Zoroastrian culture, tradition, and holidays into their state, but also, introducing heavily Turkish mercenaries into their military. They also claim to be descendent of old Sasan ShahanShah, and indeed, their dynasty fell the same way through infighting, from the beginning their state was a loose confederation of rulers with a family head in Bagdad, and their power base in Shiraz; divided, it was never going to last. Perhaps you could centralize your state and revert your lose that was the Iranian Intermezzo and claim ShahanShah once more? Sicily Edit Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Kalbid, Wālī (Count) of Siracusa: You're surrounded by infidels, but if you fend off the Ash'aris and conquer the Catholics, then you can establish your Grand Emirate of Sicily right on the pope's doorstep. Druze Edit Egypt Edit Ishaq Ishaqid, Sheikh (Count) of Baalbek: The northernmost vassal of the Fatimid Sultanate and an adherent of the Druze Islam (the only playable follower of this faith in the game), playing him would be interesting, to say the least... Maturidi Edit Kabulistan Edit Muhammad Abbaszde Ghurid, Beg (Count) of Ghur: A century later, Muhammad's descendants would become rulers of the Ghurid Sultanate. One of them would conquer Northern India, paving the way for his general to become the Sultan of Delhi, creating many extravagant tales and changing history forever. At this point in history, however, Muhammad had to pay tribute to his Ghaznavid overlord, but later he would be defeated by the Seljuks and had to pay them tribute instead. His son would inherit a post-war mess with revolts and other problems. Perhaps you can change that, and save your descendants the harsh life of war, by becoming the Shahanshah of Rajastan yourself? Muwalladi Edit Andalusia Edit Yahya ibn Isma'il Dhunnunid, Emir (Duke) of the Dhunnunid (Toledo) Emirate: The Kingdom of Toledo will be established in the late 11th century, when the King of León takes over the eponymous city. This eradication of Emir Yahya and his influence means that the Dhunnunid family will lose its hold on the region, where they have reigned for generations. Through manipulating your rivals, and finding more allies, do you have what it takes to challenge the Christian kings of the Iberian Peninsula and change history for the House Dhunnunid? Pagan characters Edit Ásatrú Edit Sweden Edit Erik III 'the Heathen' af Munsö, Duke of Uppland: Erik's historicity is debated and quite uncertain. He is the last great Norse pagan ruler and has a shot at taking the throne in Sweden for the Old Gods. Can you reconquer Scandinavia for Odin and Thor, or will you succumb to the Christian tides? Bidaic Edit Ghana Edit Tunka Menin Cisse, Maghan (King) of Ghana: Neither you nor your family has great stats or a great starting position. However, you are easily in the best position to form the Empire of Mali, and if you can slowly dismantle the Almoravids to the north, you may yet become a presence on the world stage. Not to mention that they are the only noteworthy neighbor you have, meaning that if you keep good relations, you can build in peace. Slovianskan Edit Pomerania Edit Krutoj Wizlawid, Duke of Veletia: He usurped the throne after the last duke (whose son starts in Lubeck) converted to Christianity. Historically, Krutoj avoided the One True Faith for his 27-year rule, until he was assassinated, and his state itself went back and forth between Christianity and paganism for nearly a century until being firmly Christianized and vassalized by larger realms. Ukonusko Edit Estonia Edit Varaka Kask, Chieftain of Osel: A difficult start. You begin with no one in your family except you. A great situation for those that like to establish their unique dynasty. Your first objective is to seize control of the High Chiefdom of Livonia. From there, you can decide between two paths. You can push upwards and conquer the Finnish lands that make up the Kingdom of Finland, or you can push south and bend the Lithuanians, Russians, and Cumans to their knees so that you establish an Estonian Russia. Either way, there are many difficulties you shall face. If you choose Finland, be warned that the Christian Scandinavian kingdoms shall not be pleased with your expansion. If you decide you wish to stay loyal to the Ukonusko religion, you will face many Holy Wars for your land. Stay vigilant and bring the Kask dynasty to glory! Eastern religions Edit Buddhist Edit Great Liao Edit Hongji Liao, Khan (King) of Great Liao: Khan Hongji (Emperor Daozong and also known by his Chinese surname of "Yelü") would be remembered as the ruler who ignored the corruption that would destroy his realm. Rejecting the advice of his family to end the corruption and paying little respect to the role he had as khan, he would allow his officials to fool him into executing his wife, after being convinced she had written a love poem about an affair. He would also execute the primary heir as well as various other officials. He would realize his mistakes later, however, the corruption in Liao was beyond repair. Lhomon Edit Zenji Jigme Chakhar, Prabhu (Duke) of Bumthang: You are Zenji Jigme, an almost totally unremarkable person, but you have a great legacy behind you. Bhutan is a realm that has never relinquished its sovereignty, although historians are somewhat split over whether Bhutan was subject to the Tibetan Empire. 230 years ago, all of Bhutan was under your dynasty, but now, you only hold the eastern half of the country. Surrounded by larger neighbors, can you keep Bhutan independent? For an additional challenge, you can try converting to Nestorianism by marrying into the family of the Duke of Wuluhai, and establish a Christian outpost in a sea of heretics. Mjinjaa Edit Liangzuo Weiming, King of Mjinjaa: Historically, Liangzuo (Emperor Yizong and also known by his Chinese surname of "Li") came of age amid a bloody internal struggle between pro-Chinese courtiers and courtiers who favored a more militaristic steppe society reminiscent of older times. His abrupt death in 1068, leaving only his young son Bingchang, immediately returned the realm to the old Tangut ways. As King of Mjinjaa, you start only with the Duchy of Xia in your domain. Although Xia is very rich (the game's way of representing the off-map half of the historical Kingdom of Xi Xia), you will need to accumulate gold rapidly to fabricate claims on the Tibetan duchies to the south. By keeping your dynasty stable (and hopefully passing on your "Intelligent" trait), your holdings can be developed enough to invade China, or even reverse the historical fall of Xi Xia and snuff the Mongolian invasions in their infancy. Hindu - Shaivism Edit Chola Edit Mahasamanta Parâkkirama of Pandya, Raj (Duke) of Pandya: The Indian subcontinent is home to many of the oldest continuing dynasties; archaeological records traces Pandya to at least 4th century B.C.E. The first Pandya Empire was subjugated by Chola dynasty during the 10th century through many battles, even losing their capital of Madurai to Chola and was controlled by viceroyals. At the turn of the new millennium of 1,070 A.D. however, Chola dynasty would face a power struggle with the Vengi Chalukya family historically; this instability led to the rebellious regions of Sri Lanka and Pandya to declare independence. This independence would not last, and the Chola Empire would be restored by Samanta Kulôttunka of Barasuru (Your fellow vassal in game; cadet branch of Chola), and usuring a new Chola golden age. Pandya dynasty would not restore their empire until the 13th century and would fight, but defeated, by the Delhi Sultanate due to their own infighting, falling into obscurity. Can you change this fate? Establish the Second Pandya Empire 200 years early, and conquer India yourself instead of Delhi Sultanate? Landless Adventurers Edit If you have the Roads to Power DLC, you will have access to Landless Adventurers. Adventurers are playable landless noble characters who travel the world with followers and a Camp, and have a different set of lifestyle perks. As they have no steady income from landed titles, adventurers primarily earn gold by completing contracts for landed rulers, and must stock up on provisions in order to move the camp.

Rodrigo the Campeador Vivar, of the Loyal Vassals: Descended from noble lineage, Rodrigo enter the royal council at a very young age. At the service of Sancho II of Castile, Rodrgio trained in both courly and martial matters, under the careful watch of the king. However, Sancho's war against his brother Alfonso VI of Leon would lead to his premature death and Alfonso would then come to exile Rodrigo, indavertently satarting his legend. Will Rodrigo grow to become el Cid, "the lord", and emerage as a king in his own right, or will he remain a regular nobleman. Hasan Sabbah, of the Summoners to the Faith: Hasan Sabbah was born to a family of little renown, but his constant devotion to Islam and fanatical resistance to the Seljuk occupation would set him on a pather to alter history forever. From his humble origins, Hasan was destined to established the Assassins in their mountain keep of Alamut. He would become legend, and all would come to fear the dreaded Old Man of the Mountain. Do you have the guile and absolute faith to rally the devout and topple empires? Hereweard the Wake Oslac, of the Men of the Fens: Exiled and branded an outlaw by Edward the Confessor, Hereweard has traveled to Flanders to seek his fame and fortune. Hereweard would one day return to England and lead a determined resistance against the Norman invaders, becoming a folk hero of great renown. Will Hereweard remain a notorious villain under your guiding hand, or become the hero he was born to be? Robert Phrangopoulos, of the Conquerors of Barbastro: As a second son not standing to inherit, Robert Crispin has embraced the Norman spirit of adventure. Already a seasoned veteran of the conflict in Iberia, Robert has entered the employ of the Byzantine Emperor and now leads a contingent of Norman mercenaries to fight against the Turks. Will Robert find the glory he seeks as a great commander, or will he fall victim to the nest of vipers that is the Byzantine court? Suleyman Seljuk, of the Sons of Qutalmish: In the struggle for the Seljuk throne, Suleyman was defeated by his cousin, Alp Arslan, and driven into exile along his brothers. Humbled but not broken, he has managed to gain the allegiance of the local Turkman tribes in the Taurus Mountains. Suleyman would go on to carve out the Sultanate of Rum in the midst of the turmoil in Anatolia, and become embroiled in the wars of Byzantine pretenders. Will your strength be enough to lay the foundations of a new empire? Wallada Umayyad, of the Thieves of Pleasure: Daughter of the Caliph of Cordoba and one the last of the Umayyads, Wallada devoted her life to scholarship and learning, Caring little for the expectations of a woman in Andalusian society, Wallada walked unveiled through an austere world, shaprening the minds of women from all strata. Wallada's life is without borders, and her potential infinite. Adopt and train intelligent women from across the world to your cause. Can you break the confines of tradition and inherit the legacy of the Umayyad Caliphate? Danismend Taylu, of the Seekers of Truth: a Gazi of obsecure orgins, Danishmend Taylu's founded his dynasty's eponymous Beyik and after the 1071 Battle of Manizkert, which lasted for over a century. His dyansty insitally cooperated with the Seluks of Rum, but eventually fought them and were eventually rendered subservent to them. Can you reverse their their historical fortunes and assert them Danismend and his descendents and make them the Kings of Anatolia? Ælfwine Haroldson Knytling, of the Peregrinatory Pilgrims: The last surviving descendant of Canute the Great, who ruled over Denmark, Norway and England. Unlike his father and grandfather, he appeared to have no interest in ruling England and was content to serve as the Prior in southern French church. Can you lead this unambitious pilgrim follow the path of his forebears and restore your house to the throne of England? Or maybe even restore your ancestor's great realm? Argyros Karatzas, of the Scythian Auxiliaries: Though he is merely a landless adventurer, Argyros would eventually be appointed a doux in Byzantine Empire, and his desendants kept his dynasty influential for centuries: it's members included Ottoman officers, Wallachian Princes, and even a Patriarch of Constantinople. Can lead this humble adventurer's rise to prestige and influence? Roger Raoul, of the Lordless Swords: Initally a companion of Robert de Hauteville, Roger joined his fellow Norman in an attempted invasion of the Byzantine Empire but would end of betraying Robert by informing the Emperor about the invasion. He was subsequently awarded and continued to fight on behalf of the Empire until his death. The descendents of his brother, Raoul, continued serve the Empire even after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. Will Roger once again defect to the Byzantines or remain faithful to the de Hautevilles? The decision is yours. Unlanded characters Edit Unlanded characters may vary between courts upon starting the game. Although their home may not be pre-defined, these characters have a historical basis and will appear in every game.

Johan Andersson, Courtier of Övre Dalarna: Landless courtier in Sweden, like most of Paradox's staff. He always starts as an "Astute Intellectual" with "Quick" trait and Ásatrú as his faith. He's only available at the 1066 start date, like all of the Paradox staff. Welf Welf, Courtier of Bavaria: The bastard son of Duke Alberto Azzo of Lombardy, can you resurrect the old and powerful House of Welf? It's a fun game, being a legitimized bastard with a wife who is the eldest child of the Duke of Bavaria. 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 Duchy of Lombardy you will receive when the old man Alberto Azzo dies, and the impending succession crisis, which means you can seize your moment and swallow Genoa and Corsica as well. Bringing glory back to the Welfs should be a fun undertaking. Ælfwine Haroldson Knytling, Courtier of Toulouse: Unclear grandson and the last surviving descendant of Knud the Great, who established the North Sea Empire of Norway, Denmark, and England. Quite the legacy for a lowly Anglo-Saxon courtier deep in the middle of Southern France. You start with a pressed claim on the Kingdom of England with no realistic way to push it, but anything is possible with a little patience. Perhaps you can restore your house to the throne? Or maybe even take this incompetent bastard and turn England into Knud's once more? Tostig Godwineson of Godwin, Courtier of Norway: The brother of Harold Godwineson, and the one who convinced King Harald of Norway to invade England, even as Duke William of Normandy planned to do so as well. He, according to legend, won over the court of Harald, and even lead the Vikings against the Saxons at the Battle of Stamford Bridge where he died. Why not land him? Keep the Godwins going strong, even if England falls to the Ynglings or de Normandies! Gruffydd ap Cynan Aberffraw, Courtier of Deheubarth: 11-year-old prince in exile in Southern Wales. Start with him as the count, build your base until you can restore the boy's claim in Northern Wales, then play on as the Aberffraw dynasty. Rodrigo 'the Campeador' de Vivar, Courtier of Castille: Also known as El Cid, a Castilian knight who would become a Spanish historical folk hero and national icon. Robert de Brus, Courtier of Apulia: Founder of the “Bruis/Bruce” clan, sailed and fought with William the conqueror. Later he became lord of Annandale and vassal of William. He was ancestor to the king of Scotland Robert the Bruce. Omar Khayyam: Persian mathematician, astronomer and poet who created a dynasty of hedonistic mathematician-poets. Hassan i-Sabbah: Nothing is absolute in reality, everything is permitted. Where other men blindly follow the truth, remember, nothing is true. Where other men are limited by morality or law, remember, everything is permitted. We work in the dark to serve the light. We are Assassins. Founder of the Hashashins in the mountain fort of Alamut, he would overthrow the king of Daylam in the year 1090 A.D., following the Shia sect