How do I determine who has claims on titles so I can marry my children to them?
Best way is to go to the holder of the title you're interested in, and click its shield. Along with the create/usurp button and all that, on the far right side is a list of claimants.
Thanks, SE. That was helpful, although I am still confused on some matters. The ruling hierarchy throws me off sometime, although I think we have something like King>Duke>Count>Mayor/Bishop with the interchangeable titular names depending on the culture. For instance, I think Earl and Count are basically the same thing.
The thing with Ormond though is that there is no castle. The Top tier Slot is a city. Therefore, that province/county - so to speak - must be lead by a Mayor. My son could not be a mayor so I think that is why I was getting the penalty. Still, I've not seen any province with that setup before and surprised it hasn't been mentioned elsewhere (or maybe it has) since Ireland is pretty popular. Unless what I'm seeing is some quirk with that particular game. (it is unmodded) The ultimate issues, of course, are a) Ormond can never be in my demesne b) the heirs will be elective and out of my control
Right, there are 5 tiers of titles:
Emperor (Kaiser, Basileus, Caliph, Kaghan)
King (King, Despot, Sultan, Khan)
Duke (Duke, Doux, Emir, Beylerbey)
Count (Count, Earl, Sheikh, Bey)
Baron
Those are just different names for the titles which vary by culture. Ecclesiastical and burgher rulers have different titles altogether:
(I have no clue about the emperor tiers)
King-Bishop / Serene Doge
Prince-Archbishop / Doge
Prince-Bishop / Lord Mayor
Bishop / Mayor
With their own cultural variations, as well. (Timar? Crazy Muslims, what does that mean?)