What is the impact of either you or the computer being a vassel. I see that it does give trade rights and military access for both. Additionally anyone at war with the vassel but allied to the overlord will have a ceasefire pushed on them by the game.

There is a big bonus in that it can get you out of the bad side of a loss by accepting to be someone's vassel. I assume if you attack them later your trustworthyness across the world drops, but if you are about to be defeated it is nice to have this offer come from the Nation that is crushing you.

I am guessing you can't win the game if you are someone's vassel, but was wondering if there were any other drawbacks or impacts.