Stopping HRE consolidation

[Uliono]

It always bugs me that the HRE consolidates very quickly into a small number of states. I think there could be a couple of small changes to improve this (even though I understand future expansions may improve the HRE more thoroughly):

• Remove the -1000 modifier on princes accepting a demand for unlawful territory from the Emperor. I know this was added because of the Imperial Authority exploit, but I really think having tiny two province princes refusing to relinquish territory to the Emperor is a bit ridiculous. Perhaps not being able to demand territory from your allies/vassals, and making the acceptance modifier linked to relative development (with no link to diplomatic relations) compared to the emperor could provide a more dynamic and less exploitable system.
• Ewiger Landfriede should be an earlier reform. Historically it was passed in the 15th century, but I almost never see it achieved by the AI in game. Historically HRE members did not gobble up huge amounts of territory within the HRE by naked aggression. They had to use dynastic consolidation, extra-HRE expansion, or very unique circumstances like the 30 years war if they wanted to expand.
• Giving a large IA malus if the Emperor expands within the HRE.

 

[lordmichael95]

I completely agree with your third point. The Emperor is suppose to protect HRE states, not "protect" them. The other possibility is that the emperor expanding in the HRE (not using relcaim cores for CB), should result in the electors in voting someone else as emperor.

 

[grommile]

Ewiger Landfriede, as it stands, is terrible for gameplay and should be set on fire. It certainly shouldn't be made to happen faster.

As for the Emperor expanding within the Empire bit, the Emperor's interests are clearly best served under the current mechanics by expanding outside the Empire, since this has a much lower risk of upsetting the electors.

 

[aleatorus]

It always bugs me that the HRE consolidates very quickly into a small number of states. I think there could be a couple of small changes to improve this (even though I understand future expansions may improve the HRE more thoroughly):

• Remove the -1000 modifier on princes accepting a demand for unlawful territory from the Emperor. I know this was added because of the Imperial Authority exploit, but I really think having tiny two province princes refusing to relinquish territory to the Emperor is a bit ridiculous. Perhaps not being able to demand territory from your allies/vassals, and making the acceptance modifier linked to relative development (with no link to diplomatic relations) compared to the emperor could provide a more dynamic and less exploitable system.

I think this should be like enforce religion; have it give a pretty large diplomacy malus from the other princes, so it isn't viable to spam over and over. and maybe only make it possible if you already have high imperial authority. Also, I think it shouldn't give a bulk of IE, but rather should just increase the rate with which you naturally get it, so you aren't Revoking the Preveligenia (or however you spell that) by 1500