God, Gold, and Glory: Game Thread

[Spamage]

 

God, Gold, and Glory: A 1560 Nation Game

It is 1560 and Europe is at the dawn of a bold new era. The Reformation has spread like wildfire and in order to counter its success the Catholic Church has initiated a “Catholic Counter-Reformation”. The Council of Trent is nearing its final session and the Church had begun to fight the Protestants throughout the Holy Roman Empire, France, and Scotland all with varying degrees of sucess. What will happen in matters of religion remains to be seen, although it will surely prove to be important and have a lasting impact on the coming centuries.

New faith has not only arisen, but new lands as well. Spain and Portugal have subjugated the indigenous people of South and Central America, but the Northern continent remains open to other claimants, both Protestant and Catholic. The World is becoming a smaller place, although who will take advantage of that fact is yet to be seen for Europe is tense, war is likely, and the Ottoman Turks are ever eager to push into Christendom.

I  would like to remind player that they may issue more government policies, actions, diplomacy, than what I give them in the prompts (although at least nominally responding to the prompt is mandatory). Seeing as only Spain and Portugal have colonies in the New World at present, I'll wait to issue the map. Thanks for playing and this turn should go for roughly 72 hours.

Scotland:
Scotland is on the verge of full-fledged civil war due to matters of faith. During your regency you have been largely ambivalent to the spread of the reformed faith within your borders and now this group is causing significant problems throughout the realm. The Protestant preacher John Knox has returned from his self-imposed exile and nobles and peasants alike have flocked to his banner in the name of reforming the Church in Scotland including your late husband’s bastard, Moray. Knox is highly problematic and his men expelled you from Edinburgh and declared your regency void, although you cannot and will not accept this judgment and have since recaptured the capital. Although killing Knox is a viable option, doing so has the potential to turn even more people against you, and by extension your daughter Mary. You are not without allies however, and there are numerous Catholic magnates wishing to expel the Protestants from the realm. This rebellion has the potential to become a revolution should England intervene and could even force the Reformation upon the Scottish people if you are slow to act. The rebels are based in Stirling and Fife while you possess much of the remainder of the country.  How will you proceed?

You are French and Mary, your daughter, is presently the French Queen. As such, this has allowed France to send you troops and finance your armies in order to keep the age-old Auld Alliance intact. This funding however has caused controversy in Scotland and has even caught England’s eye, with Elizabeth I sympathetic to the Reformed minority in the realm. Some question whether you should still accept funds from your family in France while others push you to request troops and even more military aid (the presence of your brother, an astute general has even been asked for by some of your allies). It should also be noted the French financing of your military is unpopular amongst many of the moderates in the realm who fear it will lead to greater English involvement, although they have been slow to aid you in stemming the fighting. How will you address these concerns? Will you ask for further French involvement or will you limit their influence within the realm?

Mary has been married to young Francis II for many years now, although the relationship remains unconsummated and Francis is highly sickly. Encouraging your daughter to consummate her marriage may all but seal a personal union between Scotland and France, but telling her to not grow too fond of her husband, who is widely expected to be dying, allows you to find Mary a new husband without the potential for controversy arising from any pregnancy. Shall you encourage Mary to try to get pregnant with the child of sickly Francis or will you encourage her to follow Catherine De Medici’s guidelines prohibiting consummation and hope he dies of his many ailments in enough time for Mary to still give Scotland a Catholic heir?

Russia:
Czar Ivan, Russia is in a period of bad luck. The early promising years of your reign have given way to increased famine and drought throughout the land. Some superstitious nobles blame the failing crops on the increased mobility the peasants have gained over the early years of your reign and are pushing for you to crack down upon them and force the lower classes into serfdom, where they would be property of the nobility. This could be dangerous however, as such a move would be highly unpopular amongst the majority of Russians, although their coordination in the event of rebellion is weak. How shall you proceed in regards to the policy of serfdom? Officially tying the peasants to the land could win you favor with the nobles but could also lead to a mass exodus of craftsmen, laborers, and even soldiers. The choice is yours.

In recent years the advances made by the Turks have continued to creep closer and closer to Russia. As the Ottomans have pushed into the Balkans they have also aided the now weak Khanate of Crimea, the last bastion of Islam in lands you can reasonably claim belonging to Russia. The most zealous of your followers are pressing you to declare war, march south, and gain a seaport of the Black Sea in order to stem the Ottoman tide and give Russia further access to the west with a warm water port. Other caution you however, believing this action would antagonize the much-aged Suleiman and force the Muslims to turn their attention from conquering Catholic lands into conquering Russia. Will you invade the Crimean Khanate? If you choose to act your military advisors believe you should do so swiftly, before the Crimeans have time to get their armies in order.

Another key area Russia can expand towards is the East. The Khanate of Sibir is weak and decentralized and taking it over would give Russia access to the vast forests, tundra, and lands of Siberia. Not only would this allow you to open a gateway to the east, but it would also give you a chance to increase the number of your subjects. Furthermore you would be able to gain access to the extensive caches of raw goods undoubtedly beyond the Urals. Such an expedition would be treacherous, as the journey would be long, but no one doubts your armies would prevail. How shall you proceed? Your Court believes a your key strategy should be the establishment of forts and small settlements rather than outright conquest. Shall Russia expand eastward or should it remain focused on European affairs and nations such as Sweden and the Ottoman Empire?

France:
Catherine De Medici, with the death of your husband you have taken the helm of one of the most polarized nations in Europe. Religion has come to the forefront of French politics since the death of Henri II, with the radical Catholic Guises on one side (backed by Queen Mary, your daughter in law of who you have been reported to be jealous of) and the Calvinists on the other, a faction headed by the crafty Jeanne De Navarre (a woman who has snubbed you repeatedly in the past). The nobility is roughly split evenly between the two factions along with a large group of those who are either undecided or intend to remain neutral. Public opinion however is strongly in favor of the Guises, as the majority of the realm is Catholic and views Jeanne’s actions in Navarre such as enforcing the dissolution of monasteries and the outright banishment of clergy with intense hatred. How shall you proceed? It looks as though war will soon be upon France and taking too long to respond could greatly damage the power and prestige of the French Crown as well as the legitimacy of your regency.

In recent years there has been increased interest in establishing French settlements abroad in the New World. It has been almost 70 years since men under the French flag explored the region and many hope such an endeavor would seek to distract the nation from the issue of religion. Allowing, or even officially commissioning, a settlement to be formed abroad would allow you to undermine the Spanish-Portuguese monopoly on colonization established in the Treaty of Tordesillas. The only argument against such actions is the potential cost they may exert on the realm at a time when it appears royal funds will be necessary in order to keep the peace and also keep your son in power.

News has reached your ears of a conspiracy by some Huguenots to abduct Francois from Amboise and force the Huguenot religion upon the land. Their main grievance lies not with you, but with the Guises who exert a great deal of control over your young son in the form of their niece, Mary Stuart. Shall you allow the conspiracy to go forward, completely undermining your authority and the safety of your son? Or will you risk losing your hold over young Francois to the Guises? You could also arrange your own conspiracy as well to remove your son from the dangers posed by both factions. Some state you should ally with the Huguenots in order to ensure the success of the plot (they have promised you the head of a regency council should you convert to Calvinism upon the success of the abduction) while others want you to harshly punish the conspirators in order to send a message. As you can see there are numerous options, what shall you do?

[Spamage]

Spain:
During the last few years the Calvinist faith has had great success in winning converts in the Spanish provinces of the Netherlands. The Dutch people feel little loyalty to you, or the Catholic Church, for you are Spanish and were not raised in the provinces like your father was. Allowing for them to continue practicing their faith undermines the image of Spain as the defender of Catholicism painstakingly created through the Reconquista, Inquisition, and conversion of the Americas. Some of the conservative members of your Court officially want you to officially extend the Inquisition to your lands in the north, while others caution restraint.  Regardless of how you proceed, it appears the Dutch people will be crucial to how the next few years of Spanish policies unfold.

You have extensive holdings in the New World, with colonies stretching from Central Mexico to Chile. How shall Spain approach colonization for this point forward? Many of your eager subjects long to expand the borders of your realm not only in the Americas, but east towards Asia as well. Doing so would allow you to continue the Spanish legacy of conquest and would uphold your preeminence in European affairs, but also (as has been seen in recent years) has the potential to initiate high inflation as new products and materials such as gold enter your treasury. Where shall Spain expand next?

The power of the Ottomans is an even bigger problem than the spread of Protestantism throughout the north. Your Austrian uncle Ferdinand has seen the whole of Hungary placed under the Ottoman yoke due to failed campaigns and Ottoman military power. Some fear Suleiman will strike Vienna once again in his old age and encourage you to use the new, excellent Spanish navy to strike the Turks and end their ascendancy in the Mediterranean and North Africa, for the small cities you have painstakingly conquered there are at risk of being captured. Shall you launch a naval expedition against the Turks, thereby initiating war but limiting their ability to threaten Malta, Cyprus, Crete, Algeria, and even Morocco? The choice is yours, although it should be noted the Sultan will likely be a formidable foe.

Poland:
Sigismund II Augustus, the House of Jagiellon has sat on the Polish throne since the 1380's, but at present is not only at risk of losing the title King of Poland in the event of your death, but going extinct in the male line entirely. Your wife Catherine of Austria has suffered a miscarriage, and is likely infertile. Some are pressuring you to get a divorce and find a new, more fertile bride although this has the potential to lead to hostility from both Austria and Spain, further alienating your nation which is already threatened by Russia and the Duke of Prussia. You have been praised throughout Europe for your diplomatic skill, so you may want to think carefully before formally requesting the Pope for a divorce.

With your rule you have been largely tolerant towards the growing Protestant minority. This tolerance has come at a cost however, for Poland is becoming more and more evenly divided every day. Protestant nobles urge you to divorce your wife and break with Rome while Catholics demand you toe the line and remain faithful to Catherine. The Catholics furthermore have become more vocal in the Sejm, and have even gone to the extent of demanding the persecution of the Protestants. Shall you continue to mediate between the two groups, or shall you cave to the demands of one (likely causing the other to revolt). The choice is yours.

Poland is not only divided religiously, but politically as well. The Kingdom of Poland, your primary title, is in union with the Duchy of Lithuania. While the status quo of two separate governments has existed for quite some time, there is a growing movement to unite the two titles and create a permanent union of the two titles. As Poland is the greater power, and has larger cities, the capitol would likely be held by the Poles and the government of Lithuania would be the one merged into the existing Polish system. As such, the act of uniting the two realms does have the potential to alienate the Lithuanians and, when coupled with matters of religion, could heavily backfire. How shall you proceed?

Austria:
Holy Roman Emperor, you have succeeded Charles to the title, but have also inherited his conflicts as well. Protestants are growing in number within your lands despite the decisive position your immediate family, as well as your nephew Phillip II in Spain, have taken to protect the Catholic Church. Shall you allow tolerance to reign in Austria and Bohemia or will you start to take a harder line against the Lutherans and Calvinists within your own personal borders? While tolerance sounds good on paper, it had the potential to cause Protestantism to supplant Catholicism within your borders, while intense persecution could backfire as well, with the Protestant Princes possibly uniting to free their brethren. What shall policy towards religion within your own personal lands be?

The Ottomans are proving to be a fierce and dangerous foe, and there is fear amongst the residents of both Austria and Bohemia that they will strike once more against Germany. Some nobles want you to call up your forces and strike them before they can organize their men, while others caution such an action believing defense would be better for the realm in the long run. There is a third group which believes such talk is idle gossip and that Austria should strike Venice instead of the Ottomans. Shall you prosecute War in Europe or shall you wait for someone else to act first?

The Jesuits are a new religious order emerging in the aftermath of the Council of Trent and enjoy great support amongst many of the devout Catholics throughout Europe. They have officially requested your position in entering Southern Germany and Bohemia, and seek to begin reconverting residents to Catholicism. While this could be beneficial by creating religious unity, it may cause strife between the Jesuits and Protestants who refuse to convert. How shall you respond to their request?

The Ottoman Empire:
Suleiman the Magnificent, you have led your people to glory and expanded your borders so that they presently stretch from Hungary to Iraq. The Ottoman name is the most feared by Austria and Russia, but you have begun to run out of territory to add to your Empire. Your Grand Vizier suggests the Ottoman Navy be used to secure either alliances, or outright control of, Libya, Malta, and Algeria. Others state you should begin raiding in Austria while a minority express a desire to fight Persia or Russia. Who shall you strike Sultan? Or shall you cease conquest in your old age and retire from campaigning?

The Hapsburgs appear to be set on revenge following the loss of Hungary as well as the not forgotten siege of Vienna. In the past it has been useful to obtain alliances with other European nations in order to break the Hapsburg advantage (most notably you aligned the Ottoman Empire with France under Francis I). There are even more potential allies far to the north in Scandinavia and Northern Germany who would probably be willing to join you against Russia, Austria, and even Poland. Diplomatically you Empire has a lot of options, it is up to you to decide who you shall befriend.

With the addition of such much land in the Balkans, there have been new questions arising over how much the Orthodox Christians in your land should be allowed to openly practice their faith. While Islam calls for tolerance, there are some who quietly insist on mild conversion incentives to be put in place such as the jizya, which would encourage conversion while also increasing the tax revenue from these lands. This could lead to dissent (especially amongst your vassals Moldova, Wallachia, and Transylvania) however, and a decision should not be made rashly, as you could come to regret it later. How shall you proceed Sultan?

The Papal States:
Your Holiness, the Church is in the fight of its life against the Protestant Reformers in Northern Europe. France appears evenly divided and there are some who even whisper it will begin tolerating the Huguenots. Such a decision would undermine the position of the Church as well as the importance of the Papacy as a tool for control over rulers. Shall you formally write Francois II and Catherine De Medici and urge them not to waver, or is a more public approach necessary?

There are calls from some of the moderate Catholics throughout Europe for you to open up a final session of the Council of Trent and formally finish the Reformation of the Catholic Church. Calling a final session may not be easy as it seems however, and there are some Cardinals who say that the Church has been reformed enough, although seeing the losses of followers in Scotland and France may make that seem hard to believe. Shall you call a final session and if so, what shall you urge the Cardinals to resolve, adopt, and change in regards to the Church? The choice is yours.

You have been criticized by some, such as Michele Ghislieri, for not adhering to the discipline required of your position, and also of allowing members of the clergy to get away with laxing their vows. Shall you reform your behavior, limit the Papal Spending, and crack down on sinful Cardinals, or shall you allow it to remain as is and continue to live in luxury and spend as you see fit. Being too disciplined may backfire however, as there are some in the Vatican who are not opposed to using poison to remove what they perceive to be threats. What shall you do?

[Spamage]

It should be known Phillip has been married, happily, to Elisabeth de Valois for a year

I'd also like to remind players that for any diplomacy, wars, alliances, and actions towards unplayed nations to contact me, as I am in charge of all of them.

[Spamage]

If everything goes to plan the first turn will close tonight, then I'll post the results of everyone's responses and news events and new prompts.

I still need orders from Sawxdem (Poland) and Dereich (Scotland)

[Spamage]

I'll begin writing the stuff for the next turn tomorrow morning (Pacific Time), therefore I'm extending the time to turn in orders until then

[Spamage]

War has been declared. The thread for it shall be opened after I conclude the turn and open the next one.

After careful deliberation I've decided that 1 turn of war commands=1 turn of the entire game. Unlike in BoP, warfare was slower at this time and by changing each war turn to six months I make sure everyone's war moves will be feasible, while also allowing the rest of the game to commence on schedule.

[Spamage]

End of Turn 1

News Events:

Elizabeth of England marries William of Orange

In what has come as a surprising move, Queen Elizabeth of England has married the Dutch nobleman, William of Orange. The wedding occurred on March 3rd in Westminster Abbey in a Protestant ceremony, although the two were married again later in a Catholic ceremony at William’s insistence.

Domestic reaction to the marriage has been mixed. Catholics, many of the same who cheered for Mary’s marriage to Phillip II, are delighted that Elizabeth married a Catholic and hope it influences her to follow a doctrine closer to Rome. Protestants, on the other hand, are disappointed in the Queen’s choice of a husband and have dug up some of the arguments used against Queen Mary when she married Phillip II, although these have only had limited success in swaying the population as William's lands in the Netherlands are in no way close to the size of Hapsburg Spain and in the event William’s heir were to die, England would inherit his lands in the Netherlands, not vice-versa.

Reaction from abroad remains to be seen. How will Phillip II respond to one of his subjects marrying without his permission to a woman who refused the King himself? Fearing for the worst William has moved his family to England, but what will happen to their standing in the Netherlands remains to be seen.

RUSSIA ATTACKS CRIMEAN KHANATE

The Tsardom of Russia has attacked the Ottoman Protectorate, the Khanate of Crimea in a move many minor powers are condemning due to the lack of an official declaration of war prior to invading. The Russian goal was to take the actual peninsula of Crimea and against a less capable Khan they may have been able to do so. Devlet I Giray reacted calmly to the invasion, ordered a tactical retreat, and then commenced raiding Russian supply lines, thereby slowing their advance into his lands.
As it stands now, the Russian army is halfway towards Crimea proper, although it is demoralized, facing intense local resistance, and is unable to capitalize on any coastline gained due to the Ottoman control of the Black Sea.

Russian Tsarina murdered, Boyars suspected

The wife of Tsar Ivan IV, Anastasia Romanovna, was found dead in her chambers and upon further examination the physicians determined she had been poisoned. The Tsar has thrown himself into deep grief while also conducting an investigation which has determined the perpetrators was a group of Boyars disgusted with the Tsar’s efforts to limit their powers and rule as an autocrat. How the Tsar will punish them, if he will remarry, and how his government will conduct itself going forward all remain to be seen.

Strength of Economy:

Scotland: Weak (rebellion, distance from trading partners, lack of raw goods)
Russia Weak (droughts, famine, discontent, a lack of trade)
England Moderately Weak (low harvests, religious tension, lacks trading partners)
France Moderately Weak (Religious discontent, regency)
Austria Moderately Weak (loss of lands to the Ottomans, border raids, religious division)
Spain: Moderate (inflation due to New World goods, expensive military upkeep but lots of trading, extensive access to goods, control of trade in the Netherlands)
Poland: Moderately Strong (stable realm, strong ruler, united Sejm, religious tension mild)
The Papal States: Strong (income from tithes, trade with Italian City States, stable, religious uniformity)
Ottoman Empire: Strong (expansion into new regions/access to new goods, trade in the Indian Ocean, control of overland trade routs to Asia, longtime ruler)

I should note there are two economic categories not shown, on both extremes, very weak and very strong

Individual summaries will be up soon.

[Spamage]

OOC: I see that once again dice rolls (I assume that's how battle outcomes are decided, no? ) will be the bane of my existence

Yes, it is dice rolls in accordance with a random number generator.

They can cause some interesting results.

[Spamage]

End of Turn Summary

Seeing as Sawxdem was sick, and I can sympathize with that, his absence has been excused for the first turn.

France:

Your clever removal of Coligny and the Duke of Guise has been beneficial for the time being in keeping the realm stable. That being said, it is still on the verge of war as without both Guises to turn to, your son has begun to closely rely on Cardinal Guise and his wife while Jeanne of Navarre and several other Protestants seem to be plotting incessantly. Your expedition to the New World seems for now to be a success, although Coligny is yet to return. When he does you may have a problem with who to settle the New World with as he reportedly exclaimed he was going to find a new Huguenot homeland before setting sail. Lastly, the plot against your son’s life failed and the perpetrators were executed. There was no link discovered to any of the highborn Protestants in the realm.

Restoring Anne de Montmorency to Court has proved to be a wise decision, as he is both a loyal ally and a loyal Catholic. He has begun to weaken the Guise monopoly on the Catholic faction and has also gained several moderate nobles to join your new “politique” faction.

Austria:

Your issue of allowing limited toleration in your lands has decreased the likelihood of religious revolt, although some Protestants are quick to point out that while you say they shall have nothing to fear, you have allowed the Jesuits to set up camp and begin reconverting many of the less than devout Protestants, and effort in which they have thus far proven quite successful. Your second son Ferdinand has left Court in a hurry, feeling slighted at the refusal to give him some of your lands and has moved to one of his country estates. You should watch him closely in order to ensure he does not act against your will.

You have had moderate success pushing into Hungary, although you seem to have underestimated the discipline and power of the Ottoman Jannisaries who have kept you from taking Buda and a lot of land along your Eastern border with the Principality of Buda. That being said, you have gained a slice of Western Hungary and the people there do not seem to strongly oppose you.

Russia:

Despite compromise on the issue of serfdom, the peasants were infuriated at being tied back into the land and many have run away to your frontier with the Khanate of Sibir (although this is in turn helping you spread your influence over the region).

Crimea has not fallen yet, and despite initial successes by your men it appears it may take even longer than you expected to do so, especially with your new troubles at home.

Your integration of Sibir is going wildly successful. In some areas Russian settlers outnumber the indigenous people and in others the local populace has converted to Orthodoxy and has sworn loyalty to you. As such, your realm is pushing east rapidly although the Khan of Sibir is beginning to grow anxious as his realm continually decreases in size.

Spain:

Your issuing of the “Edict of Tolerence” has ended Protestant plots for now in the Netherlands, but has also greatly damaged your popularity amongst the devout, and committed Catholic, people of Spain. One former monk attempted to kill you, hoping to see the Inquisition brought to the Netherlands, but was unsuccessful. On his was to his execution, crowds cheered him in Madrid and decried the Edict of Tolerance.

Your fleet has assembled at Messina, and is ready to commence fighting, although it is just the Spanish navy, with no other nation having sent vessels to assist you.

Ottoman Empire:

The creation of the Principality of Buda has proven to be highly popular amongst the Hungarian nobles, and in the ensuing power struggle for control of the young realm has distracted them from any thoughts of revolting against you.

Libya and Tunisia fell to your Jannisaries with little resistance, although the Caucuses have held out and repulsed two attempts by your men to annex them. Several of your generals advise against further actions there, believing the Russians will be unable to cross through the territory.

You have been attacked by three nations in a move some nations are condemning due to the lack of warning. The Khanate of Crimea is being assaulted by Russian troops, although it has held out so far. Austria has launched a ferocious assault on your unsuspecting men stationed there, and has gobbled up a significant portion of the Principality of Buda (their attack has been met with mixed reactions by the people of Hungary as some prefer to be ruled from Buda as opposed to Vienna).

Papal States:

Your actions, or lack thereof, during the last six months have been met with disapproval by some. John Calvin has labeled you "an agent of sloth" due to your refusal to continue the Council of Trent and your assault on the whole Reformation has been called by some to be an obstacle in restoring the unity of the Church.

That being said, your treasury is booming, your lifestyle is lavish, and the Papacy at present seems highly secure.

Scotland:

While you have not yet quelled the rebellion, your actions over the last six months have certainly weakened it. The arrival of your brother and more french troops was condemned by many Scots, both Catholic and Protestant, although without him its unlikely you would've been able to isolate the rebels as much as you have done so far. Protestants still control Stirling and Fife although you are in a position to besiege one of the cities, punish the rebels, and restore the true faith to the land.

Mary has obeyed your will and the marriage remains unconsummated. That being said, it seems as though she is relying on your advice less and less, instead turning to your two brothers when she has a problem.

[Spamage]

OOC: I see that once again dice rolls (I assume that's how battle outcomes are decided, no? ) will be the bane of my existence

Yes, it is dice rolls in accordance with a random number generator.

They can cause some interesting results.

Interesting, I can live with, I just wish they'd be interesting in my favor for once   I think I had one favorable dice roll in the entire GoT game, IIRC.

Look at Siberia

[Spamage]

God, Gold, and Glory: Turn 2

I reused the prompts for Sawxdem, as they are still valid and I don't want them to go to waste

England:

With Spain, Portugal, and now even France expanding westward to the New World, there is mounting pressure at Court, and amongst the nobility, for you to send an English expedition to the Americas. There is some opposition however from military leaders who see the diversion of resources and ships as a potentially risky endeavor due to the instability in Scotland to the north and the threat of an attack by France to the south. How shall you proceed Elizabeth?

There is mounting pressure at Court for William to declare the Provinces in the Netherlands under his control loyal to you. It is accepted that it is in his rights to do so and your supporters argue doing so would free your fellow Protestants from the yoke of Spanish Oppression. Furthermore this would allow you to gain some of the richest trading lands in Europe and a sorely needed foothold on the Continent, and it may not even require war as Spain and its navy are distracted by the Ottomans. Shall you ask William to declare Utrecht, Holland, and Zeeland loyal to you?

The Scottish Question is proving to be a large part of your reign. Many of your generals, seeing outright French intervention in favor of the Catholics, are requesting an English army and an English fleet be sent north in order to assist the Protestants who, up until this point, have been losing. Shall you involve yourself in Scottish affairs, or shall you resort to a strict policy of non-intervention? It should be noted that there is a third option on the table, funding the Protestants under Knox and Moray without sending official troops.

France:

203 of the 400 men you sent with Coligny have returned in tatters to Brittany. Their mission was a success, although Coligny himself was killed by angry natives at the final site they were examining to establish a colony. There are three lcations his charts recommend settling. A colony could be established in a bay, which would provide coverage from Spanish vessels and ocean currents, but it is inhabited by intensely hostile natives. Another option is a river further to the north which has land fertile for growing crops, but is open to Spanish attacks. The third site examined was far to the north. It is a rocky and cold island which would be prime for fisherman and is well out of Spain’s reach, although it offers little else. Which place shall you colonize, or shall you abandon the idea altogether?

Although the Duke of Guise and Coligny have been taken out of the political arena, two new faction leaders have emerged. Jeanne De Navarre has requested an Act of Toleration be enacted by the King, who is himself shaping up to be a staunch Catholic. Cardinal Guise, the main reason for the King’s devotion to Rome, is on the other hand requesting increased punishment for any Huguenots caught practicing in public, and has the full backing of the King. Both sides threaten revolt if their will is not enforced, although Jeanne seems more serious about rebelling than Guise does, who is content with his position of favor in the eyes of the King. As regent you are able to pick a side regardless of the King’s opinion, although you may regret it when he comes of age (a date soon approaching).

With Spain and Austria attacking the Ottomans there have been increasing calls at Court to cut off all trade with this nations. France and the Ottomans had an official alliance under your late father-in-law Francis I, although it expired several years ago and since then France and the Turks have been more focused on internal affairs than diplomacy. Shall you end trade with Spain and France in order to show your solidarity with the Ottomans, or shall you bend to Hapsburg power and risk both Spain and Austria surpassing you is influence and power?

Scotland:

Your men have been largely successful in eradicating most of the rebels, although both John Knox and the Earl of Moray remained holed up in Stirling and Fife respectively. You have enough men to take one of the cities, thereby capturing either Knox or Moray. Which one shall you go after? Knox is the religious leader of the rebellion, although capturing Moray would be a personal victory (he is the son of one of your late husband’s many mistresses) and would also be a big blow to the rebels’ support amongst the magnates of the land. Knox or Moray, the choice is yours (assuming the English don’t involve themselves that is).

Word has reached Court that your Auld Ally, France, has sent men to explore the New World. There is pressure in Edinburgh for you too to send men to explore the uncharted continent and establish Scottish colonies abroad. Critics however highlight the expense of such an endeavor and point out that should Mary and Francis have a son, Scotland and France will be one country and such colonies would be pointless in the end. How shall you proceed? Will there be a Scottish presence in the New World, or will you look to maintain Scottish power at home before even considering an expedition abroad?

With your successes in regaining land from the rebels you have regained control over many Protestants. Some were converted by force (as Knox was known to march armies into towns, strip all Catholic imagery, and move on) while others were Protestant prior to Knox’s return. Some at Court press for tolerance (although this would not be popular with the Catholics in the realm currently fighting the rebels) while others wish to reinstate the policies of your late husband, which include burning those who refuse to recant at the stake. What shall your policy towards these individuals be?

Spain:

There is mounting pressure in Spain to revoke the “Edict of Tolerance” (so much so that you were nearly assassinated), while in the Netherlands there is intense opposition to any attempt to remove the Act. Most of your Court believes that Spain’s opinion should come before that of the Dutch, especially now that you are at war with the Ottomans, while others worry that the people of the Netherlands will revolt or even turn to Elizabeth I should you move too strongly against the Protestants. What will you do?

News has reached Spain of an opportunity to colonize the Phillipines, islands named in your honor. The Archbishop of Mexico City has assembled an group of colonists willing to venture across the Pacific in order to establish Spanish dominance and the Catholic faith in the East. This expedition would be of no cost to the Crown and the only criticism against it is that its failure could damage Spain’s prestige. Shall you encourage the expedition, or shall the East be a secondary goal for now?

Your fleet is anchored at Messina and is ready to fight the Ottoman Navy, the most formidable in Europe. This being the case, some of your admirals are requesting you negotiate with minor Italian city states in order to gain their naval support. Both Venice and Genoa are willing to supply you with their fleets, so long as you give each power land from the Duchy of Milan. Will you negotiate with them or will you fight the Ottoman Navy on your own, relying on the skill of your half-brother and other naval commanders? The choice is yours.

Russia:

Your wife has been killed and it’s clear that the cause of death was poisoning at the hands of the Boyars. How shall you deal with the them now? This murder, while tragic, gives you the opportunity to exact revenge on them for your wretched childhood as well as the suspected killing of your mother. Some close to you caution alienating them too much could damage your war effort against the Turks while other zealous followers of yours want you to seize the lands of the Boyars, execute them or exile them to Siberia, and greatly increase your authority. Shall you exercise caution or shall you punish the Boyars for their attempt to undermine your authority.

Your personal presence has been requested by your generals in Crimea, believing it would inspire your troops and your presence would give them someone to turn to for advice directly rather than having to wait weeks for letters to be relayed between Crimea and Moscow. Your children do not wish for you to go and several at Court fear that your life would be in too much danger if you went south, seeing as many supply lines have been cut off by Crimean natives. Shall you go south or shall you stay in Moscow?

The Khan of Sibir is furious that so much of his realm has been taken by Russian settlers, missionaries, and soldiers. He threatens war should the colonization not cease. While he could prove to be a serious thorn in your side, especially during a time when your government is distracted with events to the west and the south, yet his armies of horse riders are no match for Russian soldiers. Shall you end your absorption of the territory or will you risk war over the thousands of square miles of untouched land? It should be noted the mood at Court is strongly in favor of continued expansion, and an almost religious devotion to reaching the Pacific has taken hold.

[Spamage]

The Papal States:

A rising issue within the Church is how to deal with Elizabeth I and Anglican England. There is pressure from the other major powers (Spain, France) to excommunicate her and attempt to remove her from her throne, although this may not necessarily be the best way to proceed. Other powers are stressing the importance of an ultimatum, and a third group is pushing for you to negotiate with the English Queen by declaring her legitimate in the eyes of the Church. The reasoning of this third group comes from the fact that Elizabeth is married to a Catholic, and has been reluctant to persecute Catholics in England thus far. How shall you deal with England?

Some members of the clergy, including the Bishop of Madrid, have begun to exert pressure in an attempt to get you to declare the war against the Ottomans as “Crusade”. This would put additional pressure on other Catholic nations to join the fighting, but also could serve to alienate Protestant states even further and give them ammunition with which to attack the Church (as the calling of a crusade would undoubtedly cause anger from Knox and Calvin). Shall you christen it a crusade or leave it be as a Hapsburg war?

The clergy of the Church, as well as the College of Cardinals, have been divided into two factions following the Reformation: Spanish & French. While there is a group of Italian Cardinals, they exercise little influence as Italy is disunited and cannot project its power the way the other two powers can. Which group shall you join, the Spanish or the French? Both sides have been courting your allegiance since your election and you have run out of time balancing them; the time for a decision is upon you.

Poland-Lithuania:

Sigismund II Augustus, the House of Jagiellon has sat on the Polish throne since the 1380's, but at present is not only at risk of losing the title King of Poland in the event of your death, but going extinct in the male line entirely. Your wife Catherine of Austria has suffered a miscarriage, and is likely infertile. Some are pressuring you to get a divorce and find a new, more fertile bride although this has the potential to lead to hostility from both Austria and Spain, further alienating your nation which is already threatened by Russia and the Duke of Prussia. You have been praised throughout Europe for your diplomatic skill, so you may want to think carefully before formally requesting the Pope for a divorce.

With your rule you have been largely tolerant towards the growing Protestant minority. This tolerance has come at a cost however, for Poland is becoming more and more evenly divided every day. Protestant nobles urge you to divorce your wife and break with Rome while Catholics demand you toe the line and remain faithful to Catherine. The Catholics furthermore have become more vocal in the Sejm, and have even gone to the extent of demanding the persecution of the Protestants. Shall you continue to mediate between the two groups, or shall you cave to the demands of one (likely causing the other to revolt). The choice is yours.

Poland is not only divided religiously, but politically as well. The Kingdom of Poland, your primary title, is in union with the Duchy of Lithuania. While the status quo of two separate governments has existed for quite some time, there is a growing movement to unite the two titles and create a permanent union of the two titles. As Poland is the greater power, and has larger cities, the capitol would likely be held by the Poles and the government of Lithuania would be the one merged into the existing Polish system. As such, the act of uniting the two realms does have the potential to alienate the Lithuanians and, when coupled with matters of religion, could heavily backfire. How shall you proceed?

Austria:

As the Ottomans have officially declared war not just upon you, but upon the Holy Roman Empire as a whole, there are some at Court who advise you to call an Imperial Diet and gain the assistance of all of the magnates in the realm, not just the ones directly under your control. Critics of the move however, point out that the odds are high that many of the Protestant princes in Northern Germany may refuse to join you, and could even rip away from the Empire by joining the Turks (both view you as a common enemy). What shall you do? Shall you call a Diet or will you exercise caution and potentially lose access to thousands of extra troops?

The Jesuits have had some success in converting the initial areas given to them, and now demand access to Bavaria and Bohemia, where they believe they can stamp out Protestantism even further. The Duke of Bavaria is eager to welcome them into his lands, but cannot do so until you give your consent. Will you allow the Jesuits to proselytize further, or is it time to limit their activities before they become too strong?

The Ottomans have been launching slave raids into Bohemia during the last couple of months, and they've only increased since you declared war upon them. The Bohemian people believe that you are not doing enough to defend them and your agents have even discovered some potential rebels talking about aligning themselves with the Ottomans in order to ensure their independence. Shall you divert some of your resources to defend Bohemia, sand thereby risk losing your gains in Western Hungary, or will you leave the Bohemians to defend themselves and risk losing their loyalty?

Denmark:

Young Frederick II as you are a young man of 16 and have finally begun to rule on your own. Despite having ended your regency many at Court do not look at you as a ruler, and you must prove yourself to them. Your military commanders are requesting that you declare war upon Sweden in order restore the Kalmar Union and depose their "mad" King Erik XIV.  Sweden would be caught unaware if you were to attack, although you would likely face fierce resistance from the populace. How will you move forward? Will Sweden bend the knee to Danish power once more, or shall you let them maintain their independence?

Another problem you must solve early on in your reign is the issue of marriage. There are numerous potential brides across Europe and you are receiving pressure to make a choice soon. There is another option should you be unwilling to marry a foreigner, as your mistress and the love of your life Anne Hardenberg is also single and is of high noble blood. Who shall you wed Frederick? Your nation's future depends on your choice.

Another way to increase your authority would be to establish bases abroad in the far off lands of America, Asia, and Africa. Denmark is in the perfect position to become a major trading power should you decide to commence colonization.  Opponents of colonization highlight the distance to potential holding however, and believe it could be more trouble than it's worth to send colonists abroad. What shall you do and where shall you colonize?

Ottoman Empire:

Suleiman you are being once more besieged on all sides. To the north the Austrian Hapsburgs have commenced an invasion of the Principality of Buda and appear to be poised to retake the city in the name of the long abandoned crown of Hungary. Shall you focus the efforts of your Jannisaries here, or shall you keep them close to Istanbul in case you are surprised by any third parties? Sending them north would be a huge bonus to the likelihood of victory, although it does leave Greece and Anatolia relatively undefended.

The Russians have launched a vicious campaign into the Crimean Khanate. While the Khan (your close friend) is holding them back for the time being, their is growing pressure in Istanbul for you to officially declare war on the Russian Empire. A note was intercepted by the Khan's men in one of the border raids and Ivan IV reportedly commanded Russia attack Ottoman holdings on the Crimean Peninsula should the Khanate fall to them. Shall you officially declare war? Or shall you deal with Russia after the Hapsburgs and you have settled the score?

It was many years ago you personally besieged Vienna, a siege many Ottomans still look upon with pride. With you once more at war with Austria there are some of your generals who wish for you to accompany them north, defeat the Austrians, and fight deep into Austria once more. The only issue with this however is that you are no longer the young man you once were and you may not survive the journey (which could result in a civil war between your sons, thereby giving your enemies an advantage in invading the Empire. Will you accompany them north or stay in Istanbul?

[Spamage]

Because of the holiday, I'm extending this turn until Sunday night.

[Spamage]

Think I'm gonna have to drop for a little bit (considering finals are in two weeks and I'm basically running on Vicodin and antibiotics right now). Will probably be back later.

Sorry to see you go!

[Spamage]

OOC: Once Francis II reaches majority (when will that happen) do I simply take over as him? (I need to know to plan for the future)

Yes

[Spamage]

Does this mean Poland is open again?

Yes it is.


Also a reminder that the turn ends soon. I'm missing a lot of orders.

[Spamage]

Turn will technically end tonight, but I will be unable to write responses until tomorrow evening. I'll still accept moves until then.

[Spamage]

End of Turn 2

News Events:

Sigismund II Dies!, Polish Succession Crisis!

Chaos has struck the Kingdom of Poland and the Duchy of Lithuania following the sudden death of the King Sigismund II Augustus due to trauma sustained from a fall from a horse. With his death the House of Jagiellon, which has ruled Poland and Lithuania for many years, has gone extinct in the male line and there is no clear heir to the Polish-Lithuanian throne.

One of the late King’s sisters, Anna, has declared herself Queen and Grand Duchess, citing her older sisters’ foreign marriages as well as their inability to rule due to a variety of factors (deceased, crippled) as reasons why she believes she should ascend to the throne. She appears to enjoy support from the common people, but little from the Sejm in Poland, which is nervous over the prospect of a female monarch. In Lithuania however, the magnates have officially declared her Grand Duchess, further complicating matters.

The Sejm has refused to name Anna Queen thus far and has instead reportedly been searching for a monarch in foreign realms, hoping to institute a system of elective monarchy over primogeniture. Who they prefer remains to be seen, although if they do decide on someone other than Anna, the realm may slip into Civil War.

Moderates, hoping to maintain  unity, have suggested Anna marry the person the Sejm chooses to be the next King, although she has flat out refused the suggestion and threatens war should she be denied her “rightful throne”. Poland and Lithuania appear to be on the verge of chaos.

SWEDEN INVADES POLAND-LITHUANIA

In a move which is still causing surprise throughout Europe, the Kingdom of Sweden has capitalized on the instability within the realm of Poland-Lithuania by declaring war and commencing landings throughout Livonia. Eric XIV officially ordered the attack, against the will of his brother John who is married to Catherine Jagiellon and could’ve seen the realm name him King.

The invasion, instead of solving the Sucession Crisis, has only worsened it as Anna and the Sejm refuse to bend to eachother’s will despite the fact much land has been lost in the north as the Lutherans seek to be ruled by the Swedes. Both are calling for foreign aid, although wading into the Polish mess could be a disaster and a money pit for any foreign power.

Daughter born to Elizabeth and William III, named Elizabeth

After what was by all accounts a smooth pregnancy, Elizabeth I of England has given birth to a healthy baby girl, christened Elizabeth at birth in honor of her mother. There was some worry that the child would not make it through the first few months, as the infant caught a cold and was on the verge of death, she recovered.

Elizabeth is the present heir to the English throne, although some are worried that the fact she is a female may hurt her chances of ascending to the throne in the future (they seem to ignore the examples Elizabeth and her sister Mary has set).

The child was baptized in a Protestant service in Westminster Abbey with the Queen herself in attendance (William did not choose to attend because of his religious beliefs). People are praising "Good Queen Bess" although some worry that she may not be able to withstand future pregnancies.

Attempted Assassination of Suleiman!

Early this November at Topkapi Palace there was an attempt on the life of Suleiman, the present ruler of the Ottomans and the leader in the war effort against the Austrians, Spanish, and Russians. A Turkish servant attempted to shoot the Emperor, but was tackled by his guards, harem, and generals after the gun jammed.

After many long hours of torture the peasant confessed he had been hired by a local merchant. The merchant was apprehended and the peasant was executed. After hours of torturing the merchant, it was then revealed that the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand had ordered an attempt on the Sultan's life. This news has served to get the Ottoman populace fully behind the war.

Strength of Economy:

Scotland: Weak (rebellion, distance from trading partners, lack of raw goods)
Russia Weak (droughts, famine, discontent, a lack of trade)
France Moderately Weak (Religious discontent, regency)
Austria Moderately Weak (loss of lands to the Ottomans, border raids, religious division)
Poland-Lithuania: Moderately Weak (no monarch, Succession crisis, Swedish invasion)
England Moderate (new heir, better harvests, religious tension subsiding)
Spain: Moderate (inflation due to New World goods, expensive military upkeep but lots of trading, extensive access to goods, control of trade in the Netherlands)
The Papal States: Strong (income from tithes, trade with Italian City States, stable, religious uniformity)
Ottoman Empire: Strong (expansion into new regions/access to new goods, trade in the Indian Ocean, control of overland trade routs to Asia, longtime ruler)

I should note there are two economic categories not shown, on both extremes, very weak and very strong

Individual summaries & war moves will be up soon.

[Spamage]

OOC: Not that I would consider repeating the OTL experience of Henri III briefly serving as King of Poland, but it is a real shame that all of Francis's brothers are so young, xD

Indeed, Henri being young is one problem. The fact the Union of Lublin (and the declaration of Poland as an Elective monarchy hasn't happened) is another one hindering the guarantee of success in interfering in Poland-Lithuania.

Also, military results are now up!

Don't think I'll be able to issue the responses to action tonight, so they'll come tomorrow night, hopefully with the next turn.

[Spamage]

End of Turn Summary

England:

William was firmly agreement with your sentiments regarding the Netherlands, and his territories have sworn fealty to you. Since becoming English lands the provinces have seen a spike in Calvinist immigrants as the Protestants flee the Catholic lands and move en mass towards your territories. A few other stadholders have come before you and will likely request you assume control of their lands as well.

An English party has landed in America, north of Spanish Florida, although the party is scanty, consisting of roughly 100 men, 25 women, and 11 children. They have named with settlement "Williamsburg" (in honor of William III) and the entire area claimed by their colony has become called "Gloriana". They were led by the young sailor Francis Drake.

Some of your citizens are furious you have not involved yourself further in Scottish affairs, especially after the French increased their men there, although any unpopularity caused by this was negated by the birth of Princess Elizabeth.

Austria:

While there has been some support of the Edict of Bratislava from Hungarian nobles, they seem timid to act until the Ottoman advances in Bohemia and upper Hungary are reversed and the war appears to be clear cut in favor of your side.

Bohemia and Northern Germany are proving to be a conundrum, with many Protestants choosing to remain "neutral" and refusing to fight. While it is unlikely they will revolt, they should be watched carefully in order to ensure their loyalty.

The Duke of Bavaria has become staunchly in your favor following your decision to allow him to allow Jesuits in your lands. He is fully backing your war effort against the Turks.

Russia:

Your realm continues to expand eastward, with the Pacific getting closer each passing day. The Khan of Sibir entered into a coalition with the tribes to your south in Kazakhstan, but the three nation army was easily defeated by the Russian soldiers you moved to the area. The Khan of Sibir himself was killed in the fighting, and many locals have taken it to be sign and begun to convert. The government of Sibir is almost non-existent, although it does control some small amounts of land isolated and largely unpopulated.

Your subjects are behind your war effort, albeit reluctantly in some cases, and your army continues to fight the stubborn Khan of Crimea, who you failed to assassinate (although he does not know there was a plot against him by you and your allies).

France:

A colony (named Nova Francia) has been established at the river as you ordered. The settlement itself is called Francesca in honor of your son. It consists of 314 men, 102 women, and 57 children. Although there initially was problems harvesting ion the area due to the initial climate, there has been success in large part due to the local native's assistance.

The estates general has agreed that Francis shall be declared of age in 6 months, and it is then your regency shall come to an end. Some are worried the sickly King may not be able to withstand the strain of ruling, although what will happen remains to be seen.

Mary, your daughter-in-law, seems to have broken the rules set forth by you regarding consumnation of the marriage, as she is pregnant with a child that (if male) could one day inherit the thrones of Scotland and France and would have strong claims to the throne of England.

Ottoman Empire:

The attempt on your life would've likely succeeded had you personally led the campaign to the north, and you are receiving praise for choosing to remain in the Capitol. Your nation is ready and willing to repel the attackers, although for how long remains to be seen.

Your fleet is awaiting further orders, especially with the Spanish assault and subsequent capture of Djerba. You should be wise in choosing where and when to attack.

Scotland:

John Knox was captured, and your men have thereby greatly weakened the rebellion, although the Earl of Moray has escaped and fled north to raise an army in his lands, potentially giving new life to the rebellion.

Scottish admirals have ignored the usual step of exploring land before settling it, and have founded a colony in North America. It is smaller than the French and English settlements, consisting of 43 men, 22 women, and 2 children. It has been titled "Nova Scotia" with the city itself taking the name "New Albany".

Spain:
No orders received

Denmark-Norway:
No orders received

The Papal States:
No orders received

[Spamage]

Working on prompts. Should I not finish tonight, they will be up tomorrow. I will be recycling the ones for the people who did not respond to them as it saves me time, and also allows for the crises for each nation to still be addressed.

Thanks for your patience!

[Spamage]

Turn 3: Jan-Jun 1561

The Papal States:

A rising issue within the Church is how to deal with Elizabeth I and Anglican England. There is pressure from the other major powers (Spain, France) to excommunicate her and attempt to remove her from her throne, although this may not necessarily be the best way to proceed. Other powers are stressing the importance of an ultimatum, and a third group is pushing for you to negotiate with the English Queen by declaring her legitimate in the eyes of the Church. The reasoning of this third group comes from the fact that Elizabeth is married to a Catholic, and has been reluctant to persecute Catholics in England thus far. How shall you deal with England?

Some members of the clergy, including the Bishop of Madrid, have begun to exert pressure in an attempt to get you to declare the war against the Ottomans as “Crusade”. This would put additional pressure on other Catholic nations to join the fighting, but also could serve to alienate Protestant states even further and give them ammunition with which to attack the Church (as the calling of a crusade would undoubtedly cause anger from Knox and Calvin). Shall you christen it a crusade or leave it be as a Hapsburg war?

The clergy of the Church, as well as the College of Cardinals, have been divided into two factions following the Reformation: Spanish & French. While there is a group of Italian Cardinals, they exercise little influence as Italy is disunited and cannot project its power the way the other two powers can. Which group shall you join, the Spanish or the French? Both sides have been courting your allegiance since your election and you have run out of time balancing them; the time for a decision is upon you.

Denmark:

Young Frederick II as you are a young man of 16 and have finally begun to rule on your own. Despite having ended your regency many at Court do not look at you as a ruler, and you must prove yourself to them. Your military commanders are requesting that you declare war upon Sweden in order restore the Kalmar Union and depose their "mad" King Erik XIV.  Sweden would be caught unaware if you were to attack, although you would likely face fierce resistance from the populace. How will you move forward? Will Sweden bend the knee to Danish power once more, or shall you let them maintain their independence?

Another problem you must solve early on in your reign is the issue of marriage. There are numerous potential brides across Europe and you are receiving pressure to make a choice soon. There is another option should you be unwilling to marry a foreigner, as your mistress and the love of your life Anne Hardenberg is also single and is of high noble blood. Who shall you wed Frederick? Your nation's future depends on your choice.

Another way to increase your authority would be to establish bases abroad in the far off lands of America, Asia, and Africa. Denmark is in the perfect position to become a major trading power should you decide to commence colonization.  Opponents of colonization highlight the distance to potential holding however, and believe it could be more trouble than it's worth to send colonists abroad. What shall you do and where shall you colonize?

Spain:

There is mounting pressure in Spain to revoke the “Edict of Tolerance” (so much so that you were nearly assassinated), while in the Netherlands there is intense opposition to any attempt to remove the Act. Most of your Court believes that Spain’s opinion should come before that of the Dutch, especially now that you are at war with the Ottomans, while others worry that the people of the Netherlands will revolt or even turn to Elizabeth I should you move too strongly against the Protestants. What will you do?

News has reached Spain of an opportunity to colonize the Phillipines, islands named in your honor. The Archbishop of Mexico City has assembled an group of colonists willing to venture across the Pacific in order to establish Spanish dominance and the Catholic faith in the East. This expedition would be of no cost to the Crown and the only criticism against it is that its failure could damage Spain’s prestige. Shall you encourage the expedition, or shall the East be a secondary goal for now?

The Dutch Provinces under the Stadtholdership of William III of England have formally severed their ties with you and embraced Elizabeth as their sovereign. There are whispers that the other Protestant Stadholders in the north may not be far behind, thereby giving the English even footing as you in the Netherlands. How shall you proceed? Normally war would be the obvious choice, but your resources are trained from your ongoing conflict with the Ottomans.

Russia:

Anna Jagiellon, the Grand Duchess of Lithuania and the woman at the center of the Polish Succession Crisis has come to you with an interesting proposal. She wishes for you to marry her and assume the title "King of Poland" alongside your existing titles in return for giving her an army to overthrow the Sejm and remove any pretenses of an Elective Monarchy in Poland. Such an action would not create a union of your countries (unless your son by Anastasia was to die) but it would put the House of Rurikid on the throne of another country and allow you to not have to worry about guarding your border to the west. She also offers you a piece of Ukraine should you consent. There is a catch however, as proceeding with this move will limit the resources you can send to Crimea. In light of this some advisers believe you should make a settled peace with the Khan of Crimea (perhaps only modest land gains) and instead turn your focus on Poland.

Without your permission Russian settlers have begun to move into the Caucuses and Kazakhstan. While you defeated three major tribes last turn, that does not mean other groups in the area have completely embraced your authority and in fact, many are furious your men are still entering and settling their lands. Shall you allow the settlement to continue? Or shall your people settle further to the north, in the much more inhospitable Siberia?

Sweden has attacked Poland, much to the alarm of your people, in a move which could limit your influence in the Baltic region. They have already conquered most of Livonia and are marching into Lithuania and planning to strike Poland from the sea. Many at Court believe you should have the insane King Erick XIV assassinated (his heir is much more friendly to Poland and would likely cease hostilities), but such an act could put your life at risk should it fail. Shall Erick be killed?

England:

Congratulations! A group of ambitious colonists have established a colony in the New World, led by the young seafarer Francis Drake. That being said, the group has since discovered how woefully unequipped they are for such an expedition and request the Crown give them money and send more people to Williamsburg. Your treasury is nowhere near full however, and many believe the money would be better spend in Scotland. If you decide not to fund the colony, there are some nobles who have offered to set up a "joint-stock" company which would give them most of the profits and would also cause you to have minimal influence over colonial affairs and expansion in Gloriana (though they would still be a part of England and you could tax the company). Will you allow the nobles to set up their company, or will the Crown remain in control of Gloriana?

Many Stadholders in the Netherlands have written to you and request you allow them to join England as well. While it may seem to be an easy decision, you must also be aware of the fact this may provoke Spain into war (though they appear to be not sorry about the loss of Zeeland, Holland, and Utrecht). The only request these other Stadtholders have is that religious toleration be implemented throughout the lands (as some of the provinces have a significant Catholic population). Shall you accept their loyalty, or shall you allow Spain to maintain control over them?

In the past few decades England has initiated a conquest of Ireland. While you technically control the whole island, the majority of the people consider themselves independent from your rule and your influence there is minimal. Due to this, Catholicism still flourishes and your troops are seen as alien. There is a growing movement by some of the more devout Protestants at Court which seeks to commence a conversion of the island through the dismantlement of the local monasteries, translation of the Bible into Irish, as well as increased penalties for any Catholics caught practicing. William opposes these measures, but Parliament would support them. What will you decide?

[Spamage]

France:

While it is not clear yet what is occurring, the Huguenots are plotting something. Jeanne of Navarre has withdrawn herself from Court and returned to her realm ahead of the end of your son's regency and his assuming of his full powers. Other Protestants are notably absent as well, and it is believed by those closest to you they have fled in anticipation of harsher religious policies from your son. Francis has grown close to Cardinal Guise and even closer to his wife Mary, who is now openly pregnant. Some wish for you to delay the handing over of powers while others, including her husband, believe Jeanne should be ordered to Paris in order to prevent wrongdoing. What will you do?

Your colony in the New World is running into trouble. The citizens have not been able to grow crops effectively and harvests have been low due to the different type of climate in the area. Some of the locals want to contact the Indian tribe in the area, but others fear they will be attacked by the natives should they chose to interact (although not interacting could doom the people of the colony). There is a third group (one which enjoys the most support by your advisers and in the colony) which advocates for stealing of food from the natives. Shall you sanction the stealing of food or shall your son's subjects find their own way?

The Jesuits have officially come before you to ask permission to attempt to reconvert the Huguenot areas in Southern France, and carry a letter from several French Bishops. While Jesuits have proven themselves largely successful in southern Germany and Austria, allowing them to open up schools, churches, and monasteries runs the risk of turning already heightened tensions into a full-blown revolt. Shall you allow them to proselytize?

Scotland:

You have officially captured John Knox, although by doing so have allowed Moray to escape and call yet another force. Knox has been brought before you at Edinburgh Castle and your brother has made sure he is kept near you in order to prevent his escape. What shall you do with Knox? Clergy at Court are pushing for him to be burned for heresy, and his role in the murder of Cardinal Beaton, while some nobles fear doing so would inflame the Protestants and make a martyr out of Knox. Shall he burn or shall he be imprisoned?

Nova Scotia is small, but a large opportunity to expand the colony has arisen. A group of Knox's followers have petitioned for permission to settle in the New World, where they intend to practice their religion freely. While allowing them to leave would increase the size of your colony and decrease the opposition from within the realm, it has the potential to lead the colony to revolt. Shall you let them go?

Your husband's bastard's army is marching south and, although it is consisted of rabble and untrained citizens, it is much larger than the French force supplied and also enjoys the support of many of the Scottish people (not just the Protestants, some Catholics are furious about the French intervention). Your brother wants to strike the force before it get too far south, although that gives Moray's men the advantage, as northern Scotland could be very harmful for a foreign army, especially in the winter. Keeping the men at Edinburgh runs the risk of revolt upon the arrival of Moray's men. How shall you proceed?

Austria:

Emperor, the Ottomans have launched an assault into Bohemia, where some of the locals are refusing to fight. At Court there is increasing pressure for you to order the dismantlement of the League of Neutrality throughout Imperial lands and back it up with a show of force in Bohemia (imprisoning the leaders and those receiving Ottoman funds). Such a decisive move could be a mistake however, and only serve to incite revolt, but it is clear that something must be done. How will you handle the League of Neutrality?

A group of nobles from the Principalities of Buda and Transylvania have approached you as a result of the Edict of Bratislava and wish to revolt in your favor, though there is a catch. Instead of being given a Prince to rule in your name from Buda, they wish for your second son Ferdinand to become the King of an independent Hungary. This would establish a Hungarian Branch of the Hapsburg Dynasty (and likely satisfy Ferdinand who was recently disinherited), and could attract more locals to your cause, but also means the power of Austria would be weakened. If you decline, most are unlikely to join your cause. How do you  wish to proceed?

England has officially taken control of lands that are technically a part of the Holy Roman Empire. Should they remain in control, the Netherlands will undoubtedly be viewed by all of Europe as no longer a part of the Empire and this would set a dangerous precedent, as Protestant Princes to the north appear to be eager to escape the Imperial yoke. Shall the Diet pass a resolution calling for the lands to return to Spain, or shall their loss be ignored and the size of the Empire reduced?

Ottoman Empire:

While you have been effective in chasing the Austrian forces back into Bohemia, the city of Buda is being besieged by an Austrian army to the south. The loss of Buda would be a blow to your war effort, but calling off the push into Bohemia would likely mean the loss of the land you have gained thus far. Shall your armies in Bohemia turn to relieve Buda, or shall they continue into Bohemia?

You are old, and it is clear you do not have many years on the throne remaining. Your are one of the last rulers of a time gone by, as many of your one time enemies, friends, and neighbors are now deceased. In Ottoman history thus far, the death of a ruler means civil war amongst their sons, something which would be devastating to the Empire which is in the midst of your war with Austria and Russia. Due to this there is increased pressure at Court for you to name your son by Roxelana, Selim, as your official heir, although this ends a tradition going back for generations. Shall you do this, or shall the strongest of your sons emerge as your successor after what could be a long and costly civil war?

Your Jannisaries are some of the most elite troops in the world, although they are limited in number and your army is running short on men as a result. There is pressure from the people of the Empire for you to call peasants to arms in order to solve the logistical problems your military is now facing, although doing so means your economy will undoubtedly be damaged (they will be unable to farm while away). Shall you call the peasants to arms, shall you relax on the requirements for joining the jannisaries, or shall you leave your army as is and face the problem after the war?

[Spamage]

Sorry this has taken so long, but my internet was down and I've been exceptionally busy during the past few days (helping set up for cousin's wedding, approaching birthday).

It won't happen again

[Spamage]

Also, the turn will go until Sunday evening