Holy Lance
A relic of faith, shrouded in silence.
The Holy Lance is a relic associated with the First Crusade (1096–1099). The source describes the crusaders capturing Antioch in June 1098 and Jerusalem in July 1099, but does not mention the Holy Lance, the Spear of Destiny, or the Spear of Longinus. No information is provided about its discovery, use, or significance during the crusade.
- Type
- Relic / Artifact
- Origin
- The Holy Land (Jerusalem)
- Primary Effect
- Grants Piety and Prestige bonuses
- Secondary Effect
- Increases Legitimacy of the holder's dynasty
- Status
- Movable; often stolen or lost in wars
- Associated Faction
- Catholic Church / Holy Roman Empire
Lore & Background
The source details the First Crusade's events: the People's Crusade, led by Peter the Hermit, ended in annihilation at the Battle of Civetot in October 1096. The Princes' Crusade, led by nobles like Raymond IV of Toulouse and Godfrey of Bouillon, captured Nicaea in June 1097, won the Battle of Dorylaeum in July 1097, and took Antioch in June 1098. Jerusalem was stormed on 15 July 1099, with a massacre of residents. The Holy Lance is not mentioned in any of these events.
In Their Own Story
No story can be constructed from the source, as it contains no references to the Holy Lance. The source focuses on the military campaigns, leaders, and outcomes of the First Crusade, including the establishment of four Crusader states: the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Edessa, the Principality of Antioch, and the County of Tripoli.
Reader's Guide
The source provides no guidance on the Holy Lance as a game artifact. It does not describe any relic, its effects, or its role in the crusade. Players seeking information on the Holy Lance should consult other sources, as this text is limited to the historical events of the First Crusade.
Did You Know?
- The First Crusade (1096–1099) was initiated by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont in 1095.
- The People's Crusade, led by Peter the Hermit, was annihilated at the Battle of Civetot in October 1096.
- The Siege of Jerusalem ended on 15 July 1099 with the crusaders storming the city and massacring a large fraction of residents.
- Four Crusader states were established: the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Edessa, the Principality of Antioch, and the County of Tripoli.
- The Byzantine emperor Alexios I Komnenos requested military support from the West in 1095, which helped spark the First Crusade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Holy Lance in Crusader Kings lore?
The Holy Lance is a legendary relic believed to have pierced Christ during the Crucifixion. Within the game's narrative, it serves as a potent symbol of divine right originating from Jerusalem.
What mechanical benefits does holding the Holy Lance provide?
Possessing this artifact grants significant bonuses to Piety and Prestige for the current holder. It also strengthens the legitimacy of the dynasty that claims ownership over time.
Why do rulers fight so intensely over this artifact?
Monarchs desire it because it validates their rule through religious authority, often justifying wars or crusades against rivals. Its power makes it a central prize in conflicts involving the Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire.
Where can players typically find or acquire the Holy Lance?
This artifact originates from Jerusalem in the Holy Land and is frequently involved in major religious events. Players often acquire it by conquering sacred territories where it is historically kept.
Can the Holy Lance be lost or stolen from a dynasty?
Yes, the artifact is movable and can change hands through theft, inheritance, or military conquest. Losing it typically removes its bonuses and may weaken your dynasty's standing with the Church.