- ARCHIVE - Union Council of Sweden

[Gabriel Anthony]

The Union Council of Sweden

The Union Council of Sweden

The Union Council of Sweden, its leader and members , proclaim their devotion to the cause of righteousness and honor. The propagation of faith, order, and the furthering of the Scandinavian cause. To these we hold true, and shall endeavour to achieve.

The Realms of the Kalmar Union

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

The History of our Nation

Fourteen thousand years ago the whole of the present country of Sweden was covered by a thick ice cap. As the ice slowly retreated, man came to Sweden and the first known human dwelling place, which has been found in southern Sweden, dates from around 10,000 BC. It is clear that from the period 8000 to 6000 BC the country as a whole began to be populated by peoples who lived by hunting and fishing and who used simple stone tools. Dwelling places and graves dating from the Stone Age, which is generally regarded as lasting until about 1800 BC, are being found in increasing numbers. Stone tools became more sophisticated during that period, which was succeeded in the Nordic region by the Bronze Age from 1800 to 500 BC. This period gets its name from the bronze weapons and religious objects which characterize the archaeological discoveries dating from these centuries, even though stone tools continued to dominate everyday life. The Bronze Age is marked in the Nordic region, especially in Denmark but also in Sweden, by a high level of culture, as is shown, for example, by the artefacts found in graves. After about 500 BC such artefacts become more rare as iron began to be more generally used. During the Early Iron Age (500 BC- 400 AD), the period of the great migrations (400- 550) and the socalled Vendel period (550- 800)--so named because of the magnificent boat graves found at Vendel in Uppland--the population of Sweden became a settled one and agriculture came to form the basis for the economy and for society.


The Vikinq Age and Early Christianity

The Viking Age, 800- 1050, was characterized by a marked expansion, which in the case of Sweden was mainly directed eastwards. Many Viking expeditions set off from Sweden with the mixed purpose of plunder and trade along the coasts of the Baltic Sea and the rivers which stretched deep into present- day Russia, where Swedish Vikings established trading stations and short- lived principalities, like that of Rurik at Novgorod. The Vikings active in the east travelled as far as the Black and Caspian Seas, where they developed trading links with the Byzantine Empire and the Arab dominions. At the same time, Christianity first reached Sweden with the mission of Ansgar, who visited the country from the Carolingian Empire in the ninth century. However, it was not until the eleventh century that Sweden was Christianized. Even then the old pagan Nordic religion survived until far into the twelfth century, and Sweden did not obtain an archbishop of its own until 1164. Sweden's expansion in the east continued during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries through the incorporation of Finland into the Swedish kingdom after several crusades.


The Founding of the Kingdom

The various provinces of Sweden, which had previously been independent entities, were absorbed around 1000 into a single unit whose centre of gravity lay partly in Västergötland and Östergötland and partly in the provinces around Lake Mälaren, especially Uppland. From the middle of the twelfth century onward there was a hard struggle for temporal power in this kingdom between the Sverker and Erik families, which held the crown alternately between 1160 and 1250. However, during this period the main administrative units were still the provinces, each of which had its own assembly (ting), lawmen and laws. It was first during the latter part of the thirteenth century that the crown gained a greater measure of influence and was able, with the introduction of royal castles and provincial administration, to assert the authority of the central government and to impose laws and ordinances valid for the whole kingdom. In 1280 King Magnus Ladulås (1275- 90) issued a statute which involved the establishment of a temporal nobility and the organization of society on the feudal model. A council containing representatives of the aristocracy and the church was set up to advise the king. In 1350, during the reign of Magnus Eriksson (1319- 64), the various provincial law codes were superseded by a law code that was valid for the whole country.


The Honsa Period

Trade increased during the fourteenth century, especially with the German towns which were grouped under the leadership of Lübeck in the Hansa League. For the following 200 years, until the middle of the sixteenth century, the Hansa dominated Sweden's trade, and a large number of towns were founded in Sweden as a consequence of the lively commercial activity connected with the Hansa. Agriculture was and remained the basis for economic life and it too developed during these years through the introduction of the three- field system and improved tools. However, the Black Death, which reached Sweden in 1350, led to a long period of economic decline marked by a smaller population and many abandoned farms. The crisis cannot really be said to have been surmounted until the latter part of the fifteenth century, at the same time as the production of iron in central Sweden began to play an increasingly important role in the country's economy.


The Kalmar Union

In 1389, through inheritance and family ties, the crowns of Denmark, Norway and Sweden were united under the rule of the Danish Queen Margareta. In 1397, the socalled Union of Kalmar was concluded under her leadership.

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

The Council of Sweden

The Seat of the Council, the Castle Ulriksdal, Stockholm

Key Members of the Council

DEAD
Sven Knutsson- The Elected Regent of Sweden, leader of the Union Council of Sweden. Sven Knutsson is the controlling influence of the Council, which directly governs the provinces of the nation. His regency is backed by both the Danish and Swedish Councils.

Hjalmar Tott- Marshall of Sweden, Hjamlar is the top military advisor to the Council, General in Chief of the Armies of Sweden, he embodies the martial and patriotic spirit of the nation. A member of the powerful Tott family , his loyalty to his people is never in question, but his disdain for the Kalmar Union is well known.

Timoteus Vasa- Minister of Foreign affairs, leading member of the Council. Timoteus is the head of the powerful Vasa family in Sweden, in constant opposition to Hjalmar, he is a firm supporter of the Union. And is backed by powerful forces in the nation.

Tobias Oxenstierna- Cardinal Archbishop of Stockholm, Metropolitan of Sweden , Cardinal Oxenstierna is the religous leader of Sweden, advisor to the Council on all matters concerning religion.

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

The Union of Kalmar

The Union King
of Denmark and Norway, Sovereign of Sweden, His majesty, Erik VII

The Union Council of Sweden under the Leadership of the Great Tott, now has a different policy concerning the Union..

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

Current Affairs of the nation of Sweden

Nation: Sweden
Head of State: The Union Counsel
Religion: Catholic
Culture: Scandinavian, Ugric
Stats: 4/3/2/3/4(2) --> [2/3/2/2/1]
Provinces: 12
Ports: 8
Danish vassal -2 economy

Current Alliances or Treaties:
Sweden is a member of the Northern Alliance, which also includes Denmark, Livonia, Prussia, Bohemia, , Oldenburg, Lithuania

Foreign Dignitaries and Ambassadors in Stockholm:
England-Sir Robin Muir, Earl of Cadbury, count of Mersey
Denmark-Lord Svend Erik Hovmand

Swedish Diplomats Abroad:
The HRE-Jöran Persson
England-Einar Hagstedt
Livonia-Ludvik Adelsvärd
The Russian states- Sigsten Zachrisson

Current Conflicts and Cassus Bellis's:

 

[unmerged(3110)]

"My lord. I am Sir Robin Muir, Earl of Cadbury, count of Mersey. I had the dubious pleasure of representing England in Scotland recently. Things became a little unpleasant in the glens and by the loch's and i now have the pleasant duty of being sent to your court to re afirm the close ties we have enjoyed."

"Would it suit you, for me to represent England in your court?"

 

[Sharur]

Lord Svend Erik Hovmand, Danish representative to the Swedish Union Council, enters and bows

"My Lords,

There is a most urgent matter which His Majesty must discuss with you. He should be arriving shortly... But this must be discussed in private, so I must ask that you adjourn with me to a less public meeting place."

 

[Sharur]

A messenger rushes in for Lord Hovmand.

Having heard the man out, Lord Hovmand turns and addresses the Council.

"Excuse me, my Lords, but it appears that His Majesty has been delayed, and is in need of my assistance... I shall return shortly..."

With that, Lord Hovmand rushes out, leaving a slightly befuddled Council behind.

 

[Sharur]

Several hours later, a distressed-looking Lord Hovmand re-enters the Council with a good chunk of the King's entourage in tow.

"My Lords,

I apologize for interrupting your meeting once more, but I have terrible news that I must report. It appears that His Majesty has come down with pneumonia, and a fairly severe case at that. Obviously, he is not at all well, and is being brought here as we speak."

Panting, Lord Hovmand stops, takes a deep breath, and continues.

"Again, I would like to apologize for the suddenness of this situation, but it cannot be helped. We will not be able to transport His Majesty back to Copenhagen, and so we must ask that you take him in until he is well again.

"Also, there is another urgent matter that we must consider. The doctors believe that His Majesty could be bed-ridden for as much as a year, though they seem certain that he will recover. I have been ordered to discuss with you the matter of the governance of the Union while he recovers..."

With a worried expression, Lord Hovmand waits for the reaction of the Council.

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

The new Lords of the Union Council had just so recently settled in, to their embarassment they we're still acquainting themselves with eacthother, for the Union Lords were not always on amical terms with eachother.

It is in this relative flurry of activity that Lord Hovmand enters the chambers of the Council, with obvious distress on his countenance.

It is of course the Regent of the U.C who first addresses the well known, and well respected Hovmand. After motioning to take a seat in the chambers.

" Yes,,,yes,,, I think I speak for all of us when I state that it is unfortunate that we begin our task with such foreboding an event,,,are your healers sure??"

An unknown member of the Council speaks up,,

" Do not delay with needless speech !!..We must have His Majesty attended to at once ! "

Marshall Hjalmar Tott speaks

"My honorable friend is right,, *pointing to escorts* Have our King placed in accomodations, worthy of his ,,,'majesty',,,. I can only hope Ulriksdal will suffice?"

You bring up an important issue, with our King so seriously ill, the joint governance of the Union is an issue that is paramount."

Timoteus Vasa takes this oppurtunity to give his opinion.

" Lord Hovmand, members of this Council, In the abscense of his Majesty King Erik, there is in fact only 1 person in all the realm who has been recognized by both Coucils as a legitimate ruler....."

A smile spreads across the face of Hjalmar Tott, he knows what is coming.

"Of course,, who else but the Regent of Sweden, Sven Knutsson? It is you my lord, who will guide the Realms of Kalmar duing this time of turbulence and uncertainty."

The bustling noise of speaking delegates comes to a hush, and all eyes turn toward Lord Hovman. Sven says quite simply,

This all,,,seems to be quite in good order. *looking at the Lord Hovman* What is the position of the Danish Council, on the current issue?"

 

[Sharur]

Lord Hovmand smiles at Knutsson

"My Lord, that is a most wise and acceptable proposal; however, if I may, I would like to ask that I be included as a representative from Denmark during your decision making. Hopefully, I can help you to act in His Majesty's stead as well as possible during these troublesome times."

Lord Hovmand turns to face the entire Council.

"I am afraid that yes, the doctors are quite sure that His Majesty will be in bed for quite some time. However, we have only the Lord to thank that they seem quite sure that he will recover, with time and proper care. I truly regret the timing in all of this, His Majesty has not even had the opportunity to welcome the new Council... But that is of no consequence now...

I apologize for dropping this in the lap of the Council so suddenly, but... one does what one must do, I suppose. And now, I must take my leave and return to my Liege. I shall return before to long to assist in the beginning of this interim government."

 

[unmerged(2461)]

Cardinal Oxenstierna,

The Diocese of Scandinavia has indeed suffered for under-representation at the Lateran and so His Holiness would welcome any ecclesiastical legate from that region of Christendom.

By his own hand at the Lateran,

Cardinal Corleone, Archbishop of Ostia

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A sealed letter arrives from Astrakhan.

 

[Stormbringer]

A messege arrives from Novgorod

Your Majesty,
Novgorod and Moscow are preparing to fight a war against the hated muslim invaders in the East. Livonia have garanteed us the support of the Northern Alliance. We understand that Sweeden has other things to worry about, especially right now, but I hope that Sweeden will support It's christian brothers in their holy war. We are asking Sweeden to give us a loan to help win this comming war, or pussibly take up arms and help us fight it. If Sweeden decides to join the war we will gladly give it the Rite of Passage through the lands of our alliance. I hope that we can become good friends in the future.
Mikhail Olel'kovitch, Grand Prince of Novgorod
P.S. The Grand Duke of Livonia have asked me to give you his regards"

 

[Stormbringer]

A letter arrives from Novgorod

"Your Majesty
I am not sure I understand your letter. You say that we are heretics, but we are both Christian. You say we have claims on your land, but we have already agreed with Livonia to confirm the borders as they stand now. You say our war will unbalance the peace in the North, but I do not see how that is possible. Golden Horde has taken our provinces in the last war, and we just want them back.
Perhaps Your majesty would like to eleborate, and show me what we are doing wrong to deserve Your anger. Or possibly you can show us what is so good about the Horde, that we will reconsider. I hope that you will see deeper into this matter.
Mikhail Olel'kovitch, Grand Prince of Novgorod, Leader of the Holly Russian League."

 

[Gabriel Anthony]

Meeting

Members of the Union Council hurriedly made their way to Stockholm , knowing full well the importance of the discussions soon to take place.

Amongst the commotion Regent Knuttson takes charge of the proceedings.

" Ahh,, Greetings to you all,

As you all well know there are issues of great importance that are rapidly taking shape , that directly concern us. We are having this session , of the full Council, and our compatriots ..

Sven nods to the Danish delegation, who, knowing the future of the entier Kalmar Union was to be decided, made their way to Ulriksdal.

" To decide our stances, and course of action,,, well it seems we are all ready, and anxious.... Since the majority of these issues concern foreign affiars,,, Timoteus will elaborate on the situation."

Timoteus Vasa makes his way too the front , clearly visible to the collected body,, he has a map of europa at his disposal.

" Yes,, thank you Regent,, firstly I would welcome our guests, and wish a rapid recovery, and good health to our ailing King"

* at this most of the men pound hard on the table, and shouts of "Hear Hear!!" echo through the great hall*

now of course,, to the matters at hand.

" Of Immediate concern is the conflict between the Great Khan, and the Russian traders with whom we share a common border. the situation seems quite clear according to our reports."

"It seems the Russians instigated, with the use of aggresive and vitrous language, this conflict.. Now they have asked for us to intervene on their behalf,,, "

Marshall Hjalmar Tott wastes no time in interuppting his perpetual opponent. He stands , addressing all

" These Russians? The same who have made claims against our allies? The same whom we have been at odds with for decades??"

" Bah,, If anything I say our armies are indeed ready to intervene, we can end them once and for all,,

The regent responds,

" Such martial sentiments Hjalmar, what would we have to gain, a few icebound lands of little to no value, populated by heretics no less,,

" Well perhaps the material gain would be little My Lord, but we would eliminate one threat from our borders,,,, and what a harvest of souls we would reap."

Marshall Tott looks at Cardinal Oxenstierna, sitting across the hall,,,who placidly nods in acknolwedgement.

" The positives and negatives of such action are indeed interesting,,,, However let us shelve this momentarily, as another issue awaits,,,ahhh,,, Lord Vasa?

" Ah yes My Lord,, According to reports there seems to be some dealings of,, explosive potential involving our Bohemian allies,, the Livonians,, and the other German states.

As of yet however, details of this are few and far between, I recommend sending senior representatives to Riga, on behalf of the Kalmar Union, to take charge of our interests in this situation."

" Is this course of action agreed upon??"

Statements of agreement flood in from the delegates,, as one of them shouts

" I am Suprised Tott hasn't already proposed the invasion of Mainland Europe!"

A roar of laughter echos through the halls, all laughing except the visibly annoyed Marhsall.

After the uproar dies down, the Regent again takes charge

" Right then, I will make by way to Riga, for an indefinate ammount of time, the Unionsrad will continue to function as the ruling power of the Union,,.

Next on the agenda my lords,,,let us discuss the recent Harvests...

 

[Stormbringer]

A letter arrives from Novgorod

"Your Majesty
I am not sure I understand why Sweeden is conserned, We just wish to regain the land we lost in the last war. Sweeden will still be so powerfull to be bothered with the small state of Novgorod.
I do not wish to be enemies with you, insted I wish to be friends. We are not asking you to support us, but we are asking you not to interfere while we try to get back what was taken from us. You say we claimed land of your allies, but Wasa is now one of my friends, and we have agreed upon the borders of our countries. We have never claimed Sweeden's land, and do not wish to do so in the future. Our goals lie in the south now, not in the North. We wish to stay friends with everyone in the Northern League. We promise that we will not try to expand in the Baltic, as was our previous intention.
I hope that You understand, and will reconsider.

By his own hand in Moskva
Mikhail Olel'kovitch"

 

[unmerged(8915)]

A quick messenger from Holy Bohemia arrives:

Noble Lords of Sweden,

Bohemia greatly appreciates your involvement in our current war with the Nurenberg Liga under the banner of justice and Truth!

-Jan Zizka

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A letter from the Golden Horde

Great Lords of Sweden.

We certainly understand that it is your duty to fight in the wars that shake central Europe. Know that even if Novgorod is destroyed without the aid of Sweden, the Golden Horde will certainly remember your friendship and trust when the time comes to divide the spoils of war. The Khan respects your honor and integrity.

We wish you the best in your war against your ennemies, who must certainly be unjust.

Yamun, First Scribe
writing the words of Bars Khan

 

[BaronFoxxe]

A messenger from Trebizond arrives with a sealed letter.