five bucks
Knight at Arms

The voting system is almost pointless, because the lords almost always vote the same as each other, so even by spending 150 Influence you can't change the outcome.
To test, I set my relation to 0 with every clan in Vlandia, and proposed every policy:
26 of the votes could not be changed by the player. 8 were changeable due to no opposition. 2 were changeable by spending 150 influence.
I reloaded the save, set relation to 100 with all clans, and tested again:
28 of the votes could not be changed by the player. 4 were changeable due to no opposition. 5 were changeable by spending 150 influence.
These tests confirm nobles usually vote the same, and seem to show that:
SUGGESTION - Nobles now have preferences for certain votes. For example:
Daring lords like voting for War and Military Coronae, and dislike voting for Peace and Royal Commissions.
Honest lords like voting for Bailiffs, and dislike voting for Debasement of the Currency.
Cruel lords like voting for Serfdom, and dislike voting for Trial by Jury.
Rulers like voting for Royal Commissions, and dislike voting for Tribunes of the People.
The formula is calculated like this:
As a simple example, if you propose Debasement of Currency, and a noble has 70 relations with you (+2 support), but he is Honest and dislikes the policy (-1 support), that adds up to +1 support, so he will spend 20 influence in favour of the policy.
This formula would change it so that having good Relations with lords will actually help you! The AI's Personality Traits will actually make a gameplay difference. Influence will matter more, and the player will actually be able to change the outcome of many more votes.
To test, I set my relation to 0 with every clan in Vlandia, and proposed every policy:
Senate - For: 4*20i, 4*60i, against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Noble Retinues - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Hunting Rights - For: 5*20i, 4*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Bailiffs - For: 8*20i. Against: derthert*60 Not swayable.
Grazing Rights - For: none. Against: derthert*20 Swayable, but not interesting.
Sacred Majesty - For: derthert*20i. Against: none Swayable, but not interesting.
Marshals - For: 4*20i, 5*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Land Grants for Veterans - For: none. Against: 3+derthert*20 Not swayable.
Cantons - For: none. Against: 3*20 Not swayable.
Lawspeakers - For: none. Against: 4+derthert*20 Not swayable.
Royal Privilege - For: 1*20i, derthert*105. Against: 8*20i Swayable.
Council of the Commons - For: none. Against: derthert*60 Swayable, but boring.
Peerage - For: 2*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Road Tolls - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Serfdom - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Lords' Privy Council - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Precarial Land Tenure - For: 1*20i, derthert*105i. Against: 8*20 Not swayable.
Land Tax - For: derthert*20i. Against: none Swayable, but boring.
State Monopolies - For: 1*20i, derthert* 105i. Against: 3*20i Swayable.
Magistrates - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Debasement of the Currency - For: derthert*42i. Swayable, but boring.
Crown Duty - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Imperial Towns - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Royal Commissions - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Royal Guard - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
War Tax - 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i. Not swayable.
King's Mercenaries - For: derthert*42i. Against: none. swayable, but not interesting.
Military Coronae - For: 4*20i, 4*60i. Against: derthert*105 - not swayable.
Charter of Liberties - For: 0. Against: derthert*20 - swayable, but not interesting.
Citizenship - For: 0. Against: 6+derthert*20 - not swayable.
Forgiveness of Debts - For: 0. Against: 8*20 - not swayable.
Tribunes of the People - For: 0. Against: derthert*20 - swayable, but not interesting.
Trial by Jury - For: 0. Against: 3+derthert*20 - not swayable.
Declare War on Khuzait - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare War on Battania - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare Peace with Northern Empire - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Every handful of votes, I would reload the save, to ensure clans had enough influence to vote and in case there was a "vote exhaustion" factor.
For some reason, Ecarand voted in favour of pro-royal policies, unlike all the other lords.
Noble Retinues - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Hunting Rights - For: 5*20i, 4*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Bailiffs - For: 8*20i. Against: derthert*60 Not swayable.
Grazing Rights - For: none. Against: derthert*20 Swayable, but not interesting.
Sacred Majesty - For: derthert*20i. Against: none Swayable, but not interesting.
Marshals - For: 4*20i, 5*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Land Grants for Veterans - For: none. Against: 3+derthert*20 Not swayable.
Cantons - For: none. Against: 3*20 Not swayable.
Lawspeakers - For: none. Against: 4+derthert*20 Not swayable.
Royal Privilege - For: 1*20i, derthert*105. Against: 8*20i Swayable.
Council of the Commons - For: none. Against: derthert*60 Swayable, but boring.
Peerage - For: 2*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Road Tolls - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Serfdom - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Lords' Privy Council - For: 3*20i, 6*60i. Against: derthert*105 Not swayable.
Precarial Land Tenure - For: 1*20i, derthert*105i. Against: 8*20 Not swayable.
Land Tax - For: derthert*20i. Against: none Swayable, but boring.
State Monopolies - For: 1*20i, derthert* 105i. Against: 3*20i Swayable.
Magistrates - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Debasement of the Currency - For: derthert*42i. Swayable, but boring.
Crown Duty - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Imperial Towns - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Royal Commissions - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
Royal Guard - For: 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i Not swayable.
War Tax - 1+derthert*20i. Against: 8*20i. Not swayable.
King's Mercenaries - For: derthert*42i. Against: none. swayable, but not interesting.
Military Coronae - For: 4*20i, 4*60i. Against: derthert*105 - not swayable.
Charter of Liberties - For: 0. Against: derthert*20 - swayable, but not interesting.
Citizenship - For: 0. Against: 6+derthert*20 - not swayable.
Forgiveness of Debts - For: 0. Against: 8*20 - not swayable.
Tribunes of the People - For: 0. Against: derthert*20 - swayable, but not interesting.
Trial by Jury - For: 0. Against: 3+derthert*20 - not swayable.
Declare War on Khuzait - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare War on Battania - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare Peace with Northern Empire - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Every handful of votes, I would reload the save, to ensure clans had enough influence to vote and in case there was a "vote exhaustion" factor.
For some reason, Ecarand voted in favour of pro-royal policies, unlike all the other lords.
I reloaded the save, set relation to 100 with all clans, and tested again:
Senate - for: 2*20, 6*60, 1*150. Against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Noble Retinues - for: 1*20, 3*60, 5*150, Against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Hunting Rights - for: 1*20, 8*60, against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Bailiffs - for: for: 1*20, 8*60, against: derthert*60. not swayable.
Grazing Rights - for: 0. against: derthert*20. swayable, but boring.
Sacred Majesty - For: derthert*20i. Against: none. not swayable.
Marshals -for: 1*20, 7*60, 1*105. against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Land Grants for Veterans - For: none. Against: 6+derthert*20 not swayable.
Cantons - For: 0. Against: 6. Not swayable.
Lawspeakers - For: 0. Against: derthert+4. Not swayable.
Royal Privilege - For: 2. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Council of the Commons - For: 0. Against: derthert. Swayable, but boring.
Peerage - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Road Tolls - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Serfdom - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Lords' Privy Council - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Precarial Land Tenure - For: derthert+1. Against: 8. Swayable.
Land Tax - For: derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
State Monopolies - For: derthert+1. Against: 3. Swayable.
Magistrates - For: derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Debasement of the Currency - For: derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
Crown Duty - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Imperial Towns - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Royal Commissions - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Royal Guard - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
War Tax - For: Derthert+1. Against: 7. Swayable.
King's Mercenaries - For: Derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
Military Coronae - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Charter of Liberties - For: 0. Against: Derthert. Swayable.
Citizenship - For: 0. Against: Derthert+6. Not swayable.
Forgiveness of Debts - For: 0. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Tribunes of the People - For: 0. Against: Derthert. Swayable, but boring.
Trial by Jury - For: 0. Against: Derthert+3. Not swayable.
Declare War on Khuzait - For: For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare War on Battania - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare Peace with Northern Empire - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Every handful of votes, I would reload the save, to ensure clans had enough influence to vote and in case there was a "vote exhaustion" factor.
Noble Retinues - for: 1*20, 3*60, 5*150, Against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Hunting Rights - for: 1*20, 8*60, against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Bailiffs - for: for: 1*20, 8*60, against: derthert*60. not swayable.
Grazing Rights - for: 0. against: derthert*20. swayable, but boring.
Sacred Majesty - For: derthert*20i. Against: none. not swayable.
Marshals -for: 1*20, 7*60, 1*105. against: derthert*105. not swayable.
Land Grants for Veterans - For: none. Against: 6+derthert*20 not swayable.
Cantons - For: 0. Against: 6. Not swayable.
Lawspeakers - For: 0. Against: derthert+4. Not swayable.
Royal Privilege - For: 2. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Council of the Commons - For: 0. Against: derthert. Swayable, but boring.
Peerage - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Road Tolls - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Serfdom - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Lords' Privy Council - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Precarial Land Tenure - For: derthert+1. Against: 8. Swayable.
Land Tax - For: derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
State Monopolies - For: derthert+1. Against: 3. Swayable.
Magistrates - For: derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Debasement of the Currency - For: derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
Crown Duty - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Imperial Towns - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Royal Commissions - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Royal Guard - For: Derthert+1. Against: 8. Not swayable.
War Tax - For: Derthert+1. Against: 7. Swayable.
King's Mercenaries - For: Derthert+1. Against: 0. Not swayable.
Military Coronae - For: 9. Against: derthert. Not swayable.
Charter of Liberties - For: 0. Against: Derthert. Swayable.
Citizenship - For: 0. Against: Derthert+6. Not swayable.
Forgiveness of Debts - For: 0. Against: 8. Not swayable.
Tribunes of the People - For: 0. Against: Derthert. Swayable, but boring.
Trial by Jury - For: 0. Against: Derthert+3. Not swayable.
Declare War on Khuzait - For: For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare War on Battania - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Declare Peace with Northern Empire - For: 0. Against: Derthert+9. Not swayable.
Every handful of votes, I would reload the save, to ensure clans had enough influence to vote and in case there was a "vote exhaustion" factor.
These tests confirm nobles usually vote the same, and seem to show that:
- Good relations with the AI barely changes whether they will support a vote or not. Even 100 relations!
- The AI being a noble or vassal strongly effects their support for policies that strengthen rulers or vassals.
- War/peace votes are mainly decided by the usual war/peace calculation.
- Traits have little or no effect on decisions.
SUGGESTION - Nobles now have preferences for certain votes. For example:
Daring lords like voting for War and Military Coronae, and dislike voting for Peace and Royal Commissions.
Honest lords like voting for Bailiffs, and dislike voting for Debasement of the Currency.
Cruel lords like voting for Serfdom, and dislike voting for Trial by Jury.
Rulers like voting for Royal Commissions, and dislike voting for Tribunes of the People.
Feudal Inheritance: Vassals like, Rulers dislike.
Castle Charters: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
Senate: Calculating like, Daring dislike.
Grazing Rights: Generous like, Closefisted dislike.
Sacred Majesty: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Land Grants for Veterans: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Cantons: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Lawspeakers: Calculating like, Impulsive dislike.
Royal Privilege: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Council of the Commons: Calculating like, Closefisted dislike.
Marshals: Daring like, Rulers dislike.
Peerage: Vassals like, Rulers dislike.
Road Tolls: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Precarial Land Tenure: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Land Tax: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
State Monopolies: Rulers like, Closefisted dislike.
Magistrates: Honest like, Devious dislike.
Debasement of the Currency: Rulers like, Honest dislike.
Crown Duty: Rulers like, Closefisted dislike.
Imperial Towns: Rulers like, Calculating dislike.
Royal Commissions: Rulers like, Daring dislike.
Royal Guard: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
War Tax: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
King's Mercenaries: Rulers like, Daring dislike.
Lords' Privy Council: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Military Coronae: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Serfdom: Cruel like, Merciful dislike.
Noble Retinues: Daring like, Calculating dislike.
Bailiffs: Honest like, Closefisted dislike.
Hunting Rights: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Charter of Liberties: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
Citizenship: Merciful like, Cautious dislike.
Forgiveness of Debts: Generous like, Closefisted dislike.
Tribunes of the People: Merciful like, Rulers dislike.
Trial by Jury: Merciful like, Cruel dislike.
Declare War: Daring like, Cautious dislike.
Make Peace being paid tribute: Cautious like, Daring dislike.
Make Peace paying tribute: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
Castle Charters: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
Senate: Calculating like, Daring dislike.
Grazing Rights: Generous like, Closefisted dislike.
Sacred Majesty: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Land Grants for Veterans: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Cantons: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Lawspeakers: Calculating like, Impulsive dislike.
Royal Privilege: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Council of the Commons: Calculating like, Closefisted dislike.
Marshals: Daring like, Rulers dislike.
Peerage: Vassals like, Rulers dislike.
Road Tolls: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Precarial Land Tenure: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
Land Tax: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
State Monopolies: Rulers like, Closefisted dislike.
Magistrates: Honest like, Devious dislike.
Debasement of the Currency: Rulers like, Honest dislike.
Crown Duty: Rulers like, Closefisted dislike.
Imperial Towns: Rulers like, Calculating dislike.
Royal Commissions: Rulers like, Daring dislike.
Royal Guard: Rulers like, Vassals dislike.
War Tax: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
King's Mercenaries: Rulers like, Daring dislike.
Lords' Privy Council: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Military Coronae: Daring like, Closefisted dislike.
Serfdom: Cruel like, Merciful dislike.
Noble Retinues: Daring like, Calculating dislike.
Bailiffs: Honest like, Closefisted dislike.
Hunting Rights: Closefisted like, Generous dislike.
Charter of Liberties: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
Citizenship: Merciful like, Cautious dislike.
Forgiveness of Debts: Generous like, Closefisted dislike.
Tribunes of the People: Merciful like, Rulers dislike.
Trial by Jury: Merciful like, Cruel dislike.
Declare War: Daring like, Cautious dislike.
Make Peace being paid tribute: Cautious like, Daring dislike.
Make Peace paying tribute: Cautious like, Closefisted dislike.
The formula is calculated like this:
- If the noble likes the vote, +1 support.
- If the noble dislikes the vote, -1 support.
- If the noble has 40+ relations with the person calling the vote, +1 support.
- If the noble has 70+ relations with the person calling the vote, +2 support.
- If the noble has -40 or less relations with the person calling the vote, -1 support.
- If the noble has -70 or less relations with the person calling the vote, -2 support.
- In a war/peace vote, +1 or -1 support based on what the war/peace calculation algorithm thinks the best course of action is.
As a simple example, if you propose Debasement of Currency, and a noble has 70 relations with you (+2 support), but he is Honest and dislikes the policy (-1 support), that adds up to +1 support, so he will spend 20 influence in favour of the policy.
Scenario A1: I have 0 relation with everyone. I call a vote on Forgiveness of Debts - Generous nobles like it, Closefisted dislike it.
Derthert - Abstain.
Aldric - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Ingalther - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Varmund - Abstain.
Eleduran - Abstain.
Hecard - Generous (+1). 20 support.
Vartin - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
120 opposition, 20 support.
This trait variation already makes things better than the existing formulas, because some lords abstaining or supporting the vote means I can change it by spending 150 Influence, where I could not before.
Scenario A2: I have 40 relation with all clan leaders except Aldric, who I have -70 relation with. Same vote.
Derthert - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Aldric - Awful relations (-2). Closefisted (-1). 150 opposition.
Calatild - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Varmund - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Eleduran - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Hecard - Good relations (+1). Generous (+1). 60 support.
Vartin - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Ecarand - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Voleric - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
150 opposition, 120 support.
Now relations actually matter too. Aldric hating me is enough to tip the vote over the edge, so I will have to spend 60 Influence to change the outcome.
Scenario B1: I am ruler of Vlandia, and am trying to pass Precarial Land Tenure, which Vassals dislike. I have 0 relation with my vassals.
Aldric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ingalther - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Varmund - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition
Eleduran - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Hecard - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Vartin - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
180 opposition, 0 support.
I cannot convince my vassals to pass this policy, because none of them care about me and it is bad for their interests.
Scenario B2: Same as above, except I have 40 relation with half of my vassals.
Aldric - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Calatild - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Varmund - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Eleduran - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Hecard - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Vartin - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
100 opposition, 0 support.
I can push this policy through by spending 150 influence. My friendly vassals like me enough to keep their mouths shut.
Scenario C: Vote for war with Southern Empire, which the war/peace calculation algorithm thinks is a bad idea. I have 40 relation with everyone.
Derthert - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Aldric - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Varmund - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Eleduran - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Hecard - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Vartin - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Voleric - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
60 support, 60 opposition.
The council is evenly split, and you only need to spend 20 influence to convince them war is a good idea here. Normally, they would see the war as a bad idea and not vote for it, but the player's good relations plus some prodding can convince them to go against their judgement.
Derthert - Abstain.
Aldric - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Ingalther - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Varmund - Abstain.
Eleduran - Abstain.
Hecard - Generous (+1). 20 support.
Vartin - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Closefisted (-1). 20 opposition.
120 opposition, 20 support.
This trait variation already makes things better than the existing formulas, because some lords abstaining or supporting the vote means I can change it by spending 150 Influence, where I could not before.
Scenario A2: I have 40 relation with all clan leaders except Aldric, who I have -70 relation with. Same vote.
Derthert - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Aldric - Awful relations (-2). Closefisted (-1). 150 opposition.
Calatild - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Varmund - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Eleduran - Good relations (+1). 20 support.
Hecard - Good relations (+1). Generous (+1). 60 support.
Vartin - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Ecarand - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
Voleric - Good relations (+1). Closefisted (-1). Abstain.
150 opposition, 120 support.
Now relations actually matter too. Aldric hating me is enough to tip the vote over the edge, so I will have to spend 60 Influence to change the outcome.
Scenario B1: I am ruler of Vlandia, and am trying to pass Precarial Land Tenure, which Vassals dislike. I have 0 relation with my vassals.
Aldric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ingalther - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Varmund - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition
Eleduran - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Hecard - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Vartin - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
180 opposition, 0 support.
I cannot convince my vassals to pass this policy, because none of them care about me and it is bad for their interests.
Scenario B2: Same as above, except I have 40 relation with half of my vassals.
Aldric - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Calatild - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Varmund - Good relations (+1). Vassal (-1). Abstain.
Eleduran - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Hecard - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Vartin - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
Voleric - Vassal (-1). 20 opposition.
100 opposition, 0 support.
I can push this policy through by spending 150 influence. My friendly vassals like me enough to keep their mouths shut.
Scenario C: Vote for war with Southern Empire, which the war/peace calculation algorithm thinks is a bad idea. I have 40 relation with everyone.
Derthert - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Aldric - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Calatild - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Ingalther - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Varmund - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Eleduran - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Hecard - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Daring (+1). 20 support.
Vartin - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Cautious (-1). 20 opposition.
Ecarand - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
Voleric - Algorithm opposes war (-1). Good relations (+1). Abstain.
60 support, 60 opposition.
The council is evenly split, and you only need to spend 20 influence to convince them war is a good idea here. Normally, they would see the war as a bad idea and not vote for it, but the player's good relations plus some prodding can convince them to go against their judgement.
This formula would change it so that having good Relations with lords will actually help you! The AI's Personality Traits will actually make a gameplay difference. Influence will matter more, and the player will actually be able to change the outcome of many more votes.
Last edited: