Question on idea behind inheritance

[unmerged(350617)]

Why is it that Primogeniture can only be accessed in Kingdoms with High Crown Authority? Like what's the historical explanation for that?

Also, does everyone else absolutely HATE gavelkind too, or are there good reasons to like it? I don't really think that the extra demesne size is a great bonus, because it gives you short term gain for long term loss on succession.

 

[tuareg109]

Just think about it from a historical point of view.
Primogeniture requires that a king says, "Hey guys, my eldest son is now my heir". His vassals basically have to accept him consolidating and centralizing his power; why would they do that unless Crown Authority is high? That's the historical explanation.

Of course everybody hates gavelkind; the reason it's in the game is because it's realistic as hell. If a weak ruler (Low Crown Authority; either no historical precedent for a strong liege, or else he wasn't powerful enough to raise crown authority) has more than one sons, he's not going to leave his other sons hanging with no lands and no income; of course he'll split up his demesne holdings.
Under primogeniture this was represented by an appanage (a barony, county, or even duchy given to a younger son); sometimes you'll do this in game as well (I do for roleplay purposes at least), giving your talented and friendly relatives lands when you're over or just about to be over your demesne limits.

Personally, I go elective as soon as possible because my vassals always love me (I almost always start as a count), and they vote my way always, and I can choose my successor.

 

[Isaios]

I kinda like Gavelkind actually. It's a bit of a chore in some cases, but setting up the inheritance that way can be quite rewarding. It does end with lots and lots of fratricide of course. The only problem with Gavelkind in my view is the inability to dicide things BEFORE you die. Essentially a living will It doesn't matter to the inheritance wether you've given away any titles before-hand either, which is also a bit strange.

Seniority though, THAT'S the way to go Seniority is awesome! Particularily if you manage to sneak your way into an Empire. Makes for great fun.

PS: Primogeniture is available to independent Duchies as well.