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We, being the Divinity in this world and the next, the eternal guide of the peoples in this realm and the celestial, continue our interventions into the lands known as Japan, India and Aceh. We do this not in the pursuit of mindless conquest or foolish vanity, instead we do this to bring forth the enlightenment of our beliefs, the truth that there is a supreme being to guide the world, that being ourselves. The heathens can deny such, and will surely fight against such, to maintain their petty beliefs, one of their many forms to grasp onto power. Indeed, many will continue to fight against the truth, but in the end they will all crumble and bow, they will beg for mercy, and be judged for their immorality. We also know, however, that many heathens will see the light, and convert, to escape any suffering that could, and would, befall them. We therefore, being as tolerant as we are, offer to all the choice, convert to the truth or suffer the anguish of an eternity.
We let it be known, that we have ruled for a thousand years, and will continue for ten thousand more. Let any who would question such come forth, and face damnation for their heresy. We are strong, we shall guide the true believers and we shall bring prosperity!
His Holy Highness, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years, Divine Emperor Above of China and Great Khan of the Mongols, Zhou Youlang Ming
Murrough O'Brien was many things to many people. Indeed, there was some dispute over who he was at all. To the English governments in Ireland these past many years he was the 6th Baron Inichiquin and Vice-President of the Munster Plantation, a most prominent aristocratic ally of that Protestant enterprise. To the native Irish he was The O'Brien, the chief of the descendants of the great Brian Boru who had ruled as de facto sovereign monarchs of an every diminishing slice of Ireland called Thomond. his own partisans, the clans tied by blood and tradition to the O'Briens and his personal allies, he was also Munsterian Rhì, the rightful King of one of Ireland's traditional kingdoms, with some going so far as to assert him as the proper Ard Ri, High King of Ireland, a title long since confined to history and thus grown all the more glorious in memory.
There were a few points of agreement about him. He was young, not yet 30, and generally considered handsome and charming. He was a protestant, whose father died fighting in the service of Queen Elizabeth I, but not intolerant of the Catholic majority at all. Whatever they might think of his and his fathers' efforts to accommodate the English Crown, his neighbors would grudgingly concede that he was now the most powerful and influential of the declining Gaelic aristocracy. And he was certainly not the most likely candidate to lead a rebellion against both Crown and Parliament.
But in 1640 Murrough, whomever he really was, found himself doing just that.
The rising had begun at the impetus of powerful Old English Catholic families in the East and the remains of the Gaelic gentry in Ulster. The Preston Family, led by the Viscount Gormanston, took up arms in Leinster, bolstered by the arrival of Thomas Preston, a decorated veteran of the Spanish army who rallied to his cousins. Richard Butler, Viscount Mountgarret brought part of the powerful and venerable Butler dynasty into the rebellion, though his Protestant, Royalist cousin James, the Duke of Ormond, commanded the King's forces in Dublin. In Ulster, the Sir Felim, the O'Niell, carried on a separate rebellion, bolstered by the hope of his own kin returning from service in the Spanish Army. In Munster, Donough MacCarty, the other major Gaelic noble left in Munster, had been dragged into the rebellion by his numerous relatives who had lost land to the plantations. Malachy Ó Caollaidhe, the firebrand archbishop of Tuam, was rallying Connaught to an army being formed by James Dillon, another Irish officer in the Spanish service who had chanced to be on hand at the right moment.
These were the sort of men one expected to lead an Irish revolt. Powerful Catholics being squeezed out of land and power by the new generation of colonists and adventurers from England and Scotland. Most no doubt assumed that Murrough O'Brien would take up arms against them. His rallying to their side made him the most powerful figure in the west, and his political acumen had translated into a vague leadership of the disorganized revolt.
It was in an effort to end that ambiguity and chaos that O'Brien had travelled far from his power base to Kilkenny. A council of the leading men of the rebel-held areas, mostly soldiers and nobles but also some clergy and lawyers, had been called for by the bishop there, hoping to contain the bloodshed and plunder that was plaguing the countryside as the authority of the English regime collapsed.
At the council, Murrough O'Brien allowed the other lords to exhaust themselves in arguing and plotting. There were too many great men present, all thinking of themselves as leaders entitled to obedience. There was no agreement on leadership, little on the course of the war, and confusion as to what, exactly they were fighting for. The restoration of the King? The restoration of Catholicism?
Late in the proceedings, O'Brien finally spoke up. "Gentlemen, it seems to me that we are missing the essential point on which we all agree. With the Crown and Parliament of England having fallen to strife and disarray, they have lost all authority, and in their absence Ireland must be governed. So by right and reason it must be governed by the Irish." There sere dubious expressions on the faces of many of the Old English aristocracy, who expected that O'Brien would strive to assert himself as their master. "There being so very many different kinds of Irish these days, I should say also that it must be governed for all of them. Gaels, Gauls, even some few sassanach who might be willing to be reasonable. Therefore I say let us by all means unite. But let us not unite behind or below any one man, nor let us unite in the name of the Church or in the name of the King nor in the name of Parliament. Let us unite in the name of Ireland itself. 'Hiberni unanimes', Irishmen united. Let us proclaim for all the world to hear that we are fighting for an Ireland whose people govern themselves, an Ireland where a man may pray as he pleases without being subject to persecution and confiscation, and where his welfare is not subject to the whims of anyone but God.
In my travels here I encountered a remarkable Galway attorney named Patrick D'Arcy. He has some very interesting notions regarding the nature of justice and the rule of law. I have asked him, in consultation with some colleagues, to draft a plan for a Confederation, and I have taken the liberty of having had them printed up for your consideration. Ristard" he called to one of his attendants, who bore the sword and serpents of the O'Dea clan on his chest. "Please distribute the papers. I propose that we adjurn for the evening, and ask that you please read and consider Mr D'Arcy's argument."
Over the course of the next several days, the momentum of the council shifted. D'Arcy's ideas of a Confederacy that left most powers to regional assemblies, with a Confederate Assembly meeting annually and electing a Supreme Executive Council, commanded great appeal. The lofty arguments in favor of a government ruled by laws instead of men were well enough, but the decisive factor was the fact that this structure would allow the great lords to dominate their own lands without interference from above. The clergy grumbled about the guarantees for freedom of worship, but the moderate bishops were able to prevail. After all, freedom of worship in a land with a vast majority of Catholics could only be good for the church. Pledges to respect the property rights of all in Ireland irked some. They worried it might interfere with their chances of recovering land from the plantations. O'Brien's inspired idea to assert that the Supreme Executive would have the authority to seize land from those in open rebellion was a generally accepted way of evading that issue. The plantations could be expected to refuse to accept the Confederacy in any case, so their ill-gotten lands would be fair game after all.
After a week of deliberations, the Irish Confederation was proclaimed. It's first Supreme Executive was elected by the council, six members each from Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connaught. Serving as a Councilor from Munster and first Chairman of the Supreme Executive was none other than Murrough O'Brien. He was also officially named commander of the Army of Thomond (his own forces in northern Munster). Thomas Preston was named commander of the Army of Leinster, massing in the countryside to menace Dublin. Sir Felim O'Niell was named to the Council for Ulster and confirmed as its general, but he had not been present and it was far from certain that the O'Neil's would choose to join in the Confederation
Flag of the Confederation
OOC: that one sprawled out on me, sorry for the length. In game terms, aside from changing my official name to Irish Confederation, this and an upcoming post represent efforts to convince the other Irish entities to unite with Leinster-Connaught.
There were a few points of agreement about him. He was young, not yet 30, and generally considered handsome and charming. He was a protestant, whose father died fighting in the service of Queen Elizabeth I, but not intolerant of the Catholic majority at all. Whatever they might think of his and his fathers' efforts to accommodate the English Crown, his neighbors would grudgingly concede that he was now the most powerful and influential of the declining Gaelic aristocracy. And he was certainly not the most likely candidate to lead a rebellion against both Crown and Parliament.
But in 1640 Murrough, whomever he really was, found himself doing just that.
The rising had begun at the impetus of powerful Old English Catholic families in the East and the remains of the Gaelic gentry in Ulster. The Preston Family, led by the Viscount Gormanston, took up arms in Leinster, bolstered by the arrival of Thomas Preston, a decorated veteran of the Spanish army who rallied to his cousins. Richard Butler, Viscount Mountgarret brought part of the powerful and venerable Butler dynasty into the rebellion, though his Protestant, Royalist cousin James, the Duke of Ormond, commanded the King's forces in Dublin. In Ulster, the Sir Felim, the O'Niell, carried on a separate rebellion, bolstered by the hope of his own kin returning from service in the Spanish Army. In Munster, Donough MacCarty, the other major Gaelic noble left in Munster, had been dragged into the rebellion by his numerous relatives who had lost land to the plantations. Malachy Ó Caollaidhe, the firebrand archbishop of Tuam, was rallying Connaught to an army being formed by James Dillon, another Irish officer in the Spanish service who had chanced to be on hand at the right moment.
These were the sort of men one expected to lead an Irish revolt. Powerful Catholics being squeezed out of land and power by the new generation of colonists and adventurers from England and Scotland. Most no doubt assumed that Murrough O'Brien would take up arms against them. His rallying to their side made him the most powerful figure in the west, and his political acumen had translated into a vague leadership of the disorganized revolt.
It was in an effort to end that ambiguity and chaos that O'Brien had travelled far from his power base to Kilkenny. A council of the leading men of the rebel-held areas, mostly soldiers and nobles but also some clergy and lawyers, had been called for by the bishop there, hoping to contain the bloodshed and plunder that was plaguing the countryside as the authority of the English regime collapsed.
At the council, Murrough O'Brien allowed the other lords to exhaust themselves in arguing and plotting. There were too many great men present, all thinking of themselves as leaders entitled to obedience. There was no agreement on leadership, little on the course of the war, and confusion as to what, exactly they were fighting for. The restoration of the King? The restoration of Catholicism?
Late in the proceedings, O'Brien finally spoke up. "Gentlemen, it seems to me that we are missing the essential point on which we all agree. With the Crown and Parliament of England having fallen to strife and disarray, they have lost all authority, and in their absence Ireland must be governed. So by right and reason it must be governed by the Irish." There sere dubious expressions on the faces of many of the Old English aristocracy, who expected that O'Brien would strive to assert himself as their master. "There being so very many different kinds of Irish these days, I should say also that it must be governed for all of them. Gaels, Gauls, even some few sassanach who might be willing to be reasonable. Therefore I say let us by all means unite. But let us not unite behind or below any one man, nor let us unite in the name of the Church or in the name of the King nor in the name of Parliament. Let us unite in the name of Ireland itself. 'Hiberni unanimes', Irishmen united. Let us proclaim for all the world to hear that we are fighting for an Ireland whose people govern themselves, an Ireland where a man may pray as he pleases without being subject to persecution and confiscation, and where his welfare is not subject to the whims of anyone but God.
In my travels here I encountered a remarkable Galway attorney named Patrick D'Arcy. He has some very interesting notions regarding the nature of justice and the rule of law. I have asked him, in consultation with some colleagues, to draft a plan for a Confederation, and I have taken the liberty of having had them printed up for your consideration. Ristard" he called to one of his attendants, who bore the sword and serpents of the O'Dea clan on his chest. "Please distribute the papers. I propose that we adjurn for the evening, and ask that you please read and consider Mr D'Arcy's argument."
Over the course of the next several days, the momentum of the council shifted. D'Arcy's ideas of a Confederacy that left most powers to regional assemblies, with a Confederate Assembly meeting annually and electing a Supreme Executive Council, commanded great appeal. The lofty arguments in favor of a government ruled by laws instead of men were well enough, but the decisive factor was the fact that this structure would allow the great lords to dominate their own lands without interference from above. The clergy grumbled about the guarantees for freedom of worship, but the moderate bishops were able to prevail. After all, freedom of worship in a land with a vast majority of Catholics could only be good for the church. Pledges to respect the property rights of all in Ireland irked some. They worried it might interfere with their chances of recovering land from the plantations. O'Brien's inspired idea to assert that the Supreme Executive would have the authority to seize land from those in open rebellion was a generally accepted way of evading that issue. The plantations could be expected to refuse to accept the Confederacy in any case, so their ill-gotten lands would be fair game after all.
After a week of deliberations, the Irish Confederation was proclaimed. It's first Supreme Executive was elected by the council, six members each from Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connaught. Serving as a Councilor from Munster and first Chairman of the Supreme Executive was none other than Murrough O'Brien. He was also officially named commander of the Army of Thomond (his own forces in northern Munster). Thomas Preston was named commander of the Army of Leinster, massing in the countryside to menace Dublin. Sir Felim O'Niell was named to the Council for Ulster and confirmed as its general, but he had not been present and it was far from certain that the O'Neil's would choose to join in the Confederation
Flag of the Confederation
OOC: that one sprawled out on me, sorry for the length. In game terms, aside from changing my official name to Irish Confederation, this and an upcoming post represent efforts to convince the other Irish entities to unite with Leinster-Connaught.
I, João II, Seventh Duke of Braganza, Third Duke of Barcelos, great-great grandson of Manuel I, faithful and eternal servant of the Almighty God and Portugal, having heard the plaintive pleas of the people of Portugal, and the supreme oratory of the clergy and nobility of that land, do hereby adhere to their calls and press my lawful claim on the throne of Portugal and the Algarves, and the territory thereof.
By right of being the lawful heir to Henrique o Casto and Sebastião I, I claim dominion over all the lands of Portugal and the Algarves, from the homeland, to Tangiers and Ceuta, Madeira and the Azores, Mozambique and Angola, Ormuz, Goa and Timor, and the crown jewel of Brazil, as well as the rightful claims on Macao and Ceylon. From this day forth, I shall be styled His Most Devout Majesty, João IV, King of Portugal and the Algarves.
To His Majesty, Felipe IV of Spain, I too am desirous of peace between our realms, and have as little want to see Portuguese blood shed as you Spanish. To that end, I shall dispatch a delegation, headed by my younger brother Duarte, under the flags of Portugal and Truce to Seville to meet with Your Majesty to create such a peaceful resolution.
Signed,
His Most Devout Majesty, João IV, King of Portugal and the Algarves
---
Treaty of Seville
[X] His Most Devout Majesty, João IV, King of Portugal and the Algarves
[X] King Philip the Fourth, by the grace of God king of Castile, Leon, Aragon, the Two Sicilies, Jerusalem, Portugal, Navarre, Granada, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Majorca, Minorca, Seville, Cerdagne, Cordoba, Corsica, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarves, Algeciras, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, the Eastern and Western Indies, the islands and terra firma of the Ocean, archduke of Austria, duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Milan, count of Habsburg, Flanders, Tyrol, Barcelona, lord of Biscay and Molina, etc.
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Words from Duke Augustus the Elder of Calenberg and Brunswick-Luneburg on the Weimar Conference
Yes, we do recognize that a bigger entity of a union is needed. But the straight out lies from the Hapsburg is like stabbing a still open wound with a salted knife. Religion? This was not just something as simple of difference in faith. The Commonwealth can handle this, and I even think the twisted Hapsburg could tolerate someone with a different perspective of God. This is not where the problem lies. The Hapsburgs tried to exploit the North German states and tried to force tyranny over them and going against everything the Empire stood for. The Empire you are promising us, the ideals of protection you are proposing does not exist anymore. They died the day you became a tyrant.
The Brunswick will never join an empire headed by a Hapsburg ever again, may my humors rot in my body while I still live before I ever allow a tyrant to rule over me once again. If the title of Emperor is moved I might reconsider. I do indeed recognize the need of protection, this enlightened Duchy and the Principalities within are not ones of war. But we do not need the Hapsburg for protection. Just as Brandenburg proposed, a union between our northern states can prosper themselves, one without a central leadership. The Swiss Confederacy has managed for hundreds of years and survived without any internal strife or tyrannical actions over their member states. The most important to learn from them is that their member states stay sovereign and independent. I would gladly accept such a union, where each member is part of a council instead of electing a central emperor.
Signed King Philip the Fourth, by the grace of God king of Castile, Leon, Aragon, the Two Sicilies, Jerusalem, Portugal, Navarre, Granada, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Majorca, Minorca, Seville, Cerdagne, Cordoba, Corsica, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarves, Algeciras, Gibraltar, the Canary Islands, the Eastern and Western Indies, the islands and terra firma of the Ocean, archduke of Austria, duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Milan, count of Habsburg, Flanders, Tyrol, Barcelona, lord of Biscay and Molina, etc.
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An Open Letter from Murrough O'Brien, Baron Inchiquin, Commander of the Army of Thomond and Vice-President of the Munster Plantation, to William St Leger, President of the Munster Plantation:
"Esteemed father-in-law,
The great regard I have for you, and the many kindnesses you have shown me, as well as the love of your own dear daughter, all conspire to urge me to send you this message. I implore you, for the sake of those who look to you for leadership and for the sake of avoiding the woes and horrors of war, to step down as President and turn control of Munster over to me, so that I might bring the province into the fold of the Confederation. I know you appreciate that the position of the settlers in the Plantation has always been fraught with peril. They are surrounded by a numerous and warlike people who have become desperate and dispossessed. The writ of English law and the might of English arms have been their protection and shield against these dangers. But the authority of English law has failed, and English arms have been turned against each other.
You are no doubt concerned for the safety and welfare of the innocent Protestants, who might be subject to rapine and slaughter should the plantation be over run. It is just such fears that cause me to implore you to put the plantation under my protection. By blood and by might I am judged high and powerful among the Gaels, and my authority will protect the people from the ravages of conquest, and curb the excesses that follow in the wake of bloody conquest. I can assure you my every effort in protecting the persons and property of your people, and that their rights to life, property and faith will not be abused while in my power."
"Esteemed father-in-law,
The great regard I have for you, and the many kindnesses you have shown me, as well as the love of your own dear daughter, all conspire to urge me to send you this message. I implore you, for the sake of those who look to you for leadership and for the sake of avoiding the woes and horrors of war, to step down as President and turn control of Munster over to me, so that I might bring the province into the fold of the Confederation. I know you appreciate that the position of the settlers in the Plantation has always been fraught with peril. They are surrounded by a numerous and warlike people who have become desperate and dispossessed. The writ of English law and the might of English arms have been their protection and shield against these dangers. But the authority of English law has failed, and English arms have been turned against each other.
You are no doubt concerned for the safety and welfare of the innocent Protestants, who might be subject to rapine and slaughter should the plantation be over run. It is just such fears that cause me to implore you to put the plantation under my protection. By blood and by might I am judged high and powerful among the Gaels, and my authority will protect the people from the ravages of conquest, and curb the excesses that follow in the wake of bloody conquest. I can assure you my every effort in protecting the persons and property of your people, and that their rights to life, property and faith will not be abused while in my power."
On the issue of the German territories pleaing for protection:
The Kingdom of Denmark, with all its adjacent realms, whilst extending its protection to all of those of the protestant faith under attack for religious reasons, especially in the germanies, would offer the city of hamburg to join the Oldenburg realm under the folllowing main lines:
- The King of Denmark will be named Lord-Protector of Hamburg
- The city of hamburg will fly the Danish flag for all purposes it is used for, along lines similar to other posessions of the danish crown that also have their own flags and signs, for example oldenburg
- the city of Hamburg will pay taxes similar to those levied upon other cities in the realm
In return, the Oldenburg realm will grant you the following privileges:
- exemption from the sound dues, as any ship flying the danish flag and shipping danish cargo receives
- protection from foreign threats, be they of military or whateverelse nature
- the continued validty of the city laws of hamburg, with self-governance of all issues regarding the city itself and adjacent lands
Whilst we hope that the rat of hamburg accepts our offer, we will bear no grudge, if they decide otherwise, however hope that because of the commercial and security interests of the city, they see the value of our offer and judge it accordingly.
For proximity reasons, the Kingdom of Denmark would propose to the remainder of pommerania, despite being both Duke of Pommerania and Lord of the Baltic Sea, to accept the offer of protection by the Hohenzollerns.
As defender of the faith, i am confident that your rights will be upheld by the House of Hohenzollern, which is known to respect its duties that come with its power.
To avoid confusion and friction on these borders, those parts of pommerania currently under Danish protection would, in such a case be reformed into the Duchy of Rügen and the House of Hohenzollern would accept the neccessity of denmark in protecting trade in the Baltic from piracy and fraud, by location and control of entrence and strategic points of the Baltic sea.
We hope that such terms can form at least a basis of negotiations with the House of Hohenzollern, should Pommerania chose them as guarant of their new rights.
- Christian IV, King of Denmark, King of Norway, Duke of Oldenburg, Duke of Mecklenburg, Duke of Pommerania, Defender of the Reformation in and outside the realm, Warden and Protector of the Baltic Sea and various others.
While the matters related to Germany are still at hand, I take a pause of those issues to announce that I found the most respectable Magyar noble Sophia Bathory to be a suitable bride and would like to ask her hand in marriage. I believe that there is no better way to prove my loyalty to the rights and honour of the Crown of Saint Stephen than take a member of an old and respected family as my spouse.
Futhermore I will take the opportunity to give a special offer to the Silesians: While I am well aware of our recent past I believe that your place is, above anything, alongside the Empire. While I will not ask you to accept reannexation into the Habsburg realm I suggest that you will take into consideration the option of coming back to the protection of the Empire, for Silesia is a field of conflicting interests and due to that you need proper protection, come back to the Kingdom of Bohemia, for I am willing to guarantee all your rights.
Futhermore I will take the opportunity to give a special offer to the Silesians: While I am well aware of our recent past I believe that your place is, above anything, alongside the Empire. While I will not ask you to accept reannexation into the Habsburg realm I suggest that you will take into consideration the option of coming back to the protection of the Empire, for Silesia is a field of conflicting interests and due to that you need proper protection, come back to the Kingdom of Bohemia, for I am willing to guarantee all your rights.
Words from Duke Augustus the Elder of Calenberg and Brunswick-Luneburg on the Weimar Conference
I am very concerned how foreign trade will be treated by the Danes. We already know the terrible Sound Toll and Lubeck has been utilizing the Luneburg Stecknitzkanal as a way to avoid just that when trading with Hamburg. With this move the Danes will be capable force their Toll on both bodies of water. If that would happen, Luneburg's economy would not be able to cope with that and our nation stagnate and an important producer of goods for both Hamburg and Lubeck would die.
I really hate this position that my Duchy have been put in. I plead to Hamburg to not accept this or all the things that makes Hamburg and Lubeck the great cities will falter, both their rights and their trade.
The Great Sham of 1640: The Brilliance of the King
((I'm sorry Noco.))
When King Gaston I of France signed the Treaty of Orléans, the construction of deception that he had created was complete. The agreement was in all ways, purely deciteful, and it provided in one many called, "The Greatest Lie of the 17th Century." Indeed, from the perspective of many foreigners, the very concept of the Treaty was totally unrealistic, as the Catholics had become too zealous in their actions. As such, Gaston devised a plan.
It began when the Prince had called his Catholic nobles preceding the incident, and had together molded the concepts of the sham, beginning with Article III of the Treaty. Where the Huegonts believed they had been empowered, instead, they would be destroyed. And so it was, in the weeks after the signature of the Treaty, Gaston arrived in Paris with the Catholic Lords, calling forth the first session of the Conseil des aristocrates. After exclamations of loyalty to each other, the King of France proposed two legislation as a proper land-holder, the first devising the re-institution of economic unity, and the second remarking on the need for infrastructure alterations. Yet on the third proposal, the doors were silently locked, and the King of France took the floor. In a brief speech, the devious king proposed the dissolution of the Council, to the horror of the protestant nobles present. Yet suddenly, dark realizations began to settle in.
According to the treaty, Gaston would receive the County of Île-de-France, and Benjamin would lay claim to the Duchy of Brittany under the banner of the Monarch. Despite his titular claimant to the throne, the 50% could not technically occur until Brittany was granted landed title, as clarified under Article III. With the King of France having already assumed the County, and the titular Duke having no ability to bring forth the vassals of Brittany, the Catholics held the majority, if only for a brief period. Due to the massive quantity of aristocrats present, calculating such a number was inconceivable to all but Gaston, who had carefully devised the treaty to the point where there was no restrictions on the dissolution or amendment of the legislative body. As dismay began to spread across, it became apparent, with the Benjamin absent, and his ducal vassals not yet under the flag of the Monarch, the Catholics would prevail. Eventually, the Protestants challenged this power, to at which point, Gaston held up the treaty and pointed to the word landed, which silenced opposition.
When the vote was completed, it was soon realized that the Catholics had achieved a majority. And as such, with the Council dissolved, the King proclaimed the revocation of the fourth article, refusing to allow the Protestant Lords and Aristocrats exit, effectively holding them in imprisonment within the council chambers. With no word reaching the city of power, Royalist troops marched in with parade fashion, the populace totally unaware of the drastic course of events.
On the concerns raised by his highness, the Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg:
The concerns raised by Augustus the Elder are valid, in that both the entrence to the Stecknitzkanal and the Baltic sea would be controlled by the Oldenburg realm, however, we must also voice that the effects can, and will not be a disaster, for neither Lauenburg nor Lubeck for a variety of reasons: For one, it can not be in the interest of the Oldenburg realm to blockade the trade lanes in such a direction, having been dependent on them for ages. The trade of Salt, which his Highness August seems so concerned about is of utmost value to Denmark itself, being reliant on imports. Furthermore, the Stecknitzkanal, despite continued efforts, due to its size can, and will never be an alternative to using the sound on trade from the Baltic to the North sea.
The sea, which is the arteries around which the Oldenburg realm is forged, is its very essence, and the Trade that flows in it is the blood flowing in them. If it was our aum to destroy the very sources of our blood, amobgst them Lubeck, hamburg and lauenburg, we would find ourselves as nothing but a hollow body, and this we can say that, and i am personally willing to guarantee, that there is no malintent towards those important partners of ours in our offer and should it be accepted, i shall make sure that the concerns of his highness will and shall not become reality.
- Christian IV, King of Denmark, King of Norway, Duke of Oldenburg, Duke of Mecklenburg, Duke of Pommerania, Defender of the Reformation in and outside the realm, Warden and Protector of the Baltic Sea and various others.
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Reino de Portugal e dos Algarves
His Most Devout Majesty, João IV, By Grace of God, King of Portugal and the Algarves, Duke of Braganza, Duke of Barcelos, Lord of Ceuta, Lord of Guinea, Patron of the Order of Christ and of the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing, is most pleased to see the restoration of Portuguese sovereignty; to His Majesty, Felipe IV of Spain whom His Most Devout Majesty counts among the friends of Portugal, can only express his admiration for his great magnamity and prudence in avoiding a costly and bloody war. His Most Devout Majesty truly hopes that these warm relations between our two kings shall continue in perpetuity.
His Most Devout Majesty also desires to express his support to the rightful king of all of England, Charles I; despite the cooling of Anglo-Portuguese relations during the long Iberian Union, His Most Devout Majesty and all of Portugal still hold fast to the Treaty of Windsor signed some two-hundred and forty years ago. Though the King of England may be a wayward son in the Faith, His Most Devout Majesty prays for Charles’ good health and affirms that Lisbon will always be a safe haven for the House of Stuart. Lastly, the entire court in Lisbon is curious to see whether or not unions between Teodósio, Prince of Brazil and Princess Elizabeth, as well as between Prince Charles and His Most Devout Majesty’s young daughter Infanta Catarina, are possible; such unions would further cement the strong ties between our two houses and reaffirm our nation’s long alliance.
On the recent occurrences in France, His Most Devout Majesty is deeply concerned that this will lead to only more violence and the deaths of many more Catholics at the hands of the Huguenots; to that end, the Cortes and the entire Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves extend their best wishes to His Majesty Gaston I and the Royal Family.
In regards to the recent resolution of the Twenty Year’s War, His Most Devout Majesty sincerely hopes to see the Holy Roman Empire maintained, and the heretics in the north once again in communion with the Holy Church, as is proper. However, His Most Devout Majesty welcomes warm relations with Danish and Swedish Kingdoms; trade between our realms would surely prove to be beneficial for all parties involved.
His Most Devout Majesty finally wishes to address the People of Portugal directly. Across the far-flung pluricontinental kingdom, the flag of Spain is being lowered and the free colours of Portugal are being raised for the first time in six decades; soon Portuguese troops and officials shall be dispatched to keep the peace and ensure the protection of the Realm and every citizen of Portugal. Furthermore, His Most Devout Majesty affirms that the rule of law will be reaffirmed, the colonies protected from foreign incursion, and the entirety of Portugal and the Algarves reformed so that the King may rule more effectively and justly without the need for a burdensome bureaucracy filled with ne’er-do-wells and sycophants, as the Council of Portugal has administered to the Realm these many years.
With order and peace assured, the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves shall once again regain her rightful place as the greatest and opulent Empire on the face of the Earth. By the Almighty and the Faith and Unity of the People, we shall triumph over all comers!
~ His Most Devout Majesty, João IV, By Grace of God, King of Portugal and the Algarves, Duke of Braganza, Duke of Barcelos, Lord of Ceuta, Lord of Guinea, Patron of the Order of Christ and of the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing
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Il Granducato di Toscana
The Grand Duchy of Tuscany brings forth this Treaty to the States of Italy, the Kingdom of Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire (Austria)
The Treaty of Arezzo
Article I. The Kingdom of Spain shall hereby agree to a Non-Aggression Treaty with the following nations
I. The Papal States of the Holy Church of Rome
II. The Most Serene Republic of Venice
III. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Article III. The Holy Roman Empire (Austria) shall hereby agree to a Non-Aggression Treaty with the following nations
I. The Papal States of the Holy Church of Rome
II. The Most Serene Republic of Venice
III. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany
Article III. All of the partaking nations shall agree to a state of Status Quo in regards to the territories of the Italian Peninsula.
[x] His Highness, The Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando II 'de Medici
[x] His Serenity, Doge Francesco Errizo of Venice
[x] His Holiness, The Bishop of Rome, Urban VIII
[x] His Highness, The King of Spain, Philip IV
[x] Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Ferdinand III
The Nation States of Italy reach out to King Philip and Emperor Ferdinand in hopes that the situation in Italy may not boil up and resolve in the deaths of many good Catholic Sons. It is in our sincere hope that his treaty may settle the sovereignty of the before mentioned nations as nations in Italy and establish peace in the region for many years to come.
~His Highness, Duke of the Granducato di Toscana, Head of the House 'de Medici, Head of the Medici Bank, Ferdinando II 'de Medici
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Who laughs last, laughs . . .
Smiling like a five year old at his birthday King Gaston I. laid back, being immensely proud of himself and eager to await the royal guard's procession to reach the city's castle where he and his small band of noble retainers drank perfumend wine and ate the last schocolate rarities from the new world. Everything had been so stupidily easy and now his crowning achievement would follow. The Hugenote scum would be crushed and order restored. It may not have been the honorable way, but the working one. From the outside, shouts were to be heard. Surely his loyal subjects had come to celebrate as he had freed them from the Calvinist scum. From the noise he judged it would certainly be a great mass of people.
Smiling the King rose from seat, lifting his glasses in salut to his court. But then, he came suddenly aware of their waxy faces, their shocked expressions and then the icy realization set in. At first his hand began to tremble, than his eye began to twitch and then the glass fell out of his numb fingers, spilling the prestigious fluid all over the rich carpets as the continued cries of "Vive La République!" grew louder and loader with each passing moment. A rustling of skirts penetrated his terror and a hard, but musical voice declared with unhidden sarcasm:
"His Holiness sends his compliments . . .
Outraged the Hugenots were, having heard from the foul compromise their aristocratic mouthpieces brokered for their own personal gain with the aspiring King. Both parts of nobility gratiously ignored the true power behind the Hugenotes as they had allways done before. Contrary to other European realms nobility was an even smaller minority and even more exclusive in France and their ignorance of their subjects had a long history. Else they would have surely realized that the burghers and at their forefront the merchant class was the driving force of the renewed calvinist movement merely electing a few Hugenote nobels to work out a compromise for all. They did not wish for the Kingdom of France to be torn down to shreds, but they were well aware of their own power. With the old feudal structure called in doubt they began to envision a model like in England before the uprising with wealthy citizens and nobility alike sharing power with the king.
The Bretons were not amused either hearing of the treaty. They had recently come independent again and they were not aspiring to be given away by some would-be King. Even less commanded by a ruler as treacherous and vile as this. Brokering their own deal with the Hugenots Britanny seized the oppertunity and overturned the foul king's scheme again, claiming Benjamin de Rohan and his sucessors to be their king as well as their own independence from France forever, taking Nantes back as their capital and set out in a future where their proclaimed ruler would have to share his power with the emerging Breton factions.
The Hugenots in the meantime discarded their noble speakers and wild mobs roamed the countryside, driven into a frenzy by nobel plotting and the king's treachery, plundering castles and mansions. The Hugenote army quickly assembled behind the merchants while the tide was swiftly turned in the south. Here where Hugenote faith was strong a century ago before it was crushed down in the history of the Cartharian Crusade it reemerged in force as the king's treaty with the Calvinists for power and then his treacherous - in full disregard of the need of Western European noble traditions to justify their rule constantly as righteous - behavior first let to a loss of faith and then its full abandonement by masses. Ironically though it was not even their goal as they just really wanted a fair compromise the king almost singlehandly gifted the Hugenots victory in the struggle for France.
King Gaston I. inebriated by his self-imagined genius and celebrated by his trusted advisors did not realize the sudden loss of power as his armies and retainers dwindled in number before he reached the capital. His mad designs did not foresee the turning of the country in the course of four months against his imagination of grandeur. Throughout the county, north and south, burghers were shouting and peasents following proclaiming "Death to the Traitor King! Long live the Republic!". Gaston I. was in his palace, surrounded by his most loyal - and last - court retainers and totally helpless as the mob and the calvinist soldiers marched to bring him down. Not purely out of hate but at the mortal fist of justice against one who had breached the rules of righteous rulership and thus foregone the divine rights to kingship. And who well could have ruined nobility, the catholic faith and the monarchy in France forever. Now following would be a republic of the most wealthy, a timocratic merchant state like Venice projected large but without church and blood nobility having a say. A new aristocracy would arise, one of the moneymakers, the bankers and entrepeneurs.
. . . and I have the honor being Cardinal Giulio Mazarini. His Holiness has the devout catholic interests close to the heart and we allways reach out to wayward sheep. Thus let me be the first who congratulates You to Your new honor of ascension to the throne of the most catholic Kingdom of Provence under the protection of His High Holiness and Your pious brother-in-law, the defender of the faith and King of Spain. Surely You will find my advise and the protection of the church a sturdy shelter in any storm to come. I would be most honored if Your Majesty and His Majesty's friends would follow me in order to ensure a swift and secure passage to their new court." And with that the cardinal bowed deep, his salute in sharp contrast to the enraged masses descending upon the palace and the king realized he might have only this chance to come away . . .
GM Note: I congratulate you both on perfect play how the nobility of France would have handled the situation(apart from the king ignoring the western european noble traditions) but disregarding the background almost completely. I offer Noco now the Kingdom of Brittany and KingHigh the enlarged Kingdom of Provence (with a bigger part of southern France); if that is not to your liking Savoy and Timbuktu are other options or anything else free but not the Republique of France which is now also free for players not yet in game.
I also recommend KingHigh's breaking with the noble tradition as a good IC towards absolutism where the monarch is thus empowered that he could get away with such schemes. It would have succeeded if it had not ignored the background that much
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Words from the Duke of Bavaria
The war has weakened us, weakened every nation involved in that terrible conflict. But we of Bavaria wish for nothing more than peace and prosperity for all Germans. War between Catholic and Protestant is not the way of the future, we must all work together for war to end. It is outside of the Empire and its former inhabitants that the true threats lie. The Turk lies dormant to the south and to the east, waiting for a chance to pounce on all Christian nations. Waves of revolution have punished the nations to the west. We do however find pleasure in knowing that a conference is being held in Weimar and would like to express our interest in having Bavaria represented amongst our fellow Germans.
Glory be to God
~Duke Maximillian I, Duke of Bavaria
Attachments
Brandenburg-Prussia
People of Silesia!
Will you simply bow down to promises of sorely needed "protection" under the so-called Holy Roman Empire?! Did the countless Germans that fought and died for their freedom and liberty die to be "protected" by the same tyrant that disrespected German rights, freedoms, and liberties?! I call upon every good Silesian to join us, to create a better future for Germany, a future where the rights, freedoms, and liberties that we cherish cannot be trampled upon by a tyrant that does not care for the individual German but only cares for pleasuring himself!
I reiterate my statement, Silesians, take your place besides your brothers, not just in arms, but in faith and culture.
~Frederick William
On the reorganization of the German realm:
Follwoing the diastrous end of the neither Holy, nor Roman nor Empire, caused by the ambitions of the Habsburgs, and caused by the continued need of protection and unity amongst the German states, as well as the necessity to prevent any further war, as savior of german liberty, i propose an organization along the following basis:
1. The recreation of the everlasting Reichstag (Diet of the Realm), in which the various members of the new Realm of the German Nation shall be represented according to size, population and importance, and which shall be granted the power to declare a War in defense of the Realm and Intervention, should one member state threaten the stability of the realm.
2. The creation of the Reichsgericht (Court of the Realm), to dissolve the disputes amongst the member states without force of arms. As judges shall act the Dukes of Oldenburg,Brunswick,Saxony,Brandenburg and the stadthoulder of the Netherlands. Should one of them be part of the dispute, another prince shall take his place.
3. Those 5 princes shall furthermore bestow upon one of them the title "Chairman of the realm of the German nation" to act as leader among the diet and to show initiative in protecting realms,diet and court.
Various minor issues which we would like to bring to the Weimar conference are the question of naval protection, overseas posessions and various others.
- Christian IV, King of Denmark, King of Norway, Duke of Oldenburg, Duke of Mecklenburg, Duke of Pommerania, Defender of the Reformation in and outside the realm, Warden and Protector of the Baltic Sea and various others.
Words from Duke Augustus the Elder of Calenberg and Brunswick-Luneburg on the Weimar Conference
I will not trade one empire for another. Brunswick-Luneburg refuses also because of personal diplomacy between his Majesty of Denmark and myself, this has put me to that I can not trust in a union headed by Denmark. Also to include a clause which justifies Danish intervention into German land is just foul, plain foul.
I, Duke of Calenberg and Brunswick-Luneburg will not enter the proposed union.
The Sublime Ottoman State
The vile Orthodox Princes of Georgia, Crete and Cyprus seek to defend against the enlightenment of the Conquerers of the Eastern Roman Empire. As such these infidels shall be punished with the full might of the Ottoman Empire. This Empire is known for its tolerance, as the Jews of Iberia were cast out, they received refuge in Konstaniyye. Our loyal vassals in Hungary are unrepentant disciples of the prophet Jesus.
However tolerance will not be mistaken for weakness. These upstarts will be taught a lesson in which the entire empire, nay the entire world shall forever remember.
In regards to Krete, we will be assisting our fellow beleaguered nation of Venice, even past our previous differences.
By the Blessing of Allah and the Prophet.
Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar!
~ Oğuz Pasha, Regent for His Sacred and Imperial Majesty Sultan N.N. Khan, Emperor, Sovereign of the House of Osman, Sultan of Sultans, Khan of Khans, Commander of the Faithful and Successor of the Prophet of the Lord of the Universe, Grand Mahdi of the Prophet, Custodian of the Three Noble Sanctuaries (i.e. the Holy Cities of Mecca, Jerusalem and Medina), Emperor of Rome, Emperor of The Three Cities of Constantinople, Adrianople and Bursa, Ibrahim I. Osmanli.
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