Q. I really want to dive into the traits and ancillaries and learn everything I can about them. What should I do?

A. The best way is to directly consult the relevant files: In your Data folder, they are export_descr_character_traits.txt and export_descr_ancillaries.txt. In the Data\text folder, they are export_VnVs.txt and export_ancillaries.txt.

If you'd like to take a bit easier approach, the compiled HTML documentation will be more user-friendly. Just download and extract one of the following files:

EB VnVs Docs (1.1MB Rar Archive)

EB VnVs Docs (1.5 MB Zipped)

Notes about HTML Documentation:
This documentation lists almost every trait, ancillary, and trigger, and is for someone who wants to dive deeply into the system, for purposes of understanding exactly what is going on, or for the purposes of modding. It consists of several sections, which are self-explanatory, for the most part.

- The Ancillaries page lists each ancillary and the effects for having that man, woman, or animal in your retinue.

- The Effects page lists the various attributes that can be affected by traits and ancillaries, and contains a description of their game effects, and links pointing to research on these attributes.

- The Cultures and Factions pages categorize and list the EB factions and what RTW engine names are used for these factions in the files.

- The Trait Relationships page is very useful. Each trait has two sections, "Condition" and "Affected". Under "Condition" is a list of triggers that have that trait as a condition somehow. Under "Affected" is a list of triggers that add points to that trait. You can click on the trigger name and will be taken to documentation on that trigger.

- The Traits page lists each trait and its effects.

- The Triggers page lists the details of the trigger, such as what level of trait is required in any conditions, and what the chance of affecting a trait is, and how many points towards next level will be awarded.