

Infact, the reconquest each generation is kind of a benefit in itself, since it means getting prestige and opinion bonuses each generation as well. I recommend the temporary rather than permanent version because even though it means reconquering them every generation it's more money for less hassle. Tributary wars have the benefit of not generating threat, and realms bordering tributaries count as neighboring you (meaning you can 'chain' tributaries). The other thing besides raiding that will solve your money troubles is making tributaries. I would say Norse pagans are the easiest, both because of the Viking stuff (cheap ships and the ability to traverse major rivers vastly expands your raiding targets) and because of the Viking stuff (the Viking trait is easy to acquire and gives a substantial opinion buff with Norse, making Norse realms more stable). You want to avoid triggering early crusades.* Click to expand.You shouldn't have to worry about crusades in a Charlemagne start, Christians unlock Crusades at 900 at the earliest, and that only if one of Rome, Paris, Thrace and a few other places are controlled by non-Christians.
