I really need to form a kingdom :|
As a duke-level trade republic, I just tried again to become a direct vassal of the Emperor instead of the Ecumenical Patriarchy (Titular theocratic kingdom). Said Patriarchy almost entirely consists of lands on the other side of the empire, and I still have to conquer my liege's lands to gain independence (instead of just holding my own, which makes more sense to me).
I figured the emperor would just undo my revolution again almost instantly, but I'd have a brief period of time to attack some other vassals. I *think* those wars would delay me being transferred back to the Patriarch.
Instead, the emperor enforced realm peace... when I was at 86% warscore
Seems kinda wack that that even works against independence wars. I guess it wouldn't stop a direct vassal since they stop being vassals for the duration of the war. I was technically a direct vassal of the emperor during my attempts at revolution, even got on the council once.
Still though... Since there's no option to declare independence from your liege's liege (only one step at a time), it would be impossible for me leave the Byzantine Empire right now if I wanted to.
Also, haha, my tributary (Lombardy) just joined a war against me! I thought we were considered allies or something.
I kinda messed up that war, too. I pushed my daughter-in-law's claim for a county in Carpathia in hope that being married to my imbecile (literally) son would be enough to make her a vassal. Unfortunately test is inconclusive, since her title is actually a duchy... So yeah she took my son and became a fellow vassal of the Patriarch. Meh. Their kids will be nobles of my dynasty, and that's something.
I let out some frustration by using like a third of my election fund to have my biggest rival family murdered. One by one, including the children, until I inherited everything. Maybe "realm peace" and "can't county conquest across the sea" are a bit crap, and pressing claims is confusing, but I have 23/14 trade posts and my rivals are dead! It's kinda overdue... my character is a cruel craven drunk lunatic.
Now if only I could county claim bits of Africa, instead of just single cities...