Crusader Kings 3 is a delightfully complex game, with a lot of pieces constantly moving underneath the intentionally limited view of the player. Plots, schemes, wars, territorial and succession disputes – neither of them cease to exist solely because they bear little concern to the player, for the map of medieval Europe (and beyond) is a living creature of simulated chaos in Paradox Interactive's strategy game. Players will want every edge they can find to make the most in navigating Crusader Kings 3's intricate political waters.
Fabricating claims is an important part in furthering the power of a player's dynasty in Crusader Kings 3, as it directly leads into opportunities to expand one's Realm. Players who have amassed a strong army to contend with their neighbors, and the coin to maintain it, will no doubt want to seize the moment to grow beyond their borders and gobble up the neighboring lands to their benefit. One cannot merely declare war in Crusader Kings 3 based on whim alone; however – a valid Casus Belli is also required.
How to Fabricate a Claim
A fabricated claim counts as a valid Casus Belli, and therein lies its value, as obtaining a Casus Belli as a minor Count, or Countess is no small feat. The first step players will want to do to fabricate a claim is open their Council screen in Crusader Kings 3.
This can be done by either pressing F4, or by clicking on the teal-colored throne icon on the right side of the screen. The councilor that the players will need to fabricate a claim for is their Court Chaplain.
The Court Chaplain is normally found on the top right spot in the Council overlay, next to the ruler's spouse, and the option to Fabricate a Claim will be depicted with an icon of a hand grasping a blue shield. Clicking on it and then clicking on a land of their choosing (as long as they are within diplomatic range), the players will direct their Court Chaplain to start their work.
While success is guaranteed, the higher the Learning attribute of a player's Court Chaplain, the quicker the fabrication process will be. The characters in Crusader Kings 3 are numerous and diverse, and knowing how to build a council of capable people is important to have a prosperous Realm.
Once the Court Chaplain finishes fabricating a claim, the player will be met with a choice to either acknowledge the claim at a cost of gold, or to refuse the claim at a cost of prestige. Accepting it will yield an Unpressed Claim that can now be used as a valid Casus Belli to declare war on the titleholder (and possibly their liege if applicable).
Crusader Kings 3 is currently available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
