Siege warfare is a critical component of conquest in Crusader Kings III, allowing you to break down enemy fortifications and claim valuable territory. Understanding the mechanics of siege progress and the tools at your disposal is essential for efficient warfare.
Siege Progress & Mechanics
When your army is positioned on a hostile county's province that contains a castle, city, or tribal holding, a siege will commence. The siege progress bar indicates how close you are to capturing the holding. Several factors influence the speed of siege progress:
- Siege Weapons: The most significant factor. Having siege weapons like trebuchets, catapults, or siege towers dramatically increases the rate of progress. Different siege weapons have varying effectiveness against different types of fortifications.
- Commander's Siege Skill: A commander with a high "Siege Skill" stat will accelerate the siege process.
- Siege Event Choices: During a siege, random events will occur. Your choices in these events can either hasten or hinder the siege progress, or even result in casualties.
- Defender's Fortification Level: Higher fortification levels on the holding will make the siege take longer.
- Garrison Size: A larger garrison can prolong the siege, as your troops will need to overcome them.
Siege Weapons & Types
You can equip your army with siege weapons before or during a siege. These are typically Men-at-Arms regiments that specialize in siege warfare.
- Light Siege Weapons: Faster to build and deploy, but less effective.
- Heavy Siege Weapons: Slower to assemble but deal significant damage to fortifications.
- Siege Towers: Primarily used to assault walls directly, bypassing some of the slower progress mechanics.
Assaulting a Holding
Instead of waiting for the siege progress bar to fill, you can choose to "Assault" the holding. This is a risky maneuver that involves a direct attack on the fortifications. An assault will result in significant casualties for your attacking troops, but it can be a quick way to capture a holding if your army is much larger and stronger than the defending garrison, or if you are in a desperate situation.
Siege Events
As a siege progresses, you will encounter various events. These can range from opportunities to bribe guards, to dealing with disease outbreaks within your army, or facing sorties from the besieged garrison. Carefully consider the potential outcomes of each event choice.
Blockading
If you lack siege weapons or wish to conserve your troops, you can simply "Blockade" the holding. This means your army surrounds the fortification, preventing supplies from entering or leaving. While this will eventually starve out the garrison, it is a much slower process than active siege warfare.
Capturing Holdings
Once a siege is successful, you will gain control of the holding. This is crucial for expanding your territory, gaining new levies, and increasing your income. The type of holding (castle, city, tribal) will determine the benefits you receive.