Mini realms: Vassalization

[Sevenless]

There's a notable number of towns that fit in the gap between small towns and faction grade realm towns. These groups often help with realms they're friendly with, but lack ownership and engagement in the system. I think it would be an improvement to the realm system if towns that fit into this context could found a realm of some kind, and vassalize themself under the bigger realm. I'd lean towards them either being a special mini-realm (like a duchy), or a different set of rules on how they work when vassalize.

This gives the potential for many more towns to feel directly invested in a realm they are part of, and possibly room for the concept of town specialization. Implementing this would require some kind of rework to the realm buffs system for it to make sense though.

[Barbamaus]

I like the general idea, but what would this imply for such villages? What would be the difference between being an actual vassal and just being a village that helps the realm?

[Sevenless]

I like the general idea, but what would this imply for such villages? What would be the difference between being an actual vassal and just being a village that helps the realm?

An expansion or rework of the realm buff system would be required. Each duchy could be able to choose and create local buffs that are only present in their mini realm. The kingdom as a whole would inherit part of these buffs, but a weaker version outside the buffing duchy.

Abstract made up numbers for discussion's sake:
Duchy 1 (King): Mining specialty +25%
Duchy 2: Farm specialty +25%
Kingdom wide buffs: Mining +5%, Farming +5%. If you have a local buff stronger than the kingdom buff, I'm not sure if they should add together or not. Kingdoms specializing entirely in one buff type might be weird. If only the strongest version of the buff was chosen dutchy 1 would get 25% mining 5% farming, duchy 2 would get 25% farming 5% mining.

The idea being, in theory, it gives options for towns/regions to specialize. It also gives these towns a potential sense of agency, or at the very least the option (depending of course how your politics are with the king, they might force you via ingame pvp/economy threats to pick the buffs they want you to have).

I'm also pretty down with the concept of ingame cosmetic realm capes over-rides which show your duchy coat of arms. Goes back to the sense of ownership and interaction, since you'd be able to choose your coat of arms and wear it into battle if you want to.

Edit: In general I'm not hardset on this being how the mini-realms work at all. Some way to give them agency is what I'd like to see, however that's achieved. Suggestions welcome.