Post your CK2 empire!

[appsith]

So, I started with the goal to play an easy, tall Italian Kingdom of Sicily from 769, roleplay good catholic rules, and have fun collect bloodlines. Just to be sure, I set the rules to halved demesne, halved vassal limit. But, of course, shit happens .

Early on, some Muslim Alan nobody became the Eastern Roman Emperor . Nobody cares for more than 50 years. Then, as the Umayyad went shopping in France, the Pope called a crusade for... Egypt. I said fuckoff, and asked for advice here (thank you guys/gals btw). Ended up calling my bbf in Rome and told him let's go to Costantinople instead . Kick their ass, empty my coffers and put my brother on the throne: gg, pat my back. Got the "Venetian Guile" achievement .
But of course those fuckers cannot just survive on their own, so I come back for help, and I help my neigbors all around europe .

Long story short:

(note: the king of Jerusalem, Syria, Yemen and whatever yellow is my third or fourth cousin or whatever)

 

[Wixelt]

Yemen is cursed.

 

[Austregisel]

The AI recreated the Latin Empire after it was lost for 17 years after a successful 4th crusade. HIP + Gaea Map submod

The Latin Empire created in 1201 had the reign of the Impératrice Bourgogne for 18 years. After his death, his only daughter would inherit the empire, a greek named Ioannila Angelos who would reign for 1 month until being deposed, his son, Vsevolod Rurikovich would reign for 2 years after being deposed, this time putting an end to the Latin Empire in 1220.
In 1218, on the death of the Impératrice Bourgogne, the Royaume of Thessalonique was given to her brother, Hugues. The now Roi ruled the region until 1224, dying in an accident at the age of 30, his brother Roi of Jerusalem and Chypre inherited his kingdom and eventually in 1237 he was declared Empereur of the Latin Empire, beginning a new era.
The last Emperor, Vsevolod still alive, rules Epirus and Chrichenlant (Duchy of Athens) under the suzerainty of the Künic of Sizilien (Sicily, me)

 

[Chac1]

Thanks for reviving this thread @Austregisel .

Here is a screenshot from the last time I finished a complete game of CKII from 769 C.E. through 1452 C.E. Finished this game about a year ago.

​

Played what became the Empire of Hispania, starting as Asturias. This would be more impressive if my empire hadn't split. (Oh well! )

So at one time there was no Empire of Francia. As the emperor I tried to get my genius daughter elected as the next empress but it did not go the way I had hoped. The AI took control of the empire and created the Empire of Francia which soon split off after that next emperor died.

As for the genius daughter? She became the Queen of Scotland, a vassal of the new emperor who foolishly created two empires to rule. She ruled Scotland for more than 40 years, retaking parts of her father's old holdings, and after the empire split, she organized a rebellion to take control of the Empire of Hispania. So she did end up an empress, just of a smaller empire. Hispania was never able to regain all the lost lands that became Francia. Despite all that, had a great time playing this and still felt it was a success.

​

 

[Buttons12345]

Actually looks like there's three possible player empires, but I think Byzantium and the HRE not having names on the map gives it away. As an aside the Burgundian branch of the Capetian dynasty conquered France and started driving out the English who at the start of the campaign were at the peak of their power.

Started as the last Hauteville King of Sicily the (at the time) child William de Hauteville who managed to conquer much of North Africa and force the Holy Roman Empire and much of Northern Italy into submission forming the Norman Empire. His son an heir Tancred managed to expand Norman rule into the Levant, the Western Balkans, and over all of Northern Italy as well as the entire North coast of Africa. A famed crusader he managed to actually outstrip his father in fame. He had quarreled several times with the pope, eventually coming to something resembling an agreement, having never rejected the Pope's authority on ecclesiastical issues but managing to convince the Pope of his sincerity in ensuring the Pope's authority in religious matters. I ended the playthrough at the death of Tancred and ascension of his grandson Raymond.

The Hautevilles, and especially the imperial line are practically sacred to the population of the empire and even proclaimed to be descendants or at least relatives of Alexander the Great, a claim backed up by their successful wars of expansion waged in Asia and North Africa as well as their subjugation of two great empires.

 

[jonjowett]

I'm pretty much done with this run (ready to start a new one), so I thought I'd post some screenshots here.

I started as one of the few Jewish characters in the game (Kaleb I Gideon of Semien, 936).

After observing that my dynastic CoA was the same as the ducal CoA for Axum, and was very appropriate for the Jewish faith, my aim was to create a custom Jewish empire with that CoA. (And, of course, rebuild the Third Temple, restore the Kohen Gadol, and all that.) (I called it "Beta Israel" because, among other things, that's the real-life name for the Jewish community in Ethiopia.)

Other notable achievements:

• Threw the uber-buffed (Jade Serpent) Aztecs back into the ocean
• Tributised the world (or, at least, everyone who matters) - ie. became a Middle-Eastern version of medieval China.
• Spread my dynasty and the Jewish faith from China to Iberia
• Set up trading outposts (ie. island vassal MRs) so that I have diplomatic contact with everyone on the map
• Created a capital with higher Fort Level than Constantinople
• Earned the "Li'l Warrior Philosopher" bloodline
• "Discovered" the Fountain of Youth in Mecca
• Actually continued playing and having fun for nearly 400 in-game years

Religion & culture mapmodes:

NB: AI Jews will only convert provinces if they are zealous, which is why there's little conversion outside my lands.

Dynastic mapmode & China:

NB#1: Persia's heir is of my dynasty, but I can't be bothered to wait another few decades for them to take over.
NB#2: I only just conquered China - the emperor is my brother. The hardest part was that their armies didn't pop out where I expected them, and they were "invisible" for ages while they walked through all my tributaries.

Tributaries:

NB#1: The income you get from tributising the world is a little bit ridiculous.
NB#2: Of the independent states with the largest armies, only 4 are not my tributaries: Novgorod, Moldavia, Khotan and Syracusa. Syracusa is a recent revolt that I'm hoping Sicily will annex. Novgorod and Khotan are miles away and kinda poor, so I can't really be bothered. Moldavia is in the middle of an independence war (vs Bulgaria) and therefore can't be tributised.

Misc:

My capital with >20 fort level:

(Max level city walls great project, and both of the special buildings from bloodlines.)

My li'l warrior philosopher bloodline:

(This is surprisingly difficult, because CK2 doesn't grant you a lot of globally-applicable CBs. Especially as a Jewish character. I feel like my approach - tributising everyone - was a bit too easy and not really in the spirit of the bloodline, but it worked. Also, after all that effort, I haven't yet had a single great warrior spawn for me... ah well!)

 

[Austregisel]

The Kingdom of Flanders in 1262, its not quite a Empire yet sure xD But it had a interesting coronation for its first King

An official coronation to legitimize the position over the vassals is organized by the King who planned a great ceremony to be attended by the great nobles and important figures in the region. The ceremony would be performed by Archbishop Zdiek of Mainz.

The Flemish Coronation begins with the vows of Gozewijn von Nassau, becoming the first king of Flanders.

Some notable characters who attended the coronation were Pope Coelestinus III, the cousin and King of Bohemia, Herbert, King Bo of Sweden, Doge Hadrian of Venice and Hochmeister Casimir of the Teutonic Order, as well as several vassals recently elevated to the position of Duke in each of its regions.

King Herbert von Nassau of Bohemia was the first to stand and offer a toast in honor of King Gozewijn at the coronation feast, being applauded by the other guests after releasing his words saying, 'To our good host, King Gozewijn, may he reign for a long time!'

Lady Ada manages to catch the King's attention, and after a dance between the two, Gozewijn seemed in love with her smile, hence starting a romantic relationship between the two lovers.

For almost the entire party, Virginio de Sarteano seemed normal, but his lunatic and angry manner caused him to be removed from the hall.

The coronation is then completed after a speech by King Gozewijn to the guests.

​

 

[Austregisel]

So, now this time is a Empire! Not just a mere Kingdom, lessss go!

Empire of Flanders founded by Ludewijn von Nassau in 1341. His dynasty began as a small count in central Germany, over time marriages were arranged with various nobles by the HRE, one of these marriages resulted in an outcry over the Duchy of Holland, which it was conquered by the von Nassau dynasty.

Several decades passed and more strategic marriages were arranged, the von Nassau dynasty would eventually succeed in placing its relatives on the throne of the Kingdom of Bohemia, in which some of its members were elected as Emperors of the HRE, other members became dukes in Croatia and in Bavaria, and several other branches of the dynasty managed to obtain counties outside the HRE, such as the Counts of Paris and Ypres, as well as ruling small counties in Italy, Jerusalem and Poland.

The Dukes of Holland, the secondary branch that was overshadowed by the von Nassau of Bohemia, would once again become the main members of the family after inheriting several duchies throughout the Lotharingia region, fighting for the independence of their lands and conquering the rich regions of Wallonia from hands of the kings of France. The founding of the Kingdom of Flanders placed it in a privileged position in the region.

The Kings of Flanders fought in the name of the Catholic faith in Livonia and Jerusalem, they were successful in the Holy Land from which the von Nassau branch of the Crusader state of Jerusalem was formed. Not long after, wars were fought against Denmark, the HRE, Italy, Burgundy, France and England. But the greatest achievement of the Kings of Flanders was the conquest of the Kingdom of France, which resulted in the founding of the Empire of Flanders by Ludewijn von Nassau, King of Flanders.

 

[Rockphed]

So, now this time is a Empire! Not just a mere Kingdom, lessss go!

Empire of Flanders founded by Ludewijn von Nassau in 1341. His dynasty began as a small count in central Germany, over time marriages were arranged with various nobles by the HRE, one of these marriages resulted in an outcry over the Duchy of Holland, which it was conquered by the von Nassau dynasty.

Several decades passed and more strategic marriages were arranged, the von Nassau dynasty would eventually succeed in placing its relatives on the throne of the Kingdom of Bohemia, in which some of its members were elected as Emperors of the HRE, other members became dukes in Croatia and in Bavaria, and several other branches of the dynasty managed to obtain counties outside the HRE, such as the Counts of Paris and Ypres, as well as ruling small counties in Italy, Jerusalem and Poland.

The Dukes of Holland, the secondary branch that was overshadowed by the von Nassau of Bohemia, would once again become the main members of the family after inheriting several duchies throughout the Lotharingia region, fighting for the independence of their lands and conquering the rich regions of Wallonia from hands of the kings of France. The founding of the Kingdom of Flanders placed it in a privileged position in the region.

The Kings of Flanders fought in the name of the Catholic faith in Livonia and Jerusalem, they were successful in the Holy Land from which the von Nassau branch of the Crusader state of Jerusalem was formed. Not long after, wars were fought against Denmark, the HRE, Italy, Burgundy, France and England. But the greatest achievement of the Kings of Flanders was the conquest of the Kingdom of France, which resulted in the founding of the Empire of Flanders by Ludewijn von Nassau, King of Flanders.


View attachment 1124682

Um, I think you are in the wrong forum. This is the CK2 forum. That looks like CK3

 

[Sian]

Um, I think you are in the wrong forum. This is the CK2 forum. That looks like CK3

Nope, that's clearly a CK2 Face

 

[Austregisel]

The Kipchak Khanate under the new leader that unified his people, the Khan Eltut, a brilliant strategist, genius and formidable fighter.

Khan Eltut greatly expands his dominion throughout his life, and now in 933 he is 53 years old, but he is infirm and suffers from a sickly disposition, and must soon perish. His nephew Tortogul the Brave should succeed him as Khan of the Qipçaq, the problem is whether the other clans will accepted him.

​

 

[Austregisel]

In 1011, Khan Tortogul II decided to convert to the Paulician faith, the only other nation with the same religion was the strong Kingdom of Hayk in Armenia, taking the opportunity to also vassalize the Patriarch of the faith.
​

 

[jonjowett]

In 1011, Khan Tortogul II decided to convert to the Paulician faith, the only other nation with the same religion was the strong Kingdom of Hayk in Armenia, taking the opportunity to also vassalize the Patriarch of the faith.​

Which mod is that, with the extra flavour for Paulicians?

 

[Austregisel]

Which mod is that, with the extra flavour for Paulicians?

Its HIP, i dont think there is flavor for it xD

 

[jonjowett]

Its HIP, i dont think there is flavor for it xD

So, I guess the extra flavour is coming from HIP!

FYI, in the base game, Paulicians are just a worse version of Orthodox. There's no decision to vassalise the religious head, no raising zealots with piety, etc etc.

 

[jonjowett]

... And that, my friends, was the moment Chagatai Khan realised why it was unwise to poke the bear...

(Peaceful reformed Suomenskuo. Legendary Hero of the Warriors of Ukko. 50ish duke-tier tribal vassals + 35ish extorted tributaries, including a very successful Byz and several kings.)

It's time for a Mongol hunt!

Spoiler: Troop counts

EDIT: As expected, it was over very quickly, and he had to pay me >3k gold in the surrender. Unfortunately, being peaceful, I can't easily take any land from him...

 

[Sunshine Moon]

Behold, probably the one "check out my big empire and how cool it is" post I'll ever make:

Big Tibet.

[apologies if this is too long a post for this thread, it's very much a one-post situation and not requiring a full AAR thread imo]

Hello The Entire Mediterranean! Would you like to hear about the glory of Buddha?

In theory, this could even extend further east; around the turn of the 15th century, China was defeated and its throne granted to the sister of the then-current Tsenmo (and Chakravarti, and Emperor of Persia, Protector of the Holy Places of Islam...we've got a lot going on)

This is only fair, in my opinion, as back around the turn of the 14th, China entered a civil war; Tibet backed the incumbent dynasty, but after losing the claimant fled with the remainder of his army and conquered the entire Tibetan empire, turning the former emperor into a vassal king, only for a Chinese imperial army to come chasing after him and shatter his new empire--completely destroying Tibetan empire for the crime of being defeated by their enemy.

I'd been like 90% of the way through conquering India at this point, and had to do the whole thing again--mostly in the lifetime of Tritsuk the Grandiose, a giant one-legged werewolf who made it his life's project, being the only ruler to use Samrat Chakravartin as his primary title. (It helped that a lot of it had recently been united by a great (Jain, ironically) conqueror, who incidentally I had a hell of a time trying to get her bloodline into my family after the unification.) That guy actually managed to found two bloodlines in his own right, one for being a munificent builder of temples and the other for the India thing. I ended with five bloodlines total...

In addition to the high levels of technology, medicine, fortification and trade you'd expect from having spent 400-odd years developing it, my imperial capital just kinda has...

...a lot going on!
The empire is covered in universities, libraries, underground cities and gold-plated statues of my grandmother, but some highlights from the rest of the world:

• A crusading dynastic empire was somehow hijacked by their targets, and now Shia Sweden also holds southern Spain and most of the Holy Land
• Suomenusko/Finnic paganism reformed and established multiple kingdoms, though the biggest one currently remains a vassal of the gigantic Zhezdi nomad confederation that has dominated the steppe for at least a century (even my Tibetan vassals' conquests of parts of the Zhezdi border proved ephemeral due to nomad unrest)
• I noticed I had a claimant to the Sunni caliphate hanging around, converted them to Buddhism and landed them as a vassal then pressed their claim, and to my surprise this worked, and ever since the Sunni caliph has been a Buddhist king in my empire. Um, all right. Much more recently, towards the end of the game, my vassals' wars reduced the Shia caliph to a couple counties in eastern Arabia, so I quickly made her a tributary to stop anyone else attacking her. So I guess now both sects are under the glorious protection of the Buddha...?
• A nomadic group settled in the Poland-Lithuania area and formed the Catholic "empire of Sudermania", which spent most of its lifetime as a sort of weak puppet of the extraordinarily powerful vassal kings of Lithuania under it who held most of its actual territory, so I'm sure modern historians will have a field day arguing over whether the 'empire' was a sham institution or not (purple on the world map there)
• The Aztecs invaded cause I have Sunset Invasion on, but were eventually beaten back so thoroughly that the (Cathar) Aztec emperor now only holds three-quarters of Iceland and has lost even its closest islands; however, remnants of Nahua culture have been quite successful in Scandinavia and the British Isles; the current queen of Ireland and Scotland is Nahua. Meanwhile despite a period of Anglo-Norman rule, the Saxons played an uno-reverse and are now ruling not just most of Britain but the kingdom of France, too; the remainder of Britain is Breton, interestingly. The rest of central Europe just did the latest in a regular cycle of independence revolts from the HRE that reverses its continued attempts to mega-blob; it retains unreasonable gains in north-central Africa, but Ghana and Abyssinia are now strong enough it's likely not getting anywhere further.
• The Byzantines were shattered by the Fourth Crusade event around 1200 (the last successful crusade, I might add, since most of the remainder have been targetted at me and fizzled out in the face of my 400k-strong army before even launching, other than the one for Egypt which was immediately conquered back by a jihad), leaving their territory a wild team deathmatch currently consisting of the likes of a king-tier republic of Epirus, various tributaries of the Sicilo-Normans, and both Croatia and Bulgaria having converted to Jain? Which seems to have spread alongside and indeed beyond the borders of my empire via secret cults quite extensively, though Buddhism remains the world's largest religion by a huge margin.
• The trade zones and general merchant republic situation is...weird! The traditional Italian ones are competing with my patronage of the republic of Crete I set up, which features prominent Byzantine families such as the Kantakouzenoi as its great houses, which is fun (...and also turned Jain at some point), and until very recently were scrapping with an Irish-Nahua Republic of Ulster for control of the north sea, until it was smashed in the 1420s. The Indian ocean is calmer, just my other two vassal republics (Gujarat and Yemen). Another thing that isn't in on the action is the Hansa, which after a good couple centuries of business managed to lose all its coastal territory and become a regular, non-merchant republic. That is still called a Merchant League.
• Catholic holy orders include the Knights of Santiago, Calatrava and Lesbos. Incredibly, though, the Fedayeen ended up with like 100k troops, as much as the HRE at its height, those being joint second for global troop count after my giant empire of doom!

Anyway, I think that'll do me for carving out huge portions of the world for achievement-hunting for a good while! Time to do some scrappy little games after this, I think...

Spoiler: Achievements and rulers

You can see where I got caught up in that Chinese civil war and went back down in rank for a bit, haha. Also worth noting Nyendrak II 'the Lion', right near the end, who was the only one to get a higher score than Tritsuk India-siezer up there; she did a crazy amount of building and development, was constantly drinking from the fountain of youth to prolong her life, had 11 girlfriends at one point (I figured it'd be fun to get the Casanova achievement with a gay character), and became the first empress of Persia in 800 years. We love to see a girlboss winning?

 

[FacelessOne]

After a long long speed 1 RP playthrough from 769 a.d. to 1444 a.d. and ruling since 906 a.d. in Jerusalem...
...anyone knows a good and still working converter mod for EUIV?

 

[jonjowett]

...anyone knows a good and still working converter mod for EUIV?

I've never used it myself, but this thread has been pretty active over on the mod forum, so either it works or someone on there might have more info.

 

[Wixelt]

After a long long speed 1 RP playthrough from 769 a.d. to 1444 a.d. and ruling since 906 a.d. in Jerusalem...
...anyone knows a good and still working converter mod for EUIV?

View attachment 1214251

What's the problem with the official convertor?