The Best Starting Rulers In 1178 For Crusader Kings 3

Key Takeaways

The free update for CK3 adds an 1178 start date with new rulers and political landscapes.
Rulers like Duke Heinrich III, King Henry II, Sultan Salah Al-Din are standout choices.
Players can roleplay as iconic figures like King Baudouin IV and King Louis VII.

As a historian delving into the annals of medieval Europe, I find myself captivated by these iconic figures who shaped the course of history. Among them, Salah al-Din, the Righteousness of the Faith, stands out as a titan of his time. With his Conqueror Trait, he is indeed a formidable force to reckon with in Crusader Kings 3. The siege of Jerusalem under his command would be an exhilarating challenge for any player, especially with the added depth provided by the Legacy of Persia DLC.

With the complimentary update that came out together with the “Roads to Power” DLC for Crusader Kings 3, players now have the opportunity to begin their game in the year 1178. This start date is significantly later than the usual 1066 start date, and as a result, the political scenes in Europe, North Africa, and the Holy Land are all transformed and far more distinct. Additionally, starting off in this era means having access to more sophisticated innovations and laws, allowing players to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the later Middle Ages at an earlier stage.

Best of all, however, there are scores of new rulers for the 1178 start date, and fans of medieval history will spot many familiar names. The best rulers for 1178 are a mix of famous names too iconic to pass over, as well as lesser-known nobles with epic stories ahead of them. While there are also plenty of great rulers centered around the Byzantine Empire in 1178, those characters are best enjoyed with the Roads to Power DLC which not all players own.

5 Duke Heinrich III ‘The Lion’ Of Angria

An Influential Player In The Holy Roman Empire

The Best Starting Rulers In 1178 For Crusader Kings 3

If you’re drawn to characters who aren’t initially at the pinnacle of power, Duke Heinrich III, famously known as ‘the Lion’, could be an engaging choice. He was one of the most influential nobles during his era, boasting both personal strength and remarkable family connections.

Apart from being related as cousins, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire also shares a familial tie with King Henry II of England through marriage to his daughter. This unique connection creates an intriguing gameplay scenario, allowing players to pursue their own goals or influence other conflicts. Heinrich boasts superior Stewardship traits, ensuring a substantial wealth advantage at the game’s outset.

4 King Henry II Of England

Try To Keep Hold Of A Vast Kingdom Whilst Dealing With Unruly Sons

King Henry II of England would have made a fine initial ruler under any circumstances. However, the ‘Choose a New Destiny’ feature adds an extra layer of excitement when he passes away, as players can opt for any of Henry’s notoriously difficult sons, known as the Devil’s Brood. This group includes Richard ‘the Lionheart’, and the infamous King John of England. In your gameplay, there’s a chance that Henry ‘the Young King’ and Geoffrey may also survive.

As Henry II in the game CK3, you’ll be entrusted with governing a sprawling Kingdom, often referred to as The Angevin Empire by historians, which encompasses approximately half of France. By your side is Eleanor of Aquitaine, a powerful woman known for her significant impact during her era and a persistent challenge to Henry’s strategies. To effectively portray Henry II in the game, you should be prepared to travel extensively, reflecting the historical figure’s restless and nomadic nature.

3 Sultan Salah Al-Din Of The Ayyubid Sultanate

A Legend Of The Crusades & He Starts With The New Conqueror Trait

Among the 1178 newly recognized leaders, Salah al-Din stands out as one of the most notable figures, known as ‘The Righteousness of the Faith’. In reality, this title translates to ‘Righteous Leader’ or ‘Devout Ruler’. As Sultan of the Ayyubid Empire, Salah al-Din wields immense authority, and his influence is further amplified by the Conqueror Trait, making him a formidable opponent, akin to a raid boss, with numerous advantages.

Naturally, players can do what they wish with their playthrough, but you can’t go wrong with attacking Jerusalem as Salah al-Din. It’s arguably best to play Salah al-Din with the Legacy of PersiaDLC for Crusader Kings 3, which enhances play for Muslim and Clan rulers.

2 King Baudouin IV ‘The Leper’ Of Jerusalem

A Difficult Playthrough For An Iconic Character

Individuals who have seen the film “The Kingdom of Heaven” may recognize King Baudouin IV, also known as ‘the Leper’, of Jerusalem. Starting from 1178, players now have the opportunity to embark on the challenging journey of this resolute king, who despite his debilitating illness, refused to yield to it.

In the game, there’s a high likelihood that players might meet an early demise, but if they manage to survive and pull off an extraordinary defense of the Holy Land, they could potentially reach unprecedented greatness. With a skilled Court Physician and a dash of fortune on their side, they might even defy expectations and thrive. If Baudouin passes away due to leprosy without leaving an heir, players can instead take control as his fascinating sister, Sibylla. She is one of the top-tier starting characters in 1178 for CK3.

1 King Louis VII ‘The Younger’ Of France

Try To Reclaim France As Louis Or His Son Philippe

People who aren’t well-versed in 12th-century history might find it intriguing to learn that much of present-day France was under English and Aragon control in 1178. Recreating this historical scenario could make for an engaging playthrough in CK3. To achieve this, players should initially take on the role of King Louis VII, but the real excitement kicks off when his son, Philippe II, takes over the throne.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share the story of Philippe, who would eventually earn the revered nickname ‘Augustus’. This was due to his tireless work in restoring land back to the French crown. In our own quests, Philippe’s impressive stats and exceptional Personality Traits will serve as a valuable ally, aiding us in our endeavors.

2024-09-24 21:24