Start date recommendation

[dlshcbmuipmam]

First of all, thanks for the great mod.

SInce this mod add a lot of mechanics into the game, I would like to ask which start date is more polished for those mechanics. There is a 1000 start date, but I hesitate since there is a change "Default start reverted to year 1066" in the change log.

 

[Mr Nobody]

First of all, thanks for the great mod.

SInce this mod add a lot of mechanics into the game, I would like to ask which start date is more polished for those mechanics. There is a 1000 start date, but I hesitate since there is a change "Default start reverted to year 1066" in the change log.

The 1000 start date is the easiest to blob as the Byzantines. The 867 is the second easiest one, but it can be arguably easier than the 1000 one if the Abbasids explode, so that you can get South Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Syria, and Palestine all during the course of one ruler. But 867 leads to way too ahistorical outcome in a long campaign since there are a lot of nomads and tribes, and they are always unpredictable.

The 1000 start date also provides you with ample opportunities to create realistic enough alternate history, since Christianity is still somewhat united. But some people don't like the schism mechanic since the outcome can be erratic. I don't encounter such problem personally. I find Carolingian restoration to be realistic enough here, in 1066 and beyond they are on the brink of extinction and you have to rely on dice roll a few times, I'm sure. If you like to be a masochist, go ahead though.

In 1000 you will often see the Iberian peninsula fully under the control of the Umayyads within the span of a few rulers. If you want to see interesting holy war shenanigans, 1066 start date is better. Also, 1066 is far better for Sunni Islam in the Middle East since the Seljuks are already in power.

 

[dlshcbmuipmam]

The 1000 start date is the easiest to blob as the Byzantines. The 867 is the second easiest one, but it can be arguably easier than the 1000 one if the Abbasids explode, so that you can get South Italy, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Syria, and Palestine all during the course of one ruler. But 867 leads to way too ahistorical outcome in a long campaign since there are a lot of nomads and tribes, and they are always unpredictable.

The 1000 start date also provides you with ample opportunities to create realistic enough alternate history, since Christianity is still somewhat united. But some people don't like the schism mechanic since the outcome can be erratic. I don't encounter such problem personally. I find Carolingian restoration to be realistic enough here, in 1066 and beyond they are on the brink of extinction and you have to rely on dice roll a few times, I'm sure. If you like to be a masochist, go ahead though.

In 1000 you will often see the Iberian peninsula fully under the control of the Umayyads within the span of a few rulers. If you want to see interesting holy war shenanigans, 1066 start date is better. Also, 1066 is far better for Sunni Islam in the Middle East since the Seljuks are already in power.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am not a fan of blogging and I also don't care that much about realistic history. I think 1000 is probably a good choice for me.

 

[Mr Nobody]

Thank you for your suggestion. I am not a fan of blogging and I also don't care that much about realistic history. I think 1000 is probably a good choice for me.

If you don't care much about realistic history, you should try the 867 start date. Abbasids are about to explode at any moment, as are Carolingians. Install Rex Teutonicorum as well for additional CBs and events. This gives you far more action in both the Middle East and Western Europe.

 

[pcuser1584789]

i forget the exact date but late 12th century, like 1187 i think, is the earliest start date with shia islam in mazandaran duchy on coast of south caspian sea, which is where shia islam started in iran. You are vassal of turkish sunnis and surrounded by enemies... try to make shia islam take over iran

whatever dlc that does the societies is good with it since you will have the hashish smoker assassins

 

[vicbus]

I have a couple of suggestions:
If you don't mind weird historical outcomes, the Charlemagne (E. M. Ages) and Old Gods bookmarks are super fun in this mod. There are improved mechanics for the Carolingian Empire ascension and collapse and overall the viking invasion of Britain becomes more interesting with the new melting pot cultures.

Another interesting bookmark for me is the one with the colapse of the Seljuks. You could try a bunch of things, even restoring persia as a persian ruler before the Mongols come knocking at your door.