EndreWhiteMane: Now I'm confused (again). The CKII wiki says:
[i]"Expansions or Major DLCs are paid expansions that unlock new characters to play or enable new game mechanics.
Following CK2 expansion model, they are normally released alongside major patches that give players most of the new content for free. As such, most DLCs are seen as optional content for players who wish to have a better gaming experience in exchange for some monetary support."[/i]
Is it true that most of the expansions wind up in the game anyway? No real need to buy them?
That sounds wrong to me.
I found that sentence misleading. Thing is that many of the features from expansions are actually implemented via the patch but some of them are blocked off. For example: The Old Gods got a new starting date and massive reworked pagans. While you got in all the refinements and the new start date for free....you weren't able and you won't be able to play with pagan people with all their unique stuff if you lack the DLC. Basically when you only own the vanilla version you're only able to play noble Christian characters. You won't be able to play as leader of a Merchant Republic or as any non-Christian character. I hope that makes it a bit more clear :)