CatKnight said:(I hope on the reload Poland, the Turks and Venice all DoW them.)
A man who enjoys a challenge. I can respect that.
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A man who enjoys a challenge. I can respect that.
Mmm, of course it does occur to me that if things go poorly those cries of traitor! might have more force - for he will have delivered the Order into the hands of his own family more securely.
Of course, if he wins this just becomes a family squabble.
Even weeds compete against each other for light...
Of course, if he wins this just becomes a family squabble.
Even weeds compete against each other for light...
Taking on Austria is truly a gutsy move. You've only got 80,000 troops. The Austrians have lots more, just out of sight. I'm slightly disappointed that the City of Danzig did not secure its freedom. You did finally secure Mecklenberg as a vassal.
Children of the Komturs looking for hereditary rights. That's an interesting problem for the Order to address. I doubt the von Danzig's are finished and the Hanse merchants will be able to use their loans to extract concessions out of the Hochmeister. War is very expensive. Danzig wants to go its own way and does not care what the Knights threaten to do. If they did burn the province to the ground, they have still have lost it.
This Habsburg did not ask the Conclave before he started the war and is letting a private feud get the better of him. You do have a very powerful alliance. Much depends on von Sachsen's ability to brush aside Austrian forces and storm enough cities to force Austria to give up or cover cities to allow your follow up forces to siege them. however the war goes, the Conclave is or than likely to ask von Habsburg to leave.
Children of the Komturs looking for hereditary rights. That's an interesting problem for the Order to address. I doubt the von Danzig's are finished and the Hanse merchants will be able to use their loans to extract concessions out of the Hochmeister. War is very expensive. Danzig wants to go its own way and does not care what the Knights threaten to do. If they did burn the province to the ground, they have still have lost it.
This Habsburg did not ask the Conclave before he started the war and is letting a private feud get the better of him. You do have a very powerful alliance. Much depends on von Sachsen's ability to brush aside Austrian forces and storm enough cities to force Austria to give up or cover cities to allow your follow up forces to siege them. however the war goes, the Conclave is or than likely to ask von Habsburg to leave.
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Am i the only one who sees this as a walk in the park? i mean, come on people!
God is on their side!
The Order's army is going to blitz through Austrian territory and force them to yield a province of two. Of course the ultimate goal of the campaign would be the conversion of Austria to Lutheranism, and forcing the Habsburgs (the real ones) to release Bavaria.
Remember, you heard it here first. This is what will happen. They cannot fail.
God is on their side!
The Order's army is going to blitz through Austrian territory and force them to yield a province of two. Of course the ultimate goal of the campaign would be the conversion of Austria to Lutheranism, and forcing the Habsburgs (the real ones) to release Bavaria.
Remember, you heard it here first. This is what will happen. They cannot fail.
This is a Habsburg we're talking about. He does not want to release a few provinces as Bavaria or Bohemia, he wants all of it as his vassal.
It's a family feud and someone has been idiotic enough to give Meinherd power and use of army.
It's a family feud and someone has been idiotic enough to give Meinherd power and use of army.
grayghost: Indeed! Well, no one DoWed them so Austria's all mine.
stnylan: Very true about weeds
Avernite: Oh ye of little faith.
Chief Ragusa: Well..the von Danzigs are finished. Read the last event for them. All the males are dead. True, his daughters or the Baltic merchants can still cause trouble though. As for letting the knights burn the province to the ground, remember stubborness is very expensive.
Austria does have a lot of troops. He does not need a Conclave to declare war - it's only with his own rules he needs the council and that's more of a courtesy. Could you imagine calling 400 odd people together in the old days to put together a DoW? Forget stealth. You're right that he's letting a private feud drag the knighthood into a war though.
Fulcrumvale: Actually that's them. No wait, that's us too. I guess we're both the Habs-borg.
J. Passepartout: Since when do bad ideas stop politicians?
Fnuco: Damn right! God is on their side. Austria's SO done the oven timer's going off.
Chief Ragusa: I'm starting to think you have a vendetta against poor Meinhard.
stnylan: Very true about weeds
Avernite: Oh ye of little faith.
Chief Ragusa: Well..the von Danzigs are finished. Read the last event for them. All the males are dead. True, his daughters or the Baltic merchants can still cause trouble though. As for letting the knights burn the province to the ground, remember stubborness is very expensive.
Austria does have a lot of troops. He does not need a Conclave to declare war - it's only with his own rules he needs the council and that's more of a courtesy. Could you imagine calling 400 odd people together in the old days to put together a DoW? Forget stealth.
You're right that he's letting a private feud drag the knighthood into a war though.Fulcrumvale: Actually that's them. No wait, that's us too. I guess we're both the Habs-borg.
J. Passepartout: Since when do bad ideas stop politicians?
Fnuco: Damn right! God is on their side. Austria's SO done the oven timer's going off.
Chief Ragusa: I'm starting to think you have a vendetta against poor Meinhard.
1589-1594
XLIII: Keeping Active, Staying Healthy
The Austro-Baltic War
At first Meinhard von Habsburg's plan to attack his cousins met stiff resistance from the Council of Seven. Austria was larger with a stronger army. They acknowledged Bavaria had once been a faithful ally, but it wasn't as if they had been forced to submit. Manipulated probably, but not forced. Anyway what did they care about a Catholic duchy?
Austria in turn learned of the troops massed along their border but didn't care. They thought the Baltic Cross simply wanted to voice their disapproval: They wouldn't be the first. Anyway the Order wouldn't dare provoke a war.
Rudolf II of Austria advised Meinhard of his disapproval by issuing a decree in September 1589. In effect it warned that, should any state subject to Luther's lies see fit to attack Austria, they would assume the head of that state had given his soul to the Enemy. He would be tried, executed if found guilty, and to save the souls of his former countrymen the Church would assert temporal and spiritual authority. (Austria goes CRC, Sep 1589)
Meinhard used this rhetoric to advantage:
von Habsburg said:
The council reluctantly agreed. The grand tressler only asked for time to ensure the Order had enough money to properly arm and supply their army. Harvest taxes collected in autumn served and the tressler immediately sent new weapons, uniforms, cold weather gear and orders south.
On January 6, 1590 Matthias von Spanheim crossed the frontier. (BALTIC, Saxony, Mecklenburg, Hanover, Netherlands vs. AUSTRIA, Wurtemburg, Mainz, Savoy)
Von Spanheim's strategy was to start multiple sieges, thereby limiting attrition, and so overwhelm Austria. Reinforcements and fresh levies raised from elsewhere would serve as a reserve and meet any significant Austrian army. Saxony, he hoped, would launch a general advance with Hanover and Mecklenburg advancing in support.
Austria's strategy was born out of the location of their vassals - in the west. They also noted Saxony's lengthy border constituted a greater threat. Rudolf hoped that by knocking Saxony out of the war quickly he would narrow the war to a chokepoint where his overwhelming manpower would devastate the Baltic army.
Um...Hi.
Von Spanheim led a false retreat deeper into Baltic territory hoping to lure an Austrian army onto his soil. Meanwhile, either not knowing of or not agreeing with this plan, Rittermeister Eberhart von Sachsen advanced into Oels and Oppeln where he crushed two bodies of local militia.
When von Spanheim's gambit failed he advanced on Breslau and Moravia in Spring. At that point he received a visitor.
Austrian diplomat said:
Von Spanheim dutifully sent the offer home and received a terse reply.
von Habsburg said:
Needless to say peace didn't result. Austria intensified their attacks throughout Saxony, decisively winning but taking heavy casualties. Finally the Saxon duke succumbed, yielding Wuerzburg to Mainz and 6,000 guilden to the victors.
They'd done their damage however, for until now the Baltic knights hadn't faced a single serious battle. Hastily raised militia found knights ready for them and fled. The largest battle occurred in Oppeln where seven banners attacked five thousand Baltic soldiers and lost.
Despite Saxony being out of the war the tide was turning against Austria. Rudolf's gambit to limit the fighting to a narrow front failed as 37,000 Hanoverians attacked Wuerzburg. 4,000 knights raided through Karpatok cutting off the Hungarian fringes of their empire from everyone else. Oels fell to von Sachsen.
The Austrians had more than enough men to push the Baltics out of their lands, but on the other hand knew Meinhard von Habsburg was commissioning still more reinforcements. The Hanoverian threat was very real and victory could only be gained after several years and thousands of lives. They sent a new diplomat offering 8,000 guilden for peace.
Once more von Spanheim dutifully sent the offer home. Once more von Habsburg retorted.
von Habsburg said:
Austria accepted. (Baltic def. Austria, gains Oels)
Meinhard von Habsburg wasn't pleased, but he wouldn't go back on his word. He'd meant the counteroffer as an insult, believing Rudolf too proud to even discuss reparations so early in the fighting. He'd underestimated how badly Saxony and Hanover mauled them and how badly they needed peace. (I never imagined they would accept. This was my snarky response. I'm not sure whether to be pleased I avoided fighting that 56K army or annoyed I couldn't press on.)
Displeased or no, this was a clear victory for the Baltic Order. At home knight, burgher and peasant alike celebrated and church bells rang. They'd won a nearly bloodless war against one of the most powerful states in Europe and effectively announced their presence on the world stage.
Needless to say this overlooked the casualties in Saxon lands and their loss of territory. The Duke contented himself assuming there would be a next time and a chance for revenge.
This was the high point of Hochmeister von Habsburg's early career. He enjoyed tremendous popularity and few blinked even in Danzig and Riga when he ordered the tressler to focus on keeping the army well supplied to the detriment of needed naval repairs. (Land +1, Stab -1 (now 2), Jan 1591) Indeed many merchants came together and supplied money for the repairs themselves. (Reformation of the Navy: +750 Navy, Navy-7)
Dishonor Before Death
It's hard to piece together von Habsburg's reasoning for what came next. Even those convinced of his greatness see this time as a setback, a renunciation of promises made. Certainly his allies thought so. Some condemn the Hochmeister as petulant after Austria accepted his insulting offer, some as aggressive. Others argue he thought this the only way to stem Austrian influence in the Empire.
Whatever his motive, Hochmeister von Habsburg turned his attention on Magdeburg. After Brandenburg's defeat they had accepted Hanover's protection and enjoyed excellent relations with their two neighbors (Hanover and Saxony.) They even greeted their Baltic brothers with exceptional courtesy. (+125 relations) Yet the new emissary to Magdeburg committed great excesses, including theft and assault and was finally expelled. (Insult) In July 1591 von Habsburg gathered his council and used this as a casus belli to declare war. (Hanover having a vassal prevented me from ever DVing them. I figured von Habsburg would realize this, so...)
The treaty of alliance with Hanover et.al. set a very low bar for what constituted a legitimate target. Von Habsburg's predecessors kept this vague on purpose, and it was similar to most documents of this nature. A very liberal interpretation of the treaty qualified the emissary's expulsion as an attack on the Order's sovereignty. Hanover fussed but agreed, canceling their vassalage and Saxony joined as well.
Not everyone thought this legitmate. (No CB. Stab now -1) Mecklenburg initially refused to fight but recanted days later. The Netherlands wanted nothing to do with this.
Surprise!
As news developed of a surprisingly large and strong Magdeburg army, von Habsburg's tressler suggested devaluing the local currency to raise cash. The Hochmeister refused. "The day we must resort to dishonor to win a war is the day the Baltic Cross has lost its place at God's side." (Currency Exchange Ordination: Cancel. What is it with this event!?)
And yet, people whispered, this was already a dishonorable war. How could God possibly still be with them?
God might not approve, but luck remained. As the Magdeburger army moved to humiliate their former overlords a massive rebellion led by Brandenburgers hoping to avoid a rematch, burghers and laborers appalled at the idea of fighting such a powerful alliance attacked the city. They were apologists, reasoning that by forcing Magdeburg to yield and so 'pay' for expelling the Baltic diplomat it would soothe Meinhard von Habsburg's righteous anger.
In August 1591 the Magdeburger armies turned to attack the rebels. At that moment von Spanheim, leading a joint Baltic/Saxon army of some sixty thousand, appeared. He met with the rebels and added them to his army virtually annihilating the defenders.
Luck answered in another way as well. As Sigismund III of Poland took a long, thoughtful look at several hundred miles of undefended border he received word that the Turk attacked Serbia - again. Yet again Poland answered the call. (OTTOMANS, Morocco vs SERBIA, Poland, Venice, Sweden, Munster)
The winter of 1591-92 proved harsh for von Spanheim's army, not for snow or cold but due to massive desertion. The younger knights grew up indoctrinated in von Habsburg's revised, chivalric Rule and saw no value in attacking a fellow Protestant and a virtually helpless one at that. They wanted to go home and so they did. (The Saxons kept piling troops on to drive up the attrition. Perhaps this is the AI's revenge for giving up Wuerzburg.) It would take years to recover their trust.
Finally in May 1592 von Spanheim seized Magdeburg. He installed the leader of the rebels, Joachim Friedrich von Brandenburg, as administrator of the city. (Baltic FV Magdeburg)
This greatly angered Heinrich Julius of Hanover, and if not for their previously excellent relations there might have been trouble. (Relations went from +190 pre-Austria, to +160 pre-Magdeburg, to +60) He formally protested von Spanheim's decision, insisting that as an alliance together they should have decided Magdeburg's fate. Further they should be returned to Hanoverian sovereignty.
Von Habsburg agreed his rittermeister overstepped his bounds (though he'd done no such thing) yet insisted as the aggrieved party, and as one who'd suffered significant losses in the campaign (if one counted desertions) this was the best course of action. He assured Heinrich of the Baltic Order's faith and friendship and promised to help them in future campaigns.
The Hanoverian wasn't satisfied. He didn't leave the alliance but made his displeasure clear. After this incident and 'failing' Saxony against Austria, von Habsburg thought it would be best not to get into more wars for a time. He had no intention of doing so anyway as he'd achieved his political aims: Humbling Austria and gaining a vassal.
Those who accuse him of manipulation and greed believe he'd have liked to attack Pomerania as well, but cooling relations with his allies stayed his hand. It was time to rest, to rebuild morale and slowly bring the Baltic army back to full strength. It was time for a new project.
Riding the Sunset
Whatever his motivation for attacking Magdeburg, von Habsburg returned to form following the incident preaching faith, the chivalric protection of others and self reliance.
He also determined to take any lessons he could from the last three years fighting. Having learned to their chagrin of modern fortifications (Magdeburg was a medium fortress) the Hochmeister determined to learn about them.
An Italian hearing of his sudden interest offered his services, but von Habsburg refused. (Foreign Drill Instructor. Bah.) He instead recalled his son.
Leopold von Habsburg was born in Posen in 1569. Though he received his badge from his own father's hands in 1586, he'd spent the last eight years abroad. Like many young men with some prestige and wealth he traveled through Europe residing in Norwegian Denmark much of the time. He brought with him a young wife (also Danish) the siege tactics and countertactics he learned while touring with their army. (Land-13, Dec 1592)
People were pleased to see the amiable young man, but still they brooded about the last war until the knighthood fell under attack - not from Poland, Russia, Austria or any of her other neighbors, but from pirates!
In the Bay of Fundy (near Newfoundland) the explorers Sunset and St. Mary came under attack by two English privateers operating out of Gosport (Maine.) The Baltic warships were old, but heavily armed. The privateers were brand new, but not built to fight anything larger than a merchantmen. For hours they fought in gently falling snow until at last St. Mary captured one and the other fled.
The two warships sailed into Gosport harbor, cannon primed and gunports open. The captain of the Sunset rowed to shore and explained the problem to the English governor. Eager to prevent an escalation the governor denounced the attack, insisted it was unauthorized and promised to bring the raiders to justice. Sunset was in no position to demand more so far from home and acquiesced.
At home the Baltic Cross used their captured privateer's ship design to herald a new generation of warship. (Navy-8) A new rittermeister, Heinrich von Kersdorf, said that with this new design he would endeavor to land 1,500 cavalry on the North American coast and find potential colonists the home they sought, by force if need be. (Colonial Dynamism: Conquistador + 3 colonists)
This suited Meinhard von Habsburg perfectly. In August 1593 the Imperial electoral college, repulsed by his recent aggression, chose to support his cousin Rudolf II as Holy Roman Emperor. Meinhard needed to divert attention from his diplomatic reverses and authorized von Kersdorf to try. He set sail in October, landing in Greenland in February 1594.
Von Kersdorf wrote frequently, filling his journals with the strangeness of sailing across the open sea and the customs of the Inuit. In June he discovered another colony of Inuit far to the south (Nova Scotia) and negotiated a generous land grant for the Order. Next he landed on Esmek at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, then headed for Anticosti.
Those in positions of power thrilled to von Kersdorf's exploits. Gradually faith in their hochmeister once more reasserted itself. (Stability back to 0) Von Habsburg invited volunteers, primarily Danziger merchants, to set up on "Kersdorf Island" and arrange what trade pacts they could.
Mecklenburg protested, reminding von Habsburg he promised to leave trade matters to the Hanseatic League. The Hochmeister agreed, reluctant to go back on his promise, and recanted his offer. (Unhappiness among the Merchants: -300 Trade) Nonetheless he turned a blind eye when some left anyway and set up a trading post.
In November 1594 the Baltic Order became only the fifth European country to colonize North America (behind England, France, Spain and Holland) and only the sixth in the New World. (Portugal)
Many contemporary historians condemn von Habsburg's apparent lapse with Magdeburg. However no one could deny him one thing:
After several hochmeisters tried and failed, he'd brought the Baltic Order into the sixteenth century.
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Vendetta against Meinhard von Hapsburg? I salute his achievement in bringing the Order into the sixteenth century, just as everyone else is about to enter the seventeenth. I view the arrival on the scene of his son Leopold as the the future challenge to the Order for hereditary advancement. I'm sure Leopold has more to recommend himself than a pretty Danish wife.
Von Danzig and his adult sons are dead. I did read that. You clarified to end all males of his line. That assumes that his wife was not pregant whenhe sent her and his daughters away to safety.
The Saxons have now abandoned sitzkrieg and must have really wanted Magdeburg. The Elector'll be wanting his province back (though you may now now be able to DV them). The rape of Magdeburg by the Order is a stain on their reputation that will be remembered for many years.
The peace treaty with Austria would have had the knights laughing their socks off. Their new Hochmeister is still a bit wet behind the ears. He's not quite the great conqueror he imagines himself to be.
I did like the way he dealt with the merchants. Merchants need ships, so let them pay for the navy to defend them. Less money for them to use to stir up trouble for him. The encouragemnt he gave for some of the merchants to go be colonists was inspired. Meinhard has gradually built up his reputation within the Order.
How, I wonder will Meinhard deal with those knights of Polish or Lithuanian extraction, now Lutherans, who want the Order to take advantage of Poland's war against the Turk.
Does the old Lithuanian part of Poland have any Lutheran provinces?
Is now the time for alliance with Sweden and work to raise stability to be able to diplomatically vassilise them?
Von Danzig and his adult sons are dead. I did read that. You clarified to end all males of his line. That assumes that his wife was not pregant whenhe sent her and his daughters away to safety.
The Saxons have now abandoned sitzkrieg and must have really wanted Magdeburg. The Elector'll be wanting his province back (though you may now now be able to DV them). The rape of Magdeburg by the Order is a stain on their reputation that will be remembered for many years.
The peace treaty with Austria would have had the knights laughing their socks off. Their new Hochmeister is still a bit wet behind the ears. He's not quite the great conqueror he imagines himself to be.
I did like the way he dealt with the merchants. Merchants need ships, so let them pay for the navy to defend them. Less money for them to use to stir up trouble for him. The encouragemnt he gave for some of the merchants to go be colonists was inspired. Meinhard has gradually built up his reputation within the Order.
How, I wonder will Meinhard deal with those knights of Polish or Lithuanian extraction, now Lutherans, who want the Order to take advantage of Poland's war against the Turk.
Does the old Lithuanian part of Poland have any Lutheran provinces?
Is now the time for alliance with Sweden and work to raise stability to be able to diplomatically vassilise them?
I shouldn't have underestimated AI stupidity.
But then again, the AI has proven to be quite a match throughout this game, so it was quite natural
But then again, the AI has proven to be quite a match throughout this game, so it was quite natural
It's only 1490?
And what is it with Magdeburg inevitably being sacked at some point between 1590 and 1650?
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Into the sixteenth century - just in time to leave it.
I find that incredibly amusing.
What else will Hapsburg turn his hand to now? There are surely many opportunities.
I find that incredibly amusing.
What else will Hapsburg turn his hand to now? There are surely many opportunities.
Hey, what do you know, a Habsburg I like!
I'm of a mind that things are far from over between the Order and Austria... and the rest of Europe for that matter. Allies irritated with the Order, enemies irritated with the Order, oh the possibilities!
I'm of a mind that things are far from over between the Order and Austria... and the rest of Europe for that matter. Allies irritated with the Order, enemies irritated with the Order, oh the possibilities!
Another excellant update Cat. After the successes against Austria, I thought perhaps Von Hapsburg blew it witht the Magdeburg war. Almost. But, he managed to survive the political repercussions and push the order into a colonial power as well. Great work, keep it up.
Chief Ragusa: :grin: See my response to stnylan.
As you say, this may be the first attempt at hereditary transfer of power. Whether it'll work or not....well, much depends on Meinhard. As you say, Magdeburg's a serious stain on his honor.
I can't DV Saxony for the same reason I wouldn't have been able to DV Magdeburg. Saxony has Tuscany as a vassal and has a hundred years. After the Magdeburg debacle I can't see von Habsburg getting adventurous down there.
The merchants don't know what to make of Meinhard. They're pleased with the colonization, and 'he' makes certain they maintain a monopoly in Danzig, but he also yielded trading affairs to Mecklenburg and supressed proponents of the Baltic League.
Regarding Poland: Actually they do have ONE Lutheran province. I'd forgotten about it since it used to be the Lithuanian capital, but Vilnius qualifies. Whether it's enough to go to war over....eh. Poland does well in the next post.
Avernite: I don't feel the AI was that stupid until the end. It sort of made sense to knock Saxony out of the war. I think the problem is Hanover had already plunged deep into Saxony, and rather than go home they pushed on. Austria was definitely on its way to kick me out.
The peace AI on the other hand....yes, gave up a little soon. I really thought it would refuse. That was a backhanded insult for "here, have 8 ducats"
J. Passepartout: Yes, his son is over 100 years old
Fulcrumvale: And it's only 1490. Enough you two It's going to be confusing enough now that we're approaching 1600! As for Magdeburg... I dunno. Luck?
stnylan: "Into the sixteenth century - just in time to leave it. " You and Chief both picked up on that. I was hoping someone would. It amused me writing it
Walter Model: Who's he?
Draco Rexus: I imagine Austria will want its land back sooner or later, though they already had a core on me. Maybe von Habsburg will try again if he gets an excuse, though winning land off them might be enough for now
grayghost: Von Habsburg definitely hurt himself at Magdeburg. It took years to recover politically and militarily.
As you say, this may be the first attempt at hereditary transfer of power. Whether it'll work or not....well, much depends on Meinhard. As you say, Magdeburg's a serious stain on his honor.
I can't DV Saxony for the same reason I wouldn't have been able to DV Magdeburg. Saxony has Tuscany as a vassal and has a hundred years. After the Magdeburg debacle I can't see von Habsburg getting adventurous down there.
The merchants don't know what to make of Meinhard. They're pleased with the colonization, and 'he' makes certain they maintain a monopoly in Danzig, but he also yielded trading affairs to Mecklenburg and supressed proponents of the Baltic League.
Regarding Poland: Actually they do have ONE Lutheran province. I'd forgotten about it since it used to be the Lithuanian capital, but Vilnius qualifies. Whether it's enough to go to war over....eh. Poland does well in the next post.
Avernite: I don't feel the AI was that stupid until the end. It sort of made sense to knock Saxony out of the war. I think the problem is Hanover had already plunged deep into Saxony, and rather than go home they pushed on. Austria was definitely on its way to kick me out.
The peace AI on the other hand....yes, gave up a little soon. I really thought it would refuse. That was a backhanded insult for "here, have 8 ducats"
J. Passepartout: Yes, his son is over 100 years old
Fulcrumvale: And it's only 1490. Enough you two
It's going to be confusing enough now that we're approaching 1600! As for Magdeburg... I dunno. Luck?stnylan: "Into the sixteenth century - just in time to leave it. " You and Chief both picked up on that. I was hoping someone would. It amused me writing it
Walter Model: Who's he?
Draco Rexus: I imagine Austria will want its land back sooner or later, though they already had a core on me. Maybe von Habsburg will try again if he gets an excuse, though winning land off them might be enough for now
grayghost: Von Habsburg definitely hurt himself at Magdeburg. It took years to recover politically and militarily.
1594-1600
XLIV: Colonial Dynamism
The Home Front
After several active years and vexing many allies Meinhard von Habsburg thought it would be best if the Order stayed quiet. He kept the Grand Chancellor busy repairing strained relations while he recruited younger sons from the noble families of Germany and wooed back to active service those disillusioned by the Magdeburg adventure.
In December 1595 Grand Marshal von Spanheim gave orders to his rittermeisters changing the face of the Baltic army in future wars. (Enthusiasm for the Army, +750) Warfare changed greatly in the last century, and the Baltic Order's habit of relying on heavy cavalry charges no longer answered.
While still maintaining the heavy lancers (the Baltic nobility saw no need to give this up even if only a handful of countries still used them) he added reiters; lightly armored cavalrymen with pistols.who rode in, fired, then spun away to appear somewhere else and fire again. He maintained the pike/sword/musket combination everyone used for infantry now, though by European standards his ratio was off: Too many pikemen (landsknecht), not enough musketeers: Von Spanheim did not approve of musketeers. A sword, bow or axe is usually stopped by bone. Further, if you survive the initial trauma then it's unlikely the wound will become infected and the chances of recovery are good. Lead bullets led to infection and blood poisoning along with shattered bone and recovery was far less certain. Though the practice was fading through most of Europe, he privately agreed musketeers were cowards by definition and not worth ransoming or taking prisoner.
Field cannon was another story. He asked the tressler to commission more, pointing to their use not only against city walls but enemy infantry.
As the Baltic leadership kept busy on their own projects, a revolution of sorts happened in Narva. Life there had been quiet for well over a generation, and as it became obvious to the populace there would be no forced conversions or bloody purges, so Orthodox militancy died away.
This allowed the new exchange of ideas, and Komtur von Kettler's efforts to restore order in Viborg years before gave them greater contact with Lutheran doctrine Orthodoxy would never die entirely, but the balance slowly swung in the Lutherans's favor. (Conversion of Heretics: Nov 1596)
Hochmeister von Habsburg hailed this development, pointing to it as proof that the Baltic Order's relatively liberal tolerance was key to the internal peace they'd enjoyed. This sounded strange from a man who just years before called the pope a 'whore' and organized the Lutheran 'Knights of Faith' to lead the Order and some pointed to it as hypocrisy. Nonetheless he continued to enjoy great support. (Stability to +1) (Max tolerance to Catholics)
Northwestern Passage?
Heinrich von Kersdorf's exploration continued. After making peaceful contact with the Inuit on Anticosti, he stepped on the Labrador Coast in May 1595.
The Order of the Baltic Cross had heard of far off Cathay and the Indies, the potential riches of the Orient. The southern routes were state secrets, and the Order's heavy warships built for the rigors of the Baltic Sea weren't really up to exploring an ocean.
However, von Kersdorf realized no Europeans had ever come this far north. He believed the Americas were only a barrier between Europe and Cathay, and if he followed the coastline long enough he'd find them. Through the summer and early fall of 1595 he worked his way slowly north until a fierce early winter defied him and he turned back.
Sunset, Saint Mary and their two escorts, Redeemer and Revelation, didn't show for over a week however. Fierce winds blew them off station and straight into the hands of a pirate fleet. This was their second battle in four months, having intercepted a pirate cruiser off the Greenland coast in June.
On October 16, while traveling in line back towards Labrador, three pirates tried to cut off the slower, less maneuverable Saint Mary. The other three ships turned into the wind beginning a fierce artillery duel.
The Gulf of Saint Lawrence was unexpectedly busy that day. Just eight miles away the English carrack Ariel heard the commotion and rushed to assist. Together they crushed the pirates in a battle lasting most of the day.
Towards dusk Sunset reported ship lights from the west. Many of them. The Baltic fleet simply sailed away, but not before identifying the lead ship as French and assumedly her companions as well. Kersdorf later speculated they sought their pirate friends and reported this to Marienburg.
He'd expected reinforcements. He received just the opposite. Von Habsburg felt in the event of renewed warfare at home. He recalled Saint Mary and Revelation to be refit with heavier cannon (Navy-9) leaving Sunset as the flag.
Colonists continued to pour in. They consisted of merchants at first eager to exploit a new world (and natives). (TP on Kespek, Mar 1595) Soon adventurers followed, joined by the disaffected who thought it easier just to get out of von Habsburg's way and a handful of zealots hoping to 'save' the Inuit. (Colony on Anticosti, Jul 1596. This was actually an accidental click. Colonies are expensive!)
With many thanks to the Danish government, the two Baltic cruisers left Greenland for their new home at the mouth of the Saint Lawrence. They once more dropped off Rittermeister von Kersdorf, who explored just a little way more before a freak late August snowstorm trapped him. (I thought the winters in Russia were bad!) He began a long, painful march back to Labrador to await pickup. For weeks they battled more freak storms, bitter winds, and a family of bears that knew more about military tactics than most komturs. Von Kersdorf swore to God that if He saw fit to spare him, he'd never wander the 'Devil's Domain' again. Over four hundred men froze or suffered severe frostbite on the way back.
Settling in Anticosti, von Kersdorf kept his oath and wrote home saying there was no Northwest passage. It was completely impassable. (I didn't try again for RP reasons, but when prepping the maps I learned von Kersdorf was right. In WATK it's PTI along the Canadian coast from here to the bottom of Hudson Bay.)
Welcome to the Neighborhood.
Changing Priorities
Hochmeister von Habsburg wasn't displeased with von Kersdorf's failure. He thought the fledgling colonies a nice distraction and a bonus to the Baltic Cross's prestige, but the European situation was far more immediate and far closer. It had taken him three years to convince the younger nobility to take up arms again, including appointing his own son a rittermeister. Further the Polish-Turk war ended in a decisive Catholic victory securing much of Bulgaria. (Poland gains three provinces.) He (sincerely) congratulated Sigismund III, but worried Polish attention might now turn north and so urged von Spanheim to actively look for mercenary captains or deserving commoners that might join the Order and so assume leadership roles.
The Poles didn't find out about von Spanheim's efforts until it was over. They need not have worried. Burghers argued a continued military buildup could only provoke their enemies and ensure the war everyone hoped to avoid. Nobles resented the idea of commoners joining the aristocracy, especially when most of them couldn't read let alone be ordained. Commoners and laborers knew well that a future war, like past wars, would end with their suffering. No one actively protested but people found ways of voicing their displeasure. (Poor Government Policies: Stability -1 (to 0), Infra -400, Trade -400)
Von Habsburg took the hint and judged the army large enough in case of war. Anyway the Poles seemed more interested in enjoying their prizes and licking their wounds than starting another fight. He took another tack, founding a military academy on Osel Island to train all these men he'd just hired to lead the army into the future. (Unexpected Invention: Gain Weapons Manufactory at Osel) To help reassure his allies, von Habsburg invited them to send officers to teach and learn as well. Saxony in particular warmed to the idea. (Diplomatic Move; Saxony +25, Diplomat +1)
Content (if not satisfied) with the army, the Baltic leadership once more turned their attention to Anticosti. Once more adventurers, burghers, crusaders and dissidents went where the money was and the colony grew quickly. Unfortunately this led to a war of sorts.
Kersdorf Island (Nova Scotia) was free for the taking, and the colonial governor offered exceptionally generous land grants. As new men and families arrived these grants began pushing towards Inuit villages along the north coast. Neither side understood more than a few words in the other's language, preventing any attempt at compromise. In June 1599 the Inuit rose up.
Rittermeister von Kersdorf then "secured the peace." At the time he was hailed as a hero, especially by the fledgling colony. Modern historians condemn him while noting his behavior typical of the time.
When the Inuit threatened to destroy Anticosti, the governor appealed to von Kersdorf for assistance. He immediately gathered his remaining followers and recruited men from the colony bolstering his 'army' to nearly a full banner of cavalry, armed with lances and swords but wrapped in furs rather than armor. Other than very rare coastal raids the natives never fought other men. They used hunting tactics, favoring throwing spears. Their braves broke with the first murderous charge. Von Kersdorf didn't stop there however and annihilated their coastal villages taking a handful of women and children as slaves 'so their souls may be saved.' The Inuit presence ceased to exist and as many as five hundred died, to eleven for the Knights. (My third attempt to build Anticosti up failed. The Indians rose up. Von Kersdorf and gang was already there. Crunch.)
Overview
With one year left in the seventeenth century Hochmeister Meinhard von Habsburg celebrated his fifty-fourth birthday. Still a young man therefore, with the potential for many more years.
At home people seemed satisfied with his service, but wary. They questioned his judgement more than his ability. He'd avoided catastrophe, but only because, as he frequently reminded people, God was on their side. At the least people credited him with fifteen years of relative stability, something desperately needed after von Holstein's resignation and the failed Danziger rebellion.
Colonially the Order of the Baltic Cross was still a fledgling, with two tiny trading posts and a colony of two hundred souls on a frigid island. Worse, it didn't look like it would get better any time soon. Von Habsburg supported the colonies out of prestige, and because it soothed concerns about his intentions rather than actual interest. (Gr. My DPs are anti-colonist. I don't produce any and only have one left.)
Von Habsburg fancied himself a chevalier of the old school with a touch of practicality. He valued honor, justice, valor and the 'noblesse oblige.' On the other hand he'd proven willing to put those aside for political gain. Only time would tell which of his personalities would take the Order into the next century.
Or if God was still with them, for that matter.