So I start in September of 1066 as Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire, and I'm only a hundred years in. I decide that, as Kaiser, I should have a bit more authority over the land, and kick up to Low Crown Authority. Everyone is a bit miffed, but everyone still goes with it. Then I realized, 'What good is it to have this authority over land I haven't truly consolidated it?' so I forge a few duchies, revoke some titles, and ensure that House Salian stays nice, large, and well-connected. So what if I have to deal with the constant plots of all Central Europe? I'm the goddamn Bat-- I mean Kaiser!
Alas, not only does my first Kaiser die, but so did his prime heir (in a mighty suspicious accident, no less)... But House Salian shall remain strong! Especially when I have the favor of enough vassals to ensure my house keeps getting elected Kaiser! So our fresh, new Kaiser decides to create a few kingdoms, take a few territories, quash some foolish rebellions, and keep the family alliances looking pretty. Besides, what good is an emperor when he has no kings to rule over!?
Then came the excommunication...
And the subsequent spiteful establishing of an Anti-Pope...
Well, it took some time, effort, and lots of bodies, but I overthrew Pope What's-his-Italian-face with Pope What's-his-German-face! Praise be to God! But, the good Kaiser died of an illness sustained during the Siege of Rome. At least he was able to survive long enough to see the new Pope established.
So yet another Kaiser, and I realized that these kingdoms are awfully petty. So it's only right that I convinced them to approve Medium Crown Authority. But, wouldn't you know it?, another dead Kaiser from another illness. Syphilis, this time.
So I'm more or less to where I am now: The Salians still rule, but Kaiser and Kings are now two separate people. My damned nephew. He goes ahead and jolts Germany and Italy's Crown Authority to high. OK, that's not so bad. I mean, who wants some filthy Frank or Dane or (heaven forbid) Swede to rule over these German lands? Not this Kaiser, that's for certain! Sure, tensions are high, but there are infidels who need conquering! (Plus, it's not like their petty vendettas will interfere with my petty vendettas... much.) They'll be dispatched, plots will be uncovered, plots will be stopped, plots will be joined, people will be jailed (or killed, if they upset me enough). Life goes on. And as long as life goes on, so shall House Salian. If I have one regret, so far, it's that I didn't try and press my claim on the entire kingdom of France, when I could have. But I'll have my day, soon enough. Besides, my son just married the Queen of Aragon!
...Though perhaps a suspicious accident should befall her heiress sister, just in case...
Business, it would seem, is about to pick up.