How do I become a vassal?

To become a vassal, you can swear an oath to a king or marry into the family of one of his vassals, and typically, having around 200 renown is sufficient, although this may vary depending on circumstances such as being a female character or not being a child of nobles. The process of becoming a vassal is a significant step in many feudal systems, offering benefits such as protection, land, and influence, but also comes with obligations like military service and loyalty to your liege or suzerain.

Understanding Vassalage

Definition and Role

A vassal is essentially a servant or subordinate of a ruler or lord, often holding land or a fief in exchange for fealty, homage, and typically military service. This relationship is fundamental to the feudal system, where vassals play a crucial role in the feudal pyramid, with the king at the top and vassals, knights, and other nobles below.

Benefits and Obligations

Advantages of Being a Vassal

Being a vassal offers several benefits, including protection from external threats, the grant of land or fiefs which can provide income and resources, influence and power within the feudal hierarchy, enhanced social status, and legal protection under the feudal law.

Obligations to the Liege

In return for these benefits, vassals owe their liege or suzerain loyalty, military service when called upon, and sometimes financial obligations such as taxes or tributes. The specifics of these obligations can vary widely depending on the terms of the vassalage and the customs of the feudal system in question.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of a vassal in the feudal system? A vassal serves a ruler or lord, holding land in exchange for fealty and military service.
2. How do I become a vassal? You can become a vassal by swearing an oath to a king or marrying into the family of one of his vassals.
3. What are the benefits of being a vassal? Benefits include protection, land, influence, social status, and legal protection.
4. Can a vassal leave their kingdom? Yes, a vassal can leave their kingdom at any time and join another or create their own, though this may affect their relationship with their former liege.
5. Can vassals fight each other? While not illegal, vassals fighting each other can have negative consequences and is generally discouraged.
6. How much renown is needed to become a vassal? Typically, around 200 renown is needed, but this can vary.
7. Can a vassal become a lord? Yes, vassals can acquire the right to subinfeudate, essentially becoming lords themselves by granting parts of their fiefs to their own vassals.
8. Are vassals higher than knights? Vassals and knights can hold different positions in the feudal hierarchy, with vassals often being lords of castles and villages, and knights being vassals to more powerful lords.
9. Can a duke be a vassal? Yes, a duke can be a vassal, typically to a king, and owes allegiance and military service.
10. Can a person be both a lord and a vassal at the same time? Yes, a noble can be both a lord to their own vassals and a vassal to a more powerful liege.
11. Why can’t I release a vassal? You might not be able to release a vassal if your country is at war or if there are no eligible nations.
12. Could a peasant be a vassal? Yes, in the feudal system, a peasant could be a vassal to a lord, providing goods and services in exchange for protection.
13. Are peasants vassals? In the context of the feudal system, peasants were indeed vassals to lords, providing labor and goods in exchange for protection and land use.
14. Can a vassal declare war? A vassal typically cannot declare war independently, as this right often belongs to their liege or suzerain.
15. Who rules a vassal? A vassal is ruled by their liege or suzerain, to whom they owe fealty and loyalty.

Conclusion

Becoming a vassal is a significant decision within the context of the feudal system, offering protection, land, and influence in exchange for loyalty and military service. Understanding the role of a vassal, the benefits and obligations associated with vassalage, and how vassals fit into the broader feudal hierarchy is crucial for navigating these complex social and political structures. Whether you are a king looking to expand your realm, a noble seeking to secure your position, or a peasant hoping to rise through the ranks, comprehending the dynamics of vassalage is essential for success in a feudal society.