Your Own Merchant Republic

Not satisfied with the pre-made Merchant Republics that come with Crusader Kings II. This video will show you how to make your very own wherever you want and with any culture or religious group. More videos on Merchant Republics coming soonish.

How to Make Your Own Merchant Republic

Video #1: Getting started by actually forming the Republic you want, where you want it. Fully updated for the Old Gods expansion and V 1.1.

Summary of the steps:

• 1) Start a new game anywhere but where you want your Republic.
  
• 2) Pick your starting province and view the Mayor.
  
• 3) Open the console (with the '~' key by default) and type "charinfo 1".
  
• 4) Get the Mayor's ID number and type "give_title c_<county_name> <character #>".
  
• 5) Type "give_title d_<dutchy_name> <character #>".
  
• 6) Type "play <character #>".
  
• 7) Enjoy.

Make Your Own Merchant Republic: Getting Fancy

Using Brittany as a starting point I use the console and some imagination to create two Merchant Republics a bit out of the ordinary. Both Norse Pagan starting 867AD, one that is a 'special event' character complete with troops and ships. The other a complete breakdown and build back up of Brittany in a beefier and Norsier way.

This video doesn't show much new information but rather is intended as a springboard for ideas and to show you some of what could be done. Serious cheat alert as well.

Your Merchant Republic: The Early Years

Working on the Video now...

Summary Notes:

Spouse

• Go for traits (genius, quick, strong, attractive) not alliances.
  
• Have lots of wives/concubines as you can (Pagan & Muslim).
  
• Get 'em young to maximize baby making time.

Dynasty

• Keep the menfolk at home (unless Muslim), don't give them titles.
  
• Always have a backup heir.

Trade Posts

• Upgrade them before cities.
  
• Try to control all the ports in a Sea Zone.
  
• Take them from other Republics through war when your at max.

Spending Cash

• First upgrade your Mansion fully for the extra Trade Posts.
  
• Build as many Trade Posts as you can.
  
• Keep your Retinue's maxxed and use them.
  
• Keep reserve cash for election rigging, you'll need it.

Merchant Republics: Advanced Concepts

Coming soon...

Will contain information such as:

• How to ensure your heir inherits.
  
• How to take over other Republics.
  
• How to wage wars as a Republic.
  
• Other sub-topics as I think of them or as they are requested by people.

[WaKKO151]

would really like more info on the running a merchant republic. I personally like to make my guy Norse/Nordic so i can raid as a MR. Its invaluable especially with the large amount of retinues you get because honestly, the fact that they can reinforce in enemy territory means i don't have to go home. I have been the least respected and most powerful Vassal to my lord, and even he can not mess with me.

[KungFuBrew]

If you play as a tribal ruler, you have a decision to found a merchant republic. it is also easy to make a merchant republic without cheating.

[FullRefund]

I couldn't figure out where else to put a "video walkthrough". :)

[Solarak]

Nice guide. End it (and please don't post videowalkthoughts as guides =/) to reach 5 stars

[FullRefund]

Yes, yes it does.

[Feynrik]

Okey, didn't know that. So say that I got 100% of for instance Tropico 4, then the producers mind up a stupid achievement requirement for like all traits maximum (means at least 100+ real game time hours), then I loose the full total count for this game?

[FullRefund]

You get 100%, more achievements come out then you don't have 100% anymore until you get the new ones.

[Feynrik]

There is this possibility to show the sum of total achievements games one have made. Did the total achievement count one minus when you already got 100% but then with Addon DLC had to make for another five six achievements (like build observatory) did this make until you took again 100% reduced by one game for total achievements?

[FullRefund]

Strategy has been my favourite type of game for the over 30 years now, I tend to put a fair bit of effort into the numbers on how they work. I had 100% in CKII a number of months ago but then two more expansions came out making for more achievements, thus the week ago thing.

[Feynrik]

You really are an advanced CKII-gamer! Impressive you just for a week ago got 100% achievements on CKII, and now is about to make same in EU4. Please make more videos and guides as them videos are educational (and not just bragging might see other places on steam).