Bavaria

Primary culture

Bavarian (Germanic)

Capital province

Munich (65)

Government

Feudal Monarchy

State religion

Catholic

Technology group

Western

Bavarian ideas

Traditions:

+10% Cavalry combat ability

+50% Chance of new heir

Institute the Everlasting Succession

+1 Yearly legitimacy

Bring in the Bavarian Purity Law

+10% Production efficiency

Found the Bavarian State Orchestra

+1 Yearly prestige

Establish the Geistlicher Rat

+3% Missionary strength vs heretics

+1 Yearly papal influence

Become Brewmaster General

+10% National tax modifier

Found a Professional Army

+5% Discipline

Found the Royal Order of Saint George for the Defense of the Immaculate Conception

−10% Stability cost modifier

Ambition:

−10% Development cost

For the region, see Bavaria (region).

Bavaria is a regional power in Central Europe. It starts smallish and surrounded by a bunch of even smaller neighbours. It has the advantage of Munich – one of the richest cities in central Europe – but it is smack in the middle of the Holy Roman Empire, so Bavaria needs to tread carefully if it wants to expand. Austria is right next door; Bavaria will need friends.

Bavaria also starts with the same dynasty as The Palatinate, so if Bavaria plays its cards right and The Palatinate's allies are rather weak, it could be possible to claim the throne of the Palatinate and force them into a personal union.

While not the best military power, the economic bonuses and early bumps to legitimacy and prestige mean that Bavaria is in a good position to keep its head above water financially and diplomatically, if it can stay out of trouble. By mid-game, if it has all the national ideas and the imperial authority bonus is activated, then it can move to become the ultimate underdog story.