A Lion, A King, and a Wardrobe - Sweden 1617 (Interactive AAR)

[Elias Tarfarius]

A Lion, A King, and a Wardrobe - Sweden 1617

An Interactive AAR​

Well, my love of the Thirty Years War, Gustavus Adolphus, and playing the 1617 scenario in vanilia EU2 or AOI has finally payed off. The rules will be simple, but lets start of with participation since this is an interactive aar...

Levels of Participation and Roleplaying

The Monarch - Me
Since I play the game and have a rather regal bearing, I get to be King (or Queen in the case of Christina ). The final executive decision on all matters lies with me... unless I'm far away fighting in Bavaria or Ukraine.

The Five Ministries and the State Council

For my fellow Paradoxers out there that aren't Swedes (I know there are a couple, at least), here some background info:

Gustav Adolph also created a strong central government to help secure his throne while he was gone. It was well-organized, efficient, and the most modern in all of Europe. In 1612 the new government machine began, extremely centralized and based around five existing offices, all in Stockholm: the Supreme Court, the Exchequer (the treasury), the Chancery (executive branch), the War Office, and the Admiralty. [The last two officers would become most important in 1629, due to the Thirty Years War.]

he State Council became the central organ in that year, a council headed by five officers from the five departments. The officers were appointed from the most affluent families in Sweden, and therefore the 37 provinces were linked through them. The State Council was an ingenious way to keep power with the king, even though he was physically away at war.

So the offices are...

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court - Deus
You'll get to do fun stuff such as deciding which nobles should be executed for treason.

Minister of Finance - Tomas Hendrik (AmbassadeBelgie)
You get to hold the empty money bag while Swedish kings take the money to pay for their international wars. It will also be your job to come up with new ways for the kingdom to draw larger incomes.

Chancellor of the Realm - rp:Axel Oxenstierna 1583-1654 ()
You are the kingdom's second-in-command and are in direct charge of executive decision making when the King is out of the country. You are also in charge of our diplomatic operations across Europe and the wider world.

Minister of War or "Marshall of the Realm" -
You are in charge of war stuff, research, begging for more money and troops.

Minister of the Navy or "Admiral of the Navy" -
See Minister of War above. Replace word war with naval and troops with ships and sailors.

The Riksdag
Finally, there is the Riksdag, which (luckily for the wider audience of this aar) was formed in the start year of this scenario, 1617. Here's background info on the body and its powers:

In 1617, the Riksdag Ordinance was passed. The Riksdag, at that time, was more of an advisory board about taxes and local matters. The Ordinance made the Riksdag a representative body, outlining the four estates (Noblity, Clergy, Townsmen, Peasants) in which to divide the Swedish population and appointing their representation to the government.

In 1634, the Riksdag was formalized into a working parliament, gaining validation from the State Council. Because of the strong central monarchy, the legislature remained weak, but its consent was needed to pass any new taxes. Although it was weak, any parliament was quite modern for 17th century Europe.

So, any bum can come off the street can come in and suggest a new direction for the government, but for now, the Riksdag's only power is the ablity to prevent an outrageous raise in taxes.

Roleplaying
RP is strongly suggested for all participants, although who you rp is no really important, unless you are the king or the chancellor.

Generals and Admirals
At the start of the game and every now and then, I will list the commanders availible for rp and anyone may choose to play one of the great military heroes of Sweden from this list.

Updates and Meetings of the State Council and Riksdag
This is the hectic era of the Thirty Years War, so I will be updating here on the progress in game about yearly or bi-yearly. Then I will allow for a day or two for a state coucil meeting and debate in the Riksdag if it is necessary. Remember, this is still a monarchy.

Misc.
-Please let me know what time zone you are in when you sign up. Time difference has sometimes been a block to these kinds of aars, but knowing them can make all the aar all the better.
-I will post a state of the realm update below to get you all informed for the first meeting of the State Council and Riksdag.
-When you sign up, tell me if you would prefer me to use regular EU2 latest patch or AOI latest patch.

And finally a quote...

"The Lord God is my Armour!"
- Gustavus Adolphus, refusing the steel body armour offered by his aides.
At the Battle of Lützen (where he was killed), 16. September 1632​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The State of the Realm - 1617

A Lion, A King, and a Wardrobe

The State of the Realm - 1st of January, anno domini 1617​

Well, the top bar indicates that everythings fine for the time being. How long will that last?​

Maps

Sweden - The Natural Map
I put this one up to show the terrain, the factories Sweden has, and the lovlely winter weather.

Our Current Domestic Policies

Sweden - The Political Map

Sweden - The Diplomatic Map
We have bad blood with everyone in the Baltic, except for the German state. This is especially true of Mecklenburg (ally) and Holstien.

Europe - Political Map

Europe - Religion Map

Commerce in Northern Europe

American Living Space
We won't do any colonization for a awhile cause, a) we dont get very many colonists, and b) we must focus on dominance in Europe. But then again, maybe not.

The Military of the Realm

Military Commanders

historicalleader = {
category = admiral
id = { type = 6 id = 09526 }
name = "Gyllenhielm"
startdate = {
year=1595
}
deathdate = {
year=1645
}
rank = 5
movement = 4
fire = 2
shock = 3
siege = 0
remark = "Bastard Brother of Gustav II Adolf"
}

historicalleader = {
category = general
id = { type = 6 id = 09527 }
name = "Herman Wrangel"
startdate = {
year=1600
}
deathdate = {
year=1637
}
rank = 3
movement = 3
fire = 4
shock = 3
siege = 0
}

historicalleader = {
category = general
id = { type = 6 id = 09528 }
name = "J. de la Gardie"
startdate = {
year=1604
}
deathdate = {
year=1647
}
rank = 1
movement = 2
fire = 4
shock = 3
siege = 0
remark = "Lazy Jaako"
}

historicalleader = {
category = admiral
id = { type = 6 id = 09530 }
name = "Klas Fleming"
startdate = {
year=1610
}
deathdate = {
year=1644
month=july
day=26
}
rank = 1
movement = 4
fire = 4
shock = 4
siege = 0

But the greatest of them all isn't up for grabs. He's all mine! *evil laugh*

historicalleader = {
category = monarch
id = { type = 6 id = 09531 }
name = "Gustav II Adolf"
startdate = {
year=1611
}
deathdate = {
year=1632
month = november
day = 5
}
rank = 0
movement = 6
fire = 6
shock = 5
siege = 1
remark = "King"
}

 

[AmbassadeBelgie]

Thomas Henry, former Duke of Limburg

Seeing as there are no other nobles applying for jobs in Sweden at the moment (or at least here), I wonder whether I am at the right place...

But no matter...let me introduce myself:
My name is Thomas Henry (can someone convert that into Swedish please?). I was Duke of Limburg until my exile during the Spanish investigations in my lands. I am of distant French descendance in the region surrounding Savoie, which implies knowledge on managing money and the weather.

I am applying here in your wonderful country because I feel it is a nation with a bright future: Your economy is strong, your army is unbeatable, and your women are simply divine.

I was born in Tongeren in 1589, which shows that I am presently twenty-eight years of age. I have no family to return to in "Spain", and am ready to give up several personal freedoms to assist Your Highness in governing the Empire.

My interest is in managing the financial facet of the empire, and my decisions I am sure will not leave you disappointed: Having financed the rebels in Tongeren (1609-1612) I prove that my organisational skills are not imaginary.


I would much enjoy serving Your Highness, and feel that my work here will prove useful in the upcoming years.

Yours,

Thomas Henry

__________________________________________________________
Time zone = GMT +5 (Quito, EC)
EUII version...gosh I dunno...I'm only familiar with Johan's patches, but that "HOI look" you had on the screenies I loved. Which patch is that?

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Herr Tomas Hendrik,

We are glad to recieve your application and you shall be greatly considered for the position of Minister of Finance.

From the office of his Majesty,
G.A. I, King of Sweden, etc.

 

[Deus]

Youre Majesty,

I wish to apply to the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

I have degree in law from the Academia Gustaviana or the Universitatis Dorpatensis (Tartuensis), established in 1632 in the city of Dorpat. I have a backround in the excecutive branch of the goverment and thorough knowlegde of cases of the Royal Court. I will make my decisions according to the law (IUS), based on justice (IUSTITIA) also King (REX) and God (DEUS).

Ius est ars bonii et aequii!


Best Regards,


Deus


Contact information can be found in my profile.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

EUII version...gosh I dunno...I'm only familiar with Johan's patches, but that "HOI look" you had on the screenies I loved. Which patch is that?

OOC: Its no patch. Its the Age of Imperialism mod by Hive (if I remember correctly). He uses flags instead of shields, the "HOI" look if you will.

Anyway, you two get that jobs as the sign up process is going rather slow, imho. That means we have three more major positions to fill before we can start the game. Come on people, move it or lose the chance to be part of the greatest Empire ever.

 

[Deus]

Anyway, you two get that jobs as the sign up process is going rather slow, imho. That means we have three more major positions to fill before we can start the game. Come on people, move it or lose the chance to be part of the greatest Empire ever.

To His Majesty, Gustavus Adolphus The Rightful King Of Sweden



Your Majesty, might I suggest that until the positions are filled, the Honorable Minister and myself, Chief Justice form an advisory board to Your Majesty to start the game? If other positions are granted then they'll join to this advisory board until the cabinet has all the ministers and is legally the Kings Cabinet of Advisors. Then the advisory board would be disbanded.



Your must humble servant,



Duke Deus of Estland
Chief Justice of The Supreme Court

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Unto Tomas Hendrik, formerly Herzog von Limburg and Minister of Finance, and Deus, Herzog von Estland and Chief Justice​

It has been suggest that that it is better for the business of the realm to be carried immediately than to wait for all the seats of the State Council to be filled. We do agreed with this idea and shall henceforth do so. We hereby ordain the King's Cabinet of Advisors and assign both of you gentlemen to it until as such time a qorum for the State Council can be formed (ooc: when we have 3 to 4 ministers that is). We shall begin our work immediately.

First, is there a need for war in this year or the coming two? We have just cause to make war on Demark, Poland, and Courland, but we have just finished fighting Denamark and Russia, who has a casus belli toward us for taking their route to the sea, only two years ago. Is the financial state of the kingdom such that it could handle a war, long or short? Do we need more troops or perhaps mercenaries would be cheaper and less a drain or our manpower. Most of these questions fall to Herr Hendrik, or course.

Second, what should we do about commerce and colonization? The Dutch, the French, and the English seem to be doing well in Amerika with trade in furs, sugar, etc. Is it a worthy investment to involve Sweden in these things. We are various curious are such a matter.

Third, should we, like the Poles, become more tolerant of all in the realm. This affects domestic our domestic politics as much as our foreign policy, especially during a war with the Poles in Poland and Lithuania. Occupation of such territories might be harder if we take a hard line against the Catholics, no?

We expect a prompt response from you, our ministers, on these matters so that we may go about the governing of the realm as best possible, with God's help.

by his own hand at Three Crowns, Stockholm,
Gustav Adolph, King of Sweden, etc

 

[AmbassadeBelgie]

January 1, 1617

From the desk of Tomas Hendrik, Minister of Finances

Firstly, thank you, Your Highness for this position. I have just finished re-furnishing my office, and find it very much to my liking. I have also read your welcome note, and agree that a temporary Cabinet of Advisors is most necessary: We cannot afford to waste time on the re-structuring of a government in such troubled times.


However, it seems some of the files that were destined for my office have been mismanaged. I refer mostly to the data on our budget, money distribution, army maintenance costs, cost of troop conscription, and such. Also, it seems that the cost of placing merchants in centres of trade has not been specified. The merchants available per year has also not been specified. To correctly analyze the situation please understand that such informations are priceless.

Seeing as I shall need to consider aspects other than financial, it would be useful to know how many diplomats are available yearly, as well as maybe technology levels in comparison with other major powers.

If this information could be left on my desk (in written or graphic notation) I could more correctly analyze the situation. Also, if at the end of this year (1617) Your Highness could inform me of the amount of money raised (census taxes, etc). I could make very useful estimations on our capability to waging war.


I shall now try to answer the points of interest pointed out by His Royal Highness in the most recent letter.

On War.
Financially, this is difficult to analyze due to lack of information. However 750 ducats is a healthy sum for war, it might be wise to spend it on development instead...
Our Casus Belli against Courland is interesting. Annexing or vassalizing this land may bring fruitful benefits thanks to the Centre of Trade, which could help supply money for a large-scale war against Denmark, Poland or Russia. Note; any war we enter places our vassal and ally (Mecklemburg) at high risk.
The greatest fear I have of entering a war so rapidly is the war exhaustion that may ensue: Are the people annoyed with our policies and religious tolerance? Are there any provinces affected by separatist organisations (i.e. Nationalism from previous acquisitions)? Do we have the room to risk a rapid increase in inflation?
With more reliable data I shall provide you with a more in-depth analysis as well as personal recommendations.

On Religion.
Sweden is more tolerant to other religions than it could be: We are relatively accepting with Moslems. Catholics are treated with the same slight disrespect, if not slightly better. The Orthodox Christians leave Swedes indifferent, and the Reformed are rather liked. Of course, Protestants are very well liked, which is commendable, seeing as a very high percentage of Swedes follow this religion.
Our province of Savolaks is mainly Catholic, and Ingermanland (if my information is correct) is very Orthodox. I believe we should re-adjust our tolerance levels to suit our internal priorities instead of our diplomatic ones:

Moslems should be hated as badly as possible, as all countries need a hated rival: Moslems are too far to cause any real problems in any case, and their tolerance towards us is already low enough to make for no real difference if we incite the same hate.

Our high acceptance of Reformed Christians leads to nothing except the better relations with Reformed countries (namely Switzerland, Scotland, and the United Provinces of the Netherlands). Reducing this tolerance would make more room for Catholic tolerance. (I suggest bringing tolerance towards Catholics higher than Reformed, but less than Protestant = 2nd place).

Orthodox tolerance could be raised too, which will enable more successful campaigns in the East.​

I hereby suggest the tolerance to be in this order (highest to lowest):
Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed, Moslem.
Would it be prudent to make Protestant and Catholic tolerance near identical?

On Colonisation.
It would be useful to gain information on the known provinces in the New World: Base tax value, Native presence and aggresiveness, as well as (most important) cost of sending colonists or traders (to found trading posts).
It could prove to be very wise to build at least one city in the New World, as taxes would increase and armies could be created from there (as a last resort, result of a failing war).

Based on the knowledge on the New World I can recall (from my time in England), I believe Roanoke to be the best choice for colonisation and growth into a city. Are relations with England (or some other local power, possibly natives) good enough to ask for military access and/or a map exchange?

Despite the promises of riches in the New World, we must remain very much grounded in Europe and the struggle for power on our borders. Colonization can not become a full-time pre-occupation - It is merely an aid for the economy and military.

On Domestic Policies.
Seeing as our neighbours seem inclined to mindlessly waging war upon us, the centre-power, I believe it would be wisest to either increase the importance of land military doctrine [Land +1], or to work more on supplying better quality forces [QUALITY +1], thereby gaining a certain superiority over our enemies in war.


I again suggest that the files be sent to me, and possibly a copy to the Chief Justice (Duke Deus), as it would make for more credible arguments, instead of mere speculation.

Yours,

Minister of Finances

______________________
In light of the current available positions in the cabinet, I have announced the job offer in the bAAR. Hopefully this may bring some more individuals interested in guiding our beloved country and serving Your Royal Highness.
N.B. By "files" I mean screenshots or data in written form.

 

[Deus]

Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden, January 1, 1617​

To His Majesty, Gustavus Adolphus The Rightful King Of Sweden



Your Majesty, In a reply to your letter, I must say that the decision to stop waiting until the positions of the State Council is most wise and welcome. Our enemies are not waiting. The might of Sweden has alarmed many of our neighbours and it seems that we have rightful reason to start a war with several other nations. According to international law a Casus Belli must be presented to wage a war or our international rating and our reputation will decrease, each time making us more and more vulnerable to our enemies. As you pointed out we have a Casus Belli against Denmark, Poland and Courland since all of them occupy one or more provinces considered to be our national province.

If we are to wage a war, I agree with Herr Tomas Hendrik, an in depth analysis must be conducted about the costs -- financial, legal, moral to reach to the right decision. We must blindly wage do the probable gains weigh out the losses. In that respect I am leaning towards war if the variables are taken into account. I must point out that Courland with Estland would make an superb beachead for the future invasion to Poland. However Courland is not a province of wealth since the Center of Trade moved to Danzig almost a century ago. If we are to wage a war i suggest that we leave our allies out of the war, we mustn't expoit them before our hour of need. Also to whom does Courlands allegiance belong to? If they have strong allies such as Poland or Russia for example then a war in many fronts could be devastating. Denmark could declare war on us also, and invade mainland Sweden.


On the account of religion I fully agree with Herr Tomas Hendrik since I'm not a religious man. I agree that we must keep our alliances strong and the hemisphere of friends even larger. But foremost we must take account the needs of your loyal subjects, even when they don't abide to the same religion as You, Your Majesty.

I am a firm believer of the colonization of the New World or America as it is called by some. I believe that we should claim one or two provinces at start to gain a foothold and steady incomes in taxes and trade. Also we must stay reasonable, our Innovative approach and the personal freedom of our subjects are inhibiting to the amount of colonists and adventurers whom we can send to colonize the new world. So our powerbase have always been and will remain in Europe.

I agree that Quality is the issue of today. We cannot underestimate the gains of morale a soldier receives after the knowledge that his weapons of war are trusworhty and of high standards. Then a soldier can trust his weapons as he trusts himself. But the next step (in ten years time) would be the increasing of centralization to solidify your powerbase and make the governing of our glorious nation more effective.

To complete my letter I will summarize my proposals. I'm leaning towards a war if properly analized. I agree with Herr Tomas Hendrik on the matters of Religion. I support our efforts in the new world if the balance of power is preserved between developements in Europe and the New World (Europe comes first), finally to reach a new level in quality skill and craftsmanship.





Your must humble servant,

Herzog Deus von Estland
Chief Justice of The Supreme Court

 

[unmerged(25633)]

To his Majesty Gustavus, Rightful King of Sweden,

My name is William Hamilton, Earl of Lanark.

I am a soldier.

My elder brother is the Duke of Hamilton. As you know, he stands heir to the throne of Scotland after the descendants of James VI.

He has sent me to this Realm to aid the one Monarch who seems capable of withstanding the Papists on the Continent.

Though young in years--far too young to serve as a Councilor in your fair realm--it is my hope that you may find me of service whether in your court or in the field, and that my advice might be of use.

I shall wait to hear if my proposal is not displeasing to you.

In the meantime, however, allow me to observe that the Great Papist powers are slowly but surely drawing together to extirpate the cause of Protestantism in Germany.

That war must be prepared for.

And, until that war be won, I submit that it is dangerous to think of overseas colonies. Spain is powerful at sea, and, until that power be humbled, any colonies you establish overseas will be subject to great risk. Instead, direct your people's attention to developing the great riches of Lappland.

May I submit that you be on your guard against the King of Denmark as your greatest danger? He has long resented the growing power of your realm, has supported your cousin Sigismund of Poland in his quest to claim rightful kingship, and has hindered you at every turn. Should it happen that he ally with Russia, I fear it may go very ill for you.

A sudden attack before the end of 1619 may garner rich rewards, particularly if God should so favor your cause as to enable the acqusition of Jylland through an attack by sea while Jakob de la Gardie takes Skane.

Should the Russians take you in the back so be it. I am of opinion that you have already greatly weakened both your rivals--and your Ugric peoples in Kola and Karelia may break under the Russian knout should you wait too long to aid them.

Should you in your wisdom determine, however, that the risk of finding yourself at war with Russian and Denmark at the same time be too great--then now can be no better time than to strike at Poland.

I have also observed conflict in your realm with respect to religion. To this my sad homeland is no stranger. It is my fervent prayer that true Christians might come together to oppose both Saracen and Papist.

Your Most Obedient Servant,

William Hamilton.
[who dwells in EST land]

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

Unto William Hamilton, Graf af Lanark,

We are glad to recieve your application and you shall hereby recieve a comission as a captain of horse in the Svenska Armen, which is under our own command. we are most grateful for your sagacious commentary on future wars against the backstabbers, papists, and schismatics which surround our realm. God willing, we shall triumph over them all with the least blood spilt possible and the least gold spent.

From the office of his Majesty,
G.A. I, King of Sweden, etc.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

A Lion, A King, and a Wardrobe

The State of the Realm - 4th of April, anno domini 1617​

The King of Sweden stood in his study looking out the window as his secretary prepared to take dictation. It was another report to his minister that His Majesty was preparing and he wanted to leave nothing out this time. Turning to the secretary, the King let out a rhetorical...

"Where shall we begin? Why not the foreign matters, since that was what seems to be on the minds of many in court, even the foreigners."

Denmark

Poland

Muscovy or, as it is known these days, Russia

The State of the Duchy of Courland and the Austrian State, the heart of Papism in Central Europe
​

"It does not take a wise man to see that all of our enemies, except for the Austrians [who are more a potential opponent than a real enemy, for the time being], are well below the tacital capability of our military. Our years of training in the forge of battle have paid well indeed, gentlemen. Yet, now what are we to do with this tool knowing this. Turning to the domestic briefly..."

These figures are as of the 1st of January. While the rates have no changes, the number of diplomats has increased by one.​

"The advent of this diplomat, a young southern noble of the court, has brought to mind where we can send him on a mission of great import, perhaps even to gain the realm an allies in our fights against Papism!"

Brandenburg is in need of allies...

Saxony is a member of the Protestant League already...

Mecklenburg is already our vassal

but then there is Holstein​

"Then again, the sinews of war and diplomacy is money. Thus, we present the budget of the realm as of the 4th of April. Naturally, one must consider that the period since the first of the years has been carried out with the least expense possible."

"Now, many Dutchmen have come before proposing two ways of increasing the income of the realm; first, they say our companies should further venture our merchants beyond the markets of the Baltics, and second, they say we should venture to set up colonies and trade post in the Americas and Africa. They have pointed out many place for such ventures and pointed out the crop that would make a right good investment."

Commerce in the Baltic via the Sund in January (left) and the 4th of April (right) [ooc: see post #2 for the commerce map showing the other markets]

Sugar is the cash crop the Dutchmen have told me of. The only problem is that the isles in which it would best grow are inhabited by the fiercest of savages. The Spanish have forever called them Cannibals and many others have accounts that prove this horrid thing true. So this will go on the back burner...

The Spanish Main (left) is another option if we are interested, but it is said to be inhabited by peoples very similar to the Cannibals of the isles. The coastlands of the northern continent, called Florida by the Spanish and Virginia by the English (center), are not as rich as the aforementioned but offer different benefits. Tobacco might be just as profitable as sugar, along with being less labor intensive. Then there is Africa (right), which in to places can offer ivory and slaves to our merchants. Still, the natives there are rather unfriendly as well.​

"We are predispossed to have you gentlemen put this information away until another time, but we could be convinced otherwise perhaps. Still, colonial efforts shall be the least of our priorities in the coming years."

"This issue came up at court as of late; that being that most of the country, excepting the capital and Smaland, are deviod of chief judges for the settling of various high case and the overseeing of tax collection so that no corruption may take place. We were quite dismayed at hearing of this, but wonder if we can afford to put such men in every province of the realm?

We await your responses on these various matters and any question you may have. From the office of G.A. King of Sweden, etc."

With that, the King returned to staring out of the window while the secretary rose and went to make two copies of the hasitly written dictation.

 

[unmerged(25633)]

To his Majesty, Gustavus Adolphus, Rightful King of Sweden,

I have received yours of 4 April and wish to thank you for the commission you have seen fit to grant me. I shall ever endeavour to be worthy of that trust.

With regard to the questions you raise: may I suggest that you wait a year to go war? While your army and navy are strong, they could benefit from the addition of both artillery and foot--perhaps to recruit to a total of 30,000 foot, 3 or 4 thousand horse, and 60 batteries.

Poland seems to be beset with many enemies, and, by waiting briefly, we may be able to catch them at a time when they are at war with the Turks, the Russians, or even their fellow Papists, the Austrians. I would be remiss were I not to warn you that Sigismund's army is stronger than it seems.

As to the question of diplomacy and alliances: I believe that you should stay close to Brandenburg--but not too close. Having met the Elector, it is my observation that you might find him engaging you in affairs in which you have no interest. Yet he is not someone to alienate. You need military access through his territories. This is likewise the case with Pommern. perhaps more so--if however you ally with the latter you will greatly risk angering Brandenburg.

To my mind, if you are inclined toward an alliance, your cousin in Holstein would be the safest and most useful, giving ourselves and our Mecklenburg allies a means of engaging the Danes from a direction they do not expect. But, even more important than this, would be the matters of military access across Pommern and Brandenburg. This would be invaluable in the event of war with either Sigismund, or the Emperor.

[And, if I might be so bold, Georg Wilhelm has a sister who is most comely and pleasant...]

I know little of matters of budget, trade, and colonies and shall refrain from comment for now on those heads at this time.

Your Obedient Servant,

Hamilton
Captain-of-Horse
in the Kingdom of Sweden

 

[Deus]

Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden, April 4, Anno Domini 1617​

To His Majesty, Gustavus Adolphus, The Rightful King Of Sweden



Thank you your highness of this thorough report on the state of Swedens foreign affairs.
I support a small localized war in the Baltics, primarily Courland. Since Courland is a Polish vassal we could make more territorial gains if Poland decides to defend her vassal. I support an amphibious invasion on Courland and if the King of Poland decides to declare war on us, then a invasion force that would be placed in Estland so we could swiftly push the Polish back and claim more land on the other side of the Baltic Sea. They're catholic too and could spread the decadence of Papism to the Baltics. I've heard of this German concept called the "Blitzkrieg". The aim is to grab as many provinces in a short time and force the enemy into surrender. By making them believe that our might is stronger than it is.

Rregarding the reform of the Judicial System, we must improve it by starting from the wealthiest provinces because there the corruption is greatest. Money attracts people with questionable ethics and morale. Also this investment can make a better use of our incomes, since deflation reduces prices. Also the revolt risk reduces. If we have problematic provinces then the Chief Judge could calm the people down. Firm, strict but just, seem to calm the people down. But the costs are a financial matter and Herr Hendrik is able to shed some light on those matters. How many appointments per year can we afford? One?

Concerning expnsion into the new world, I believe that tobacco is the guestion and Roanoke the answer. Reports indicate little native resistance both in numbers and aggressiveness. I suggest a colony to be established and a small expeditionary force to be sent. If possible, I suggest that the natives should be kept alive and reeducated to live in the city after the population reaches 1000. Then we can at once have bigger incomes from our overseas province.

I'll be looking forward to Herr Hendrik's answer on these matters.



Your must humble servant,

Herzog Deus von Estland
Chief Justice of The Supreme Court

 

[Deus]

Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden, April 4, Anno Domini 1617​

To Sir William Hamilton, Graf af Lanark, Captain-of-Horse in The Kingdom of Sweden



Dear Sir,

I must congratulate you on your appointment as the Captain-of-Horse. The King has seen fit to send a copy of your letter to me. I must agree with your in-depth analysis on the possibilities of war. Our eternal foe Denmark is currently at peace with us so Poland and her allies-vassals are our current enemy number one. I believe that we must increase our sphere of infuence in the Baltic Sea area. What is your opinion on that matter? What do you see as our goals in the near future?


Best regards,

Herzog Deus von Estland
Chief Justice of The Supreme Court

 

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To Herzog Deus von Estland, Chief Justice

Thank you for your kind words of your letter of April 4, 1617.

And may I extend my own felicitations upon your appointment?

I entirely agree with you that it is necessary to extend our Monarch's influence in the Baltic. And Poland is, after all, part and parcel of the patrimony of the Vasa family.

Sigismund is, however, very dangerous and must be dealt with cautiously. I have only been in your country a short time, but have nonetheless been made aware that even within the realm of Sweden there are traitors who support him over our own Monarch.

I therefore believe it best to deal with Sigismund when he is beset with other enemies. In the meantime, it would be well to deal with Denmark.

Gaining control of Jylland and Skane would not only go far in terms of unifying the Scandinavian people under one rule, but would also go far in terms of securing the western Baltic.

Being but a humble Captain-of-Horse, I have no desire to trouble our Monarch and thereof wonder if I might draw up a plan of attack on Denmark that you, in your wisdom and leisure, might ponder, and, if merited, present to our sagacious King.

Your obedient Servant,

Hamilton

 

[Deus]

Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden, April 4, Anno Domini 1617​

To Sir William Hamilton, Graf af Lanark, Captain-of-Horse in The Kingdom of Sweden



Dear Sir,

Thank you for your kind words Sir. I'm glad that you see this with a military point of view. I agree with you that Sigismund of Poland is a very dangerous foe and this cunning plan of yours to attack when Polands forces are away seems like a successful one to me. What do you think about fighting Russia, from a military point of view? Their borderline running all the way from our Finnish provinces to Estland in the south seem lightly guarded and Russia's military tech is the most backwards of our foes, if the Russian offensive is reasonable then a Casus Belli should be aquired.

I like your idea of humiliating the Danes, everybody knows that Our Majesty is the ruler of Skandinavia. Perhaps with a blitzkrieg offensive to liberate the whole peninsula? I shall wait for your plans of action and if they seem reasonable, I'll present them to the King as yours. I don't like to take credit for things that I haven't created.



Best regards,

Herzog Deus von Estland
Chief Justice of The Supreme Court

 

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To Herzog Deus von Estland, Chief Justice
April 4, 1617

Your Lordship,

I am grateful for the opportunity to be of humble service.

Even given the excellence of our defenses in your native province, as well as the loyalty of its people, the combined forces of Courland and Poland--together with the undivided attention of the pretender Sigismund, may well be too much for us at this time.

And, given that the Kurlanders are our co-religionists, it may be that, given time, they may well choose to join themselves with us voluntarily.

As to Russia: I heartily agree with you regarding their weakness and applaud you on your observations in this respect. I fear, however, that we may not have to look far to seek a Casus Belli against them. While I am more of a simple soldier than a diplomat, I am of opinion that it may not be long before we find Mikhail Romanov allied with Denmark in any event.

If I may be so bold: I am forced to move my abode due to an unexpected and temporary embarassment of funds, but can, within a day or two, provide you with a general war-plan against Denmark alone, as well as with a second plan in the event we must deal with their combined power.

Your obedient Servant

Hamilton

 

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To Gustav II Adolf, The true king of Sweden and the defender of the protestant church.

My dear lord
my name is Dante Essex and I am the son of the famous mercenary general Vincent Essex who fought for your noble father Karl den nionde "Charles the IX" against the vile usurper Sigsmund during the war and settled in Sweden after that.

I wrote this letter to notify you that I offer my services to the crown if you would have need of them.

If you should I would preffer to lead an army since i am unsure if I could manage anything else. Prefferably one that is going to be sent to war soon since i long to send some Catholics to hell as soon as posible!

Your humble servant
Dante Essex