- ARCHIVE - Union Council of Sweden

[Hamilcar]

Royal Court of Sweden

The
Riksföreståndare and Union Counsel
of
Svea Rike ​

Gentes Scitote vicine sive remotae quod clareat Suecia plebeque militia.​

The sky is overcast, the colour of steel. The wind from the northern lands torments your face as the bitter cold bites your flesh. Grim norsemen marching through the streets of Stockholm barely notice you as you make your way to the large building looming over the harbour where the Union Counsel meets.

Koggen from all over the Baltic have anchored in the protected bay of Stockholm’s natural harbour. The stench of fish permeates every street and alley, the few merchants sell nothing but seafood.

This is Svea Rike, once a great and mighty kingdom, the home of the raiders that had set fear in the hearts of the peoples of Europe. But now Svea is but a pitiful remnant of it’s former glory, with the crown on the head of the King of the Danes.
​

 

[Hamilcar]

The Riksföreståndare

The Riksföreståndare is the Regent of Svea Rike in the name of King Christoffer of Danmark. While legally the vassal of the King, the Riksföreståndare has complete control over the temporal matters inside the realm. The Kingdoms of Svea and Danmark remain independent, except that their sovereign is one and the same - King Christoffer.

His Excellency, the Riksföreståndare.

Sten Sture.

The Union Counsel

Made up of the powerful Jarls and Bishops of the country, the Counsel aids the Riksföreståndare in his task of administering Sweden. Each member of the Counsel is also responsible for a certain domain of government.

The Counsel consists of seven men chosen by the nobles of the nation from amongst their ranks.

His Excellency, the Riksskattmästare

Henrik Sparre - finance.

His Excellency, the Riksmarshalk

Gustav Sture - army.

His Excellency, the Riksamiral

Erik Brahe - navy.

His Grace, the Ärkebiskopp

Johann Brahe - clergy.

His Excellency, the Justiciar

Filip Bonde - law.


The Union of Kalmar

The Union was formed in 1397 in the town of Kalmar on the Swedish east coast. A relative to Queen Margareta, Erik of Pomerania, was elected king over Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The agreement between the countries, among other things, stated that the monarch of the Union had to be Danish. King Erik wanted, as many kings before him, to strengthen the influence of the monarchy. As we have seen, this was never popular among the aristocracy.

When the Union was formed, Queen Margareta had promised the Swedish aristocrats that she would protect their political influence and privileges. She also promised that Sweden would be ruled with Swedes in all the important positions in society. But King Erik did not keep these promises. The Danish influence over Swedish politics increased rapidly. The discontent of the Swedish aristocracy rose again.

The State of the Kingdom

Nation: Sweden
Head of State: The Union Counsel
Player: Hamilcar
Religion: Catholic
Cultures: Scandinavian, Ugric
Stats: 4/3/2/3/4(2) --> [4/3/2/3/2]
Provinces: 12
Ports: 8
Owned: Svealand, Lappland, Vasterbotten, Gastrikland, Bergslagen, Vastergotland, Smaland, Osterbotten, Savolaks, Tavastland, Finland, Nyland
Danish vassal -2 economy

 

[Hamilcar]

Foreign Relations

Treaties and Agreements

• 
  
  
  The Union of Kalmar
  -- The King of Danmark is the King of Sweden and receives half of all income as tribute.

Representatives and Envoys appointed to Foreign Courts

Jarl Erik Brahe to the Kingdom of Lotharingia.

Foreign Ambassadors in Stockholm

Count Pierre de Bougainville of the Kingdom of Lotharingia.
Friedrich von Ronnerburg of the Duchy of Holstein.

 

[Hamilcar]

A Brief History of the Regency of Sten Sture

• July-Sept 1427
  -- Sten Sture invites the new Danish King to Stockholm to be crowned King of the Swedes.

 

[unmerged(547)]

Union Counsel of Sweden,

As Sweden is a most cherished member of the Union, it pleases me to hear from the Counsel. Indeed, I do look forward with great anticipation with a coronation of the Swedish Crown. Since the Union of Kalmar is so dear in both our hearts, I propose that the coronation take place in the same historic place of the signing of the Union. Therefore, the coronation should also take place in Kalmar. I trust this is acceptable? Craftsman to aid in the preparations are set to leave Skane for Kalmar within the month, I trust that you would help escort them to Kalmar.

by his own hand,

Christoffer III

King of Denmark and Norway
Sovereign of Sweden

 

[Herr Doctor]

A well-dressed nobelman open the court:

"Most dear Lords of Union Counsel of Sweden, my name is Friedrich von Ronnerburg and my lord Heinrich IV von Holstein send me here to establish relations with Sweden. I`ll represent the Duchy of Holstein in Sweden. Some monthes ago after events in Stockholm we broke our friendship but I think we`ll try to rebuild it now. My first diplomatic mission consist only from one very important thing: I want to ask if you want to accept Personal Union that was created between Denmark and Holstein two years ago... Here you can see Union Treaty..."

"Treaty of Copenhagen about the creation of the Personal Union
between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf
Anno Domini 1425

1. This treaty announces about creation of Personal Union between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. Both states promise to live in the peace and not be at war against each other.

2. It announces about creation of the militarian allience between the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway and the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf. If on any of the subscribed countries the aggression will be accomplished, the second country should announce war to an aggressor and protect ally by all forces. In case of aggression against the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf the Kingdom of Denmark, Sweden and Norway guarantees to protect it by all forces both fleet and army.

3. It is announced about free pass of the soldier through the territory of both states at any time.

4. Henceforth any of the subscribed countries cann`t enter alliances, announce and enter wars without coordination among themselves.

5. In case of conflict between Holy Roman Empire and Northen Aliance (as Denmark and Sweden are members of this Allience) Holstein will neutral position.

6. The King of Denmark recognizes for Dukes of Gottorf all rights on Schleswig, Holstein and Gottorf. Also King of Denmark approves independence the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf.

7. Between the countries creates economic union. As the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf is a member of Trade Hansa all merchants from Hansa (Bremen, Gelre, Prussia, Mecklemburg and Holstein-Gottorf) and states of Kalmar Union can trade on their territories without taxes, and they will cooperate in other markets. Hansa has a priority on trade in the markets of the states of Kalmar Union and the Danish King grants a patent on monocomplete trade of Hansa in cooperation with merchants of the states of Kalmar Union in the Sund.

Signed by Erick of Denmark and Heinrich IV of Holstein"

 

[unmerged(547)]

His Grace, Sten Sture of Svea,

I have received your letter for a discussion. Although I can afford time for a coronation away from Kronborg, any time of a greater length can not be set aside at this time. However, your presence is most welcome and I am assured that I can manage to address any concerns of the Union Counsel here in København. I look forward to your arrival.

By his own hand,

Christoffer III

 

[BusterBunny]

A man with elaborate clothing, but of French smell, arrives in the court of Sweden.

"Your excellency,

My name is Count Pierre de Bougainville, representative of the kingdom of Lotharingia within the walls of this assembly. Your ambassador has been accepted in Dijon, and has been given quarters which, we hope, will allow him to conduct not only his duties, but a fulfilling life.

We hope the Kalmar Union is still strong, for with unity comes God-Given peace.

I remain your most humble servent"

The man bows a little.

 

[Hamilcar]

"...and now to the letter of the Du..err.. Queen of Lotharingia. I took the liberty and distributed copies to all of you last evening - I hope you have all read it."

Seven heads nodded in unison.

"What are your opinions?"

"I call for caution, this woman has managed to deceive the mightiest and personally enabled the fall of the King of France at the hand of the Federation. Nobody we can trust."

"But she is amongst the greatest in Europe - her name goes in the same sentence as that of the Emperor and the King of England. Not even the Danes ..."

"What about the Danes?"

"Not even the Danes even approach her in power and wealth."

"What are you trying to say?"

An uncomfortabnle silence settled over the council table. Several heartbeats, the room was so quiet that the beating of the rain against the glass window seemed like gun fire.

"Nothing, I was just..."

Sten Sture rose and loomed over the council table.

"Let us get back to the point. Should we follow her suggestion?"

Like schoolboys caught stealing, none of the councilmen dared face Sture. Their outbreak over the emotional subject of Danmark had been inappropriate and they knew it.

"So...what are your opinions."

"I....I say 'aye'. Let us send Henrik Sparre himself to speak for us."

"I say 'aye' too."

"I say 'aye'"

...

* * * *​

Two days later, Henrik Sparre boarded a ship in Stockholm harbour headed for the Continent.

 

[BusterBunny]

The ambassador of Burgundy talks to a noble from Sweden.

"So, my friend, Lotharingia is ready to offer much to Sweden, trade-wise, don't you think.

The noble answers: "But you did betray France in the war against the Federation...."

The ambassador seems surprised, thinks a little and then smiles:

"Well, that was at the time of the house of Burgundy. I will remind you that Marie de Berri, at the time of that war, was the duchesse of Auvergne, and remained TRUE to France. I will also add that when she became the duchesse de Bourgogne, to promote PEACE, she said that England's debt toward Burgundy was lifted, so that Champagne, promised by England to Burgundy, would not be an issue anymore and could be left to France. Unfortunately, France continued its war and lost Champagne anyways. But I feel, Marie de Berry, my Queen, has done much more to France than what she is credited for."

The Swedish noble nodded, and gave a glass of stong liquor to the Burgundian.

 

[Longinus]

Rudolf Gatling-Hess, Pommern merchant and diplomat arrived in Sweden once again. Unfortunately his last assigment ended in political chaos and alomst war between Danemak and Sweden. Now a person called Sture stood in front of the Union Council and was not very friendly, that is why Rudolf had to arrive in Svealand once again.

"Most honrable council members, Sten Sture

I am Rudolf Gatling-Hess, merchant and diplomat on the services of Pommernishe House of the Greif. My mission here is simple, Pommern wish to establish friendly relations and trade agreements with Sweden.

I also bring a letter form House of the Greif court. He presents the letter.

"Onto Swedish Union Counsel,

We are most troubled by the fact that you not approve WHU's monopoly on the Baltic sea. However, this is a fact as WHU controle 3/4 of all important Baltic ports and centres of trade. We of course do not like to meet your mighty ships facing or newly bulit with Venetian design galleys as this could only bring instability and losses in the region. That is why I recieved a message from WHU council that they are sending a trustworthy messanger to discuss matters of trade with you.

Also in future, bear in mind that Joachim of the Greif has nothing to do with Wedishe Handels Union and that he is not a member and especially a leader of this merchant organisation. Implying it it is only a saign of insolence and clear insult for a true knight he indeed is.

signed,
Marcin Slesicki herbu Grabie,
first scribe of the House of the Greif"

Rudolf continie.

"We finally learn about... changing of leaders in Sweden and I must say your taking of leadership was quite surprising but Pommern approve this as the former leader of the council was indeed man of greed and sin. We do also hope that Union Council will cooperate with new king in Danemark better.

Now I would like to present you, noble council members, three barrels of premium Pommern salt and one berrel only to your leader, honorable Sten Sture.

May your meals taste even better.

This salt and many other luxuries and goods may soon arrive in Sweden from all duchies of Holy Roman Empire, Poland and Lithuania... maybe even far Venice?

Sweden is not very active in trade routes and everybody thinks it has little to offer but Wendische Handels Union thinks otherwise. We want to help Sweden's treade to flourish and expand, that is why I bring trade agreements with WHU's seals and signatures of prominent leaders. I also have certain powers to negotiate some agreements with you. Who know, maybe in future Sweden can be a proud member of our Union?"

 

[unmerged(547)]

T
o Christoffer af Bayern, søn af Pfalzgreve Johan I af Neumarkt og Katarina, søster til Erik af Pommern.

We have received your message and humbly request that you travel the short distance to Stockholm within the month so that we may discuss the terms of our relations. There are a number of important questions that the Counsel and I would like to see answered as soon as possible.

Signed,
Sten Sture

Christoffer's cheeks became flush as he read the letter. Standing from his chair, Christoffer addresses the Swedish envoy. "What does this Sture fellow think I am? Some sort of commoner to be summoned before his counsel? He wishes for me to travel to Stockholm to answer their questions? I do believe that your Counsel is very much in breech of protocol, dear sir! Although I prize the lands of Svea as much as any throughout the realm, I am not your Counsel's lackey, to be ordered here and there. I am definately not one to be treated as a common criminal answering their questions!"

"Take this message to Sten Sture and the Union Counsel, messenger. Let them know this: I have answered your question already. I will not appear before your board of inquiry. I have stated that I will answer any grievance or question that you may have here at København. It is here in København where I make my Court, not in Stockholm. If I had to travel to every province that had a question I would never reach them all. All petitions and questions are to be answered in København. Also, in light of this breech of protocol I must wonder what the motive is, therefore, I will accept the crown of Svea as I did that of Denmark and Norway, here in Kronborg. I will visit Svea when my schedule permits. That is all. Go take this to your Counsel."

 

[Hamilcar]

Sture read the Danish message over and over again. He had not yet released it's content to the Counsel, for those amongst them who hated the Danes would surely take this as a cause for rebellion.

"When we agreed to the Union of Kalmar, Queen Margaretha had given us extensive privileges, because she knew how fragile the Union was in the first place."

He considered for a moment to write a spiteful reply bu then though the better of it. Risking a war over some thoughtless words was a folly.

"So he desires the crown of Svea, perhaps from my hand as his servant in Kronborg? Perhaps, we can arrange this .... at a price."

Sture smiled for a while and then sent asked for a messenger to deliver a letter to the mayor of Helsinki that he had prepared a long time ago.

 

[unmerged(547)]

To Christoffer af Bayern, søn af Pfalzgreve Johan I af Neumarkt og Katarina, søster til Erik af Pommern.

The Counsel and I are most dismayed by your letter. You would do well to remember that the Union of Kalmar was founded upon the goodwill of Queen Margaretha and the Swedes. The Counsel intended to crown you King of the Swedes in Stockholm, for Sweden remains an independent Kingdom with it's capital Stockholm. What should we think of a King who does not deem it necessary to visit his own Kingdom?
I shall give you some time to consider all this, as you are undoubtedly only just learning about the workings of the states of Scandinavia.

Signed,
Sten Sture.

Sten Sture of the Union Counsel,

It is apparent that your choice of envoy was misjudged. I told him to return with the message that I will visit Sweden in due time. Such incompetence on your envoy's part can be quite damaging to affairs of State. One should choose their envoy's with more care.

As for your condescending remark of "I shall give you some time to consider all this, as you are undoubtedly only just learning about the workings of the states of Scandinavia", Sten Sture, it is you who are ignorant of your own precarious situation. Sweden is a state in vassalage to the Crown of Denmark through the Union of Kalmar. Sweden has been permitted to hold their own counsel rather than be ruled directly from København through the Union. You have approached me of immediately "visiting" Stockholm to which I have declined. Despite my decision, you have had the brashness to approach me on the issue once more? Such tactlessness on your part I will overlook this time, however your refusal to comply to my summons will not be. One must wonder, given this recent and shocking ignoble response, what one's true motivation is in asking (to which I use this word loosely) my presence in Stockholm truly is.

You have left me no recourse in action, therefore, Sten Sture and the Union Counsel are to immediately appear in my audience chamber at København for my coronation as King of Sweden. After which, I will address any "questions" that you have. This is my will as your liege. Any refusals will cast serious dispersions upon your true dedication to the Union.

By his own hand at Kronborg,

Christoffer III
Guds Naade, Konge til Danmark og Norge, de Venders og Gothers, Stormarn og Ditmersken, Lærer i Sverige

OOC: RT deadline is Friday 27 Sep 02 18:00 GMT

 

[Longinus]

Rudolf Gatling-Hess, Pommern merchant and diplomat is worried because of increasing tension and hostility between Sweden and Danemark. It seems story like to repeat itself and his mission here will be a failure again. Sweeds were hostile and reluctant to any deals and his delegation was ignored from the very begining. That is why WHU's merchants are prepareing to leave this barren and unfriendly country.

 

[Warhead990]

a small man, barley 5 feet tall, enters the room

sir, prussia wants to inform you that the action you are currently taking against denmark will destroy the northern alliance. Nothing further, we wish you to be informed before you make any moves. Good day.

 

[Longinus]

WHU's delegation leave this barren and unfriendly country. Rudolf Gatling-Hess hopes not to return here anymore.

*"I hope those stubborn Swedish donkeys will be conquered and humbled by Danes, I guess my mission have to move there right now. Poor Swedish merchants, I always said that government controle over trade is not doing any good, they just have missed a good deal."*

When they cross Swedis-Danish border he spits on Swedish soil on which he was ignored and insulted.

 

[Warhead990]

A letter arives from Prussia:

Prussia, is, of course, in the Northern Alliance, along with Livonia, Denmark, and your own country, Sweden. With this war looming over us, the alliance will soon cease to exist.


I have had a long thought over which country Prussia should support. Sweden at first thought is the aggressor here. None the less, I belive the Norhtern alliance will stay together, albiet reduced, if you are the victor. If Denmark is the victor, the alliance will no doubt be torn apart. I have decided i will support you against Denmark in this war.


Sincerley,

Freidrich the Second, Duke of Prussia

 

[unmerged(547)]

"Union Counsel,

Know that your severance of vassalage and your impudence has not gone unnoticed. You shall indeed reap what you have sown. We order that you surrender your posts at once. Know that the forces of Denmark march against you.

Christoffer III"[



OOC: Just restating the DoW that is already in effect

 

[unmerged(3110)]

EVENT

Sweden breaks Vassalage with Denmark and the Pope condones chastisment by Denmark. The people of the land reflect on the actions of their lords and are disquietened. Some wish to stay loyal to Swedens Leige lord, and on the right side of the church. They react and events unfold.

1. Rebelion. provinces revolt at home. No armies are built, but provincial capital gaurds refuse to follow orders and City officials hold no sway over merchant, Nobles and churchmen alike. (50% (rounded down) of provinces owned revolt, and - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns )

2. Rebelion. provinces revolt at home. No armies are built, but provincial capital gaurds refuse to follow orders and City officials hold no sway over merchant, Nobles and churchmen alike. (25% (rounded up)of provinces owned revolt and - 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 3 turns )

3. City officials hold little sway and Militants agitatate because of this move away from god and the natural laws.. (- 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns )

4. Militants agitatate because of this move away from god and the natural laws. Merchant, Nobles/minor khans and churchmen alike express displeasure
(- 2 Tech, -1 to morale for the duration of the Alliance )

5. Militants agitatate because of this move away from god and the natural laws. (-1Tech, -1 to morale. for 4 turns )


6. Militants agitatate because of this move away from god and the natural laws.. (-1 morale for 4 turns )

7-8 No effect. Populous indifferant to the proposition of action to back their complaints [/color]

A 1 is rolled

In Sweden there is Rebelion. provinces revolt at home. No armies are built, but provincial capital gaurds refuse to follow orders and City officials hold no sway over merchant, Nobles and churchmen alike.

Possible provinces.- Svealand, Lappland, Vasterbotten, Gastrikland, Bergslagen, Vastergotland, Smaland, Osterbotten, Savolaks, Tavastland, Finland, Nyland

(Lappland, Bergslagen, Vastergotland, Finland, Nyland and Vasterbotten revolt, (- 2 Tech, -2 to morale for 4 turns to Sweden) )

Rebel states declare, "Sweden for Denmark!" And send letters pledging loyalty to Swedens liege, Denmark. Sillohette to play Rebel states. All interested parties PM him for contact. Garrison stats.[0/0/1/2/0]