OC-CoN 1: Legacies

Each nation in the Council started off small. Whether they began as a minor kingdom subservient to another, or simply a small confederation of provinces in the HRE, they all started somewhere. This page documents the rise of these nations, and the legacies they would go on to leave in the future. Additionally, this page documents the Council members who would unfortunately fail to rise to glory,

# Surviving Council States

## The Archbishop-Electorate of Liege (Bombdabomber)

### Reign of Jean XII (1605-1625)

Under the reign of Archbishop-Elector Jean XII, Liege found itself in a unique position in the European political theater. Jean XII had a vision to advance the Electorate from a small, lowland state, to a bustling center of European politics. Indeed, it was that aspiration that marked his legacy with contriversy. Known to his people as a cruel zealot, Jean XII ushered in an era of reform for the state of Liege. Inspired by the rapid success of several states within the Council of Nations, it was inevidable that Jean XII submitted documentation to the Council announcing his intention to join the Council.

Ultimately, Jean XII's legacy is characterized by three key aspirations. For one, he ascended Liege to global discourse by entering into the Council of Nations. In doing so, he abandoned previous ties against Hanover, a Council member. Jean XII was hesitant to be diplomatically involved, but in order to gain trust, he solidified alliances with both Hanover and Switzerland. He further aspired to rule with just intentions of strict adherence to the Pope. Practicing the Protestant faith was not just prohibited (as has always been the case in the Archbishop-Electorate), but also heavily prosecuted. Scenes of Burgundian-era executions were commonplace, under the guise of promoting the true faith. Finally, Jean XII wanted to spite the rebellious states, that swiftly embraced Protestantism, by showcasing the abilities of Liege. Liege underwent massive developmental projects throughout the state. Jean XII is perhaps the only ruler in the history of the Lowlands to manage to appease every major trading hub; assuring no community was left un-invested.

It was under his authority that granted Liege the strategically vital cities of Anvers and Brussels. Jean XII was outraged at Brabant's notable inability to quell the Protestants. Jean demanded that Brabant allow the Liegan forces enter strongholds of the false faith, which was refused by Brabant. Perhaps the greatest bout of rage documented in Liegan history, Jean XII entered anyways, occupying the entirety of Brabant. This forced Brabant to cede Anvers and Brussels, a clear indication to the world what would happen to those who refused to enforce the true religion.

While Jean XII was nearing the end of his era due to age and stress, he announced a series of reforms. In total, the reforms would pump thousands of ducats into the entire state, to vastly develop the state. However, he wouldn't live to see it come to fruition, as church bells tolled on February 10th, 1625, when the populace had confirmation of the speculation. The bed-ridden Jean XII's nearly twenty year reign had ended.

#### Jean XII Trivia

* Jean XII was the first suzerain of Liege to not vote for Austria as emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He cast his ballot for Lithuania.
* Under Jean XII's reign, almost every mention of Protestantism was a serious crime against the State. Resultingly, nearly all strongholds of the faith in Liege were wiped out during his reign. The only known Protestants to survive his reign without repent were found in Lille, as historians uncovered convincing evidence that the province was not aligned with State religious policy at his death.
* Jean XII, while outraged at Imperial influence in the Lowlands, supported Austrian occupation of Holland. Indeed, their occupation was nearly as intolerant to Protestants as Jean XII, likely swaying his views on the matter.

### Reign of Jean XIII (1625-1645)

In line with Liegan tradition, Jean XIII was coronated the same day the Church was informed of the death of Jean XII. Following all ceremonial mourning and the state funeral, Jean XIII got to work, committing himself to furthering Jean XII's legacy. He believed the only way forward for Liege was to develop every corner of the domain.

Known to the populace as a regionally-notable Catholic, Jean XIII was committed to the principles of free-thinking. He was more tolerant than Jean XII. While Protestantism remained illegal, he halted the policy of executions. Alternatively, Protestants were forced to renounce their faith. However, this policy too would come under scrutiny, when contriversy struck Jean XIII's court. In his first ministerial appointments, Jean XIII unknowningly hired a Protestant to head the military. It is believed that this information was known to Jean XIII very early into his reign. However, upon ascending to the throne, Jean developed a profound appreciation for the military, eventially becoming known as Liege's Martial Educator.

When word reached the public, revolts were seen in Brussels and Anvers, two of the most progressive cities in Liege. While violent revolts were suppressed, Jean XIII signed a new policy as a compromise. Those who are not culturally Wallonian could practice Protestantism, and in exchange, the ministerial incident was pushed under the covers. While the Protestant was fired from his position as the governmental head of the militaries, it is not known to the public if the anonymous official was relieved of all duties within the government. Knowing Jean XIII's appreciation for fine military skill, it is more than likely he was forgiving to the minister.

Liege would develop a great deal under Jean XIII's reign. Tax recording indicates that the government collected 792 ducats in 1625. By Jean XIII's death in 1645, that number would be 1164.

The only notable war within his reign would be the second invasion of Brabant. As Brabant remained unable to quell Protestant supremacy over the state, Liege would invade in the 1630s. By 1633, Breda, the last stronghold of Brabant, would be annexed by Liege. Just four years later, Jean XIII recieved reports confirming that all strongholds of Protestantism in Breda were neutralized. These people were not given the luxury of the original compromise to practice Protestantism, as they were considered enemies of the state.

Jean XIII's final years were relatively uneventful. He died peacefully on March 24th, 1645.

### Reign of Jean XIV (1645-1651)

Jean XIV was inaugurated on March 24th, 1645. His reign is marked by perhaps the slowest growth Liege has seen in decades. In total, economic growth amounted to just 4% during his six year reign.

Liege would not be involved in any conflicts during his reign, and most records indicate his reign was marked by several visits to Rome.

Perhaps the only notable achievement during Jean XIV's reign was the advent of institutionalized manufactories. Manufactories revolutionized global production, and swept Europe with a renewed form of production, far higher than that of any other production method at the time. The entire state of Liege would institutionalize the concept within the year following, paving the way for great economic growth.

Jean XIV would also oversee negotiations with Hanover to transfer Artois and Picardeye to Liege. As Hanover simply did not want the land, but instead inherited it through diplomacy, they agreed to transfer it to Liege.

Unfortunately, that growth wouldn't be accredited with Jean XIV, as he would die on August 5th, 1651, just over a year after announcing the investments into manufactories.

### Reign of Jean XV (1651-1674)

Jean XV would be coronated shortly after the death of Jean XIV. Jean XV was perhaps the most unique candidate for the Liegan throne. A devout Catholic, former general, and a benevolent leader. Jean XV is also speculated to be insane, as noted in his policies.

Paranoid of the French, Jean XV's first major military policy was to install the Great Lowlands Barrier: a series of Star Forts on the border with the French. The costly endeavour ensured the superpower to the south could never penetrate Liege, and indeed to this day they have yet to make it past the forts. He further believed that it was Liege's true duty to not only condemn Protestantism, but every non-Catholic faith in the world.

He began his ambitions early in his reign. Jean XV convened the Clergy of Liege, to discuss thier options. As amibitious as it sounded, the Clergy ordained--with permission from the Pope--to justify conflict against all non-Catholics. Under guise of a Great Holy War to spread the true faith, Jean XV unveiled his plans to an audience of the Nobility. Most looked on with confusion and doubt, but Jean XV's reign would be marked with some of the most bizarre conflicts in Liegan history.

The first target of Jean XV's ambitious policy was the Orthodox state of Tver. An enclave of Russia, Tver managed to escape annexation by allowing Russian interference in Tver's trading policies, in exchange for autonomy. However, Jean XV was convinced that Tver was a rogue state. It was clear that the Orthodox faith was misguided--Catholicism was the only way for Jean XV. Legend has it the Liegan army reached Tver before the declaration of war even made it to Tver. An expedition of the 2nd Army of Liege made it to Tver in the late 1650s. The 32,000 men laid siege, while the Army of Tver fled the scene to avoid conflict. The castle walls were destroyed swiftly, and Jean XV installed a new government in Tver, that was Catholic, and strategically valuable. Indeed, Tver's new government was loyal to Liege. The official relationship was effectively a vassal-overlord relationship.

During the invasion of Tver, Liege's ally of Switzerland declared a major war against France. On the border with Liege, Jean XV refused to enter the conflict unless security garuntees were in place. As Switzerland proved that French forces were weak, and with the security of the Great Lowlands Barrier, Liege entered the conflict. The war was a slow, eight year endeavour that led to no border changes with France, as the Swiss diplomats were fooled by Sweden (a French ally) to sign an agreement with all parties in the war, and not just the Swedes. Indeed, Jean XV was convinced that the Swiss were among the most uncivilized on the continent, and questioned how they could make such an error.

Jean XV would go on to invade Florence just a year later, under the pretext of Jean XV's Great Holy War. Liege was supported by Holy Roman Emperor Austria, and Council state Switzerland. Initially concerned that the Swiss would be too unintelligent to handle themselves in battle, Austria was allowed to participate. The war was relatively uneventful for Liege, if not for sizeing Calabre. Calabre is the southernmost point of the Italian peninsula, and Jean XV was convinced he could construct a glorious monument dedicated to the Catholic faith here. Thus, in the peace negotiations, along with enforcing Catholicism for the Florentine Republic, Calabre was seized from Naples.

During the invasion of Italy, Jean XV spoke of being visited by God himself. He was motivated by the encounter, and in 1668 tried to find meaning behind the madness. Coincidentally, it was on this day that his Foreign Minister delivered news from Cathay; a small tribe known as Manchu had declared independence. With no allies on the books, Jean XV took it upon himself to declare a third Great Holy War on Manchu, to convert Cathay to the true faith. By the time Liegan troops were on an expedition marching through Russia, Manchu was invaded by the Chinese Emperor. They subjugated Manchu, thus pitting Liege against the Chinese. Foolish enough to trek to Asia to fight a Great Holy War, but not foolish enough to fight China alone, Jean XV reluctantly pulled his forces home. Eventually, diplomats were able to reach common ground with China and agree to end the hostile environment with a white peace.

Overall, under Jean XV's reign, Liege's economic situation would benefit greatly. Cross-referencing tax and income data from the Palace of Liege confirms that from 1651 to 1674 the government of Liege would increase its revenues by ~30%. By Jean XV's death on March 13th, 1674, the government recorded revenues of 1,562 ducats for the year.

### Reign of Louis II (1674-????)

Louis II's reign will be recorded as perhaps one of the most prosperous times for Liege.

Within a year of holding power, Louis II continued Jean XV's warlike legacy by declaring war on Aragon, in an effort to expand Liege's holdings in southern Italy. While the conflict led to a concerning situation as Liege now bordered the Ottomans, Liege was able to secure Messine, the northeastern point of Sicily. Liege also negotiated the effective collapse of the Aragonese, dividing their Kingdom between several newly-founded states. The war also benefited Liege by beginning Liege's colonial ambitions. Liege would seize Tenerife, the Açores, and Bermuda from Portugal during the war. Finally, Friesland, an ally of Aragon, was also invaded by Louis II's forces. Liege would annex Bois-le-Duc from Friesland in the war.

Shortly thereafter, Hanover, ally of Liege, declared war on Würzburg. As relations remained fruitful with Hanover, Liege's ally called on Louis II to join the war. In exchange, Liege was promised Bruges from the small state of Flanders, who was an ally of Würzburg. The war was swift and simple, cementing further gains for Liege.

Louis II's reign is also highlighted by increased tensions with fellow Council state, Mexico. As Liege demanded Mexico not seize land from Portugal's colonial holdings in the Caribbean, Mexico offered merely the small island of Barbados. Liege was deeply offended, and demanded Mexico take nothing. Mexico opted to annex the entire Portugese Caribbean, and Liege vowed revenge on Mexico. Indeed, through Louis II's charismatic diplomacy, Mexico's only allies in Switzerland and the United States disbanded their alliances with Mexico as a result of the incident.

### The Duchy of Brunswick (1444-1533)

In 1444, the territories of the Welf dynasty are split between two brothers: The Duke of Brunswick and the Duke of Luneberg. The Duchy of Brunswick, the larger of the two, dreamed of re-uniting the Welf lands and perhaps growing large enough to unite their Lower Saxon culture. Through small wars in the HRE, Brunswick slowly grew larger, annexing some of its neighbors and conquering itself a coastline on the North Sea. By opening itself up to trade with the Hansa, Brunswick jumpstarted its economy and began to conquer more and more land. Conquering more land on the coastline, it eventually got itself a port in the Baltic and really started raking in money from trade.

As Brunswick grew and grew, it eventually began to outpace its neighbors in Brandenburg and Munster. While it still struggled economically to support such a large army, this was essential to uniting the Welf lands. And so, years later, Brunswick invaded Luneberg to unite the Welf dynasty once more. Additionally, the Welf dynasty came to find itself upon the thrones of Saxony and Thuringia, which Brunswick would eventually use as pretense to unite the three nations under the crown of Brunswick. After a deadly and brutal war, the Saxons were exhausted and gave into Brunswick's demands.

However, following this, war loomed on the horizon. Council-member Tunis had been invaded by the Portuguese, and through cooperation with the ruler of Switzerland, Iberia was invaded from the north. Though they were able to force Castile out of the war, Aragon and England would not be so simple. English naval invasions of Brunswick left the lands ravaged by war. Many buildings were burned down, and the nation was exhausted by war. While the coalition would eventually defeat the Portuguese, it was not without heavy loss and sacrifice from the people of Brunswick.

Following this war, Brunswick claimed the electorate of its lesser partner, Saxony, and became the Kingdom-Electorate of Hanover. Additionally, this war reinforced the Hanoverian-Swiss alliance. Even worse, following this war the Protestant Reformation that had swept its way through much of the HRE began to take hold in Hanover, causing unrest and rebellion.

### The Kingdom-Electorate of Hanover (1533-1578)

A long period of peace ruled over the nation after being ravaged by the English army. The economy slowly recovered, as people continued to rebuild and bring the nation back to prosperity. This period of peace ended halfway through the century as Hanover suddenly found itself involved in a succession war with the King of Denmark regarding the Kingdom-Electorate of The Palatinate. Apparently the previous King had died without an heir, and was inherited by the vastly weakened Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark really stood no chance against the combined might of Hanover and Switzerland, and within 3 years they surrendered, granting Hanover another Union.

This victory was short-lived, however, as the King-Elector of Hanover died right after the war, causing The Palatinate to break free and become independent again. Following this, Hanoverian politics fell into chaos. Protestant and Reformed religions began to tear the country apart from the inside, as the Catholic King was met with the unfortunate reality that to keep the Kingdom intact he must convert. Upon converting to Protestantism, relations with the Emperor, Austria, slowly deteriorated. Though the Council of Trent had taken a Conciliatory stance, individual rulers had their own opinions on the matter.

As Hanover stabilized and prepared to declare war to re-unify with The Palatinate, disaster struck as the War of the Protestant League broke out. A depressingly minor conflict, a few Protestant HRE Princes led by the Kingdom of Portugal rose up in rebellion against the Catholic Emperor, and were quickly struck down by overwhelming forces. Following this war, Catholic became the dominant religion in the Empire, and Protestant or Reformed Kings had their Electorates stripped from them. Hanover had once again been reduced to a Duchy.

### The Early Duchy of Hanover (1578-1650)

Following this embarrassment, Hanover returned to conquering territories in North Germany. With Protestants becoming second-class citizens within the HRE, Hanover had no choice but to grow and attempt to rival Austria. Declaring war on The Palatinate, Hanover reclaimed the Palatine crown and united the Kingdom under a single crown. Hanover declared war on the newly-freed Lubeck and took both Lubeck and Hamburg in the war, establishing dominance over the Lubeck trade node and finally being able to collect trade in the region. A few years later, Hanover also declared war on Wolgast, and finally conquered the rest of the Pomeranian coastline, with exception to the territories held by Austria.

During this period, Hanover entered an alliance with the Archbishopric of Liege, helping clarify the borders between the Dutch low countries, and the German territories. The Early period of the Duchy of Hanover ended when the Duke formally integrated the territories of The Palatinate into his own. He sold off some French territories to the Swiss and Liegian states, and, having conquered all possible territory on the Baltic coast, set his sights for Central Germany.

### The Late Duchy of Hanover (1650-1747)

Early in the 1650's, the alliance that Hanover held with Austria finally broke, and Hanover now instead looked to Russia for a strong ally to protect against the threat of Austrian invasion. Joining a joint coalition war of Switzerland, Liege, and the United States, against the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of Sweden, Hanover conquered the island of Sjaelland, strengthening its position in the Baltic.

As the rest of the HRE primarily consisted of free cities, and Austria-allied electors, Hanover had a diifficult time expanding in the HRE without angering Austria. Hanover was able to conquer, vassalize, and later integrate the Duchy of Wurzburg, and then conquering the Duchy of Nassau. Around this time, Hanover entered into a plot with the Archbishop of Liege-- As only Catholics could hold an electorate, if Hanover went around annexing or converting electors to Protestantism, then Liege would be able to elect a nation besides Austria as the emperor, destabilizing the Empire and making Austria significantly weaker. Hanover began building an enormous fort wall along the Swabian and Bohemian borders of Austrian territory, named the Brach Line after a former legendary general of Brunswick.

Unfortunately, during this period, while Liege and Switzerland were warring with Mexico over a Caribbean colony, Austria demanded Liege to break their alliance with the Swiss. Following this, Austria declared a nationalist war to conquer Swiss territories. The Austrian armies struggled to penetrate the Brach Line, but the ones in the east were still under construction when the war began. It was a hard-fought battle for all nations involved, but eventually the combined forces of Switzerland, Hanover, The United States, and later Liege and Poland, they were able to deflect Austrian armies long enough to sign a white peace.

The war nearly bankrupted Austria, so a year later when Hanover prepared to invade the Free City of Frankfurt, they could not accept the call to arms. One by one, Hanover wiped out all remaining Free Cities in a single war, and reduced the Empire to only a few princes. Right after this war, the Revolution broke out in Paris, France. Peasants had become sick of their mistreatment and began to rise up all across Europe.

Following this war, Switzerland invaded France, calling in Liege, The United States, and Hanover. During this war, Hanover spent its time fighting off Trier and Sweden, conquering many of their territories and finishing off the last non-Councilor Elector. Following this, Liege pledged its electorate vote to Aragon. The Revolution spread like wildfire after this war, spreading to parts of Western Germany, The Lowlands, The United States, and, most importantly, Switzerland.

The Revolution took control of the Swiss state, and the new government took a chaotic turn. Breaking all its alliances with non-republic countries-- those being Hanover and Liege-- it pledged to only ally with Republics. Austria could smell blood on the water after this event, and after a short preparation they invaded Switzerland with the help of England, Portugal, Naples and Aragon. The Swiss received military assistance from The United States, while Hanover sent them a sizeable monthly subsidy. After a few years, and some well-strategized battles, the Swiss were able to negotiate a white peace with the Austrians.

During this war, the Austrian Emperor died and Aragon became the new Emperor. Liege and Hanover engaged in a brief war against Scotland and Sweden, while waiting to find a way to invade Austria. This casus belli eventually presented itself as the Archduke of Austria inherited the throne of Portugal, and Castile found itself in a position to usurp it. Liege and Hanover joined the war against Austria.

Castile quickly pushed their armies into Portugal and Aragon, taking the capital of Aragon and, being allied to Liege, dismantled the Holy Roman Empire. Hanover and Austria both immediately claimed their titles as the Emperors of their own nation, and prepared to engage in a death war. There could only be one empire in Germany.

### The Empire of Hanover (1747-1766)

Only a few months after the war began, a revolution broke out in Austria. Given the enormous war they'd become engaged in, the Emperor had to submit to the rebels, and the Allies now found themselves at war with a rogue revolutionary nation.

The Austrian and Neapolitan armies tried many times to pierce the Brach Line, but they could simply never pierce the line. In the north, after losing an early battle, Hanover re-positioned its armies and expanded it by another 120k men. Hanover spent a long time in the east trying to repel the Austrian and Moravian armies, but eventually they sent them running back to Vienna. Finally, Hanover could take an offensive stance.

In the west, the Liegian and Castilian armies overpowered the French and Portuguese armies, and were able to sign them for a separate peace. England would be more of a challenge, as their enormous navies could single-handedly destroy the entire alliance's navy combined. Eventually, they were able to manage a landing in northern Scotland and pushed down south until the English finally had to submit. After the English signed their peace treaty, they formed a royal marriage with Hanover.

Meanwhile, back in Germany, Poland had now invaded Austria as well, and moved on to occupy Silesia and Hungary. The Hanoverian armies had pushed down into Vienna, and any resistance that Austria previously had was entirely gone. The armies had crumbled and Hanover occupied Vienna. Now the time had come to negotiate peace with the new government and decide which nations would get what.

Right before the war ended, the King of England died without an heir. As luck would have it, the Emperor of Hanover was next in line to the throne, and gladly accepted their new English subjects.

In the peace deal, Hanover was *extremely* disappointed in their rewards. Almost 50% war participation and they only received 3 provinces for all their trouble. Following this, they broke their new treaty with Austria and invaded again, utterly demolishing them a second time, and this time taking all their German territories outside of Austria Proper. Hanover had established itself as the one true German Empire.

### The German Empire (1766-1821)

Following such a grand conquest, Germany was in chaos. The Revolution destroyed, the nation was finally at peace externally. But internally, the Revolution was still widespread, and these new uncored territories would take time to control. Many revolutionary armies rose up over the next few years, but fortunately the powerful German army was able to defeat them without the situation worsening.

Incomplete

## The Empire of Castile (Zomjey)

Zomjey joined OC-CON in anticipation for CoN 10. He decided to take up the failed empire of castile, and to restore their greatness in Iberia. With the assistance of fellow player, Zomjey was quickly able to restore some sort of prevalence in Europe and the global power rankings.

### Reign of Enrique X (1718-1752)

Enrique X, being the first ruler to attempt to restore greatness, was allowed to develop their lands with a reconstruction doctrine. Buildings throughout Iberia were constructed to boost the efficiency of the people. Costly wars were ended to focus on the stability of their own nation. Multiple wars were conducted under this emperor. One of which included the war against France, which reclaimed the land Castile lost in Northern Iberia. Early during the reign of Enrique X, Mexico (Ocman101) declared war on the colonial nation of Castilian Peru. While the Emperor condemned this aggressive action so early in the career of Enrique X, Castile allowed Mexico to acquire land from that war, but warned them against any future hostilities with the Castile Declaration of Colonial Protection (CDCP). This declaration clearly stated the outcome of another invasion of Castile's colonies, in which castile will rightly defend their colonies. This would prove effective in deterring an all out war with the "Great Khan" of OC-CON, but also ended up running the save with the absolute power United States wields in determining scenarios.

### Reign of Jeydan the First the First (1752-present(1770))

Jeydan the First the First (Jeydan I I) was brought up as a special child, whom was never seen as someone who would be able to run such a large empire. Despite the lack of encouragement and training from his father (Enrique X), Jeydan I I was able to establish himself as one of the greatest Emperors in Castilian History. Major Victories include the Successful intervention of Austria's Personal Union over Portugal (with the assistance of the Germany States), Acquisition of Naples, and the successful defense of Peru and Brazil (also attributed to SDCP doctrine). Currently (1770) he is looking to establish himself in the Ivory Coast and also to reclaim the last provinces in Iberia.

\*Work in Progress\*