Crusader Kings 2: Conclave came out earlier this month, and the latest DLC for the strategic dynasty-building war game revamps some of the game’s oldest and most important mechanics—particularly diplomacy, education and the relationship between a vassal and his or her liege. That’s not to mention big changes to war, Crown Authority, law, and the power of the royal council. It’s a big expansion with far-reaching consequences, and iDigitalTimes recently spoke to Crusader Kings 2 game director Henrik Fåhraeus over email to discuss the changes—and the effects they have.

Crusader Kings 2: Conclave Interview: Henrik Fahraeus On The New Expansion

iDigitalTimes: What’s the overriding purpose or vision behind the changes to the Council in Crusader Kings 2: Conclave?

Fåhraeus: The main purpose of this expansion is to make the game more challenging and interesting past the first century or two. I.e., even intermediate players tend to realize that they have "won" when they gain control of an Empire (or create a new one), and this usually doesn't take more than perhaps two centuries of game time. Therefore, we decided to crank up both the external and internal challenges that large and sprawling Realms will have to face. The new Council mechanics represent the internal aspects of this increased depth; we highlight the most powerful of your vassals and make them expect a seat on the Council, or else there will be... trouble.

IDT: What options does a player with a hostile Council have?

Fåhraeus: Hostile and troublesome councilors are mainly handled by gaining and calling in something we call Favors in order to make them fall in line. (The main problem with discontent councilors is of course that they are allowed to join Factions against you.)

IDT: Will a newly conquered powerful vassal immediately demand a seat on the Council? How do powerful vassals in a large realm react to being displaced by new, more powerful vassals?

Fåhraeus: Yes, powerful vassals will want a seat on the council, which is visible in the game even if they do not immediately ask you for a seat outright. Former powerful vassals do not currently react much to this displacement, but it is certainly a good idea to make them resentful! However, firing any vassal from the Council will of course make him or her upset.

IDT: How does the Favor system interact with Vassal Opinions? Do vassals who hate you still owe you for past favors? Are opinions more or less important compared to before?

Fåhraeus: Vassal opinions are a separate system from Favors. Vassal opinions are still hugely important; and not just for vassals outside the Council. After all, the opinions drive most AI behavior, and immoral vassals might decide to get rid of you through shady means even if they owe you a Favor...

IDT: You’ve said the changes in Conclave help make the mid-to-late game more challenging, and slow down player blobbing. Will they have a similar effect on the AI?

Fåhraeus: The AI has never been as prone to "blobbing" as skilled players, but the rules are the same for both players and AI-controlled characters. This means that huge or quickly expanding AI Realms will also have to overcome the new internal and external challenges.

IDT: Specifically, the Holy Roman Empire and some of the other big empires tend to accumulate more territory over time, and rarely lose any territory… even when they’re wracked by massive, successful civil wars. Will any of the new mechanics make it more likely for big empires to have to cede territory?

Fåhraeus: There is little specifically geared to break large Realms apart (which risks being extremely frustrating for players.) Instead, expansion should get progressively harder the bigger you get, and your most powerful vassals will constantly strive to expand the powers of the Council (i.e., the things that the Council gets to "vote" on.) However, as part of the parcel, we have generally decreased vassal opinions of the liege, and powerful vassals outside the Council (and discontent councilors) who desire independence will certainly be more dangerous.

IDT: How will the Conclave mechanics work in small states in the early game? Will they still slow down progress if you’re, for example, a two-county lord in Ireland?

Fåhraeus: Small realms play much as before. There won't be many powerful vassals to keep an eye on, and it's pretty safe to override the Council. Neither will you have to worry about defensive pacts forming against you until you are starting to get truly powerful.

IDT: What determines a councilor’s Position toward the liege? Can these traits change, or are they set in stone? Are these attitudes visible before a character joins the Council?

Fåhraeus: A character's Position cannot be seen before appointment to the Council. Furthermore, councilors are free to change their Position once per year. The AI picks Position based on traits, opinion and power though, so players will learn roughly what to expect from different types of vassals.

IDT: What are the consequences to reigning as an Absolute Ruler? Is it sustainable in the long run?

Fåhraeus: It is going to be easy for small realms, but get progressively harder if you manage to grow. It should not be sustainable for huge empires in the long run, unless you are prepared to constantly smash massive rebellions.

IDT: Do you have plans for even more DLC? Generally speaking, what are your future plans for Crusader Kings 2?

Fåhraeus: There are plans for a few more expansions, but I think Conclave will be the last one to drastically alter (or expand on) the core mechanics. The final expansions for CK2 will be more akin to " Way of Life ", but with different themes.

Our thanks to Paradox and to Henrik Fåhraeus for taking the time to discuss the DLC with us. Crusader Kings 2: Conclave is available on Steam now for $14.99.