In the late Empire, the western half in particular, there were many generals who controlled young or weak emperors. Let's say that under the leadership of a series of Stilichos/Flavius Aëtiuses the Western Empire recovers. What would be some of the effects of an emperor so weak that the biggest "generalissimo" can effectively rule.
This could also be done by Odoacer choosing to keep Romulus Augustulus as Emperor and ruling from behind the throne, if he just decided to be a little bit more patient, and the ERE didn't object until he had solidified Romulus' (his) power.
What happens, if there's a technically legitimate, if weak Western Empire that consists of Italy and perhaps Sicily? How long can you see this "Roman Shogunate" lasting?
This could also be done by Odoacer choosing to keep Romulus Augustulus as Emperor and ruling from behind the throne, if he just decided to be a little bit more patient, and the ERE didn't object until he had solidified Romulus' (his) power.
What happens, if there's a technically legitimate, if weak Western Empire that consists of Italy and perhaps Sicily? How long can you see this "Roman Shogunate" lasting?