Faster Better Tech Progression (Vanilla Taste)
Faster Better Tech Progression (Vanilla Taste) is a carefully tuned alternative to the Organic Innovations version. It is designed for players who want a smoother, more dynamic technology curve without sacrificing the core RPG fantasy and pacing of vanilla Crusader Kings III.
While the "Organic Innovations" version heavily nerfs character stats to prioritize realm development, this Vanilla Taste version strikes a balance: it empowers your brilliant rulers to truly shape history, throws a lifeline to struggling tribal societies, and ensures a competitive world state without heavily punishing player success.
Core Philosophy
The RPG Fantasy Lives: We believe exceptional rulers should make an exceptional difference. With the game now utilizing Martial, Stewardship, Diplomacy, and Learning for different innovations, this mod ensures that your specialized rulers—whether a brilliant tactician driving military tactics or a master steward revolutionizing manorialism—are highly rewarded for their expertise, while gently curbing game-breaking late-game exploits.
Tribal & Low-Dev Viability: Not everyone wants to play a hyper-developed "Tall" empire. The base foundation of human progress has been stabilized. Realms with low development or tribal governments will no longer feel like they are stuck in the Stone Age forever; they will progress at a healthy, natural pace.
Fair Competition, Not Leeches: Cultural spread and catch-up mechanics have been improved to help the AI stay relevant. However, we’ve tuned these systems so that lagging neighbors don’t simply "leech" off your hard work instantly. If you pioneer a new era, you will maintain a well-earned technological advantage.
Key Features
Rewarding Character Stats: The diminishing returns on ruler skills have been re-calibrated. High-stat rulers (across all categories) provide a robust, satisfying boost to their respective research fields. Genius characters feel like geniuses again.
Balanced Era Transitions: Advancing to the next historical era requires a slightly broader foundation of innovations compared to vanilla. It prevents unnatural "tech rushing" but respects your time, avoiding the tedious grind of researching useless filler technologies.
Logical Pacing & Timegates: The penalties for researching ahead of time have been slightly softened, allowing truly prosperous and well-led societies to pioneer the future. Meanwhile, realms left behind will find it a bit easier to catch up to the global standard.
Development is a Bonus, Not a Crutch: High average development still provides a noticeable and rewarding boost to innovation speed, but it is no longer the sole dictator of your culture’s intellectual growth.
Compatibility & Usage
Saved Games: Can be added to existing saves safely, though starting a new game is recommended to experience the full intended pacing.
Mod Compatibility: Fully compatible with any mod that does not modify the NCulture section in 00_defines.txt. Works great with most total conversions (RICE, EPE), though tech-heavy mods may require a patch.
