If you’re in a civil war, for example, then successfully discrediting a rival might help you leapfrog them up the league table, damaging their Legitimacy while adding to your own. But it is fun to noodle around with, and can tie into the broader game in some interesting ways. This system is nothing like as involved as Crusader Kings’ elaborate political simulation, playing out more like a minigame that refreshes itself every in-game year. You can curry favour with the present holders of these positions to make use of their powers, or you conspire to take advantage of them in other ways, blackmailing them for additional favours, discrediting them to damage their legitimacy, or forcing them to vacate their position entirely, perhaps so you can assume it yourself. The viceroy, for example, gets an annual salary paid in gold, while the Vizier can assassinate other court members. Each of these positions comes with its own benefits. The Pharaoh holds a court with several illustrious positions, such as Viceroy of Kush, Grand Vizier (spymaster), and First Commander. It just opens up more potential for emergent stories on the campaign map.Įven if you’re way off becoming Pharaoh, you can still wield power in a more limited fashion. You might get usurped, then have to claim the throne back. You might become Pharaoh early on, but then you’ll need to maintain that position, fighting off other pretenders to your throne. It also means progression isn’t necessarily a gradual, one-way accrual of power. For starters, it makes Total War’s early game more immediately engaging, as you can have a crack at becoming Pharaoh as soon as turn 12. The impact this system has is significant.

Total war rome 2 egypt map