Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III

Mercenaries & Holy Orders

Learn how to effectively recruit and command Mercenaries and Holy Orders in Crusader Kings III to expand your armies and conquer new territories.

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Mercenaries and Holy Orders are vital assets for rulers who need to bolster their military might beyond their own levies and Men-at-Arms. They offer immediate, powerful military support, though often at a significant cost.

Mercenaries

Mercenary companies are independent fighting forces that can be hired by any ruler willing to pay their price. They are typically composed of well-trained and experienced soldiers, making them a potent addition to any army. Hiring mercenaries can be a quick way to overcome a numerically superior foe or to launch an offensive when your own forces are depleted.

  • Hiring Costs: Mercenaries require a substantial amount of gold to hire. The cost varies depending on the company's size, quality, and the current demand for their services.
  • Maintenance: Once hired, mercenaries incur a daily maintenance cost. This cost continues until the contract is terminated or the mercenary company is disbanded.
  • Contract Termination: You can dismiss mercenaries at any time, but doing so may incur a penalty or a negative opinion modifier with the mercenary captain.
  • Loyalty: Mercenaries are loyal to the highest bidder. If you cannot afford to pay them, they may disband or even turn against you.
  • Types of Mercenaries: Different mercenary companies specialize in various unit types, such as heavy infantry, archers, or cavalry, allowing you to tailor your hired force to your needs.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders are religious military orders that serve their respective faiths. They can be hired by rulers of that faith, often with a reduced cost or special conditions compared to regular mercenaries. Holy Orders are typically composed of elite warriors and are highly effective in combat, especially when fighting against infidels.

  • Faith Requirement: You must belong to the same faith as the Holy Order to hire them. For example, Catholic rulers can hire the Knights Templar or Knights Hospitaller.
  • Cost & Maintenance: While often cheaper than mercenaries, Holy Orders still require gold for hiring and maintenance.
  • Special Abilities: Holy Orders often possess unique traits or bonuses that make them particularly effective in certain situations or against specific enemy types.
  • Availability: The availability of Holy Orders can depend on the strength and organization of your faith.
  • Religious Head Influence: In some faiths, the religious head may have more direct control over Holy Orders and their deployment.

Strategic Use of Mercenaries & Holy Orders

Both mercenaries and Holy Orders are best used strategically. They are excellent for:

  • Winning Decisive Battles: Bolstering your army for a critical engagement.
  • Launching Offensives: Quickly building an army to conquer new territory.
  • Defending Against Overwhelming Odds: Providing a much-needed defensive advantage.
  • Siege Warfare: Supplementing your siege capabilities.

However, relying too heavily on them can drain your treasury. It is crucial to balance their use with the development of your own standing army and levies.