Trying to Vassalize a Holy Order

[gharzad]

Playing as Zunist, capital is Esfahan in Persian Empire, reformed the religion and holy order appeared. I then gifted the Knights of the Sun a castle (arg) in my capital of Esfahan. I go to vassalize them and the main issue preventing this is that I am not their de jure liege. This doesn't seem to make any sense since they live in a castle in my capital with no other titles. Is there some other issue I'm missing?

 

[Octavius Antony]

If I remember correctly, vassalizing mercenaries and holy orders involves making them a ducal level leader. As long as you hold the kingdom title over the duchy, they should accept.

 

[Rascar Capac]

I had similar problem with Jomsvikings last patch. Had to grant them duchy (which was de jure mine) before they accepted. Thread.

In short, by word of another,

These are the conditions to vassalize someone peacefully:

• You need three of:
  • Same culture
  • Rightful de jure liege
  • Good opinion
  • Two or more ranks greater
• Pass/fail
  • Same religion
  • Target cannot be a king
  • If you aren't the de jure liege you need to have a common border.

 

[gharzad]

Thanks guys, I'll try giving them a duchy.

Update: Once I gave them a county, they became vassalizable. In conclusion: a barony for whatever reason does not trigger the "must be de jure ruler" requirement, but a county does. I did not need to go so far as a duchy.