With each new update and downloadable content for Crusader Kings 3, players face new systems and mechanics to grasp. Some of these systems are straightforward, enhancing existing features, while others may completely overhaul how things work or introduce entirely new gameplay elements. The addition of the Royal Court brought several notable changes.
One of the key features is Court Grandeur. Managing the Royal Court itself can be a challenge, but each aspect of the court also has its own system to oversee. How does the world perceive your court, and what do your subjects think? There’s a lot to consider, so here’s a breakdown of what this system entails and tips for leveraging it effectively.
What Is Court Grandeur?
Every ruler of a sufficiently large domain has a Royal Court, but its significance is particularly evident for those with King titles and higher. The larger your realm, the more your subjects expect an impressive court. This is what Court Grandeur measures. The higher your Court Grandeur, the better the benefits your court provides, which in turn garners more support from your vassals.
Your Royal Court consists of several amenities you can adjust, including:
- Fashion
- Food
- Lodgings
- Servants
Each of these amenities provides unique advantages, like how better food can offer more stress relief during feasts. Additionally, they contribute to your overall Court Grandeur. While Court Grandeur can increase through special events, it tends to decline over time. Your goal is to establish a solid baseline that you can maintain.
This is why enhancing your amenities is crucial. While it might cost a lot, the rewards can be significant. Your Royal Court can take various forms, whether diplomatic or military-focused. Higher levels of Court Grandeur activate more powerful effects from your chosen court style. For instance, a military-focused court with a level four Court Grandeur boosts your knights’ effectiveness by 10% and increases troop numbers from your strong vassals.
To maximize your success, strive to keep your Court Grandeur as high as possible, with perks available up to level 10, the peak level.
How To Manage Court Grandeur Expectations
However, with an impressive court comes elevated expectations. Your vassals will expect greatness from you, and this leads to what are known as Grandeur Expectations. Based on your titles and the territories you control, your vassals will set a Grandeur Expectation for you.
If you fall short of these expectations, there will be consequences, which can worsen the more you miss the mark. Meeting expectations won’t yield any additional benefits, but exceeding them will. For instance, if your vassals anticipate a Court Grandeur of level six and you achieve level eight, you’ll gain increased monthly prestige and a better opinion from courtiers, guests, and vassals. Being slightly below the expectation has manageable penalties, but it’s always smart to maintain a buffer above it to avoid the drawbacks that can add up over time.
How To Increase Court Grandeur
Now that we know what Court Grandeur is, the next step is increasing it. There aren’t many ways to do this, but they are fairly consistent. The easiest and most impactful method is by upgrading your various amenities. Each amenity boosts your baseline Court Grandeur while active, ensuring you can’t drop below that level. This is especially beneficial during succession, as it helps prevent your vassals from showing displeasure towards the new ruler.
Other methods to boost your grandeur are more limited. The most common method is holding court, which provides a substantial boost to Court Grandeur. However, keep in mind that this benefit diminishes over time, so it shouldn’t be your sole strategy for maintaining high levels. Establishing a strong baseline is always the best approach.
