This is my idea for adjusting the crusade function within the game. I like the overall set up of the crusade mechanic within the game; voting, turn preparation, spawning military, etc. However, everything centers around one civ conquering Jerusalem. The minor suggestions I had may not be possible, but I wanted to suggest them anyway. This is for the main crusades in the holy land, not the Northern Crusades, Popular Crusades, or Heretics. Of course, this is all my opinion, and just a suggestion.
Main Crusades
What I had in mind was having more involvement and choices from the selected player(s). In short, enabling the second player to participate, choosing city target, and a pre-determined random event. Details below.
Second Player and City Targets
Predetermined Random Events
Notes on certain crusades.
3rd crusade – I mentioned on another thread about the very unlikely possibility of having Cyprus be a non-playable minor civ within the game. It could be tied into the game this way, and become a useful ally/vassal, nor not. It’s not a big deal.
4th crusade – I always preferred replacing this crusade with the spawning of a Latin Empire, however unlikely that may be; but if the status quo is maintained then I assume this would function the same.
As I mentioned above this is all my opinion, but I think this would improve the crusades. The Arabs/Egyptians would not simply have to defend Jerusalem with a few units, and there would be more choices for a player to take.