Why is my game different to the one in the manual?

[Safemouse]

Pretty much from the get-go my game (2.8.1.1 ISRM) diverges from the one described in the manual that came with it. According to the manual, the single player game opens with an interface giving me a choice between Stamford Bridge, William the Conqueror, The Third Crusade or the Hundred Years War. In actual fact, I get a choice between eras ranging from 769 A.D. to 1337. If I click on 1066 it then gives me a choice between what look to be Christian and Muslim sovereigns. Anybody know why this is? Ideally, I'd like a manual that corresponds to the game I'm playing. Thank you.

 

[Aardvark Bellay]

Pretty much from the get-go my game (2.8.1.1 ISRM) diverges from the one described in the manual that came with it. According to the manual,....

The manual was made on release and never updated.
That era screen got introduced later with....patch 2.1 Charlemagne i believe.

In actual fact, I get a choice between eras ranging from...

To select classical bookmarks click on Custom Game Setup in that era selection screen instead.
You get the world map and can select the realm (see the top for map modes) you want to play on the map.

Regarding the start date bookmarks are on the top left then.
The very top has ways to change single days even after 1066 until 1349 or so.
So you can choose any date after 1066 alternatively.

The Wiki is your best option regarding anything like a manual:
https://ck2.paradoxwikis.com/Crusader_Kings_II_Wiki
and the guide overview there:
https://ck2.paradoxwikis.com/Guide_overview

 

[Safemouse]

Thank you, that's very helpful. Shame they didn't update it!

 

[Aardvark Bellay]

Thank you, that's very helpful. Shame they didn't update it!

By the way, i'm just a forum member if it wasn't obvious to you yet.

Sure it's sad, but Paradox never did anyway and i guess we can be happy nowadays to get one at all.

Still as far as i recall it i think the manual can be helpful in providing a new player an idea how to approach the game, especially concerning the feudal
hierarchies and all that implies, which makes it different from any standard nation expanding game.
More of a bedtime reading though, than a real manual, i suppose.

Regarding the feudal hierarchy i recommend to read this: https://ck2.paradoxwikis.com/Vassals ,
as i don't remember anymore how far the manual explains it.

 

[Safemouse]

Yes, I'll likely read the manual anyway... Thanks for the links.

 

[AndrewT]

Most if not all of the expansions have their own manuals, eg:
http://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/s...CK_II_Jade_Dragon_Manual_ENG.pdf?t=1513096180