Traditions

Traditions represent the main customs of a culture and can grant various effects. A culture can have up to 5 traditions in the tribal era, with every additional era reached granting an additional slot for Traditions. Adding a tradition costs 2000  Prestige, which may be increased by the following:

• +2000 if the culture does not have one of the Tradition's preferred ethos.
• +3000 if optional requirement is not fulfilled. This does not apply to AI Culture Heads.

In the Royal Court DLC replacing a tradition increases the final cost by +50% and the time it takes to establish it by +25%. The needed time to establish a tradition is dependent on the number of counties with that culture. The fewer counties the culture has, the faster it goes. The maximum time to establish a tradition is 30 years.

It should be noted that many traditions are mutually exclusive with other traditions. The only way to bypass this restriction is through hybridization with a culture that has the other tradition.

Realm traditions

Tradition	Effects	Obligatory requirements	Optional requirements	Preferred ethos	Description
Astute Diplomats	+50 Alliance Negotiation Acceptance +10 White Peace Acceptance +1 Foreign Language Limit +25% Learn Language Scheme Power Cannot attack Allies Cannot attack during a Truce			Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	It is a common idea in this culture that the purest expression of superiority is the ability to subdue your enemy without fighting them.
Collective Lands	+30 Control to counties granted to Lowborn characters Lowborn characters gain the Peasant Leader trait when granted a County +20% Development Growth −20% Control Growth +20% Building Construction Time		Culture has at least 2 Counts with the Peasant Leader trait	Communal Egalitarian Stoic	The idea that individuals personally own land is alien to this culture; land belongs to all people, for the common good.
Esteemed Hospitality	−25 Courtiers and Guests Acceptance for Hostile Schemes against rulers −20% Court Position Salary Cost −20% Guest Recruitment Cost +10 Courtier and Guest Opinion +5% Personal Scheme Success Chance		Iranian heritage	Communal Courtly Spiritual	In this culture rulers are known, and expected, to welcome anyone who might come to their court with open arms. Hosting guests and visitors in a spectacular fashion.
Garden Architects	Can construct Royal Gardens duchy buildings Can grant the Court Gardener court position Enables the Recruit Gardener decision		At least 10 counties with Desert Agriculture, Orchards or Farms & Fields buildings	Communal Courtly Spiritual	This culture has a long tradition of constructing and maintaining various types of gardens, building themselves a small paradise.
Isolationist	Courtiers are less likely to leave the court of a ruler of the same culture +0.5 Monthly Control +5 Same Culture Opinion −50 Marriage Acceptance towards other Cultures −35% Cultural Acceptance Gain −25% Diplomatic Range AI characters are less likely to declare war AI characters never offer marriage to characters of a different culture		Below 40 Cultural Acceptance with all neighbor cultures	Communal Spiritual Stoic	This culture prefers to keep to itself, and doesn't often look outside its own sphere.
Marital Ceremonies	+25% Skills from Spouse Councilor Tasks Hidden modifierː Stat values are now always rounded up instead of down +10 Marriage Acceptance −50% Hostile Scheme Success Chance towards Spouses −10 Same Culture Opinion towards Fornicators −15 Same Culture Opinion towards Adulterers Cannot Divorce		Culture has less than 5 Counts with the Adulterer trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	For this culture, the union of two people in marriage is considered a highly public and ritualistic affair.
Metalworkers	Blacksmiths buildings have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +25% Supply Limit per Blacksmiths level +2/+3/+4 Prowess scaling with Blacksmith level +3%/+5%/+8% Heavy Infantry and Spearmen Toughness scaling with Blacksmith level Royal Armories buildings have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +15% Knight Effectiveness per Royal Armories level +2/+3/+4 Prowess scaling with Royal Armories level -10%/-15%/-20% Building and Holding Construction Cost scaling with Royal Armories level +5% Army Toughness +5% Army Gold Maintenance		Culture is present in a County with a Mine	Bureaucratic Communal Stoic	This culture has enjoyed easy access to iron for centuries. Over time they have developed their understanding of metal to such a degree that their name has become a byword for durable and high quality arms and armor.
Ruling Caste	Different Culture and Populist Factions are less common −30% Dread Decay +0.3 Monthly Dread per Tyranny +25% Siege Progress against Revolts −25% Cultural Acceptance Gain		Any councilor with a different culture	Courtly Spiritual	Rulers of this culture are used to lording over subjects that are not their own culture. They know how to effectively suppress revolts, though at the cost of public perception.
Agrarian	Children are more likely to gain the Content trait Children are less effective at Martial Education +30% Development Growth in Farmlands and Floodplains Terrain +10% Levy Size in Farmlands and Floodplains Terrain −20% Building Construction Cost in Farmlands and Floodplains Terrain +20% Taxes in Farmlands and Floodplains Terrain if Diligent or Patient +20% Development Growth in Farmlands and Floodplains Terrain if Athletic −2 Prowess +25% Men-at-Arms Recruitment Cost	Culture is present in a county with Farmlands or Floodplains	Culture is present in 5 counties with Farmlands or Floodplains	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture is distinctly agrarian, their lands producing ample crops for hungry armies. While not having to struggle for food means many peasants for the levy, it also means that each soldier is not as motivated as those from harsher regions.
Amharic Highlanders	Enables the Sarawit innovation Can Castrate Prisoners +5 Hills Advantage +20% Development Growth in Hills Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Hills Terrain Hill Farms have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +1% Knight Effectiveness per Hill Farms level +1% Men-at-Arms Counter Efficiency per Hill Farms level +0.5% Levy Size per Hill Farms level +2 Defender Advantage per Hill Farms level	Ethiopian culture or descent Culture is present in a county with Hills Hill Dwellers tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Hills	Spiritual	The Amharic highlands are quite suitable for farming as long as one knows how to best approach the matter. For many generations this people have worked and lived in this environment, thriving while developing their own traditions and customs.
Castle Keepers	+5 Defender Advantage per Castle Holding level +0.1 Monthly Renown per Castle Holding +0.1/+0.1/+0.2/+0.2 Monthly Prestige scaling with Castle Holding level +0.5 Monthly Prestige if Architect +10% Castle Holdings Construction Time +20% Castle Holdings Construction Cost AI characters are more likely to construct Castle Holdings AI characters are more likely to construct buildings that improve Fort Level	Feudal or Clan government City Keepers tradition	Battlements innovation	Bellicose Bureaucratic Stoic	Offense is not a good defense. A good defense is having the most castles on the face of the known world.
City Keepers	−25% City Buildings Construction Time +5 Popular Opinion per City Holding level +0.5 Monthly Prestige if Architect The Guilds line of buildings can be constructed one Era early AI characters are more likely to construct City Holdings	Feudal government Castle Keepers tradition	Communal Government innovation	Bureaucratic Courtly Egalitarian	Cities are the beating urban heart of this culture, and they wish for every one of their metropolises to become enviable gems known across the world.
Court Eunuchs	Can Castrate Prisoners Can grant the Chief Eunuch court position The Eunuch Trait has additional bonuses +2 Stewardship if Eunuch +2 Intrigue if Eunuch +2 Learning if Eunuch +10 Liege Opinion if Eunuch −10 Vassal Opinion if Eunuch	Vassal, Courtier or Councilor with the Eunuch trait Byzantine Traditions tradition	Councilor with the Eunuch trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	This culture makes extensive use of eunuchs at court, occupying positions ranging from domestic servants to bureaucratic administrators and even military commanders. Men with no desire are easy to trust.
Dryland Dwellers	+15% Development Growth in Drylands Terrain +35% Development Growth in Desert Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Desert and Drylands Terrain Desert Agriculture has additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Light Cavalry and Camel Cavalry Maintenance per Desert Agriculture level −1% Light Cavalry and Camel Cavalry Recruitment Cost per Desert Agriculture level +0.0625/+0.1/+0.1375/+0.175/+0.2125/+0.25/+0.2875/+0.325 Tax scaling with Desert Agriculture level	Culture is present in a county with Desert or Drylands	30% of culture is present in counties with Desert or Drylands	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture is accustomed to living in dry climates, and know where to find water and how to work the lands.
Eastern Roman Legacy	Can recruit Cataphracts Men-at-Arms −15% Men-at-Arms Recruitment Cost −15% Men-at-Arms Maintenance +2 Max Size of Heavy Cavalry Regiments +2 Max Size of Heavy Infantry Regiments −25% Levy Size −25% Levy Reinforcement Rate	Byzantine heritage	Culture has at least 50 Counties de jure part of Byzantine Empire	Bellicose Courtly Egalitarian	The military organization of the Roman Empire is still in living memory within this culture. A professional army is favored over levied troops.
Equal Inheritance	Can enact the Equal Gender Law Removes the ruler gender opinion penalty	Warrior Queens tradition	Culture has at least 3 male and 3 female Counts	Egalitarian	This culture has a history of rulers dividing their lands between all their children, even those who normally would be excluded.
Family Business	+5 Close Family Opinion +20 Court Position Aptitude for Close Family Members +10% Progress Speed for Councilor Tasks for Close Family Members +10% Skill Impact for Councilor Tasks for Close Family members −150 Prestige for revoking a County from a Close Family Member −350 Prestige for revoking a Duchy from a Close Family Member −750 Prestige for revoking a Kingdom from a Close Family Member	At least 10 Close Family members	80 Opinion with 50% of all Close Family Members	Communal Courtly	This culture encourages businesses to develop along familial lines, each generation picking up the tools and techniques of their trade from the last, building a strong tradition of ancestral professionalism
Fervent Temple Builders	+750 Prestige when constructing a Temple Holding +5 Fervor when constructing a Temple Holding +2 Fervor when upgrading a Temple Holding Gain prestige from constructing temples Various traits give temple construction bonuses −5% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Time if Conscientious Scribe −10% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Time if Insightful Thinker or Scholar −15% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Time if Astute Intellectual −20% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Time if Mastermind Philosopher or Diligent +20% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Cost if Cynical −5% Temple Buildings Construction Cost if Mastermind Philosopher −5% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Cost if Scholar or Wise Man −10% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Cost if Theologian or Mystic −15% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Cost if Humble or Miracle Worker −25% Temple Holding and Buildings Construction Cost if Zealous	At least 20% of the culture's holdings are temple holdings	Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Zealous trait	Communal Spiritual Stoic	This culture finds constructing temples the most direct path to the divine. Fervent rulers are expected to build many, and grand, temples.
Forest Folk	+15% Development Growth in Forest and Taiga Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Forest and Taiga Terrain Forestries have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +2% Archers and Skirmishers Damage per Forestry level −2% County Build Speed per Forestry level −1% County Build Cost per Forestry level	Culture is present in a county with Forest or Taiga Baltic heritage Balto-Finnic heritage Volga-Finnic heritage Ugro-Permian heritage Forest Wardens tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Forest or Taiga	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture lives close to vast forests, and knows how to forage its bounties.
Hereditary Hierarchy	−15% Castle Holding Construction Cost +10% Feudal Vassal Tax Contribution +25% Long Reign Bonus −75% Tyranny Loss −10 Feudal Opinion from level 1 education traits	Feudal government	King with 10 vassals	Courtly Spiritual	It is ingrained in this culture that leadership in passed on by blood, nobility is bound by stone in castles, and that the feudal structure is unshakable. They do not easily forget those who break the feudal code.
Hidden Cities	+35% Development Growth in Jungle Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Jungle Terrain +1 Fort Level for Tribes in Jungle Terrain +2 Fort Level for Castles in Jungle Terrain	Culture is present in a county with Jungle Akan or Yoruba heritage Jungle Dwellers tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Jungle	Bureaucratic	Whether they are up in the jungle trees, or protected by the organic maze, foreigners may not even know this culture's cities exist, let alone have a clue how to besiege them.
Hill Dwellers	+20% Development Growth in Hills Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Hills Terrain Hill Farms have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +1% Knight Effectiveness per Hill Farms level +1% Men-at-Arms Counter Efficiency per Hill Farms level +0.5% Levy Size per Hill Farms level +2 Defender Advantage per Hill Farms level	Culture is present in a county with Hills Ethiopian culture or descent Amharic Highlanders tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Hills	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture is at home in hills, and know how to work its lands effectively.
Jungle Dwellers	+25% Development Growth in Jungle Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Jungle Terrain Outposts have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Archer and Skirmisher Maintenance per Outposts level −1% Archer and Skirmisher Recruitment Cost per Outposts level +1% Levy Size per Outposts level +0.125/+0.2/+0.275/+0.35/+0.425/+0.5/+0.575/+0.65 Tax scaling with Outposts level	Culture is present in a county with Jungle Akan heritage Yoruba heritage Hidden Cities tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Jungle	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture lives close to the jungle, and knows how to harvest its riches.
Legalistic	−50% Law Cost Penalty from Realm Size +20 Vassal Acceptance of Rightful Punishments +0.5 Monthly Prestige if Just +1 Diplomacy per Level of Fame if Just +30 Vassal Limit −30% Title Creation Cost +25% Tyranny Gain −1% Monthly Prestige per Dread Children are more likely to gain the Just trait	Faith has a Head of Faith	Bailiffs innovation Communal Government innovation	Communal Courtly Egalitarian	This culture regards the rule of law and its codification as being the most important parameter of a civilized society.
Maritime Mercantilism	+10% Coastal Holding Tax +10 Republic Vassal Opinion The Tradeports line of buildings can be constructed one Era early	Culture is present in a coastal county	30% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bureaucratic Egalitarian Stoic	The world may be ruled by armies, but this culture knows that it is truly controlled by whoever dominates the flow of gold across the seas.
Matriarchal	Can enact the Female Only Gender Law Can enact the Female Preference Gender Law +10 Opinion of Female Rulers −10 Opinion of Male Rulers	Female Dominated faith doctrine or Nubian or Daju culture Warrior Queens tradition Male Only Succession Male Preference Succession	Culture has 5 at least female Counts	Egalitarian	This culture enforces a matriarchal hierarchy, where the ruling class is overwhelmingly comprised of women.
Monastic Communities	Children are more likely to gain the Temperate trait +0.5 Monthly Piety if Temperate +10 Same Culture Opinion if Temperate +3 Learning if Devoted +25 Ask to Take Vows Acceptance for adults +125 Ask to Take Vows Acceptance for children	Faith has Monasticism tenet	Devoted Servant level of devotion	Communal Spiritual	This culture has a long history of sending noble progeny to serve the faith. Revered political thinkers often arise from the monastic orders.
Mountain Homes	+20% Development Growth in Mountain Terrain +35% Development Growth in Desert Mountain Terrain +350 Prestige for constructing in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Mountain Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Desert Mountain Terrain Quarries have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Heavy Infantry, Spearmen, and Heavy Cavalry Maintenance per Quarries level −1% Men-At-Arms Recruitment Cost per Quarries level +1% Levy Size per Quarries level	Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain Arabic heritage Berber heritage Tibetan heritage Qiangic heritage Himalayan Settlers tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain or Desert Mountain	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture knows how to live and thrive on plateaus near the harsh slopes of mountains.
Parochialism	−10% City Holding and Buildings Construction Time +25% Levy Size per City Holding level +1% Holding Taxes per City Holding level +5% Monthly Development per City Holding level −25% Monthly Control per City Holding in the County −20 Republic Vassal Opinion	Latin heritage	Have a city holding in at least 90% of counties that share your culture within your realm	Communal Courtly Spiritual	City residents of this culture are fiercely competitive and independent. They invest a lot of money and energy to make sure that their city is the grandest.
Pastoralists	+1 Prowess Pastoral Lands have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Light Cavalry Maintenance per Pastoral Lands level +0.5% Holding Taxes per Pastoral Lands level +0.5% Levy Size per Pastoral Lands level +2 Defender Advantage per Pastoral Lands level Small Disease Resistance	40% of culture is present in counties with Plains or Steppe	60% of culture is present in counties with Plains or Steppe	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture is at home in wide and open terrain, where they herd large groups of animals.
Polders	Enables the Adaptive Militia innovation Pastoral Lands, Farms & Fields, Wetland Farms, Manor Houses, and Orchards have additional bonuses in coastal Counties of this Culture: +0.5% Holding Taxes per Pastoral Lands level in coastal baronies +0.5% Levy Size per Pastoral Lands level in coastal baronies +2%/+3%/+4%/+5%/+6%/+7%/+8%/+9% Holding Taxes scaling with Farms & Fields level in coastal baronies +2%/+3%/+4%/+5%/+6%/+7%/+8%/+9% Holding Taxes scaling with Wetland Farms level in coastal baronies +2%/+3%/+4%/+5%/+6%/+6%/+7%/+8% Holding Taxes scaling with Manor Houses level in coastal baronies +1% Holding Taxes per Orchards level in coastal baronies +0%/+0%/+10%/+10%/+10%/+10%/+10%/+10% Supply Limit scaling with Orchards level in coastal baronies −10% Construction Time in coastal baronies +5% Skirmisher Damage +10% Skirmisher Screen	Dutch culture or descent Culture is present in a coastal county Amharic Highlanders tradition	30% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bureaucratic Communal Stoic	This culture has a long tradition of reclaiming land from the surrounding sea. This allows them to utilize what would normally be a shallow seabed for farming and construction.
Republican Legacy	Can create up to 4 Count Republic Vassals Republic Vassals above Baron give more Taxes and Levies Can unlock the Pike Columns innovation −10% City Holding and Buildings Construction Cost +25% Levies from City Holdings per level +1% Taxes from City Holdings per level +5% Development Growth from City Holdings per level −25% Control from City Holdings −20 Republic Vassal Opinion	Latin heritage Parochialism tradition	At least 10% of the culture's holdings are city holdings	Communal Courtly Spiritual	This culture has a long history of republican values, where the urban classes are just as important as the rural landholders.
Tribal Unity	+10% Levies if Family Hierarch +1 Monthly Prestige if Family Hierarch +10 House Opinion +30% Personal Scheme Success Chance with House Members +75 Prestige for granting a County to a House Member +150 Prestige for granting a Duchy to a House Member +350 Prestige for granting a Kingdom to a House Member +750 Prestige for granting an Empire to a House Member −150 Prestige for revoking a County from a House Member −350 Prestige for revoking a Duchy from a House Member −750 Prestige for revoking a Kingdom from a House Member −5 Liege Opinion	Tribal or Clan government Gaelic culture or descent Scottish culture or descent	At least 3 House Members	Communal Spiritual Stoic	This culture emphasizes the familial and communal bonds its people share, pushing them to remember their shared heritage.
Wetlanders	+25% Development Growth in Wetlands Terrain −25% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Wetlands Terrain +10% Levy Size in Wetlands +25% Supply Limit in Wetlands +10 Wetlands Advantage Wetland Farms have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Building Construction Cost per Wetland Farms level −2% Building Construction Time per Wetland Farms level	Culture is present in a county with Wetlands	30% of culture is present in counties with Wetlands	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	This culture has mastered the bogs and marshes. Though life is at times a battle against mold, they have learned to use the peat to their advantage.
Ancient Miners	Quarries can be constructed in Hills Terrain in Counties of this Culture Quarries have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Heavy Infantry, Spearmen, and Heavy Cavalry Maintenance per Quarries level −1% Men-At-Arms Recruitment Cost per Quarries level +1% Levy Size per Quarries level	Cornish or Gur culture			This culture has always been surrounded by raw materials, ore, and uncut gems. They have an affinity for finding sites for mining excavations.
Coastal Warriors	Can recruit Huscarls Men-at-Arms Can recruit Bondi Men-at-Arms Can recruit Vigmen Men-at-Arms Can recruit Varangian Veterans Men-at-Arms Certain traits grant Prestige +1% Chance to be born with the Strong trait for each 5 Prowess	Northern Lords DLC North Germanic heritage Culture is present in a coastal county Warrior Culture tradition Seafarers tradition	30% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bellicose	We have always been drawn to the shoreline. The sting of sea air, the crying gulls, the scent of smoked fish... what warrior would ever opt to live far from the water and its freedoms?
Culture Blending	−75% Hybrid Culture Creation Cost +25% Cultural Acceptance Gain +30% Learn Language Scheme Power +1 Max Learn Language Schemes	Royal Court DLC	At least 30% of the realm does not have the same culture	Communal Egalitarian	Members of this culture have often lived alongside people of other cultures. Through exposure, they have become adept at incorporating foreign languages, traditions and customs into their own lives.
Staunch Traditionalists	Children are more likely to gain the Stubborn trait +5 Controlled Territory Defender Advantage +0.3 Monthly Control −10% Cultural Fascination Progress +300% Convert to Local Culture Decision Cost Creating a Hybrid Culture is twice harder	Royal Court DLC	Entire realm shares the same culture	Communal Spiritual Stoic	Tradition is tradition, it is immovable and unchangeable. We must be ready and willing to stand up for what makes us who we are.
Malleable Subjects	Vassals of this Culture do not consider differing Faith or Culture when joining Factions Vassals of this Culture will often learn the Language of their Liege Harder to Promote Culture in Counties of this Culture unless you share a Heritage Easier to Promote Culture in Counties of this Culture if you share a Heritage More likely to attract wandering Knights +200% Available Mercenary Companies -50% Mercenary Hire Cost +25% Cultural Acceptance Gain +10 Different Culture Opinion No Negative Opinion of Other Cultures +25% Vassal Levy Contribution	Fate of Iberia DLC Iberian Heritage		Courtly Egalitarian	Who's to say what freedom is? One king is much like another regardless of culture. True freedom comes from learning how to live with any liege.
State Ransoming	Knights in Battle die less often but are captured more often Characters with a Liege of this Culture are more likely to be captured in Sieges Can demand higher ransom for lower rank Rulers -25% Monthly income while at war -50% Friendly Fatal Casualties +10% Levy Size	Fate of Iberia DLC	Iberian Heritage or Cultural Head speaks Iberian Vulgar	Bellicose Communal	Every soldier goes into battle ready to risk life and limb for their liege! Does it not behoove the liege to offer them some guarantee of safety, regardless of station, should they be captured in the field?

Warfare traditions

Tradition	Effects	Obligatory requirements	Optional requirements	Preferred ethos	Description
Adaptive Skirmishers	−25% Enemy Defensive Advantage −5% Archer Maintenance −5% Skirmisher Maintenance +10% Archer Damage +5% Skirmisher Damage +5% Archer Toughness +10% Skirmisher Toughness −10% Heavy Cavalry Damage −10% Heavy Infantry Damage −5% Heavy Cavalry Toughness −5% Heavy Infantry Toughness		500 Archers and 500 Skirmishers	Bellicose Spiritual Stoic	This culture knows how to effectively field skirmishers in any environment.
Battlefield Looters	+1 Gold per 100 Fatal Casualties +50% Army Loot Capacity −75% Prestige and Fame from Battles		Culture has 3 Counts with the Reaver trait	Bellicose Bureaucratic	In this culture battles are not fought for prestige, but for profit. Who cares about one's standing if you're unable to pay for the war?
Formation Fighting Experts	+15% Men-at-Arms Counter Efficiency +10% Archer Damage +5% Spearmen Damage +5% Archer Toughness +10% Spearmen Toughness −15% Light Cavalry Damage −15% Skirmisher Damage −5% Light Cavalry Toughness −5% Skirmisher Toughness −15% Pursuit Efficiency		500 Archers and 500 Spearmen	Bellicose Communal Courtly	This culture knows how to create synergy between different types of units by use of efficient protective formations.
Frugal Armorsmiths	−15% Men-at-Arms Recruitment Cost −15% Army Gold Maintenance −20% Knight Effectiveness −20% Elephant Cavalry Toughness −20% Heavy Cavalry Toughness −20% Heavy Infantry Toughness −20% Spearmen Toughness		500 Archers and 500 Skirmishers	Bellicose Communal Stoic	While a set of high-quality armor might save one life, having ten decent sets might win a battle.
Recognition of Talent	+50 Opinion from granting pardons and recruiting prisoners Strong Hook from granting pardons and recruiting prisoners Prisoners are more likely to accept recruitment Invite Knights decision grants Knights with better Prowess Invite Knights decision grants Knights with a Blademaster trait		10 prisoners with a skill of at least 12	Bellicose Courtly Egalitarian	"Kill me if you wish, but if you let me live, I shall serve you loyally."
Reverence for Veterans	+10% Monthly Prestige if Scarred or One-Eyed +15% Monthly Prestige if Disfigured or One-Legged +20% Monthly Prestige if Maimed +5 Same Culture Opinion if Scarred or One-Eyed +10 Same Culture Opinion if Disfigured or One-Legged +15 Same Culture Opinion if Maimed Guardians can teach Commander Traits to their Wards		Culture has 5 Disfigured, Maimed, One-Eyed, One-Legged or Scarred Counts	Bellicose Egalitarian Stoic	This culture doesn't look down upon those who can no longer fight due to injury, instead they are celebrated as heroes and used as teachers.
Stalwart Defenders	+5 Defender Advantage +25% Garrison Size +100% Prestige from winning Defensive Wars +100% Gold from winning Defensive Wars +10 Defensive War Peace Acceptance		Strategic Marches duchy building	Bellicose Courtly Stoic	Defending that which is one's own is of paramount importance to this culture.
Strength in Numbers	+15% Levy Size −15% Archer Recruitment Cost −15% Light Cavalry Recruitment Cost −15% Skirmisher Recruitment Cost +2 Max Size of Archer Regiments +2 Max Size of Light Cavalry Regiments +2 Max Size of Skirmisher Regiments −2 Max Size of Elephant Cavalry Regiments −2 Max Size of Heavy Cavalry Regiments −2 Max Size of Heavy Infantry Regiments −2 Max Size of Spearmen Regiments −2 Number of Knights		500 Archers and 500 Skirmishers	Bellicose Spiritual	This culture forsakes having elite troops, and instead favors massed armies.
Swords for Hire	+100% Available Mercenary Companies −15% Same Culture Mercenary Hire Cost 30% Yearly Chance for Knights in Mercenary Courts to gain Prowess Wanderers gain Martial, Prowess, Blademaster or Commander traits over time Knights in Mercenary Courts Idle Courtiers are more likely to leave court		Culture has 5 Counts with the Brilliant Strategist trait	Bellicose Communal Courtly	This culture views mercenary work favorably and encourages warriors to seek glory as mercenaries in-between wars.
Warrior Priests	+1 Prowess per Level of Devotion Certain traits grant Prowess +1 Prowess if Conscientious Scribe or Wise Man +2 Prowess if Insightful Thinker, Scholar, Theologian, Mystic, or Pilgrim +3 Prowess if Astute Intellectual, Miracle Worker, or Devoted +4 Prowess if Mastermind Philosopher Members of the Clergy can serve as Commanders and Knights		12 clergy characters of the same faith with 10 Prowess who cannot be knights	Bellicose Spiritual	This culture believes that if you choose to pursue theological studies, you must also be able to defend your faith.
Warriors by Merit	+1 Prowess per Level of Fame Knights gain Blademaster traits more often in battles Most knighthood restrictions are lifted for characters with 10 Prowess		5 Courtiers with 10 Prowess who cannot be Knights	Bellicose Communal Egalitarian	This culture believes that if you've proven yourself capable as a warrior, you should be allowed to fight — no matter who you are.
Forest Fighters	+25% Supply Limit in Forest and Taiga Terrain +10% Levy Size in Forest and Taiga Terrain The Forest Fighter trait is more common Enables the Recruit Forest Specialist decision Certain traits have Forest and Taiga bonuses Calm: +1 Minimum Battle Roll Wrathful: +2 Maximum Battle Roll Patient: +2 Minimum Battle Roll Impatient:+1 Maximum Battle Roll Deceitful: +2 Advantage (Forest and Taiga) Paranoid: +2 Minimum Battle Roll Fickle: +2 Maximum Battle Roll Nov. Hunter: +1 Advantage (Forest and Taiga) Hunter: +2 Advantage (Forest and Taiga) M. Hunter: +3 Advantage (Forest and Taiga) Herbalist: -50% Attrition in Forest and Taiga Logistician: -25% Attrition in Forest and Taiga Aggressive Attacker: +2 Maximum Battle Roll Unyielding Defender: +2 Minimum Battle Roll Reckless: +3 Maximum Battle Roll Cautious Leader: +2 Minimum Battle Roll	Culture is present in a county with Forest or Taiga Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties with Forest or Taiga	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture is well-versed at fighting in forests.
Highland Warriors	+25% Supply Limit in Hills Terrain +10% Levy Size in Hills Terrain The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Enables the Recruit Hill Specialist decision Certain traits have Hills bonuses Braveː +4 Advantage in Hills; 25% less Attrition taken in Hills Contentː +2 Advantage in Hills Paranoidː +2 Minimum Battle Roll Stubbornː +5 Minimum Battle Roll Vengefulː +5 Maximum Battle Roll Military Engineerː 25% less Attrition taken in Hills Aggressive Attackerː +2 Maximum Battle Roll Unyielding Defenderː +2 Minimum Battle Roll Flexible Leaderː +2 Maximum Battle Roll Rough Terrain Expertː +2 Minimum Battle Roll	Culture is present in a county with Hills Guinean Uplander heritage Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet Upland Skirmishing tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Hills	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Warriors of this culture fight well in the slopes and valleys of their hilly homes.
Hit-and-Run Tacticians	−10% Retreat Losses −10% Friendly Fatal Casualties +5% Light Cavalry Damage +5% Skirmisher Damage +10% Light Cavalry Screen +10% Skirmisher Screen −20% Siege Weapon Effectiveness −2 Advantage	Magyar heritage South Slavic heritage West Slavic heritage Konni Raids tradition	500 Light Cavalry and 500 Skirmishers	Bellicose Egalitarian Spiritual	This culture has mastered the use of lightly-armored units to hit the enemy hard, and then fall back.
Horse Breeders	−15% Cavalry Maintenance −25% Cavalry Recruitment Cost	Culture can recruit cavalry	Culture has access to unique light cavalry, heavy cavalry, or horse archer men at arms	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture has painstakingly accumulated knowledge and experience in the fine art and science of horse breeding. Whether destriers or coursers, the horses of these people are renowned for their superiority.
Jungle Warriors	+25% Supply Limit in Jungle Terrain +10% Levy Size in Jungle Terrain The Jungle Stalker trait is more common Enables the Recruit Jungle Specialist decision Certain traits have Jungle bonuses	Culture is present in a county with Jungle Akan heritage Yoruba heritage Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet Bush Hunting tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Jungle	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Warriors of this culture know well how to traverse treacherous jungles.
Longbow Competitions	Can recruit Longbowmen Men-at-Arms Longbowmen get better every Era +2 Max Size of Archer Regiments −2 Max Size of Heavy Cavalry Regiments −2 Max Size of Spearmen Regiments	Brythonic, Goidelic or West Germanic heritage	1200 Archers	Bureaucratic Stoic	This culture favors a bow more powerful than most could draw, and practicing with them once a week is as dear as any ritual of worship everywhere from the most rural villages to the largest urban metropoles.
Mountaineers	+25% Supply Limit in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain +10% Levy Size in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision Certain traits have Mountain and Desert Mountain bonuses	Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain East African heritage Horn African heritage Georgian culture or descent Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet Caucasian Wolves tradition Mountain Skirmishing tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain or Desert Mountain	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Soldiers of this culture carry all they need to traverse mountains.
Only the Strong	+2 Number of Knights +100% Knight Effectiveness +0.25 Monthly Prestige per Blademaster trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level +1 Prowess per Martial Education trait level 12 Prowess required to become a Knight +25% Men-at-Arms Recruitment Cost −25% Levy Size	Egalitarian ethos	6 Knights with 12 Prowess	Bellicose Stoic	This culture places a strong emphasis on having a few, well-trained warriors. If you're not the best-of-the-best, you're not welcome to serve.
Quarrelsome	Enables the Conquest Casus Belli Casus Belli require one Level of Fame less −20% Casus Belli Cost −40% Control Growth −5 Vassal Opinion	Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Culture has 5 Counts at war	Bellicose Spiritual	Border conflicts are common for rulers of this culture. Land often changes hands in unjust ways.
Stand and Fight!	+2 Defender Advantage +10% Heavy Cavalry Toughness +10% Heavy Infantry Toughness +10% Spearmen Toughness +20% Heavy Cavalry Maintenance +20% Heavy Infantry Maintenance +20% Spearmen Maintenance +10% Friendly Fatal Casualties	Israelite heritage Defensive Tactics tradition	500 Heavy Infantry and 500 Spearmen	Bellicose Spiritual Stoic	Warriors from this culture are unyielding and unshakable. They do not fall back - even in the face of overwhelming odds, for better or for worse.
Warriors of the Dry	+25% Supply Limit in Desert and Drylands Terrain +10% Levy Size in Desert and Drylands Terrain The Desert Warrior trait is more common Enables the Recruit Dry Terrain Specialist decision Certain traits have Desert and Drylands bonuses	Culture is present in a county with Desert or Drylands Arabic heritage Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties with Desert or Drylands	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture has mastered the art of fighting in very dry climates.
Winter Warriors	The Winter Soldier trait is more common Enables the Recruit Winter Specialist decision Certain traits have Winter bonuses	Culture is present in a county that gets winters Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties that get Harsh Winters	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture is used to the reality that harsh winds and bitter cold brings.
Malleable Invaders	−75% Hybrid Culture Creation Cost −75% Convert to Local Culture Decision Cost −20% Faith Conversion Cost −20% Different Faith Popular Opinion Impact Creating a Hybrid Culture requires 50% less Cultural Acceptance	Royal Court DLC Culture is present in the Steppe region Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Mongolic or Turkic heritage	Bellicose Bureaucratic Egalitarian	We will take your lands, your children, your traditions, and your future!

Social traditions

Tradition	Effects	Obligatory requirements	Optional requirements	Preferred ethos	Description
Charismatic (Welcoming)	60% Chance Diplomacy Education yields better outcomes +15% Monthly Court Grandeur Change +10% Personal Scheme Success Chance +10% Enemy Hostile Scheme Success Chance Children are 3 times more likely to gain the Charming trait		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Grey Eminence trait	Communal Egalitarian Stoic	The people of this culture excel in diplomatic matters, and social etiquette is valued above all else.
Charitable	+5 General Opinion +20% Opinion Gain from Send Gift −3% Monthly Income Children are more likely to gain the Compassionate trait Children are more likely to gain the Generous trait AI characters do not require reasons to send gifts		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Generous trait	Communal Spiritual	Regardless of faith, people of this culture are motivated to support those less fortunate.
Equitable	Children are more likely to gain the Just trait Children are more likely to gain the Honest trait −30% Hostile Scheme Power		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Just trait	Egalitarian Stoic	In this culture truth and impartial justice is valued highly.
Eye for an Eye	+10 Natural Dread +15% Hostile Scheme Success Chance towards Rivals +20% Hostile Scheme Power if Vengeful +10 Same Culture Opinion if Vengeful −10 Same Culture Opinion if Forgiving Children are more likely to gain the Vengeful trait Vengeful characters form Rivalries easier		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Vengeful trait	Bellicose Communal	In this culture slights are not to be forgotten, nor forgiven. Its people can carry grudges for long, and vengeance is carried out with a passion.
Forbearing	−10% Stress Gain −5 Natural Dread Children are more likely to gain the Calm trait Children are more likely to gain the Patient trait		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Patient trait	Spiritual Stoic	In this culture being patient and restrained in the face of adversity is common.
Industrious	+25 Development Growth when a Building is constructed (up to once a year) −15% Building Construction Time +15% Stress Gain		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Diligent trait	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture teaches and enshrines ideas of industriousness and hard work on behalf of one's community.
Life is just a Joke	+5 Same Culture Opinion for Gregarious, Content, Cynical, and Fickle characters −20 Stress when receiving a war declaration +50 AI Boldness		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Cynical trait	Communal Stoic	This culture would chuckle on the chopping block with an axe above its head.
Loyal Subjects	+50% Learn Language Success Chance towards Liege +10 Liege Opinion +5 Popular Opinion Vassals of this Culture do not consider Faith or Culture when joining Factions Vassals of this Culture often learn the Language of their Liege		Culture has at least 3 Count Vassals of a different culture Liege	Bellicose Communal Stoic	For this culture, serving one's liege and country is both noble and just - a duty and a privilege, rather than an avaricious arrangement or an unwanted burden.
Mendicant Mystics	+2% Monthly Income for Wise Men and Wise Women +4% Monthly Income for Mystics +8% Monthly Income for Miracle Workers +33% chance to gain or improve Mystic traits Wandering Mystic events are more likely		Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Wise Man/Woman, Mystic or Miracle Worker trait	Communal Spiritual	The holy people of this culture believe strongly that the faith should be ministered in the field, and their most devout frequently wander the world.
Modest	Children are more likely to gain the Temperate trait Certain traits grant bonuses +10% +10% +10% +10% +10% −10% Monthly Prestige −15 Same Culture Opinion if Ambitious		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Temperate trait	Stoic Spiritual	This culture values modesty, one should not take up too much space or think oneself better than others.
Strong Believers	+30% County Conversion Resistance −50 Conversion Acceptance for characters of this Culture −15 Different Faith Opinion Children are more likely to gain the Humble trait Children are more likely to gain the Zealous trait		Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Zealous trait	Communal Spiritual	The people of this culture are particularly zealous and dedicated to their faith.
Chivalry	Can use Sparring duels AI characters are more likely to start Romance Schemes +50 Renown per successful Romance Scheme +10% Heavy Cavalry Damage +10% Heavy Cavalry Toughness +30% Romance Scheme Power if Gallant +15 Romance Scheme Power if Poet +15 Attraction Opinion if Poet +50% Tyranny Gain +40% Stress per failed Romance Scheme	Culture originates from Western Europe	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Courtly Egalitarian	This culture has embraced chivalry and chivalric codes of conduct as a social method of regulating behavior. Martial prowess, duty, honor and morality are prized, as is bad poetry and romantic literature.
Dexterous Fishermen	+50% Supply Capacity +5 Coastal Advantage +1 Defender Advantage per Coastal Holding level	Culture is present in a coastal county	30% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bureaucratic Communal Courtly Egalitarian Spiritual Stoic	Anyone can fish, but to do so with such skill that any catch is bountiful, regardless of tide or wind, is a rarer talent. No one knows the coast, land or sea, better than these fishermen.
Martial Admiration	Can use Single Combat duels +2 Number of Knights +5 Injury Resistance for Prowess +1 Same Culture Opinion per Martial or Prowess Education trait level +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +0.1 Monthly Prestige per Prowess Education trait level +1 Same Culture Opinion per Prowess Education trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents +5 Knight Injury Chance	Chanson de Geste tradition Druzhina tradition Futuwaa tradition Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet East Slavic heritage Frankish heritage Iranian heritage	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Stoic	Those who are willing to take up sword and fight for their culture are worthy of admiration. No matter the odds.
Pacifists	+10% Development Growth +10 Popular Opinion −25% Conversion Cost towards faiths with pacifism tenets −1 Martial −20% Monthly Martial Lifestyle Experience AI characters are less likely to declare war	Bellicose ethos	At peace	Egalitarian Spiritual	For this culture, the use of force can never be justified. Only by pursuing a path of non-violence can people truly live in peace.
Philosopher Culture	+20% Monthly Learning Lifestyle Experience +1 Learning per Level of Fame +5% Cultural Fascination Progress per Learning Education trait level +10% Cultural Fascination Progress if Culture Head is Scholar Children are 3 times more likely to gain the Pensive trait Children are 3 times less likely to gain the Rowdy trait	Bellicose ethos Warrior Culture tradition	Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Scholar trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	This culture promotes thought and self-reflection.
Practiced Pirates	Can Raid and Raid Overseas +25% Army Loot Capacity −1.5 Prestige per 1 Loot if the character does not have Tribal government	50% of culture is present in coastal counties	70% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bellicose	Storming a port, setting it ablaze, and taking everything that isn't nailed down may not be noble, but it is profitable.
Prolific Hunters	−50% Call Hunt Activity Cooldown +0.5 Monthly Prestige for Novice Hunters +1 Monthly Prestige for Hunters +1.5 Monthly Prestige for Master Hunters Higher chance to gain or improve Hunter traits The Hunter traits are based on a hidden value called hunter_lifestyle_progress. This value increases with hunts. Further information can be found in the reference	Vegetarianism tradition Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Culture has at least 5 Counts with the Novice Hunter, Hunter or Master Hunter trait	Bellicose Spiritual Stoic	Driven by economic necessity, or perhaps social expectation, this culture has refined their hunting practices to precise and almost beautiful art.
Refined Poetry	+20 Court Poet Aptitude +0.5% Monthly Prestige for Poets +10% Personal Scheme Success Chance for Poets The Poet trait is more common	Northern Stories tradition	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Poet trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	Poetry is considered a noble art in this culture, and many spend their time piecing words together with meaning and thought.
Seafarers	−25% Embarkation Cost +0.25 Monthly Control per Tradeport level +2% Levy Size per Tradeport level Can sail through Major Rivers	50% of culture is present in coastal counties Coastal Warriors tradition	70% of culture is present in coastal counties	Bellicose Bureaucratic Spiritual	For this culture, the call of the sea is too strong to resist, and they live to sail like a dream on a crystal clear ocean, or ride on the crest of a wild raging storm.
Spartan	−20% Castle Holding and Buildings Construction Cost −20% Castle Holding and Buildings Construction Time −35% Monthly Prestige	Tribal government	Disgraced, Established or Distinguished level of fame	Communal Stoic	This culture doesn't prize the trappings of power - the ceremony, the wealth, the pointless decoration. This culture is more interested in power itself, preferably in the form of towering walls and keeps.
Storytellers	Guardians of this culture teach more skill points −15% Scheme Secrecy	Northern Stories tradition	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Poet trait	Communal Courtly Stoic	This culture has a strong and persistent oral tradition. The past is preserved through ritualistic storytelling, where the heroes and legends of the past are passed down through generations.
Warrior Culture	+1% Chance to be born with the Strong trait for each 5 Prowess −10% Cultural Fascination Progress Children are 3 times more likely to gain the Rowdy trait Children are 3 times less likely to gain the Pensive trait Certain traits grant Prestige Certain traits lose Opinion	Tribal government Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet Coastal Warriors tradition	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Strong, Hale, Robust or Herculean traits	Bellicose Spiritual	This culture values martial prowess and strength above everything else. Children are brought up knowing how to fight, and are discouraged from scholarly pursuits. Weakness is not tolerated.
Xenophilic	+25% Cultural Acceptance Gain +10 Different Culture Opinion No negative Opinion of Other Cultures	30% Cultural Acceptance with 3 cultures	40% Cultural Acceptance with 4 cultures	Communal Egalitarian	This culture embraces everyone and is genuinely fascinated by all cultures.
Vegetarians	+10% Development Growth in Plains Terrain Small Health Boost Cannot use the Call Hunt activity	Dravidian or Indo-Aryan heritage Prolific Hunters tradition Sacred Hunts tradition		Communal Spiritual Stoic	This culture has developed a strong aversion to consuming the flesh of animals, and practices vegetarianism throughout their society.
Diasporic	+1 Foreign Language Limit +50% Chance for Wanderers to learn a new Language +1 Stewardship +1 Learning +20% Diplomatic Range No Negative Opinion of Other Cultures	Israelite heritage Cannot be picked		All	People of this culture have lost the homeland they once held dear. Some among them travel the world searching for a place where they may begin anew.
Northern Stories	Enables the Raise a Runestone decision The Poet trait is more common Guardians of this culture teach more skill points +0.5% Monthly Prestige for Poets +10% Personal Scheme Success Chance for Poets −15% Scheme Secrecy	Northern Lords DLC North Germanic heritage Refined Poetry tradition Storytellers tradition	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Poet trait	Bellicose Bureaucratic	Life is lived, told, and remembered through the lens of tales. What we say, and what people say about us, matters as much as what we do. We remember that, and it shows in our stories.
Performative Honor	Characters can gain the Shieldmaiden / Shieldswain traits Can use Trial-by-Combat duels +1 Number of Knights −0.5 Monthly Prestige if Craven −10 Same Culture Opinion if Delicate −15 Same Culture Opinion if Frail, Weak or Spindly −20 Same Culture Opinion if Feeble	Northern Lords DLC North Germanic heritage Trials-by-Combat tradition	5 Courtiers with 10 Prowess who cannot be Knights	Bellicose	Honor is born, yes, but honor is also earned and lost through deeds. By pursuing and avenging slights, or failing to, soldiers fade to scum while whelps grow into warriors.
The Right to Prove	Characters can gain the Shieldmaiden / Shieldswain traits +25% Knight Effectiveness −2 Number of Knights	Northern Lords DLC Performative Honor tradition	5 Courtiers with 10 Prowess who cannot be Knights	Bellicose Communal Egalitarian	Though not all are born fighters, with the right mettle and a strong sword-arm, any can show themselves a warrior at heart and so become one in deed.
Trials-by-Combat	Can use Trial-by-Combat duels +1 Number of Knights +2 Learning for Aspiring Blademasters +4 Learning for Blademasters +6 Learning for legendary Blademasters −0.5 Monthly Prestige if Craven	Northern Lords DLC Performative Honor tradition	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Brilliant Strategist trait and 10 Learning	Bellicose Courtly Stoic	Words are a coward's substitute for weapons. Why leave justice to decrepit laws and corrupt magistrates when disputes can be settled faster and fairer with the blade?
Expert Artisans	−10% Building Construction Cost Artisan and Weaver Inspirations create better Artifacts	Royal Court DLC	Culture has at least 3 Counts who have or had an inspiration	Communal Courtly Spiritual	Children in this culture often carry on the profession of their parents, accumulating extensive knowledge and skill for their trade across generations.
Musical Theorists	+20 Court Musician Aptitude +35 Opinion Bonus from Feasts if employing a Court Musician +10% Monthly Diplomacy Lifestyle Experience if Gregarious	Royal Court DLC	Culture has at least 3 Counts with the Poet trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	This culture treats music almost as the language of the divine, and thus many individuals take up the noble and celebrated pursuit of musical study from a young age.
Ritualized Friendship	Automatic access to the Befriend Scheme May ask Friends to become Best Friends Best Friends receive Strong Hooks on each other but gain Stress when using them Best Friends can use an interaction to gain bonus Skills via Modifiers at the cost of extra Stress +20 Scheme Power against Friends +40 Scheme Power against Best Friends	Have at least one Friend	Have at least three Friends	All	Blood may be thicker than water, but wine makes for better living.

Ritual traditions

When a ritual tradition conflicts with a faith doctrine the tradition takes precedence.

Tradition	Effects	Obligatory requirements	Optional requirements	Preferred ethos	Descriptions
Bound by Faith	Only characters of the same Faith can inherit −10 Opinion of Different Faiths		Culture has 90% of its rulers from the same faith	Spiritual	In this culture being of a different faith means that you're not eligible for succession.
Frequent Festivities	−50 Hold Feast Activity Cooldown +0.25 Monthly Prestige for Eager Revelers +0.5 Monthly Prestige for Famous Revelers +0.75 Monthly Prestige for Legendary Revelers Characters gain Reveler traits more easily More information regarding its effectiveness can be found in the reference.		Culture has 3 Counts with the Eager, Famous or Legendary Reveler trait	Communal Courtly Stoic	The frequency and exuberance with which this culture throws festivities would be considered vulgar to others, but a party is a party!
Linguists	+25% Learn Language Scheme Power +10% Learn Language Scheme Success Chance per Level of Devotion +10% Fabricate Claim on County Speed per known Language +500 Piety per successful Learn Language Scheme AI characters are more likely to try learning the language of co-religionists		3 Known Languages and Devoted Servant level of devotion	Bureaucratic Egalitarian Spiritual	To learn the words of a neighbor brings you one step closer to the language of the Divine.
Medicinal Herbalists	+5 Hostile Scheme Success Chance +1 Diplomacy for Herbalists +5% Monthly Prestige for Herbalists +5% Monthly Learning Lifestyle Experience for Herbalists The Herbalist trait can be obtained without requiring high Learning		Culture has 3 Counts with the Herbalist trait	Bureaucratic Stoic	This culture long ago developed knowledge of the medicinal properties of the plants and trees; to them most ailments are treatable with the right poultice, salve or stew.
By the Sword	+1 Martial per Level of Devotion −1 Diplomacy per Level of Devotion −20% Monthly Piety −15 Different Faith Opinion Holy War for Kingdom Casus Belli can be used multiple times per lifetime Holy War Casus Bellis require a Level of Devotion less	Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Culture has 5 Counts with the Zealous trait	Spiritual	Members of this culture believe that the best missionary is one carrying a sword. While support for holy wars are widespread, motives are scrutinized as to make sure the Divine powers would approve.
Concubines	Characters can only have one Spouse Characters can have up to 3 Concubines if allowed by Gender Law	Monogamous tradition Polygamous tradition	Polygamous or Consorts & Concubines marriage doctrine	All	Rulers of this culture often keep a number of concubines in their household, regardless of their faith.
Culinary Artists	+20 Food Taster Aptitude +50 Renown per Feast +75 Prestige per Feast if using Bland Food court amenities +150 Prestige per Feast if using Modest Food court amenities +225 Prestige per Feast if using Decent Food court amenities +300 Prestige per Feast if using Lavish Food court amenities +375 Prestige per Feast if using Exotic Food court amenities +100 Hold Feast Activity Cost	Culture is present in a county with Farmlands or Floodplains	Culture is present in 5 counties with Farmlands or Floodplains	Communal Courtly Spiritual	Food isn't just sustenance for this culture; it is both an art and a ritual, a focal point for family and community alike.
Merciful Blindings	Can Blind Prisoners +100 Piety for blinding a prisoner with a Banishment or Execution reason	Byzantine Traditions tradition	Prisoner with a crime warranting Banishment or Execution	Courtly Spiritual	No matter how far beyond forgiveness one has gone, this culture thinks it is better to gouge out an eye than run through a heart.
Monogamous	Characters can only have one Spouse +30% Romance Scheme Success Chance towards Spouses +10 Spouse Opinion	Concubines tradition Polygamous tradition	Monogamous marriage doctrine	All	In this culture one keeps a single spouse, regardless of faith.
Polygamous	Characters can have up to 4 Spouses if allowed by Gender Law	Concubines tradition Monogamous tradition	Polygamous or Consorts & Concubines marriage doctrine	All	In this culture one tend to have multiple spouses, regardless of faith.
Religion Blending	−20% Faith Conversion Cost −20% Faith Creation and Reformation Cost +33% Convert Faith in County Speed in counties of this culture No Negative Opinion of Other Faiths	2 Vassals of the same culture and different faith Steppe Tolerance tradition	2 Vassals of the same culture and different faith	Communal Courtly Spiritual	Members of this culture often live together with those sharing different faiths and beliefs, and do well in adopting foreign elements into their own worship.
Religious Patronage	+25% Monthly Piety from Buildings +2000 Piety when constructing a Temple Holding +150 Renown when constructing a Temple Holding +75 Renown when upgrading a Temple Holding	At least 20% of the culture's holdings are temple holdings	Culture has 5 Counts with the Zealous trait	Communal Courtly Spiritual	For the salvation of the soul, one must commit to works of religious significance. You cannot purchase redemption, but having a temple of priests sing your praises helps!
Runestone Raisers	Enables the Raise a Runestone decision	North Germanic heritage Northern Lords DLC	Culture has 5 Counts with the Arrogant, Journaller or Poet trait	Bellicose Bureaucratic	Death, conquest, the acquisition of rank — are these not the things that define life in the nobility? Where our people go, so go the markers of our lives' worth.
Sacred Groves	+50 Piety when constructing a building in Forest or Taiga Terrain +5% Holding Taxes in Forest, Taiga and Jungle Terrain	Tribal government Culture is present in a county with Forest, Taiga or Jungle	30% of culture is present in counties with Forest, Taiga or Jungle	Spiritual	Trees are considered sacred by this culture. The forest is a living being that ought to be cared for—not destroyed.
Sacred Hunts	Completing a Call Hunt Activity grants Piety instead of Prestige +0.3 Monthly Piety for Novice Hunters +0.6 Monthly Piety for Hunters +1 Monthly Piety for Master Hunters	Vegetarianism tradition Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Culture has 5 Counts with the Novice Hunter, Hunter or Master Hunter trait	Bellicose Spiritual Stoic	Hunting is neither a sport nor a pastime, it is nothing less than the purest expression of the human experience, where one may connect with the divine by demonstrating their mastery over nature.
Sacred Mountains	+50 Piety when constructing a building in Mountain or Desert Mountain Terrain +5% Holding Taxes in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain	East African, Horn African, Quiangic or Tibetan heritage Tribal government Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain or Desert Mountain	Spiritual	This culture considers mountains to be connections to the divine, and treats them with reverence and respect.
Sorcerous Metallurgy	+1 Prowess per Level of Devotion +0.1 Monthly Piety per Barracks level Weapon Inspirations create better Artifacts Weapon Inspiration base cost is doubled	Accepted Witchcraft doctrine	Culture has 3 Counts with the Witch trait	Communal Spiritual	There are as many alchemists in this culture attempting to turn metal into gold as there are smiths forging weapons. What does it matter if this culture's wealth and weaponry are enhanced by witchcraft?
Tabletop Warriors	+2 Martial -2 Prowess +10% Movement Speed Commanders are more likely to gain Commander Traits May challenge other Characters to Board Games May wager a personally held County in Board Games, if both players have this rule	Fate of Iberia DLC	Must have at least 18 Martial, 18 Learning, or Artifact that allows Board Games	Bellicose Courtly	Any commander can gamble and get lucky on the day of battle. A real strategist keeps their mind honed through practice and pretend, so that they have no need of 'luck'.
Mystical Ancestors	+10 Dynasty Opinion +50 Renown for granting a County to a House Member +75 Renown for granting a Duchy to a House Member +150 Renown for granting a Kingdom to a House Member +250 Renown for granting an Empire to a House Member −100 Piety for revoking a County from a Close Family Member −250 Piety for revoking a Duchy from a Close Family Member −500 Piety for revoking a Kingdom from a Close Family Member Cannot Disinherit Dynasty Members	Culture descends from a culture that had the tradition		Spiritual	Lineage is very important to this culture, to the point where ancestors have become mythical and legendary beings with many who claim to be their descendants.

Regional traditions

All regional traditions are restricted to certain regions, heritages or cultures.

Tradition	Effects	Obligatory requirements	Optional requirements	Preferred ethos	Description
African Tolerance	+10 Different Faith Opinion +25 Different Faith Popular Opinion AI characters are less likely to demand conversion	Akan, Berber, Central African, Sahelian, Senegambian or Yoruba heritage Steppe Tolerance tradition	50% Cultural Acceptance with 5 cultures	Communal Egalitarian	Though some would decry it as weakness, a realm founded on understanding and tolerance is a realm built on sturdy foundations.
Bush Hunting	Can recruit Bush Hunters Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Jungle Specialist decision The Jungle Stalker trait is more common Certain traits have Jungle bonuses +25% Supply Limit in Jungle Terrain +10% Levy Size in Jungle and Drylands Terrain	Akan or Yoruba heritage Jungle Warriors tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Jungle	Communal Egalitarian	The bush is a rough and rugged place, but it offers a bounty of opportunity for those who know where to look and how to exploit it. Training our archers in these techniques will give them an advantage when engaging enemies in these areas.
Byzantine Traditions	+20 Eligible Child Opinion +25% Hostile Scheme Power +50% Short Reign Duration Can Blind Prisoners Can Castrate Prisoners Can grant the Chief Eunuch court position The Eunuch Trait has additional bonuses +2 Stewardship if Eunuch +2 Intrigue if Eunuch +2 Learning if Eunuch +10 Liege Opinion if Eunuch −10 Vassal Opinion if Eunuch Enables the Born in the Purple trait Characters with negative physical traits cannot use Claim Casus Belli Characters with negative physical traits receive fewer elective votes	Byzantine heritage Byzantine Empire title Court Eunuchs tradition Merciful Blindings tradition	County of Byzantion title	Communal Courtly	This culture is closely associated with the imperial traditions of the Eastern Roman Empire and its legacy in the form of a complex and intricate code of courtly conduct.
Caucasian Wolves	Can recruit Monaspa Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Mountain and Desert Mountain bonuses +25% Supply Limit in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain +10% Levy Size in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain	Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain Georgian culture or descent Mountaineers tradition Mountain Skirmishing tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Having spent centuries making themselves a home around the Caucasian gates, this culture has grown well at home with everything that mountain warfare entails.
Chanson de Geste	Enables the Valets innovation Can use Single Combat duels The Poet trait is more common +2 Number of Knights +5 Injury Resistance for Prowess +1 Same Culture Opinion per Martial or Prowess Education trait level +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +0.1 Monthly Prestige per Prowess Education trait level +1 Same Culture Opinion per Prowess Education trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level +0.5% Monthly Prestige for Poets +10% Personal Scheme Success Chance for Poets −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents +5 Knight Injury Chance	Frankish heritage Druzhina tradition Futuwaa tradition Martial Admiration tradition	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Courtly Stoic	This culture values the heroic deeds of long gone ancestors. The romantic retelling of the lives of knights such as Guillaume, or Roland, will inspire generations to come.
Defensive Tactics	Can recruit Shomer Men-at-Arms +2 Defender Advantage +10% Heavy Cavalry Toughness +10% Heavy Infantry Toughness +10% Spearmen Toughness +20% Heavy Cavalry Maintenance +20% Heavy Infantry Maintenance +20% Spearmen Maintenance +10% Friendly Fatal Casualties	Israelite heritage Stand and Fight! tradition	800 Skirmishers	Communal	Our people have been exiled and driven out time and time again. While tragic, these experiences have led us to become exceptionally skilled in rear-guard tactics which minimize casualties.
Desert Ribats	Can recruit Mulathanūm Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Dry Terrain Specialist decision The Desert Warrior trait is more common Certain traits give bonuses +33% chance to gain or improve Mystic traits +1 Prowess per Level of Devotion	Berber heritage Culture is present in a county with Desert or Drylands Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties with Desert or Drylands	Bellicose Spiritual Stoic	This culture has a tradition of fortified desert retreats, where the pious can live in connection with the open sky and the sands. This lifestyle breeds able and pious desert warriors and attracts mystics.
Desert Travelers	+10% Holding Taxes in Desert Terrain −20% Camel Cavalry Maintenance −20% Camel Cavalry Recruitment Cost +20% Camel Cavalry Damage for Desert Warriors +10% Camel Cavalry Screen for Desert Warriors	Bedouin culture or descent Culture is present in a county in the North Africa, Middle East or Persia region		Spiritual Stoic	This culture is no stranger to the harsh environment of the desert and has mastered the use of camels to aid them in travel, warfare, and everyday life.
Druzhina	Can recruit Druzhina Men-at-Arms Can use Single Combat duels +2 Number of Knights +5 Injury Resistance for Prowess +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +0.1 Monthly Prestige per Prowess Education trait level +1 Same Culture Opinion per Prowess Education trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents +5 Knight Injury Chance	East Slavic heritage Futuwaa tradition Chanson de Geste tradition Martial Admiration tradition	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Stoic	Varangian soldiers have long served as imposing bodyguards for our monarchs, but they can just as easily serve as dedicated heavy infantry in our armies.
Forest Wardens	Can recruit Metsänvartija Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Forest Specialist decision The Forest Fighter trait is more common +15% Development Growth in Forest and Taiga Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Forest and Taiga Terrain Forestries have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +2% Archers and Skirmishers Damage per Forestry level −2% County Build Speed per Forestry level −1% County Build Cost per Forestry level	Culture is present in a county with Forest or Taiga Baltic, Balto-Finnic, Volga-Finnic or Ugro-Permian heritage Forest Folk tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Forest or Taiga	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Our ancestors have lived in these forests for generations, but now they are under threat by outsiders. Centuries of accumulated experience fighting in forests will aid us in protecting our ancestral homeland.
Futuwaa	Can recruit Ayyar Men-at-Arms Can use Sparring duels +2 Number of Knights +5 Injury Resistance for Prowess +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +0.1 Monthly Prestige per Prowess Education trait level +1 Same Culture Opinion per Prowess Education trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents +5 Knight Injury Chance	Iranian heritage Chanson de Geste tradition Druzhina tradition Martial Admiration tradition	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Communal Courtly	Our youth have begun forming clubs that promote prowess, vigor, and moral behavior. By endorsing and supporting these clubs, we will ensure a supply of able-bodied soldiers we can rally to our cause.
Garuda Warriors	Can recruit Lenkas Men-at-Arms Can grant the Garuda Warrior court position +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +0.1 Monthly Prestige per Prowess Education trait level +1 Same Culture Opinion per Prowess Education trait level −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents	Dravidian heritage	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Stoic	Distinguished warriors in this culture are designated as Garudas, and are expected to fight until death. Even those who follow a Garuda are expected to die if their leader does, either in battle or by their own hand.
Himalayan Settlers	Can recruit Mountaineers Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Mountain bonuses +20% Development Growth in Mountain Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Mountain Terrain	Quiangic or Tibetan heritage or culture is present in a county in Himalaya region	30% of culture is present in counties in the Himalaya region	Communal Spiritual	This culture has made its home atop the 'roof of the world', where the air is fresh but cold, and the winters long and hard. They pride themselves that few of the cultures below would be able to live as well as this people does, among the peaks and plateaus where otherwise only sheep can thrive.
Horse Lords	Can recruit Horse Archers Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Plains Specialist decision No Supply Limit Penalty in Steppe +5% Movement Speed +100% Supply Duration +10% Light Cavalry Damage +10% Light Cavalry Screen	Mongolic or Turkic heritage		Bellicose Communal	This culture has mastered the horse and its use in warfare.
Khadga Puja	Can recruit Khandayat Men-at-Arms +10% Knight Effectiveness +1 Same Culture Opinion per Martial Education trait level +2 Attraction Opinion per Martial Education trait level +5 Attraction Opinion per Blademaster trait level −15 Same Culture Opinion for Cravens and Contents	Indo-Aryan heritage Egalitarian ethos	6 Knights with at least 12 Prowess	Bellicose Stoic	This culture has embraced the martial art and ritual worship of two-handed broadswords letting them foster strong and able warriors. The heavy swords allow them to mow down infantry and cavalry alike.
Konni Raids	Can recruit Konni Men-at-Arms −10% Retreat Losses −10% Friendly Fatal Casualties +5% Light Cavalry Damage +5% Skirmisher Damage +10% Light Cavalry Screen +10% Skirmisher Screen −20% Siege Weapon Effectiveness −2 Advantage	Magyar, South Slavic or West Slavic heritage Hit-and-Run Tacticians tradition	500 Light Cavalry	Stoic	Light cavalry which can strike quickly at exposed enemies before darting back away, our Konni can be formed into regiments which specialize in harassment and raiding.
Lords of the Elephant	Level 4 Education Trait grant various bonuses Diplomacyː Buildings Construction Cost in Jungle -10% Elephant Cavalry Damage +10% Elephant Cavalry Toughness +10% Elephant Cavalry Maintenance -10% Elephant Cavalry Recruitment Cost -10% Martialː Advantge in Jungle +5 Elephant Cavalry Damage +20% Elephant Cavalry Toughness +10% Elephant Cavalry Pursuit +20 Stewardshipː Development Growth in the India or South East Asia Region +30% Buildings Construction Cost in Jungle -20% Elephant Cavalry Maintenance -20% Elephant Cavalry Recruitment Cost -20% Learningː Development Growth in the India or South East Asia Region +30% Attrition taken in Jungle -35% Elephant Cavalry Toughness +10% Elephant Cavalry Screen +20 Elephant Cavalry Maintenance -20% +5 Advantage in Jungle +20% Elephant Cavalry Damage +10% Elephant Cavalry Toughness +20 Elephant Cavalry Pursuit Enables the Recruit Jungle Specialist decision +10% Elephant Cavalry Damage +10% Elephant Cavalry Toughness −15% Elephant Cavalry Maintenance −15% Elephant Cavalry Recruitment Cost −1% Elephant Cavalry Maintenance per Elephantry level +5% Monthly Development per Elephantry level	Elephantry innovation	Culture has at least 3 level 2 Elephantry buildings	Belllicose Courtly Stoic	This culture venerates elephants, likening them to royalty. They are masterful at capturing them, training them, and using them for devastating effect in war.
Mountain Herding	Can recruit Abudrar Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision The Desert Warrior trait is more common The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Mountain and Desert Mountain bonuses +35% Development Growth in Desert Mountain Terrain −15% Holding and Buildings Construction Cost in Desert Mountain Terrain	Arabic or Berber heritage Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain	Bellicose Communal Stoic	This culture has made the cooler mountains their homes in an otherwise dry and arid region. The herders and farmers of these uplands have make for resilient and robust warriors, and over time their toil has made this people flourish far above the naked desert.
Mountain Skirmishing	Can recruit Horn Warriors Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Mountain and Desert Mountain bonuses +25% Supply Limit in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain +10% Levy Size in Mountain and Desert Mountain Terrain	East African or Horn African heritage Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain Caucasian Wolves tradition Mountaineers tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain	Communal Spiritual	The great mountains in the Horn of Africa pose logistical challenges to many types of armies, but our skirmishers can easily adapt to these conditions to rout enemy invaders.
Mountaineer Ruralism	Can recruit Zbrojnosh Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Mountain Specialist decision The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Mountain bonuses +10% Development Growth in Hills and Mountain Terrain Hill Farms have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +1% Knight Effectiveness per Hill Farms level +1% Men-at-Arms Counter Efficiency per Hill Farms level +0.5% Levy Size per Hill Farms level +2 Defender Advantage per Hill Farms level Quarries have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: −1% Heavy Infantry, Pikemen, and Heavy Cavalry Maintenance per Quarries level −1% Men-At-Arms Recruitment Cost per Quarries level +1% Levy Size per Quarries level	West Slavic heritage Culture is present in a county with Mountain or Desert Mountain	30% of culture is present in counties with Mountain	Stoic	From their origins in the hills of the Bohemian Forest, to the crags of the Ore and Tatra mountains, most in this culture know not only how to traverse the rocky lands, but handle life on a mountain with ease.
Mubarizun	Can recruit Mubarizun Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Dry Terrain Specialist decision The Desert Warrior trait is more common Certain traits give bonuses +25% Supply Limit in Desert and Drylands +10% Levy Size in Desert and Drylands	Arabic heritage Warriors of the Dry tradition Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	30% of culture is present in counties with Desert or Drylands	Bellicose Communal Stoic	Modeled after the legendary champions of the Rashidun army, our Mubarizun soldiers are trained to excel in both formation fighting as well as single combat.
Royal Army	Can recruit Palace Guards Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Jungle Specialist decision The Jungle Stalker trait is more common Certain traits have Jungle bonuses +10% Elephant Cavalry Damage +10% Elephant Cavalry Toughness	Burman heritage	5 War Elephants	Spiritual	We have a long tradition of a standing army made to protect the capital. This has given us access to tough soldiers that work exceedingly well with supporting troops, such as War Elephants.
Saharan Nomads	+5% Movement Speed +10% Development Growth in Oasis Terrain −25% Light Cavalry Maintenance −25% Light Cavalry Recruitment Cost −15% Building Construction Cost in Desert Terrain −25% Building Construction Cost in Oasis Terrain	Culture is present in a county in the Sahara region	30% of culture is present in counties in the Sahara region	Spiritual Stoic	This culture is intimately accustomed with the Saharan desert, which it has traversed for centuries, connecting the Mediterranean with the sub-Saharan kingdoms of the Sahel.
Steppe Tolerance	+10 Different Faith Opinion +25 Different Faith Popular Opinion −20% Faith Conversion Cost −20% Faith Creation and Reformation Cost +33% Convert Faith in County Speed in counties of this culture AI characters are less likely to demand conversion	Mongolic or Turkic heritage 30% of culture is present in counties with Steppe African Tolerance tradition Religion Blending tradition		Bellicose Communal Egalitarian	Those who live on the Steppe will always have much in common with those who share their way of life. Strangers may worship differently, but they still live in the saddle.
Strong Kinship	Enables the Rectilinear Schiltron innovation +10% Levies for Patriarchs / Matriarchs +1 Monthly Prestige for Patriarchs / Matriarchs +15 House Opinion +30% Personal Scheme Success Chance with House Members +75 Prestige for granting a County to a House Member +150 Prestige for granting a Duchy to a House Member +350 Prestige for granting a Kingdom to a House Member +750 Prestige for granting an Empire to a House Member −150 Prestige for revoking a County from a House Member −350 Prestige for revoking a Duchy from a House Member −750 Prestige for revoking a Kingdom from a House Member −10 Liege Opinion	Gaelic or Scottish culture or descent	At least 3 House Members	Bellicose Bureaucratic Stoic	This culture has a strong tradition of kinship within the extended family, or clan. In times of need a ruler will always be able to rely on their kin.
The Witenagemot	Can enact the Saxon Elective Succession Law +15 Realm Priest Opinion +4% Monthly Prestige per Powerful Vassal on the Council	Brythonic, Goidelic or West Germanic heritage	All councilors have positive Opinion	Bureaucratic Stoic	This culture has a long history of holding assemblies comprised of the land's ruling potentates, debating politics, law, finance, and, most importantly, how best to... advise the ruler.
Ting-Meet	Can enact the Scandinavian Elective Succession Law Various traits give Popular Opinion +2 Popular Opinion if Aspiring Blademaster +5 Popular Opinion if Generous, Gregarious, Compassionate, Forgiving, Diligent, Honest, or Bladmaster +10 Popular Opinion if Brave or Legendary Blademaster	North Germanic heritage	All counties have positive Popular Opinion	Bellicose Bureaucratic	In Scandinavia, the distances and wilderness render centralized authority ineffective. When disputes must be resolved and decisions made, the Ting-meet is gathered, an assembly of peers presided over by a lawspeaker.
Upland Skirmishing	Can recruit Guinean Uplanders Men-at-Arms Enables the Recruit Hill Specialist decision The Rough Terrain Expert trait is more common Certain traits have Hills bonuses Braveː +4 Advantage in Hills; 25% less Attrition taken in Hills Contentː +2 Advantage in Hills Paranoidː +2 Minimum Battle Roll Stubbornː +5 Minimum Battle Roll Vengefulː +5 Maximum Battle Roll Military Engineerː 25% less Attrition taken in Hills Aggressive Attackerː +2 Maximum Battle Roll Unyielding Defenderː +2 Minimum Battle Roll Flexible Leaderː +2 Maximum Battle Roll Rough Terrain Expertː +2 Minimum Battle Roll +25% Supply Limit in Hills Terrain +10% Levy Size in Hills Terrain Hill Farms have additional bonuses in Counties of this Culture: +1% Knight Effectiveness per Hill Farms level +1% Men-at-Arms Counter Efficiency per Hill Farms level +0.5% Levy Size per Hill Farms level +2 Defender Advantage per Hill Farms level	Guinean Uplander heritage Culture is present in a county with Hills Highland Warriors tradition	30% of culture is present in counties with Hills	Communal Egalitarian	The hills of the wooded savanna have been our homeland for generations. Our ancestors showed us how to utilize this terrain, and with raiders threatening our borders, we can use this knowledge in our defense.
Visigothic Codes	Can enact the High Partition Succession Law Can enact the Equal Gender Law	Basque or Visigothic culture or descent Christian religion	Culture has at least 3 male and 3 female Counts	Egalitarian	Although many of the older traditions of the Visigoths have long been wiped from the world, the children of the Pyrenees remember the ancient ways, and how land was divided between sons and daughters practically but fairly.
Warrior Queens	Can enact the Equal Gender Law Can enact the Female Preference Gender Law Can enact the Female Only Law +1 Prowess per Martial Education trait level	Daju or Nubian culture or descent	Culture has at least 3 male and 3 female Counts	Egalitarian	Those who live in East Africa well remember the great Warrior Queens who once stood against invaders and forged kingdoms on the Kush. Our neighbors may insist on the superiority of males, but we track our bloodlines through our mothers, and the warcry of powerful Nubian women send these foreign "men" running home.
Caravaneers	+20% Diplomatic Range +5% Movement Speed Wanderers gain Gold, Stewardship or Stewardship Lifestyle traits over time Idle Courtiers are more likely to leave court	Assyrian, Bedouin, Gaw, Hausa, Khwarezmian, Saka, Samoyed, Sephardi, Sogdian, Soninke, Tajik, Tangut, Tocharian or Uyghur		Egalitarian	This culture is well-integrated into the commercial practices of the region, and its people are strongly associated with the caravan trade.
Land of the Bow	Can recruit Nile Archers Men-at-Arms +5 Defender Advantage +10% Levy Size in Floodplains Terrain +25% Garrison Size −0.5% Archer Maintenance per Hunting Grounds level −0.5% Archer Recruitment Cost per Hunting Grounds level +1% Archer Damage per Hunting Grounds level +1% Archer Toughness per Hunting Grounds level	East African heritage Cannot be picked		Bellicose Spiritual	In a land of plenty, enriched by the Nile and their own ingenuity, the Nubian have prospered for generations. For almost as long, the bow has been the weapon of choice to deter the raiders and brigands of the surrounding deserts.
Hirds	Can recruit Huscarls Men-at-Arms Children are 3 times more likely to gain the Rowdy trait Children are 3 times less likely to gain the Pensive trait Certain traits grant Prestige Certain traits lose Opinion +1 Number of Knights +2 Prowess +1% Chance to be born with the Strong trait for each 5 Prowess −15% Cultural Fascination Progress	North Germanic heritage Tribal government Northern Lords DLC Warrior Culture tradition Pacifists tradition Faith has Pacifism tenet Faith has Dharmic Pacifism tenet	Culture has at least 3 Counts with Strong, Hale, Robust or Herculean	Bellicose Spiritual	The tradition of keeping armed retinues in service to a household has served us well. By formalizing and expanding this system we can field entire regiments of huscarls in our armies.

References

Mechanics