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Better Rhomaioi - A Byzantine Empire Mod

Github: https://github.com/MarsRedRover/Better-Basileus

Discord: https://discord.gg/jY2fyQJNEK

I aim to revive and revitalize the Rhomaioi mod created by Markellus found here . This adds my own flavor of Byzantine mechanics and ports over some of the many features CK2 had in the Legacy of Rome DLC. You can follow my progress posted here, or within the github posted above.

Unfortunately Rhomaioi hasn't been updated since 1.3.1, because of this I'll need to build it from the ground up using the mod files as a template. Full features of Better Rhomaioi listed in the discord.


Current version: Version 0.2.1b for "Scythe"

Better Basileus aims to provide extra flavor to playing as a Byzantine Emperor or vassal. Rhomaioi Revived is the mechanical lifeblood of the mod making you weave through the politics of civil war and external threats!

New features from Rhomaioi will be posted down below. Check the original mod author's page for Rhomaioi to check the full details.

Holders of special titles such as "Co-Emperor"/"Kaisar" and "Despotes" may gain increased favor and voting power within the imperial election.

Junior Co-Emperorship: One of the reasons the Emperor-ship was considered closer to a Monarchy rather than a 'Republican Office' was the fact that succession was normally cheated by the designation of a Co-Emperor, who would take over after the reigning Emperor passed away. In this mod, you can set someone eligible to succession as your Caesar or multiple Junior Co-Emperor, which gives a +50 bonus to the candidate. Beware! It may be advantageous to promote talented nobles for their skills but this costs prestige and could end up also costing you the throne in an untimely death.

Despotes: A prestigious and elevated honorific, "Despotes" was used by rulers and other notable individuals within the Byzantine Empire. It exuded a sense of total power, sovereignty, and authority. Often used to emphasize the Eastern Roman or Byzantine emperors' absolute power over their domain, the term "Despotes" was applied to them. It was a title that symbolized both political and religious significance, serving to emphasize the divine right of the Byzantine rulers. Now used as an honorific that gives the holder increased voting power.

Kaisar: The Byzantine title "Kaisar" (or "Caesar") was a distinguished honorific reserved for high-ranking individuals within the Byzantine Empire. It was originally derived from the Roman title for a junior emperor or imperial heir. In the Byzantine context, "Kaisar" was typically used to address members of the imperial family who were next in line for the throne, such as the emperor's designated heir or co-ruler. It signified their status as potential future rulers, highlighting their significance in the imperial succession. Over time, the title evolved and was also granted to other influential figures in the Byzantine government, emphasizing their prominent position within the empire. This title will have an increased +50 bonus to the candidate.

In an effort to increase immersion, rulers of the empire may hand out honorary titles which give both the holder and liege prestige. The income is directly transferred to the holder of such titles.

Augusta: As a highly respected honorific, "Augusta" was only bestowed upon empresses and female members of the imperial family in the Byzantine Empire. It symbolized their esteemed and powerful position in the royal court. "Augusta" denoted not just their royal standing but also their participation in the imperial administration and ritualistic activities. Their status in the Byzantine hierarchy was highlighted by this appellation, which was frequently accompanied by feelings of respect and awe.

Kouropalates: During the Byzantine Empire, the honorific "Kouropalates" was a valuable title. High-ranking officials, frequently in the imperial court or administration, were usually the ones to receive it. Held in personal esteem by the emperor and the royal family, the term Kouropalates indicated their oversight of a variety of ceremonial and administrative responsibilities. It demonstrated the high regard for them and the confidence with which they were entrusted with crucial judicial and governmental concerns. Part of the Byzantine hierarchical structure was the title of Kouropalates, signifying their important position in the imperial government.
...and more!

Promote Varangians: Promote loyal and veteran varangians to the position of commander for your armies!
Raise Varangians: Disappointed by how CK3 handles the Varangian Guard? No worries! Now through a special decision you can now raise varangians from all parts of northern Europe.
Search for new Parakoimomenos: Life in Constantinople may be safe within the walls, but there are also internal threats. Hire eunuchs to fill important positions with the empire!
Abdication: Since the reign of Diocletian in 305 AD, a historical precedent had been made for rulers who are ill or severely wounded. If your character meets these requirements you may abdicate to your heir.
...and more!

Modifies:
common\

• \character_interactions\00_modifiy_vassal_contracts.txt
  
• laws\00_succession_laws.txt
  \01_title_succession_laws.txt

gui\

• \hud.gui
  
• \interaction_modify_vassal_window.gui
  
• \window_court_positions.gui
  
• \window_court.gui

TODO: Base compatibility for the following mods

• City of Wonders 3
  
• Succession Expanded
  
• Sinews of War? (1.11 Update?)

Integration:

• Historic Invasions

as of 11.20.23
Screenshots of progress to be posted soon

Thanks to Ramuné for letting me use his Decline Elections mod

Development Roadmap here
Next big update will include many of the things from the road map + more. ETA 1-2 months currently.