Timurids
Timurids
Primary culture
Capital province
Government
State religion
Technology group
Traditions:
- +1 Diplomatic relation
- +1 Land leader shock
Timurid Architecture
- +1 Yearly prestige
The Mantle of the Great Khan
- +10% Morale of armies
Unleash the Tiger
- +10% Shock damage
Chagatai Literature
- +1 Yearly legitimacy
- +1 Yearly horde unity
Timurid Renaissance
- −5% Technology cost
Control of the Silk Road
- +25% Domestic trade power
Reform the Diwan
- −0.10 Yearly corruption
Ambition:
- +5% Discipline
Much has changed since the death of the Great Emir however, and his empire that once stretched from Anatolia to Delhi.
Shah Rukh has been able to keep most of Timur's empire together and patronized a thriving center of learning and arts in Herat, the pearl of Khorasan, but his reign is near its end and the aging ruler has fallen ill during the past year. In the outer provinces sons and grandsons are observing the court in Herat with great interest.
Ajam under Muhammad bin Baysonqor is already independent in all but name. In Astarabad, 
Khorasan, his brother Babur has built a small power base for himself, no doubt with the only goal to have a base in the coming succession struggles. 
Transoxiana, and Timur's own old capital Samarkand, has been left in the able hands of Ulugh Beg, son of our ruler and a great patron of the sciences and arts, while 
Fars is in the hands of a 12 year old prince of the dynasty.
Meanwhile the 
Qara Qoyunlu Federation has taken over many of the western parts of Timur's original empire and in southern Iraq the millenarian 
Mushasha have conquered Khuzestan and ousted the Timurid administrators from that region. The 
Uzbeks are continually raiding our holdings in Transoxiana and our Indian governors have been ousted from 
Delhi.
In 1444, Timur Lenk (aka Tamerlane) is long dead, but the remnants of his empire still control the Persian heartland. The Timurids are a Sunni Iqta Empire. With 
Cradle of Civilization, they follow the 
Hanafi school. Their position gives them easy access to the formation of 
Mughals which they can do by conquering some of Delhi and 
Jaunpur's starting territories.
The Timurids' starting position is precarious due to the high variation of the frequent revolts. Uniting the empire will be difficult, but will allow the Timurids to become a major player in world politics due to its powerful starting position and its access to Muslim land units.
In the beginning of the game, the Timurids have many vassals : Transoxiana, 
Sistan, 
Afghanistan, Fars and Khorasan. When Shah Rukh dies, all the vassals will have an additional 55% liberty desire due to lost modifiers, so it's difficult to maintain control over them.
Missions[edit | edit source]
- Main article: Timurid missions
Timurid missions are mainly focused around conquering and vassalising its neighbours, 
Persia in particular should it appear.
Events[edit | edit source]
Timurid events primarily deal with the dislocation of the empire: Shah Rukh, the starting ruler of the Timurids, has a ruler modifier providing 
−50% liberty desire in subjects. When he dies, the powerful Timurid vassals, representing the various Timurid princes and governors, are very likely to rebel, partitioning Timur's empire.
A Gathering Storm...
 |
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.30. |
The aging ruler of the Timurid Empire, Shah Rukh, has been ill since the beginning of 1444. In his absence his wife, Goharshad, had taken over the daily rule of the empire but this sign of weakness has set wheels in motion among the princes that rule the Timurid provinces.
In western Iran the young prince Muhammad Baysonqor, an ambitious grandson, has started to accept taxes and tokens of loyalty from a much larger region than his assigned governorate. Having finally recovered and learned of this insolence Shah Rukh has now declared Muhammad Baysonqor a rebel and is moving to strike at him at first opportunity.
If a civil war among all sons and grandsons, like that at the end of Timurs life, is to be avoided Shah Rukh knows he must strike down any sign of rebellion harshly and quickly.
| Trigger conditions | Mean time to happen
1 month |
 Only time will tell what the other princes will do. As long as Shah Rukh lives, as the ruler of the Timurids he will greatly reduce the liberty desire of the remaining vassal countries ruled by his sons and grandsons.[1] Hidden effect: | |
A Gathering Storm... (except Timurids)
|
|
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.30. |
The aging ruler of the Timurid Empire, Shah Rukh, has been ill since the beginning of 1444. In his absence his wife, Goharshad, had taken over the daily rule of the empire but this sign of weakness has set wheels in motion among the princes that rule the Timurid provinces.
In western Iran the young prince Muhammad Baysonqor, an ambitious grandson, has started to accept taxes and tokens of loyalty from a much larger region than his assigned governorate. Having finally recovered and learned of this insolence Shah Rukh has now declared Muhammad Baysonqor a rebell and is moving to strike at him at first opportunity.
If a civil war among all sons and grandsons, like that at the end of Timurs life, is to be avoided Shah Rukh knows he must strike down any sign of rebellion harshly and quickly.
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the A Gathering Storm |
Only time will tell what the other princes will do. As long as Shah Rukh lives, as the ruler of the Timurids he will greatly reduce the liberty desire of the remaining vassal countries ruled by his sons and grandsons.[1] | |
Death of Shah Rukh
|
|
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.30. |
After a lifetime of war and iron fisted rule, Timur's heir and son, Shah Rukh, has finally passed on. His life's work has been to keep the empire his father built together, unifying it after Timur's death and then stamping out any rebellions against his own rule.
Shah Rukh brought peace to many parts of the empire and under his rule the arts and sciences have blossomed. During his last years he has been ill often, however, and his sons and cousins have used this time to prepare for the inevitable war of succession.
| Trigger conditions
The country:
This event happens only once. |
Is triggered only by
{{{triggered only}}} |
My time has come! We will no longer have the benefit of the reputation of Shah Rukh and the Timurid vassal princes will therefore most likely start to plot for the throne themselves.[1] Hidden effect: | |
Death of Shah Rukh (except Timurids)
|
|
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.30. |
After a lifetime of war and iron fisted rule, Timur's heir and son, Shah Rukh, has finally passed on. His life's work has been to keep the empire his father built together, unifying it after Timur's death and then stamping out any rebellions against his own rule.
Shah Rukh brought peace to many parts of the empire and under his rule the arts and sciences have blossomed. During his last years he has been ill often and his sons and cousins have used this time to prepare for the inevitable war of succession.
Trigger conditions
|
Is triggered only by
the Death of Shah Rukh |
Option conditions
 My time has come! The Timurids will no longer have the benefit of the reputation of Shah Rukh and all vassal princes will therefore most likely start to plot for the throne themselves.[1]
Long may they splinter. If:
Then:
| |
Enabled if:
Dynasty is Timurids
Ulugh Beg's Observatory
|
|
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.30. |
Our illustrious monarch, Ulugh Beg, has indicated that he desires to build a grand observatory so that Samarkand will become the center of astronomical learning for the entire world. His beliefs are summarized by the words he wishes to have carved on its walls: 'Religions rise and fall, empires crumble into dust, but the works of science are for all time'. But however noble his intentions, such projects are very costly. Should we build the observatory?
| Trigger conditions
The year is before 1465 and the country:
|
Mean time to happen
|
Build it! The country:
We have neither the time nor the money for such foolishness! The country:
| |
Reformation[edit | edit source]
Enthrone Timurid Prince
|
|
Please help with verifying or updating this infobox. It was last verified for version 1.31. |
Amir Timur once crushed all realms in this region and entrusted their rule to his relatives. Ever since they have been torn apart by the Timurid princes' lust to rule it all, and there are many princes who could yet stake their claim to Timur's empire. Some local rulers have been known to invite Timurid claimants to their states, propping them up as leaders, and using the strength Timur's name to extend their rulership over all lands he once ruled.
| Potential requirements
The year is before 1490.
If the country is AI-controlled then it must be a custom nation, |
Allow
The year is before 1490.
|
| Effects
The country:
This will make it possible for us to form the Timurid Empire. | |
Claim Timur's Legacy
| Potential requirements
The country:
If the country is AI-controlled then it:
Playing with normal or historical nations |
Allow
The
Samarkand (454) is part of a state |
| Effects
The country:
If Samarkand (454) is part of the HRE, but its owner is not a member then:
Samarkand (454):
| |
- AI will always take this decision.
- AI gives "very high priority" (600) to this decision
Decisions[edit | edit source]
The Timurids, once establishing order among their disloyal vassals, are in an excellent position to form Mughals. This requires conquering most of Delhi, the country also gets Indian units which are better than Muslim (more fire pips), the country gets permanent claims on the entire Indian subcontinent, the country's rank is upgraded to empire, and finally the renamed country gets new and superior ideas and events. Alternatively, since they begin in the Altaic culture group, they could invade China and restore the 
Yuan dynasty.
Form Mughal Empire
| Potential requirements
The country:
If the country is AI-controlled then it:
Playing with normal or historical nations. |
Allow
Delhi (522) is part of a state. |
| Effects
The country:
If Delhi (522) is part of the HRE, but its owner is not a member then:
Delhi (522):
| |
- AI will always take this decision.
- AI gives "very high priority" (600) to this decision
Reform Great Yuan
| Potential requirements
If the country is AI-controlled then it:
Playing with normal or historical nations. |
Allow
The country:
Beijing (1816) is part of a state.
else if
else,
Beijing (1816) is part of a state. |
| Effects
The country:
If this decision has not been enacted before:
Xilin Gol (723):
Xuanhua (2136):
If Beijing (1816) is part of the HRE, but its owner is not a member then:
Beijing (1816):
| |
- AI will always take this decision.
- AI gives "high priority" (400) to this decision
Strategy[edit | edit source]
The below is one of many player suggested strategies for Timurids. Bear in mind, due to the dynamic nature of the game, it may unfold differently for other players.Initial position[edit | edit source]
The Timurids are in a tough position at the start of the game. After the death of the initial ruler, all their vassals will turn rebellious. Any player wishing to succeed as the Timurids should tackle this internal problem first, or else will likely face disaster.
In order to mitigate the loyalty penalty, the player should pass the Lenient Taxation Iqta modifier. Additionally, the Strong Duchies Nobility estate privilege gives an extra -10% liberty desire, which helps reduce the penalty even further. The additional +2 diplomatic relations will allow you to make extra alliances in order to further discourage independence wars. After this, it's recommended to start a war with Ajam in order to weaken your vassals' armies and reclaim some of your cores, reducing their liberty desire even further. It's recommended to not use your own forces too much during wars, in order to maintain your power compared to your vassals. Instead, focus on building up and maintaining your forces. Continue declaring wars until you're able to annex your vassals. As long as they haven't gained any provinces, Fars, Khorasan, and Transoxiana can all be annexed in one month, because all of their lands are Timurid cores. Afghanistan and Sistan will have to wait for later. The player should try to annex as many vassals at once as they can, because the -3 diplomatic reputation penalty doesn't stack.
Transoxiana has a few cores in provinces which are owned by Uzbek. These provinces can be conquered before annexing Transoxiana. Note that these cores are not Timurid cores, which makes the annexation procedure no longer instant. All of these cores are also cores of Kazakh, however, which can be fed them later if the player chooses to annex Transoxiana instantly.
Another possible strategy to deal with the vassals is to simply release them one at a time, until the remaining vassals are loyal. The player can then integrate the remaining vassals, and reconquer the vassals that were released earlier on. This strategy is extremely reliable, but if the player has some Ajami cores alongside the Iqta and Nobility bonuses it should not be necessary. If the player decides to use this strategy, avoid releasing Transoxiana as they will be hard to beat later on, or Sistan as the player does not start with any cores on them.
Another possible strategy is to declare war on Transoxiana with no cb while setting national focus on adm points. This way players avoid Transoxiana making allies and you can attack Transoxiana with your vassal swarm. Beware this strategy requires a lot of administrative points to raise stability and core provinces afterwards but this is the easiest strategy to deal with Transoxiana and has the most reliable outcome albeit costly mana wise. Player can use this strategy as soon as the starting ruler dies.
When the vassals are under control and annexed, the player has a lot of options. If the player manages to stabilize, the Timurids will be one of the strongest powers in the region with the potential to become one of the strongest countries. By conquering Delhi the Timurids can form the Mughals, who get strong national ideas and missions to conquer much of India alongside extra bonuses for conquering culture groups. The player could also choose to go north and conquer the steppes of Asia, or go west to try and fight the Ottomans.
A good option is also not to rush to form Mughals but finish the Timurids missions providing permanent claims (if any remain). Then after forming the Mughals and completing the Pacify Punjab mission, the Mughals get missions providing claims on Persia and central Asia steppes (Afghan Frontier and Abu Said's Dream). If the player wants to push into the west, it's best to conquer Persia, Basra and Gulf of Aden trade nodes before the Ottomans can do it. The player doesn't necessarily have to conquer every province but rather conquer the provinces bordering with Aleppo and Crimea trade node as quickly as possible. Then the player can move onto conquering Arabia. The rest of the landlocked provinces can then be conquered later on as the Ottomans won't be able to do it. Although the Timurid and Mughal missions both grant claims on lucrative Indian provinces, it's often beneficial in the long run to wage war against the Ottomans directly before they annex Egypt and snowball out of control. Even if the empire is stretched too thin to annex the Ottomans, ensuring that they are saddled with war exhaustion and debt can delay their power spikes by several decades.
Diplomacy[edit | edit source]
With the Strong Duchies estate privilege and Timurid traditions, the player has an incredible 7 diplomatic relations to work with. Securing two allies in addition to your five vassals won't lower the vassals' liberty desire, but it will greatly reduce their willingness to make alliances with each other and outside powers. 
Chagatai is an optimal ally, as they start with the powerful Nomadic units and a loyal vassal of their own. The seventh slot is often best spent on a strong Indian nation, such as Jaunpur or 
Gujarat, and this alliance can be broken later in order to take claims on the subcontinent. This will make Timurid vassals less likely to declare an independence war.
A riskier choice is the 
Ottomans, whose incredible power can be leveraged against the Timurids' western enemies. They will be especially helpful in wars against Qara Qoyunlu and the Mamluks. The objective of an alliance with the Ottomans should be to cut them off from expanding out from Anatolia, particularly into Egypt. If you manage to keep the Ottomans as a long time ally and their eastward expansion is blocked, they will instead push into Europe. They can be used as an excellent battering ram against Russia and increasing warscore in wars with European colonizers or any nations buying provinces in Africa/Asia. At the very least, an Ottoman ally is better than an Ottoman enemy until the Timurids can centralize and develop a rich Indian power base. If the Ottomans are hostile, or their expansion goes unchecked for too long, it's best to use their enemies - often 
France or 
Commonwealth - to form an alliance bloc against them. Keep in mind that the Timurids cannot ally Uzbek or the 
Mamluks, as they are historical rivals, but a player who forms the Mughals can leverage both of these alliances.
Western and Central Asia are very good places to feed vassals. Conquering a single 
Kazakh core and then releasing them as a subject gives you a loyal vassal with permanent cores on most of Uzbek and parts of Nogai and Chagatai. A 
Syria vassal has claims on some very underrated land, with Damascus (Sham) being an extremely rich province. Horde politics are chaotic, and countries like the 
Great Horde and Qara Qoyunlu can collapse and be reformed as a vassal under the player. These countries are a great way to prevent rebellions and reduce strain on administrative power. The player can ally 
Kazan or 
Nogai to prevent Muscovite expansion into the steppes, but letting these nations collapse until they can be peacefully vassalized and fed their cores back is a powerful alternative strategy.
While expanding into southeast Asia, Tibet or Mongolia, a war against Ming is inevitable. If Russia is not blocked from expanding into Siberia, it is just a matter of time when both superpowers start to clash. You can use this opportunity to declare war on either one of them or one of Ming's tributaries. If Russia is taken down a peg by the player, Poland, or Denmark, an alliance with the strongest Jurchen tribe can act as insurance that wars with Ming go smoothly.
Trade[edit | edit source]
Persia is a surprisingly powerful trade node in Europa Universalis IV. With 4 centers of trade and an estuary, a player who controls all of the provinces there will lose almost no money to a Russia or Ottomans who attempts to siphon trade away to Astrakhan or Aleppo, respectively. The Timurids and Transoxiana together hold almost all of the trade in Samarkand, ensuring a steady flow of profit as soon as the latter is annexed. Furthermore, the Timurids and Mughals get free claims across the Lahore node, which is extremely productive and steers to Persia. Note that, after forming the Mughals, the player will need to move their home trade port from Delhi back to Persia. Even as the Mughals, this decision is worth it, and trade from across India can be diverted to Persia for maximum profits.
Trade Ideas are strongly recommended to be able to direct trade from Basra, Gulf of Aden, Samarkand and India into Persia. Maximizing profits from this strategy involves blocking Ottoman expansion into Egypt, or at least preventing them from getting a port on the Indian Ocean. The Ottomans won't be able to colonize or buy provinces in India and South East Asia, thus the player is free to monopolize the spice trade instead.
Due to there being only two Centers of Trade in Samarkand - one of which starts under Chagatai control - conquering as much land as possible within the node is required in order to keep the trade flow into Persia secured.
Conquest of African land outside ports and centers of trade should not be considered a priority. Mughals can instead keep a vassal or march there and feed it the East African interior.
Taking Alexandria and keeping the trade power there is extremely difficult as half of Europe will usually steer trade out of the node. It is much easier to hold Gulf of Aden and Basra and try to steer trade into Persia and collect trade in Cape of Good Hope by using enough trade ships. Most of the wealth routed from India and Spice Islands can then be securely steered into the Persia node, with not much flowing into Europe. Indian Ocean trade can be fully monopolized by holding the Cape of Good Hope node, ensuring that said trade cannot be diverted to Europe by any means. However, this will require war with a colonizer, and thus a heavy naval investment.
With rich trade routes secured and a war or two waged against each of Russia and the Ottomans, the world is the player's bright red (or forest green) oyster. There should be sufficient wealth in the realm to conquer Ming or Qing, if either exists, and unify Asia under one banner.
Footnotes[edit | edit source]
Eastern technology group 
|
 Jerusalem  Karabakh
|
Muslim technology group 
|
 Afghanistan  Ajam  Arabia  Ardabil  Hisn Kayfa  Hormuz  Oman  Mushasha  Timurids  Qara Qoyunlu
|
Indian technology group 
|
 Assam  Bahmanis  Bengal  Orissa
|
Chinese technology group 
|
 Bali  Brunei  Dai Viet  Japan  Khmer  Korea  Majapahit  Malaya  Pagarruyung  Pasai  Sunda
|
Nomadic technology group 
|
 Jianzhou  Uzbek  Mongolia
|
Central African technology group 
|
 Kuba Mutapa
|
East African technology group 
|
 Ethiopia Mogadishu
|
| Muslim technology group
|
 Mamluks Morocco Tlemcen Tunis
|
West African technology group 
|
 Air Mali
|
| Eastern technology group
|
 Bosnia  Byzantium  Circassia  Cyprus  Georgia  Greece  Lithuania  Montenegro  Muscovy  Novgorod  Poland  Ragusa  Russia  Serbia  Theodoro  Trebizond  Tver  Wallachia
|
Anatolian technology group 
|
 Ottomans
|
| Muslim technology group
|
 Granada
|
| Nomadic technology group
|
Western technology group 
|
 United States
|
Mesoamerican technology group 
|
 Maya
|
North American technology group 
|
 Caddo  Cherokee  Iroquois
|
