So I started a random game as a count in the byzantine empire in the Charlemagne start. That little bit north of the turkish mainland. Its around 793 now, and the empire is quite a mess.
My first character pursued a holy life. Went on a pilgrimage to Constantinople, got depression, and eventually died of a fever, leving the county under the rule of a four year old. That four year old became a (misguided) warrior under the teachings of the marshal. The guy holding the regency married the kid's mom. Ended up becoming a duke at random, somehow gaining a duke title on the mainland.
The empire has flipped between Orthodox and Iconoclast at least three times by now, and whichever one is actually valid. It's an even split province-wise, both the empress and I are Iconoclast, but orthodox is considered the non-heresy.
About five duchies have gained independence, on the turkish peninsula. At one point we were in four wars, three faction or revolts, and a random offensive holy war. The holy wars have been mostly inconclusive, the Muslims band up too much in defence, but they haven't been able to invade much either.
There was a time all the dukes got together and factioned for elective succession, ended up with 300% strength. We got what we demanded... for about a month, then it switched back to normal.
And then the game crashed (bad cell or something). I might dig up the autosave and continue, though.