• Competent and loyal > genius and hostile
  That Duke with 25 Stewardship but who hates your guts? Yeah, he’ll “manage” your taxes straight into rebellion.
  
• Powerful vassals want jobs
  If you don’t give them one, you’ll get the “Not on Council” penalty. Sometimes you’ll have to give Count Useless a job he’s terrible at just to keep him quiet.
  
• Use council spots as rewards
  Did someone just save your army in battle? Throw them a council seat. It’s medieval nepotism, but it works.
  
• Don’t leave empty slots
  That’s like saying “I don’t need a Spymaster, what’s the worst that could happen?” (spoiler: murder).

• Above +50 = Safe. They’ll probably stay loyal.
  
• 0 to +50 = Risky. Watch them, they might faction up.
  
• Below 0 = Danger zone. Expect knives in the dark.

• Sway Scheme – The slow and steady “make them like you” button.
  
• Send Gifts – Expensive, but instant results.
  
• Honorary Court Positions (requires Royal Court DLC). If you don’t have DLC, skip this.
  
• Marry their family – Medieval Tinder diplomacy. Works wonders.
  
• Lower taxes/levies – Short-term peace, long-term pain. Use in emergencies.

• Prevent factions – Keep key vassals happy (above +50).
  
• Weaken the big guys – Never let one duke control half your kingdom. Split titles among multiple people.
  
• Catch them plotting? Imprison! Nobody respects a soft liege.
  
• Bribe the faction leader – Often one bribe makes the whole revolt collapse.

• Host Feasts & Hunts (may require Royal Court or Tours & Tournaments DLC for better effect). They give a big opinion boost.
  
• Lifestyle Choices
  – Diplomacy tree → “Befriend” perk (lets you be besties with anyone).
  – Stewardship tree → More money = more bribes = more peace.
  
• Court Grandeur (requires Royal Court DLC): The fancier your throne room, the happier your nobles.
  
• Educate their kids – If you raise their heirs, they’ll grow up loyal to you (hopefully).

• Don’t revoke titles unless you’re ready for a fight.
  
• Keep Crown Authority at a level your vassals can tolerate.
  
• Always keep a Sway scheme running on someone important.
  
• Rotate your council if someone starts scheming against you.
  
• Remember: gold = stability. Never underestimate a well-timed bribe.

Q: My vassals keep rebelling no matter what!
A: You probably hold too many duchies, or raised Crown Authority too high, too fast. Spread out your power, ease up, and Sway the angriest nobles first.

Q: My powerful vassal is terrible at their council job. Do I really have to keep them?
A: Sometimes yes (to keep them happy). Sometimes no (if you’re strong enough to ignore them). Pro-move: put them in a harmless council role they can’t ruin too badly.

Q: Is there a way to make everyone love me forever?
A: Not really. This is Crusader Kings, not The Sims. 😉 But feasts, gifts, sway, and a good diplomacy lifestyle will get you close.