Crusader Kings II denominations

Additional religions and denominations are available in converted savegames from Crusader Kings II. Many of these are heresies in CK2; if a heresy becomes more widespread than the parent religion, the parent will become a heresy and vice-versa, and the former heresy will replace it in a game exported to EU4.

Only if a CK2 game is converted with the Sons of Abraham expansion enabled will the heresies be converted as separate religions. Otherwise, they will be assimilated into their parent faiths.

Note: Unreformed Pagans become Animists, however unreformed Zunists will become Zoroastrians and West African pagans will become Fetishist whether Reformed or not. Reformed Pagans all have unique religious modifiers, but only the Norse have the personal deity mechanic.

Flavor descriptions[edit | edit source]

The following table contains the flavour descriptions of the CK2 denominations. Expand it to learn more.

Denomination	Group	Heresy (of)	Description
Bogomilist	Christian	Orthodox	Bogomilism is an originally Orthodox Christian heresy with Gnostic elements that completely rejects the ecclesiastical hierarchy and advocates a return to early Christianity. Bogomilists believe that the world was created by an evil demiurge - the Devil.
Cathar	Christian	Catholic	The Cathar, or Albigensian, heresy rejects confession and the holiness of the clergy and of the Pope. They only have a single sacrament - the Consolation - to remove sin and turn the believer into a Cathar 'Perfect'.
Fraticelli	Christian	Catholic	The Fraticelli, or 'Little Brethren', is a Catholic heresy that originated in the Franciscan Order of monks. It is devoted to poverty and asceticism - especially for men of the cloth. Fraticelli heretics are violently opposed to Church wealth and displays of opulence.
Iconoclast	Christian	Orthodox	The Iconoclast heresy plagued the Byzantine Empire in multiple waves. Iconoclasts believe that religious images - icons and depictions of holy figures in particular - are a form of idolatry and must not be allowed. In their heyday, iconoclasts destroyed innumerable such decorations and icons, sometimes even urged on by Iconoclast Emperors.
Lollard	Christian	Catholic	Lollard heretics are opposed to perceived corruption within the Catholic Church. Like many Catholic heresies, they loathe the wealth and ostentation of the clergy and advocate a return to a more original form of Christianity.
Messalian	Christian	Nestorian	The Messalians, or Euchites ("Those who Pray"), are a heretical Christian sect that originated in Mesopotamia, influenced by dualistic faiths like Zoroastrianism. Messalians believe that God can be perceived by the carnal senses, and that this perception is necessary to reach perfection. Each person is born with an inner demon, and only intense prayer can drive it out. They also believe that Lucifer is the elder son of God and a force for good, and that incest is sacred since it was practiced by the children of Adam and Eve. They have no formal rites and no strict church hierarchy.
Monophysite	Christian	Miaphysite	Monophysitism is an early Christian heresy which states that Christ had but a single nature. This is the opposite of the Nestorian position where Christ has two separate natures - one divine and one human.
Monothelite	Christian	Orthodox	Monothelitism is a Christological doctrine that was declared heretical in 681. Monothelites attempted to develop the Miaphysite and Monophysite stance on the single nature of Christ by saying he had both a human and a divine nature but only a single will. The nominal head of the Monothelite Church is the Monothelite Patriarch of Antioch.
Nestorian	Christian		Nestorianism is an early Christian branch which states that Christ has two separate natures - one divine and one human. This is the opposite of the Monophysite position where Christ has but a single nature. The nominal head of the Nestorian Church is the Patriarch of the East.
Paulician	Christian	Orthodox	Paulicianism is Christian Gnostic heresy influenced by Manichaeism, originating in Armenia.
Waldensian	Christian	Catholic	Originally a reform movement within the Catholic church, Waldensian heretics are anti-clerical and advocate a return to vows of poverty. They are opposed to capital punishment and believe that laymen can also administer the sacraments.
Druze	Muslim	Shia	The Druze religion originated in the Ismaili sect of Shi'a Islam, but has many features of gnosticism, neoplatonism in addition to the Abrahamic religions.
Hurufi	Muslim		The Hurufi faith is a mystical, kabbalistic, Sufi sect within Islam.
Kharijite	Muslim	Ibadi	The Kharijites are a branch of Islam that was marginalized and repressed early in the 7th century. They believe that any unrepentant sinner is a Kafir, also rejecting the notion of infallibility of the Caliphs.
Yazidi	Muslim	Sunni	Yazidis believe that God created the world and left seven angels in charge, the chief of whom is the Peacock Angel, Malek Taus or Shaytan, a being usually identified by Christians and Muslims as Satan.
Zikri	Muslim	Sunni	Zikris are the followers of the Imam Akhar Zaman Hazrat Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri (Imam Mehdi.)
Bön	Pagan		Bön is the ancient indigenous pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet. It is shamanistic and animistic in nature with multiple deities. After the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet, Bön adopted many of its elements.
Hellenic	Pagan		The Hellenistic religion is polytheistic, with a pantheon of twelve major gods including Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Minerva and Vesta. It originated in ancient Greece and with the conquests of Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire, it would go on to become the dominant religion in the Mediterranean world until the rise of Christendom.
Romuva	Pagan		The reformed Baltic faith has a Holy Book with a creation myth, chapters on the gods and a book of prophesies. The church also has a standardized liturgy and a formal church hierarchy led by the High Priest of Dievs.
Slavic	Pagan		The reformed Slavic faith has a Holy Book with a creation myth, chapters on the gods and a book of prophesies. The church also has a standardized liturgy and a formal church hierarchy led by the High Priest of Perun.
Suomenusko	Pagan		The reformed Finnish faith has a Holy Book with a creation myth, chapters on the gods and a book of spells and mysteries. The church also has a standardized liturgy and a formal church hierarchy led by the High Priest of Ukko.
Zunist	Pagan		Zun, the Sun-God and Giver of Justice, embodies wisdom, power, fire and the light that drives away the night. The reformed Zun faith has a Holy Book detailing things such as the creation myths and outlining church doctrine, as well as a standardized liturgy and a formal church hierarchy led by the High Priest.
Jainism	Dharmic		Jainism is a religion of incredible antiquity, stemming from the ascetic Sramana tradition of India, in opposition to the priestly Brahmins and the caste system. The guiding principle of Jainism is Ahimsa - non-violence - which is more radically interpreted than in any other religion.
Karaite	Jewish	Jewish	Karaite Judaism is a Jewish movement characterized by the recognition of the Tanakh alone as its supreme legal authority in Jewish religious law and theology. In this it is distinct from mainstream Rabbinic Judaism. Karaites maintain that all of the divine commandments handed down to Moses by God were recorded in the written Torah, without additional Oral Law or explanation.
Samaritan	Jewish	Jewish	Samaritanism is an Abrahamic religion closely related to Judaism. Samaritans assert their worship is the true religion of the ancient Israelites prior to the Babylonian Exile, preserved by those who remained in the Land of Israel, as opposed to Judaism, which they assert is a related but altered and amended religion.
Khurmazta	Zoroastrian	Zoroastrian	Khurmazta (Zarvana) is syncretic form of Zoroastrianism which was practiced among the Sogdians. It mixes Zoroastrianism with Hinduism, Buddhism and various pagan religions. Aside from Khurmazta, lesser deities such as Weshparkar, God of Wind, are worshipped and made offerings, usually in form of small statues.
Manichean	Zoroastrian	Zoroastrian	Manichaeism is a Gnostic religion which incorporates elements of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Gnosticism.
Mazdaki	Zoroastrian	Zoroastrian	Mazdak was a Zoroastrian priest who claimed to be a prophet of Ahura Mazda. He attempted to reform the religion with Gnostic elements, and advocated communal possessions and welfare programs.

Modifiers and mechanics[edit | edit source]

The following table provides details of the denomination effects (national and provincial - if available). Also detailed are the effects gained through them by religions - Tengri for syncretism and for harmonizing (down below).

Any other details, such as the usage of an EU4 unique religion mechanics (if enabled), can be found in the notes column.

Note: On Local missionary strength modifiers, a −XY% value means that the province is harder to convert, while a +XY% value means it is easier to convert.

Denomination	Group	Country effects	Province effects	Syncretic	Notes
Bogomilist	Christian	+10% Morale of armies −10% Stability cost	−2% Local missionary strength −1 Local unrest	−10% Stability cost +1 Tolerance of the true faith	Mechanic: Church aspects Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations
Cathar	Christian	−10% Stability cost +2 Tolerance of the true faith		+1 Advisors −0.1 Yearly corruption	Mechanic: Church aspects Can cause religious leagues to form in the HRE. Can recruit female generals and has increased chance of female advisors.
Fraticelli	Christian	+2 Tolerance of the true faith +1 Yearly legitimacy	−10% Local tax modifier	+1 Tolerance of the true faith +1 Yearly legitimacy	Mechanic: Papal influence^[1]
Iconoclast	Christian	+4 Tolerance of the true faith −2 Tolerance of heretics	−1% Local missionary strength	+1% Missionary strength +20% Razing power gain	Mechanic: Patriarch authority Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations
Lollard	Christian	−20% Stability cost +2 Tolerance of the true faith	−10% Local tax modifier	−20% Stability cost	Mechanic: Fervor Can cause religious leagues to form in the HRE.
Messalian	Christian	+100% Chance of new heir +1% Missionary strength	−1% Local missionary strength	+1% Missionary strength −10% Regiment cost	Mechanic: Fervor Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations Can recruit female generals and has increased chance of female advisors.
Monophysite	Christian	+10% National tax modifier +2 Tolerance of the true faith	−2% Local missionary strength	+25% National tax modifier	Mechanic: Patriarch authority Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations
Monothelite	Christian	−0.05 Monthly autonomy change +2 Tolerance of the true faith	−1% Local missionary strength	−0.05 Monthly autonomy change +1 Tolerance of the true faith	Mechanic: Patriarch authority Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations
Nestorian	Christian	−10% Administrative technology cost +2 Tolerance of the true faith	−1% Local missionary strength	−10% Administrative technology cost +1 Tolerance of the true faith	Mechanic: Patriarch authority Halved relations penalty from other Christian denominations
Paulician	Christian	−20% Stability cost +2 Tolerance of heathens	−1% Local missionary strength	−10% Mercenary maintenance −10% Regiment cost	Mechanic: Patriarch authority
Waldensian	Christian	−10% Technology cost +2 Tolerance of heretics		−1 National unrest −10% Technology cost	Mechanic: Fervor Can cause religious leagues to form in the HRE.
Druze	Muslim	+100% Chance of new heir −10% Diplomatic technology cost −1 Tolerance of heretics	−2% Local missionary strength	−10% Diplomatic technology cost +1 Diplomats	Mechanic: Piety
Hurufi	Muslim	+100% Chance of new heir +2 Diplomatic relations	−1% Local missionary strength	−10% Stability cost +1 Diplomatic relations	Mechanic: Piety
Kharijite	Muslim	+100% Chance of new heir +20% Improve relations	−2% Local missionary strength	+10% Improve relations −10% Advisor cost	Mechanic: Piety
Yazidi	Muslim	+1 Possible Advisors +3 Tolerance of the true faith −1% Missionary strength −1 Tolerance of heathens −1 Tolerance of heretics	−1% Local missionary strength	+1 Advisors +2 Tolerance of the true faith	Mechanic: Patriarch authority
Zikri	Muslim	+100% Chance of new heir +15% Institution spread	−2% Local missionary strength	+100% Chance of new heir +15% Institution spread	Mechanic: Piety
Bön	Pagan	+1 Tolerance of heretics −10% Shock damage received	+10% Local defensiveness	+1 Yearly legitimacy −10% Shock damage received	Mechanic: Karma
Hellenic	Pagan	−10% Development cost +1 Tolerance of the true faith		−10% Development cost
Romuva	Pagan	−10% Fort maintenance +1 Tolerance of the true faith	+10% Local defensiveness −2% Local missionary strength	−10% Fort maintenance −10% Shock damage received
Slavic	Pagan	−15% Culture conversion cost	+10% Local manpower modifier	+1 Advisors +10% Manpower recovery speed
Suomenusko	Pagan	+10% Fort defense +1 Max promoted cultures		+10% Fort defense +1 Max promoted cultures
Zunist	Pagan	+1 Attrition for enemies +3 Tolerance of the true faith		+1 Attrition for enemies +3 Tolerance of the true faith
Jainism	Dharmic	+50% Religious unity +2 Tolerance of heathens +2 Tolerance of heretics	+2% Local missionary strength	+75% Religious unity
Karaite	Jewish	−10% Idea cost +5 States −2 Tolerance of heathens	−1% Local missionary strength +2% Local tax modifier	+5% Morale of armies −1 National unrest
Samaritan	Jewish	−5% Administrative technology cost −15% Advisor cost −2 Tolerance of heathens	−1% Local missionary strength +2% Local tax modifier	−15% Advisor cost
Khurmazta	Zoroastrian	+10% National tax modifier −10% Stability cost		+10% National tax modifier −10% Stability cost
Manichean	Zoroastrian	+2 Tolerance of heathens +1 Yearly legitimacy		+1% Missionary strength +2 Tolerance of heathens
Mazdaki	Zoroastrian	−3 National unrest +1 Tolerance of heretics +1 Tolerance of heathens −15% National tax modifier		−1 National unrest +1 Tolerance of heretics

Harmonized religions[edit | edit source]

Additional effects are granted from harmonized religions (these are the same as for EU4 religions):

Name	Effect
Christian group	−10% Stability cost
Dharmic group	+1 Diplomatic reputation
Muslim group	+10% Trade efficiency
Pagan group	−1 National unrest
Shinto	+10% Infantry combat ability
Mahayana	−10% Idea cost
Theravada	−10% Advisor cost
Vajrayana	+10% Production efficiency
Judaism	+15% Institution spread
Zoroastrianism	+10% Goods produced modifier

References[edit | edit source]

↑ The Curia begins under the control of the Catholic Papal State even if Fraticelli is dominant and there is a converted Fraticelli Papacy. If there is no converted Papal State, no one will ever control the curia since the ruler of a nonexistent country can't die. The papal influence costs are also outdated. Bug report

Mechanics

Concepts

Corruption • Governing capacity • Overextension • Power projection • Rebellion • Regions • Stability • States and territories

Court

Advisors • Consort • Monarch power • National focus • Ruler • Ruler personalities

Estates and Factions

Base estates • Cossacks estates • Dharma estates • Estates • Factions

Events and Missions

Decisions • Disasters • Events • List of decisions • Missions

Goverment

Absolutism • Culture • Government • Government rank • Modifiers • Policies

Province mechanics