Traits
- See also: Console commands#Trait Tags
Traits represent a character's personality, abilities, reputation, and physical characteristics. They can be gained or lost through events and some traits can be inherited by descendants. Traits affect everything about a character, from attributes to the opinion others have on them. Most traits influence the outcome of certain events or grant additional options. When using the Ruler Designer, traits have a cost in customization points.
Personality traits[edit | edit source]
Personality traits are the traits that represent a character the most and impact if and how much Stress a character receives for actions and decisions that conflict with these traits. For AI characters, it also determines their behavior (e.g. how resistant they are to another character's
Dread). Characters tend not to have more than 3 personality traits. While personality traits can change, it is very difficult to do so; this most often occurs as the result of a mental break at Stress Level 2 or higher.
Each personality trait has an opposite trait and usually characters with opposite personality traits will have lowered Opinion of each other. A character cannot have two opposing traits.
Trait | Description | Trait | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Brave | Challenges or danger, this character fears nothing. | ![]() |
Craven | This character does not enjoy being challenged, or scared, at all. |
![]() |
Calm | This character takes things in stride, leading a slow-paced life. | ![]() |
Wrathful | This character is quick to anger and fury. |
![]() |
Chaste | This character dislikes intimate contact, avoiding the temptations of the flesh. | ![]() |
Lustful | Carnal desires burn hot in this character's core. |
![]() |
Content | What they already have, be it much or little, is enough for this character. | ![]() |
Ambitious | This character knows what they want, and they are not afraid to try and get it. |
![]() |
Diligent | This character does not shy away from hard work. | ![]() |
Lazy | The easiest road in life is the road most taken by this character. |
![]() |
Fickle | This character changes their mind more often than not, making them hard to predict. | ![]() |
Stubborn | This character does not back down for anything. |
![]() |
Forgiving | This character is quick to move on from most things. | ![]() |
Vengeful | This character is slow to forget a slight or someone who does them wrong. |
![]() |
Generous | Acts of benevolence and charity are no strangers to this character. | ![]() |
Greedy | This character keeps a tight grip on their purse and is always looking for ways to engorge it. |
![]() |
Gregarious | This character enjoys spending time with other people. | ![]() |
Shy | This character prefers to avoid interacting with other people. |
![]() |
Honest | This character values truth and sincerity highly. | ![]() |
Deceitful | To lie and deceive is in this character's nature. |
![]() |
Humble | This character does not ask for much in life. | ![]() |
Arrogant | This character has no problem with their sense of worth. |
![]() |
Just | This character has a strong sense of justice. | ![]() |
Arbitrary | This character does their own thing and has little regard for others. |
![]() |
Patient | To wait and bide their time is a specialty of this character. | ![]() |
Impatient | This character thinks that most things should happen fast: ideally they should happen now!. |
![]() |
Temperate | According to this character, it's best to enjoy things in moderation. | ![]() |
Gluttonous | This character scoffs at moderation; they want it all!. |
![]() |
Trusting | This character is quick to place their faith in others. | ![]() |
Paranoid | This character sees enemies in every shadow. |
![]() |
Zealous | Religious conviction burns bright at the center of this character. | ![]() |
Cynical | This character trusts the self-interest of others above all else. |
![]() |
Compassionate | Both merciful and sympathetic, this character is warmhearted. | ![]() |
Callous | Being called both heartless and cold-blooded, this character is indifferent to most. |
![]() |
Sadistic | Few things bring this character as much joy as the suffering of others. |
Education traits[edit | edit source]
When reaching adulthood every character receives an education trait based on how their education focus went. Education traits grant a bonus to one skill as well as to the monthly experience gained in the Lifestyle associated with the trait. There are two exceptions:
Prowess traits can be obtained together with a
Martial education one if either the child or its guardian's culture that has the Knighthood innovation and a Martial Custom cultural pillar matching the child's gender.
Stewardship-Learning traits can be obtained if the child's dynasty has the second
Metropolitan legacy unlocked. The chance to gain a trait are equal to the
Development level of their guardian's liege's capital and higher
Development also increases the chance of gaining a better trait.
Congenital traits[edit | edit source]
- See also: Trait inheritance
Congenital traits have a very small chance to appear upon birth and can be inherited by a character's descendants, especially if both parents have the same trait. Congenital traits are marked with a white aura.
The traits Melancholic, Lunatic and Possessed also have a non-genetic version that can be lost and gained through events.
Trait | Effects | Caused by inbreeding | Appearance age | Cost | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Melancholic |
|
![]() |
10-14 | -20 | This character has a hard time seeing the good in life. |
![]() |
Lunatic |
|
![]() |
16-30 | -15 | Plagued by hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thoughts, this character struggles to distinguish between what is real and what is not. |
![]() |
Possessed | ![]() |
10-20 | -20 | The sudden changes in emotion, awareness and ability that this character experiences can only be explained by spirits inhabiting their body. | |
![]() |
Fecund |
|
![]() |
0 | +50 | This character is fruitful and fertile. |
![]() |
Albino |
|
![]() |
0 | 0 | With their white hair and red eyes, this character strikes fear in many. |
![]() |
Lisping |
|
![]() |
0 | -5 | This character has trouble pronouncing certain sounds. |
![]() |
Stuttering |
|
![]() |
0 | -5 | Finishing a sentence quickly is not this character's strong suit. |
![]() |
Pure-blooded |
|
![]() |
0 | +50 | This character is of a pure bloodline. |
![]() |
Giant |
|
![]() |
0 | +20 | Others have to crane their necks, and rein in awe, as this character walks by. |
![]() |
Scaly |
|
![]() |
0 | 0 | This character is covered in scaly patches of skin. |
![]() |
Club-footed |
|
![]() |
0 | 0 | This character is cursed with twisted feet and an unsightly walk. |
![]() |
Dwarf |
|
![]() |
0 | 0 | This character is afflicted by a genetic disorder that stunts their growth. |
![]() |
Hunchbacked |
|
![]() |
0 | -10 | This character is weighted down by the curse of a humpback. |
![]() |
Sterile / Barren | ![]() |
![]() |
0 | 0 | This character cannot produce children. |
![]() |
Wheezing |
|
![]() |
0 | -10 | This character is cursed to spend their life coughing and wheezing. |
![]() |
Spindly |
|
![]() |
0 | -10 | This character's limbs are long and knobby. |
![]() |
Bleeder |
|
![]() |
0 | -20 | Any kind of wound might prove fatal to this character since their sanguine humors are in a hurry to escape their body. |
Leveled congenital traits[edit | edit source]
The following Congenital traits come in multiple levels. A leveled Congenital trait has a 50% chance to increase in level if both parents have the same trait. The name of some leveled traits depends on the character's gender.
Trait group | Negative level 3 | Negative level 2 | Negative level 1 | Positive level 1 | Positive level 2 | Positive level 3 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Homely / Beautiful | ![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
| |
Slow / Bright | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Fragile / Physical | ![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
Physical traits[edit | edit source]
Trait | Character effects | AI effects | Cost | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Shrewd |
|
+50 Rationality | +50 | Life has taught this character the value of good judgement and sharp wit. |
![]() |
Strong |
|
+20 Energy | +50 | Though training and perseverance, this character has been granted a strong body. |
![]() |
Scarred |
|
+10 | Visibly wearing the memories of battles or accidents, this character is noticeably scarred. | |
![]() |
One-Eyed |
|
−10 Energy | +10 | This character only has one eye. |
![]() |
One-Legged |
|
−10 Energy | -5 | This character only has one leg. |
![]() |
Disfigured |
|
−20 Sociability | -10 | This character is hideously disfigured. |
![]() |
Weak |
|
−20 Energy | -10 | This character's body is on the decline. |
![]() |
Dull |
|
−50 Rationality | -20 | It has been a long time since this character's mind had any exercise. |
![]() |
Eunuch |
|
−20 Energy | ![]() |
This character has been intentionally castrated. |
Lifestyle traits[edit | edit source]
Lifestyle traits can be obtained through either the final perk of each Lifestyle tree or as a result of Lifestyle Decisions.
Trait | Character effects | AI effects | Cost | Requirements | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
August |
|
+20 Energy | +50 | ![]() |
The August is honored as a true ruler, worthy of the empires of old! |
![]() |
Diplomat |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
The Diplomat navigates the perilous waters of social interactions deftly, and achieves their goals with dazzling charisma and conviction while mediating between the highest rulers of the land. |
![]() |
Patriarch / Matriarch |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
A person who is truly dedicated to their family, and the prosperity of their House. |
![]() |
Gallant |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
True nobility comes not only from one's blood, but from actions tempered by a spirit like gleaming steel. |
![]() |
Overseer |
|
+20 Rationality | +50 | ![]() |
The guidance, firmness of hand, and authority ensure problems are solved properly. |
![]() |
Strategist | +30 Rationality | +50 | ![]() |
The Strategist is a dedicated student of of the art of war, capable of turning any situation to their advantage. | |
![]() |
Administrator |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
To organize, administrate, and raise efficiency - the Administrator will get it done. |
![]() |
Architect |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
The works of an experienced builder will stand for centuries. |
![]() |
Avaricious |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
Gold, gold, gold! Can there be any higher calling, and goal more noble, than the pursuit of wealth? |
![]() |
Schemer |
|
−20 Honor | +50 | ![]() |
The Schemer lives to understand and manipulate the things that drive other people - and exploit them! |
![]() |
Seducer / Seductress |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
It is not difficult to desire. The true challenge is to be desired. |
![]() |
Torturer |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
Inflicting pain. Holding someone's life in your hands. This is true power. |
![]() |
Scholar |
|
+30 Rationality | +50 | ![]() |
Philosophy, nature, and knowledge. Understanding the world is the only way to rule it. |
![]() |
Theologian |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
Divinity holds the answer to every question, from what resides in the hearts of men, to the mysteries of life. |
![]() |
Whole of Body |
|
+20 Energy | +75 | ![]() |
Know yourself, know your limitations, and know the full extent of your reach. |
![]() |
Celibate |
|
|
![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
This character has sworn themselves to celibacy. |
![]() |
Herbalist |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
This character is well versed in herbs, botany, and medical practices related to plants. |
![]() |
Gardener |
|
|
+50 | ![]() |
This character knows everything there is to know about gardens, plants, and how to tend them. |
Leveled Activities/Lifestyle traits[edit | edit source]
The following Lifestyle traits can be obtained and reinforced as a result of Lifestyle events, Activities events and Court positions.
Commander traits[edit | edit source]
Commander traits give various bonuses to armies led by a character with such traits. If creating a custom ruler each commander trait costs 25 customization points.
Infamous traits[edit | edit source]
Infamous traits may be accepted, shunned or considered criminal by a character depending on the Doctrines or Tenets of its faith.
Coping mechanisms[edit | edit source]
A coping mechanism is a trait that can be obtained when a character suffers a mental break and helps a character lose stress and usually imparts negative effects. A few coping mechanisms impart only positive effects and are rare but can be obtained more easily by having the Whole of Body lifestyle focus. Each coping mechanism unlocks a unique decision.
Trait | Character effects | Unlocked decision | AI effects | Cost | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Drunkard |
|
Indulge in Drink |
|
-10 | This character has taken to the bottle, and is constantly looking for its bottom. |
![]() |
Flagellant |
|
Flagellate |
|
-10 | The catharsis of self-flagellation is the only thing which makes this character feel better. |
![]() |
Comfort Eater |
|
Indulge in Food |
|
-5 | This character often tries to fill the emptiness they feel by indulging in comforting foods. |
![]() |
Contrite |
|
Confess |
|
-5 | This character suffers from a guilty conscience, often feeling compelled to confess things better left unmentioned. |
![]() |
Improvident |
|
Donate to Charity |
|
-5 | This character habitually gives far more money away to charities than they can reasonably afford. |
![]() |
Inappetetic |
|
Shun Food |
|
-5 | Stress has ruined this character's appetite, causing them to skip meals and waste away... |
![]() |
Reclusive |
|
Seclude Yourself |
|
-5 | This character often sequestrates themselves away and neglects their responsibilities. |
![]() |
Irritable |
|
Lash Out |
|
0 | Stress has made this character prone to frequent outbursts and tantrums. |
![]() |
Rakish |
|
Visit a Brothel |
|
0 | This character spends so much time in the brothel that it has become their second home. |
![]() |
Hashishiyah |
|
Consume Hashish Cakes |
|
+5 | This character is dependent on the consumption of hashish to deal with the stress of everyday life. |
![]() |
Profligate |
|
Visit the Market |
|
+10 | Compulsive spending causes this character to frequently waste money on unnecessary purchases. |
![]() |
Confider |
|
Talk to Confidant |
|
+15 | In sharing their problems with a close confidant, this character has become able to manage life far better than they could before. |
![]() |
Journaller |
|
Write Thoughts Down | +10 Rationality | +15 | This character has taken to writing down the thoughts which plague them to make them easier to manage. |
![]() |
Athletic |
|
Work Off Some Stress |
|
+40 | Regular exercise helps this character keep a level head and burn off stress. |
Childhood traits[edit | edit source]
Characters between 3 and 15 years old can have one childhood trait. Childhood traits grant a minor bonus to two Skills and if the child is given an Education Focus that matches one of the two Skills the trait improves, then the trait can improve the level of the education trait given when the character reaches adulthood. If creating a custom ruler each childhood trait costs 5 customization points.
Health traits[edit | edit source]
A Health trait is a negative trait that lowers a character's Health and is visible on the character. They last a varying amount of time and differ greatly in lethality.
The visual effect of certain health traits can be replaced with one from a lesser trait by disabling Show graphic diseases and injuries option in the settings menu.
Trait | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Curable | Congenital | Cost | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Wounded | 0 | −1 | 0 | −1 | 0 | −2 | −10 | 0 | +100% | 0 | −1 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Severely Injured | 0 | −2 | 0 | −2 | 0 | −4 | −15 | −25% | +100% | −10 | −2 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Brutally Mauled | 0 | −4 | 0 | −4 | 0 | −8 | −20 | −75% | +100% | −20 | −4 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Sickly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −20 | 0 | +100% | 0 | −2.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Impotent | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −50% | 0 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Infirm | −3 | −3 | −3 | −3 | −3 | −6 | −15 | −30% | +100% | 0 | −1 | ![]() |
![]() |
-20 |
![]() |
Incapable | −6 | −6 | −6 | −6 | −6 | −12 | −25 | −1000% | +100% | 0 | −3 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Inbred | −5 | −5 | −5 | −5 | −5 | −2 | 0 | −50% | 0 | −30 | −1.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
-30 |
![]() |
Maimed | −2 | −2 | −2 | −2 | −2 | −4 | −15 | −50% | +100% | −10 | −3 | ![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Blind | 0 | −6 | −2 | −2 | 0 | −10 | −10 | 0 | 0 | −10 | −0.25 | ![]() |
![]() |
-10 |
Diseases[edit | edit source]
Diseases are Health traits that can be spread from one character to another. If a character recovers from certain Diseases they become immune to them. Immunity lasts 20 years for Cancer, Consumption, Gout, Great Pox, Pneumonia, and Typhus, and is permanent for the Bubonic Plague and Smallpox. There is no immunity against the Ill trait, and characters cannot recover from Leper or Lover's Pox.
Each year a character has a 10% chance to gain an Illness trait, though this can be reduced in multiple ways. The Bubonic Plague cannot appear before year 1346.
Trait | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Curable | Congenital | Weight | Cost | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Ill | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −4 | −10 | −20% | +100% | 0 | −1 | ![]() |
![]() |
4000 | 0 |
![]() |
Bubonic Plague | −2 | −3 | −2 | −3 | −2 | −10 | −30 | −50% | +100% | −30 | −6.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
2 | |
![]() |
Cancer | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −15 | −20% | +100% | 0 | −3 | ![]() |
![]() |
150 | -10 |
![]() |
Consumption | −2 | 0 | −1 | −2 | 0 | −2 | −10 | 0 | +100% | −10 | −2 | ![]() |
![]() |
100 | 0 |
![]() |
Great Pox | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | −1 | 0 | −20 | −20% | +100% | −10 | −1 | ![]() |
![]() |
25 | -10 |
![]() |
Gout Ridden | −2 | −1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −2 | −5 | 0 | 0 | −15 | −1 | ![]() |
![]() |
250 | -5 |
![]() |
Leper | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −8 | −20 | −95% | +100% | −35 | −1.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
40 | 0 |
![]() |
Lover's Pox | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | −5 | 0 | 0 | −20 | 0 | ![]() |
![]() |
75 | 0 |
![]() |
Pneumonia | −2 | −2 | −2 | −2 | −2 | −8 | −10 | −50% | +100% | 0 | −3 | ![]() |
![]() |
80 | 0 |
![]() |
Smallpox | −2 | 0 | −1 | 0 | −2 | −10 | −15 | −25% | +100% | −10 | −3.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
2 | 0 |
![]() |
Typhus | −1 | 0 | −2 | −1 | −2 | −4 | −15 | −20% | +100% | −10 | −3.5 | ![]() |
![]() |
100 | 0 |
Dynasty traits[edit | edit source]
Dynasty traits can be either given or removed by members of the same Dynasty.
Trait | Effects | Cost | Requirements | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Bastard |
|
0 | This character was not born of a legal pairing of parents, or a concubine, and will have to live with the stain of illegitimacy their whole life. | |
![]() |
Bastard Founder |
|
![]() |
A former bastard who has founded their own Dynasty. | |
![]() |
Born in the Purple |
|
+40 |
|
This character was born to prominent parents, a rich life and high expectations. |
![]() |
Child of Concubine | ![]() |
![]() |
This character was born of a concubine. This character was fathered by a concubine. | |
![]() |
Denounced |
|
![]() |
This character has been denounced by the Dynasty Head and can now be imprisoned by any other Dynasty member. | |
![]() |
Disinherited |
|
![]() |
This character has been disinherited by the Dynasty Head and cannot inherit any title from any Dynasty member. | |
![]() |
Disputed Heritage |
|
![]() |
Credible Rumors surround this character's heritage. Many say that their father is someone else. | |
![]() |
Legitimized Bastard |
|
0 | ![]() |
This character was born a bastard, but has since been legitimized. |
![]() |
Reincarnation |
|
This character is said to be the reincarnation of their ancestor. | ||
![]() |
Twin | ![]() |
![]() |
This character was born a twin. | |
![]() |
Wild Oat | ![]() |
0 | This character was born out of wedlock. |
Descendant traits[edit | edit source]
- See also: Breeding#List of other inherited traits
Descendant traits can be obtained if one of a character's known parents has either a certain founding trait or a descendant trait. Descendant traits are lost if a character's father is revealed to be someone without such traits and the mother does not have it.
Founding trait | Effects | AI Zeal | Descendant trait | Effects | AI Zeal | Founding requirements | Cost | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Saoshyant |
|
+100 | ![]() |
Saoshyant Descendant |
|
0 | ![]() |
|
![]() |
Sayyid | ![]() |
0 | ![]() |
Sayyid | ![]() |
0 | ![]() |
+25 |
![]() |
Paragon | ![]() |
+20 | ![]() |
Consecrated Blood | ![]() |
+10 |
|
|
![]() |
The Savior | ![]() Hidden: +75% county conversion speed[1] |
+100 | ![]() |
Divine Blood | ![]() Hidden: +25% county conversion speed[2] |
0 |
|
Decision traits[edit | edit source]
The following traits can be gained via decisions.
Trait | Effects | Decision | Cost | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Augustus |
|
Restore the Roman Empire | This character is the current ruler of the restored Roman Empire and commands the respect an office of such magnitude is due. | |
![]() |
Chakravarti |
|
Become Chakravarti | This character has united the center of the world, and is the rightful ruler of its entirety. | |
![]() |
Greatest of Khans | Become Greatest of Khans | This character has been proclaimed the ruler of the universe itself, by right of conquest. | ||
![]() |
Pilgrim |
|
Go on a Pilgrimage (not short pilgrimages) | +30 | This character has completed a pilgrimage to a holy site. |
![]() |
Hajji / Hajjah |
|
Undertake the Hajj | +30 | This character has completed the Hajj, a pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Mecca. |
Event traits[edit | edit source]
These traits can only be gained by events and may have different names depending on circumstances.
Court type traits[edit | edit source]
Court type traits can only be obtained by characters that have been courtiers for at least 5 years. For a level 1 trait the court must have reached Grandeur Level 5 while for level 2 the court must have reached Grandeur Level 8. These traits cannot be selected for custom rulers.
Trait chain | Level 1 effects | Level 2 effects |
---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
Unobtainable traits[edit | edit source]
These traits are unobtainable during normal gameplay. However, they may be used by historical characters.
Trait | Effects | Notes | Description | |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Saint | ![]() |
Used by some historical characters. | Exceptionally holy, the saint is a beacon of light for everyone religious. |
References[edit | edit source]
Characters | Characters • Attributes • Traits • Resources • Lifestyle • Dynasty • Culture • Innovations • Modifiers |
Realm & Governance | Vassals • Council • Court • Schemes • Government • Laws • Decisions • Titles • Barony • County |
Warfare | Warfare • Casus belli • Alliance • Army • Hired forces |
Faith | Religion • Faith • Doctrines • Tenets |
Meta | Modding • Patches • Downloadable content • Developer diaries • Achievements • Jargon |