Quote Originally Posted by TinCow
We might actually benefit from a detailed examination of how much real power a House would have under different configurations of rank. For instance, if we compared a House led by a Duke to two Houses led by Viscounts. Both require 6 people, but they would have different abilities. The Ducal House would probably triumph, though, because they would have 4 Private Armies to the Viscount Houses' 2 Private Armies. Thus, in pure military strength a Ducal House of 6 people can field as many Private Armies as two Count led Houses totaling 8 people. That doesn't even take into account all the extra abilities that the Ducal House will have that their competitors do not. Is this reasonable? Should the Ducal House of 6 have that much of an advantage over two allied Houses of 4 people each?

Thinking about stuff like this might help us work out what the proper balance should be.
By looking at the power accumulated by each "type" of House, here are my thoughts. Keep in mind, that the work I did was only on the bare minimum for each House. Technically, each kind of House can have more people of each type other than Grand Dukes.

1.) As TC pointed out, you get more power by going up the ladder. A "Duke" House has twice as much military power as 2 "Viscount" Houses.

2. This is ok with me. It makes rank mean something. If the Duke House gave as much as 2 Viscount Houses, then a lot of people would probably just get Viscount Houses and make alliances. There would be little/no reason to make a bigger house where you have to rely on more people.

3.) Also, encouraging people to form bigger groups encourages people to Roleplay more. It will take a lot of work to make 7 people happy but if you can do it, the rewards are worth it.

4.) A Grand Duke House is an awesome power. 5 armies. Only 2 nobles have to sit out without armies. That is the lowest percentage of army-less nobles than any kind of House. Unlimited edicts and CA's which all 7 nobles can benefit from. 2 nobles who can't be banned and can call emergency sessions. This ensures that all 7 people have a voice and get their opinions heard. The whole House benefits from the ability to declare war on the AI. And one Edict or CA can be vetoed at each session.

5.) I say keep this pretty much as is. Maybe tweak it here or there. But having the powers increase per rank is a good thing in my opinion.