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Lords of the Earth
Campaign Twenty-Eight
Turn Seventeen
1543 C.E ~ 1546 C.E.

NOTE: A successful synod has been called in Zurich regarding the issue of the Cathoilc schism. Each player should include a vote for either The Roman Catholic Papacy or the Protestant Reformation in their orders. Nations which do not vote (or are currently unplayed) will vote for whichever side has more influence in the nation (ties of influence will abstain).

	THE ISLES
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	25mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
	Mercenary Leaders:	Roman Catholic:	Richard of Glouster ( M267 ) [ Gaels or Swiss ]

The Kingdom of the Gaels
( Aberdeen in Strathclyde )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
King Angus Nac MacFeegal

Diplomacy and Warfare: Dyffed [NT], London [N/E] in Sussex

A little bit of diplomacy and investment sees a better university and more advanced training for the Gaelic infantry. A massive city fire in London causes a large reduction in size and population.

The Archdiocese of Cork
( Cork in Munster )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal William Lauder

Diplomacy and Warfare: Galway [N/E] in Connaught [MN], Belfast [-CH] in Ulster [N/E]

Expanded through Ireland with a hiccup in Belfast.

The Archdiocese of London
( London in Sussex )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Gregory Minster

Diplomacy and Warfare: Bristol [MN] in Wessex, Nottingham [MN] then [UN] in Mercia [N/E] then [UN], Northumbria [AB]

Expansion through England was swept back a bit by the Gaelic holyman traveling to Mercia.

	NORTHERN EUROPE
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	30mi, 6mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw

The Kingdom of Denmark and Norway
( Newtown in Denmark )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
King Gunter

Diplomacy and Warfare: None

Concentrated on Urban expansion founding two new cities and expanding three others.

The Archdiocese of Stockholm
( Stockholm in Uppsala )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Cardinal Harald

Diplomacy and Warfare: Trondheim [-UN], Kassel [-UN] in Westphalia [-UN], Galve [CH] in Kopparborg [N/E], Lulea [CH] in Norbotten [CH], Turku [AB], Livohamm [CH] in Livo-Joki [CH]

Harald sees to the recentering of the Archdiocese in Stockholm, and orders a quick expansion into the northern Swedish territories. Sites in Trondheim and Westphalia are lost because of the new distance factors. Much discussion about the current schism abounds in the Archdiocese, the bishops particularly frustrated over events in Rome.

The Kingdom of Sweden
( Stockholm in Uppsala )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Gustaf Olovsson Stenbock, Regent for:
Anund and Sten Gustafson Sjoblad

Diplomacy and Warfare: Vadvet Jako [-NT], Kopparborg [-NT]

King Ake succumbs to illness at the end of the cycle, causing yet another question in the Swedesh line of succession. Ake's nephews (Sons of the previous King, Gustaf) were still too young to effectively take the throne, but Ake's sons were even younger. In the end, the Riksdag re-assurted itself, and claimed support to the twin sons of Ake's brother, as originally intended before Ake seized power. Gustaf Stenbock was elected regent for the young twins, and the Riksdag intends to meet in another year and elect the new King of Sweden from amongst the pair.

	WESTERN EUROPE
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	10mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
	Mercenary Leaders:	Roman Catholic:	Sir Robert the Black ( MB36 ) [ Saint John ]

The French Empire
( Paris in Ile De France )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Reynaud I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Nouveau Calais [-EA] in Dyffed, Routhiou [C], Anjou [-FA], Nivernais [F], New Poitou [N/E], Barmouth [-NT] in Gwynned [-HS], Liverpool [-NT] in Lancashire [-C]

While French diplomacy has seen better years, apparently things in the Atlantic were going well. Eight new regions were claimed by the French crown, in name at least, if not in force.

The Archdiocese of Paris
( Paris in Ile De France )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Darien

Diplomacy and Warfare: Languedoc [N/E], Maine [CA], Orleans [CA], Champagne [-UN]

Cardinal Darien steps up after Padget perishes in a fire.

The Burgundian Empire
( Antwerp in Brabant )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Gabriel Henry

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Another fortress is commisioned, this time in Lorraine. More troops added to the roster, and a small investigation into Brabant (which turns up nothing). Gabriel ascends to the throne after his father perishes at age sixty.

The Archdiocese of Basle
( Antwerp in Brabant )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Aega Ogder

Diplomacy and Warfare: Reims [N/E] in Champagne [N/E], Holland [MN]

Cardinal Ogder is successful in lowering the presence of the Berlin cardinalship in Lorrain as well as placing a four-percent tithe on Burgundy. One of his Bishops is roughed up by a gang of locals in rural Burgundy, his arm being broken and his favorite crucifix stolen.

The Kingdom of Portugal
( Lisbon in Portugal )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 010 - Renaissance
King Hugo I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Akan [N/E],

A new port city is built in Akan. Missionary work in North Afrika continues.

The Archdiocese of Lisbon
( Lisbon in Portugal )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Esteban Farnilla

Diplomacy and Warfare: Akan [-CH], Lyssa [-AB] in Calabria, Evoro [AB] in Estramadura [-MN], Sao Paulo [-UN] in Joais Do Mar [-CH], Leon [MN] in Leon, Mitombo [-CH] in Marampa [-CH], Togo [-CH]

After founding an Abbey in Evoro, Cardinal de Goa's ship is lost at sea. Upon his death the remaining Bishops each vie for the Cardinalship position, Esteban Farnilla barely claiming legitimacy. However, Bishops Pedro Hernandez and Ramon Escuallez take advantage of Farnilla's location in the Atlantic to each make a bid for the Cardinalship.

Hernandez reaches Lisbon first, where he confronts the only loyal Bishop, Ramon Garcia. Garcia simply slaps Hernandez in chains when he arrives, stowing the rebel in prison, but is strangled to death only the next month when Ramon Escualles and his party arrives from Mitombo. His rebellion is short lived as well, however, guilt apparently getting the better of him for he welcomes Farnilla into the Cardinalship with repentant tears only two months later.

Much of the Archdiocese' influence degrades during the chaos.

The Spanish Empire
( Madrid in New Castille )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
King Phillip

Diplomacy and Warfare: Safi [P] in Idjil [P]

Phillip kept most of his leaders busy Administering to the government. Though he did find time to order another purge of his Intelligence sector and launch a quick strike against the old Maranid city of Idjil. The region and city were taken with only minor losses, though the commander, Lord Manuel, was one of them.

The Archdiocese of Madrid
( Madrid in New Castille )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Ordono

Diplomacy and Warfare: Old Castille [N/E], Andalusia [AB], Bilbao [N/E] in Asturias, Talavera [N/E]

Tragedy struck the archdiocese during this cycle. First, a swathe of coruption was exposed in the diocese infrastructure, which after the 'clean-up' was much reduced in efficiency. Cardinal Bermudez was set upon by Brigands in the lowlands of Old Castille, his mangled body found days later. Bishop Chago disappears wandering the mountains of Asturias.

	CENTRAL EUROPE
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	10mi, 27mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
	Mercenary Leaders:	Roman Catholic:	Kurt Hanspeter ( MB7A )

The Holy Roman Empire
( Kolberg in Pomerania )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Casimir I

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

The Archdiocese of Berlin
( Berlin in Lausatia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Cardinal Diedrich

Diplomacy and Warfare: Saxony [MN], Westphalia [AB], Kauyavia [CH], Lorraine [-CH]

Cardinal Reyko passes on during the cycle, after successful site attempts all around. Pressure from the AD of Basle in the West causes the degredation of an Abbey in Lorraine.

The Swiss Confederation
( Zurich in Switzerland )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Over-Speaker Quirin

Diplomacy and Warfare: Mercia [NT], Norwich [N/E] in Anglia

More diplomacy in England. Over-Speaker Faulk dies to old age and is duly replaced.

The Archdiocese of Zurich
( Zurich in Switzerland )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Jeremiah Thierry

Diplomacy and Warfare: Saarbrucken [CH] in Alsace [MN], Swabia [CA]

Continued expansion.

The Austrian Empire
( Vienna in Austria )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Otto I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Bohemia [-T]

The Arch Duke was in a precarious position. He had already seen the strife caused by playing both sides of the current schism in the Roman Catholic Church, and had made up his mind to end his position on the fence. First, he sought funds directly from the Papacy, and was duly rewarded. Second, he cut an alliance with Poland for the increased defense of Austria. It was the second move which would cost him his life.

No sooner than had the Polish Army crossed the border in Bohemia, than the Prince in charge of the forces began a systematic looting of Protestant sites. Pope Arthur, head of the Protestants heard the news with horror, even if not entirely surprised of the event. (Apparently one of the Grand Duke's personal missives to the Papacy had gotten spread to the general public.) Waiting only long enough to confirm that Austrian guides had been leading the Polish army, Arthur placed an excommunication upon Grand Duke Maneuver's family and rule.

The effects of Arthur's excommunication were immediate. Unlike the failed attempt by Rome years past, Arthur had a strong influence within Austria itself and he set about the task with a personal vengeance, investing time and resources on the bull to make it effective. The Grand Duchy was devastated. Two factions quickly asserted themselves. Prince Eric, now Grand Prince led the supporters for Grand Duke Maneuver. Prince Otto, on the other hand, became the head of the group sympathetic to Pope Arthur.

Shortly after the factions had shaken themselves out, the Grand Duke was found dead, his throat slit by servents in the night. The two Princely Armies raced towards eachother, intending to settle the rift through force of arms. The two sides met in combat in Bavaria. The loyalists fielding 1,800 cavalry and 2,400 mixed infantry with the sympathizers commanding 4,000 cavalry (mostly heavy), 4,600 infantry, 10 companies of engineers, and 10 batteries of artillery.

The loyalists were forced into route, and were subsequently cut down by the cavalry forces of Prince Otto and the sympathizers. Otto declared himself emperor of Austria shortly after the victory, then received word that the Poles had moved just outside of Vienna itself. Otto and his troops descended on the region, surprising the Polish forces who were looting a Protestant abbey in the region.

The Polish forces numbered 5,200 heavy cavalry and had a contigent of four leaders along. The Polish command made up for the Austrian numbers and homeland advantage. While the first clash between the forces was technically a stalemate, the Poles could not afford the loss of numbers, such that when the second confrontation came, the Polish force disintegrated, those not dead deserting.

Otto seized the resources from the looted sites, and settled into Vienna to deal with the famine now facing the nation.

The Archdiocese of Vienna
( Vienna in Austria )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Cardinal Dario

Diplomacy and Warfare: Alsace [N/E], Brno [N/E] in Moravia, Gorizia [-CH] in Carinthia, Trieste [CA] in Slovenia

Cardinal Dario steps up to head the diocese after the untimely death of the previous cardinal in Alsace. Humanist thought wrecks the diocese after the collapse of Austria, the only light of success a new Cathedral in Trieste.

	ITALY
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	12mi, 6mc, 6ma, 6ms, 6mw

The Duchy of Milan
( Milan in Savoy )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 010 - Renaissance
Duke Augustus Sforza

Diplomacy and Warfare: Ceuta [-UN] in Cheliff [-UN]

Duke Sforza, Prince Augusto and Prince Ceaser all die during the cycle. Grain is sent to Florence.

The Republic of Genoa
( Genoa in Liguria )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Doge Tiberio

Diplomacy and Warfare: Cyprus [-HS]

The Doge's heir is killed while poking about the underbelly of Genoa while Ovidio is wounded in Cyprus after diplomacy goes awry. Mercs are hired and shipped to Phocea, protecting Genoese interests.

The Republic of Florence
( Florence in Tuscany )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 010 - Renaissance
Doge Niccolo

Diplomacy and Warfare: Ceuta [PT] in Cheliff [PT]

Grain is received from Portugal and Milan. The transfer of Cheliff from Milan is successfully finalized.

The Republic of Venice
( Venice in Verona )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Doge Hannibal

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Slept.

The Archdiocese of Venice
( Venice in Verona )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Antonello

Diplomacy and Warfare: Knossos [-CH] in Crete, Nexus [N/E] in Kyklades [-UN], Bigu [-AB] in Malta, Cyprus [-AB]

Horrible luck in the busines of the diocese results in Cardinal Sforza killed and Bishop Ricardo (a Spanish Prince) hedp prisoner somewhere on the Kyklade islands.

The Archdiocese of Naples
( Naples in Campania )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Cardinal Lambretto

Diplomacy and Warfare: Corsica [N/E], Toronto [N/E] in Apulia [CH], Calabria [CH]

Continued to expand.

The Roman Catholic Papacy
( Rome in Latium )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Pope Innocent IX

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

The Papacy concentrated solely on extinguising the heresy in Lyonnais. It was deadly successful.

	EASTERN EUROPE
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	5mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
		Eastern Orthodox:	7mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw

The Teutonic Kingdom of Latvia
( Riga in Latvia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
King Augustin Brecht

Diplomacy and Warfare: Courland [-UN], Kirivitch [EA]

Kirivitch is received from Russia, while Courland is granted to Poland. Colonists settle in Latvia while Misisonaries are sent to Kirivitch.

The Archdiocese of Riga
( Riga in Latvia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Vladismir Ramons

Diplomacy and Warfare: Courland [CH], Vaasa [CH], Livonia [N/E], Helsingfors [N/E] in Turku

Continued to expand.

The Empire of Poland and Lithuania
( Riga in Latvia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Krzysztoff II

Diplomacy and Warfare: Chernigov [EA], Courland [T], Polotsk [FA]

New colonists to Little Poland, Pechneg, Smolensk and Atelzuko. A three way land deal with the Russians and Latvians sees Courland and Chernigov gained for the crown. The Emperor isn't pleased over the results of the hijinks in Austra, but hey, at least he wasn't excommunicated.

The Archdiocese of Vilna
( Vilna in Lithuania )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Cardinal Marek

Diplomacy and Warfare: Kielce [N/E] in Little Poland [MN], Staszow [-CH] in Smolensk [N/E], Ochakov [AB] in Atelzuko [N/E], Danzig [N/E], Kiev [N/E], Polotsk [AB]

Bishop Tomasz falls foul of ne'er-do-wells in Danzig, apparently now being held for ransom. Sister Theresa dies of age, replaced by Sister Anna.

The Protestant Reformation
( Prague in Bohemia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Edward Stuart, Arthur I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Prague [-UN] in Bohemia [-UN], Austria [-UN], Aberdeen [-CH]

Tithes are placed on France and the Gaels before Arthur has to deal with the Austrian issue. Meetings with Cardinals in London, Berlin and Paris have mixed results, though Arthur successfully calls a synod in Zurich.

The Russian Empire
( Moscow in Muscovy )
Russian Orthodox, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Tsar Ivan IV, The Terrible

Diplomacy and Warfare: Chernigov [-UN], Kirivitch [-UN], Veposkava [N/E], Crimea [A]

A land deal is cut with the Catholics just before Ivan discoveres mass corruption in his government offices. He ruthlessly executes the suspected, lowering the effectiveness of his infrastructure.

The Russian Orthodox Primacy
( Moscow in Muscovy )
Russian Orthodox, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Metropolitan Hemdel

Diplomacy and Warfare: Muscovy [N/E], Novgorod [-CH], Veposkava [CH]

Missionaries continue with good progress in Levedia, though site construction is one step forward, one step back.

So far, talks aren't progressing too steadily.

	THE BALKANS
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	5mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
		Eastern Orthodox:	5mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5ms [Ottomans]
		Sunni Islamic:	19mi, 15mc, 8ma, 8ms

The Hungarian Empire
( Buda in Alfold )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Emperor Stephen Corvinus

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Continued investment into Buda and the cultivation projet in Slovakia. Agents poking around in Alfold came up empty-handed.

The Archdiocese of Buda
( Buda in Alfold )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 009 - Renaissance
Cardinal Domos Matheus

Diplomacy and Warfare: Croatia [AB], Illyria [CH], Banat [AB]

Continued to expand.

	MIDDLE EAST
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	5mi, 5mc, 5ma, 5mw
		Eastern Orthodox:	10mi, 10mc, 10ma
		Sunni Islamic:	5mi, 7mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw

The Ottoman Empire
( Bursa in Phrygia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Sultan Fasho I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Constantinople [P], Attica [PT], Morea [PT], Galatia [PT]

The Sultan orders a new draft of troops drawn up and sets about a four-pronged campaign to regain his lost territories. He personally leads the attack into Constantinople and quickly pacifies the region. The seige of Istanbul is another thing entirely. The city is heavily walled, well defended, and has a strong rebel leader. Fasho settles in for a passive seige, but lacks the numbers to prevent the city from being resupplied.

Another force sets out for Ialomita, but is rebuffed, the Ottoman general being killed in the rout. The third column marches down into Greece, forcing tribute from Attica and Morea quite easily. The final group is led by the Feudal Ally from Pontus, which starts off striking into Galacia. After a gruelling two-year campaign, the region is taken. However, the push into Vaspuraken is a disaster, the Ally slain, his troops retreating to their homeland.

Lord Markios travels to Psidia with 1,000 men intent on investigating the death of a leader previously sent into the region. After he discovers the lieutenant was tried and executed for some local crimes, he attacks many of the elders responsible for the ruling. This sets off a minor revolt, resulting in the wounding of Markios and his withdrawl to Bursa before the region rebels entirely.

Finally, almost the entire royal line is wiped out by a variety of murders and accidents. Only two of the dozen or so reletives of the Sultan surviving (and both are promoted to Princes). Fasho blames the Orthodox resistence, but many believe his own orders are behind the deaths.

The Persian Empire
( Tehran in PErsia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Sultan Abbas I

Diplomacy and Warfare: Shirvan [F], Colchis [F] in Abasigia

A new Heir is crowned while new roads are constructed in the south. A planned conduit city in Greece is aborted due to the death of the leader planning the expedition.

The Baber Empire
( Samarkhand in Kara-Khitai )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 007 - Civilized
King Baber I

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Uzebek is cleared for cultivation.

The Tobolsk Horde
Asian Pagan , Tech Level 003 - Nomadic
Jagun Khan

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Jagun Khan perishes and the horde breaks apart.

	EAST AFRIKA
	Mercenary Pools:	Coptic Christian:	8mi, 5mc, 5mw
		Sunni Islamic:	8mi, 9mc, 5mw

The Mameluke Sultanate
( Q'arum in Mansura )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 008 - Renaissance
Sultan Muhammed Ali

Diplomacy and Warfare: Palmyra [N/E] in Palmyra [HS], Kollam [N/E] in Pandya, Lanjara [MF] in Vengi

The Sultan continues to explore new trading arrangements in India as well as concentrate on defense of the homeland. A peace of sorts is brokered with the city of Palmyra, though they still don't like the Sultanate.

The Kingdom of Ethiopia
( Soba in Funj )
Coptic Christian, Tech Level 006 - Civilized
King Makennan

Diplomacy and Warfare: Alwa [FA], Kassala [HS], Atbara [HS]

Diplomacy for the nation is a mixed success. Colonists are settled into Adowa, raising the production there while the capitol is moved to Soba.

The Emirate of Adal
( Afarsa in Djibuti )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 006 - Civilized
Emir Ali Muhawiya

Diplomacy and Warfare: Mombassa [FA], Chumvi [P] in Nguni [P]

Forces are sent south, two years later news reaching the Emir of a successful camapign along with a shipment of haggard looking Spainards. The Emir treats the Iberians as honored guests, but their status of special prisoners is no secret.

	WEST AFRIKA
	Mercenary Pools:	Roman Catholic:	22mi, 5mc, 4mw
		Sunni Islamic:	20mi, 22mc, 5ma, 5ms, 5mw
		Dongolan:	20mi, 5mc
		Afrikan Pagan:	2mi

The Songhay Empire
( Timbuctu in Songhai )
Dongolan, Tech Level 007 - Civilized
King Muhammed Ture

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

The King closes trade with Kanem, investing in anti-plague methods to avoid the nastiness wracking Kanem the previous cycle. So far the methods have proved successful. On the Western front, Tsunami storms in the Gambian sea result in damage to the port city Ali.

The Kingdom of Kanem
( Ngazargumu in Kanem-Bornu )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 006 - Civilized
King Kat'rack Gaji

Diplomacy and Warfare: Ikego [NT], Kano [C]

Nupe is colonized. Cultivation is started in Daza and Kanuri.

The Asante Tribes
Afrikan Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Zad Asante

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

Slept.

	Explorers and Adventurers

Magellan's Band
Sponsors - Spain, Portugal, Archdiocese of Lisbon

Diplomacy and Warfare: None.

A Florentine by the name of Amerigo Vespucci volunteered for service to the band.