[h1]The DLCs in a nutshell, and in order of my opinion of necessity:[/h1] [b]More cultures / governments / religions available to play:[/b] [b]Charlemagne[/b] (earliest start date, more cultures) [b]Sword of Islam[/b] (Islamic cultures, Iqtar, Islamic government / religion) [b]Old Gods[/b] (Vikings + new start date) [b]Horse Lords[/b] (Nomads, Mongol Hordes, Silk Road) [b]Rajas of India[/b] (Hinduism, Buddhism)

This could have been a great addition to CKII, but it's not. It still adds interesting depth to the game, but there are too many flaws in the DLC for me to actually recommend it. Basicly a republic earns a lot of gold, and increase tax in it's trading area. It also keeps a lot of ship levies, but few troops. But it won't last. - A republic has 5 dynasties called patricians. They are often unable to reproduce so they

Short Review: Buy this DLC if you love having fat stacks of cash while being able to murder any rival you please without consequence, or if you want vassals that will make you rich and give you a huge navy. Long Review: People are quick to judge Merchant Republics for being gimmicky additions that are confusing to manage, slow to start, and limited in potential. These people lack imagination. Merchant Republics are