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3.1 OVERVIEW
THIS IS THE Main Map, where all the action happens. The crisp, clean
layout allows you to view the map while providing easy acccess to all the
many, many interface screens you will need. In order to scroll around
the Main Map itself, you just need to move your mouse to edge of screen
and the map will scroll in the direction. To zoom the map image in and out,
you can spin your mouse wheel or click the magnifying glasses on the Toolbar.
Throughout the rest of his section, we are going to look at all the useful
information and tools you have at your fingertips directly from thid Main Map
interface.
Before we do that, though, let's take a moment and talk about hints, When
you first launch Crusader Kings II, you will see this little dialogue box:
This is one of the hints to help you get the hang of the game. These appear
the first time you click on any of the buttons and when you first access the
various intefaces within the game.
Don't just click past these hints, even if you are familiar with other Paradox
games! These hints contain some valuable tips and suggestions to help you
learn and really understand what is happening in the game.
In fact, in many ways, you could say they are far move valuable than any user
manual, since they pop up right when you need them most. Indeed, you could
even say that a user manual is redundant and useless when these great hints
are built right... Hey! Wait a minute! Just ignore these hints, people! They are
no good for you! Foucus only on this manual!
I jest. These hints are very valuable, and you really should pay attention to them.
Later on, when you are grizzled veteran of many a campaign, you can disable
them, but for now, read, learn, and enjoy.
Even if you are not using the hints, you can still make use of the tool tips
which are associated with virtually every element of the game. if you don't
know what something is or does, or you don't understand why you will doubtless
see a pop-up explaining what is going on.
That being said, it is time to look at this Main Map and all the different elements
it contains, because, thre is alot of information you can access from the
Main Map Interface.
We'll start with:
3.2 THE QUICK LINK BUTTONS
ALONG THE TOP row is a series of buttons. These will take you to the
various interfaces which you will use throughout the game. Those
will be discussed in greater detail further on, but let us take a moment
to discuss what they are and how to get to them. On the far left is the
Council button, which takes you to the Council Interface where you can
view and edit your Court. Next is the Laws button, from which you can view
the Laws Interface. There, you can view your heirs, Succession Laws, and
the laws of your domain. the Technology button brings up the Technology
Interface, where you can set your research priorities. the Military button
leads to the Military Interface, which is where you can view and raise your
armies and navies, and manage your military force. From the Intrigue button,
you can see the Intrigue Interface, where you can set your Ambitions
and view your prisoners and any plots or threats against your realm. From
the Diplomacy button, you can access the Diplomacy Interface, where you
interact with other nations and dynasties. From the Religion button, you
can view your relationship with the current Pope and your ecclesiastical vassals
in the Religion Interface. Finally, the Characters button brings up the
Character Interface, where you can view all the characters within the game.
To the left of the Quick Links, you will see the portrait of your handsome
and dashing charactor. The framing of your portrait and the crown mounted on
top of the Coat of Arms shows your title. The Coat of Arms of your highest
title appears in the lower left. Clicking on him will bring up the Character
Interface where you can view all sorts of character infomation, such as family,
friends, enemies, heirs, and vassals. Your character's traits, stats, and
attributes can also be seen from this interface.
