[Idea from the minor titles generated from Great Works in CKII (etc.), and as a way to allow other characters to fulfill roles &/or be sent on missions foreign & domestic.]
Domestic Scenario: Say, as king, you have, or charter, a guild by granting one (via decision or building in a holding?); a character at court would represent that guild and their interests in the wool trade, "Wool Trade Representative" (or what have you). Additionally, a bereaved town or abbey from one of your tyrannical vassal's demesne may send their mayor or bishop to petition you directly (with the equivalent of a regent managing the town or abbey they came from in their absence in the meantime?).
Foreign Scenario: Some characters in your court are from foreign realms; a "Papal Legate" or "Merchant of Venice", for example, would have a minor title that could not be revoked, and your interactions with them will have an affect on how the Pope or Doge of Venice view you (where one may not have many opportunities to interact with those heads of state directly). You could also send your courtier with ties to another realm to their court as your "Ambassador".
This could potentially open a "lost in translation" can-of-worms, as well as delayed messages (fog-of-war?) from very distant courts. Also, would characters only be sent through a mission interface, or would they have some autonomy of their own as well, for good or ill (the travelling bard or hedge knight/hired assassin)?
It may be a crazy idea, but brainstorming with the community here is its own kind of fun and I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.
Domestic Scenario: Say, as king, you have, or charter, a guild by granting one (via decision or building in a holding?); a character at court would represent that guild and their interests in the wool trade, "Wool Trade Representative" (or what have you). Additionally, a bereaved town or abbey from one of your tyrannical vassal's demesne may send their mayor or bishop to petition you directly (with the equivalent of a regent managing the town or abbey they came from in their absence in the meantime?).
Foreign Scenario: Some characters in your court are from foreign realms; a "Papal Legate" or "Merchant of Venice", for example, would have a minor title that could not be revoked, and your interactions with them will have an affect on how the Pope or Doge of Venice view you (where one may not have many opportunities to interact with those heads of state directly). You could also send your courtier with ties to another realm to their court as your "Ambassador".
This could potentially open a "lost in translation" can-of-worms, as well as delayed messages (fog-of-war?) from very distant courts. Also, would characters only be sent through a mission interface, or would they have some autonomy of their own as well, for good or ill (the travelling bard or hedge knight/hired assassin)?
It may be a crazy idea, but brainstorming with the community here is its own kind of fun and I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.