Problem:
The smallest de iure duchies contain two counties. Usually, the duke and the count will be in the same realm but not always. It's also possible that either of them has higher titles, so it's not like count must be the primary title. Holding just the capital barony of the other county allows you to usurp the duke, no matter what he (still) has in that county. Dotted landscapes like this are likely to occur as a result of holy wars or partial de iure reclamations (diplomatic or forcible).
Example:
County1 and County2 form Duchy. Each has 3 holding slots apart from the capital.
Character1 holds the ducal title, full County1 and some baronies in County2 (directly or through a vassal).
Character2 holds the county capital for County2 and some baronies. Even if he has only 1 barony out of 8 that make the duchy, he can still usurp the duke without going to war.
Ramifications:
Successful usurper gets de iure county claim and drags his kin into it, or his liege can push it for him. IMHO a bit too easy, he should at least have to fabricate a claim for that.
Solution:
Count holdings in the duchy. If character has fewer holdings in the duchy than the duke does, character can't usurp the ducal title.
Problems with solution:
1. Realistically, development should count, which would be too complex.
2. If the duke's county has more slots than the count's, usurpation is pretty much out of the question. Then again, maybe it should be.
The smallest de iure duchies contain two counties. Usually, the duke and the count will be in the same realm but not always. It's also possible that either of them has higher titles, so it's not like count must be the primary title. Holding just the capital barony of the other county allows you to usurp the duke, no matter what he (still) has in that county. Dotted landscapes like this are likely to occur as a result of holy wars or partial de iure reclamations (diplomatic or forcible).
Example:
County1 and County2 form Duchy. Each has 3 holding slots apart from the capital.
Character1 holds the ducal title, full County1 and some baronies in County2 (directly or through a vassal).
Character2 holds the county capital for County2 and some baronies. Even if he has only 1 barony out of 8 that make the duchy, he can still usurp the duke without going to war.
Ramifications:
Successful usurper gets de iure county claim and drags his kin into it, or his liege can push it for him. IMHO a bit too easy, he should at least have to fabricate a claim for that.
Solution:
Count holdings in the duchy. If character has fewer holdings in the duchy than the duke does, character can't usurp the ducal title.
Problems with solution:
1. Realistically, development should count, which would be too complex.
2. If the duke's county has more slots than the count's, usurpation is pretty much out of the question. Then again, maybe it should be.
