Turn 6, second half: Protestants and a Pole.
Jim: Good to see you all back. We're now watching the German team entering the Chronodyne X-35, heading for the year 1510. As long-time watchers undoubtedly know, this is the tumultuous time of Reformation.
Bob: I have the political satellite map on display.
Bob: Mmm, France has been busy. English continental territory has been captured, as is English gains in North Italy. The Ottoman Empire has disintegrated, probably because of their wars with the English.
Jim: If only the English had had so much success against the French...
Bob: Austria once again has lost most of its territory. No changes to Bavaria, though.
Jim: I see that Albrecht III is still alive, so no inheriting Mecklenburg or Brandenburg. Mmmh, inflation has risen to 13%, not good, definitely not good.
Bob: Cheer up, as Dresden has become a core province of Bavaria, only three Bavarian provinces are considered illegal by the German princes, so diplomatically Bavaria is doing much better.
Jim: I guess you are right. Hey, according to our military expert's rapports, Bavaria has adopted National Conscription. Odd, as if there is one thing Bavaria doesn't lack is manpower.
Bob: I think our contestants agree, as their political infiltrators retract the conscription law. In the meantime, their undercover priests convince the population that in these times of schisms and heretics, Bavaria should remain united with the One Church: “Unam Sanctum” is on everyone's lips.
Jim: Is the Reformation that well-spread?
Bob: Take a look:
Jim: Well, there are not that many Protestants.
Bob: Still, seems that our contestants want to keep Bavaria Catholic nonetheless.
Jim: Interesting. Another apparent goal of the German team is to improve the Bavarian economy.
Bob: Why do you think so, Jim?
Jim: Well, they have hired a Master of a Mint, undoubtedly to reduce the high inflation. Also, Bavaria has joined the Hanseatic League.
Bob: But the Hansa is a political enemy of Bavaria.
Jim: Bavaria needs the trade money. Its yearly income is low compared to other large nations, its tech is lagging and none of its income comes from trade. As Bavaria's infamy prevents it from competing abroad (and there is no domestic trade centre).
Bob: Still, it seems Bavaria equally focusses on diplomacy. Here, the diplomat Chlingensperg has done some Excellent Diplomacy, decreasing infamy by three.
Jim: A good first year. In 1511 the political branch of the German team once again encourages the Bavarian merchants to adopt a more Free Trade.
Bob: This just in! Spain has formed!
Jim: Yet another strong rival to Bavaria.
Bob: Spain is not a rival to Bavaria.
Jim: What do you mean?
Bob: According to the latest poll administered to the German team, they see Sweden, Portugal, England and Bohemia as natural rivals.
Jim: Portugal? Why...? Okay, according to the poll, what countries are a threat to Bavaria?
Bob: France, Timurids and Switzerland.
Jim: Switzerland?! In the last war Switzerland was taken care off by Ulm! How can they feel threatened by Switzerland? And I find it a bit premature to feel frightened of a country, however big it is, that is
half a continent away.
Bob: Well, it's their opinion.
Jim: Those crazy Germans. Well, in more sane news, Bavaria has formalized its scales, weights and measures in 1512. This will greatly help production, trade, taxation and will even make the population more content.
Bob: Didn't know that standards made people so happy.
Jim: Sush. I see that another big political change is taking place: England has embraced the Reformation!
Bob: Looks like the Reformation is taking roots. In response, Bavaria enacts the Conventicle Act, decreasing Bavarian tolerance towards heretics.
Jim: They even go further. In 1515 the Pope starts the Counter-Reformation, which Bavaria immediately adopts.
Bob: Doesn't look like Bavaria goes for the tolerant route.
Jim: Indeed, Bob.
Bob: Uh oh.
Jim: What? What?
Bob: Wilhelm has died in a hunting accident.
Jim: Oh dear, Albrecht's heir! And at his age it will be difficult to get another. Still, some good news, too, as Chlingensperg excellent diplomacy once again greatly improves Bavarian reputation.
Bob: Uh oh.
Jim: Oh no, what now?
Bob: Chlingensperg's party wasn't a good idea for Albrecht. He died during the festivities.
Jim: What a disaster! The last of the Von Wittelsbachs has died!
Bob: The Bavarian dukes have invited a cousin of the Polish king to take the throne.
Jim: Why would they do that?
Bob: I don't know, perhaps to secure Polish support for inheriting Brandenburg? We will never now.
Jim: Anyway, the hiring of a Grand Marshall is the first official act of Leopold Ferdinand I, which he desperately needs, as his claim on the throne is still unsupported by many people: only 22% of the nobility supports him currently.
Bob: That's quick: he already has an heir, Maximilian Joseph, in 1519. Well, as the German half of the turn comes to an end...
Jim: Wait. A call to arms from Aquilleia. Venice and Austria are trying to conquer Aquilleia! And our new Emperor answers the call!
Bob: A big contrast with the Wittelsbach approach of ignoring call to arms from Imperial princes.
Jim: Yes. Well, Bavaria is now at war with Venice and Austria.
Bob: Looks like a cakewalk.
Jim: Indeed. In November, after five months of fighting, Austria signs a harsh peace: it has to give up all its claims on foreign territory.
Bob: A well-thought peace, as this will prevent Austria from regaining its former territory easily.
Jim: Once again, the German team plays it sharp: on 28 December 1519, only days before they have to leave, they sign a peace with Venice, forcing them to give up their foreign cores as well, two Italian and three Greek.
Bob: An eventful turn, Jim.
Jim: Certainly, Bob. We even didn't have time enough to keep up to date to all the religious changes in Europe. A lot of Imperial Princes have abandoned the Catholic faith, Norway and England have become Reformed and in France a lot of provinces have converted.
Jim: Sadly, our time is up, so I bid you all adieu!