So there's been some wondering about how strong the Byzantines are in this game, and empires in general for that matter. A lot of people on the CK forums are of the belief its impossible for empires to die in the current balance, well...

I had to post this, ladies and gentlemen I give you the death of the Byzantine blob:



Through a combination of internal pressure and cultural tension the Byzantine empire has imploded into a colorful sea of successor states, each one vying with the other for the right to call themselves the heir to the Roman legacy. I have double checked by selecting the Byzantines and looking at their stats. Down to having only 3 vassals and a pitiful 1000 men out of a possible 6000 strong army, the emperor is in DIRE straights. Constantinople is on the verge of falling to siege.

This has COMPLETELY changed the dynamic of the asia minor political situation. I am almost wishing I picked a nation in that neck of the woods just so I could be there to take advantage. Alas, my own kingdom needs my attentions.