The beginning of the reign of Hans I. May 1481.
Little is known of how King Christian I of Denmark died. Unlike his famous predecessor – Erik the Pirate King – Christian was fond of neither writing nor writers. The whole generation of historians was wiped out when Iberian mercenaries ran wild through the provinces of the Great Kingdom of Denmark. It is known he was from Oldenburg – and that he was the founder of Oldenburg dynasty. He struggled desperately to keep the country together in the midst of chaos that followed the early conquests of Denmark, not hesitating to use all the means at his disposal to stop the foreign aggressors. He also had a son. His name was Hans – or Hans I, when he stepped on the throne in May of 1481.
His previous years were spent in learning the trade of war at the hands of Spaniards and Burgundians. His skill in diplomacy was as good as any sergeant’s in Danish army (not too bad, considering they had to be diplomatic not to get shot from the back). Hans’ administrative skills, however, were lacking – in the conventional sense, that is.
His first few days on the throne were quite pleasant – he was a seasoned soldier after all, capable of taking advantage of what little the fortune brings him alone the way. Truthfully, soldiering became the most popular profession in Denmark – with crops burned and gardens cut down by Burgundians many peasants left their families to fight the invaders. This, however, has little value to future historians – let’s go back to the glorious King Hans now.
Sitting on the throne, drinking wine and bedding the wives of the nobles – some consider it a fine routine for a King. For Hans it is just a short vacation. As soon as he gets his “royal needs” fulfilled, new King calls for a horse and rides around his Palace to find out where does his kingdom stand and what improvements can be made. His ministers start a short brawl, each trying to get his attention first. When the dust settles down, Hans learns many things – some good and many more bad. While he figures what to do about the bad, his guards make the ministers draw the sticks. The three lucky ones who got the short ones are executed at noon at the nearest square – to show the people that the King cares. Those three are the Ministers of Trade and Infrastructure and Ministry of Naval Affairs. The Treasurer, properly interrogated, is left with orders to pass on all of the gold he stumbles upon to the Supreme Commander of the Danish Army (three guesses who that is). The Seneschal – a man with little power, but a lot of responsibilities – is charged with the task of keeping Danes happy about their King and the rest of the universe.
A dinner following the execution was, in turn, followed by a good night’s sleep. In the morning Hans rode to the docks. The sight of numerous masts reminded Hans of naked trees during the winter. His jaw dropped.
- What are those things, Seneschal? - he barked.
- What things, Your Majesty?
- Ship things, you imbecile! – Hans face reddens in anger.
- Ah… ships, Your Majesty? – Seneschal looked confused.
- I know, you goat-futtering son-of-a-so, I know those are ships! What are they doing here?
- Hm… protecting our shores and…eh… defending the… I mean… There is Skane and… stuff, Your Majesty…
- How much?
- Your Majesty?
- How much do they cost me a month?
- Well, let’s see, twenty-three warships and nineteen transports (Hans rolls his eyes, his face has “how did I deserved his” written all over it)… 700 marks, Your Majesty… and 1,400 when we're paying the crews' full salary.
- SINK THEM!!!
In a month former crews raise in rebellion against Hans. The rebels besiege Bremen and demand the pensions for their loyal service. King marches on Bremen with 16,000 infantry and 9,000 cavalry army and in a series of skirmishes puts down a rebellion.
The war with Spain that lasted since before the death of Hans’ father is finally over as Sweden makes peace with Teutonic Order – the leader of the enemy alliance. A bright future lies ahead of Denmark. The reputation of the kingdom, thanks to the efforts of Christian I, is only tamished and neighbors, although still hateful, stop looking for a chance to stab the Danes in the back. But who needs the enemy with friends like Denmark’s? The alliance of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Holstein is the most troublesome in the region – whether it is the old Viking spirit or the cold winters of the North that drive Swedes toward the battle, Hans does not know. What he does know is that he is going to have his share of trouble soon enough.
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Bare facts: land: 3, naval: 3, infra: 3, trade: 3, treasury: 10,900 marks - still enough gold in coins, but more and more copper added (inflation's 21%). You're welcome to ask any questions - I don't guarantee I'll answer them, but I will give it a try.
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