Schematics and hooks in Crusader Kings 3 are ways to generate favor, raise opinion, or perform malicious acts.
Schematics and hooks in Crusader Kings 3 cover a wide range of in-game actions, so let's break them down to their basics. Patterns are interactions with other characters, like befriending them, making them like you more, or even plotting their murder. Your status and attributes will play a role in a blueprint's success, and once you choose a blueprint, it will continue until you manually complete it or that character dies.
There are three types of blueprints to follow in Crusader Kings 3: Hostile Blueprints, Personal Blueprints, and Secret Blueprints. Personal patterns are the most caring interactions, such as love or bonding with someone. Hostile patterns range from simple murder to kidnapping. Secret patterns are attempts to dig up dirt on other characters or hostile patterns from other people that have come to your attention.
Personal blueprints only have one chance of success, stats you need to worry about, and highlighting the circular icon will tell you what counts toward your overall chances. Hostile and secretive patterns have a second statistic: their secret. The higher your secret, the less your plan will be revealed. Having a high Intrigue attribute and a talented Spymaster improves both stats, and you can try to persuade people close to your target to help you with your plans if you have the right amount of favor, money, and a hook or two.
Hooks are how you bend people to your will. Think of them as favors or blackmail that you personally hold on someone. If you free a prisoner from your dungeons, for example, you can do so in exchange for a hook. Digging up someone's dirty laundry allows you to blackmail them for a hook, although you can't blackmail people who share the same secrets as you.
The hooks are available in two flavors: weak and strong. Weak hooks can only be used once, and Strong hooks can be used an unlimited number of times and contain a larger awl. Both expire after about a decade, so you'll want to use them while you can. Square brackets can be used to change vassal contracts, to force unlikely marriage proposals, and more. Almost all of Crusader Kings 3's interactions can be changed with a hook, so you'll want to catch them when you can. Just keep in mind that other characters can gain hooks on you and yours, so the tables can be turned against you.
Additional schematics and hook interactions can be unlocked through your Lifestyles perks, so if there's a certain playstyle you want to pursue, browse the trees for the schematics and hooks you need. Stewardship has a perk that allows you to demand payment for hooks, and most of your skulduggery projects can be found in Intrigue trees. There is a schedule and hook for every occasion, so be sure to check out what's available.
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