XenGamer's Guide to Byzantine Backstabbing: Claiming the Purple as an Outsider So, you fancy yourself a Roman Emperor, do you?
So, you fancy yourself a Roman Emperor, do you? Not content with some petty kingdom in the frozen north or the sun-baked south? You want Constantinople, the heart of the world, the glittering prize. Good. Ambition is a virtue, or at least a useful tool. But understand this: the Byzantine Imperial Election is not for the faint of heart. It's a viper's nest of intrigue, where alliances shift like desert sands and a misplaced whisper can cost you your head. This guide, unlike the flowery nonsense you'll find elsewhere, will arm you with the ruthless pragmatism you need to not only survive, but win.
Understanding the Byzantine Imperial Election: A Crash Course in Treachery
The Byzantine Empire, in its infinite wisdom (or perhaps its inherent instability), doesn't just hand the throne to the eldest son. Instead, they hold an election. Think of it as a popularity contest, but with daggers instead of balloons. Powerful vassals, known as electors, cast their votes for who they believe should be Emperor.
Several factors determine their choices:
Imperial Favor: This is the Emperor's political capital. He can spend it to influence electors, either increasing their opinion of him (and therefore, his chosen successor) or directly compelling them to vote a certain way. Think of it as legalized bribery.
Elector Opinion: Vassals with a high opinion of the Emperor (or a candidate) are more likely to vote for them. Obvious, but easily manipulated.
Hooks: These are pieces of dirt you have on someone. A scandalous affair, a secret murder, a fondness for… unconventional pets. Hooks allow you to exert pressure on electors, forcing them to vote your way.
Dynastic Power: A candidate from a powerful dynasty, with numerous holdings and strong alliances, is always a threat.
Traits: Certain traits make a candidate more or less appealing to specific electors. A charitable ruler might appeal to pious vassals, while a brave one could win over military leaders.
The system is inherently unstable. The Emperor's power wanes as his popularity dips, and rival factions constantly plot to undermine his authority. This chaos is your opportunity. You, an outsider, can exploit these divisions to seize the throne for yourself.
Step-by-Step Strategy: A Machiavellian Masterclass
1. Character Selection: Choose Your Weapon
You have two viable options:
Duke Vratislav of Bohemia: He begins with a strong power base, decent military, and valuable alliances outside the Byzantine sphere. This allows for both financial support and military intervention if things get… complicated. The disadvantage? He's far away from Constantinople. Building a power base within the Empire will take time.
Custom Character in Benevento: Using the Ruler Designer, create a character in the Duchy of Benevento (Southern Italy). This puts you right on the Byzantine border, allowing for rapid expansion and direct interaction with key electors. Focus on high intrigue, diplomacy, and learning skills. Disadvantage? You start small and vulnerable. Early game survival will be a challenge.
Alt text: Duke Vratislav of Bohemia, a powerful ruler outside the Byzantine Empire, representing one potential starting point for infiltrating and manipulating the Imperial Election.
2. Hook Fabrication: Digging Up Dirt in the Imperial City
Your Spymaster is your most valuable asset. His primary task: "Find Secrets" in Constantinople and other key Byzantine provinces. Prioritize electors and their families as targets.
Alt text: A high-intrigue Spymaster uncovering a scandalous secret in the dim-lit alleys of Constantinople, a crucial step in gaining leverage over Byzantine electors.
Examples of blackmail material:
- Adultery: Always a classic. Target characters with the "Chaste" trait for maximum irony.
- Murder: If you can prove someone committed murder (especially if it was poorly concealed), you have leverage.
- Theft: A greedy character caught with stolen goods is easily manipulated.
- Heretical Beliefs: This is especially useful against devout electors.
Remember, discretion is key. A failed scheme can ruin your reputation and make you a target.
3. Swaying Voters: Gifts, Marriages, and Threats
Once you have hooks, it's time to play the game.
Gifts: Generosity can go a long way. Send gifts to electors who are "Greedy" or have low opinions of the current Emperor. A small fortune can buy a lot of loyalty… temporarily.
Marriages: Arrange marriages between your children (or relatives) and the children of powerful electors. This creates alliances and improves relations. Target ambitious characters who are eager to advance their dynasty.
Hooks: Use your hooks to force electors to vote your way. The stronger the hook, the more likely they are to comply. Be warned: overuse can lead to resentment and rebellion.
Alt text: A color-coded map of the Byzantine Empire, visually representing the electoral support for different candidates, essential for strategic planning.
4. Eliminating Rivals: The Art of the Silent Knife
Sometimes, persuasion isn't enough. Rivals with strong support must be… removed. Murder schemes are your answer.
Alt text: A close-up of a meticulously planned murder scheme targeting a rival elector, highlighting the participants and their intrigue skills.
Identify Key Targets: Focus on characters with titles like "Despot" or "Strategos." These individuals tend to be major contenders for the throne.
Recruit Skilled Schemers: Look for characters with high intrigue skills and negative opinions of the target. Your Spymaster is a good starting point.
Maintain Discretion: A failed murder scheme is worse than no scheme at all. Ensure your scheme power is high before initiating the plot.
Cover Your Tracks: Use a disposable pawn to carry out the final act. Someone who can be easily blamed (and preferably executed) if things go south.
5. Acquiring Titles: Climbing the Byzantine Ladder
Titles like "Despot" or "Strategos" grant significant electoral influence. There are several ways to acquire them:
Marriage: Marry into families that hold these titles. Inheritance can be a slow game, but it's often the safest.
Intrigue: Fabricate hooks on the current holders and use them to demand the title. Or, if you're feeling particularly bold, accuse them of treason and seize their lands.
War: If you're strong enough, conquer the territory associated with the title. Be prepared for a fight.
Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Byzantine Game
Exploit the Emperor's Weaknesses: A tyrannical Emperor is an unpopular Emperor. Use his actions to your advantage. Support factions against him, spread rumors, and generally sow discord.
Understand Imperial Succession Laws: Imperial Favor is king. Keep an eye on the Emperor's actions and how they affect his favor. Supporting a candidate with negative traits can backfire spectacularly if the electors decide they'd rather have anyone else.
Use "Find Secrets" Effectively: Don't just randomly search for secrets. Target specific characters and provinces. Focus on the Emperor's family and key electors.
Watch for Factions: Join factions that align with your goals, such as independence factions or factions to install a specific claimant. Use these factions to weaken the Emperor and create opportunities for yourself.
PC-Specific Notes: Optimize Your Treachery
'Better Character UI' Mod: This mod streamlines character interaction, making it easier to find information and manage relationships. Time is of the essence, and every click counts.
Customize Hotkeys: Set hotkeys for scheme management and diplomatic actions. Speed is crucial when you're trying to outmaneuver your rivals.
Character Finder: Use the character finder to locate individuals with specific traits, such as high intrigue or negative opinions of the Emperor. This will help you identify potential allies and scheme members.
Alt text: Screenshot of the Imperial Succession Laws screen in Crusader Kings 3, highlighting the importance of Imperial Favor in influencing the election, with annotations explaining the consequences of supporting a candidate with negative traits.
Conclusion: The Purple Awaits
Congratulations, you've successfully navigated the treacherous waters of Byzantine politics and claimed the Imperial throne!
Alt text: The triumphant character, now Emperor, seated on the opulent Byzantine throne, radiating power and ambition after successfully rigging the Imperial Election.
As Byzantine Emperor, you now have access to unique events, decisions, and powerful units. You can restore the Roman Empire, conquer new lands, and solidify your dynasty's rule for centuries to come. But be warned: the vultures are always circling. Maintaining your grip on the throne will require constant vigilance, ruthless cunning, and a willingness to spill blood when necessary. After all, that is the Crusader Kings 3 way. The game is just beginning.