Recommended Starts for Diplomacy Focus
For players who relish the art of negotiation, strategic alliances, and the subtle manipulation of courtly life, Crusader Kings III offers numerous starting positions that reward a diplomatic approach. These starts often place you in situations where direct military conquest is difficult or undesirable, forcing you to rely on your wits and your ability to forge connections.
A prime recommendation for a diplomacy-focused playthrough is starting as the King of Ireland in 1066. Ireland is famously fragmented at this start, with numerous small counties and duchies. While you can certainly conquer your neighbors, the true strength of this start lies in its potential for unification through marriage and alliances. By carefully arranging marriages for your children and yourself, you can gradually absorb neighboring territories without shedding a drop of blood, or at least minimize it. The relatively isolated nature of the island also provides a buffer against larger, more aggressive powers initially.
Another excellent choice is to play as a smaller, but strategically positioned, ruler within a larger realm. Consider starting as a Duke within the Holy Roman Empire, such as the Duke of Bohemia. While the Emperor holds ultimate authority, you have significant autonomy within your duchy. This allows you to focus on building relationships with other powerful vassals, potentially forming factions to influence the Emperor, or even positioning yourself to be elected as the next Emperor. The intricate web of feudal obligations and rivalries within the HRE is a diplomatic playground.
The Kingdom of Hungary in 1066 also offers a compelling diplomatic challenge. As a relatively new kingdom with a distinct culture and religion, you'll need to navigate relationships with both the Holy Roman Empire to your west and the Byzantine Empire to your south. Securing your borders through alliances and carefully managing your internal succession will be paramount. The potential for expansion into neighboring tribal lands also exists, but a diplomatic approach to integrating these cultures can be more sustainable.
For a more challenging but rewarding diplomatic experience, consider starting as a ruler in the Byzantine Empire. The Empire is rife with internal factions, powerful courtiers, and a complex succession system. Your ability to navigate these treacherous waters, secure powerful allies within the court, and perhaps even influence the Emperor's decisions will be key to your survival and eventual rise to power. This start demands a keen understanding of character traits, schemes, and the delicate balance of power.
Ultimately, any start can be a diplomatic one, but these recommendations provide fertile ground for those who prefer to win hearts and minds, or at least secure advantageous marriages, over the brute force of the battlefield.