NOTICE: I have zero experience with forums - I only made an account to share these suggestions to my favorite game.
Dear developers,
Over the years I have greatly enjoyed your games. It has been one of my favorite things to start with a small fiefdom in Europe and eventually establish the Empire of Jerusalem.
Especially with the custom kingdoms creator I have always loved founding the kingdoms of Antioch and Edessa first before capturing Jerusalem and becoming emperor of the three crusader states.
Being a historian (specialized in the middle ages) I know this might not exactly be historically correct, but this has always been my preferred way to play your game.
However, there are several elements that I have written down over the years which I believe would greatly enhance immersion and yet cost little effort to put in (I think - I am not a game developer). They mostly use existing systems or build on features you have already implemented.
For a game called Crusader Kings, I have always been a bit disappointed that once you capture the areas in the east, they quickly become Westernized and little remains of the cultural melting pot the crusader states once were. It feels as though you are playing with France, just on a different location on the map.
I have tried to describe my modest suggestions as best I could. I hope you will find them helpful and/or interesting and perhaps one or several of them can be implemented in the game.
I will try to keep it short and clear - there are 9 in total.
Suggestion 1: Crusader Culture
When a character of the Norse culture invades, for example, Normandy, it is possible that the Norman culture is created.
Why then is there no equivalent for the European nations that invade the east?
During the existence of the crusader states, it can be said that western culture left a mark on local culture as much as the opposite.
The courts of the Crusader Kings were a mixture of European, Arabic and Jewish culture. I do not really see this reflected in game.
What I suggest is a new culture. I have been thinking about a suitable name, but I keep coming back to Latin.
This is a common term used to describe the crusader states, the Latins, as can also be seen in the later establishment of the Latin Empire.
(The existing Latin culture can perhaps be altered or renamed to Roman?)
One of the interesting points of this culture would be that new characters that appear can be of many different cultures. Why not recruit a Spanish commander instead of always getting the same ethnic background as the ruler?
Anyway - it would be nice to see some more elements of the Arabic and Jewish communities reflected in this culture. I am sure you (and the community) can come up with more ideas related to this.
Perhaps something in the portraits as well?
Suggestion 2: Bilingualism
''I speak Latin to God, Italian to women, French to men and German to my horse.''
Language does not really play a key part in the game so far. Characters between cultures communicate without difficulty and that is fine.
It might however be an interesting character trait to add.
What I suggest is a bilingualism trait that can decrease cultural tension. When a character rules a province with a different culture than his own, speaking the local lingo might decrease the chances of revolt.
Additionally it would also make lords of other cultures look at him more favorably, though narrow-minded lords from his own faction might dislike him for his linguistic interest.
This would involve the addition of a trait that makes characters open/hostile to other cultures.
Bilingualism might be obtained when a child is born of parents from two cultures, with the scholarship focus or when spending a long time in provinces with other cultures than his own.
Suggestion 3: The Pilgrim Route
One of the key factors in the crusader states was the protection of pilgrims as they visited the holy sites.
Pilgrimage is an option for characters, yet there is no relation to the actual site.
What I suggest is the option to appoint commanders to the protection of pilgrims, costing money but increasing income in that province and possibly the military skills of the assigned commander.
This person would not be available to command armies.
Additionally, characters that decide to go on pilgrimage to a site that is poorly protected might never return from their journey, causing the lords of that faction to dislike you for not protecting the pilgrim routes. It is in your diplomatic interest to keep your allies (and enemies) safe.
Suggestion 4: The Merchant of Venice
It is well known that the crusader states depended heavily on the merchant cities of Europe. There is little of this visible in the game. I believe that working closely with merchant cities should bring higher rewards and upsetting them should come at a cost.
What I suggest is treaties specially designed for crusader kingdoms, that boost income or levy size.
These treaties can be made with, for example, Venice - which would upset Genoa.
The merchants would ask for much in return. Trade posts in your cities, maybe even control over the cities themselves, a monopoly on trade (throwing out all merchants from another nation for example) or even a seat on your council.
However, a close relation with one or more merchant cities might make a difference in the next war.
Some more ideas related to this: borrow ships, a mercenary company, take out a loan, boost trade with a certain region (increased income and levy).
Suggestion 5: The Patriarch of Jerusalem
Ok - the game is called Crusader Kings. Yet one of the most important people besides the king was of course the spiritual ruler.
Directly after the foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem was also restored.
(Latin - there you have it again...)
What I suggest is a new religious head/title, which works in a bit of a similar way to pagan reform.
It historically consisted of 4 archdioceses: Tyre, Petra, Caesarea and Nazareth. Once these locations are all held by your (Catholic) faction, the Patriarchate can be established.
The establishment of this title would bring great prestige to the ruler and increase his piety.
In addition to this, I would like to see Holy Sites to be more present in the game. They are destinations for pilgrims and can be held by a faction (or even destroyed, as Charlemagne did with the Saxons) but they are not really part of the map.
Why not create a menu like trade ports and forts, where you can see a small icon and possibly even upgrade it, to draw more pilgrims, etc.
And why is it not possible to appoint a priest as the head of this site? The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is linked to the Patriarch and surely this would be interesting for other factions and holy sites as well?
At the moment the holy sites are just spots on the map really. I sometimes forget they are there.
Suggestion 6: Prince or Pauper
A quick glance at a map of the historic crusader states immediately leads to the discovery that they were in fact not all kingdoms.
Several of them were known under a different nomination: principality.
At the moment, when you have two kingdom titles, you have to hold both of them till you have cheated or fought your way to an empire title.
If you give one away, the other becomes independent, leaving you with half of what you had before.
I suggest inserting another tier: the principality. It will be between the kingdom and the duke tier and allow you to grant one kingdom title to a subject, turning it into a principality.
It can later be upgraded, but it would allow you to hold both kingdom titles without having too many vassals.
It can be rather troublesome to rule two large kingdoms all by yourself and this would add some variety to the game.
Suggestion 7: Yet another reason for war
An interesting casus belli for crusader kingdoms might be religious or cultural provocation.
Lords that dislike the culture of their neighbour might provoke them (this could be an event) giving the enemy reason to attack you.
The same might be possible for any culture next to a crusader kingdom, as triggered by an event.
This would require the addition of a trait such as one being open or closed to other cultures.
A short reference to the earlier suggestions: a bilingual ruler might, for example, calm the other faction and remove the casus belli.
Suggestion 8: This be Crusader Blood
In reference to your new, upcoming feature of legendary bloodlines: give leaders of the first crusade a special crusader bloodline (which also grants them a claim on the title).
Within a crusader kingdom it would have been quite something if you could trace your lineage back to the first crusaders.
It would give the members of this dynasty some benefits in relationships with christians but make them less popular with muslims or other cultures.
In addition, the same might be done for leaders of special religious wars as well - such as the conquest of a whole country.
Suggestion 9: True Colours
I love the custom kingdoms feature. I really do. But sometimes, just sometimes, it does not really work the way I really want it to work.
For example, I create the kingdom of Edessa (with a bit of creativity) - why am I stuck with the standard flag belonging to the duchy of Edessa?
What I suggest is the option to change the flag/icon of custom kingdoms. Either by changing them with the regular editor you would use to create a family crest or - my preferred option - select another icon from a list of historical flags.
It would allow players to create the nations they have always wanted to create and I could have my Empire of Jerusalem in the correct colours. Everybody happy.
That's all I've got for now. I hope it is of interest to anyone.
Adieu.
Dear developers,
Over the years I have greatly enjoyed your games. It has been one of my favorite things to start with a small fiefdom in Europe and eventually establish the Empire of Jerusalem.
Especially with the custom kingdoms creator I have always loved founding the kingdoms of Antioch and Edessa first before capturing Jerusalem and becoming emperor of the three crusader states.
Being a historian (specialized in the middle ages) I know this might not exactly be historically correct, but this has always been my preferred way to play your game.
However, there are several elements that I have written down over the years which I believe would greatly enhance immersion and yet cost little effort to put in (I think - I am not a game developer). They mostly use existing systems or build on features you have already implemented.
For a game called Crusader Kings, I have always been a bit disappointed that once you capture the areas in the east, they quickly become Westernized and little remains of the cultural melting pot the crusader states once were. It feels as though you are playing with France, just on a different location on the map.
I have tried to describe my modest suggestions as best I could. I hope you will find them helpful and/or interesting and perhaps one or several of them can be implemented in the game.
I will try to keep it short and clear - there are 9 in total.
Suggestion 1: Crusader Culture
When a character of the Norse culture invades, for example, Normandy, it is possible that the Norman culture is created.
Why then is there no equivalent for the European nations that invade the east?
During the existence of the crusader states, it can be said that western culture left a mark on local culture as much as the opposite.
The courts of the Crusader Kings were a mixture of European, Arabic and Jewish culture. I do not really see this reflected in game.
What I suggest is a new culture. I have been thinking about a suitable name, but I keep coming back to Latin.
This is a common term used to describe the crusader states, the Latins, as can also be seen in the later establishment of the Latin Empire.
(The existing Latin culture can perhaps be altered or renamed to Roman?)
One of the interesting points of this culture would be that new characters that appear can be of many different cultures. Why not recruit a Spanish commander instead of always getting the same ethnic background as the ruler?
Anyway - it would be nice to see some more elements of the Arabic and Jewish communities reflected in this culture. I am sure you (and the community) can come up with more ideas related to this.
Perhaps something in the portraits as well?
Suggestion 2: Bilingualism
''I speak Latin to God, Italian to women, French to men and German to my horse.''
Language does not really play a key part in the game so far. Characters between cultures communicate without difficulty and that is fine.
It might however be an interesting character trait to add.
What I suggest is a bilingualism trait that can decrease cultural tension. When a character rules a province with a different culture than his own, speaking the local lingo might decrease the chances of revolt.
Additionally it would also make lords of other cultures look at him more favorably, though narrow-minded lords from his own faction might dislike him for his linguistic interest.
This would involve the addition of a trait that makes characters open/hostile to other cultures.
Bilingualism might be obtained when a child is born of parents from two cultures, with the scholarship focus or when spending a long time in provinces with other cultures than his own.
Suggestion 3: The Pilgrim Route
One of the key factors in the crusader states was the protection of pilgrims as they visited the holy sites.
Pilgrimage is an option for characters, yet there is no relation to the actual site.
What I suggest is the option to appoint commanders to the protection of pilgrims, costing money but increasing income in that province and possibly the military skills of the assigned commander.
This person would not be available to command armies.
Additionally, characters that decide to go on pilgrimage to a site that is poorly protected might never return from their journey, causing the lords of that faction to dislike you for not protecting the pilgrim routes. It is in your diplomatic interest to keep your allies (and enemies) safe.
Suggestion 4: The Merchant of Venice
It is well known that the crusader states depended heavily on the merchant cities of Europe. There is little of this visible in the game. I believe that working closely with merchant cities should bring higher rewards and upsetting them should come at a cost.
What I suggest is treaties specially designed for crusader kingdoms, that boost income or levy size.
These treaties can be made with, for example, Venice - which would upset Genoa.
The merchants would ask for much in return. Trade posts in your cities, maybe even control over the cities themselves, a monopoly on trade (throwing out all merchants from another nation for example) or even a seat on your council.
However, a close relation with one or more merchant cities might make a difference in the next war.
Some more ideas related to this: borrow ships, a mercenary company, take out a loan, boost trade with a certain region (increased income and levy).
Suggestion 5: The Patriarch of Jerusalem
Ok - the game is called Crusader Kings. Yet one of the most important people besides the king was of course the spiritual ruler.
Directly after the foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem was also restored.
(Latin - there you have it again...)
What I suggest is a new religious head/title, which works in a bit of a similar way to pagan reform.
It historically consisted of 4 archdioceses: Tyre, Petra, Caesarea and Nazareth. Once these locations are all held by your (Catholic) faction, the Patriarchate can be established.
The establishment of this title would bring great prestige to the ruler and increase his piety.
In addition to this, I would like to see Holy Sites to be more present in the game. They are destinations for pilgrims and can be held by a faction (or even destroyed, as Charlemagne did with the Saxons) but they are not really part of the map.
Why not create a menu like trade ports and forts, where you can see a small icon and possibly even upgrade it, to draw more pilgrims, etc.
And why is it not possible to appoint a priest as the head of this site? The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is linked to the Patriarch and surely this would be interesting for other factions and holy sites as well?
At the moment the holy sites are just spots on the map really. I sometimes forget they are there.
Suggestion 6: Prince or Pauper
A quick glance at a map of the historic crusader states immediately leads to the discovery that they were in fact not all kingdoms.
Several of them were known under a different nomination: principality.
At the moment, when you have two kingdom titles, you have to hold both of them till you have cheated or fought your way to an empire title.
If you give one away, the other becomes independent, leaving you with half of what you had before.
I suggest inserting another tier: the principality. It will be between the kingdom and the duke tier and allow you to grant one kingdom title to a subject, turning it into a principality.
It can later be upgraded, but it would allow you to hold both kingdom titles without having too many vassals.
It can be rather troublesome to rule two large kingdoms all by yourself and this would add some variety to the game.
Suggestion 7: Yet another reason for war
An interesting casus belli for crusader kingdoms might be religious or cultural provocation.
Lords that dislike the culture of their neighbour might provoke them (this could be an event) giving the enemy reason to attack you.
The same might be possible for any culture next to a crusader kingdom, as triggered by an event.
This would require the addition of a trait such as one being open or closed to other cultures.
A short reference to the earlier suggestions: a bilingual ruler might, for example, calm the other faction and remove the casus belli.
Suggestion 8: This be Crusader Blood
In reference to your new, upcoming feature of legendary bloodlines: give leaders of the first crusade a special crusader bloodline (which also grants them a claim on the title).
Within a crusader kingdom it would have been quite something if you could trace your lineage back to the first crusaders.
It would give the members of this dynasty some benefits in relationships with christians but make them less popular with muslims or other cultures.
In addition, the same might be done for leaders of special religious wars as well - such as the conquest of a whole country.
Suggestion 9: True Colours
I love the custom kingdoms feature. I really do. But sometimes, just sometimes, it does not really work the way I really want it to work.
For example, I create the kingdom of Edessa (with a bit of creativity) - why am I stuck with the standard flag belonging to the duchy of Edessa?
What I suggest is the option to change the flag/icon of custom kingdoms. Either by changing them with the regular editor you would use to create a family crest or - my preferred option - select another icon from a list of historical flags.
It would allow players to create the nations they have always wanted to create and I could have my Empire of Jerusalem in the correct colours. Everybody happy.
That's all I've got for now. I hope it is of interest to anyone.
Adieu.
Upvote
0
