Summary
TheLegacy of PersiaDLC forCrusader Kings 3adds rich details and new mechanics to both the Persian region and the wider medieval Islamic world. With the Abbasid Caliphate collapsing in the 867 start date,Crusader Kings 3players can take part in a new struggle called the Iranian Intermezzo.
With royal families at each other’s throats, dozens of cultures, and religious animosity at a breaking point, the region is fraught with chaos and thus opportunities. As such, there are many great starting rulers for theLegacy of PersiaDLC, and how the future of the region and Caliphal authority pans out is up to them.
6Caliph Al-Mu’tazz Of The Abbasid Empire - 867
Difficulty: Advanced
Caliph al-Mu’tazz may have the largest lands and the most titular power in the 867 start date, but with a rebellion already in full swing and enemies all around either seeking to take the Caliphate for their own or to see it crumble, players are in fora tough and engaging playthrough.
With the new House Unity mechanic for Clans, players might also wish to reunite their family after years of bloodshed, with many of al-Mu’tazz’s vassals being relations.
5Caliph Al-Qa’im Of The Sunni Caliphate -1066
While theLegacy of Persia DLCis mostly catered to the 867 start date, a fun 1066 playthrough, with all the new Clan mechanics and details, is to try and restore the Abbasid Caliphate to its former glory.
Caliph Al-Qa’im of the Abbasid dynasty still holds onto Baghdad and some power, but is a vassal of the Seljuk Empire, and is even married to the Emperor’s sister. To restore the Abbasid Empire from this position is a tall task, and players must knowhow to increase in rank inCrusader Kings 3.
4Prince Ashot Of The Armenian Principalities - 867
Difficulty: Easy
One of the most interesting vassals of the Caliph in the 867 start date is Prince Ashot of the Armenian Principalities as, unlike his fellow vassals, he comes from the Christian Apostolic faith. This makes gameplay and interactions extremely fascinating.
He is also not directly involved in the Iranian Intermezzo struggle at the start and players can do what they will with this, potentially using the upheaval of the empireto make new conquests.
3Vali Isma’il Samani Of Bukhara - 867
Out of the most interesting starting rulers forLegacy of Persia, Isma’il Samani is easily the most talented, and while he doesn’t start with much land or power, players will soon learn it can be taken from less capable family members.
As a Caliphal Supporter surrounded by Detractors, there is also great opportunity for gain, especially with Isma’il’s high Diplomacy stat and education, which can help unlockoverpowered Diplomacy Perks. For example, True Ruler will help players vassalize the scattered pieces of the Caliphate.
2Amir Ya’qub Of The Saffarid Grand Amirate
Difficulty: Medium
Crusader Kings 3isa game about forging new dynastiesand one of the best characters to do this with is Amir Ya’qub of the Saffarid Grand Amirate, a self-made warrior. With his great Martial education, players will quickly be able to unlockthe best Martial Perks inCK3, and not only win the war against the Tahirids, but potentially expand further.
As a Persian, Ya’qub has the potential to bring down the Abbasid Caliphate as part of the Iranian Intermezzo and restore the Persian Empire to glory. For a DLC calledLegacy of Persia, he certainly seems like a hero players can get behind.
1Sheikh Rostam I Of Mazandaran - 867
Arguably the best and most popular starting ruler for theLegacy of PersiaDLC is Sheikh Rostam I of Mazandaran who happens to be one of the last remaining Sassanids, the ancient rulers of the region. He also happens to secretly follow the old Zoroastrian faith, meaning players can try to restore the Sassanid Empire and bring back Zoroastrianism at the same time.
However, seeing as Rostam only has a county to his name, this is a tall task for even the most veteranCrusader Kings 3players. Thankfully, Rostam will spawn with a good martial education and some ofthe best Personality Traits inCK3.
