Weapons & Armor Artifacts
In the brutal world of Crusader Kings III, the right weapon and armor can mean the difference between victory and a swift, ominious end. Weapons and Armor artifacts are tangible representations of martial prowess, often forged by legendary smiths or recovered from ancient battlefields. These items provide direct combat bonuses, influencing your character's personal combat skill, prowess, and even their chances of surviving a duel or battle.
You can acquire these martial artifacts through various means. Many are found through the 'Hunt' and 'War' activities, with a successful hunt potentially yielding a legendary hunting spear, or a victorious siege uncovering a suit of ancestral plate armor. The 'Artifacts' menu allows you to forge new weapons and armor, provided you have the necessary crafting skill, resources, and sometimes specific cultural or religious requirements. For example, a Viking ruler might be able to forge a powerful Dane Axe, while a Byzantine emperor could commission ornate Cataphract armor.
The bonuses provided by these artifacts are varied and impactful. A finely crafted sword might grant a significant boost to your personal combat skill, making you a more formidable opponent in any conflict. A suit of enchanted armor could reduce incoming damage, increasing your survivability. Some rare artifacts even possess unique active abilities, such as a shield that can temporarily stun enemies in a duel or a sword that grants a temporary morale boost to your troops. Always check the artifact's tooltip for detailed information on its effects. Equipping the right weapon and armor can dramatically alter your character's effectiveness in combat, making them a terror on the battlefield or a nigh-invincible duelist.