Bookmark · 867.1.1
The Carolingians
After the passing of Louis the Pious, the once-great Carolingian Empire was divided up into the three separate Kingdoms of East, West, and Middle Francia. Since then, these realms have only splintered further as wars, rebellions, and inheritance variously cause instability and fragmentation. Are any of the Karlings strong enough to reunite their empire? Or will their family squabbles leave them vulnerable to exploitation by opportunists?
Characters
Charles the Bald
MediumFrance · Feudal · French · Chalcedonianism · age 43
89 counties, independent
At the time of Charles' birth, his fully grown half-brothers already ruled their own kingdoms within the Carolingian empire. Without a crown of his own, he became known as 'the Bald,' though he eventually did inherit Aquitaine and West Francia. In the future he will even inherit Italy and the Holy Roman Empire itself, but his line will not persevere — his last grandson will die childless just seven years after his own death. Can you change the course of history and ensure a long and prosperous line of Charles' descendants?
Traits, skills and realm →
King Lothaire II
MediumLotharingia · Feudal · French · Chalcedonianism · age 31
50 counties, independent
Though he was in love with his mistress Waldrada, Lothaire's father forced him into a political marriage with Teutberga. Their union produced no children, and Lothaire's life has been a continuous struggle to divorce his wife and get his bastard children legitimized. Though he never stops trying, Lothaire will go on to die without a legal heir. Can you overcome the machinations of those who plot against you and ensure the continuation of your house?
Traits, skills and realm →
Ludwig the German
MediumEast Francia · Feudal · Franconian · Chalcedonianism · age 61
106 counties, independent
An ambitious man, Ludwig has long sought to reconquer the pieces of the Empire he considers his birthright. These ambitions have suffered from setback after setback however, as his various military campaigns all ended in failure and his rebellious sons have pried away most of his own lands from his control. Can you reverse Ludwig's misfortunes and regain the Empire for his descendants, or are his sons destined to be relegated to a mere footnote in history?
Traits, skills and realm →
King Louis II
MediumItaly · Feudal · French · Chalcedonianism · age 32
53 counties, independent
Imperial power had diminished so much by the time Louis was crowned Holy Roman Emperor that the title no longer offered any real authority. Though he managed to reclaim the Kingdom of Provence, Louis' uncles and brother, unburdened by any sort of allegiance to the Imperial Crown, continue to act as they please. Saddled with quarrelsome neighbors and an unstable realm, Louis II will die before siring a son. Can you regain all the lost territories of the Empire and reestablish the Imperial Crown as a real power?
Traits, skills and realm →
Prince Karlmann
MediumBavaria · Feudal · Franconian · Chalcedonianism · age 36
31 counties, vassal of East Francia
The eldest son of Ludwig the German, Karlmann rebelled against his father and forced him to give him control over the lands of Bavaria. He will expand this domain in wars with Slavs to the east and later on will even be elected King of Italy — though an unfortunate stroke will force him to abdicate the thrones of Bavaria and Italy to his younger brothers. He will die just a few years later. With a little luck, will you be able to avoid Karlmann's unfortunate demise and establish a legacy that will last the ages?
Traits, skills and realm →
Source: game/common/bookmarks/bookmarks/00_bookmarks.txt (bm_867_carolingians) and the English localisation, Crusader Kings III 1.20.0.3.