Confederation

Confederation enables a faction to permanently assimilate another faction of the same race. The latter ceases to exist and its settlements and units together with any equipped items and ancillaries are transferred over to the former.

Although diplomacy is the classic process to confederate, some races have their own unique confederation mechanics. Each confederation may attract some temporary effects, mostly negative.

Diplomacy
Diplomacy option: Join Confederation"Ask the other faction to join your confederation. If you are strong enough and they accept your offer, their faction will be assimilated into your own; their settlements will become yours, as may some of their armies. Be aware that depending on the balance of the assets you acquire, your income may be adversely affected."


 * Beastmen factions are more likely to confederate if one is much stronger than the other, be it at high relationship or as part of a peace deal.
 * Dark Elf, Dwarf and High Elf factions and other Human race factions may confederate with their own kind if mutual relations are good and one is significantly stronger than the other.
 * Lizardmen factions will typically reject confederation options without a significant positive diplomatic modifier.

Bretonnia
Bretonnia factions may research up to six technologies which will unlock the a unique dilemma that enables the Join Confederation diplomacy demand with the relevant faction in exchange for chivalry or money.

Greenskins
Greenskins factions have special dilemmas enabling confederation after they defeat a rival faction leader in battle.

Norsca
Norsca factions have special dilemmas enabling confederation after they defeat a rival faction leader in battle.

The Empire
Fealty mechanics which can force confederations (except The Huntsmarshal's Expedition faction)

Wood Elves
Wood Elves factions have up to six special quests and associated dilemmas enabling confederation after they upgrade The Oak of Ages building to tier II and tier III.

Exceptions
Tomb King and Vampire Coast factions cannot confederate.

Temporary effects
Each confederation event attracts negative temporary effects with the exception of Bretonnia factions.

Most factions

 * Further confederations will not be possible while this is in effect
 * Diplomatic relations: -40 with own race factions
 * Public order: -8 (all provinces)
 * Turns remaining: 5 The sudden expansion of territory has caused instability throughout the land.

Bretonnia factions

 * No waiting time between confederations
 * Control: +5 (all provinces)
 * Turns remaining: 4 Bretonnia grows ever closer to uniting once more - the people rejoice!

Greenskins factions

 * No waiting time between confederations
 * No effects

DLC restrictions
Confederation is not available if the player does not own the DLC related to the recipient faction. This is due to the fact that confederation may give the player access to that faction's unique units, items and ancillaries allowing the player to access paid content for free.

Dark Elves

 * Crone Hellebron of the Har Ganeth faction
 * Malus Darkblade of the Hag Graef faction

Greenskins

 * Grom the Paunch of the Broken Axe faction
 * Skarsnik of the Crooked Moon

High Elves

 * Eltharion of the Yvresse faction
 * Alarielle of the Avelorn faction

Lizardmen

 * Nakai the Wanderer of the Spirit of the Jungle horde faction
 * Tehenhauin of the Cult of Sotek faction

Skaven

 * Ikit Claw of the Clan Skryre faction
 * Deathmaster Snikch of the Clan Eshin faction
 * Throt the Unclean of the Clan Moulder faction

Wood Elves

 * Sisters of Twilight of the Heralds of Ariel faction

Strategy

 * While tempting, confederation should only be chosen if you can afford armies to cover the entire extended frontline and public order penalty. As such, always inspect the provinces being confederated into your empire before actually going through with the proposal. Bigger isn't always better. On the other hand, it can provide a significant boost in the late game and extend your reach if you confederate with a faction on the opposite side of the map and, say, the target of a lengthy war.
 * Furthermore, all existing units and lords of the faction you confederate with come under your banner automatically.
 * If you want to confederate with a faction do not give them a military or defensive alliance, this will boost their strength rating because it takes their allies (you) into consideration. It is not impossible to confederate with a military ally, as it guarantees high relations, but it is usually easier without an alliance.