Hi. I know I ask a lot of questions in here, but this game really fascinates me and I'd like to learn more about it to fully appreciate its details. So here goes

What exactly IS a proctectorate - if you have one, do they pay you money or do you have to protect them. Also, will they remain a proctectorate forever or do they have the ability to rebel. And if I were to become the proctectorate of another country (stupid Ptolemies ask me every time I exterminate one of their cities) would that make me lose the game?

Also, does anybody have any suggestions as to how I make someone my proctectorate - what are the tricks, cos I can't do it, my enemies always end up dead instead. But fx there is a 2-settlement Pontus right on my border. If I were to take Sinope from them and surround their capitol, would I have a chance of making them a proctectorate?

thx in anticipation