MEuro playing field [Archive] - Alternate History Discussion Board

DuQuense

July 4th, 2005, 08:38 AM

Early Febuary Warsaw Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania

his Majesty, King Armand Jean Du Plessis, sat in the Royal Library, Not because he was fond of Books. He was, But It was also one of the Warmest rooms in the Castle. He was meeting with Hetman Stanislaw Koniecpolski , and discussing the recent problems with the Khanate of the Crimea. “So I want you to take 1,000 Hussars from the Austrian Border and Attack the Khanate. This is not a Conquest, but punitive Raid. I have...” As he stopped speaking Hetman Koniecpolski, knew that meant the King had other plans. the King always had other plans. Twenty years ago the Szlachta had chosen a young 22 year old , French Duc's son, just before he became a Bishop, they thought that they could control him. now some Wags in the Palace, claimed that the King didn't buckle his shoes with out two different plans. Others said that Two was underestimating the King.

The Hetman Answered, “1.000 Hussars isn't much of a Raid”
“No, the Hussars are just for Show. I am sending You Because You put down the Rebellion among the Cossacks two years Ago. I want you to recruit a Force from the Zogarican and the Don Cossacks. ?Do you expect this to be a problem?”
Startled Stanislaw Koniecpolski looked at the King. “ Half the problem two years ago was due to our attempts to keep them from raiding the Border. Tell them Whe want them to, and I'll have half the Tribesmen from both Tribes. The problem will be keeping them under Control.”

“Good, I'm sure you can do that with the Hussars, But Lent and Easter, will be upon us, by the time you are Ready. Shall whe say Easter Monday.”

DuQuense

July 4th, 2005, 08:53 AM

Early April, Saxony

Clan chief Gandalf Thorsin Had had enuff, this latest raid by the Ostrogoths to the northeast had to be Answered in Force. He had sent out the War Axe to summon all the men of the Clan, as well as their Allies. As soon as they were assembled. They would march north to the Coast and then East. Going around the Border were the Ostrogoths were Patrolling.

Aussey

July 4th, 2005, 05:15 PM

Early May
Edingburg Palace
Kingdom of Scotland
Mary walked quickly down the hall to the Council Room. The Great Lords of State had been wanting to congregate for sometime now. Queen Mary was told it was to discuss how to deal with the Protestant "kingdom" of the Orkneys.

Her husband, Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand III Prince-Consort of Ireland, and King-Consort of the Irish walked directly beside her. The guards opened the door, and announced the two Majesties "Announcing Her Imperial Majesty, the Queen of Scots, High Queen of the Irish, and Holy Roman Emperess. Announcing His Imperial Majesty the Prince-Consort!"

Mary and Ferdinand were schocked.There, at the table, sat the English ambassador of her rival, Queen Anne. Mary sat down at the top of the table, and Ferdinand next to her. For being the most powerful man in the world, he didn't demand much in Scotland. When the Great-Lords offered him the the title "King-Consort" he replied "I could not take a title greater than my wife's in the kingdom she was born to rule."

Anyways, after the two sat down, the Duke of Albany said "Her Majesty Queen Anne of England has sent His Grace the Earl of Essex, to deal with our treatment of Protestants in Scotland, and also in Ireland." The Holy Roman Emperor nodded, and the Earl stood up to present, his presentation.

"Your Majesty. As High Queen of the Irish, we feel the treatment of Protestants in the former English kingdom of Ireland. Our kings worked hard to plant Protestantism, and..." but the Queen interrupted "Your Grace, I know of the English attempts to plant Protestantism in the Irish. The Irish are Catholic, Scotsmen are Catholic, any kingdom I rule shall be Catholic. Now what right do you feel you have coming to the Queen of Scots and High Queen of the Irish, telling me how to deal with heretics in my realms."

The Lords looked around and agreed. All but the Lord McClellan from the Orkneys smiled in agreement. Ever since the the Scottish Inquistition was brought in by Mary I, the Lord from the Orkney's had been the only Lord-Protestant in Council.

"Lord Essex. You are excused. You may tell your Queen this: I am the ordained Queen of Scots and High Queen of the Irish. I will enforece the True Religion by any means necessary. And on the matter of the 'border' fights, tell Anne not to send boys to fight Mary Stuart. This Council is dismissed."

Mary and Ferdinand left and retired to to their chamber, and the Earl and his delegation started to leave the Palace. All but one member of the English Delegation returned to London. The Earl was arrested for Low Treason, and not allowed to leave the Scottish border.

reformer

July 4th, 2005, 05:31 PM

About three hundred troops. . . not enough to make a huge difference on the entire european map, but enough to prove a point.

The Republic would not be invaded agian. It would never be invaded again. It is one thing for a country to send its troops to invade a foreign land, but it is quite another to have your own homeland under seige.

The French simply didn't think the Dutch had the willpower. They supposed that decades upon decades of brutal occupation would weaken the spirit.

They were terribly wrong, and they were about to realise the exstent of their mistake, for in about four hours 300 troops would cross into french territory, and kill that damn cardinal while he visits the garrison. His Emminence was also carrying a dilicious escort of gold and silver, from 'donations' by 'reverant' French lords.

The garrison will not be inspired by the cardinal, nor, for that matter, would the garrison even be alive. And the cardinal will top them all, piled deep in some unmarked grave in Flanders.

These would be the course of events as for the first time in their history, the Dutch fought back.

Or it would have been, if the most unlikely thing possible destroyed all hopes of a quick war, and brought the Neatherlands into a world they could not possibly be prepared for.

Imajin

July 6th, 2005, 09:13 PM

London
Kingdom of England
Event Day

"We've recieved odd messages from the west, your Majesty." The man said in French, which had remained the legal language of England since the Norman Conquest. "From a line extending roughly from the Hampshire/Sussex line, up to Northumberland/Cumberland, seems to have changed somehow."
"In what way?" asked the monarch.
"They seem to have become, well, Welsh."
"Welsh? Whatever do you mean?"
"That's all I can say, really. Men who were once Loyal Englishmen yesterday now speak that gibberish the Welshmen call a language, and they seem to think themselves outside of England."
"Well, we'll put down this 'Greater Wales'. Rally up the Redcoats, we'll make sure the Welsh are put in their place."

Aussey

July 6th, 2005, 09:43 PM

Edingburg
Kingdom of Scotland
Event Day

The Queen had departed for Ireland a few weeks earlier, and the Holy Roman Emperor, as Consort, was busy dealing with all the problems in Scotland.

On Event Day, the Emperor Prince-Consort was meeting with the Privy Council. "And what updates have we recieved from the High Queen, and the Irish government?"

"Your Imperial Majesty." one of the Lords began "Her Majesty the Queen of Scots has safely landed in the Pale. Reports come in that the Irish are cooperating very well with the Scottish engineers in modernizing the island. The last few of the Protestant lords are currently on a ship heading to the Orkneys, and the Protestant settlers from England are beginning to be burned at the stake. Her Majesty and the Irish Assembly has introduced the Irish Inquistion."

"And what of the situation with Queen Anne, and the heretic English?" The Emperor Prince-Consort asked.

"Well, Your Grace, we have odd news from our neighbors to the South."

"Well, out with it then!" the Emperor snapped. He could not stand the way these Scotsmen never finnished what they were saying.

"On and oddly good note. Eastern England seems to have entirely become a Roman Catholic kingdom, under a King Charles from the Platagent House. They also seem to be in control with the entire Western coast of France."

"Roman Catholic, and under the Platagents? What in God's Name is going on? And what of Western England Lord?" The Emperor asked.

"Well, that is also odd. A sort of greater Wales seems to have been established. The king is unclear and they seem to claim heritage from Arthur. Their religion, is also Catholic, though not Roman."

"How can they be Catholic and not Roman, Lord? You are making no damned sense." The Emperor Prince-Consort yelled.

"The mainly are 'Celtic Catholic' and that is all we pick up."

"Write to the Irish Assembly in Dublin. We need their High Queen to return here. The Queen of Scots just might be able to become Queen of England if we can ally with one of these Englands. As a matter-of-fact, write a letter to this Charles I. Tell him we are interested in his history, and that we wish to enter into an alliance with him. That all we want is some of western England."

"Yes Your Imperial Majesty."
__________________________________________________ ____________
To: His Highness King Charles I of England
From: His Imperial Majesty Emperor Ferdinand, Holy Roman Emperor

Your Grace,

Here in Scotland and Ireland, I have come to knowledge of your country's existance, and practice of Roman Catholicism. The Prince-Consort of Scotland and Ireland is me, His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand Habsburg. I wish you to send a representative to Edingburg Palace to discuss the situation is western England.

Signed,

Ferdinand Habsburb
Holy Roman Emperor
Prince-Consort

reformer

July 6th, 2005, 10:36 PM

Mecklenburg Embassy, London

Sir. Brutter, a Saxon nobleman, and currently stationed as the temporary ambassador to England, noticed something rather peculiar. A rather strong, sudden flash of white streamed into his window. He got up to check if there was a problem. Seeing none he crawled into bed and went back to sleep. When he awoke the next morning, he noticed something even stranger. The streets, though similar, were decorated differently, and his favorite drinking spot now bore the sign of a blacksmith's shop.

One thing came as a spectacular shock. The rather friendly looking small Church around the corner, Church of England of course, had completely changed. It was the same building, but it was now decorated with gargoiles and statues of the saints. Brutter had believed that such signs of Papal tyranny had been torn down after the Reformation. He called his messanger and recited a message to the king of England.

To his most Christian Majesty from the coalition of Free Germany, headquartered in Mecklenburg
We demand to know what's going on. Your city wreaks of slavery to Rome. What the hell is going on? We pressume that you will maintain monitary support for our deffense against the Austrians.

Aussey

July 6th, 2005, 11:49 PM

I, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor Ferdinand, Prince-Consort of Scotland and of the Irish, do hereby order 2,500 men to annex northern Breton. It is hereby claimed in the Name of Mary II Queen of Scots. The said Queen is hereby declared Princess of Upper Breton.

Ferdinand Habsburb
Holy Roman Emperor
Prince-Consort

reformer

July 6th, 2005, 11:51 PM

Um, Aussey. . . we aren't even sure who's playing the country yet. . . and you have no contact with it. . . are you sure your ready to just annex it?

Imajin

July 7th, 2005, 12:52 AM

((OOC: Umm.. Aussey, you're going to see some problems with England over this. You see, we still think of that land as English...))

London
Kingdom of England
Event Day

Charles stared at the letter, coming from an Embassy which he swore had not been there yesterday.

To his most Christian Majesty from the coalition of Free Germany, headquartered in Mecklenburg
We demand to know what's going on. Your city wreaks of slavery to Rome. What the hell is going on? We pressume that you will maintain monitary support for our deffense against the Austrians.

He began to write out a responce.

To: The Embassy of Mecklenburg
What is this talk of "slavery to Rome"? You sound like a Puritan, speaking against His Holiness.
Meanwhile, we have had no such defense agreement with you against the Habsburg Dynasty, which we presume you refer to as "Austria" (Though Does His Imperial Majesty not reside in Madrid?) Of course, if you wish to negotiate a loan agreement, this is permissable.
His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

Later in the day, a message was recieved from the Scots, with a surprising reaction:

Here in Scotland and Ireland, I have come to knowledge of your country's existance, and practice of Roman Catholicism. The Prince-Consort of Scotland and Ireland is me, His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand Habsburg. I wish you to send a representative to Edingburg Palace to discuss the situation is western England.

"Our country's existance?" said Charles. "This is surely odd... Have the Scots decided to ignore our past? And what is this about the Habsburgs?"
The note speaking of annexation worried him more.

To: The Kingdom of Scotland
What does Your Imperial Majesty, if you are indeed the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand von Habsburg, wish to presume by saying that you have learned of our existance? Scotland and England have had a long history of intermittent war and mutual dislike (though we have been friends of the Habsburgs as of late), and I do say I am surprised to see your mention of practice of Catholicism. Surely you do not believe we have become Puritan, like the Parisians* seem to be on the verge of becoming?
As for what we presume to be a Welsh Revolt in Western England, this should have no bearing on Edinburgh. We believe this to be a internal problem of England, which should be finished off shortly. Please rescind your annexation, or we shall be forced to take action against your nation.
His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

*- Eastern France, in England-France's TL

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 02:58 AM

Ok. Someone has to claim France. Protestant, Catholic, OTL, or Carthaginean, almost don't care anymore. We need it. And I pressume we have other active players as well. . . is General Paul

Message: Mecklenburg to whoever is in Bavaria
We, the free German states are in a crisis. The world is changing around us, and by the grace of our lord we have fought on against the Austrians, who are is anything more powerful than ever. In our land your armies are that of Catholic injustice, but there is a chance that by the grace of God you have turned to the light. We are at our last hour. To put it frankly, you are simply the last hope for the Protestant movement. We believe that even England has fallen. This may be the end of humanities survival on earth. Armegeddon approaches. If there is any mercy in this hell, help us. (they're kinda desperate here)

Mecklenburg to Denmark, by diplomat already stationed there
We are greatful to see that Rome has no controll over your lands. Sadly we notice that your churches have changed form. . . we must ask, are you still members of the true faith? And as such, may we pressume that you will aid us against the Hapsburgs?

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 03:20 AM

I'm Sorry, But London would take several days to get word from Wales, and 5-6 days before they get messages from Scotland [? How fast do you think Horses Run anyways?]

And it will probably take a week for Horses to get from Mekleburg to Denmark.

You should be writing about people at your Borders, or your soldiers who just appeared At their homes, overnite.

Aussey

July 7th, 2005, 03:29 AM

To: The Kingdom of England

Your Highness, I would not want you to get a bad-impression of the Scots government, indeed my wife, Queen Mary of Scotland, High Queen of the Irish, Sovreign Lady of the Scots and Irish, would never forgive me for ruining a chance to ally with Catholic England, over historically English territory.

However, only yesterday, England in its entirety was under the Protestant control of the heretic Queen Anne of the House of Tudor-Dudley, who was the 5th holder of the title "Supreme Head of the Church of England" which broke away from Rome when the Pope would not grant King Henru VIII Tudor a divorce from his wife, the Princess Catherine of Aragon.

Anyhow, all traces of the Tudors and the Anglican Church seem to have disappeared, and I will gladly rescind the annexation of the Principality of Upper Breton into the Scottish kingdom.

On another note, I am upset to hear your disbelief that I am the Holy Roman Emperor. Indeed I am the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand von Habsburg, Prince-Conostr of Scotland, Prince-Consort of the Irish, and Second Husband of the Queen Mary of Scotland and the Irish. Her previous husband being the previous Holy Roman emperor.

It is also disturbing that you style yourself "Lord of the Pale" was not the Irish crown transferred from Elizabeth I to Mary I decades ago? Scotland and Ireland have been independent of each other while retaining personal union for generations, and in the event that has happened, has kept the Irish and Scotsmen under the personal union through both sharing a single Sovreign Lady.

As Regent while my wife is spending the traditional time in Ireland (as she is High Queen of the Irish and their Sovreign Lady), I wish to send the Duke of Albany and a few others, as the official delegation of the Queen of Scots. We look foward to your reply.
His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, Prince-Consort of Scotland, Prince-Consort of the Irish

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 03:58 AM

Several miles South of Breman, Kingdom of Greater Denmark
Count Franz Benhke Like 98% of his countrymen was asleep when the World changed. The nite watchmen on the Castle Walls, Noticed the nite lites, But they were nothing to raise the Alarm.
But In the early Twilite,as dawn was beginning and it became lite enuff to see the Alarm was raised.

The Count stood on the south wall of the Castlegazing in disbelief, 2 Miles south were broad fields and pasture laid when He went to Sleep, Ws now a line of Forest, Thicker and larger, than any the Count had ever seen.
As the Church Bells started Ringing for Morning Services this Easter Morning, on of the Armsman started to say “Church, My Lord..” when the Count decided. “I do not like the looks of those woods, Send out the Men and be sure that everyone between here and the Forest is brought into the Castle.

Unlike the Count to the North Clan chief Gandalf Thorsin Didn't sleep thru the Event, The Sudden lights to the north had caused several of the Watchmen to cry out and the chief had rushed to see, Wearing nothing but his 4 foot war Axe he stood in the Fort yard looking at the Lights, then seeing nothing else went back to bed. There were 3,000 Warriors around the Fort. And they would be heading North at morning light.

Four Hours later

Chief Thorsin stood in the front of the assembled Warriors, as they started out. There was a cold wind* blowing from the north, and He wondered what the, One-Eyed One, had in Store for his People.

*The world of 700 is about 2-3 degrees F Warmer, than the World of 1600,
there are going to be some Storms.

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 04:32 AM

Avignon 1622

The Newly Ordained Pope Saul Had no Papal Land like his Anti-Pope counterpart. He had been the third son of Yeoman Farmer, and his early years had taught him to make use of what he had. So making a Virtue out of a Necessity . One of his first Official Acts, was to issue a Edict calling for The Abolition of all Papal Lands, except those that the Churches stood on, Declaring that Princes of the Church had no Need to be Princes of the Land.

Good Friday, 1627

All across Europe Church leaders traditionally used Good Friday Mass, to Foretell their plans for the coming Year.

Easter Sunday Rome, early Afternoon

Pope Simon put down the Report, It appeared another Lord in North Naples had defected to the Anti Pope. Having his Priest endorse the call for divestiture of the Papal Lands. sometimes He wondered at Gods purpose in Allowing the Great Schism to go on. ?Was He to be the Last Bishop of Rome to sit in the Seat of St Peter?

One of the Secretaries Entered. “Your Holiness, It appears that some of the Men you appointed. to oversee the Papal land outside Italy, have Returned to Rome. Going to sleep, in the lands they oversee, and waking up here in Rome. They are outside wanting to see You” “Yes Show them in. Lets us hear their Story.”

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 05:56 AM

20 April, Warsaw, Kingdom of Poland-Lithuania

His Majesty, King Armand Jean Du Plessis, sat At the window in the Royal Bedroom It was three in the Morning, and He should have been in Bed. Except He was one of those Individuals who seemed to need only Three or four hours of sleep a Nite. And as his Valet would be coming in two hours to wake Him for Morning Mass, it didn't seem like necessary to go back to Bed. As such He was one of the Few People of Power to see the World Change. Except he was More interested in the Report he was reading than the Lite Show outside.

Afternoon

His Majesty put down the letter,from King Louis. 20 years ago the Polish Szlachta had picked the young 22 year old son of the Duc de Richelieu, just before his Father had forced him to become a Bishop. False Modesty aside [and wasn't that just another form, of the sin of Vanity] he Figured that he would probably be a Cardinal by now. But God had Called him to Be King of Poland. As such By the Will of God, He was no longer one of Louis's Subjects. Unfortinitly King Louis didn't see it that way. He keep on trying to order Poland like it was a Province of France.

King Jean Armand, was Willing to Help with the Crusade against the Protestants . He had sent several Companies of hussars to Austria, to help against the Danes, and Swedes. But he wasn't going to throw the entire Nation away. That had been the way of Sigmund Vasa. And his attempts to take the Swedish Throne. No He would work on Holding Poland and let God worry about France and Austria.

As he was think about how to Answer King Louis, In came General Adam Miloslaw , with several young Soldiers.
“Good Afternoon General, ?Are not you Suppose to be somewhere in Germany, fighting desperately against the Heretic, Danes and Swedes?” “Yes I am Sire, and I was, when I went to Bed. But this Morning I woke in My Bed at home.” And You are just now coming to tell me this ?Why?” The General Blushed slightly, “My Wife was Glad to see Me Home. Then I needed to track down some of the Men that were on Watch last Nite, It seems that all My men returned Home the same way. I think You should hear the Stories...........”

Bulgaroktonos

July 7th, 2005, 06:02 AM

Constantinople

Emperor Alexander II Lascaris stood on his balcony, overlooking the greatest city in the world. His armies awaited him on the far side of the Bosphorus, to take the fight to the heathen Ayyubids and Turks and end the centuries of conflict. His father had already begun the work 15 years ago, sacking Baghdad, Basra, and ravaging Turkish Mesopotamia.

Now it was his turn. The Turks would be unable to deal with a concentrated attack upon their central territories, so Alexander was sending his 7,000 of his best musketeers and pikemen with his brother Theodore and the Armenian vassals to seize Mosul. With luck the Turks would collapse in a few months.

Once the Turks were dealt with, Theodore would begin reorganizing the territory with the Armenians, and acclimatizing the heathens to their new Emperor. Meanwhile the remaining 7,000 would join Alexander's column near Damascus, to strike at the Holy City and drive the Egyptians out of the Holy Land once and for all.....

Mayhem

July 7th, 2005, 06:21 AM

Sergeant Maurice Orteuil stood proudly by the grand doors of the Tuileries Palace, his lavishly decorated pike standing tall beside him, gently waving in the cool breeze of early morning. A strange scent was in the air, a sort of tinny crackling which made his nose itch and set his teeth on edge. He resisted the strong urge to scratch, and instead kept beat by wriggling his toes as he had been taught before being sent to France for the duties outlined by the treaties following the War of Savoy.
His nose twitched, and at last the temptation became too much. He lifted his left hand in front of his face (surely noone would attack so close to Palm Sunday anyhow?) and closed his eyes as he enjoyed a good scratch. Then the air changed. Not opening his eyes, he sniffed. That was definately not Paris' smell. He opened his eyes and found himself, with his watch-partner, overlooking Lake Geneva. He blinked a few times to ensure that he wasn't hallucinating, then turned to Sgt Ardell; his comrade had the same look of horror and wonderment on his face that Orteuil could feel himself making. The thought crept into his head that perhaps he was being punished for dereliction of duty, that God was showing him a sign that nose-scratching should not be undertaken while performing the duty of the sentinel, but that made him ask why Ardell was here too.
And yet, looking around him, he could see other members of the Tuileries nightwatch standing just as stunned as he was on the walls of Geneva... Something chilled him to his bones, something was not right; for not only was he now somewhere he had not been a moment ago, but the surrounding lands looked... different; even the Lake itself, which he remembered from his one time here before as being usually placid, seemed to rush together along its length, almost exactly following the line of the border...
Something terrible had happened, Orteuil could feel it. Hurriedly, he gathered all the men to him, and they rushed towards the hall of the Town Council; before the day was out, he would have all the Cantons know of what had befallen; he just hoped the Tuileries remained safe.

Ward

July 7th, 2005, 07:36 AM

In the Palace of Maximilian I of Bavaria D+5

King Maximilian was reading his Bible when Count Philip came in the room .

Sire There is a letter from a Coalition of Free Germany Headquartered in the City of Mecklenburg .

What ? State Maximilian , let me see that letter .

Philip it states here that Austria has growen in power again . When did that happen ?

Philip I want you to take 300 Horse men and go find out what is happening in Mecklenburg .

Condottiero

July 7th, 2005, 08:09 AM

Good Friday, 1627

The Service of the Passion and Death of Our Lord were over. The silent procession advanced thorugh the streets of Toledo. The Senator from Burgos advanced by the representatives of Lisbon and Valencia.

- Trade is secure now in the Mediterranean, we'll have to look to Europe!

- In Europe there are now only heathens, what can we do with them? - The representative from Valencia answered louder - We'll have to keep peace in the Mediterranean!!

- Ssssh, please gentlemen. We have been doing business with the North and nothing has happened, but there are catholics in Flanders that require...

- Require the wool of Burgos, Don Juan, I know what you are pretending. Stopping the wool exportations from England. - The representative of Lisbon said with his musical accent.

- But they are Heretics!!

- Sssh. - This time several of the attendants to the procession make the Burgos Senator to speak softer.

Soon several hands started to point to the sky as an intense light started to spread from East to West.

Lauranthalas

July 7th, 2005, 09:15 AM

Event Day
On a fishing boat 5 miles south of Iceland

Björn and his brothers were again out on sea. Because it was raining the last week all around he was pretty sure that tonight will be without problems. So at the end of the day he decided not to ship home to Reykjavik but to stay out and fish the boat full tomorrow. At around 10pm he fell asleep and as well as all his brothers.
4 hours later his sleep was interrupted. the ship was litterally flying through the waves and the rain was so hard he thought someone would play on his ship like on a drum. It was the worst storm he had ever experienced.
Once they were back on shore he couldn't believe what happened. The air was as warm as never before, and the water less salty. And at the end of the day some other fisher came and brought fish no one had ever seen before.
In a atvern then Björn and 24 other fishers decided to go to Scandinavian mainland and report what has happened.

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 01:07 PM

Do to long distances and hard travel, we have a very stretched out time spand. A day is a least a week or two, sometimes if long distances are needed for armies, we may exspand it to a month if necessary. We don't want the game to be delayed because of slow communication.

Lauranthalas

July 7th, 2005, 05:42 PM

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 06:15 PM

Ok, we'll try that for a while. . . that's fast enough for messages to get across.

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 06:20 PM

Othniel, could you empty your PM box? Its full. And please reconsider taking France, after all, its going to be under attack very soon, by the English and the Dutch. Your prey.

Imajin

July 7th, 2005, 07:00 PM

To: Edinburgh, Kingdom of Scotland

Only yesterday, Scotland was, yes a Catholic, but an ancient enemy of the Plantagenet Realm, with a long-standing "Auld Alliance" against our nation with the Capetian Realm, and was ruled by Queen Mary Stuart.

There has never been a King Henry VIII, there has only been seven Henrys who have ruled over England, and the seventh was an ill man who left ruling to his wife. The only nation we know of that has dared think of breaking away from the One Holy Church are the Capetians and their support of the Puritans.

As for the Tudors, they are a noble family from Wales, and we do not know if they have dissapeared or are rebelling against us. We thank you for rejecting your previous annexation of "Upper Breton", and hope that this was a misunderstanding.

We were merely surprised at the marriage between Ferdinand von Happsburg and Queen Mary of Scotland. However, if this is to be true, we will accept it. However, why were we not invited to the wedding?

As for my title of "Lord of the Pale", this is an ancient title, and refers to the English lands of that Isle, centered around Dublin. The rest of Ireland is in treaty with us. Surely there is no single "High Kingship" to even transfer to Her Scottish Majesty? And we have no knowledge of a Queen Elizabeth in the least, except for various Queen-Consorts.

We would indeed support a meeting of advisors. Shall we hold this in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost city of our Realm? The Duke of Northumberland is my most loyal servant, and can be trusted to meet with your Duke of Albany.

His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

Othniel

July 7th, 2005, 07:02 PM

I empty some of it, however, I don't think I have the heart to play in MEuro, especially as France. I have too much of a heart for Democracy, in its various forms, to play as anything outside of the poltical systems which are fimillar to me. I simply don't have the thought pattern to play this type of mosasic, as I am more of an ancient, and post-1750 type of thinker.

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 07:03 PM

Chief Thorsin lead his Men out of the Forest, Grazing around at the broad Fields. He knew this territory and the Fields should not be here. Spying a Town about 2 miles away on top of a hill He lead his Men to the Attack.

As He got Closer the Chief realized this was no Town, but a gigantic stone Fort. ?Could this Be the Work of the Romans?

Count Franz Benhke Watched the Approaching Warriors and hoped the two Messengers he had sent off with his fastest Horses returned with Help. He also Hoped the two Poaching Rascals returned His Horses, They had been some of his best Bloodstock.

Copenhagen
Baron Svenanski ,Ambassador from Poland, Sat in the Tavern with several other Ambassadors, They had all Lived on the same Street. They were trying to make sense of the Day. It appeared that Sweden had Invaded Overnite and Captured the City. Except the residents were talking about it having been several Years. As they sat there they began to write their reports home.

Hamburg, [Temp] Capital of the Kingdom of Greater Denmark.
King Christian Received the Messengers From the Count. There had been Strange Reports from the South all week, But this was the First news of a Attack. Christian Had his Army Ready for a Attack on Copenhagen to regain the Capital, But this took Preference. He gave the Orders For the Army to head toward Bremen.

Imajin

July 7th, 2005, 07:20 PM

Mutina
Republic of Cisalpinia

The palace was beautiful, covered in gold. The noble families of this state were all patrons of the arts, and the Fredericos, which Nestore, the current Duxas, belonged to, were no exception.
Thus, the palace was covered in golden statues, and brilliant artwork, made by artists who came from across Cisalpinia, from across the Rubicon into Italy, and from as far as Switzerland.
Today, however, the mood was less happy. "The Germans from the Osterreich have extended their rule into Carinthia and Venice, the Schwyz seem to have extended across the entire north, and the west lies in a very primitive state, and many look German* there, though they still called themselves Italia."
Nestore, however, quickly jumped on the situation. "Send a letter to Schwyz, which I shall assume is still the Schwyzen Capital, and ask them what is happening and what is the reason for their expansion. Do the same for the Osterreich, though we may have to wait to get messages from Vienna. But as for Italia, I have no idea what to do..."

*- Before the Plague, the Italians looked more German, especially with the Lombards.

Imajin

July 7th, 2005, 07:48 PM

Tripoli
Event Day

The knights looked over the deserted city. Most of the Arabs had been forced to flee the onslaught of the seemingly unstoppable Knights from Malta, who poured over from their island strongholds, as well as their fortresses of Carthage. The Arabs had burned the mosques as they left, which made it harder to convert the heathen houses into places of Worship.
This crusade was far more of a holy war than those past. The Muslims would be expelled throughout the lands of this former "Emirate", and settlers from Italy, Spain and France would come in. It had happened in Carthage already. Soon, Africa would be reclaimed for Christ, and it would be by the swords of Malta.
A crowd of knights had met in the city square. One of them, a German of Hessen-Neufalen origin named Freidrich von Albrecht, made a proposition. "When we took Carthage, the Muslims called it Tuniz. We have taken Tripoli- Shall we use the heathen name? I say no!"
A burst of agreement came from among the heavily armored Knights. One of them shouted "Let us name it in honor of the Blessed Virgin, who made sure of our Holy Victory!"
The knights agreed, and it was proclaimed that henceforth, Tripoli shall be called Virgin Mary.

DuQuense

July 7th, 2005, 08:11 PM

As the King returned from Morning Mass, there were lots of Couriers and Reports waiting for Him. In the North It appeared that Sweden had moved south from Estonia, and Conquered Cortland. The Nobles were demanding that Poland attack and regain it's territories.
But Jean Armand was waiting, Reports on this new Europe were still coming in. There had been no Reports from his Spies thruout Europe. So King Armand was Waiting.
There was a Report from the South. It appeared Hetman Stanislaw Koniecpolski had swept in the Khanate with over 30.000 Cossacks [ Jean thought that most have been the entire force of able bodies in both tribes] to find nothing but a few Scattered tribes of Goths. He had reached the Sea of Azov, and had turned west, leaving Cossacks behind to hold the territories in the Name of Poland.

Aussey

July 7th, 2005, 08:55 PM

To: The Kingdom of England

Your Majesty, Queen Mary I Stuart ruled over Scotland in the late 16th century. However, we merely wish for you to acknowledge that Her Grace is indeed High Queen of the Irish, a title given to the son (High King) of Mary I Stuart, Queen of Scots, and Phillip II of Spain. Indeed the Irish had the title High King before the English arrived, and offered it to the Infanta Isabella, stepdaughter of Mary I Stuart. However, King Phillip II instead decided to give it to his son by Mary Stuart.

We, by that I mean Scotland, however, do not hold any power over Ireland or the Irish. As I have said, Scotland and Ireland have merely been in personal union, under the same monarch. Traditionaly, this is the time the monarch spends in the Pale and deals with the Irish Assembly. With this sudden Great Event, we have sent letter for Her Grace to return to Edingburgh immediatley.

Upon recieving Your Majesty's letter, I have sent word for Berwick-upon-Tweed to be prepared for the delegations of Her Grace the Queen of Scots and His Majesty the King of England.

As I have stated, Your Majesty's government and officials were not around upon the marriage of Her Grace and myself. I do not usually reside in Scotland, and I have not heard of the Empire and I will be staying in Scotland until I feel it is right for myself to return to the Holy Roman Empire.

If indeed your nation does practice Roman Catholicism, we see no reason to remember the King Henry VII, King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Jane, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, King Edward VII, or Queen Anne as Sovreigns of England under the House of Tudor. We are curious as to your Henry VII as his powerful wife. In our history, Henry VII was the founder of the House of Tudor, and Catholic, he was a great ruler. If you can accept Her Grace as High Queen of the Irish, surely Scotland and Ireland both will accept Your Majesty's claim over Breton and history.
His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, Prince-Consort of Scotland, Prince-Consort of the Irish

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 10:01 PM

Ok, is General Paul in town? We need an Austria. And we really need a France. . . seriously. . . I mean, I'll temporarily play it, but I'd like to see someone else do it.

Remember, we have embassies estabolished, so we can work through diplomats that are not in contact with the homeland. Also, with a two week per day period, messages should arrive that day.

Dutch Embassy, Spain

Historicaly, Spain was of course a strong opponent of the Protestant movement, and a strong enemy of the independant Dutch Reformed movement. In fact, most political prodictors had forseen a war with Spain again sometime over the next five years. But there was hope. Strange rumours were floting around the bars and taverns. . . military units suddenly transported. . . countries changed. . . religion springing out out of nowhere. . . A trip to the Spainish court served one real purpose: to see if they were still a threat.

The ambassador ask the question directly in clear and concise Spainish, a language commonly known throughout Flanders, "Does your nation still bear hostility to an independant Holland and Flanders? Or may we now live in peace. . . Oh, and one more thing, how are your relations with France and that devil Cardinal intent on taking us over? (he does not realise that France has changed yet, for that matter, neither do we. . . somebody claim France for crying out loud!)

Imajin

July 7th, 2005, 10:53 PM

London
Kingdom of England

King Charles sat down and thought. "This Welsh Revolt, this odd Mecklenburg claiming to fight Austria, and a Scotland that claims Ireland... This is all quite crazy. Have the nations of the world decided to play a practical joke upon us?" He paused. "Order an expedition to Dublin. We'll soon see if Scotland really controls Ireland, or is trying to ruse us into giving it up."

reformer

July 7th, 2005, 11:14 PM

Ok, theoretically we've been playing for three days, ie two and a half months. But some people (including Austria) have yet to post. Lets just say that for the next day or so, everything you post takes place some time over the first month (its not like anybody is gonna annex anything immediately, this isn't ME6 v. 1). But everyone be sure to post something so this game can move on. In the meantime, I can't believe I'm still saying this. . . someone take France.

Message, via London Embassy, Mecklenburg to Soctland

You claim to have controll over the Holy Roman Empire. Do these lands include the north German free states? If so then I'm afraid we refuse to follow your allegance. We hope this will not cause a war. Also, are you currently persecuting Protestants or at war with Protestant nations? How many members of the faith are there in your rhelm? Where we come from, Scotland is a major Protestant center, and a source of mercinaries.

Condottiero

July 8th, 2005, 07:51 AM

DuQuense

July 8th, 2005, 08:32 AM

Either whe have to declare France 700's or whe make up one and everyone play it.

1607 French Civil War aka English one. King loses Head and a Huguenot Republic is formed.

And People would not be say 'Where whe can from ' To most people including most Rulers, the world is as God Wills it. and the Idea that there can be many worlds is a Alien Concept. There will be many Burning Stakes over this Devils Brew.

EDIT --or declare it OTL. and let the Mods decide what it's response should be.

Aussey

July 8th, 2005, 09:25 AM

To: The Mecklenburg Embassay, London, England

Before the Great Event, the Holy Roman Empire that I ruled, had a Northern border with Denmark, western border with France, southern border with the Papal States, and Eastern border with Poland and Austria.

When I arrive back in Central Europe with my advisers, I will decide whether or not to enforce the Holy Roman rule. The the Scottish Inquistion and Irish Inquistion, brought in by Mary I Stuart has been abolished, and we do not persecute Protestants persay...all are sent to the Orkney Islands.

I daresay I consider myself a Neutral person, I wished to establish religious tolerancy in Scotland, Ireland, and the Holy Roman Empire. As long as the Protestans openly take place in Mass on Sunday, I see no reason to forcibly convert them. I wish not to start a revolt, as I have learned my Empire might not exist.

Scotland was, once, almost a Protestant country, until, as I have said earlier, Mary I Stuart married Phillip II of Spain and brought in the Scottish and Irish Inquistion. Now the Protestans reside in the Orkneys, and any Protestant found is sent to the Orkneys. However, in the Privy Council of Her Grace the Queen of Scots, there is one remaining Lord-Protestant, the Lord from the Orkneys.

We also wish you to tell His Majesty the King of England that anyforce sent to Ireland, will be dealt with not only by the Irish Army, but, by alliance and duty, the Scottish Army and the regiments stationed in and around the Pale.
I look foward to discussions with Your Exellency(ies).
His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, Prince-Consort of Scotland, Prince-Consort of the Irish

Aussey

July 8th, 2005, 09:33 AM

Aussey

July 8th, 2005, 10:06 AM

ACT RATIFYING AND APPROVING TREATY OF THE TWO KINGDOMS OF IRELAND AND SCOTLAND. July 22, 1627.

1. The Estates of Parliament, considering that Articles of Union of the Kingdoms of Ireland and Scotland were agreed on 22nd of July, 1627 by the Commissioners nominated on behalf of this Kingdom, under Her Majesties Great Seal of Ireland bearing date the 27th of February last past, in pursuance of the fourth Act of the third Session of this Parliament and the Commissioners nominated on behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland under Her Grace’s Great Seal of Scotland bearing date at Edingburgh the tenth day of April last past in pursuance of an Act of Parliament made in Scotland the tenth year of Her Grace’s Reign to treat of and concerning an Union of the said Kingdoms Which Articles were in all humility presented to Her Grace’s upon the twenty third of the said Month of July and were Recommended to this Parliament by Grace’s Royal Letter of the date the 31st day of July, 1627; and that the said Estates of Parliament have agreed to, and approved of the said Articles of Union, with some additions.
And that the said Estates of Parliament have agreed to and approved of the said Articles of Union with some Additions and Explanations as is contained in the Articles hereafter insert And suchlike Her Grace with advice and consent of the Estates of Parliament Resolving to Establish the Catholic Religion and Roman Catholic Church Government within this Kingdom has past in this Session of Parliament an Act entitled Act for securing of the Catholic Religion Roman Catholic Church Government which by the Tenor thereof is appointed to be insert in any Act ratifying the Treaty and expressly declared to be a fundamental and essential Condition of the said Treaty or Union in all time coming.
Therefore Her Grace with advice and consent of the Estates of Parliament in fortification of the Approbation of the Articles as above mentioned And for their further and better Establishment of the same upon full and mature deliberation upon the for-said Articles of Union and Act of Parliament Doth Ratify Approve and Confirm the same with the Additions and Explanations contained in the said Articles in manner and under the provision after mentioned whereof the Tenor follows.

Article 1 (name of the new kingdom)
That the Two Kingdoms of Ireland and Scotland, shall upon the 1st August next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of Scotland & Ireland: And that the Ensigns Armorial of the said United Kingdom be such as Her Grace shall think fit, and used in all Flags, Banners, Standards and Ensigns both at Sea and Land.

Article 2 (succession to the throne)
That the Succession to the Monarchy of the united Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland and of the Dominions thereunto belonging after Her Most Sacred Grace, and in default of Issue of Her Grace be, remain and continue through Her said Grace, and the Heirs of Her body, being Roman Catholic, upon whom the Crown of Scotland is settled by an Act of Parliament made in England in the Reign of Her late Grace Queen Mary the First entitled An Act for the further Limitation of the Crown and better securing the Rights and Liberties of the Subject;
And that all reformists and persons marrying reformists without the consent of the Sovereign Lord of the Scottish and Irish, shall be excluded from and forever incapable to inherit possess or enjoy the Imperial Crown of Scotland & Ireland, and the Dominions hereunto belonging or any part thereof; And in every such case the Crown and Government shall from time to time descend to, and be enjoyed by such person being a follower of the True Religion (that being the Roman Catholic Rite) as should have inherited and enjoyed the same, in case such reformists or person marrying a reformist without the consent of the Sovereign Lord of the Scottish and Irish was naturally dead, according to the provision for the Descent of the Crown of Scotland, made by another Act of Parliament in England in the Reign of their late Majesties King-Consort Phillip II (also King of the Spanish kingdoms) and Queen Mary the First entitled an Act declaring the Rights and Liberties of the Subject, and settling the Succession of the Crown.

Article 3 (united parliament)
That the united Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland be Represented by one and the same Parliament, to be styledd the Parliament of the Isles.

Article 4 (equal privileges of subjects)
That the Subjects of the united Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland shall from and after the Union have full Freedom and Intercourse of Trade and Navigation to and from any port or place within the said united Kingdom and the Dominions and Plantations hereunto belonging. And that there be a Communication of all other Rights, Privileges and Advantages which do or may belong to the Subjects of either Kingdom except where it is otherwayes expressly agreed in these Articles.

Article 5 (style of the monarch)
That the style of the sovereign monarch of the united Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland be: Sovereign Lord of the Scottish and Irish, King of Scots, High King of the Irish, Lord of the Pale, and Great Prince of the North.

Imajin

July 8th, 2005, 05:06 PM

OCC: As of 1:32 AM PST, Our Timeline, Her Grace the Queen of Scots has officially returned to Edingburgh. Imajin- Why are you killing off an expeditionary force? You know they will be killed if they step foot in Sovreign Scottish, ermm, Irish territory...
OOC: It's not an expeditionary force, it's an expedition... You know, look around the town.. Though I suppose if they're attacked as soon as they land in Dublin, that may be a proof to King Charles...
OOC: And why are you excluding "Papists" from the throne of Scotland-Ireland? I thought you were a Catholic Country...

Aussey

July 8th, 2005, 06:53 PM

Oh I said that? It was like 2:30AM and I was trying to retytpe the 1707 Act of Union (England and Scotland) oh well, let me go fix that then...

Imajin

July 8th, 2005, 07:06 PM

To: Edinburgh, Scotland

The Kingdom of England is currently dispatching a diplomatic expedition to the Irish city of Dublin to check your claims to leadership over that island. We are aware that there was a High Kingship in Ireland historically, however, at one point there was also a title of King of Wessex, which no longer exists. We assumed that it was the same with the High Kingship of Ireland.

We are confused by your mentions of "in our history". Surely do not all nations under God share one history, one where the House of Plantagenet rules over England and Western France, one where Ireland is ruled partly by England and partly by separate Kingdoms, and one where Scotland and England have long been at rivalry. What do you mean by "in our history"?

His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

Aussey

July 8th, 2005, 08:12 PM

To: London, England

Your Majesty, I believe that His Highness the Prince-Consort Regent meant by "our history" is that what we have recorded does not match up to what you, Sire, claim to be. However, with Established Roman Catholicism in your nation, upon my arrival from Dublin, I have set the scribes and lords to get the new history of the islands and record them as official Scots-Irish history. It would please me if your Majesty sent your nations records to Edingburgh so my lords can compare and rewrite ours.

I will allow your 'expedition' to Dublin, however by no means will you be allowed to re-establish English presence on the isle. Indeed the High Kingship was ancient, and was only restored during the reign of Mary I Stuart's son.

I wish to hear from Your Majesty on this certain kingdom of "Breton." The Prince-Consort tells me it is sort of a greater Wales? Surely Wales was conquered by England in the 13th century! In our history, king Henry VIII passed an Act of Union of England and Wales. I wish only to see this land returned to England, and apologize for the Scots claim to the principality of "Upper Breton" to which I make no claim as prince.
Her Grace the Soverign Lady Mary of the Scottish and Irish, Queen of Scots, High Queen of the Irish, Lady of the Pale, Great Princess of the North, Holy Roman Empress

reformer

July 8th, 2005, 10:38 PM

Ok other folks out there. . . there's more out there than England. . . Personally I can't really advance my countries untill we have an active Austria and France.

Are we going to go with a collective France, or is someone going to claim it?

DuQuense

July 9th, 2005, 02:25 AM

Letter from King Christian IX

To King Olav Haraldsson of Sweden

Whe Formally request that the Kalmar Union Withdraw it's troops from the Island of Svengald, and the City of Copenhagen.

Letter from
HRH Jean Armand . King of Poland/ Lithuania

To
Olav Haraldsson King of Sweden

The Kingdom of Poland/ Lithuania Requests the immediate withdraw of your troops and the Return of OUR Duchies of Cortland and Estonia.

Imajin

July 9th, 2005, 02:36 AM

To: Edinburgh, Scotland

It is very odd that our histories do not seem to match up. It is agreed that we should, at the meetings in Berwick*, rewrite our histories, though it surely seems odd that we could make such a mistake over years. It is almost as if our nations have been torn asunder from the world, and thrown into a new world with other nations. But of course, such a thing could never happen.

It seems especially perculiar our views on Ireland. England has ruled the Pale and Leinster for many year, and yet, Your Grace seems to have claims on the entire Island. Such a transfer of power is quite unlikely to have gone by unnoticed by England.

As for the nation calling itself Breton, we have no reason to believe otherwise from our beginning opinion, that it is simply a Welsh revolt. Of course, we see no reason why the Welsh should revolt. The Welsh counties and shires are an equal part of England as are the counties and shires that were English before then. Indeed, the Tudors are a very Welsh family, and they have seats in the House of Lords.

His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

*- We should be ready to start that by now.

DuQuense

July 9th, 2005, 02:47 AM

Early July, Count Franz Benhke 's Lands, several miles south of Bremen

Clan chief Gandalf Thorsin, Had known it was a Mistake to attack the Roman Stone Fort. But, His Men where Attacking before He could stop them. Now two weeks after the Romans had teturned in Numbers not seen since Germanius had defeated them 700 years ago. Now they were back, and were about to take their revenge.

He looked at the Romans Surrounding his Men, Three time they had charged the line. And three times those Loud Throwers and the Archers [He had no other name for them] with their funny Sticks had thrown them back.

The old Stories told how the Romans always needed Extra Ancillaries, to Fight with them. Taking his War Axe he lopped off a nearby Branch. Calling his SubCheifs to him, and holding the Branch high in Front they advanced to Negotiate the terms of Employment.

General Vilfred Njord, Was Happy to take the Chiefs Oath of Fealty, and Knew that King Christian would be tickled by the Thought of Himself, as Caesar.

[Clan chief Gandalf Thorsin controls about the top third of the Saxon White Area]

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 02:51 AM

Ok, my countries are in game limbo untill we have an Austria and a France. Has Civilizer agreed?

Ok, a fair amount of time has past, so time for more serious communications:

Dutch Republic to the Orkeny Isles via naval vessel
We have been informed by our embassy in London that your nation is a follower of the true reformed faith, and a place of refuge. We must suppose that the islands must be overcrowded, so we offer free land in the Netherlands, or is prefered (possibly our preference) in the Cape of Africa, a Dutch Rhelm. We cannot exsplain these rare accurances, except for a possible notion: the true in faith have been tested. . . this may be the last days of this cruel world. Toghether as members of the true faith it is our duty to God to prepare Earth for a thousand years of peace.

May we offer you any supplies? Is it possible that we can assist you in a Protestant insurection in Scotland, where we pressume there is a strong Presbyterian community.

Dutch Republic to Denmark, via naval vessel
May we safely assume that your a Protestant nation, but of Lutheran beliefs? If so, perhaps an alliance would be in order in these troubled times.

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 02:57 AM

Dutch republic to Spainish government
We are relieved that you will not be taking military action to reclaim Flanders. We have a request? Will you allow our ships to refuel in your ports on the way to the Cape of Good Hope? We are living in unusual times, and we deem it necessary to insure our overseas stability.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 08:03 AM

Dumfriesshire
Kingdom of Scotland

The fighting between Dumfriesshirans and Cumberlanders had always existed. A sort-of mini version of Scotland and England. However, since the Day of English Reawakening (which is what the Event Day is being referred to as in Scotland), had brought odd peace between the Scottish county of Dumfriesshire and the English county of Cumberland.

The once large, white-washed, church with a wooden sign that said "Saint Matthew" on it, was once again the Church of Saint Mary Magdalen, and the Scotsmen woke up the following Sunday to the smell of insence being burnt (their church was a mile father) and the bells and singing of St. Mary Magdalen, not heard since the death of Queen Mary I Tudor.

Most of the Scotsmen snuck over the border and attended Mass, the 90 year old mayor remembering his youth when Mary Tudor was queen of England. Some of the English looked oddly at them, and continued with mass.

After Mass, the Scotsmen returning from church (in Scotland) came to see a small festival being held between the Scots and the Englishmen. They too found out that "Saint Matthews" had been restored to the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene.

That afternoon at a town-meeting, the Scotsmen petitioned their mayor for the building of a church, so they wouldnt have to walk out a mile, or cross the border to the English church. At first the mayor refused, but after seeing for himself that Mary Magdalene had been restored, he declared the Church of Saint Elizabeth (which had been destoryed by Edwardian Protestant English) would be reconstructed.

To: The county of Cumberland
We wish to ask permission for the Dumfriesshiremen and women to attend Mass at Saint Mary Magdalene's until the reconstruction of Saint Elizabeth's is completed.
James Alexander MacGregor, Mayor of the Town of Dumfriesshire, county of Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 08:04 AM

Edinburgh Palace
Kingdom of Scotland
August 7, 1627

The proposal from the King of Spain had been sitting on Mary’s desk before she left for Dublin. Her Grace’s “Beloved Brother” the King Phillip III of Spain, actually her step-brother, had proposed His Royal Highness the Duke of Andrassy become betrothed to his daughter, the Infanta Maria Isabella. However, the next letter was from the Scottish Embassy in Madrid. The King Phillip, in fact, all the former Spanish officials were gone, and replaced with newer, unfamiliar ones. The letter was dated the Day of the Event. So it looked like the Duke wouldn’t be marrying his step-cousin afterall.

Letters and letters from the Scottish Embassies in Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Rome, and even Constantinople said the same thing. There were all entirely new officials, who did not remember the ambassadors or even in some cases the country of Scotland.

And so the Queen of Scots threw the betrothal papers in the fire.

-The door knocked-

The guards opened it, announcing “His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor & Prince-Consort.” Ferdinand came in sand sat on the couch underneath the window. The Queen looked at him, smiled, and continued working.

“You know darling, Anna is already two. Certainly we you plan on having more children? And, love, you are 37 years of age! You have been ruling for ten years, and our eldest son is only 7! And you had no children with the Holy Roman Emperor Matthias...”

“You knew the man...how could I bare myself to even be kissed by him...let alone have his children.”

“Either way Mary, three sons and two daughters will not make many dynastic ties. More daughters I suppose will. But sons, we only have three! By God my brother’s wife has already borne him 15 children! 8 sons and 7 daughters! And he isn’t even Holy Roman Emperor! You have made James Duke of Rothesay, what a fool I will sound like in the Great Courts of Europe when my eldest son is made King of Scots and the Irish, making this title more than that of the Holy Roman one! My second son taking the crown...”

“...and what of me Ferdinand? Submitting my powers to a man? My distant cousins did that, and how did England tun up? The Tudors don’t even rule England and Wales! Do you want my kingdom, which Divine Providence has seen fit for me to rule, to spend eternity in oblivion? Nay, I say that God in His Majesty has made I, first born of His late Grace King Charles to rule, and By God my eldest shall rule! Damn you! Damn your title! And damn your empire! Surely you were not the eldest son of my late husband! Let your assemblies and parliaments of your divided empire elect a new emperor, if your son, regardless of his order in age, is not good enough.”

“Mary, I never said such! I was merely implying that possibly James inherit not only your lands, but also mine! The child inherits more from its father, as Christ was more like his Father than the Virgin. James, Charles, Robert, Catherine, and Anna are all Habsburgs before they are Stuarts. You end your dynasty Mary. You are the Last Sovereign of the House of Stuart-Darnley, a house short-lived, with only two kings, your father and your stupid self! My children will start a new dynasty in your land! A greater house! The House of Stuart-Darnley-Habsburg, to which I hope before God himself no lass is born into to inherit and bring it to an end, unless she cam provide for Scotland and Ireland in a way which is apparent to me that you can’t!”

“Very well. Guards! Please escort His Imperial Majesty to my sister’s quarters. She is out, and the Prince is not to leave unless I give word. See to it that he has a few able servants and that his meals are brought to him, and tested in his face.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” They each took an arm of the Emperor.

“You forget one thing, Sire. You are in the realm of the Omnipotent Mistress Mary, Queen of Scots. I do as I feel, and no man can take that away. I like to call it, the Divine Right of Kings, and a king I am. king of Scotland and Ireland.”

The Holy Roman Emperor was “escorted” to the Duchess of Albany’s quarters, as she was currently residing at Sterling Palace.

Mayhem

July 9th, 2005, 08:21 AM

Schwyz, seat of the Tagsatzung, great council of the Swiss Confederation
"What do you mean, 'misplaced?'" Councilman Lucianus Helm, Speaker of the Council of Cantons looked at the Captain in disbelief.
"Your honour," began Captain Jurg Genmann of the Papal Guard, "One night we lay ourselves to holy slumber, and in our quarters in Rome, and on the morn, we found ourselves upon unused beds in an hotel at Turin. We thought ourselves in a dream, but it was not so, for days later, I stand before you, and have not traversed Tuscany, Genoa, or the sea itself to be here. We have been, as I said, misplaced by God. I know not why, but it is certain that only by His hand might this be possible."
Helm sat back into his seat at the table and looked around at his fellow councillors. "Well, this is marvellously strange. First, reports of changed landscapes at our borders, and now our foreign soldiers are returned to us. Are there any other strange goings-on to which we should be made aware?"
The Councillor for Savoy, Marcello Savoy, stood. He was a grand-nephew of the Old Duke, appointed more for his competency than his loyalty; the Bernais Soldiers ensured that. "Your Honour, word has reached me that the Republic of Genoa has... been misplaced, to use the good Captain's term. I have not seen it with my own eyes, so cannot comment further." He sat, unwilling to speak more under the unfriendly glare given him by Jurg Stormsmann, Councillor for Uri.
"Thankyou, Councillor, your contribution is noted. Are there any motions as to action, regarding this present course of events?" Helm continued by procedure, knowing not what else he might follow.
Stormsmann stood, his heavy brow lending an air of malice to his sharp and menacing features. "This is a sign from God," he began. "He sends us a challenge, a new duty, as a means of redemption for the heresy of a few tardy men. I believe that this is chastisement for toleration of untrue faiths among the Cantons. Speaker Helm, we must return the true faith to its rightful place, renege on the Treaty of Kappel, and convert the Cantons back to the true Catholic faith. I-"
"Enough!" Helm stopped him with a wave of his hand, standing. "Sit down, Stormsmann. While I too believe this is a sign from the Lord and what you say may true, we cannot leap to the end of the matter. More thought, more discussion is needed before such drastic action is taken. Can't you imagine what chaos would arise throughout the Confederation should we revoke the right to religious freedom which we have honoured for almost a century? No, we cannot be so hasty.
"The first step we must take is to orient ourselves with our new surroundings. Emissaries will be sent out, first to the French King, whomever he may be, His Holiness the Pope in Rome, and the Holy Roman Emperor Hapsburg, each under the protection of our men who had been stationed at their destination. As they progress, they will return word on what they find as they progress, and we shall take action based upon their report. All in favour?" A majority of Councillors stood in Helm's support.
"Excellent. Captain Genmann, you have your orders directly from the Tagsatzung. Ensure that they reach the Commanders of the French and German companies before you set out. I want all three groups on their way before the end of the week." The Captain stood and left the room. Helm turned to the others, "Any further business? No? Then this emergency session of the Tagsatzung is over. You are all dismissed."
Stormsmann was the first through the door.
--------------------------------
In a letter to each of the King of France, the Holy Roman Emperor, and the Pope:
Your {Insert appropriate address to each of the above here},
It has come to my attention that the Lord God has swept the world with a great change, tossing about land and sea, and landing us all where we are, wherever we may be.
It is our humble request, as Councillors of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy, that you do our Emissary the humble service of welcome, and inform him as to the state of the world, that our fears may be placated and our hopes of normalcy be confirmed.
These, our noble soldiers return across your land to do you service as they had been assigned, through appropriate treaties signed by your good self and representatives.
We confirm once more our humble allegience and Christian solidarity,
{Signed by each member of the Tagsatzung}
The Concillors of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy.

**Each Emissary is accompanied by the original mercenary company which was stationed in France, Austria and Rome, numbering around 1000-2000 each, including reinforcements of local boys as they travel outwards from Schwyz. All the men are Catholic, but not ostentatiously so.
They are armed with Pikes and Crossbows and have the usual camp followers with them.**

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 08:32 AM

Sterling Castle
Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland
August 10, 1627

The Duchess sat on her Ducal Seat, while a line of common folk stood outside her door. She was seeing to the problems of the men and women of Sterling. A young squire came in, whispered something in the Duchess’s ear, and the common fold were dismissed. The Duchess and her ladies rushed to her chambers, where she changed into something more fitting. She then walked all the way across the palace to the throne room, where the guards flung open the doors announcing “Her Majesty the Dowager Queen Catherine of France, Duchess of Albany, and Princess of Scots & Irish”

"Catherine. Where is Eleanore?" The Queen of Scots asked.

No sooner had she spoken, when the guards announced

"Her Majesty the Dowager Queen-Grand Duchess of Poland and Lithuania, Duchess of Aberdeen and Princess of Scots & Irish."

And there they were. Two Consorts and a Sovreign, all Queens. Both the Queens Catherine and Eleanore had been in their respective countries after the event, and fled. In Eleanore's case, she brought with her all her children, and they traveled to Scotland as a peasant family. Both sister's returned to their sister's court where they were treated as they should: Queens of France and Poland-Lithuania.

They began talking of a possible ife for the Duke of Rothesay. The Queen's Privy Council had been forced to let these two Dowager Queens join, and now the Queen of Scots consulted them separatley. They talked of possible marriage of the Duke of Rothesay to his cousin, the Princess Henriette Christine, daughter of his Aunt Catherine.

Mary started to speak. "I know both of you have your children here. In both of your's case, a King. A King not recognized by the rest of this changed world, but a king none the less. And you shall be treated likewise. For His Majesty the King of the French, Catherine I have a Palace in Ulster being built as we speak. Of course, you and your other children will live there. I will provide for a Privy Council, and have you establish a government-in-exile. Now you may go." Catherine smiled, and left the room.

"Eleanore. You have with you the infant King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. I have a palace in the Highlands also being built, and the same treatmeant of Catherine's family will apply to yours. You also may go." Elanore thanked her sister and left.

'And what of me and my unhappy marriage?' Mary thought. She suddenly fealt something of a kick in her stomach. She rushed to her rooms and found herself overweight. So much stress with this Event, she had grown fat. 'I must eat much less.' she thought. Not even remembering her missed period for two months now.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 08:45 AM

To: The Dutch Republic

Your Highnesses. The Protestant Kingdom of the Orkneys and Scotland is the true government of the entire British Isles! We know now that our Beloved Queen and Mistress is gone with this reforming event, and until the right heir or sovereign is found, the Regency holds all power.

Sadly, we are not recognized, and hold no defense aside from assorted old guns, smuggled in by fellow Protestant "prisoners."

I am the great-grandson of John Knox himself, Edward Knox. The Protestant Tudor queens (and one king) of England have said that the Knoxes are to rule as hereditary regents. We cannot recieve any foreign items, as the Scottish Navy intercepts all incoming goods. If it is possible, we are in need of the Basic neccessities of life, if possible, a printing press, or plans for one. We have few Bible in English, and have not enough supplies to make our own.

Timber and weaponry are also needed, however we are given autonomy by the Scottish officials, and we know our independence is not capable. This does not stop us from asserting that we are the true Scotland in any way however.

We thank you, and are glad to hear from fellow followers of the true reformed religion, and yes, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland is established in the Orkneys, and was, for a while, established in the Shetlands, under the "Protestant province" was reduced to include only these frigid islands.
His Royal Highness the Prince-Regent Edward Knox, Presiding Bishop of the Church, Rightful Regent of Her Most Protestant Majesty Queen Anne Tudor-Darnley in Scotland, Executive Officer of the Administration of the Protestant Kingdom of the Orkneys and Scotland

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 09:19 AM

DuQuense

July 9th, 2005, 09:19 AM

"Eleanore. You have with you the infant King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. I have a palace in the Highlands also being built, and the same treatmeant of Catherine's family will apply to yours. You also may go." Elanore thanked her sister and left.

Please more Details About her.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 09:57 AM

About the Queen's sister? The Dowager Queen Eleanor of Poland? ?

DuQuense

July 9th, 2005, 10:28 AM

Yes, King Jean Armand would like to know more about his counterpart. And Poland elects it's Kings. The Infant is not the Heir to the Throne.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 10:29 AM

Let's see:

Early life
Princess Eleanor Marie Anna Victorie of Scotland and the Irish was born on August 21, 1597, at Glamis Castle, Scotland, her father's ancestral home. Her father was HM The King Charles of Scots, High King of the Irish, the eldest son of Queen Mary I and HM King Francois II of France. Her mother was Princess Anne Katherine of Prussia, a daughter of the Duke of Prussia. As a child of the sovereign, she was styled HRH Princess Eleanor, Princess of Scots and Princess of the Irish. Eleanor was educated alongside her sisters, Princesses Mary and Catherine, by Royal Tudors appointed by their father, the King.

Affair
Two years after her sister's coronation, Eleanor became embroiled in a public scandal over her love affair with King Sigismund III, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. The King was several years Eleanor's senior and had failed at creating a personal union between Sweden and Poland-Lithuania, which made him an unsuitable husband for a Royal Princess, the Queen's own sister. Eleanor soon came under heavy pressure not to marry the King, with suggestions she would lose her title, Civil List allowance and place in the line of succession. However, she was gradually growing heavier and heavier, and it would only be soon before she had to announce she was pregnant. Taking advice from her sister, Eleanor, Princess of Scots set off to Poland in 1620, already engaged to the King.

Marriage
On May 6, 1621, Eleanor married King Sigismund III in Poland. In honour of her marriage, Queen Mary II styled her sister "Duchess of Albany." She was henceforuth known as "Her Majesty the Queen Eleanor, Queen of Poland, Grand Duchess of Lithuania, and Duchess of Albany."

Together they had three children: Crown Prince Alexander of Poland, Princess Constance of Poland, and Princess Anna Maria of Poland

Titles

Titles
Her Royal Highness The Princess Eleanor (from birth until 1621)
Her Majesty The Queen Eleanor of Poland, Duchess of Albany (1621-1627)
Her Majesty The Dowager Queen Eleanor, Duchess of Albany (1627- )
Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Mrs Antony Armstrong-Jones, CI,

Regency

After the event, Eleanor smuggled herself and her three children out of Poland, and back into the court of her sister, Queen Mary of Scotland. There Queen Mary recognized her nephew as King of Poland and had her sister made Dowager Queen, Queen-Mother, and Queen-Regent of Poland. A government-in-exile is seated at Sterling Castle, Scotland.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 10:39 AM

DQ- Many times were the son of the King-Grand Duke inherited...such as OTL Sigismund III's son...anyhow, King Alexander under the Regency of HM The Dowager Queen The Duchess of Albany has set up an exiled government in Sterling Castle, it will be moved to Ulster soon though...

DuQuense

July 9th, 2005, 10:40 AM

She would have had to have been outside Poland at the time of the ISOT, Maybe Visiting Her Sisters. If She had been in Her Poland She would be lost in the ISOT mists.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 10:50 AM

But then, what Queen-Consort visits her sister (either the Queen of Scotland or the Queen of the French) with the children of her husband?

Well, since ISOT returns all people...Her and her children wind up on a boat all ragged and torn up on the coast of Scotland after the Event...same with Queen Catherine of France, and her 4 children...

Mayhem

July 9th, 2005, 11:36 AM

Somewhere in Tuscany, on the road to Rome (One of them :p)
Jurg Genmann sat uncomfortably on his seat as the carriage rattled on the road. He looked out again, reaffirming his worries. The countryside had... changed, somehow. The houses looked poorer, the people looked dirtier, and the roads looked rattier than he'd remembered them. A lot could change in twelve years, but not this much. He turned across to Master Gotthiff, the Tagsatzung's emissary to Rome, snoring soundly on his own cushion. The man seemed unperturbed at the differences. Genmann almost wondered why the locals hadn't attacked, they seemed so dirty.
As he sat pondering to himself, a rider pulled up alongside the carriage, looking somewhat perturbed. "Captain," he began, "There's a group of soldiers ahead, they look like they hail from Papal lands. What should we do, sir?"
"This far North?" Genmann questioned to himself, then, gently nudging Gotthiff with his boot, replied to the rider, "Go, and bid them greetings, tell them that we bear a message to the Holy Father, and request escort back to Rome."
"I will sir." He took off back up the line.
The emissary stirred, blinking at Genmann, a question on his lips. Genmann replied, "Soldiers, in the Holy Father's colours. Perhaps they heard word of our coming and sent a welcoming escort... But I don't know, we're still only in Tuscany."
"Tuscany?" Queried Gotthiff, "What're the Pope's troops doing in Tuscany?"
______________________________

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 12:02 PM

Edinburgh Port
Kingdom of Scotland & Irleand
August 17, 1627

Further discussion, and the revelation of Mary's pregnancy to Ferdinand resulted in uplifting the Emperor's house arrest, and knowledge of a Pretender in Austria, had resulted in the Emperor preparing to leave.

The Holy Roman Emperor boarded the HMS Saint Andrew and was farewelled with the Imperial gunshot. The long journey to Trieste lay ahead.

Queen Mary was there, also with her was the Queen Catherine of the French, her eldest daughter Princess Madeleine (claimant to the French Throne, not approved...yet). The Queen Eleanor was there too, with her 8 year old son King Alexander of Poland-Lithuania. Indeed many Royals were there. Fit for the leaving of an emperor.

Mary and Catherine rode back together. They had scheduled a meeting to determine whether or not the eldest of Catherine's children (all girls) could claim to be Sovereign Lady of the French. The closest males were Mary's children, and Mary refused.

The Queen of Scots had an idea. Catherine, acting as Consort in the absence of the King, signed into law a semi-salic Act of Succession, allowing the crown to pass to females if all males were extinct or refused. The Princess Madeleine was declared "Queen of the French" to the Privy Council, and Parliament. Thus making Mary Queen of Scots aunt of the Queen of France and King of Poland.

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 12:55 PM

Political Decree: Dutch Republic
In order to inhance the power of the true faith, we hereby request for government use:

1. Parts for 20 printing presses (very common in the Netherlands)

2. 1,000 to 2,000 bibles in English (they of course have the type in Holland for it)

3. A fith of all produce brought in by our farms and fisheries.

4. 12 fast ships able to carry supplies, and well armed, disguised as merchant vessels.

It was a simple request. And no trouble at all. loosing five percent of the crop was no serious disaster.

More imporantly Holland was a trading empire, and as such had one of the most powerful and most able navies in the world, possibly the most. They could easily handle the Scotish.

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 06:25 PM

Hmm. . . I need conflitct. . . everyone else has conflict. . . I think I'll make an incident. . .

Mecklenburg/Poland border

"Look at them stupid papist bastards over there. Can't raise a slimey fist again anyone. If Austria doesn't annex thoes ruffians in about a 5 years, I'll eat my hat." Of course the poor mercinary who spoke these words had absolutely no knowlege of Polish politics or anything. Just that they were Catholic, and that they weren't a serious threat.

Before the Collapse, as the event was being refered to by most more fanatical Protestants in Germany, mercinaries often made periodic raids into polish lands to steal food and money, get a little feminine company (usualy forced. . . adding more exitement) and if lucky getting some ammunition.

After the Collapse, such encouters were strickly forbidden due to the unknown nature of the Polish state, but these men were of an interesting caliber. there homes, and with them all of there loved ones were gone. Dissapeered. Formerly in Baden, now completely under the controll of some new different, though luckily Protestant Bavaria. They had nothing to really care about, except themselves and the whole stupid war, and most important of all: They were all completely and utterly drunk.

The raid was swift, taking no more than four hours, and then they were gone. The village they left behind was a wreck. When the Duke learned of these actions, he summoned the mercinaries to him, arrested them, and prepared to put them on trial as soon as full contact with the Polish people was estabolished as a sign of diplomatic friendship.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 08:24 PM

Edinburgh Palace
Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland
August 30, 1627

The Queen was in shock. She had been given the number of Protestants living in the Orkneys. She turned to her cousin, the Duke of Ross, who was also the Lord-Secretary.

"Damnit James. Banishment to the Orkneys was supposed to extinct them. Instead we return only two generations later, and find a thriving culture with buildings and palaces, and officials, and they claim that Queen Anne was their rigtful queen? Something must be done before any heretic nations find out about them..."

"About that, Your Grace. We have reason to believe the Orkneys are communicating with other reformist nations, primarily the rebellious Spanish Netherlands, under the name of a Dutch Republic."

"Great. Just great. A second Protestant rebellion. James, begin rounding up Scottish and Irish troops. In fact, go out enlisting any boys and men over the age of 16 years..."

"Your Grace...what are you planning to do?"

"A mass extermination of the Protestant Kingdom of the Orkneys and Scotland. I will create my son I am carrying a Duke...no, that won't work...Along with the troops, I want 1,000, not 2,000 Scotsmen and Irish, Catholic they must be, sent to the Orkneys. We are beginning to plant Catholicism in this reformist 'nation.' I will not submit my kingdom to Protestant Lords."

"As you wish, Your Grace."

"And James?"

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"I want the Blairquhan Castle, converted, remodeled, and prepared for a Sovereign."

"If it pleases Your Grace, it will be done. Might I ask who this King be?"

"Her Majesty the Queen of the French."

"Yes, Your Grace. But when did a female inherit the French throne? I thought this new English king was..."

"Nevermind that. Prepare Blairquhan Castle, you are excused, Your Highness!" The Queen almost screamed.

"Y-y-yes, Your Gr-r-race." The Duke stammered, bowed, turned, and almost ran out of the room.

"Ohhhhhhhh" the Queen screamed in pain, clutching her stomach, falling to her knees. Two guards came in, and helped the Queen of Scots to her room. With such a painful pregnancy, the Queen wondered whether or not she or the baby would make it...

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 09:13 PM

Lawrence DeBurke, once Dutch emmisary to London, and a notable politician and administrator in the republic was relieved at the conclusion of his journy up north. He had been ordered by the council to communicate with the Scottish Queen. An underling had been put in charge of British communications.

Scotland, strangely, seemed more of a threat. Apparently instead of becoming a rather patriotic Protestant flag berer, they had gained the leadership in the Holy Roman Empire. Immensily strange, not that the empire had any power of Flanders anymore.

Ever since the colapse, the council had viewed itself as a knight in shinning army ready to save a dead world. It appealed to the reformist mind. The notion of being holier than anybody else seemed to be ingrained in the Dutch mind.

But DeBurke was on a mission of peace. After the rather disturbing journey by boat and by carrige, he was at what was said to be the palace. He told his name and possition to the gaurds, and requested an audience with the queen. His request was simple: "We would like to, if possible, purchase the Orkenys so that we can independatly maintain their freedom." He anxiously awaited the audience.

Imajin

July 9th, 2005, 09:25 PM

London
Kingdom of England

Charles Plantagenet looked over the reports. "So," he said. "It seems that Dublin, which just yesterday was the most English city outside of England, is truly under the control of this Scotland." He sighed. "This all makes no sense. We just recently got back the usual reports from France, and everything seems fine there, though there are some odd reports. But the Netherlands are stauchly Puritan, or what was that word? Protestant. As for Ireland, I believe there is nothing we can do without War, and our bases that we could use are part of this Welsh revolt... I do hope we crush them soon." He then got up. "Prepare a ship for me," he told his messenger. "I shall for the time being reside in France, and check on the Continent."

To: Edinburgh, Scotland

We have seen reports from Dublin and Ireland, and must concede that Ireland seems to be under your control. Thus, we currently recognize your rule over said Isle.

His Most Catholic Majesty, Charles Plantagenet, by the Grace of God, King of France and England, Defender of the Faith, and Lord of the Irish Pale

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 09:26 PM

Queen Mary was seated on her throne. Her sisters stood on either side of her. The Great Lords in the Audience. Minor thrones for the Queen of France and King of Poland had been set up a short distance from the Throne of Scotland. The Court was prepared for a formal visit from no nation other than the Dutch Republic.

The doors flung open and the guards announced "His Excellency Master Lawrence DeBurke, Dutch Representative to His Majesty the King of England"

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 09:43 PM

Lawrence DeBurke quickly stared across the room. Well decorated. To him, in fact, it seemed much to rich for backwater Scotland. Somewhat too bright though, he thought, they overused gold in the decorations. He tended to look at the world through a rather dim light.

He began his proposal: "We are aware the the Orkeny Isles have become a bastion of Protestantism for Scotland. We assume that as such they must be an immense security risk to yourselves. We are traders and merchants, we have little interest in war. The republic does not want to take military action against the Holy Roman Empire. If we buy these lands, and perhaps relocate some of the population to thousands and thousands of miles away, we promise that there will be no uprisings by the Kirk. We request that Presbyterians be allowed to live freely in your lands, but that they be encourage to leave to greener pastures. We are rich, and will be willing to pay in gold. Which, I judge from looking at your decorations, your nation values. This will avoide a war for you, and its not as if the Orkeny's are valuable to the Scotish crown."

Then something happened that truly surprised him. The queen gave out a loud groan. DeBurke had speant 7 years of his life studying medicin, and always kept a few helpful herbs by his side. Her ailment was clear. Preganancy. He rushed to her side, and pulled out his pouch. One herb in particular, one he himself had discovered, tended to be very beneficial to preganant ladies. She was weak, and did not resist, and after giving her the medication he was immediately siezed. He was realeased four hours later when the Queen realised that the herbs had brought back some of her strength. He only prayed that his help may bring forth the agreement.

Aussey

July 9th, 2005, 09:54 PM

"Master DeBurke" the Queen began, when a private meeting was arranged with herself and the Dutchmen. "I wish to thank you for your herbal medication. As a man of medicine, you must know that I am indeed pregnant. On to our discussion, I nor my husband, am by no means Mary and Phillip. We have only recently begun the burning of Protestants in mainland when we learned of over-crowding." The Queen said, and stared at the emissary.

"Further more, I wish to rid myself of these Protestants, yet I cannot bring myself to sell in entirety the lands my fathers fought hard to win over from the Norweigans. To start, I am willing to give your nation the island of Graemsay, in return for your taking of the Orcadians to South Africa, or wherever your prefer." The man nodded as if he was listening.

"Before this event, Scottish ships had set sail for the New World. However now these ships are back in our harbors. We will be sending them out soon again, and I wish to also send the Protestants there. I am willing to sell over a period of 10 years, the selected islands from the Northerns Isles, upon signing a treaty, but this treaty must be able to be broken, with the Dutch retaining the islands they have purchased up until that point. Do you agree, Master DeBurke?"

"Finally, after this is done and said, I would like you to stay in Scotland as my Chief Doctor, and I will right to the leaders in your home republic requesting you stay as ambassador in Edinburgh, for up to a year, minimum."

reformer

July 9th, 2005, 10:43 PM

"My lady, I would be honored to serve you and your family as a physician. I only ask that that you recognize and Independant Netherlands and except my services also as a diplomat. I have often come to Scotland for vacation and study, and though changed, I have always admired the land and its people.

May I ask why you are keeping the child a secret? As a doctor, I will of course not reveal any imformation, but isn't a royal birth a blessing?

Are the islands you are offerign us contain all of the refugees? We must ask that you cease with the burnings immediately. This is a barbaic way of dealing with things, been obsolete for a hundred years. We can help you get rid of them, and we have knowlage of North American and African land masses, and will be able to settle them to the best of our abilities. If you wish, we can run your holding in North America, and in exchange we will pay you a percentage of the profit."

Mayhem

July 10th, 2005, 07:02 AM

To: The Swiss Confederation

In the Event His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor and Prince-Consort of Scots & Irish is unable to respond due to issues, I, Queen Mary of Scots & Irish, Holy Roman Empress and Regent due accept your allegiance to my husband, and am proud to offer you the Great Council, the oppertunity to raise Switzerland to the status of kingdom, if you can select a king from your princes and dukes. The Holy Roman Emperor has made it clear that this offer extend to the first nation to show allegiance, that was not already at Royal status.
Her Grace the Soverign Lady Mary of the Scots and Irish, Queen of Scots, High Queen of the Irish, Lady of the Pale, Great Princess of the North, Holy Roman Empress
________________________________________

Schwyz, seat of the Tagsatzung

Lucianus Helm finished his reading of the letter from emissary Jorg Evander, detailing the confused state of events in Austria and the response from the Holy Roman Emperor. He looked around the room for the other Councillors' responses, which were resoundingly astonished. He voiced what they must have all been thinking; "Holy Roman... Empress? It is as I feared, gentlemen, the world is much changed. And now the reports come in that Venice is no more, some... Cisalpinia, was it? How I fret, my fellows, we are much maligned, I fear. But enough; we shall draft a response to this empress, and kindly decline her offer of Kingdomship, I think. The Cantons enjoy too much our current ways.

"Of course," he continued, looking at his comrades, "We must take this decision as a whole. Are there any among us who feel we should take up this offer of Kingdom, with its connected consequences?"

Yann Adelbert, Representative of the Grisons, stood, his elderly muscles straining. Though a non-voting member of the Council he held much sway in their opinions. "I do not feel, Councillors, that this offer should be so lightly cast aside. There are advantages to be gained. A King, recognised by the Holy Roman Empire, might hold more sway among the powers of Europe, put us on perhaps equal footing with our allies. Recognisance of our government by God, that is what she offers, this Roman Empress (he wavered slightly as he forced the words out through his old lips). A non-voting member though I may be, I know you all value my wisdom, and I must say, one should not look a gift-horse in the mouth... except to see if it has Greeks inside!" He sat, confident in his own sway with the Council.

Helm nodded to Florien Sigi, Councillor for Geneva (The City had gained full member status during the war against the Savoyards), who rose to his feet, his eyes full of fire. "With your pardon, Honoured representative, I must disagree. This Empress is no doubt a Papist, and while I hold that there be little call for conflict in that fact alone, there is no doubt in my mind that her lands be not as accepting as our own. If the world be so misplaced, as we have deigned to call this event, there is no telling how she might react to our libertarian, accepting ways. For all we know, she might demand that I and many of my fellow Genevans be burnt at the stake, God forbid, for something we Swiss deem but inconsequential." A murmur of agreement rose up among the Councillors, most strongly from Constantin Eckbert of Zurich.

He rose, interrupting Sigi's speech, though the younger man did not seem to mind. "My fellows, that is not all. I bid you all remember how much we had to struggle to ensure our own independance from the Empire so long ago. It was so recently that it has been recognised. It is my suspicion that this offer represents a ploy to drag us back under their control. I should not have our hundreds-years old institutions placed back under the control of one who does not understand them. All who concur?!" He raised his hand with a flourish, and was echoed by a majority of Cantonal Councillors. Adelbert sat grimly in his seat, mumbling something about Democracy, as Jurg Stormsmann glowered at Sigi of Geneva.

"It seems," said the Speaker as the discussion died away, "That we have reached a conclusion to this discussion. The neglecting of procedure will be for this time overlooked, and the vote counted. Debate on Her Holiness' offer is concluded, and a reply will be drafted." The representatives' of Uri and the Grisons faces let the Council know of their displeasure. "As to other business," Helm continued, pointedly ignoring the grumpy Catholics in the corner, "Let us welcome the envoy from Cisalpinia, and see what he has to say. I certainly hope it is not ill news."
_______________________________

To: Her Holy Imperial Majesty, Queen Mary of Scotland, a second copy to the envoy in Austria
Her Grace the Soverign Lady Mary of the Scots and Irish, Queen of Scots, High Queen of the Irish, Lady of the Pale, Great Princess of the North, Holy Roman Empress, the Councillors of the Tagsatzung, seat of the Government of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy greets your Highness with humble thanks and peaceful greetings.

We wish as one to offer condolences for whatever ailment troubles His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor and Prince-Consort of Scots & Irish so as to proclude his personal reply and wish him speedy return to full capacity in his role as Holy Roman Emperor.

We also wish to once again confirm our friendship and peaceful service to Your Imperial Majesty, but, it is with great apology that we must humbly decline your offer of royalty. It is the decision of the Councillors of the Tagsatzung, as representatives of the individual Cantons of the Swiss Confederation, that our current state be left as is, and much as this ordinance of God would be a most welcome honour, the Council has decided that the independance of each Canton would be too far curtailed, should we be united under one crown.

In any case, while this is so we must also admit with humility and grace that our allegiance cannot be fully placed at the feet of your good self, for previously standing agreements with the Crown of France, His Majesty King Charles X of the House of Valois* preclude professions of loyalty to another power.

However, the world is much changed, and, should it come to pass that our previously standing arrangements with His Majesty the King of France be no longer appropriate, then it would be our unremitting pleasure to make new agreements with your good self.

We offer in the mean time, full diplomatic contact with our envoy Jorg Evander, who is even now in Austria, and the service of the Austrian Guard, who had been stationed to an His Imperial Majesty the Holy Roman Emperor, who seems to have been "misplaced", as we Councillors have taken to calling this recent strangeness, on the condition that they are provided for by your good self. They are loyal men, numbering sixteen hundreds, and at your oblliging will be placed under your service as long as amicable relationships prevail between ourselves, which, I am sure, should stand the test of time.

In humble Christian solidarity,
{Signed by each member of the Tagsatzung}
The Concillors of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy.
______________________________

*ATL note: Swiss intervention in the French wars of Religion prevented the Bourbons from taking the French Crown, leaving the Catholic House of Valois on the Throne. This Charles X is the son of Charles IX, AKA the Duc d'Angoulême OTL, who took the crown because Charles IX married his mistress, Marie Touchet, legitimising Charles. He ended up a very good military leader, able to crush the Bourbons and the Guises with Swiss aid, and then repay that debt in toppling the Duchy of Savoy and handing it to the Swiss.
(Made up on the fly, just so ya's all know :D)

Aussey

July 10th, 2005, 08:27 AM

To: The Swiss Confederation

It is with great joy that I am able to tell the, though you Highnesses probably already know, that His Imperial Majesty has already arrived in Trieste, and is on his way to Vienna as I write.

However, on other notes, that Senior Member of the House of Valois is none other than myself, after this event. My grandfather himself being Francois II, and my uncle Francois III. Yet your apparent dislike of the House of Guise cannot be overlooked as my grandmother was none other than Marie de Guise. My neice is Scotland's recognized Queen of the French, with my sister as her Regent.

I am glad to hear of your nation's desire to have friendship between our nations, if possible. If your nation agrees, we see no problem to it in Scotland. We will glady receive your ambassador here in Edinburgh.

I look foward to a more prosperous relationship between the Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland and the Swiss Confederation.
Her Grace the Soverign Lady Mary of the Scots and Irish, Queen of Scots, High Queen of the Irish, Lady of the Pale, Great Princess of the North. Her Holiness the Holy Roman Empress

Mayhem

July 10th, 2005, 08:34 AM

Schwyz, Seat of the Tagsatzung, after discussions with the Cisalpine envoy

Speaker Helm stood, the point of order clutched in his hands. "Well, brothers, it is most certain that the world is changed, perhaps beyond recognition. Reports come in of "misplaced" realms across the known world. In this circumstance I think it behoves us to send out envoys to them all. While it seems that our Embassies remain unscathed, they have no direction. So, let us send forth a letter to each embassy, and envoys to those misplaced domains where we have none, inviting friendship and cooperation. All in favour?" A smattering of hands rose. "Motion carried."
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To: All kings and lands of Europe
Honoured Lords and ladies, we, the Tagsatzung of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons, do extend our hands in greeting and friendship. It has come to our attention that the Lord God has swept the world with a great change, tossing about land and sea, and landing us all where we are, wherever we may be.
It is our humble request, as Councillors of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy, that you do our Emissary the humble service of welcome, and inform him as to the state of the world, that our fears may be placated and our hopes of normalcy be confirmed.
We wish to brook no conflict with your good selves, and that, as it is God's will we might all be thrust together for some purpose, we discuss in peace the great event which has been lain before us.
We confirm once more our humble allegience and Christian solidarity,
{Signed by each member of the Tagsatzung}
The Concillors of the Confederation of Swiss Cantons and Savoy.

Aussey

July 10th, 2005, 10:05 AM

Edinburgh Palace
Kingdom of Scotland & Ireland
October 1, 1627

By now the entire court knew of Mary's pregnancy and her medicine she had been given from the "little Dutchmen" as he was now being called. True, he was the Royl Favourite, but he was Protestant, and excluded from many events, purely by law. But, as anyone would say, this man had lightened the Queen's hard heart.

Her cousin took her aside, that afternoon. "Your Grace, you are 37. If you die giving birth to this child, you must have myself or the Emperor named to be Regent. However, you are in your sixth-month. You should declare the Emperor King-Consort, so Your Grace might not die in misery..."

"You Highness. Are you saying I should surrender all Crown Powers to you or my husband? Am I not fit to rule Scotland and Ireland?" Mary snapped.

"You are a wise sovereign. Indeed, you are compared to Jane Seymour herself! But you are a woman, and..." he was interrupted.

"A woman? Sir, I am my father's daughter. I'm not afraid of anything."

"And I am your father's nephew. Surely I could bring this to the Council, as I am the rightful King of Scots..."

"What did you just say, James?"

"I said, I am the Rightful King of Scots."

"That is treason, you know. High Treason, regardless of right or wrong, I am ordained Queen of Scots. With the ordained power to execute whom I please."

"Mary, if you sign such a document, you will be killing your own cousin."

"And if you make such a claim, ever in your life, I will kill my cousin. This kingdom has but one mistress, and shall have no master until my death. As for you, Your Highness, I believe you should return home for the remainder of the year..." The Queen turned on her heels and started walking down the Hall. The Duke of Ross turned to one of his friends, and mistakeably said too loud "She talks like this to the true King!"
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tare that night, as James Duke of Ross lay in his bead, the Duchess of Albany came in with a regiment of guard. She said loudly: "Prince James. You are accused of claiming the crown and title of her sovereign majesty. I have been commanded to take you hence from this place... to the castle dungeons." James starred at the woman who was his former fiance. He went to hit her, when the guards chained him, the Duchess turned to him saying "You were the most powerful man in Scotland. And you could have been greater still, but you had not the courage to be loyal, only the conviction of your own vanity."

James, 4th Duke of Ross was lead to Edinburgh Casle's dungeons. After sleeping, he was woken up the next morning. "Her Grace the Sovereign Lady of the Scots and Irish requests your presence this morning."

reformer

July 10th, 2005, 01:23 PM

"A bloody bussiness. Ruling a country a mean. Much worse an empire. Possibly the very worsed: an empire that has fallen apart. No offense, my lady, but Scotland and Ireland simply no longer have the power that they did back in the day, before the colapse." DeBurke tended to be frank, and though he personally liked the Queen, he was afraid of the way the world was shaping.

"As a woman, you've don't have the ability to demand the respect of your court. But as a woman, you have other powers, ones that can be used to your advantage. In my land, my world I suppose, queens, especially in England, were loved by their people. It is clear from studying history that queens command less power over the aristocracy, but more power over the doctors, farmers, merchants, peasants, and lawyers in the land. Do to your preganancy, you've been couped up in this palace for a while now. After the birth, be sure to gain the respect of the common man, and the military. It is obvious that one of your relatives will stage a coup, possibly as soon as you give birth. All the lords in the world couldn't save you then. Become loved, and your power is ensured, and whoever tries to kill you could never gain popularity."

DeBurke was gambling here. Since he first met her, he saw that he had a chance to reform the system in the area. Despite his pessimism, he supposed the maybe he was a bit of a romantic at heart. Scotland and Ireland could become a better land. A land for the people. As long as the queen survived, which was his job, as a doctor, to insure.

Not that this wasn't good advice politically, though he personally doubted that the queen would act on it. In his exspierience politicians rarily acted in ways that had long term, rather than short term consequences.

First his advice would be limited to local afairs, and thoughs regarding the Orkenys and Holland. He was hoping to gain her trust, not only for reform, but for another, possibly more important reason. A change of the map of Europe. The adjustment of the ballance of power. If he could gain her trust, both Scotland and the Dutch could insure their safety, and eventual peace.