Aquitaine (1066)
From Crusaderkings
Starting Character: Guilliame d'Aquitaine (William VIII of Aquitaine)
Historical Background: An ancient Roman province, Aquitania was a semi-independent duchy/kingdom during much of the Dark Ages. Eventually, when threatened by the Moorish invasion from Iberia in the 700's, it sought protection from Charles Martel, giving up its independence and becoming a duchy in the Carolingian empire. William VIII was a supporter of the Iberian kingdoms, marrying his daughters to the kings of Castille and Aragon, and directly supporting military operations against the Muslims in Spain.
Practical Background: You have a sizable demesne (4 provinces), numerous vassals, and multiple ducal titles. Your only immediate problem is the lack of a male heir, compounded by an infertile wife. Historically William divorced her, remarried Hildegarde of Burgundy, and she bore him a male heir. Since there is no divorce option in CK, it's time to call in the assassins. Since she's an infertile wife, the cost is generally low (~100 gold) and seems to be almost guaranteed to succeed. Once this is done, it's time to pick out a suitable blushing bride. Hildegarde is a good option, but you must act quickly to off your wife before Hildegarde is married off to some other lord.
Once succession is assured, you can afford to bide your time. Your realm is one of the strongest in France, and you are but a few provinces shy of re-establishing the Kingdom of Aquitania and breaking free of Frankish domination. Following William's lead of allying with the Castillian kingdoms is certainly one viable option, although if you wait until either Castille or Aragon has been heavily overrun and *then* intervene, you may be able to claim much of their lands for yourself. Another option is to build up a strong relationship with the Duchy of Toulouse. If you inherit the Duke of Toulouse, you will be able to create Aquitania without ever having gone to war.
Alternately, you can wait until the Capets stumble. If a Capetian king of France develops Realm Duress, you may be able to rebel and pick off enough provinces to establish the Kingdom of Aquitania and then try to vassalize the disaffected French nobles. With some luck and good diplomatic skills, you may wind up with most of France under the Aquitanian banner and an Occitan king.
