Degrading relations

**KanJan1991** · February 08, 2009, 03:03 AM

I'm playing as the turks and i've noticed that for no reason, my relations with the catholic nations decrease over time. I have not waged war on catholic nations, nor did i do anything hostile. Even when I got the relations with the papacy to be so-so, it just decreased right down over time. Is there any way to stop this/slow this down? I don't want very poor relations with everyone when i save up for fighting the mongols.

**claudius2007** · February 08, 2009, 03:15 AM

Usually your relations rapidly decrease with nations you don't keep any contact with. As Turkey you need to have a good number of diplomats around Europe. Also, make sure you offer gifts to the Pope (yes, money) he loves it and will leave you alone. It's a good idea to make sure you are in good terms with the Pope and the rest of the Catholics should fall along. Make sure you also follow the diplomatic struggle in Europe, as the pope's nationality is usually a good indication of whom he likes or not or what his administration will focus on.

**Silent Assassin** · February 12, 2009, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by claudius2007

Usually your relations rapidly decrease with nations you don't keep any contact with. As Turkey you need to have a good number of diplomats around Europe. Also, make sure you offer gifts to the Pope (yes, money) he loves it and will leave you alone. It's a good idea to make sure you are in good terms with the Pope and the rest of the Catholics should fall along. Make sure you also follow the diplomatic struggle in Europe, as the pope's nationality is usually a good indication of whom he likes or not or what his administration will focus on.

This is true for all factions even catholics but only when playing on Hard and VH level. Being another religion faction make this automatic or almost.

**axnsan** · February 08, 2009, 03:17 AM

your relations with factions of other religions decrease over time. your best bet is to keep kissing their feet (ie give them money) to stop this

**Muagan_ra** · February 11, 2009, 11:19 AM

I wouldn't bother, if I where you. I'm playing Turkey right now, same as you, and it dosn't matter how much the Pope and other Catholics like me, as soon as one of the periodical Crusades is declared, it's all for nothing.

But if you really want to keep on their good side, one piece of advice. Never execute Crusaders after battle - it won't make you very popular. Releasing them won't get you brownie points though.

**Surgeon** · February 11, 2009, 05:32 PM

If you've got trade rights with any faction that is not bordering you, your relations will decrease over time no matter what. It's an easy trap to fall into.

**DJ_JasonX** · February 13, 2009, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Surgeon

If you've got trade rights with any faction that is not bordering you, your relations will decrease over time no matter what. It's an easy trap to fall into.

no they don't

**Spartan90** · February 13, 2009, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Surgeon

If you've got trade rights with any faction that is not bordering you, your relations will decrease over time no matter what. It's an easy trap to fall into.

Are you serious?!? Why is this??

Also, to the OP: You're Islam. They are Catholic. They're not going to like you ever. Simple.

**Conquistatore** · February 13, 2009, 02:07 AM

I wouldn't worry about anyone except your immediate neighbours. Unless your empire spans most of the world.

**Conquistatore** · February 13, 2009, 04:07 AM

It's a common point of debate around here. Some say so, some say not. I don't think anyone is 100% certain.

**Nazgûl Killer** · February 13, 2009, 04:45 AM

When I played with Turkey, I tried keeping a healthy relationship with the Pope, and with much success too, I was very loved by the Pope, and some if not most nations followed him in those relations, and I was thrilled, all I had to do is build up on the side, waiting for the Mongols, and take the Holy Land, and I'm good! But, oh no! Guess what? The Pope declared a crusade, yes, you guessed it! On Antioch! Which was currently under my control, a few turns later, I'm at war with the entire Catholic world. Piece of advice: Save your money, screw the Pope, he'll double-cross you anyways.

**Pink Beard** · February 13, 2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Nazgul-Killer

he'll double-cross you anyways.

oh the sarcasme

**Silent Assassin** · February 13, 2009, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by Nazgul-Killer

: Save your money, screw the Pope, he'll double-cross you anyways.

I have never been betrayed by the Pope in my 200 campaigns, even more he mostly helped, but I need to precise here one thing not when a was playing as a Muslim faction.

**Conquistatore** · February 13, 2009, 06:05 AM

Well the game is scripted so that the Pope declares crusades against the Muslim factions. To be honest I don't know why anyone would try and appease the holy man with anything.. he will always betray you, which is historically significant.

**Old Geezer** · February 13, 2009, 10:31 AM

It is only the "secretly female" Popes that the programmers have made to betray the peaceful and benevolent eastern factions.

**★Bandiera Rossa☭** · February 13, 2009, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by Old Geezer

It is only the "secretly female" Popes that the programmers have made to betray the peaceful and benevolent eastern factions.

You mean they call a crusade once a month because of hormonal imbalance?

**Conquistatore** · February 13, 2009, 11:13 PM

Well that should be pretty much expected. It is easy to maintain relations and be safe if you are a Catholic or even Orthodox faction. If you are playing as an Islamic faction then there is no point and no hope of maintaining relations with the Pope.