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Digital Gaming => Computer Gaming => Topic started by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 06:22:00 AM

Title: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 06:22:00 AM
So this new DLC that focuses on the Hanseatic League is out today.  Impressions?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: undercovergeek on January 14, 2013, 06:47:10 AM
today?

arse
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 06:59:50 AM
Gamersgate claims to have it, but it hasn't shown up on Steam as yet.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 08:47:13 AM
I thought The Republic featured Venice...it features The Hanse too?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 08:53:57 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 08:47:13 AM
I thought The Republic featured Venice...it features The Hanse too?

I assumed so from the description Paradox released.  Wait.................

Yes, this video definitely mentions The Hanse:  http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 09:05:35 AM
Even more gooder then.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: undercovergeek on January 14, 2013, 09:13:08 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 09:05:35 AM
Even more gooder then.

hey you should write stuff for a living, or a hobby
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Martok on January 14, 2013, 10:13:47 AM
I got the GG email announcing the new DLC as well.  Think I'm going to pick it up this weekend. 

Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on January 14, 2013, 11:21:41 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 08:47:13 AM
I thought The Republic featured Venice...it features The Hanse too?

Most Merchant Republics are playable.  So yeah. 

I had pushed for them making Novgorod a playable long ago but since it's ruler was an elected position, they had classified it as a republic for a long time.  Then, in some update, they evidentally changed it to a more traditional Russian system since the leader generally ruled for life (or some such).  So I guess it's not a Republic anymore.. unless they changed it back in this update, again.  I've not checked lately, to see where that one sits.  :-[
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Bison on January 14, 2013, 03:48:13 PM
Steams seems slightly delayed in releasing this one.  :(
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 04:32:49 PM
You can get it right now at Greemangaming, and save $2 if you use the code on their home page.  The Steam key works immediately.  My only problem is I can't find a manual or a readme.txt, since the merchant houses play so differently from kingdoms, duchies, and counties.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Greybriar on January 14, 2013, 05:01:02 PM
GamersGate link (http://www.gamersgate.com/crusaderkings?aff=ggnews) for all things Crusader Kings.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 14, 2013, 05:27:17 PM
Quote from: Greybriar on January 14, 2013, 05:01:02 PM
GamersGate link (http://www.gamersgate.com/crusaderkings?aff=ggnews) for all things Crusader Kings.

The problem is that those won't work with the Steam version.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Bison on January 14, 2013, 05:29:18 PM
Well it's ok.  It'll be on there soon enough. 
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 14, 2013, 08:03:33 PM
Great, another expansion I will buy and then not get around to playing for a couple months.   ;D  Its all good though.  The game is so much fun it is worth every penny I've spent so far.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Bison on January 14, 2013, 08:06:02 PM
Well Steam doesn't want you to have it yet anyway.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 14, 2013, 08:33:59 PM
Quote from: Bison on January 14, 2013, 08:06:02 PM
Well Steam doesn't want you to have it yet anyway.

I didn't see the DLC yet but some CKII update downloaded when I logged on to STEAM tonight.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 09:01:00 PM
^Yeah for me too. This is going to finally be the DLC that gets me started in actually playing :) Should I have a 'tutorial' campaign' first before trying one of the merchant houses you think?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 14, 2013, 11:17:54 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 09:01:00 PM
^Yeah for me too. This is going to finally be the DLC that gets me started in actually playing :) Should I have a 'tutorial' campaign' first before trying one of the merchant houses you think?

Probably unless you are just playing with the intent of being merchant house.  From what I hear they are going to play very differently.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 14, 2013, 11:25:37 PM
Still not out on Steam......
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Toonces on January 15, 2013, 12:30:25 AM
Where is this place you guys are talking about.  I'm not familiar with it.  The Hanseatic League I'm talking about.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on January 15, 2013, 03:49:39 AM
Quote from: Toonces on January 15, 2013, 12:30:25 AM
Where is this place you guys are talking about.  I'm not familiar with it.  The Hanseatic League I'm talking about.

Some northern european cities around the Baltic.  They became "merchant" republics in the early renaissance/late medieval period and busted out of the old feudal system, growing their prosperity via trade.  One big flip was having an electoral system, of sorts, for appointing their leader(s).
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: MetalDog on January 15, 2013, 06:07:10 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 15, 2013, 03:49:39 AM
Quote from: Toonces on January 15, 2013, 12:30:25 AM
Where is this place you guys are talking about.  I'm not familiar with it.  The Hanseatic League I'm talking about.

Some northern european cities around the Baltic.  They became "merchant" republics in the early renaissance/late medieval period and busted out of the old feudal system, growing their prosperity via trade.  One big flip was having an electoral system, of sorts, for appointing their leader(s).

Was it more than just some cities in northern Germany?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 15, 2013, 07:15:38 AM
The Hanse is not a playable house unless you choose 1377 as a starting date.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 08:21:32 AM
The Hanse was centered in those northern German cities and spread around the Baltic to the neighboring areas, like Scandinavia and "the Russias."
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 15, 2013, 08:29:31 AM
I have no real desire to play any of the merchant houses but I know I'll still end up buying this DLC.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Yskonyn on January 15, 2013, 08:46:03 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 14, 2013, 09:01:00 PM
^Yeah for me too. This is going to finally be the DLC that gets me started in actually playing :) Should I have a 'tutorial' campaign' first before trying one of the merchant houses you think?

I found these tutorial videos very helpful, Gus.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL158344868202D6B3
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: PanzersEast on January 15, 2013, 09:56:44 AM
Going to pick this one up..... have not gone through the other two as my current game is lasting forever, but this looks interesting.  I skipped Sunset Invasion because, well it just looked stupid.


PE
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 15, 2013, 10:00:06 AM
Quote from: MetalDog on January 15, 2013, 06:07:10 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 15, 2013, 03:49:39 AM
Quote from: Toonces on January 15, 2013, 12:30:25 AM
Where is this place you guys are talking about.  I'm not familiar with it.  The Hanseatic League I'm talking about.

Some northern european cities around the Baltic.  They became "merchant" republics in the early renaissance/late medieval period and busted out of the old feudal system, growing their prosperity via trade.  One big flip was having an electoral system, of sorts, for appointing their leader(s).

Was it more than just some cities in northern Germany?

The Hanseatic League started in Lubeck, with the foundation of their merchant guild. Merchant guilds were organizations that served dual purposes - in order to be a retailer in town you had to be a member and most cities required anyone wanting to hold civic office to be a member of the guild. So they were political and economic organization. The guild in Lubeck, in the 12th and 13th centuries, managed to get the support from local nobility to enhance their privileges (like tariff free trading and building trade posts in other nearby cities). Several other towns nearby made a loose association with Lubeck's guild - mostly for the purposes of promoting safer trade through common traditions and legal practices (i.e. measure against piracy). The word Hansa means "trade guild," so the affiliation became a league of guilds in numerous cities in the Baltic and North seas. Over time, they purchased rights to trade posts in places like London and Novograd, making a fortune selling wool, textiles, and furs.

The reason you cannot play them until the 1300s is that they did not become an official governing body, free from feudal lords and with their own military forces, until then. For about a century the league governed and had legal force in its client cities. Eventually, however, consolidating monarchs would disapprove of having Hansa cities in their kingdoms and broke the Hansa's power.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Martok on January 15, 2013, 10:09:28 AM
Have I mentioned lately how much I love having a medieval historian as one of our members?  ;D 

Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 10:33:45 AM
Thanks for the above link Tent. Question...is CK II one of those games I can chill amd relax with...you know, with a snifter of brandy in one hand?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: PanzersEast on January 15, 2013, 10:51:30 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 10:33:45 AM
Thanks for the above link Tent. Question...is CK II one of those games I can chill amd relax with...you know, with a snifter of brandy in one hand?

Yes, it is a gentlemen's game.  Those videos are good, and the Retinues explanation is very good..... Nice thing about CK 2, there is no wrong way to play, but you do learn from experience. 


PE
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: undercovergeek on January 15, 2013, 11:07:38 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 10:33:45 AM
Thanks for the above link Tent. Question...is CK II one of those games I can chill amd relax with...you know, with a snifter of brandy in one hand?

it should ONLY be played with a brandy in one hand - my god man you just zoomed throgh my admiration spectrum




i love Gus

and his brandy
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: undercovergeek on January 15, 2013, 11:08:49 AM
Quote from: Martok on January 15, 2013, 10:09:28 AM
Have I mentioned lately how much I love having a medieval historian as one of our members?  ;D

in a very complimentary way and with only beaming respect, as soon as i saw the question i thought i can google it and copy and paste or SoM will see this and enlighten us all
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 15, 2013, 11:36:30 AM
Thanks friends! The story is much more complicated, obviously. It really is interesting history and I suggest those that are so inclined to do further reading.

As to CK II - The Republic, so far I feel pretty positive. I am worried the republics might be a little too powerful - they make tons of money and can do a justified DOW on almost any coastal town. That has some interesting applications. You also heavily rely on mercenaries as a Republic, as it should be. Interesting enough, it is hard to hold on to power and I ended up getting ousted from the seat in Genoa and had to make due with my Duchy if Capua while I nurse a campaign to get voted back in. Pretty cool stuff.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 01:44:58 PM
Wait you actually have it and are playing it??

Thanks Geek. My goal is to redo my study with rich mahogany, wall sconces and plenty of snifters for brandy and Fresca.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 15, 2013, 02:29:50 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 01:44:58 PM
Wait you actually have it and are playing it??

Thanks Geek. My goal is to redo my study with rich mahogany, wall sconces and plenty of snifters for brandy and Fresca.

Considering Medieval merchant government is what my research is all about, I figured I had best get it and get it early.  ;)

I have only had a few hours with it, however, so I'm not sure I can pass judgement. I also want to play it a little as a non-Merchant Republic power to see how the new changes alter the way in which the game feels for everyone. These republics get some remarkable powers, but they also have some remarkable changes in governance that can cripple them. For instance, I was a doge of the Doria family in Genoa, but when my character died his family passed to a half-brother who inherited the former doge's title as Count of Capua (later I grabbed the duchy) and the seat of the Doge passed to another family. That family seems to be a little up-and-down, getting into some successful wars against Pisa but then finding some way to royally tick off some giant Muslim power and having to surrender (not sure what they gave up, but it probably was not good). Meanwhile the doge was getting older and I was poised to be elected once he died (respect and elections are based on age age, prestige, and economic power). Instead, my character bit it at a young age of 57, leaving his title to a 13 year old son who has practically no chance of being elected Doge. He will have his day, to be sure, but for now I am pouring my considerable finances into upgrading the buildings within Capua and Napoli, to generate both money and troops needed for future campaigns.

Lots more to do here, so this DLC looks like a much more interesting one than the idiotic Aztec thing.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: mikeck on January 15, 2013, 05:01:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 01:44:58 PM
Wait you actually have it and are playing it??

Thanks Geek. My goal is to redo my study with rich mahogany, wall sconces and plenty of snifters for brandy and Fresca.

Who are Brandy and Fresca? Hmmm sound like strippers...don't think Mrs Gusington would approve of sniffing anyone
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: LongBlade on January 15, 2013, 05:57:07 PM
Quote from: mikeck on January 15, 2013, 05:01:43 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 01:44:58 PM
Wait you actually have it and are playing it??

Thanks Geek. My goal is to redo my study with rich mahogany, wall sconces and plenty of snifters for brandy and Fresca.

Who are Brandy and Fresca? Hmmm sound like strippers...don't think Mrs Gusington would approve of sniffing anyone

Fresca is a frisky Latina. Mrs. Gus definitely would not approve.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: besilarius on January 15, 2013, 06:34:43 PM
SOM, in regards to the falling of the Hansa, there is a book out there, Salt, on how this mineral has been so important to human development.
One of the ways was the Hansa's herring trade.  They barreled tons of herring, and it became a trade bonanza for them, because of the preservative powers of salt.  The Hansa traded as far away as the Basque homeland, and even Africa, to get a sufficient amount of salt.
Supposedly, one of the things that weakened and brought down the Hansa, was the herring banks moved out of the Baltic.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 15, 2013, 06:48:27 PM
Yes, the herring trade was a real money maker (and salt procurement was a huge issue). But that factor seems a bit less pressing than the rise of Denmark and Moscow, not to mention the increased power of the English throne and the slow revocation of trade privileges. As the merchants of other powers began to get more instituted, the Hansa found it could not compete as effectively. But, certainly, changes in goods trades had a sizable impact. They lasted until well into the sixteenth century, so that is a pretty good run!
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 15, 2013, 07:33:47 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 10:33:45 AM
Thanks for the above link Tent. Question...is CK II one of those games I can chill amd relax with...you know, with a snifter of brandy in one hand?

No thanks need as I didn't leave the link :)  It was Yskonyn

And yes it can be a relaxing game as you can change the speed at which times advances and if you have to make important decisions or refill your drink you can pause it.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 08:02:12 PM
SoM your first description of the game makes me all tight in the loins...need to grab some Fresca!

Is the DLC $%^#! available on Steam yet??
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 15, 2013, 08:09:38 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 08:02:12 PM
SoM your first description of the game makes me all tight in the loins...need to grab some Fresca!

Is the DLC $%^#! available on Steam yet??

Just be wary a little bit, the first time I booted up any CK game (and in particular CK II) I was like "What they hell do I do now?" You sort of have to resist the urge to constantly be doing something - like messing with your characters, ordering endless assassination attempts, or declaring war every five minutes. So relax and don't constantly micromanage. On the other hand, there is always something you CAN be doing, which is pretty cool.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 08:10:45 PM
^Now available on Steam :)

Can anyone recommend some good reading to go along with it? Books in English on the Hanse are...not so common.

I can relax...in fact it's what I'm looking to do. With Brandy and Fresca on either side of me, of course.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Bison on January 15, 2013, 08:17:11 PM
That was sooooo 10 hours ago buddy.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Toonces on January 15, 2013, 08:46:02 PM
CK2 is definitely a brandy snifter type game.  Just sit back, chill, and watch the story unfold.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 09:19:01 PM
Awesome. Once I complete the Dawnguard final quest here in Skyrim, I will be washing out my snifter and getting ready to snift whole-heartedly.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Arctic Blast on January 16, 2013, 01:36:45 AM
Quote from: Gusington on January 15, 2013, 08:02:12 PM
SoM your first description of the game makes me all tight in the loins...need to grab some Fresca!

Is the DLC $%^#! available on Steam yet??

Damn, it isn't just available, it's the 2nd highest selling item on Steam right now!
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 16, 2013, 06:35:22 AM
My problem with most Paradox games is my inability to remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint.  I always try to do too much too quickly.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on January 16, 2013, 08:21:51 AM
2nd highest selling item on Steam eh...Paradox must be happy.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Arctic Blast on January 16, 2013, 03:04:04 PM
Quote from: Gusington on January 16, 2013, 08:21:51 AM
2nd highest selling item on Steam eh...Paradox must be happy.

I would say so. It's still sitting at #5 right now.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 17, 2013, 12:14:57 AM
Anyone else encountered mouse flickering when hovering over trade posts?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: PanzersEast on January 17, 2013, 09:10:57 AM
This is a very good DLC, I would say on par with Sword of Islam..... I am always hesitate about DLC, however in this case build on a good foundation and add many NEW content and features.... unlike some of their other titles.  Overall I think the main DLC have been worth it and this IMO is their best work to date so it bolds well for the future.


PE
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 17, 2013, 09:56:48 AM
Agreed.  Playing as Domenico I of Venice has been a blast.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 12:15:41 PM
Quote from: tgb on January 17, 2013, 09:56:48 AM
Agreed.  Playing as Domenico I of Venice has been a blast.

I'm just a little worried that the feudal powers will be at a disadvantage against the merchant republics. I have not checked, but do they get a "kickback" from the trade posts built in their lands?

For example, the Doge of Genoa declared war on some Emirates. I was not really paying attention as I did not intend to levy my troops to help him (because he is my father-in-law and a right jerk who tries to dishonor me at every turn). Suddenly, he died and I won the election, which plopped me in control of the 7000+ troops that he had managed to raise! I have no clue where he got those (I suspect I will get socked with a mercenary bill at the end of the month) but that is a lot of troops for a relatively small (in terms of provinces) power.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on January 17, 2013, 12:20:48 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 12:15:41 PM
Quote from: tgb on January 17, 2013, 09:56:48 AM
Agreed.  Playing as Domenico I of Venice has been a blast.

I'm just a little worried that the feudal powers will be at a disadvantage against the merchant republics. I have not checked, but do they get a "kickback" from the trade posts built in their lands?



Yes.  They do, last time I checked.

I've not actually played it much, yet, but I recall that being specifically mentioned.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 12:43:49 PM
Anyone know if there is a manual or anything for this DLC?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 17, 2013, 02:41:22 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 12:43:49 PM
Anyone know if there is a manual or anything for this DLC?

I couldn't find one, but there are now a couple of Let's Plays up on Youtube that helped me to understand the new elements immensely.  Until I watched one, I couldn't even figure out how to build a trading post.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 02:46:42 PM
Linkie, tgb?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 17, 2013, 04:45:42 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 17, 2013, 02:46:42 PM
Linkie, tgb?

Linkie, SoM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sj9IXshveQ
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 20, 2013, 01:25:56 PM
I had good game going as the Morosini. Fought two wars against the Dandolo (my family rivals) to take away trading posts, and another two wars against the Duchy of Duklja (one to take the city of Cattaro and the second to take the whole county of Zeta). Then the Fatimid's decided to go ape shit on Italy (and everythign else in their path). I've heard people complain about it before, but I've never seen the Fatimid hordes in any of my previous games. There is something immersion breaking when you see this happen:

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1076.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw458%2FKushan04%2Fck22013-01-2010-11-28-74_zpsbdf26f99.png&hash=47ac8d267db218f08b7d8b6d2b44a3289d837c9c)
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on January 20, 2013, 01:54:50 PM
It's the "Holy War" claims that can run rampant.  You can do the same, as a player bordering a foreign religion.  IIRC, there had been discussion of ways to limit how often it could be used but I don't know if it ever came to fruition with the devs. 

As with most strategy games, once you get a big steamroll going then there will be a snowball effect from all the extra wealth of the captured territories.. leading to yet more steamrolling.  I do like how income from conquered counties is pretty much nil for awhile after taken so that tosses some short speed bumps in the way but they'll probably have to place extra restrictions on the Holy War CB/Claims that don't utilize a proclamation from the Pope/Mullah/Whatevah.

I can see how it may be kinda fun if you could get a big 'Reconquista' rolling in Italy, in this case.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 20, 2013, 03:40:37 PM
I have never seen anything like that!

At the moment, I steamrolled the south part of Italy as Genoa, over the course of two generations. I even established the Kingdom of Sicily, which I sort of want to find a way to break off and keep as a feudal lord, rather than be the Doge of Genoa. Not exactly sure how to do that. One of the most problematic things is the strange desire by the HUGE powers like the Fatimids and the Byzantines to declare Embargo wars on me and trash my trade ports. I have yet to figure out exactly how to prevent this from happening, and they seem more likely to do it with younger rulers and not my older guy. I think it may be a factor of needing a higher relationship with them, to prevent them from getting crazy.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: PanzersEast on January 20, 2013, 03:49:54 PM
Have not seen that..... lock your doors and hide your women and children....

PE
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 20, 2013, 05:37:52 PM
Kushan, are you playing with a mod? I'm wondering if CKII+, which has not been updated for The Republic, broke your game.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 20, 2013, 06:40:47 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 20, 2013, 05:37:52 PM
Kushan, are you playing with a mod? I'm wondering if CKII+, which has not been updated for The Republic, broke your game.

Nope, just vanilla.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 20, 2013, 09:54:01 PM
I have a question.  I started playing  Doge Domenico I of Venice, but after a couple of generations, not only has his grandson been killed in battle, but my family isn't even in the Council, and I can't find a way to get back in and fight my way to the top.  Is there one, or is it game over?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 20, 2013, 10:38:52 PM
Quote from: tgb on January 20, 2013, 09:54:01 PM
I have a question.  I started playing  Doge Domenico I of Venice, but after a couple of generations, not only has his grandson been killed in battle, but my family isn't even in the Council, and I can't find a way to get back in and fight my way to the top.  Is there one, or is it game over?

Have you tried to go to a family member character, click "Grant Honorary Title" in the Diplomacy area, and hit "Designate Heir?" This is the strange way that you chose the heir to your family - because it usually defaults to someone completely strange an unwanted. I have no idea why they put that VERY IMPORTANT button buried among the throw-away titles you give to keep people happy. Otherwise, not sure why your family would have been removed from the council - it should still have a palace and a campaign in the Republic menu.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 20, 2013, 10:41:31 PM
Quote from: tgb on January 20, 2013, 09:54:01 PM
I have a question.  I started playing  Doge Domenico I of Venice, but after a couple of generations, not only has his grandson been killed in battle, but my family isn't even in the Council, and I can't find a way to get back in and fight my way to the top.  Is there one, or is it game over?

Your not the chancellor, steward, marshal, etc. Those council positions really don't mean that much when the AI is the doge, king, etc. The highest of any given stat (diplomacy, stewardship, etc.) gets the council position and I think it only gives you a small prestige bonus and maybe a small salary if your playing as a republic. In my game as Lombary, I went from being the chancellor for a few generations to nothing, then to being the steward for a generation or two then back to nothing, then to being the spy master. Whats more important is making sure your own council of ministers has good stats.

I've foudn that there is usually some way to come back in CK2. Its one of the things that sets it apart from other grand strategy games. You can be on top, then have everything fall apart, and climb your way back. Then have it all repeat multiple times per game. You still get the steam roller effect at times, but I've seen even the HRE break apart.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 21, 2013, 04:41:32 AM
To be a little more specific:

I started off as Domenico I, and was doing pretty good I thought, having buil several trading posts and upgraded them, creating the Republics of Venice and Dalmatia, building a couple of improvements to my House and siring 10(!) children, before dieing at the age of 89. When Domenico died, his son, Andrea(!!) inherited all the titles, but HIS son, while still on the Council, had the least amount of respect, being the youngest member.

I was planning to deal with that when Andrea foolishly went to war with Croatia, and was killed in battle.  When play shifter to the son that was at the bottom of the pecking order on the council, I found that he no longer was, and there was an empty spot where the family should have been.  I could no longer build or do anything with trading posts, and I couldn't find any way back onto the council to try to rise to the top again.

Unfortunately, I rage-quit at that point, and all of my saves were from earlier in the game.  I might try to recreate it to see if it is a bug or I'm just too dumb to see something under my nose.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 21, 2013, 10:20:24 AM
I'm not sure what happened then. Did you have any feudal titles? If you did you might have inherited those, which then makes you ineligible to have one of the republic family slots. What I think is supposed to happen in the case is that the son of your feudal ruler gets the feudal holdings and the oldest male of your family gets the republic holdings. But if you didn't have another male then you could have been inherited the feudal lands, with no one claiming your republic trade holdings.

That's the only thing I can think off unless it's bug. If it happens again, select your trade posts and see who the new owner is.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on January 21, 2013, 10:48:58 AM
I went back to an earlier save to try to recreate it, but this time Andrea has been hanging in, and as the other Patricians die off, his son is moving closer and closer to becoming the Doge when Andrea dies.  There's just one more old coot standing in his way, and I've got a pretty good chance of successfully plotting an accident.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 21, 2013, 03:02:03 PM
Think I'm going to go back to my kingdom of Italy game until Paradox comes out with a fix for the flickering trade post bug. Its not a game breaker, must my wrist really hurts after awhile when I keep having to click really fast just to get the build menu to appear. Anyone else notices the AI patricians not improving their mansions at all?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 21, 2013, 03:09:25 PM
Quote from: tgb on January 21, 2013, 10:48:58 AM
I went back to an earlier save to try to recreate it, but this time Andrea has been hanging in, and as the other Patricians die off, his son is moving closer and closer to becoming the Doge when Andrea dies.  There's just one more old coot standing in his way, and I've got a pretty good chance of successfully plotting an accident.

I wonder if Andrea (that name is not as uncommon as you think, for men, but it looks like a misspelling of Latinized Italian) inherited a county or duchy held by dad, but not his role in the family business? That would be weird, but not unheard of. What is going to really be interesting for me is - what will happen when my doge dies but I lose an election? Under my current old man, I started as the count of Capua and not the doge. Using considerable finances, I carved out a slice of Italy and won the doge seat when the old doge (my father-in-law) died. While doge, I grabbed more of southern Italy with the aid of the commune's finances, until I had enough to claim the Kingdom of Sicily. But I think the game wants to give the title of Sicily to the next doge, not to my personal family. I'm tempted to grant my heir the title, then give him Independence, just to see what happens.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on January 31, 2013, 09:41:00 PM
The next DLC has been announced:

The Olds Gods:

http://www.paradoxplaza.com/games/crusader-kings-ii-the-old-gods (http://www.paradoxplaza.com/games/crusader-kings-ii-the-old-gods)

Looks like we will be able to play as the pagans. When I first saw the name I thought it was another fantasy DLC.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 31, 2013, 09:59:41 PM
Excellent news.  I really like the sound of some the features in this expansion.  This game just keeps getting better and better.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: PanzersEast on January 31, 2013, 10:12:43 PM
YES!!! Insta buy....  No tea and crumpets or state dinners.... burn, pillage, plunder, eat meat, and repeat....


PE
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 31, 2013, 10:38:16 PM
Now we are getting somewhere!
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: RooksBailey on February 01, 2013, 01:35:55 AM
Been waiting for a Vikings DLC since the game was released!  This is a day one purchase for me!

I am particularly intrigued by this:

QuoteAdventurers: Landless characters can gather armies and go off to carve out new realms on their own.

This could be a lot of fun!  The original Elemental was supposed to have a similar mechanic but it never arrived.  I hope Paradox can pull it off.  Something like this could add a great deal of fluidity to a campaign...not that CK2 needs any more.   ;D

Edit: some clarification from Paradox on adventurers:

QuoteJust to stop any rumors, you will not be able to play as a landless character. They will be AI controlled while on their adventure. Also, while the new start date is 867 and you can play all the way to 1453, you cannot start at dates between 867 and 1066 without modding.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Martok on February 01, 2013, 10:35:11 AM
Quote from: Kushan on January 31, 2013, 09:41:00 PM
The next DLC has been announced:

The Olds Gods:

http://www.paradoxplaza.com/games/crusader-kings-ii-the-old-gods (http://www.paradoxplaza.com/games/crusader-kings-ii-the-old-gods)

Looks like we will be able to play as the pagans. When I first saw the name I thought it was another fantasy DLC.
Hell yes!  I'm getting this one for sure. 





Quote from: RooksBailey on February 01, 2013, 01:35:55 AM
Been waiting for a Vikings DLC since the game was released!  This is a day one purchase for me!

I am particularly intrigued by this:

QuoteAdventurers: Landless characters can gather armies and go off to carve out new realms on their own.

This feature is the one that intrigues me the most as well.  Even if we can't play as landless characters ourselves, it should still be a good/fun way to liven things up! 

Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Kushan on February 01, 2013, 03:29:27 PM
Quote from: RooksBailey on February 01, 2013, 01:35:55 AM
Just to stop any rumors, you will not be able to play as a landless character. They will be AI controlled while on their adventure. Also, while the new start date is 867 and you can play all the way to 1453, you cannot start at dates between 867 and 1066 without modding.

Not a huge loss, although starting as a landless viking and invading England to form a new realm from literally nothing could have been interesting
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: TheCommandTent on February 01, 2013, 07:45:49 PM
Quote from: Kushan on February 01, 2013, 03:29:27 PM
Quote from: RooksBailey on February 01, 2013, 01:35:55 AM
Just to stop any rumors, you will not be able to play as a landless character. They will be AI controlled while on their adventure. Also, while the new start date is 867 and you can play all the way to 1453, you cannot start at dates between 867 and 1066 without modding.

Not a huge loss, although starting as a landless viking and invading England to form a new realm from literally nothing could have been interesting

That would be alot of fun.  And who knows if there are enough calls for this to be playable by community they may implement it and if not someone will make a mod so you can.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Staggerwing on February 01, 2013, 08:27:44 PM
I'm so stoked about this release!

From the release:
QuoteSacrifice to Odin at the great Blot!

The Sacred Trees of Uppsala will once again bear gifts to the Allfather!
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Martok on February 03, 2013, 11:29:15 AM
Quote from: Kushan on February 01, 2013, 03:29:27 PM
Quote from: RooksBailey on February 01, 2013, 01:35:55 AM
Just to stop any rumors, you will not be able to play as a landless character. They will be AI controlled while on their adventure. Also, while the new start date is 867 and you can play all the way to 1453, you cannot start at dates between 867 and 1066 without modding.

Not a huge loss, although starting as a landless viking and invading England to form a new realm from literally nothing could have been interesting
Indeed.  Would love to establish my very own Danelaw! 

Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: tgb on February 03, 2013, 07:43:07 PM
The Old Gods?

I wonder how the King of Croatia will fare against Yog-Sothoth.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: besilarius on February 03, 2013, 08:21:52 PM
Different pantheon of gods.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: RooksBailey on February 04, 2013, 03:22:28 PM
New teaser:

http://youtu.be/V-edUnWQgyM
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on February 04, 2013, 09:47:18 PM
CKII is the game I have bought the most stuff for and played the least. I really need to play at least one full campaign before I can justify getting the new DLC. So many choices as who to play as...
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: MetalDog on February 04, 2013, 11:41:05 PM
I woud have thought that was obvious, Gus...the Welsh!  Didn't you bring them to world supremacy in M2TW?
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Gusington on February 05, 2013, 08:16:41 AM
Why yes, yes I did. But there's many more choices here.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: son_of_montfort on February 05, 2013, 10:35:27 AM
Quote from: besilarius on February 03, 2013, 08:21:52 PM
Different pantheon of gods.

Given the Aztec release, I'm not certain that Paradox would rule out a mod about the return of Cthulhu during the Middle Ages.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on February 05, 2013, 11:40:29 PM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on February 05, 2013, 10:35:27 AM
Quote from: besilarius on February 03, 2013, 08:21:52 PM
Different pantheon of gods.

Given the Aztec release, I'm not certain that Paradox would rule out a mod about the return of Cthulhu during the Middle Ages.

They may have been watching too much of the Ancient Aliens channel lately, too?

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi20.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb213%2Farizhel%2FIm-Not-Saying-Its-Aliens-But-Its-Aliens.jpg&hash=21b3c3e17a1dc22b285ebae28e26a6a8845925d6)
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: fran on February 21, 2013, 12:15:41 PM
Republic on Steam at -75% at the moment, on sale at £1.99
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: steve58 on February 21, 2013, 12:22:43 PM
Quote from: fran on February 21, 2013, 12:15:41 PM
Republic on Steam at -75% at the moment, on sale at £1.99

Excellent, thanks!  $2.49 for us on this side of the pond.  fyi: Sale is only for another 30 15 minutes (http://store.steampowered.com/app/210906/)
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Toonces on February 21, 2013, 11:13:09 PM
Quickest sale ever...how did I miss this!
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Nefaro on February 21, 2013, 11:41:35 PM
I picked up the whole Gamersgate set awhile back.  I still haven't attempted playing as a merchant republic but damn have I done some very bad things to people who were in my way.  ;D
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: steve58 on February 22, 2013, 08:26:08 AM
Quote from: Toonces on February 21, 2013, 11:13:09 PM
Quickest sale ever...how did I miss this!

Steam had Crusader King II and most of the DLCs on sale as part of the Linux kickoff sale they had for the past several days.  The Republic was not originally part of the sale, but was apparently added in earlier this week.  I didn't know/notice until I saw Fran's post (thanks again Fran!) and just was able to grab it right before the sale ended at 1pm ET.
Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: Martok on February 23, 2013, 07:00:47 AM
If you haven't already checked out the Groginati Sales thread, Gamestop (Impulse) is currently selling the Crusader Kings II Complete Pack for $31.49 (down from $89.99).  This includes all DLC up through The Republic, as well as all the various song, unit, & portrait packs. 


Oops!  Here's the link (http://www.impulsedriven.com/products/ESD-IMP-W4108?affid=gsnow). 

Title: Re: CK II-The Republic
Post by: steve58 on February 28, 2013, 10:12:08 AM
Looks like GameStop has Crusader Kings II DLC on sale...including The Republic (http://www.impulsedriven.com/products/ESD-IMP-W4087) for $4.99.