2 Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - 1526 to 1542: A Divergence in Christianity

The Parliament overwhelmingly votes on a set of innovative policies instead of religious ones. Emperor Khaine, albeit angry that his will was not followed, allows the passing of the vote without hindrance. In addition, the Parliament votes in favor of naval reforms. Soon after, a new law within the naval reforms is passed requiring officers in the navy to study and practice boarding actions against enemy ships before their training is finished. 4 new dockyards are also put into production in Ireland, in order for Britain to support an even larger navy.

In February of 1526, Captain frost retires from his career as an explorer. In his stead, as the Empire's sponsored explorer, Khaine nominates a man he knows well, a man from Thetford, in fact, who has sailed merchant ships to and from Britain for many years, and even commanded a Carrack during the last war. Frost Andrew, who coincidentally shares his first name with his predecessor, takes command of the 3 ships. He is considered by many to be a great commander in battle, but also a fine navigator on long range trips.

Sao Tome is declared a fully functioning colony and base and work begins on setting up a colony on Bermuda. This small island between the Old World and the New would be the perfect base on which to settle North America.

Poland, a major player in the world stage since its annexation of Sweden, declares war on Denmark in November of 1527, intent on expanding its Scandinavian holdings. Denmark calls to its most powerful ally Britain for help. Britain goes to war. On the defense is Denmark with his allies the Empire, Bohemia, Genoa, and Lithuania. On the offensive is Poland and her allies Brandenburg, Lotharingia, and Serbia.

Just as war begins, Captain Andrew rounds the Cape of Africa and reaches the Horn. It will take several more British held ports along the way to make it a viable trade route, though.

Picardy and Brabant give Britain military access, allowing troops to reach Lotharingia from Normandy. The British armies are led by General Randio Osin Nest, a man best known for his gift in leading a charge, and General Dude Man Margred, a competent, only just, leader who specializes in besieging forts rather than leading men into battle.

The entire main fleet of Lotharingia is defeated off Scotland in January of 1528. The waters of this war, it seems, will be dominated by Britain.

General Randio and General Dude enter Lotharingia in February. Through the snow and sleet, they push through two provinces, taking down the Fort at Luik by April of 1529.

Meanwhile, Aquitaine, as if to spite Britain, grants military access to Poland, along an army of 28 thousand Poles to annihilate the Breton army. In Scandinavia, Denmark puts up a stupendous fight, beating back a Polish strike that initially seized Halland, the war goal, and threatened to take Sjælland. Now, Genoa's war with Brunswick drags Norge into conflict with Denmark.

It becomes clear during the first British combat of the war that, in the years of peace or easy fighting that the troops of Britain are inexperienced and undisciplined. They barely defeat a Brandenburgian army of 11 thousand.

A military adviser named Waffle Elisaued is hired after the battle to improve the quality of the troops.

Brandenburg surrenders to Denmark in October of 1530. They cede their Danish province of Mitteljutland, which they took over 50 years ago.

Overall peace comes in February of 1531. The tide of war had turned well in favor of Denmark and her allies, yet the defending country asks only for a meager amount of 'compensation' cash.

The Great Protestant Reformation has yet to take full hold of Christian Europe. Brandenburg saw converts in every major city, and by 1530, most of its population could be considered Protestant. Its king, Trude I von Oldenburg, accepted the religious change in his nation and made Protestantism the primary religion. The Knights of Malte and Samos are the only other nations to do so. In Britain, only Norfolk and London's populations support the new deviant of Catholicism, but it has not spread any farther, and Khaine is unlikely to budge toward conversion.

The first non British Colony in Africa appears in winter of 1531, as the Teutonic Order settles in the Grain Coast, just a little south of British Africa. It is doubtful that this will not eventually bring conflict between the two nations.

In 1535, Captain Andrew and his ships are off the coast of western South America, far, far away from their homeland. Andrew catches a strange disease and dies soon after. His career, although short, was great, for he was the first Brit to reach India from rounding the Cape of Africa, and he and his triumphs will not be forgotten in time.

His successor is Captain DKM Muirec. DKM shares Andrew's talent for navigation, but is not equip to deal with naval combat. His first point of discovery is the region in South America dubbed by Spanish explorers as La Plata.

In 1540, Scipion Barca de Gael, heir to the Empire, dies in a hunting accident. Now the Empire has an Emperor that is 63 years old with no heir.

In 1542, Khaine at his advanced age has a son and heir named Duke of Awesome. For now, the Empire's inheritance is safe. However... The religion situation in the Empire worsens.

In the Summer of 1542, it reaches a point where it threatens civil war within the Empire. Hoping to avoid such a war, Emperor Khaine brings two options to the Parliament.

Vote (please comment either A or B):

The Empire could attempt to rid the lands of the heretics, thereby starting a religious civil war.

(A) Eradicate the heretics to bring peace

(B) We should strive for a tolerant society