New Traits FAQ for Deus Vult

Crusader Kings-Deus Vult​

Character Traits​

CHASTE-The Character is monogamous, or faithful to his or her spouse exclusively. Chastity does not always require virginity - a man being faithful to his wife is being chaste. A chaste character has a modest and reserved behaviour, making diplomatic efforts somewhat more productive at the expense of some adeptness at intrigue. (Effects: +1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue, +3 yearly piety) Opposite of LUSTFUL

LUSTFUL-The Character indulges in sexual gratification and does not hold back from their carnal passions and may go to some great lengths to achieve their desires. Considered something of a virtue among the polytheistic religions, in contrast. This will no doubt cause problems with the institution of Christian marriage, as staying monogomous is beyond this character. A lustful character though will rarely run out of heirs, although he might find himself viewed with some suspicion by his peers. (Effects: +2 fertility, -1 diplomacy, -3 yearly piety) Opposite of CHASTE

ENERGETIC-The Character is a very active person with boundless amounts of vigour and has great work ethic. These are the characters that worked extremely hard at all tasks they became involved with. The comparable Christian virtue is Industry. The character is regarded as hard-working and reliable, although perhaps a little too flamboyant at times. (Effects: +1 martial, +1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue) Opposite of LAZY

LAZY-The Character is the opposite of energetic, and does the least about of work possible. Characters that spend their time in idle tasks and are generally wasteful and a drain on others and the economy, although they are somewhat adept at manipulating others to do things for them. Never was a great individual lazy. (Effects: +1 intrigue, -1 martial, -1 stewardship) Opposite of ENERGETIC

FORGIVING-The Character can take insult without injury, and he or she is unlikely to seek revenge for such slights on their character. They tend to be calm individuals who would rather use reason and temperance to solve conflicts. (Effects: +1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue, +2 yearly piety) Opposite of VENGEFUL

VENGEFUL-The Character has a low tolerance for insults or slights performed against them. As the name suggests, the character is prone to seeking and wasting alot of time plotting revenge against those that ruffled their feathers. Characters with this trait tend to be less inclined to the right thing, and do not concern themself with Christ's example.(Effects: +1 intrigue, -1 diplomacy, -2 yearly piety) Opposite of FORGIVING

GENEROUS-The Character has a big heart and shows it with words and actions. The charitable nature of this character adds to their image as a gracious and great person. They tend to be soft and emotional, holding them back at times in positions of power compromising their ability to make decisions impartially. (Effects:-1 stewardship, +2 yearly prestige, +1 yearly piety) Opposite of SELFISH

SELFISH-The Character displays the desire to acquire material wealth and luxury items. The character spends their days seeking to acquire the material things in life, while sometimes compromising their ability to rule or govern and get along with others. (Effects: +1 stewardship, -2 yearly prestige, -1 yearly piety) Opposite of GENEROUS

HONEST-The Character is truthful and impartial to deception. He or she is said to have integrity and to be trustworthy and reliable. (Effects: +1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue, +1 yearly prestige) Opposite of DECEITFUL

DECEITFUL-The Character is very likely to distort the truth to his or her own benefit. The character seeks to bend reality to suit his or her own selfish goals or imperatives. (Effects: -1 diplomacy, +1 intrigue, -1 yearly prestige) Opposite of HONEST

JUST-The Character is capable of telling what is right and wrong given his or her culture and religion, and is desirous of making judgement on that information. He or she is often called fair and impartial, although this lack of ruthlessness may reduce his effectiveness on the field of battle. (Effects: +1 stewardship, -1 martial) Opposite of ARBITRARY

ARBITRARY-The Character has no concern for what is right or wrong, and relies heavily on other's opinions or mere whim when making important decisions. They are considered to be weak willed and incompetent, although this unpredictability may make them potentially dangerous foes on the field of battle. (Effects: +1 martial, -1 stewardship) Opposite of JUST

MERCIFUL-The Character is willing to extend unusual pity or aid to others. This includes sparing an enemy, giving money to the poor, helping the weak, and any other act that is not expected of one's rank and station. He or she is often called compassionate. (Effects: -1 martial, +2 yearly piety) Opposite of CRUEL

CRUEL-The Character disregard the feelings and needs of others, or lack sympathy. Some characters even enjoy other's discomforts and troubles. (Effects: +1 martial, -2 yearly piety) Opposite of MERCIFUL

MODEST-The Character is a quiet and private individual, never seeking the spotlight. This character finds no pleasure in praise or compliments and does what they can to avoid or downplay it. He or she is often called humble and reserved, perhaps even shy. (Effects: +1 yearly piety, -2 yearly prestige) Opposite of PROUD

PROUD-The Character is the opposite of Modest. This character enjoys praise and compliments. They are seen to be boastful, arrogant and self-absorbed. (Effects: +1 yearly prestige, -2 yearly piety) Opposite of MODEST

ZEALOUS-The Character is a devout religious believer. This character is very concerned with scripture and his or her own religious convictions. Sometimes they are radical and seek to force others to their viewpoint, even at the tip of the sword if need be. (Effects: +1 martial, +2 yearly piety) Opposite of SCEPTICAL

SCEPTICAL-The Character is not someone that will fall upon their scriptures for guidance but relies more heavily on their own good judgement. This person actually on occasion has challenged their religious beliefs and asked probing questions into the word of their God. This person enjoys debate on such matters, but keeps it within a close circle of peers as to not ruffle the feathers of the clergy. (Effects: +1 intrigue, -3 yearly piety) Opposite of ZEALOUS

WISE-The Character gives great thought to what they do before acting or saying something. An intellectual, the character enjoys thinking and pondering the best course of action in all things. Introverted and sincere, this person rarely lets their emotions get the upperhand in decision making - although this caution may inhibit them from participating in more nefarious activities or from taking advantage of unexpected opportunities. (Effects: +1 martial, +1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue) Opposite of RECKLESS

RECKLESS-The Character routinely acts before they think. Preferring instead to lash out or do as they please without concern for consequences. (Effects: +1 intrigue, -1 martial, +1 yearly prestige) Opposite of WISE

TEMPERATE-The Character is self-restrained and is content with the basics of life. This character does nothing to excess, seeing it as wrong or evil. (Effects: -2 fertility, +1 diplomacy, +2 yearly piety) Opposite of INDULGENT

INDULGENT-The character has no qualms about enjoying and lusting after whatever they want. Ranging from the carnal delights or an expensive taste in wine, they tend to do everything in great excess, gorging themself with food and drink or losing themself in sexual escapades. (Effects: +2 fertility, -1 diplomacy, -2 yearly piety) Opposite of TEMPERATE

TRUSTING-The Character takes what is said from people to be the truth more often than not. In these turbulent times, trusting all and anyone is a very poor idea. Having a healthy dose of suspicion and being wary of signing their name to every deal offered them is something they need to work on. (effects: +1 diplomacy, -2 intrigue) Opposite of SUSPICIOUS

SUSPICIOUS-The Character is very wary of what is said by others. While being suspicious is a good trait for a leader in these times to have, being too suspicious is going to lead to jealousy and ineffective decision making as the ruler may become so involved with rooting out conspiracies and plots they devote nothing to governance. (Effects: +1 intrigue, -2 diplomacy) Opposite of TRUSTING

VALOROUS-The Character is brave and courageous and is willing to place themself in harm's way to achieve an end, regardless of the danger involved. This character is glorified as the true knight, and is a great warrior, although there will be a reluctance to have one's image tarnished in the eyes of others. Richard the 'Lionheart' was most definitely a Valourous person. (Effects: +1 martial, -2 intrigue, +2 yearly prestige) Opposite of COWARD

COWARD-The Character is consumed with fear at the very thought of direct physical danger. They spend their time in life avoiding dangers, even scheming to arrange for others to stand in their place, and thus tend to make rather poor warriors. They would rather have others do the fighting as they sit at home where it is safe. (Effects: +1 intrigue, -1 martial) Opposite of VALOROUS

LOYALIST-This character belongs to the Shi'ite denomination of the Muslim faith. (Effects: None)-This character has committed himself to the cause of his liege in right or wrong and can be relied to be faithful in most circumstances. (Effects: -2 Yearly Prestige, +1 Yearly Piety)[/color]

PRODIGY-This character is unusually gifted in all fields of statecraft and is likely to be destined for great things. (+3 Martial, +3 Diplomacy, +3 Intrigue, +3 Stewardship)

STUBBORN-This character shows an unusual strength of willpower, which is advantageous in a number of situations. Patient plans relying on convincing others can be a problem though. (Effects: +1 Martial, -1 Intrigue)

WEAK WILLED-This character is easily bossed around by advisors and family, and consequently has hard time leading others convincingly. The character has developed some ability in subterfuge to compensate however. (Effects: -1 Martial, +1 Intrigue)

ROMANTIC-This character is a model for the Chivalric Romances, living and fighting for the sake of honour and virtue. Due to this the character sports higher interest in martial pursuits and talent for eloquence, but is lacking in subterfuge and accounting. (+1 Martial, +1 Diplomacy, -1 Intrigue, -1 Stewardship, +1 Yearly Prestige)

PRAGMATIC-This character is a predecessor of Machiavelli, cynically concentrating on practical matters and the politics of power above all. They obviously excel in the matters of finances and plotting, but they are not too keen on armed combat and their speeches lack eloquence by their matter-of-fact style. (Effects: -1 Martial, -1 Diplomacy, +1 Intrigue, +1 Stewardship, -1 Yearly Prestige)

SHY-This character is unusually awkward in social situations and finds it difficult to convince others to change their opinions either by charm or wit. On the other hand by the lack of social situations, the character finds more time for matters of accounting. (-1 Diplomacy, -1 Intrigue, +1 Stewardship)

GREGARIOUS-This character is always naturally at ease around other people and finds it easier to influence others either simply by being so likeable or by being able to repeat his points so often that people will adopt them as their own. This tendency to focus on social situations can make the character to oversight some financial details however. (+1 Diplomacy, +1 Intrigue, -1 Stewardship)

AMIABLE-This character is friendly towards almost everyone and prefers talking things through over violence. (-1 Martial, +1 Diplomacy)

HOSTILE-This character seems always to be antagonistic towards the rest of the world and prefers to deal with it through force if possible. (+1 Martial, -1 Diplomacy)

SUNNI-This character belongs to the Sunni denomination of the Muslim faith. (Effects: None)

SHI'ITE-This character belongs to the Shi'ite denomination of the Muslim faith. (Effects: None)




KINSLAYER-The Character has been known to kill off relatives that were not in league with their ideals. This is an extremely negative trait, causing family members to avoid them like the Plague. (Effects: -2 diplomacy, very poorly regarded)

HERETIC-The Character has embraced alterior religious practices. The character believes in or prefers a variation on their religion, or in some cases a completely different one they were born into. Naturally, this a negative trait as it goes against their established religion and will cause friction with members of the clergy, even persecution. (Effects: very poorly regarded, more likely to experience religious turmoil events)

BASTARD-The character is a bastard, meaning that he or she was born outside wedlock. They are regarded as dirty and a manifestation of sin. Consequently, they were shunned and invited hostility to those who discovered this about them. They were also exempt from primogeniture laws and rarely received inheritance. (Effects: -2 yearly prestige)

EXCOMMUNICATED-This character has been exiled from their religion by the head of their church. The christian example is having the Pope in Rome excommunicate someone from the Catholic faith. This is essentially a curse on their soul and a blight on their character. (Effects: very bad!)

SEVERELY WOUNDED-The Character has been badly wounded in combat and is no longer eligible for commander of regiments or armies, although he is looked upon as having made a noble sacrifice for a just cause. (Effects: -2 martial, -2 health, +1 yearly piety, +1 yearly prestige)

CRUSADER-The character is consumed with the desire to embark on a holy crusade against the infidel. (Effects: very high crusade expectations, much higher rewards for success)

BEATIFIED-When the character died, they were recognized by the highest religious officials of their religion to be an the prime example of what a devout life was to be. For this, they have been beatified, and more often than not, were later sainted. This is an incredibly high honour and something to strive for as a pious leader.

SAINT-After having been canonized the person has achieved the holiest of holy titles and was made a Saint. This is a rare phenomena, and a mystical and powerful legacy for that person who was sainted.


REBELLIOUS-This character is discontent with the ruler of the realm and may may very well be considering outright rebellion. (Effects: +1 martial, +1 stewardship, +1 intrigue, -2 diplomacy, +5 monthly prestige)

REALM DURESS-This trait is an indicator that the ruler is currently experiencing serious difficulties with potentially rebellious vassals. There is a considerable danger that the realm could dissolve into revolt, or even civil war! (Effects: -3 diplomacy, -2 intrigue, -1 stewardship, -5 monthly prestige)

CELIBATE-This character has chosen a celibate lifestyle due to either strong personal conviction or from a sense of duty arising from serving as a part of the Church. (Effects: +5 Yearly Piety, Infertile)

EMPEROR-This character has been bestowed the status of an Emperor by the Pope due to his immense secular power over vast domains. Although historically the only Catholic emperor in the Middle Ages was the Holy Roman Emperor, there are other avenues to an imperial mantle in CK. (Effects: +5 Yearly Prestige)

FOSTERLING-This child has been sent to another court to be fostered, this was very common in the middle ages and was a way cement relation between two noble house. The forsterling is also more likely to find friends and rvials in new court, heavly influencing the childs future.



PARENTAL UPBRINGING-This child is being raised in the court and is receiving some hands-on education directly from the ruler. (Effects: none)

Crusader Kings-Deus Vult​

Health/Illness Traits​

ILLNESS-The character has been afflicted with a deadly illness. Although deadly illness in this timeframe meant coughing, sneezing, or visible boils on the skin. The character is in danger of death. (Effects: -1 martial, -1 stewardship, -1 diplomacy, -1 intrigue, -2 health, -5 fertility)

PLAGUE INFESTED-The illness of character has become worse and it is clear this character has the Plague. The Plague took many forms, the worst of them being the 'Black Death' that originated when Genoese merchant ships arriving back from the Crimea with wounded soldiers landed in Sicily. From there, it spread and decimated hundreds of thousands of people, almost depopulating Europe. It is believed that it originated from the Steppes of Asia, being carried from the Eastern horseriders along with them where at Crimea besieging Genoese holdings there, spread to the defenders and thus the rest of Europe. (Effects: -5 to all attributes, -3 health, infertile)

LEPER-The illness of this character has developed into what is known as Leprosy. These people were shunned by the populace as they were hideous and smelled foul as their limbs became brittle and rotted away. Although the prospect of recovery from such an affliction was rare indeed, it was not impossible. (Effects: -5 martial, -5 diplomacy, -3 health, infertile)

PNEUMONIA-The illness of this character has developed into Pneumonia. There is not one type of Pneumonia. These types range from bacterial, viral, mycoplasmas, and some types of fungi. In this period, with no known cures, the person had to rely on their physical constitution to shrug off a Pneumonia. (Effects: -5 to all attributes, -3 health, -3 fertility)

STRESSED-The character has become very stressed from events happening in their life. They are erratic, moody and tend to become furious at the smallest thing. Many are confused and unable to deal with this person, as they are bewildered as to what is wrong with them. (Effects: -1 to all attributes, -1 health, -3 fertility)

DEPRESSION-The stress in this person's life has degenerated into deep depression. They have become severely withdrawn from social interactions, even avoiding other people and spending alot of time alone. This person is at severe risk of ending his or her life, and feels helpless, lost, and frustrated at all things. (Effects: -1 to all attributes, -1 health, infertile)

SCHIZOPHRENIA-The stress in this person's life has degenerated into Schizophrenia. Although today we diagnose the disease today as a medical disorder, back in these times, it was seen as something you could 'catch'. The schizophrenic person lives in an imaginary world, full of people and objects that are invisible to others. Severely wrought with paranoia and anxiety, they are very hard to deal with and can become violent at a moment's notice. (Effects: -5 martial, -5 stewardship, -5 diplomacy, -1 intrigue, -1 health, -5 fertility)

CRAZED-The stress in this person's life has degenerated into an erratic, crazed state. They are lost in their delusions of grandeur and believe in unseen forces acting on them or others to create events. These people are very hard to deal with as they have abandoned logic and reason for their own world where they are master. (Effects: -5 to all attributes, -1 health, -3 fertility)

HUNCHBACK-The character was born with a small hump or bump on his back. The person may have trouble walking as the hump curves the character's gait into a limping shuffle. Most believed at the time it was a curse from God or some form of evil, and they were shunned and mocked because of their deformation. (Effects: -1 martial)

CLUB FOOTED-The character was born with a deformed foot, often with one foot being larger that the other one. The character will never be able to run and is impossible for this person to fight on the battlefield to name but one example. In the same category as 'Hunchback', this is something that was a source of insults, hampering their ability to attract a mate. (Effects: -1 martial)

INTESTINAL WORM-The character was born with an intestinal worm that lives inside of their stomach or intestines. This can severely hamper their ability to grow properly, as the worms will deplete the amount of nutrition and if the person survives into maturity, will leave them weak and feeble both physically and mentally. (Effects: -1 to all attributes, -5 Health, -2 Fertility)

LISP-The character was born with a speech impediment known simply as a Lisp. The person has trouble enunciating words correctly and will no doubt be the butt of jokes as others mock them. (Effects: -1 Diplomacy)

STUTTER-The character was born with a speech impediment known as a Stutter. They tend to have trouble at pronouncing words, and becomes stuck on a syllable, making it impossible to have a proper conversation. This will also be a source of humiliation for the individual as they are excluded from discussions and will no doubt be mocked for it. (Effects: -1 Diplomacy)

INBRED-The character has been conceived by two parents that are too close genetically, and is known as Inbred. Though a favourite practice of royal families for generations of having cousins or siblings marry and thus produce inbred children, the practice can leave the offspring with deformities. These deformities can range from the physical to the mental. They are at a severe disadvantage in their abilities. (Effects: -5 to all attributes, -5 fertility)

HARELIP-The character was born with a deformed top-lip that impedes their ability to speak or pronounce some words. A famous example of this affiction is the 'Habsburg Lip', brought about from inbreeding among their family. (Effects: -1 diplomacy)

BLIND-This character is blind. A blind ruler can still be an effective ruler in most matters, though battle should be avoided. Examples of famous blind rulers are Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice and mastermind of the 4th Crusade, and John I of Bohemia, who fought and died in the battle of Crécy. (Effects: -4 Martial, +1 Diplomacy, +1 Intrigue, -1 Stewardship, -1 Health)