Can you start as unlanded and peacefully become a king or emperor?

[sphanlon01hc]

New to the game. Just conceptually trying to figure out if you can get into some country’s “system” and be a vassal and peacefully move up. I can’t picture how you can become a count or duke without conquering one and becoming the enemy of the nation you want to be part of.

[Bishi]

You can buy land from Dukes and higher. You don't have to invade.

You can through marriage eventually become a king or emperor, but you'll probably have to murder some people to do it practically as this is a dynastic game not a nationalist one.

Edit: Some places like the HRE, have an election law system already in place, so you can become Kaiser by simply being powerful and likable. And now with RtP you can do this in places like Byzantium with admin governments.

[Abacus]

you can get land in numerous ways, other than war.

rulers can grant title for their best, and favorite subjects,

You might even be some count in the boonies, that inherits a kingdom because some distant cousin dies that was a queen, and you where next in inheritance. This has happened to me, lol.

[AdmiralPiett]

marry into it

[jpcerutti]

With the administrative form of government you could go from Count to Emperor of Byzantium within a lifetime, with a little luck and a young character, with just intrigue/influence.

If you are within its borders when the HRE forms you almost have to intentionally avoid being elected Emperor.

[adobo]

buy land from the Byzantines, and from their you can peacefully scheme your way into becoming emperor. Or just become the most loyal co-emperor and replace all the governors with your dynasty.

[Inner Observer]

In one of my adventuring runs some ruler tried to convince me to assist him in a war,
I wasn't interested and declined, he insisted, there was an option to demand Netherlands from him, I did it just to make him leave me alone -- and guess what? He agreed, then after some more wandering somewhere I've suddenly found myself as a duke of Netherlands.

[Reaper King]

As others said the HRE is pretty easy to take over if you are likeable or prestigious. I was minding my own business as King of Belgium and suddenly I was emperor of the HRE. Even worse when I left the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ took Aachen from me !

[sphanlon01hc]

How do you get elected not being a prince/duke of the HRE but a king of a different country? Was anyone anywhere actually eligible in real life history?