Kings, Princes and Generals!

[drone]

What are the variables affecting the amount of havoc wrought on unit morale when a leader is killed or captured?

For a short time frame, all units suffer -8 to morale when the army general is killed. This penalty then drops to -2 for the rest of the battle. Any vicinity morale bonuses from the general's rank are lost (+1 for all units per 2 stars, +1 per star when within 50 meters).

Is there a noted difference between not only Kings and Generals, but also Princes, and Generals of varying rank?

I don't believe there is any difference within the battle. The King will always be the general is present however, regardless of rank.

Is all unit valour owing to the general forfeited immediately at his death?

Units lose the vicinity morale bonus the general gives, plus the attack/defense bonuses.

Is it better for the sake of momentary victory to capture rather than kill?

, especially the King.

Is a fleeing general more persuasive than a dead one?

Not sure what you mean by this. I think the vicinity morale bonus will still apply until the general exits the map. I don't think his army suffers the -8/-2 morale penalty if he flees off the map though, and the attack/defense bonus also stays, so it is better to kill/capture.

How effective is the assassination of a general before attacking an army?

This will depend on the skill of his "second in command". Taking out a high rank general is always nice, it's even better when the next highest in the stack only has 2 stars...