I wanted to make a quick point about Assassinations that I have found to work out very well and that were not mentioned in the guide (which was very helpful otherwise...corruption was killing me). If you produce an assassin and have them attack rebel armies ever turn they should over the course of a few turns become excellent assassins that can take on faction leaders or heirs. I typically will leave a small rebel force around the area i produce my assassins, surround the army with assassins and every turn attack the captain (which will be replaced every time one is killed). Because it is a rebel army and controlled by a captain their % of success is higher and within a few turns all of you assassins should be amazing.