Legitimacy and Rule

Legitimacy (0–100) is whether the realm believes you should rule. It gates ranks (see the Legitimacy column of the rank ladder), courts and vassals.

Bands: 80+ Anointed (+2 on deals, +1 Stability, rank deals at −2 DC) · 60–79 Accepted (no modifier) · 40–59 Questioned (−1 on deals, succession costs +1 Stability) · 20–39 Contested (−2 on deals, vassals scheme, Trials vs you at +1) · 0–19 Usurper (rebellion threads open yearly, vassals break at −3 or worse).

Gains/losses: +5 per just Trial, +2 per royal marriage, +1 per Ultimate Work stage, +2 per great rite (Faith and Oaths); −5 per broken pact, −5 per lost Trial, −2 per denied council demand, −1 per season of Shortage in the capital. Fresh conquest starts at 20 in the taken land and climbs +5/year of just rule.

Example: a Baron at 55 (Questioned) breaks a grain pact (−5 → 50) then holds a just Trial (+5 → 55). Still Questioned — the crown needs a wedding or a Wonder.