Medieval kings were not all-powerful, especially not in the HRE. Their reign relied heavily upon the approval of their vassals, who, without prior negotiation, might not even show up when summoned. Feuds against a king were rare but did happen.
by Oversama
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Turns out the Riverlands is the most accurate depiction of Lords and Vassals compared to other regions
HRE was a very special place in that regard. As long as you had one castle, a village to sustain it and a small valley with enough sheep, you could call yourself a prince and tell the Emperor to go plough himself, if he failed to meet your requests.
Vassel lords once their 40 days of service was up: aight bro have fun byeeeeee
Think of it more like a collection of gangs.
Idk id The Seven Kingdoms fits this meme considering what a pack of disorderly degenerate children its noble houses were.
Half the fucking Crownlands go against their king for almost every major event in its history even.
Considering the number of civil wars, internal crises, usurpations, many feudal knights across the continent for the entire period were almost at a praetorian level of loyalty. The kings were less of an authority figure, and more of a way to rally the other knights out of the way of your raiding and conquering targets or to keep your annoying neighbour from hunting in your woods again, Charles we’ve been over this the king likes me and he will come round and bankrupt you with a visit while sorting it out in court if you dont back off
Yeah, people imagine kings and emperors as all powerfull; but in reallity maybe couple of kings in history managed to have that kind of power. And it usually ended when they died.