14 DAY TRIAL // A lot of the writing linked to Crusader Kings II focuses on the dynamics of the character system and the way players take advantage of relationships, rivalries and traits to advance the power of their own dynasty while keeping rivals around them from reaching their own purposes.
But in many ways, the grand strategy game from Paradox Interactive is a traditional experience when it comes to resources, and a good player needs to make money (and loads of it as soon as he gets to the later stages of the game) in order to get the most out of the game.
Money is crucial because it gives access to mercenary bands that can, at first, pretty much win smaller wars on their own and are then crucial to boosting the fortunes of every king that tries to take on more than he can initially chew from his enemies.
Make sure to have a good stash before initiating any sort of conflict.
Money is also crucial to the development of your own demesne (personal realm) and the more advanced buildings and options can really cost an arm and a leg, with the upside being that they tend to generate more extra funds in the long term.
Be careful about investing in anything that does not lead to gold production early on as it can lead to a sort of monetary death spiral which can only be exited by going over the demesne limit.
To my playing style, which emphasizes assassinations and bribes, money is also crucial because it can swing the attitude of the political players I try to get into plots and because it can be used to buy some time via gifts with those vassals that seem ready to attack me.
Finally, gold is necessary because it can be quickly used to boost a depleted court by introducing characters and can generate interesting events, crucial during those years when nothing worth a king’s time happens.