Civil War And How to Prevent It

**DensterNY** · 07-22-2005, 15:16

Wow, thanks for all the great tips guys... I'm gonna go implement some serious changes the next chance I get to play.

I've been a little worried about my overgrown empire after reading another thread on civil war yesterday. I guess the game mimics how in reality most large empires begin to erode themselves and to disintegrate internally.

Last night I reevaluated everyone who held a provincial title and "removed" those not exceedingly loyal. Also, taking a very close look at my young Princes I saw some were quite disloyal so I added them to the fighting armies of my very loyal generals and charged my Princes into anything that had a spear, halberd, pike or polearm.

The next time I watch a movie or read a book about some King who murdered members of his family or court I won't think him a monster but instead see the prudence of his actions.

**EatYerGreens** · 07-22-2005, 16:51

The way I see it is that, in a big empire, virtually everyone is on the make, especially so if not under the close watch of the ruler.

Every General lives to prove their bravery, personal fighting qualities and/or tactical and strategic expertise to all and sundry. So being left in charge of a dull garrison duty in some god-forsaken province, remote from where they were born or where their family still live and, more importantly still, out of the king's sight so that possibilities to gain fame and favour for themselves, or influence politics and goings on at court are virtually nil, is bound to inspire resentment in some - to the point of disloyalty.

With a large enough army under their command, some would seek to set themselves up as a petty warlord (the Shogun scenario) and carve out a small kingdom in their own right, so they turn rebel. Some think bigger-scale and take the time and trouble to see who they can convince to come with them on the enterprise and, when they judge the time to be right, start a civil war, in which they hope to prove themselves. Even if they lose, at least they get to do the thing in life they trained for and also get their name in the history books. These types no doubt see infamy as preferable to non-entity.

**dgfred** · 07-22-2005, 17:03

Thanks for the great tips guys

. CW really urks me.

**Satyr** · 07-22-2005, 23:40

Make sure that the province with the most/most advanced buildings is the one you want your new king to appear in. Nothing worse than being the English and finally taking Constantinople and you king dies and your new king appears there but you have no boats in the med. Instant rebellion in the north!

Don't ever retreat your king into a castle to wait for reinforcements. Did that once and 90% of my provinces rebelled. I would call that being stupid if I ever did it again.

**Babij** · 07-23-2005, 14:28

@EatYerGreens
That general loyalty thing was very interesting. Now I can almost sympathise with them when they want to start a rebellion.

I've never had CW before. How often does it happen? I've only played a 33% game as the English, and I'm at about 30% with the Byzantines right now, and I'll probably go for full conquest. I've only got princes under command of armies at the moment... I assume that they have less chance of starting a rebellion.

**Ironside** · 07-23-2005, 19:13

Originally Posted by Babij

@EatYerGreens
That general loyalty thing was very interesting. Now I can almost sympathise with them when they want to start a rebellion.

I've never had CW before. How often does it happen? I've only played a 33% game as the English, and I'm at about 30% with the Byzantines right now, and I'll probably go for full conquest. I've only got princes under command of armies at the moment... I assume that they have less chance of starting a rebellion.

Depending on how good you play, from often to almost never.

To get a civil war you'll need poor kings (low influence at ancension), loose a few battles/provinces, no loyalty boosting v&v, failed crusades/jihads (most effective way, the marker is enough and it gets destroyed if you tear the chapter house/ribat down), failed traitor trials (also one you do willingly most of the time).

Princes are very dangerous if they got low loyalty, AFAIK only princes or generals with royal blood (by marriage) can lead a civil war (this was the intension from CA atleast). Dead prince's units count as generals with royal blood, even in VI.

**edyzmedieval** · 07-23-2005, 20:35

My simple guide:

1. Make your emperor with Magnificent Builder
2. Low taxes

**Advo-san** · 07-25-2005, 13:38

Originally Posted by Babij

@EatYerGreens
That general loyalty thing was very interesting. Now I can almost sympathise with them when they want to start a rebellion.

I've never had CW before. How often does it happen? I've only played a 33% game as the English, and I'm at about 30% with the Byzantines right now, and I'll probably go for full conquest. I've only got princes under command of armies at the moment... I assume that they have less chance of starting a rebellion.

I have noticed every byz emperor has an extreme resilience to influence loss, more than any other monarch of the game. I wonder if it is a "bug" or just happened by luck in my campaigns..