Under the reign of Basileus Gabriel the second, the grandson of Saint Gabriel, mender of the great schism and father of the antichrist, a man so virtuous that Lucifer himself sought to undo his works, the Byzantine Empire has gone from strength to strength. It's borders expanded, numerous heathen nations brought to heel and the kingdoms of Italy and the Duchy of Croatia crushed beneath the might of Rome's heirs.
The Basileus himself rarely took to the field, preferring to spend his time studying scripture, negotiating trade deals, hunting or researching the stars above. He ultimately passed away from smallpox aged 75, leaving his 32 year old son to take up the throne of the Empire and finish the family work of reestablishing the Roman Empire. A single Duchy stands between him and the title and his chancellor is hard at work laying the groundwork of a claim to the land.
But despite, or perhaps because of, the glory of his forebears, the nobles of the land are divided in their support for Basileus Gabriel the third. Factions long since forgotten under the beloved rule of his father and great-grandfather surge to the fore to test the mettle of the new ruler. Many can look past his deformed and hunched appearance and see his kind and pious spirit, but others are vain and arrogant, belittling their new lord's looks and undermining his authority.
Trying times await the new ruler, but for now he is determined to enjoy his coronation, throwing fairs and feasts, hosting tournaments and going to Antioch to walk in the steps of the Apostles. Quelling the doubts and rebellious thoughts of his vassals can wait, for now is a time to celebrate his father's memory and the promise of the future.
I'm constantly amazed by how big a difference the long reign relationship boost makes to my Emperors relationships with their vassals, the former Basileus (the son of the antichrist) was beloved by all but one of his vassals, and that was because he'd conquered them after usurping their ducal title, fully half my dukes hate the new emperor, the other half adore him. Still, pilgrimages, parties and maybe a bit of rebel smashing should see things fall in line shortly and let me get back to establishing my hold on the Duchy of Ferrara.