Paradox Interactive announces the release of Crusader Kings II: The Republic, the third expansion for Crusader Kings II, the strategy/RPG sequel. In related notes, a new patch is now available to update Crusader Kings II to version 1.09 (this extensive post outlines what this does), and PC Gamer notes a Fredrik Wester tweet about Linux support in the series: "Dear Twitter followers, it seems I haven't told you that Crusader Kings 2 is available for Linux." In addition to The Republic expansion, two smaller DLC packs are also now available on most digital portals. Crusader Kings II: Songs of Prosperity contains three new songs, and Crusader Kings II: Mediterranean Portraits contains thousands of unique face combos for male and female characters. Here's word on The Republic:

Crusader Kings II: The Republic introduces the great merchant Republics of medieval Europe as playable entities for the first time. A fresh, new experience from playing as a feudal region in Crusader Kings II, players adopt the role as the head, or Patrician, of one of the five great merchant families in the Republic as they build trade posts and expand provincial empires while attempting to assert dominance over the other rival families, Republics and feudal lords.