Managing the politics of medieval nobility is the main draw ofCrusader Kings 3. For all the bribery, backstabbing, and brutality that you deal with in the game, you still need to ensure that your dynasty comes out ahead and secure your legacy for generations to come.
The head of a large dynasty can wield considerable power, but it’s hard to stay on top. Forming a Cadet Branch lets you take more control over your direct line, ensuring that you can put all those fiefs you’ve given out to your descendants are put to good use.
What Is A Cadet Branch?
True to its name, a Cadet Branch is asingle section of a dynasty’s family tree.Each branch is its own noble house, with a unique coat of arms, but is still a part of the larger dynasty. A good example would be the Karlings in the 867 campaign; the grandchildren of Charlemagne each form their own Cadet Branches of the Karling Dynasty, given enough time.
The head of a dynasty - usually the member with thestrongest military- can spend Renown tocall other members to war,claim their titles, orforce members to stop fighting one another.This means that if a dynasty has members on multiple thrones, they can create an unstoppable power bloc.
The head of a Cadet Branch has similar privileges; they cancall other members of their house to warand can demand thathouse members convert to their faith.Unlike the Dynasty Head, the title of House Head is hereditary regardless of military might.
The House Head gains a small amount of Prestige every month for each member that holds land.
How To Form A Cadet Branch
Not every noble can create a Cadet Branch; your character must meet specific requirements before you may proclaim a new house. They must belegitimate(or legitimized) and at leastsixteen years old,withno living ancestorsin their current house.
Unless you turn it off in the Decisions Menu, you’ll receive a notification if you’re eligigble to form a Cadet Branch.
If the founding character is marginalized by gender in their religion, theymust be married. Furthermore, married characters hoping to found a Cadet Branch, regardless of the religious status of their gender, must be in a marriage that passes their dynasty to their children - patrilineal marriages for men and matrilineal marriages for women.
Lastly, the founding charactercannot be first, second, or third in linefor any of the titles held by the head of their current house. If you currently belong to the main branch of your dynasty, this is the Dynasty Head. If you meet the requirements,open the Decisions Menuand select
Upon forming your Cadet Branch, your character, their close relatives, and any descendants of either will join the house and change their coats of arms accordingly. The character who formed the new house gains350 Fameand becomes the first House Head.
Only Feudal and Clan governments allow the creation of Cadet Branches. If you’re playing a Tribal character, you’ll need to reform first.
