Crusader Kings III is replete with "Major Decisions" that offer significant opportunities to shape your character, your realm, and the course of history. These decisions often come with substantial rewards, but also carry considerable risks and can have far-reaching consequences. Understanding when and how to take these decisions is key to achieving your dynastic ambitions.
What are Major Decisions?
Major Decisions are special actions available to your character that, when taken, trigger a unique event or a series of events that can fundamentally alter your game. They are often tied to specific achievements, character traits, cultural innovations, or the political landscape of the world. You'll typically find them listed in the Decisions tab of your character's interface.
Common Types of Major Decisions and Their Impact
- Forming Kingdoms/Empires: Decisions like "Form the Kingdom of Israel" or "Form the Roman Empire" are monumental undertakings. They require specific territories, cultural requirements, and often a significant amount of prestige. Successfully taking these decisions grants you a new titular title, often with powerful bonuses and a unique coat of arms.
- Cultural Decisions: Some decisions are tied to your culture's development. For example, if your culture has embraced a certain innovation, you might unlock the decision to "Establish a University," which provides significant Learning bonuses and can accelerate technological progress.
- Religious Decisions: Religious leaders or characters with strong piety might have access to decisions related to their faith. This could include "Found a Holy Order," "Reform the Faith," or "Convert to a Hostile Faith," each with profound implications for religious unity and conflict.
- Personal Ambition Decisions: Characters with specific traits or ambitions might unlock unique decisions. A character obsessed with vengeance might get the decision to "Assassinate a Rival," while a devout character might have the option to "Go on a Pilgrimage."
- Dynastic Decisions: Some decisions are focused on strengthening your dynasty. This could involve "Establish a Cadet Branch" or "Grant Independence to a Vassal," which can have long-term strategic implications for your family's power.
Taking a Major Decision
To take a Major Decision, you must first meet its prerequisites. These are clearly listed in the decision's tooltip. Once the conditions are met, the decision will appear in your Decisions tab. Clicking on it will usually present you with a confirmation screen, outlining the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Be Prepared: Major Decisions often require significant resources (gold, prestige, piety) or entail substantial risks (wars, opinion penalties, internal strife). Always ensure you are in a stable position before committing to one.
Consider the Long-Term: Think about how the decision will affect your dynasty and realm in the long run. Will forming a new empire create too many powerful vassals? Will reforming your faith alienate your current allies?
Event Chains: Many Major Decisions initiate lengthy event chains that will require further choices and actions. Be ready to adapt and make further decisions as the situation unfolds.
Consulting the Decisions tab regularly and understanding the requirements and potential outcomes of each available choice is a vital part of mastering Crusader Kings III.