Crusader Kings II

**Rhyfelwyr** · 12-02-2013, 00:11

I finally caved in and got this game, and have just lost at my first attempt!

I played as the elderly King of Iceland. I married, has lots of kids and ensured my heir did the same. I had only one vassal. Since I was part of the de jure Norwegian Kingdom, the King of Norway attacked me to make my vassal his own, which he easily did, since I could only raised 1,200 men to his 4,000+ that arrived on my shore. So, I was reduced to one province. My king then died, and the heir took his place, only to convert to Catharism, become posseessed, have his entire court hate him, and generally go insane. The King of Norway then declared a Holy War, I surrendered thinking I might just be vassalised. But I was not, and I didn't stand a chance anyway. So ended my game!

Any tips for who to go on my next attempt?

**rvg** · 12-02-2013, 02:04

Originally Posted by Rhyfelwyr

Any tips for who to go on my next attempt?

King of Scotland, of course.

**Chaotix** · 12-02-2013, 03:03

Originally Posted by Rhyfelwyr

I finally caved in and got this game, and have just lost at my first attempt!

I played as the elderly King of Iceland. I married, has lots of kids and ensured my heir did the same. I had only one vassal. Since I was part of the de jure Norwegian Kingdom, the King of Norway attacked me to make my vassal his own, which he easily did, since I could only raised 1,200 men to his 4,000+ that arrived on my shore. So, I was reduced to one province. My king then died, and the heir took his place, only to convert to Catharism, become posseessed, have his entire court hate him, and generally go insane. The King of Norway then declared a Holy War, I surrendered thinking I might just be vassalised. But I was not, and I didn't stand a chance anyway. So ended my game!

Any tips for who to go on my next attempt?

Well...

Ireland is a better 'tutorial island', if that's what you were looking to find in Iceland.

William the Conqueror is good if you want to get right into the action and start with a powerful kingdom in a decent position.

If you want to try the vassal-intrigue-faction game, pick someone in the HRE.

Not sure how many DLCs you have, but that covers the base game pretty well for early picks.

**Myth** · 12-02-2013, 11:25

Iceland is actually a hard start. That was my first start too. Then I moved on to Antioch in 1187. Word of advice: don't.

I'd tell you to go for Jorvik, Jylland or Ostlandet if you want to be Norse, any of the Karlings if you want to be Catholic or Venice in the Old Gods start date.

**Rhyfelwyr** · 12-02-2013, 13:41

Yeah I was going for a sort of 'tutorial' faction. I think Ireland looks good for a next attempt, I've heard that Dublin is a good choice for beginners. Or perhaps Munster/Connaught, since they are rated as easier to play. No overlords to worry about!

**Myth** · 12-02-2013, 13:57

Yeah but in the 1066 start. The Old Gods start will see you raided into oblivion by the vikings. FYI a human controlled Ivar the Boneless can take out Scotland, then Ireland all by himself and have free troops to spare.

**AntiDamascus** · 12-02-2013, 17:22

I have also just gotten this game. We will see how well I do.

**Monk** · 12-02-2013, 22:46

Originally Posted by Rhyfelwyr

Yeah I was going for a sort of 'tutorial' faction. I think Ireland looks good for a next attempt, I've heard that Dublin is a good choice for beginners. Or perhaps Munster/Connaught, since they are rated as easier to play. No overlords to worry about!

Ireland is a wonderful start to learn the ropes of the game. You have room to experiment with the features but aren't going to be facing much outside danger. A 1066 start will be best so you don't have to worry about raiding.

After that, William the Conqueror, as others have suggested, is a great next step which will teach you the importance of vassal relations. You'll have the chance to fight an invasion and then deal with subjugating the people you've conquered. France is the only main concern for you. You will likely lose Normandy but after you've solidified your position in the isles you can get it back as well as go Crusading.

Once you've mastered William the sky is the limit. You should have the know how to play and do whatever you want in CK2. If you're looking for the ultimate challenge then might I suggest Herbert, Count de Vermandois in the 1066 start date.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

You are the last descendant of the Karling House and start as a one province count on the borders of France and the HRE. Your liege is the Capet King of France. You have decent stats but no claims of your own. Recapturing a King-tier title will take hard work and a little bit of luck, but restoring the Karling dynasty to its 'rightful' place makes for some really fun times.

**Ishmael** · 12-02-2013, 23:17

Originally Posted by Rhyfelwyr

Yeah I was going for a sort of 'tutorial' faction. I think Ireland looks good for a next attempt, I've heard that Dublin is a good choice for beginners. Or perhaps Munster/Connaught, since they are rated as easier to play. No overlords to worry about!

Ireland has always been my favourite start - I've probably played as much there as with all others put together. I'll also add Poland (in 1066) to the suggestions for after that - you start near pagans, so you can use the holy war casus belli to expand quickly, but the Romuva religion is small enough that you wont get dogpiled by too many others of that faith. If you ally with the HRE it's almost too easy. That then puts you pretty close to creating an empire title, which is always satisfying.

**rvg** · 12-04-2013, 20:19

Originally Posted by Ishmael

I'll also add Poland (in 1066) to the suggestions for after that - you start near pagans, so you can use the holy war casus belli to expand quickly, but the Romuva religion is small enough that you wont get dogpiled by too many others of that faith. If you ally with the HRE it's almost too easy...

Does the pagan defensive bonus and ultra low supply limit not pose a challenge, or do you wait until your MO tech level is at 4 before tackling the Romuvans?

**Ishmael** · 12-05-2013, 00:41

Originally Posted by rvg

Does the pagan defensive bonus and ultra low supply limit not pose a challenge, or do you wait until your MO tech level is at 4 before tackling the Romuvans?

This was a couple of patches back, so I may be out of date. The supply limit was ridiculously low when I started, but if I paced myself and attacked one or two province states at a time I could usually assault their castles, since they tended to have low garrisons due to the low development of the pagans. My allies often took care of their standing armies for me.