Having been at war for the French for a long time, they were reduced to around four provinces, still with reasonable armies. In the diplomacy screen, their power was rated as "Supreme" (as was mine, playing as Scots). A French diplomat approached my Citadel, and offered me a Ceasefire, if I would pay a tribute of something like 26,000 for two turns. Obviously I refused, and just mucking about, I offered them to become my Vassals, for which I would pay them 1,200. Surprise, surprise, they refused. However, to my shock, they offered to become a Vassal for something in the high 20,000's region. After some bartering, this came down to 18,000 and they became a Vassal.

I have never got a Vassal or Protectorate in a TW game before. I was really shocked when I made this deal. At the time, I was besieging a Citadel, so I wonder if that can have a big influnece in these deals? Just a though, it could be pretty useful in future.

And a random thought, it seems strange fighting against the French with their Scots Guard Longbowmen, when you are the Scots.