So question about personal unions

[shakeled1]

I was playing a game as the Palatinate where I had literally no marriages outside of my vassals, and the only one of the vassals which was a monarchy was Thuringia. Yet somehow out of the blue Denmark (who successfully integrated Holstein, Pommerania, the Hansa, Sweden, and Norway) becomes a lesser partner under me. I've been under the impression that you need royal marriages to gain Unions. Is everything I know a lie?

 

[bleakie]

Another possibility is that Denmark and you share the same dynasty.

 

[walsh_cm]

Is everything I know a lie?

haha

 

[Luhood]

Another possibility is that Denmark and you share the same dynasty.

Indeed so. You need a Royal Marriage for them to get to share in your glorious dynasty, but once they're the same clan as you then all bets are off. If their King dies without an heir and you're the greatest amongst his Dynastic Ties (Marriages and Same Dynasties) you stand a good chance at inheriting.

 

[shakeled1]

I have never married anyone who wasn't my vassal within about 2 months, though. My relationships have all been used up in vassal-expansion.

EDIT: Got it, the von Wittelsbach dynasty starts out in several countries at the start date, so Bavaria or someone must have done it.