Crusader Kings II Will Be Expanded With The Republic DLC

One of the year's best strategy games, Crusader Kings II, is set for expansion with the release of The Republic in Q1 2013.

The new expansion pack focuses on the money-making merchants who lived during the days of the Crusader Kings, who made their fortunes not from being of noble blood, but from ingenuity. The game's third expansion will allow you to take on the role of one of the medieval mercantile republics, including the republics of Venice, Genoa, Pisa, and the Hanseatic League, or Gotland. 

Crusader Kings: The Republic will introduce a ton of new features, including lobbying to become the Doge, where investing money in political campaigns will allow you to make up for your lack of family ties and prestige. 

You'll be able to build trade posts and expand your mercantile empire through the control of sea lanes and the coasts of Europe, while competing against rival Patrician families. 

It comes out in Q1 2013 for $9.99.