Kingdom of Cyprus

[Ribbon]

I'm playing Zunist, and am trying to set up a Merchant Republic in the Mediterranean that won't get sniped out by other rulers while being assimilated into my realm; I nabbed the Duchy of Cyprus, but since I'm weird and prefer having Kingdom level republics, and the latest patch removed the ability to grant those titles if you're feudal, I instead took a bastard, had him raised by a Fraticelli I'd captured until he converted religion, then gave him the Duchy title after giving him Famigusta, in the hopes that he would just create the title himself since it requires Catholic or Catholic heresy.

It's been well over 30 years and neither him nor his successors are taking the bait, despite the fact that they are making good money (and I was initially gifting them piles of money to speed things along) and on average have around 400 piety. What am I missing? It's Ironman, so I can't just switch character and find out.

[Nehebsis]

Are you a King? If you are he will never create a kingdom title cause that would make him equal to you and thus independant.

[Ribbon]

Good question, but no. Sorry for not mentioning since it would've cleared things up; I have an Imperial-level title and actually have another Kingdom-tier Republic along the banks of the Indus.

[Nehebsis]

I assume it's past may 3rd, 1192?

EDIT: Nevermind, not sure if it's a strict requirement.

[Ribbon]

It is, yes. I'm wondering if there's a hidden AI cultural requirement or whatnot; I and all of my major vassals are Afghani. But I didn't see anything on the wiki about that, and it does list AI culture-reqs.

[Nehebsis]

Now if he won't create it, for whatever reason, there's an other way. Let your Heir be educated by a christian (heresy). Once he succeeds, create the title, give it way and than flip with the decission.

I did sort of the same to create the Byzantine empire and then the Roman Empire as a Norse Republic.