Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Key Takeaways

  • CK3 AGOT mod brings George R.R. Martin’s world to life with hundreds of playable characters in various bookmarks.
  • Players face challenges narrowing down rulers in CK3 AGOT, with characters like Daemon, Rhaenyra, & Viserys I Targaryen all being popular.
  • The mod offers unique experiences with characters like King Jaehaerys, Lord Lyonel Strong, & Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

As a seasoned player of both Crusader Kings 3 and CK3 AGOT, I must say that the unique experiences these games offer are truly unparalleled. The Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, for instance, is chosen rather than inherited – much like how my father never passed down his jokes to me!


The “CK3 AGOT” is an overhaul modification for the game “Crusader Kings 3,” transforming it into a replica of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe, including the world of “Game of Thrones.” This mod features an engaging cast of characters that players can control.

From the kings and Lords Paramount to nobles further down the social ladder, there are hundreds of playable characters across the various bookmarks for CK3 AGOT. With such a wide selection, however, finding a fun ruler who offers the appropriate challenge isn’t too easy.

Links to the CK3 AGOT mod:

  • Steam Workshop
  • Nexus Mods

15 King Jaehaerys I Targaryen – 82 AC

Reign Of The Conciliator Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

As a fresh gamer diving into the realm of CK3 AGOT, I found starting with the 82 AC mark to be an ideal choice, especially for beginners like myself. Unlike other bookmarks, this one lacks pre-scripted events or the immediate chaos that comes with them. Instead, it offers a tranquil and immersive environment, perfect for those seeking a sandbox experience.

King Jaehaerys himself is a great option for this, but players can essentially choose any ruler, big or small, and decide their own future. As Jaehaerys, players can create a sprawling dynasty of dragon riders, who hopefully won’t all come crashing down.

14 King Viserys I Targaryen – 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

King Viserys I Targaryen is widely adored due to Paddy Considine’s emotional performance. Not only is he a popular choice among players for the starting ruler in this mod of Game of Thrones, but as the king and leader of the Targaryen family, Viserys wields considerable power over all aspects, including an impressive collection of dragons and dragon eggs.

Experiencing the role of King Viserys offers an engaging alternative to playing as his daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is also a playable character. If preferred, players can start off as Rhaenyra instead. However, due to her young age (6 years old), she has limited choices until she reaches maturity. At the onset of the game, Viserys is married to Alicent Hightower, which might result in the birth of legitimate children. This could pose a challenging decision regarding Viserys’ heir, potentially leading to conflict and ultimately, war. Players can either strategize politically to prevent the ‘Dance of the Dragons’, or watch as events unfold for an unpredictable mix of drama and excitement.

13 Lord Lyonel Strong Of Harrenhal – 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

1. As Lyonel Strong in the game CK3 AGOT, there are three primary advantages. To begin with, you get to manage Harrenhal, a castle that may suffer from a curse but has the potential to regain its former splendor and stand as the most impressive fortress in Westeros.

1. In addition, Lyonel’s successor is Ser Harwin Strong, so if all goes smoothly, players can eventually command this beloved character. By the way, another favorite from Season 2 that players will have control over is Ser Simon Strong.

12 Lord Corlys Velaryon Of Driftmark – 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

In George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones” (CK3) by the year 106 AC, Lord Corlys Velaryon has already accomplished his nine epic sea voyages and is famously known as ‘The Sea Snake’. But in this mod, players can elevate Corlys and the Velaryon House to even greater realms of power. Notably, they are the sole non-Targaryen House with the ability to ride dragons.

While Corlys himself won’t soar on dragonback, his wife and children have that privilege, promising exciting times ahead and potentially stirring up conflict for the Iron Throne. Kicking off their story, Corlys initially engages in a war alongside Prince Daemon, aiming to seize control over the Stepstones.

11 Prince Daemon Targaryen – 106 AC

The Rogue Prince Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

The character Daemon Targaryen, whose bookmark “The Rogue Prince” refers to, stands out as an excellent choice for starting in the game CK3 AGOT, given his fiery disposition and mount Caraxes. With a deep-rooted fascination for dragons, Daemon is an ideal character to experiment with the latest update. As a claimant to the Iron Throne who faces disputes over his right to rule, a playthrough with this character can take many unexpected turns and twists.

In the 106 AC timeline as seen in the bookmark, my focus first lies on a battle for the Stepstones – a conflict that enthusiasts may recall from Season 1 of House of the Dragon. Should victory be mine, I’ll find myself faced with some intriguing decisions regarding my subsequent actions.

10 King Aegon V Targaryen – 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

King Aegon V Targaryen is a character that viewers may come to recognize better when HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” begins. In this series, he will initially be portrayed as a young bald boy named Egg, but later in life, despite being the fourth son of a fourth son, he ascends to rule the Iron Throne.

In the game known as “CK3 AGOT“, players assume the role of King Aegon V, two and a half decades into his predominantly tranquil rule. Yet, tension is rising due to a Blackfyre impostor planning an invasion from beyond the Narrow Sea. What might be even more intriguing, though, is Aegon’s fervor for dragons, and his dream of their resurrection could become a reality with the dragon expansion in “CK3 AGOT“. Players may want to visit a location called Summerhall…

9 Lord Roger Reyne Of Castamere – 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

The song “The Rains of Castamere” is notoriously terrifying to the Lannisters, and rightfully so. It recounts the annihilation of House Reyne, who dared to rebel against Tywin’s father, a man famously called ‘The Toothless Lion’. Tragically for the Reyne family, Tywin Lannister was on the brink of maturity and proved himself to be a formidable adversary.

In the game “CK3 AGOT“, players have the opportunity to take charge as Lord Roger Reyne of Castamere and potentially rewrite history according to their own fortune. Initially, players are presented with a demand for repayment of 2000 gold coins, but they may choose to disregard this initial request.

8 King Maelys I ‘The Monstrous’ Blackfyre – 258 AC

The War Of The Ninepenny Kings Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Maelys ‘The Monstrous’ is easily one of the most fun starts in CK3 AGOT for a number of reasons. First of all, he is the last Blackfyre pretender, from the line of the controversially legitimized Targaryen branch. In his eyes, he has a claim on the Iron Throne, and with the help of the Golden Company and pirate supporters known as the Band of Nine, he means to take what is his.

Players may discover that Maelys Blackfyre possesses an unusual second head growing from his shoulder in this mod, a feature not commonly associated with the character. While Maelys was initially introduced during the War of the Ninepenny Kings, he becomes an even more intriguing choice with the recent dragon update due to his possession of a dragon egg. Interestingly, in the books, he earned his nickname ‘The Monstrous’ for sacrificing his son in an attempt to hatch a dragon. Here’s hoping players find more success in their endeavors.

7 Lord Marq Grafton Of Gulltown – 282 AC

Robert’s Rebellion Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

If you’re seeking a tough start in CK3 AGOT, look no further than Lord Marq Grafton of Gulltown. Unlike other lords in the Vale who are loyal to Jon Arryn, Marq Grafton remains faithful to his overlord, King Aerys II. This allegiance places him under siege by Robert Baratheon at the beginning of the war.

Players taking on the role of rulers, much like those with the most challenging starts in Crusader Kings 3, are in for a significant challenge and need to think outside the box to prevent an early game failure. Interestingly, fans of Game of Thrones lore will recall that Lord Marq Grafton met his end during the siege of Gulltown, not surviving the event.

6 Prince Rhaegar Targaryen – 282 AC

Robert’s Rebellion Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

In the alternate scenario of ‘Crusader Kings III: A Game of Thrones’, Rhaegar Targaryen might have made an exceptional ruler, but his fate was sealed at the Battle of the Trident. To resurrect the House Targaryen and reclaim its former glory, players must eliminate not only Robert, but also the Mad King, who is Rhaegar’s father.

As a seasoned player who’s delved into countless mods, I can confidently say that this gameplay stands out as one of my favorites for those seeking a compelling narrative. With Rhaegar’s unique events and interactions with Lyanna Stark, it offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of the Game of Thrones saga. The cherry on top? You get to don Rhaegar’s legendary armor, meticulously recreated for the mod, which adds a layer of authenticity to the gameplay that is hard to find elsewhere.

5 Lord Eddard Stark – 282 & 284 AC

Robert’s Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the indelible impact the Starks of Winterfell have left on the world of Game of Thrones, with none more iconic than Eddard Stark himself. For novice players diving into Crusader Kings 3: AGOT or even Crusader Kings 3 itself, Ned Stark stands tall among the finest starting rulers.

One reason for this is that although the Stark lands were part of Robert’s Rebellion, they are located quite far from the battlefront. This means that players shouldn’t expect their territories to be under attack. With a considerable army at their command, players can significantly influence the war without necessarily being the primary combatant. For those who prefer starting the game during peaceful times, playing as Ned Stark in the Crowned Stag bookmark is an available option.

4 Lord Commander Jantos Of The Night’s Watch – 282 & 284 AC

Robert’s Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

For those who prefer to observe Westeros’ destruction while safely stationed at the Wall, joining the Night’s Watch provides an exceptional and distinct gaming experience, whether you’re playing Crusader Kings 3 or CK3 AGOT. Unlike other roles, the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch is not passed down through bloodline; instead, a brother is selected from within the order.

As a gamer immersed in this epic fantasy world, I can’t help but keep a watchful eye on the battle beyond the Wall, where the Night’s Watch plays a pivotal role. The game’s struggle mechanic is brilliantly employed here, creating an intense and engaging experience. Even though the lands of Westeros are not my immediate concern, I must remain vigilant about our dwindling resources. The icy gaze of the North never wavers.

3 Lord Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish – 282 & 284 AC

Robert’s Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Petyr Baelish also known as Littlefinger is easily one of the most ruthless characters from Game of Thrones and certainly cannot be trusted to do anything except feed his own ambition. Ambition however is exactly what players will need when playing as Petyr Baelish as the mod sees him start out in humble origins.

Fresh from his battle against Brandon Stark, the young Petyr Baelish navigates his climb to power through cunning and manipulation. For strategy enthusiasts who thrive on intricate plots in Crusader Kings 3, this character promises an engaging experience. His high stewardship ability also hints at the potential for players to accumulate substantial wealth, though the use of that wealth is entirely their decision.

2 Robert Baratheon – 282 & 284 AC

Robert’s Rebellion & The Crowned Stag Bookmarks

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Since the initial bookmark in the game CK3 AGOT takes you right into Robert’s Rebellion, it’s clear that playing as Robert Baratheon is an ideal choice. With a passion for battle, ladies, and grand feasts, Robert Baratheon makes an excellent character for players to embody in the game of Crusader Kings, providing ample chances to act out various roles within the game.

In the TV series, players encounter a more energetic and focused version of Robert, who gained fame through his use of a warhammer and swift marches to catch the opposition off guard. Additionally, players have the option to take on the role of Robert during his reign, which is depicted in the “Crowned Stag” storyline.

1 Lord Balon Greyjoy Of The Iron Islands- 284 AC

The Crowned Stag Bookmark

Crusader Kings 3: Best Starting Rulers For The Game Of Thrones Mod

Balon Greyjoy, the father of Theon, is one of the starting characters that is only available in the Crowned Stag bookmark. With his own father dead and a new king on the throne, Balon Greyjoy sees an opportunity to return his people to the old way of the Iron Islands.

The Ironborn, with their unique religion and culture that sets them apart from those dwelling in the verdant regions, offer players an exceptionally captivating approach to experiencing the game.

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2024-08-23 18:24