I was playing as the HRE, and had risen to a rather decent size, holding all of middle Europe, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Scalia, as well as a good portion of Italy. My influence was as high as possible, and none dared declare war on me. I was excommunicated when attempting to blitz the Genoese, but I didn't worry, the Pope was 62. When the Pope died, I immediately launched a Crusade. I was forced to leave the room after starting the battle, and when I returned, I found I had forgotten to pause. There were NO survivors! What a complete ripoff! I figured "No big deal, I'll just make a new one." So I continued on my merry way. The very next turn, rebellion; my Empire is split in half. The next turn, rebellion, my Empire is now a quarter of it's former glory. The next turn, rebellion, only a pale shadow of former glory, one eighth of past might.

My first time playing the HRE, and I understand how fragile they are now.