How easily would devout Constantinopolitans believe in a rebellous monk?Wait for the right opportunity, as in a major crisis, and provoke an urban revolt with religious undertones.
Your lack of connections in Constantinople will prevent you to rule effectively, but you might end as the power behind-the-throne with a big stroke of luck.
Granted, you have most chances to have your bleeding head decorating one of the town's entrance in the end. But rule by the mob isn't the stabler rule.
That's legit.Go the Basil I route. Become good friends with the current Emperor, hope that he's incompetent/has an exploitable vice(if not create a propaganda mill and use every little inadequacy to your advantage), then get in favor with the Patriarch, get in good stead with the army. When the time is right kill the Emperor and get the Patriarch to crown you Emperor, all the while having an Army standing outside the Hagia Sophia.
Having the army along side(or at least neutral) is absolutely necessary to any plan, ever.
Not really. Medieval Romans took religion very seriously. Seriously.
How could I convert to Orthodoxy and remain "exotic" at the same time? And Nestorianism wasn't exactly exotic. It was called "Daqin Jingjiao" in China, Daqin meant Rome.Your background will be an obstacle in some ways, but at least it's 'exotic' and mysterious. If you have some skill at divination, mysticism and so on (ie. to be a competent and believable charlatan), perhaps you could try attaching yourself to one of the more superstitious aristocrats, maybe even an Emperor. Having influence over someone who's already in a position of power sounds like a good first step to getting into a position yourself.
And I thought only pagan Romans were easily influenced by foreign Religions?