Byzantine events - emperor trait

[Alastor]

Hi all!
I'm new here and this is my first post, so nice meeting you. I have been playing deus vult for some time and while its a great game et al, I was rather annoyed by the lack of choices given to orthodox factions, at least when compared to catholics, especially by the lack of notable event series for the fabled byzantine empire. Thats when I noticed that catholics have a trait called "emperor" which is used to simulate the HRE and decided to use it for the byzantine emperor and write some events about how only a ruler crowned emperor can be the legitimate orthodox ruler of byzantium and if he is not, then all hell breaks loose... or will break loose once(and if) I finish this event series. About the original emperor trait and its uses, I have not removed them, I just added a condition(where missing) for these events to fire only when the emperor in question is a catholic, which I hope is enough to keep the catholic emperors functional and to keep the pope out of my events, the eastern emperor was subordinate to no pope after all.
So far I have written a couple of events regarding the coronation of an orthodox byzantine ruler as emperor, reactions to this and dethronement of an unworthy emperor. All these are WIP and will propably change soon, what I want from you is to ask for some suggestions on how to make this event series more interesting, ie with new events, as well as advice in (the very propable) case I have made some weird mistake or how to be more efficient when writing these events...

#############################################################
#Becoming byzantine emperor

character_event = { #You have been crowned byzantine emperor
	id = 25000

	picture = "event_claim"

	trigger = {
		condition = { type = title value = BYZA } #You must hold the byzantine crown
		condition = { type = capital condition = { type = area value = 496 } } #Constantinople must be your capital
		condition = { type = age value = 16 } #You must be of age
		condition = { type = gender value = male } #Must be male
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox } #Only orthodox, catholic emperors are crowned by the pope
		condition = { type = form_of_goverment value = feudal } #Guarantees you are a king
		condition = { type = not value = { type = trait value = emperor } } #Must not be emperor already
		condition = { type = not value = { type = trait value = realm_duress } } #You must have consolidated your rule
		condition = { type = not value = { type = atwar }} #You must be at peace
	}

	mean_time_to_happen = {
		months = 24 #A mean time of 2 years for the coronation

		modifier = { #The byzantine aristocracy won't easily accept a foreigner
			condition = { type = not value = { type = culture value = greek } }
			factor = 2.0
		}

		modifier = { #Prodigious characters inspire awe and get crowned faster
			condition = { type = trait value = prodigy }
			factor = 0.9
		}

		modifier = { #The sooner the better
			condition = { type = trait value = energetic }
			factor = 0.9
		}

		modifier = { #I am the emperor, crown me now
			condition = { type = trait value = proud }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #It should be prudent to get crowned asap
			condition = { type = trait value = wise }
			factor = 0.7
		}

		modifier = { #Get up and learn that damn coronation ceremony process already 
			condition = { type = trait value = lazy }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #Cough cough, I'm not feeling good
			condition = { type = trait value = illness }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #Emperor? Oh god all those responsibilities
			condition = { type = trait value = stress_symptom }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #You must be able to stand during the coronation
			condition = { type = trait value = war_invalid }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #Me? Emperor? But I'm not good enough...
			condition = { type = trait value = depression }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #Emperor? But I already rule the world
			condition = { type = trait value = maniac }
			factor = 1.5
		}

		modifier = { #Wasn't I crowned yesterday
			condition = { type = trait value = schizofrenia }
			factor = 1.5
		}

		modifier = { #I'm severely ill... the coronation must wait
			condition = { type = trait value = plagueinfested }
			factor = 1.5
		}

		modifier = { #I can't breathe well... the coronation must wait
			condition = { type = trait value = pneumonia }
			factor = 1.5
		}

		modifier = { #I have been cursed by God, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = leper }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #I am blind and an emperor must be perfect, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = blind }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #I am clubfooted and an emperor must be perfect, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = clubfooted }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #I have a harelip and an emperor must be perfect, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = harelip }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #I am a hunchback and an emperor must be perfect, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = hunchback }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #I am deformed and an emperor must be perfect, they won't easily accept me as emperor
			condition = { type = trait value = inbred }
			factor = 10.0
		}

		modifier = { #My father was the emperor, my claim is legitimate
			condition = { type = father condition = { type = trait value = emperor } }
			factor = 0.4
		}

		modifier = { #My father was glorious, I too shall be, crown me
			condition = { type = father condition = {type = prestige value = 5000 } }
			factor = 0.6
		}
		
		modifier = { #I have already proven myself, I am the emperor
			condition = { type = prestige value = 3000} 
			factor = 0.6
		}

		modifier = { #I am a disaster, how can I rule
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = naive_wirepuller }
				condition = { type = trait value = amateurish_pettifogger }
				condition = { type = trait value = hole_in_the_pocket }
				condition = { type = trait value = misguided_warrior }
				condition = { type = trait value = detached_priest }
			}
			factor = 2.0
		}

		modifier = { #I am an expert at what I do, this certainly grants me lots of respect
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = illusive_shadow }
				condition = { type = trait value = grey_eminence }
				condition = { type = trait value = midas_touched }
				condition = { type = trait value = brilliant_strategist }
				condition = { type = trait value = mastermind_theologian }
			}
			factor = 0.7
		}

		modifier = { #With the realm in chaos the coronation must wait
			condition = { type = stability value = -2 }
			factor = 1.5
		}


		modifier = { #With the realm that stable the coronation can proceed without delay
			condition = { type = stability value = 2 }
			factor = 0.7
		}

	}

	action_a = { #My rule is now legitimate
		effect = { type = add_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = prestige value = 400 }
		effect = { type = stability value = +1 }
		effect = { type = trigger for = random_vassal value = 25001 }
		effect = { type = trigger for = random_vassal value = 25001 }
		effect = { type = trigger for = random_vassal value = 25001 }
		effect = { type = trigger for = best_son value = 25003 }
	}
}

character_event = { #Your ruler has been crowned byzantine emperor
	id = 25001

	picture = "event_law"

	action_a = { #Glory to the emperor
		ai_chance = 90	
		effect = { type = prestige value = -100 }
		effect = { type = piety value = 50 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = loyalist }
		effect = { type = loyalty value = 1.0 }
		effect = { type = random_list
			50 = { type = no_effect }
			30 = { type = add_trait value = modest }
			10 = { type = add_trait value = wise }
			10 = { type = add_trait value = coward }
		}
	}

	action_b = { #He is no emperor
		ai_chance = 10
		effect = { type = prestige value = 200 }
		effect = { type = piety value = -50 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = rebellious }
		effect = { type = loyalty value = -1.0 }
		effect = { type = add_title_claim value = liege }
		effect = { type = random_list
			40 = { type = add_trait value = proud }
			40 = { type = add_trait value = reckless }
			20 = { type = independence }
		}
		effect = { type = trigger for = liege value = 25002 }
	}
}

character_event = { #One of your vassals refuses to acknowledge your imperial authority and causes mischief
	id = 25002

	picture = "event_intrigue"

	action_a = { #He shall pay
		effect = { type = prestige value = -200 }
		effect = { type = random_list
			60 = { type = no_effect }
			35 = { type = add_trait value = stress_symptom }
			5 = { type = add_trait value = realm_duress }
		}
	}
}

character_event = { #Your father has been crowned byzantine emperor
	id = 25003

	picture = "event_claim"

	action_a = { #This makes things easier for me
		ai_chance = 70
		effect = { type = prestige value = 200 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = proud }
		effect = { type = random_list
			40 = { type = no_effect }
			30 = { type = add_trait value = lazy }
			30 = { type = add_trait value = arbitrary }
		}
	}

	action_b = { #This only means I have to try harder to prove myself
		ai_chance = 30
		effect = { type = prestige value = 30 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = modest }
		effect = { type = random_list
			40 = { type = add_trait value = energetic }
			30 = { type = add_trait value = wise }
			20 = { type = add_trait value = stress_symptom }
			10 = { type = health value = -2 }
		}
	}
}
			
			

#############################################################
#Losing the imperial title

character_event = { #you no longer rule Byzantium, emperor you shall no longer be
	id = 25005

	picture = "event_claim"

	trigger = { 
		condition = { type = ruler }
		condition = { type = or
			condition = { type = not value = { type = title value = BYZA } }
			condition = { type = capital 
				condition = { type = not value = { type = area value = 496 } } }
		}
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox}
		condition = { type = trait value = emperor}
	}

	mean_time_to_happen = {
		months = 12
	}

	action_a = { #So be it
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = prestige value = -700 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = realm_duress }
	}

	action_b = { #No, I am the emperor
		effect = { type = piety value = -100 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = stubborn }
		effect = { type = health value = -1 }
		effect = { type = random_list
			50 = { type = add_trait value = stress_symptom }
			25 = { type = add_trait value = depression }
			10 = { type = add_trait value = schizofrenia }
			10 = { type = health value = -3 }
			5 = { type = death }
		}
	}
}

character_event = { #you are landless, you are no emperor
	id = 25006

	picture = "event_claim"

	trigger = { 
		condition = { type = not value = { type = ruler } }
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox}
		condition = { type = trait value = emperor}
	}
	
	mean_time_to_happen = {
		days = 10
	}

	action_a = { #I am pathetic
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = prestige value = -300 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 75
			effect = { type = add_trait value = depression }
		}
	}
}

And a couple of questions I have:
a) How do modifiers on ai_chance work? The higher the factor the higher the chance?
b) When triggering an event for someone else how can the triggered event point to the one who triggered it?
c) The last script works only for living characters, correct?
d) Are there any good and free event images to use?
e) Ehm... ok silly question but it is possible for more than one emperors to exist simultaneously, there is nothing hardcoded in this right? Cause if not then I obviously have a problem.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

a) Yes
b) Select a character, so that his characterscreen pops up. Then open the console with F12, type in charevent ###### (where ###### is the eventnumber)

c) AFAIK it will also fire for dead people, add in a trigger

condition = { type = is_alive }

d) There seem to be some free event images, but you can add images. You can f.e. add an image called 'event_byzantine' to Crusader kings\gfx\Interface\events. And then use that image-name in your events

e) No, there is nothing that prevents that, but in your events you a trigger that the ruler must also have the Byzantine Emperor as his title.

As a general note, the events are interesting though why use the emperor-trait. Using as a trigger the BYZA-title would be enough ? Wouldn't it ?

 

[Alastor]

a)Ok, but what happens if due to a factor an ai choice gets a chance higher than a 100? Will that mean that the ai will always chose it?

b)No, not in game, I meant through events, for example a vassal makes a choice in an event that triggers an event for the liege, does the triggered event know which was the vassal that triggered it?

c)Ok, I guess its better to be safe than sorry.

d)Understood, I will look and see if I can find anything good.

e)Good and yes my events give the trait only to the byzantine orthodox ruler and since I check whether the character with the trait is orthodox before triggering any event I suppose the catholic emperors are safe.

It propably would, but I want to use this trait to simulate legitimacy, a man could rule Byzantium but if he wasnt recognised(for a multitude of reasons, like not being greek-enough, or not hailing from a distinguished lineage etc) as its rightful ruler then his reign would propably be short and painful, unless he was truly extraordinary. Sure the Komnenian era was, for the most-part, stable but before and after that the empire was in chaos and would-be emperors appeared and disappeared in no small quantities.
Besides all these... the emperor trait looks cool.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

a) No idea

b) No, I believe not

 

[Alastor]

b) No, I believe not

Thats a pity I had some good event ideas, but I suppose I could find a workaround.

Anyway, I've been toying with an event about a serious "imperial" style rebellion in Constantinople, having the great rebellion of 1185 in mind but also the various revolts that occured in the imperial capital during this time frame. Here is what I've done with this event block so far:

#############################################################
#Losing the imperial title

character_event = { #you no longer rule Byzantium, emperor you shall no longer be
	id = 25010

	picture = "event_claim"

	trigger = { 
		condition = { type = ruler }
		condition = { type = or
			condition = { type = not value = { type = title value = BYZA } }
			condition = { type = capital 
				condition = { type = not value = { type = area value = 496 } } }
		}
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox}
		condition = { type = trait value = emperor}
	}

	mean_time_to_happen = {
		months = 12

		modifier = { #You are prestigious and that buys you some time
			condition = { type = prestige value = 5000 }
			factor = 1.6
		}

		modifier = { #Through mastery of diplomacy and intrigue you manage to delay the inevitable
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = illusive_shadow }
				condition = { type = trait value = grey_eminence }
			}
			factor = 1.5
		}

		modifier = { #You are well loved and this buys you some time
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = just }
				condition = { type = trait value = honest }
				condition = { type = trait value = amiable }
			}
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #Your vassals had enough of your arrogance
			condition = { type = trait value = proud }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #Your cruel ways will not be tolerated anymore
			condition = { type = trait value = cruel }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #Your despotic nature will no longer be tolerated
			condition = { type = trait value = arbitrary }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #With the realm in chaos maintaining your legitimacy is very hard
			condition = { type = trait value = realm_duress }
			factor = 0.6
		}

		modifier = { #With the realm in such a miserable state your imperial status is the least of our problems
			condition = { type = stability value = -2 )
			factor = 0.5
		}

		modifier = { #You are in no position to defend your rights
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = war_invalid }
				condition = { type = trait value = pneumonia }
				condition = { type = trait value = depression }
				condition = { type = trait value = maniac }
				condition = { type = trait value = schizofrenia }
				condition = { type = trait value = plagueinfested }
			}
			factor = 0.2
		}

	}

	action_a = { #I am powerless
		ai_chance = 70
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = prestige value = -700 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 50
			effect = { type = add_trait value = realm_duress }
		}	
		effect = { type = random chance = 25 #Typical punishment for an unsuccessful emperor
			effect = { type = add_trait value = blind }
		}
	}

	action_b = { #No, I am the emperor
		ai_chance = 30
		effect = { type = piety value = -100 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = stubborn }
		effect = { type = health value = -2 }
		effect = { type = random_list
			50 = { type = add_trait value = stress_symptom }
			20 = { type = add_trait value = depression }
			10 = { type = add_trait value = maniac }
			10 = { type = health value = -3 }
			10 = { type = death }
		}
	}

}

character_event = { #you are landless, you are no emperor
	id = 25011

	picture = "event_claim"

	trigger = { 
		condition = { type = is_alive }
		condition = { type = not value = { type = ruler } }
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox}
		condition = { type = trait value = emperor}
	}
	
	mean_time_to_happen = {
		days = 10
	}

	action_a = { #I am pathetic
		ai_chance = 60
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = prestige value = -300 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 35
			effect = { type = add_trait value = depression }
		}
	}

	action_b = { #I should retire to a monastery, this kills the character but allows him to retain his imperial dignity
		ai_chance = 40
		effect = { type = death }
		effect = { type = random chance = 35
			effect = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25012 } #The invaluable historical essay event
		}
	}

}

character_event = { #A deposed emperor in your realm has written an invaluable historical essay
	id = 25012

	picture = "event_law"

	action_a = { #So he was of some use afterall
		effect = { type = prestige value = 200 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 15
			effect = { type = add_next_advance value = sculptures }
		}
	}

}

character_event = { #A disgruntled mob in Constantinople demands your immediate resignation
	id = 25013

	picture = event_rebellion

	trigger = {
		condition = { type = title value = BYZA }
		condition = { type = capital condition = { type = area value = 496 } } #Constantinople must be your capital
		condition = { type = religion value = orthodox }
		condition = { type = trait value = emperor }
		condition = { type = capital condition = { type = has_province_effect value = { revolt = yes } } }
	}

	mean_time_to_happen = {
		months = 120

		modifier = { #The peasants are happier under a pious ruler
			condition = { type = piety value = 1500 }
			factor = 1.6
		}

		modifier = { #You are prestigious and that buys you some time
			condition = { type = prestige value = 5000 }
			factor = 1.4
		}
		
		modifier = { #Your mastery of economy gives hope to the poor
			condition = { type = trait value = midas_touched }
			factor = 1.4
		}

		modifier = { #The mob respects your benelovence
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = trait value = just }
				condition = { type = trait value = honest }
				condition = { type = trait value = amiable }
			}
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #The people are content when they have full stomachs
			condition = { type = capital condition = { type = has_province_effect value = { rich = yes } } }
			factor = 1.2
		}

		modifier = { #The realm is stable under your rule, the peasants are less likely to take up arms against you
			condition = { type = stability value = 1 )
			factor = 1.1
		}

		modifier = { #Your cruel ways will not be tolerated anymore
			condition = { type = trait value = cruel }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #Your despotic nature will no longer be tolerated
			condition = { type = trait value = arbitrary }
			factor = 0.8
		}

		modifier = { #With the realm in such a miserable state the mob is angrier than ever
			condition = { type = stability value = -2 )
			factor = 0.6
		}

		modifier = { #External enemies incite the peasants to move against you 
			condition = { type = or
				condition = { type = atwar }
				condition = { type = trait value = realm_duress }
			}
			factor 0.5
		}
		
		modifier = { #The people are poor and this makes them more prone to armed rebellion
			condition = { type = capital condition = { type = has_province_effect value = { poor = yes } } }
			factor = 0.4
		}

		modifier = { #The people had enough with their lot in life
			condition = { type = capital condition = { type = has_province_effect value = { struggling = yes } } }
			factor = 0.2
		}

	}

	action_a = { #I should resign to avoid bloodshed, I will retire to a monastery
		ai_chance = 10
		effect = { type = death }
		effect = { type = piety value = 800 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 10 #Your selflessness has not gone unnoticed
			effect = { type = add_trait value = canonized }
		}
	}

	action_b = { #They dare? I shall crush them
		ai_chance = 60
		effect = { type = add_trait value = cruel }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = arbitrary }
		effect = { type = random_list
			90 = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25014 } #Successful supression of the revolt
			10 = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25015 } #Disaster
		}
	}
	
	action_c = { #I should negotiate
		ai_chance = 30
		effect = { type = random_list
			30 = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25015 } #Disaster
			30 = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25016 } #Somewhat smaller disaster
			40 = { type = trigger for = ruler value = 25017 } #Happy ending
		}
	}

}	

character_event = { #You have ruthlessly and efficiently crushed the rebellion aka you did them the Justinian way
	id = 25014

	picture = "event_battle"

	action_a = { #They shouldn't have messed with the emperor
		effect = { type = piety value = -300 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 40
			effect = { type = martial value = 1 }
		}
		effect = { type = stability value = 1 }
	}
}

character_event = { #You have been captured by the mob, disgraced and tortured to death
	id = 25015

	picture = "event_rebellion"

	immidiate = { #Vae victis
		effect = { type = prestige value = -1000 }
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = death }
	}

}

character_event = { #Negotiations failed and the mob moved against you, the army saved you at the last moment but not before you were blinded
	id = 25016

	picture = "event_intrigue"

	action_a = { #Reimposing my authority will prove to be very difficult now
		effect = { type = prestige value = -300 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = blind }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = reckless }
		effect = { type = remove_trait value = emperor }
		effect = { type = stability value = -1 }
	}

}

character_event = { #Through skillful negotiation you manage to restore the mob's faith to you
	id = 25017

	picture = "event_claim"
	
	action_a = { #I am the emperor
		effect = { type = prestige value = 500 }
		effect = { type = add_trait value = wise }
		effect = { type = diplomacy value = 1 }
		effect = { type = random chance = 20
			effect = { type = diplomacy value = 2 }
		}
		effect = { type = stability value = 1 }
	}

}

The problem I stumbled upon when writing this event was the inability to trigger a province event through a character event, I was not content with the randomness by which character effects handle your provinces, I wanted sth specific to happen in a specific province (ie trigger an event that removes the revolt effect from Byzantium). If anyone knows a way I would be thankful for the assistance.
Oh and like I said before, ideas and advice are more than welcome.
Cheers!

 

[unmerged(75409)]

One thing about losing the title if your court is not in Constantinople:

If for some odd reason Constantinople changes its culture to something other than Greek, or of your ruler is of a other than Greek culture that is present within the borders of the region tagged to BYZA, then the capitol will move to another city. If the ruler is Armenian it will move to somewhere in Armenia, or if he's Slavic then it will move to some Slavic place. Is your event intended to do that? (There were Slavic and Armenian emperors, Basil Bulgaroktonos started out as a a horsekeeper from somewhere in the Balkans AFAIK and there even was an Armenian dynasty for some time.)

 

[Veldmaarschalk]

One thing about losing the title if your court is not in Constantinople:

If for some odd reason Constantinople changes its culture to something other than Greek, or of your ruler is of a other than Greek culture that is present within the borders of the region tagged to BYZA, then the capitol will move to another city. If the ruler is Armenian it will move to somewhere in Armenia, or if he's Slavic then it will move to some Slavic place. Is your event intended to do that? (There were Slavic and Armenian emperors, Basil Bulgaroktonos started out as a a horsekeeper from somewhere in the Balkans AFAIK and there even was an Armenian dynasty for some time.)

Basil the Bulgarslayer, was the son of an emperor, he was born in purple. You obviously are confusing him with his ancestor Basil I 'the Macedonian'.

 

[Alastor]

@Leviathan07
Indeed you are talking about Basil the Macedonian, Basil the Bulgarslayer, or Basil the Porphyrogennitos(purple-born) as he was originaly known, hailed from an imperial dynasty long established by the former.
About your question now, well... if for whatever reason you dont have Constantinople as your capital anymore, then you will lose the title(and if you dint have it as your capital to begin with, you will never gain the title). Byzantium was the capital and the heart of the Byzantine empire, there was no empire without it. Besides I always play under the house-rule of keeping the culture of my rulers the same and historicaly all byzantine emperors, whatever their ethnic backround, were culturaly greek.
I could, though, add a condition for the events to only fire for a person of greek culture, but I think this would propably qualify as sth of an overkill...

 

[unmerged(75409)]

Oops, yes of course I meant the other Basil

I understand your reasoning for wishing that the dynasty remains Greek. Almost everytime I saw the BYZ title in the hands of a non-Greek, it was something "bad", i.e. Scottish or Russian or some other people. Armenians are indeed unlikely to take the throne. (Too few of them in ruling dynasties, perhaps?)