Mastering Nomads in Crusader Kings 3: Khans of the Steppe Guide

For those delving into the Khans of the Steppe expansion pack in Crusader Kings 3, you might encounter a bit of a learning curve since Nomads function uniquely compared to other factions on the map. This guide for CK3 will clarify the role of the Herd, offer tips on managing Fertility, provide insights into when and where to migrate, and, of course, outline strategies for conquering the Steppe or other nomadic territories.

Overview Of Nomads In Crusader Kings 3

In Crusader Kings 3, only with the Khans of the Steppe DLC can you experience the role of nomadic characters. Without this expansion, players can still manage these same figures, such as future Genghis Khan, but as Tribals instead. The unique aspect of Nomads compared to other government types in CK3 is that they are not constrained by land.

Nomads aren’t confined only to the Steppes; they can also be used in North Africa, providing that this is specified within the game’s guidelines.

The focus isn’t on acquiring the largest or superior territory, rather it revolves around possessing the strongest Herd and maintaining military dominance within the region. Since the land is frequently grazed, reducing its fertility, Nomadic leaders often find it necessary to relocate, abandoning their previous settlements. As a result, there are no permanent structures built in these territories. Instead, Nomads have a portable dwelling, similar to the Landless Adventurers in CK3. For Steppe Nomads, this temporary residence is referred to as a Yurt and can be upgraded, but it will always accompany the ruler during migration.

What To Do First As A Nomad & Gain Early Strength

If newcomers initially find themselves rather feeble in the role of a Nomad amidst the expansive Steppe, they might opt to initiate pillaging as their first move. Through these raids, they can accumulate Gold and Livestock, resources that are indispensable for survival and progression. The more livestock they acquire, their army will swell in size, enhancing their bargaining power. Gold, on the other hand, allows them to transform some of their livestock into skilled warriors like Torch Bearers or Mounted Archers, thus empowering them for further raids and aggressive wars, creating a snowball effect.

The “Steal Herd” strategy is equally effective when employed towards your neighbors, since it not only diminishes their strength but simultaneously boosts your own Herd and power.

Players might want to consider turning nearby Nomads into Vassals first, as other leaders may claim them otherwise. Typically, they won’t resist this change, and in return, they would contribute approximately 20% of their herd.

If larger forces seem to be at play, think about joining a coalition with nearby regions as a precautionary measure. This mutual defense pact doesn’t necessarily have to last forever – once parties gain more power, they may choose to break free from their allies and even overthrow them. On the other hand, by fulfilling specific conditions, parties might be able to transform this coalition into their own sovereign state peacefully.

The Nerge Hunt Activity offers an appealing choice, providing opportunities to earn Gold, Reputation, Status, and Fear.

The Nomadic Herd In Crusader Kings 3

A herd is exclusive to nomads, symbolizing their followers and livestock. When a segment of it transforms into a nomadic horde employed for plundering and warfare, it also signifies the ruler’s power. Moreover, larger herds are essential for boosting a ruler’s dominance, which functions as the nomadic equivalent of Crown Laws, granting them greater influence and authority.

In simpler terms, a leader who has a big group (or ‘Herd’) but owns fewer territories (or ‘land’) is more influential compared to a nomadic person who has a vast amount of land but a smaller group.

The term “herd” can also be employed to influence or sway characters’ opinions, making them more inclined to accept something. It serves as a useful tool for decision-making processes. Furthermore, the herd offers some gold as an ongoing income source.

Herd can be obtained by:

Holding counties with high Fertility.
Vassals and Tributaries.
The Steal Herd Scheme.
Demand Herd interaction.
Support Herders task for Kurultai.

In addition to other factors, boosting cultural traditions, preserving dynastic legacies, constructing yurt dwellings, and elevating legitimacy levels can all contribute to an accelerated growth of herd populations.

Fertility & Seasons In Crusader Kings 3

Nomadic Fertility

Counties situated in the Great Steppe and some other areas possess a characteristic called County Fertility, indicative of their pasture quality. With high levels of this fertility, herds can thrive, which in turn increases the power of rulers. Over time, however, the fertility will naturally decline.

Thanks to the Fertility Equilibrium, large realms are able to sustain Fertility and their Herd.

In the game of CK3, one significant factor driving migration is the necessity for players to find prosperous territories to expand their herds. Once established players relocate, AI herders will gradually repopulate the vacated lands, thereby revitalizing the fertility of the land over time.

As a keen enthusiast, I’d be delighted to share that clicking on the Fertility icon nestled in the lower-left corner of the screen will magically reveal the Fertility map. This vibrant green region signifies areas with high Fertility levels!

Nomadic Seasons

As a devotee, I can tell you that across the vast Great Steppe and other nomadic territories, there’s an intricate cycle of persistent Weather Patterns, which significantly impact Fertility, livestock, and societal harmony. To navigate through these seasons and make informed decisions, simply click on the Seasons Tab located at the bottom left corner. This action will open a panel on the right side of your screen, providing you with crucial information about the current season and its effects.

Assign a competent Stargazer for the most accurate readings of the next Season.

Here, individuals can view the Season in their current location, including its impact and duration, forecast for the upcoming Season, and the status of other regions. For instance, if you have five years remaining before a Severe Drought, it might be advisable to relocate. On the contrary, if only a year remains with an Everlasting Summer approaching, it could be beneficial to stay put.

It is worth noting that seasons can influence societal dynamics. To provide an illustration, during particularly harsh seasons, a disorderly power shift may transpire following the demise of a leader.

How To Migrate In Crusader Kings 3

When gamers opt to relocate in Crusader Kings 3 because of low Fertility rates, an unfavorable season, or to seek better prospects, they should tap on the “migration wagon” icon located at the bottom-left corner instead.

With this update, players will gain a fresh perspective as they can activate the Fertility map. By clicking on distinct areas, players will find out if their Migration is feasible for the existing inhabitant on the side panel. They may even persuade the current occupant by:

Gold
Herd
Hooks

If the desired piece of land can’t be acquired peacefully or there’s no suitable land available, you might consider migration as an option. However, this could potentially lead to conflict – a struggle for control over resources. During such a struggle, your people may find themselves without a permanent home for some time.

Herders are much more likely to accept migration, and their land should be Fertile.

Nomadic Domicile Buildings (Yurts) In Crusader Kings 3

Instead of building and improving structures like castles and towns on their lands, Nomads possess a Mobility Base, which they transport with them. This is analogous to the Camps of Wanderers and Estates of Administrative bodies in Crusader Kings 3, where it serves as a dwelling.

The primary structure or ‘Yurt’ has the option to be enhanced, boosting livestock capacity, gold earnings, prestige, and offering defensive advantages. Additionally, there are other structures available for selection, each with various internal upgrades that can be tailored to your strategy. This is just one method Nomads can become more powerful; upgrades require investment of Gold, Prestige, and Livestock resources.

Kurultai & Succession

In contrast to the typical Council members within CK3, Nomads select their own governing body known as Kurultai, whose roles are tailored to nomadic existence. These roles might include supporting herders, assisting stargazers, or managing fertility.

Furthermore, the Kurultai will significantly impact the line of succession within the kingdom upon a ruler’s demise. Therefore, maintaining their loyalty becomes crucial. Loyalty, a novel aspect introduced in the expansion pack “Khans of the Steppe”, operates as a binary system; characters can either be Loyal or Not Loyal.

If each member of the Kurultai is obedient, the ruler’s designated successor can claim the throne smoothly. However, if the members of Kurultai are disobedient, they might attempt to seize the kingdom themselves or even abandon it.

Through a simple click on a character, you can work out a compromise regarding Loyalty using Hooks, Gold, and Influence of the Group. Equally, when Dread is sufficiently intense, Loyalty can be enforced. Characters who are Loyal tend to avoid rebellion or participating in dangerous conspiracies.

2025-04-30 18:19