Effects of changing levels of Feudalism?

[montesaurus]

I've read in various places that changing one's feudal level can have drastic effects. I would appreciate knowing what other players have noticed when the feudal levels are changed. Especially those who have done it in PBEM games. Thanks.

[Mus]

Well, I can't provide exact details, but I have seen countries change their feudal level as a result of surrender terms and seen them hit with -100 national morale or more every turn for several turns running.

Generally speaking, I would want to make damn sure I was not going to end up in a war where I could lose a battle or some cities and exacerbate the national morale situation, and then I would make sure I had high positive morale. Probably would want over 500 NM and the ability through a nice rainy day fund be able to cut taxes drastically for awhile and produce lots of sumptious goods to try to mitigate the effects of the plummeting morale.

Lowering feudalism increases merchant income but this is offset by reduced feudal dues and feudal levy troops that are added to your draft pool.

Generally speaking though, if you have a decent sized merchant fleet and are in a good position game-wise to get away with it, lowering your feudal level to as low as possible is good. If your level is really high you might want to do it in steps to reduce your window of vulnerability to outside meddling.