Causing revolts in AI cities

[Timudjin]

Hello, first time posting here as I just got the game a while ago.

As the title says, I'm wondering if it is actually possible to cause a revolt (I'm talking rebellion and everything) in an AI controlled city and how can that be done.

I've had my top spies, all of them at 7+ subterfuge in some genoese cities, (i.e the island in the middle of the mediteranean sea and marseille) and although I managed to drop public order to 5% in marseille, a city that had a small garrison, no public order buildings due to my assassins and a little bit of rioting, it still didn't rebel. The other castle in the mediterannean (Sorry, I can't remember the name) had no garrison since I killed the only family member that was guarding it, 3 of my best spies in it, no public order buildings and 20% heresy yet still didn't revolt, and public order didn't even drop on the castle screen, it's sitting at 90% with no ing garrison.

So how the hell does one start a revolt somewhere? Is it even possible to willingly do so?

[Used2BRoz]

It's probable that the game is set up to prevent revolts in AI cities.
The AI would find it difficult to counter (it often only has a general in the settlement) and making it easy to cause revolts could be seen to be an exploit.
Anyway if there's no garrison and you've got spies in a city why not just attack it and capture it ?

[Timudjin]

Really? That's a shame I was hoping to not start a war with everybody. Is there a way to change that mid-game or is it hard-coded? Because they seem to have some garrisons in most cities apart from that island in the middle of nowhere.

I'm already at war with a few nations so I was hoping to take it without having to fight the genoese too. Plus it is a bit too far away and I would need an army just to defend it. Seems like a waste of time and men that could be used elsewhere.

[Lifthrasir]

I'm wondering if bribery could work in that case

[Duck of Death]

Bribery will work.... but, even a poor city with only a single unit defending it will ask a ridiculous price as a bribe.
You don't have to start a "war" with a rebel city. You are, by default, at war with all rebels the entire game.
Just attack and take it... or you can talk them out of the city with the "weight of a swallow" conundrum

hint:
They can grasp coconuts by the husk.

disclaimer:
Coconuts may, or may not, be migratory.

[Lifthrasir]

I can see where your references are from