Crusader Kings 3: Strategies for Gaining Influence in Roads to Power

The Roads to Power DLC for Crusader Kings 3 shifts its focus towards the Byzantine Empire, introducing players to a unique gameplay style that emphasizes Administrative Government. This approach is distinct from traditional Feudal, Clan, and Tribal systems, as characters do not own land directly. Instead, powerful families vie for influence and positions, allowing for behind-the-scenes control of affairs. Central to this political maneuvering is a new resource called Influence, which is essential for achieving success. With ample Influence, players can dictate appointments and even exert control over the Emperor.

What Is Influence in CK3 and Its Purpose in Roads to Power

Influence is a special resource designated for members of Administrative Governments and is exclusive to the Roads to Power DLC. Similar to other resources like Prestige and Piety, players can accumulate and spend Influence.

This resource is primarily utilized to gain political favors and persuade others to act on your behalf. Here are some key applications of Influence:

- Influencing Candidacy: Utilize Influence to modify a candidate's score, aiding allies in securing governorships.

- Dismissing Governors: Encourage Governors to vacate their positions, paving the way for your preferred candidate.

- Compelling Resignation: Persuade the Emperor to remove a Governor from office.

- Requesting Raid Authorization: Seek the Governor’s permission to conduct a lawful raid on another family's estate.

- Enhancing Governance: Boost a character's efficiency as a Governor and improve their opinion of you.

- Undermining Governance: Reduce a character’s effectiveness as a Governor.

- Requesting Administration Changes: Petition the Emperor to alter the Administration type of your Theme.

- Recruiting Agents for Schemes: Use Influence to entice agents into joining your schemes.

- Claiming Council Positions: Demand a specific role on your liege's council in exchange for Influence, which allows you to gain more Influence while serving.

- Requesting Title Claims: Convince the Emperor to grant you a claim on a title.

- Asking for Troops: Persuade the Emperor to reassign troops from another governorship to your command.

- Petitioning the Emperor: Request a favor or boon, such as gold or a court position, at a cost of Influence.

- Fostering Integration: Spend Influence on a decision that yields monthly rewards for a duration of 15 years.

- Coercing Vassals into Factions: Force hesitant vassals to join a Faction, albeit at a significant Influence cost.

- Building Faction Support: Enhance a Faction’s discontent and troop count when war is declared.

- Shifting Power Dynamics: Use Influence to sway the scales of power in your favor.

- Securing Marital Alliances: Foster crucial alliances that provide a monthly Influence boost.

- Adopting House Members: Spend Influence to bring characters into your House.

- Requesting Aid from Christians: The Byzantine Emperor can seek assistance from other Christians when their realm is diminished.

- Celebrating Triumphs: The Emperor can hold a Triumph every decade.

How to Accumulate Influence in Crusader Kings 3

In an Administrative Government like the Byzantine Empire, players will quickly recognize the significance of Influence and their desire for more. While the methods for gaining Influence may not be immediately apparent, here are the primary ways to acquire it, along with potential random events that may also yield rewards:

- Assuming a Governorship: This role provides +1 Monthly Influence.

- Strategos/Governor Trait: This grants +1 Monthly Influence and +2 at the maximum rank.

- Holding Council Positions: Each council role provides a monthly Influence bonus in addition to other rewards.

- Political Meddlers Family Attribute: This attribute chosen by Houses grants monthly Influence.

- Stewards of Empire Legacy: This Dynasty Legacy provides a 10% boost to Monthly Influence.

- Cultivated Sophistication Tradition: This Cultural Tradition offers a 10% increase to Monthly Influence—benefiting those who stay Greek.

- Born in the Purple Trait: Children of the Emperor receive this Trait, granting additional Monthly Influence and benefits.

- Champion Charioteer Position: This court role offers Monthly Influence and extra Influence for finishing 3rd or better in races.

- Bookmaker Position: The Monthly Influence from this court position depends on the Bookmaker's Aptitude.

- Participating in Chariot Races: Hosting or attending these events is a great way to gain Influence, especially if focusing on Influence boosts during the races.

- Offering a Eunuch: Send your Eunuch to another Governor in exchange for Influence.

- Governorship Confirmation: After a year as a Governor, travel to the Emperor for a ceremony to receive Influence and additional rewards.

- Fostering Integration: While this decision costs Influence, it rewards you monthly for 15 years.

- Reinstating the Grain Dole: The Emperor can spend money to enact this decision, gaining substantial Influence and bonuses.

- Re-Establishing the Theodosian Borders: Completing this challenging decision grants the Emperor significant Influence.

- Restoring the Roman Empire: Accomplishing this feat rewards the Augustus Trait, providing high Monthly Influence.

- Adopting Imperial Administration: Changing to this Administration type yields Monthly Influence for the Governor.

- Artifacts: Some historical artifacts grant Influence, such as the Statue of a Roman Woman, which provides a 5% Monthly Influence boost.

- Alliances with House Heads: Forming alliances with House Heads can yield +1 Monthly Influence, and if allied with the Emperor, another +1.5.

- Landed House Members: Assigning House members to roles can grant Monthly Influence, provided they maintain a positive opinion of you.

- Governance Issues: Contracts that may appear on the map for Governors can yield Influence.

- Requesting Clergy Support: Ask the Head of Faith for Influence, which also provides Monthly Influence for 10 years, significantly enhanced with a Shrine building for the Estate.

- Certain Traits: Personality Traits like Arbitrary, Paranoid, and Gregarious increase Monthly Influence, while Trusting can decrease it.

Influence Gains from Estates in CK3

Many buildings and upgrades within Estates can boost Monthly Influence. The Manor, in particular, stands out for its ability to provide substantial Influence once fully upgraded:

- The Manor: Grants between +1 to +3 Monthly Influence based on its level of upgrade. Internal upgrades can further enhance this.

- Guest Room Upgrade: Increases Influence by +2%.

- Reception Hall Upgrade: Adds +2% to your Influence.

- Cabinet of Curiosities Upgrade: Provides a +0.1% Influence boost.

- Shrine Upgrade: Maximizing this can enhance Influence rewards from requesting Clergy Support from 100 to 400.

- Market Upgrade: Gain Influence through completed buildings in held counties, requiring at least one upgrade to the Market.

- Mulberry Copse: Improves Domicile Influence.

By effectively leveraging these strategies, players can navigate the intricate political landscape of Crusader Kings 3 and maximize their Influence in the Roads to Power DLC.