The beginning of the Hohenstaufen dynasty saw the rise of powerful princes set on checking royal power by electing emperors from different houses. Thus allowing the princes to consolidate their holdings and become independent rulers.
With the hundred year long strife between the House of Welf and the House of Hohenstaufen ending with the defeat of both dynasties, the empire has become ungovernable. The Great Interregnum of the Holy Roman Empire has begun...
As the head of one of the great houses of Germany it is now your mission to secure the Holy Crown and establish your own ruling dynasty.