Summary
- The Legacy of Persia DLC for Crusader Kings 3 adds rich details and new mechanics to the Persian region and the wider medieval Islamic world.
- There are multiple rulers with different objectives and difficulties to choose from, such as restoring the Abbasid Caliphate or the Sassanid Empire.
- Players can engage in a struggle called the Iranian Intermezzo, dealing with royal family rivalries, religious animosity, and chaos in the region.
The Legacy of Persia DLC for Crusader Kings 3 adds 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 3 players can take part in a new struggle called the Iranian Intermezzo.
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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 the Legacy of Persia DLC, and how the future of the region and Caliphal authority pans out is up to them.
6 Caliph Al-Mu'tazz Of The Abbasid Empire - 867
Difficulty: Advanced
- Starting Rank: Emperor
- Struggle Allegiance: Caliphal Supporter
- Objectives: Hold onto the Abbasid Caliphate and eventually restore losses
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 for a 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.
5 Caliph Al-Qa'im Of The Sunni Caliphate -1066
Difficulty: Advanced
- Starting Rank: Duke
- Objectives: Reclaim the Abbasid Caliphate from the Seljuks
While the Legacy of Persia DLC is 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.
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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 know how to increase in rank in Crusader Kings 3.
4 Prince Ashot Of The Armenian Principalities - 867
Difficulty: Easy
- Starting Rank: King
- Struggle Allegiance: None
- Objectives: Use the surrounding chaos to thrive and push the Apostolic faith forward
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 empire to make new conquests.
3 Vali Isma'il Samani Of Bukhara - 867
Difficulty: Easy
- Starting Rank: Count
- Struggle Allegiance: Caliphal Supporter
- Objectives: Use his prodigious talents to vie for power and rise as the dynasty leader
Out of the most interesting starting rulers for Legacy 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 unlock overpowered Diplomacy Perks. For example, True Ruler will help players vassalize the scattered pieces of the Caliphate.
2 Amir Ya'qub Of The Saffarid Grand Amirate
Difficulty: Medium
- Starting Rank: King
- Struggle Allegiance: Caliphal Detractor
- Objectives: Establish his new dynasty and restore the Persian Empire
Crusader Kings 3 is a game about forging new dynasties and 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 unlock the best Martial Perks in CK3, and not only win the war against the Tahirids, but potentially expand further.
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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 called Legacy of Persia, he certainly seems like a hero players can get behind.
1 Sheikh Rostam I Of Mazandaran - 867
Difficulty: Advanced
- Starting Rank: Count
- Struggle Allegiance: Caliphal Detractor
- Objectives: Restore Sassanid power and the Zoroastrian faith
Arguably the best and most popular starting ruler for the Legacy of Persia DLC 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 veteran Crusader Kings 3 players. Thankfully, Rostam will spawn with a good martial education and some of the best Personality Traits in CK3.
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
