Byzantium problems

[Naufragus]

I just got off a Byzantine game.

My strategy was really simple. I built up baronies in and around Constantinople. And used up all my holdings in 4 counties. So when I raise troops Its 1000s right there, Vikings attack , raise levies and bam. If anyone comes after me they have to siege and siege and siege but I can also spawn mercs right next to them.

Everything else I just gave to kings. They are busy fighting wars for elective or council power or dealing with claiming dejure holdings. Simple marriages kept most in non aggression. You can VR some of them and take the negative but its only like 2 per kingdom.

I rely on my own troops, retinues and mercs and have them all tax shifted. I only ever call them up when there is a Jihad and its wave after wave of 20K stacks of infidels.

I never gave in to council demands and look forward to the revolt. Free Money! Since my troops are compact I will have like a 15K stack before they have even formed up. Then I just revoke all the titles and hand them out to weakest so that keeps them busy fighting each other and making claims. Or I just leave them in jail until they die.

 

[Sonmi]

So, it appears that I will either have to go with the default (and just customise the house as much as I can), or find somewhere I CAN feasilbly start with a custom leader and then have to then BECOME Bzantine emperor. Which sounds like it might be... rather uphill.

Have to think again in the morning, I fear.

Customize the King of Lombardy, swear fealty to the Basileus, and there you go. You're now the most powerful person in the Byzantine empire by far, and you can easily strong-arm the Basileus into accepting Elective Monarchy. Considering you're pretty much the most powerful guy around, you're one of the most likely candidates for next Emperor.

EDIT: You no longer have to deal with threat either as long as you are a vassal, IIRC.