Vassals provide you with a large chunk of income if they have any florins. I think everything in excess of some 5k or 10k florins goes to you at the end of their turn.
They are otherwise quite independent but won't backstab you in terms of attacking you, but they can break their vassalage if you go to war with one of their allies or attack them yourself.
I'm not sure if you can release a vassal except via allies delcare war or you attacking them. Never felt the need to.
Bookmarks