I don't normally use cheats in the game such as "give_trait" or "give_ancillary" because it detracts from the enjoyment of building generals by their accomplishments. The one exception I make is with princesses. Specifically, I use the cheats to build up a specific foreign princess before proposing a marriage to my king or faction heir because I enjoy the aspect of the game concerning building a healthy family tree. With that goal in mind, you do not want to marry a princess that looks good only to find out after the ceremony you're married to a wretch which decreases the chances of having children.

There are a number of traits and ancillaries which increase the chances of raising a family. I've discovered from some experimenting and from reading other threads that princesses have a number of specific traits designated for them which I'll list below.

PrettyWoman 1-3 (the results range from making her fair, a head turner, and beautiful, with the latter causing her name to change to __ the Beautiful)

GoodPrincess 1-4 (these can easily be earned through diplomacy but add a correlating heart of charm per number)

NaturalPrincess 1-3 (each number adds a heart and a trait concerning born diplomatic ability)

HumbleWoman 1-2 (will make her humble or respectful, each with a heart of charm)

BraveWoman 1-2 (adds charm hearts and increases personal security)

FaithfulWoman 1-3 (this speaks for itself since secret loves and adulteries in marriages certainly decrease the chance for children, but it also adds charm hearts accordingly)


I think that about sums up all the traits I know of so far designed specifically for princesses, but you can also give her any traits you would give a general or priest. I know the princess traits listed above correspond to certain traits attained by your general after marriage such as "wife is fair", "wife is lovely", "wife is smart", "wife is useful", etc. I'm not sure what other traits designed for the generals might actually result in some difference in your general's governing ability after marriage. I know that giving her the traits results in traits with descriptions added to her character trait list although the trait description still says something like "this man blah, blah, blah".

Giving a princess certain degrees of traits will change her name just like it does for a general - i.e., you can make her ___the Honest, the Honourable, the Just, the Chivalrous, the Saint, the Merciless, etc. I've wondered if you could turn one into some kind of Joan of Arc with traits like "GoodRiskyAttacker", "StrongFaith", "BattleDread", "InspiringSpeaker".

Sticking to the goal in mind of building a family, I've used the general traits "HaleAndHearty" and "Fertile" to prep my target princesses for marriage as these are specific general traits that increase the chances of having children even though the trait descriptions don't fit for a woman. While writing this, it occurred to me to experiment adding "Woman" to "Fertile". It works. The "FertileWoman" trait 1-3 doesn't result in more charm hearts, but it produces trait descriptions ranging from "Fecund" to "Feracious" to "Always Ripe" with the latter stating she could fall pregnant at the whiff of a sweaty man. I guess you probably need to be careful to find a balance of traits as you don't want her falling pregnant at the whiff of any sweaty man. Who wants to be married to a whore? Don't forget the "FaithfulWoman".

I know you can also give princesses ancillaries in a similar way using the "give_ancillary" cheat. Certain ancillaries such as "apothecary", "doctor", and "holy_grail" increase health as well as chances of producing children. There is one ancillary I know of specifically designed for princesses - "chastity_belt" - just in case you created an out of control woman and it is going to take some time to get the marriage settled. This ancillary does decrease her charm and movement ability as you might imagine. Don't worry, you can use the "remove_ancillary" cheat just before the wedding. At least I think that ancillary is meant for princesses. I suppose you could try it on a womanizing general who needs more piety. Better yet, try it on an enemy general to slow down his march toward your city. Just momentarily imagine yourself one of the game witches casting curses on those you don't like. Try making an enemy general a "Cuckold" for a few laughs. Then send a diplomat to bargain giving him back his manhood - game over. It's no wonder these enemy family members don't often venture outside their castles.

There is one princess trait I wasn't sure I should mention in this family oriented forum. I read about it and had to see if it was true. You might not believe it, but you can give a princess the trait "DykeWoman". No kidding - "DykeWoman 1" will make her "potentially confused" and known to flirt with other ladies of the court. This level of "DykeWoman" actually increases her charm, although I can't figure out why - I don't know of any men who get turned on at the thought of two women. Again, you have to be careful what you create. The wrong combination of PoliticsSkill, InspiringSpeaker, and DykeWoman could really change the game. Can we all imagine a medieval Women's Lib movement? Seriously, though, don't try "DykeWoman" level 2, as it will make her prefer women, decrease her charm, and decrease chances for children. Again, I can't imagine why. Don't bother trying above level 2. As far as I know, there is no cheat that will actually cause two princesses to rip off their clothes and go at it right there on the campaign screen during diplomatic negotiations.

Be careful what you wish for - you might get it. Happy creating.


"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: But a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised"
Proverbs 31:30