1648 RP (PT, IC)

[Seven United Netherlands]

OOC

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The year is 1648. The Peace of Westphalia has just been signed. Peace is back in the Holy Roman Empire after 30 years of total war and devastation. In some parts of the Holy Roman Empire up to 75% of the population is dead now. The Emperor has lost a lot of his power to the small states of which the Empire consists. The supremacy of the Habsburg House has been curtailed.

Meanwhile, other nations are now thriving. The Swedish Empire is on the rise with territories in the Empire and at the other side of the Baltic Sea. The Dutch Republic is a thriving trade nation, with over 16000 merchant ships, which is more than the merchant fleet of all the other European nations combined. The Bourbon Dynasty is on the rise, now holding the thrones of France and Navarre.

What will happen next in the troubled Europe?

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Dutch Republic - Seven United Netherlands
Ottoman Empire - Persia-Iraq
Austria-Hungary - The Imperial Ottoman Union
Kingdom of Sweden - The New Lowlands
Brandenburg-Prussia - The Rhineland Principalities
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth - Ashoris
Republic of Venice - Firstaria
Kingdom of France - Royal Brittania
Kingdom of England - Mishmahig
Kingdom of Portugal - Tertland
Kingdom of Spain - Jade Confederacy
Denmark-Norway - New Tebow
Republic Genoa - Nijholtpade

[Royal Britannia]

Kingdom of France

The Peace of Westphalia had brought about a new found order to the French Kingdom, an order which was born out of the ashes of war, but remained, albeit discontentedly, in a state of peace with it's former rivals (both on the continent, and to the west in England). The huge standing army amassed by King Louis the Just to fight the Spanish in the Thirty Years War, had been mainly disbanded by the now Louis the Great. The time of a powerful France was still well and truly real in the world, however there were signs that she was tired following the great wars.

The Kingdom of France had expanded well into North America, as had many of her rivals in Europe. French colonies appeared in Quebec, and further south still into parts of Mississippi. The vastness of the plantations around North America, of New France as it was know by, were renowned in the world, and provided a steady source of income for the continental Kingdom. Despite a mainly peaceful stay in the colonies, the French knew of the colonialist ambitions of the English, the Spanish and the Dutch. King Louis was determined to ensure colonial, and ultimately continental French domination over North America.

Ultimately, the Sun Kings aim was to create a strong France, a stable France, both domestically and on the international stage. Europe had been at war for thirty long years, and nobody, least of all the French, wanted another three decades of misery, death and despair. The Sun King knew that, if he was to achieve true greatness, as was his divine right, he would have to do it shrewdly, politically, and without much bloodshed, if at all possible.

[Firstaria]

The Doge Danilo was tired. Again, the European continent suffered a war, and believed it could treat Italy like a trading material, like you do with your fish at the market.

He spoke to the assembly of Venice that the time had come: Venice was still a strong republic, but if they let things go on, they will simply become weaker and weaker until some other nation would sack the city and give them to the Austro-Hungaric Empire or worse, to the Ottoman.

" We should prepare ourselves, and put back what once was the center of the world, the nation of Italy. Our people must prepare to war, because right now the Duchy of Milan is weakened and the Habsburgs house is in no state to protect them. With this, Venice will expand the republic claims and free Italian people from the dominion of the foreigner. We should prepare...to war! "

The assembly approved of the idea of expansion for survival, especially if the attack would be quick before the winter would arrive. Then, the nordic enemies would not dare to cross the alps with the torments on the mountains will strike.

[Seven United Netherlands]

Dutch Republic

The Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden (Republic of the Seven United Netherlands), also known as the Republiek der Verenigde Nederlanden (Republic of the United Netherlands), the Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Provinciën (Republic of the Seven United Provinces) or simply the Republiek (Dutch Republic) is a federation consisting of seven states. The seven states are Holland, Zeeland, Gelderland, Utrecht, Friesland, Overijssel and Groningen. Of these, Holland is the largest and most important.

In 1585, the city of Antwerp surrendered to the Spanish. Following the surrender, the Dutch fleet was kept in position, blocking the city's access to the sea and cutting it off from international trade. Many of Antwerp's skilled tradesmen moved to the northern protestant provinces, laying the foundation for the "Golden Age" in the Dutch Republic. In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was founded, and it came to dominate the trade of New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra and Java. In the West, the Dutch settled and traded in the Caribbean, Brazil, and North America. Dutch ships carry goods for many other countries, and Dutch religious toleration attract many productive immigrants. In total, there are 16000 Dutch merchant ships, which is more than the merchant fleet of all European nations combined.

Even in Europe, the Dutch are thinking about expanding. The remaining Spanish parts of the Netherlands are threatened by the Dutch and an attack is expected soon. Several small counties inside the Republic which are now part of the Holy Roman Empire will be annexed soon and the Lordship of Overijssel is planning on annexing county of Lingen. This has lead to severe protest from the Bishop of Münster though.

[Persia-Iraq]

The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest in the Old World. Stretching from the Atlantic coast of North Africa to the borders of Persia; From the Arabian Sea to the borders of Christian Europe. It was the crossroads between east and west......and it was becoming worn.

The once great crossroads of the world has become Stagnant and fallen behind as the Europeans made strives in technology and colonized the New World. It was time for that road to be repaired.

The Ottoman Empire, sharing borders with the Austrians, Poles, Italians, and Russians to the north, was a prime target for expansion, but the Turks aren't ready to go down just yet. They still have glory to find and lands to conquer, and the Europeans will have to wage the war to end all wars to stop them.

The Turks are looking forward to catching up with the Europeans; they must modernize, westernize, and mobilize to defend their northern borders from the Christians once more.


Their eyes were falling heavily on Italy...

[Jade Confederacy]

The Spanish Empire, one of oldest and currently the largest in the world seeks to reestablish itself as the sole superpower of its time after the disastrous war in the mid-17th century. New Spain, Spain’s primary colony spans over nearly all of the New World and is the envy of its peers. From its colonies Spain is able to extract vast fortunes and valuable trade goods.

With its wealth Spain will attempt to rebuild its lagging army and navies. New galleons and merchant ships were laid down in the dry docks as thousands of additional troops were trained for any upcoming conflict. Spain has also begun constructing a series of fortification in Milan and the Spanish Netherlands. Vast road networks have also been planned in an attempt to further strengthen Spain’s power over its European holdings.

The King of Spain wishes his colleges in Europe peace and prosperity, but affirms that he will use force if Spain’s integrity is threatened.

[Priory Academy USSR]

The Royal Court, Edinburgh

'Well, it seems as if Charles has not arrived to these proceedings of the Scottish Royal Court. Again. Nonetheless, we shall proceed. Concerning the matter of the feud between Clan MacArthur and Clan O'Sullivan...'
Business as usual in the Royal Court. Scotland continued to plod along behind the rest of Europe, yet it's position became much more tenuous. After the unity of the crowns of England and Scotland, the Auld Alliance with France had slowly began to fall apart. That meant that England could do to Scotland as it pleased. Luckily, the English Civil War had destroyed England's ability to fight, although most nobles were surprised at the rate at which Charles brought them back to speed.
Sir Harold, one of the most powerful nobles in the court, signalled to several others to join him once the proceedings had finished.
'My, friends, we have a dilemma. All of us here, and I'm certain many others too, desire Scotland's complete freedom. Many saw the Civil War as the time to sever all ties with England, but we were too cowardly. Now we have a choice; strike now, while England is still recovering, or wait until another war embroils their armies. Neither solution is perfect, but we must choose now if the plans are to be set in motion.' 2 of the 7 voted for immediate action. 3 of the 7, including Sir Harold, voted for patience. 1 stayed silent.
'Very well. We wait. But start preparing. See who we can trust, and who will support England. Begin stockpiling weapons, and try to find out any English fortifications and soldiers south of the border.'
Everyone was clear with their instructions, and they all silently slipped away back into the city.

[Persia-Iraq]

The ruling Sultan will be staying in power until our prince Mehmed IV comes of age. He is too young to know of the Empire's ambitions and the aids and viziers are not to be trusted with the emperor's power.

News was coming to Constantinople from the rest of Europe in waves. The English civil war seemed over; Either way, their troubles meant the Ottomans' pleasure. The Italian States seemed to be in a bad spot at the moment. In France, the military was beginning to get smaller and smaller, and the Spanish were being surrounded by the hounds of Europe. Poland and Russia were preoccupied with their own matters.

The Dutch, however, seemed to be experiencing a rise in power, bringing in goods and gold from all over the world. This caught the Sultan's attention immediately. Of course, the Ottomans no longer enjoyed the benefits of extended trade, except for their influence in the waters of the Arabian Sea. It seems that along with modernization, a large enough fleet should be built for both trade and warfare.

"The Dutch are on the other side of the continent; They are none of our concern.", said the Sultan. "However, we can take a note from their commercial success. We should be reaping the treasures of the world as well! Our land routes are efficient enough, but a merchant fleet could bring us flowing gold and glory once more!"

[Asharis]

Poland-Lithuania, Warsaw, The Royal Palace.

Jan V Henryk Radziwill, the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania looked over the map of Europe. Poland has been spared the ravages of the 30 years war, praise the Lord for that. This put Poland in an interesting position. Her northern and western rivals had been weakend by the seemingly endless strife of this titanic conflict. Jan´s Kingdom saddled the trade routes between the East and Central Europe. Although trade had been hampered in the extreme by the war, it would return to normal in time. Filling Polish coffers in the process.

The King looked over the maps again. Prussia would like nothing more than connecting it´s fractured territory. The Swedes and their ambition to turn the Baltic into a Swedish mare nostrum, the Tsar of Russia could make both a powerful friend, or a powerful foe. In the south, the Ottomans had to be conidered with great urgency, should they again launch a campaign against christian Europe. But the Turks were weak when it came to technology, but then... the soldiers of the Sultan are numreous indeed. The King knew that he, like all Polish leaders, needs to pick his alliances carefully and his wars equally so. While manouvering around the Sejm at home. And so he considered penning a letter to the Tsar of all the Russians, sending the servants to bring paper, ink and quill.

[Tertland]

The Peace of Westphalia had left Spain weakened. Portugal had taken advantage of that to end the personal union with Spain and to acclaim a king from the House of Braganza, John IV. Although it was now independent, it had to focus on fighting Spain, who still was trying to reassert its control in Portugal. This war, was making Portugal to lose control in Brazil, what allowed the Dutch to take Pernambuco in order to export sugar from there.

The Kigndom of Portugal was trying to expand into southern and central Brazil. It also had small colonies in the west coast of Africa and its still small colony of Portuguese East Africa. King John was focused on establising Portuguese control in Brazil and to expeel the Dutch from there. Still, he feared an Spanish invasion on Portuguese soil or in Brazil.

The army was being modernized and new ships were being added to the Portuguese Navy. After the English Civil War, the Portuguese were willing to reconfirm the Treaty of Windsor between Portugal and England.

[Great Nepal]

Castle de Suprématie
Duchy of Joyeuse

It was early in the morning, and it was time for Duke Louis to wake up, and wake up he did. First order of business, after usual morning routine in bathroom: he climbed down set stairs; about five of them and to the kitchen as he grabbed one slice of sandwich and walked out, shouting in his wake "I will be back by eight; prepare a good meal", as he exited the castle and entered the stable.

There was a fine horse, black and standing tall at approximately 160 cm and weighing about 470 kg on the scale. It had fought with Duke in siege of Gravelines and two other campaigns: just four years ago. Duke grabbed a saddle from the wall of stable and put it on the horse as he patted it on the back and whispered, Eclair, lets go. As he pulled the bridle, Eclair launched from the stable and towards the hills: it was favourite pass-time of the duke and perfect training for his horse too.

He did it so often that those close to him knew exactly where to find him between six to nine in the morning. Not in the castle, but in the hills near it: on his horse. Today, it was one of such days: and the person coming to meet him was quite important one; his chancellor, who too was on horseback. Less skilled than duke, obviously but not bad for novice. Soon two met as chancellor stopped his horse and so did duke. Chancellor bowed to duke from horse back as duke acknowledged it and questioned, "chancellor Richard, what is the situation with the Naples issue"? Chancellor grinned as he said with delight, "sir, I have dedicated resources on it as you instructed me a week ago. As descendant of King René the first, you have legitimate succession claim to raise over Naples." duke was visibly pleased as he exclaimed, "Good! how much do you think will it cost to gain papal blessing?". Chancellor was silent for a while, this was the sticking point however eventually he coughed it up, "sir, it has been some time since reign of René the first; we would need to donate at least hundred thousand thousand livre to papal coffins to stand decent chance of gaining papal favours. Duke took a deep breath, it was a large sum of money: especially if he was to maintain his treasury's weight; so as to wage war against Spanish. However, without papal blessing that wouldn't happen: "all right, send out decree to wealthy men in Duchy asking them to donate some of their wealth in return of receiving titles in Kingdom of Naples. Hundred thousand gets a grand duchy, eighty gains a duchy, fifty gains a county, thirty gains a Barony. Raise approximately two hundred thousand and send men with legal and religious expertise to papacy and get them to recognise me as legitimate monarch of Naples. Try to buy them out for least price possible. Do so as soon as possible." Chancellor nodded as he received his instructions and headed to wealthiest in realm to raise funds.

A weeks latter, funds were raised: all in all four titles were sold out: one grand duchy, two duchies and one county; and total of three hundred thousand livre were raised: ten thousand livre were reduced as one family bought both grand duchy and a duchy. However, that was quite enough: three hundred thousand into papal coffins should convince pope to rule in favour of Duke Louis, or more accurately: His majesty King Louis. Three dignitaries were sent to papacy, all with significant legal, religious and diplomatic expertise and were to reach gates of pope in five days time and requested talk with the pope, "we come here, as voice of Duke Louis: devout catholic ruler who has expressed his desire to talk with his holiness Clement IX. Please, bless us with holy father's presence."

[Mishmahig]

Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England had suffered extensively in the past few years, scarred and torn by countless years of war and strife, of father fighting son and mother pitted against daughter. Entire towns and cities were depopulated, dozens of estates and castles put to the torch, and thousands of acres of fertile fields rendered barren wastelands as armies clashed in a flurry of steel and the roar of cannon. Few were the lucky ones who could count themselves unscathed, and none were entirely untouched by the war. For now, however, an uneasy peace lay over the land, and King Charles I governed with a light touch from Whitehall Palace, carefully guiding the war-torn nation back to a time of peace and prosperity. For nearly half a decade, his policies had been directed internally, intended to heal what divides could be healed, or failing that, patch over them to stop the bleeding. England had lost too much, as too many names went unheard in the House of Lords, and dozens of estates crumbled without a noble to claim the title.

Yet, even for all that, there were signs of prosperity returning. The streets of the London and other major cities echoed to the murmur and bustle of the swarming crowds, as the harbor filled with ships returning from overseas, bearing rich cargo, and even richer news. The British East India Trading Company expanding, taking advantage of the lack of internal competition, until it had truly become a monopoly, backed by the power and authority of the Crown itself. To the west and north, ports filled with English colonists heading for Ireland or the New World, their to seek the fabled fortunes promised there. For the most part, England was rapidly regaining what power and prestige it had lost in the Civil War, and the attitude of the Crown reflected that.

With the exception of a few minor rebellions in Ireland, as well as an impromptu Parliamentarian resurgence a few years back, the years had been peaceful, although taunt with tension. For a while, it seemed almost as if the country was waiting for bated breath for the other shoe to drop, and the people drawn into yet another war, but things had changed. Now, with King Charles ruling with a strong but light grip, hopes were running high for a lengthy period of internal peace. England was calm, Ireland was pacified, and only Scotland remained. Whispers and rumors of unrest had reached the ears of the Royal Court, and King Charles was not about to let another outbreak of violence ruin the future he was building. Spending long hours locked in his rooms with his advisers, he poured over documents and treaties, maps and reports, genealogies and missives. At last, a royal messenger was dispatched, bearing a message for the Royal Court of Scotland, a message to be read to all nobles, declaring that they must again swear their allegiance to King Charles I, the rightful possessor of the throne of Scotland, and the Defender of the Protestant Faith.

[Priory Academy USSR]

At last, a royal messenger was dispatched, bearing a message for the Royal Court of Scotland, a message to be read to all nobles, declaring that they must again swear their allegiance to King Charles I, the rightful possessor of the throne of Scotland, and the Defender of the Protestant Faith.

The messenger arrived at the Royal Court of Scotland, and only Sir Harold of the rebellious nobles was there to greet him, the rest away gathering supplies and information. Several other nobles were in attendance, some fiercely loyal to England, and the rest caring little as long as their lands were left alone and the taxes weren't too harsh. The messenger walked into the centre of the room, and read out the message from the King Of England. 'Charles I, King of England, demands that all knights, nobles and clergy of Scotland pledge their full allegiance to him as Charles I, the rightful possessor of the throne of Scotland, and Defender of the Protestant Faith.'.
A hushed silence fell over the room. A few of the pro-England nobles applauded, but stopped as they saw the steely looks of nearly every other noble in the Court. The court was adjourned for the rest of the day, and Sir Harold left with some of the other nobles. For him, this was a mixed blessing. Doubtlessly, some of the neutral nobles would have been swayed to Scotland's side for the sheer audacity of Charles' demands, yet it also meant that they would have to act fast, before his loyal nobles could gather a professional army to hold off the English. Any delay would likely mean a mobilisation of England's forces to invade them, which was something Scotland would be unlikely to stop.
Sir Harold decided to act. He sent a messenger to the Highland Clans, asking them to rally to Scotland's banner like they had done in the old wars. Admittedly, their weaponry and training was nothing on the English Army, yet their bravery was renowned throughout Europe. Another messenger was sent to the towns of Scotland, asking for any men, young or old, to rally for Scotland's cause. Yet another was sent to tell all of his friends to return as quickly as possible to Edinburgh, ready or not. Finally, he himself went to gather all nobles that would fight for a truly independent Scotland.
'Friends, countrymen, the time to choose has come. If we sit idly by, Scotland will fade into history as the nation England conquered. But if we fight, either we shall win our freedom for our children, and our children's children, or go out with the greatest flame Europe has ever seen!' The room he had gathered the nobles in turned to chaos. He couldn't tell if people supported him or not with all of the shouting. Only time, and the size of the camp outside Edinburgh in a few weeks, would tell if his gamble was worth it.

[Great Nepal]

Papal states
Pope Innocent X, responded to request of fellow Catholics positively and allowed the delegates to enter his chamber and three did, and bowed in front of his holiness before commencing "holy father, it is our delight and to see you in person." Pope smiled as he instructed them to sit down, and they obeyed.
First delegate, Jonshon spoke "your holiness, we are here on behalf of Duke Louis of Joyeuse and speak on his behalf. He has requested us to forward his apology for not being able to be here personally. As you know, Kingdom of Naples is currently ruled distantly from Madrid, by a king that never visits his subjects, that is out of touch with problems and issues of fellow catholic populace in Naples. With Spanish Empire collapsing around the globe, duke is concerned that catholic populace in Naples will sift down the priorities of Spanish King. This will cause great deal of suffering to those in Kingdom of Naples: which I am sure your holiness will agree is simply unacceptable." Pope nodded in agreement. Second delegate continued, "Also, there is real threat that when Spanish ignore their subjects in Naples, infidels south of Mediterranean could try to spread their dirty face in Naples: threatening catholic faith throughout the globe. Furthermore, there are serious inconsistencies with Alfonso I's claim to the throne of Naples however he inherited the throne following death of King René of Anjou. Duke Louis is descendant of King René and thus, he seeks your blessing to inherit the throne of Naples and he will be a much suitable ruler of the Kingdom to the extreme benefit of the local populace and catholic faith." Pope this time, wasn't too convinced; you could tell from from his face. However, before he could say anything third delegate said, "and, Duke Louis has instructed us to provide papacy with approximately hundred thousand French livre to fight against the infidels." Pope was impressed, however he knew better. He simply replied, "that is very considerate however not quite suffice to fight the heretics. About fifty thousand would be helpful..." Delegates smiled, that was less than they expected. First one replied, "Anything the papacy desires for its struggle against infidels! Hundred and fifty thousand, holy father."
Pope smiled as he put his holy seal upon paper and accepted the Duke Louis's claim on throne of Kingdom of Naples and they departed. The delegates sent the letter of approval to Duke as they took hundred and fifty thousand and headed for Kingdom of Naples to gather support for rebellion.
Duke, after receiving letter of approval of pope, sent a scribe to King of France:

Official Diplomatic Communique of Duchy of Joyeuse
To: His highness, King Louis of France| From: Duke Louis of Joyeuse| Subject: Kingdom of Naples| Security: High|
Urgency: High

Greetings your highness,
His holiness pope has seen it fit to accept Duke Louis's claim to throne of Kingdom of Naples, which has been occupied by Spanish: who are obvious threat to world peace. We believe this is great opportunity for French Kingdom to increase its power in Europe and challenge Spanish tranny as well as securing itself a alliance with Kingdom of Naples.
We would like to seek your word that you would support us in conflict against Spanish Empire over Kingdom of Naples.

Duke Louis of Joyeuse

[Royal Britannia]

To: Duke Louis of Joyeuse
From: His highness, King Louis of France

Encryption: Very High

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Dear Sir,

France would indeed be happy to help the rightful leader of Naples regain control of the throne from the Spanish tyrants. Whilst a full war in Europe would be detrimental to my people, I believe it is necessary and just for great powers such as ourselves to ensure an everlasting peace in the future, starting with the conquest against the tyrannies within Europe. It is thus that I give you my word that France shall support such a campaign against the Spanish Empire.

Sincerely,

His Royal Highness
King Louis of France