Crusader Kings 2 devs have recently announced a plethora of upgrades and improvements to the crusade system, changes that are now starting to appear even more impactful given that the newly revealed Holy Fury DLC is aiming to expand upon the system even further. Besides deeper gameplay for the crusades themselves, the Holy Fury DLC will also add a much more interesting progression system for Pagans, a whole bunch of changes to religion, as well as bonuses for descendants of "legendary" figures like Charlemagne and Genghis Khan.
Perhaps most interestingly of all, at least as far as my playstyle is concerned, Holy Fury will also add the ability to start on a completely fictional and randomized map of Europe. The landmass is unfortunately going to be exactly the same, but all of the factions and their starting 'powers' will be swapped around, which should provide some rather interesting gameplay opportunities!
I would love to offer you more in terms of specifics, but as is tradition Paradox is currently being fairly tight-lipped with the details. That said, if you would like to learn a little bit more, with the emphasis here being on little, you should head on over to the official website.
And finally, I'll leave you with the brief list of features that came with the announcement, as well as with the equally brief and rather uninformative trailer. Have a look:
Shattered and Random Worlds: Start your game on a fictional map of Europe as a small realm fighting for space, or on a random map with historical analogues for the great kingdoms of yore.
Warrior Lodges: Join a Pagan warrior lodge and raid your way up the ranks, unlocking access to powerful allies and greater military skill.
Legendary Bloodlines: Descendants of great warrior heroes will have bonuses that match the accomplishments of their forefathers, including historical bloodlines of Charlemagne, Genghis Khan and others.
Sway or Antagonize Your Neighbors: Try to win a reluctant vassal through charm and persuasion, or provoke someone you want to push into conflict.
Sainthood: Pious Catholics can become canonized, passing on their glory to their descendants and making their resting place a site of great value.
Coronations: Feudal kings and emperors must find clergy to crown them, since all power descends from the heavens.
New Crusade Events: Deeper gameplay for the religious wars of the era.
New Succession Laws: A Pagan Elder Council may have the final word in how a realm is divided among heirs, or a ruler may challenge his brother to combat to unify a realm.
And much more: Changes to religion, custom names for people or objects, deeper baptismal mechanics, lists of people you’ve killed, and other small changes for flavor and variety.