31/05/1474Baltic Union from the past to the present
Helsingør (KAP) - On 15 of April 1474 Grand Duchy of Finland, Principality of Greater Poland and Duchy of Novgorod unexpectedly to the whole Baltic region formed an alliance and named it, rather confusingly - Baltic Union.
Confusingly, because the Baltic Union did exist in the past. It was signed fifteen years ago, in 1459 by the Castellan of the Principality of Mazovia (Jegon Kochański), the King of Finland (Wilhelm Johann "Villef" vom Blauberg), Grand Duke of the Novgorod Republic (Lioshich) and later as well by the King of Denmark (Johan Kashmir de Arenfeldt).
The Baltic Union did exist for a while, exchanging information, securing ports and hunting piracy together. Apart from the military support, there was also trade, diplomacy and I hope, I won’t exaggerate saying that there was also a friendship. Despite the fact that Sweden never became an official member they took a part in the exchange and also were supported by the Union.
In September 1461 Finland informed, that their Council was considering denouncing the treaty and calling it “obsolete”. Discussion about possible improvement led to inviting Sweden to formally join the alliance pushed by Bartram von dem Winter, Chancellor of the Embassy of Finland. The same one that just a few days later announced Finland leaving the treaty on 24th of October. Bartram explained that friendship and trade worked great, still BU pact is a military pact and that element is not working properly.
As a proof to that fact states that when in 26th October 1461, Finnish battle cog Ilmarinen commanded by Mustakettu and Truman sunk a ship in Gelfe’s port, Sweden released a warning to BU countries informing that “a ship is not under legitimate control anymore” they did not assume betrayal, they assumed ship being stolen. Finnish officials confirmed that scenario and promised investigation and lawful punishment for the guilty.
On 1st of October Ilmarinen returned to Rauma and sank another swedish ship - scout Nautilus. Finns dropped the masks. Captains and crew were welcomed as heroes. In the meantime Commander of the Finnish Navy “investigated the incident” and was unable to prove which ship did start the shooting. Two captains of the pirate ship were awarded for victory in battle. Attackers on Swedish ships were welcomed with celebration. Despite obviously betraying friendship and neighbours. The Fins did not betray the treaty, as they officially denounced it two days before the attack.
November 1462 brought back Bartram von dem Winter for the table of discussing the correct form of Baltic Union. Finland asked to negotiate Sweden joining the Union and as well, other two principalities of Poland, making it a pact signed with the whole Kingdom of Poland. Later arrangements were moved to more private rooms and no notes survived. Just like proofs if Finland officially returned to the Union. Nevertheless, a union in some shape did exist and kept exchanging information about safety in the Baltic, despite distrust built up between neighbours.
March 1463 brought pirates from Wielkopolska principality to the coast of Sweden. Baltic Union, partially asleep, woke up. Mazovia supported the Swedes with ships, and Finland responded as well to the fight with Outlaws.
In August Swedes brought back bandites from Wielkopolska to the Kingdom of Poland, which ended up breaking diplomatic relations between the Polish crown and Sweden.
In June 1464 brought a new threat to the Baltic. La Banda took over the sea with five war carracks. They were well organized pirate group of great sailors, bold speakers and restless fighters. Captain Monsterix, Captain Nazaj and Efesto, Captain Diego_alatriste, Captain Camlost and Captain Dellaca with her Diablo Rojo terrorized the Baltic.
La Banda requested 15.000 pounds to leave the area in peace. Their actions were placed mostly against Finland who organized an attack for a one of La Banda’s captains Miguelson, although no one could feel safe.
These events proved to be a challenge that the Baltic Union was unable to handle. La Banda left on their own, not even being chased by the united fleet of the Baltic. The Baltic Union gradually fell apart without ever being officially dissolved.
But back to the present. The Baltic Union treaty was never dissolved. In August last year discussions were held regarding the renewal of the Union, about which you can read more here: Baltic Union reneval
So, when on 15 of April 1474 Grand Duchy of Finland, Principality of Greater Poland and Duchy of Novgorod unexpectedly to the whole Baltic region, formed an alliance and named it, Baltic Union, the news caused some concern and a stir among residents of Poland, Sweden, and Denmark.
The people of Sweden, however, seemed particularly concerned. And no wonder: the Jörmungandr serpent had bitten its own tail, and the cycle of history had come full circle. With some details changed. In 1471 Finland denounced the Treaty, to remain honest to themselves during the attack on the Swedes, this time they signed the treaty to feel powerful enough to do it. In the evening of 18th of April (three days after signing the treaty) a united fleet of the Baltic Union attacked the port of Gefle. Three Finnish battle cogs, three Finnish Battle Carracks and one Battle Carrack from Wielkopolska County (that one with suspiciously freshly painted name) surrounded Gefle’s port, blocking completely the way of escape, and started to shoot. Ship after ship went to the seabed to the rhythm of cannonballs. Shooting stopped in the afternoon the next day, just to reveal that every vessel, be it armed or not armed, was attacked and sunk. Gefle’s harbour was completely wiped out, and it took a while to count the losses. The final calculations revealed a loss of three barges, two cogs, two genovese ships, three battle cogs and one battle carrack. Leaving the whole Swedish harbour empty.
With that act the Baltic Union became its own mockery. We can read the first words of the Treaty “With the welfare and prosperity of the nations of the Baltic Sea region in mind, as well as the security and prosperity of our lands(...) ”. The question that comes to mind is if Novogrod knew that on the day of signing the treaty of peace to the Baltic area, ships of Wielkopolska and Finland already were on their way to raid Swedish harbour.
The balance of the Baltic Sea was shattered the day the Baltic Union was signed by the two nations responsible for the majority of pirate attacks over the past two years. And we’re not talking about small-scale piracy here, but piracy at the very top—ships captained by the castellans of those duchies and supported by them*.
Although something unexpected happened on 28th of May. The weather was hot for a long time, and the sun warmed up the surface of the sea, when a cold wind arrived from the north. The wind picked up, the waves began to build, and the sea became rough.That started a great storm on the North Sea, a storm that took your breath away and snapped masts. That wind brought a rumour that the sea swallowed whole Finnish battle carracks. But if there is a seed of truth in this… Only time will tell. Those who advocate for peace in the Baltic region would like the rumor to turn out to be true.
Surprisingly to all, it was the weather that reopened discussion about the desired shape of the Baltic Union. On 28th of May, Katarina-Sofia the Admiral of Novogrod drafted a statement, where she wrote that current structure needs to be reviewed and additional members of Sweden and Finland must be considered to ensure safety. She also emphasized that hostility and aggression must be strictly unacceptable.
Will Katarina begin to implement changes that will truly transform the Baltic Union? Will Finland and Greater Poland heed her words and actually cease their aggression? Only time will tell. We look forward to seeing those changes.
Shanika Monte, for Northern KAP
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Article validated by Solveig Thorsen, Editor-in-Chief of Northern KAP. Do you want a right to respond? Visit us or go to the KAP reception desk. Would you like to report a breach of the KAP Charter to the College of Chief Editors? Go to the KAP international headquarters.
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* On 17th of November 1472, Wielkopolska Prince Kasjan sunken merchant heading to Sweden, along with Platyna, multiple time Countess of Wielkopolska
* Angel_de_la_muerte Count of Finland started to lead pirate attacks in Baltic during Gefle attack on 18th of April, but he continued later with barges and other merchant ships up to 24th of May, when he sunk a ship in Kiel’s canal
14/05/1474Valet av Kungadömet Sveriges råd : NFSR har fått en majoritet av platserna.
Partiet NFSR har tagit ledningen i Kungadömet Sveriges länsval, och fått en absolut majoritet av platserna. De kan styra ensamma.
Röstresultat :
1. "NFSR" (NFSR) : 100%
Valplatserna har delats i förhållande till valrösterna:
Rådsmedlemmarna kommer välja den nya landshövdingen om två dagar. Landshövdingen måste visa länets respekt för kungen och ge rådsmedlemmarna deras nya positioner.
08/05/1474Baltic Union reneval
Helsingør (KAP) - It was August anno domini 1473 when Aleksandr Nikolaevic of the Royal House Velikarus, Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Novgorod sent an invitation to the heads of Sweden, Finland, Denmark and three Counties of Poland, with the proposal of renewal of the Baltic Union. He spoke of brotherhood and shared prosperity. His proposal was to create safe trade exchange, military support to not face external threats alone but above all “to promote a Treaty of Brotherhood and Peace, enshrining the spirit of cooperation beyond individual ambitions.”
Nullika von Mellin - Count and Lord of the Province appointed Purre of Rauma to represent Finland. Solveig Thorsen-Vidal arrived with her Chancellor - Klara. Fenomena Kwiatkowska, delegate of the Duchy of Kraków, sent a letter informing that County does not own any warships and her barge was recently sunk, so even if she cannot participate, Kraków is interested in joining the Baltic Union. Shanika Monte Countess of Denmark decided to join in with Danish Admiral Borrell. Peggy Rakowska Castellan of the Duchy of Masovia chose as delegates Granius Rakowska and Chancellor Zmejslav Czestogojski. Platyna, Countess of Wielkopolska did not respond to the invitation.
Some delegates were more eager to talk or ensure friendship, some were more observing the direction of the talks. Nevertheless, all of them arrived to speak about this peace. To speak about the future of the Baltic Union and its prosperity and safety.
The talks ended unexpectedly on 27th of October. Purre of Rauma, representative of Finland announced that the peace in the North is over, while standing with the army by the gates of Gefle.
In the response Solveig Thorsen-Vidal Duchess of Sweden invited Queen Chermiina of Finland to disband her army and leave the Country by the end of the week. They did not.
While the Finnish army was attacking Gefle, Finland elections were held, and for the new Count was elected Angel_de_la_muerte Fleming. Newly arrived with his crew, very swiftly creating council list and fast elections. Rumours say that they arrived from Wielkopolska County. Those who expected the Finnish raid on Sweden to be over and attackers quickly going back to save their country were highly disappointed. On 7th of November Angel confirmed that “yet the position of the state authorities remains unchanged, and the Army besieging Gefle has (his) full support in all of its demands.”
In addition he published a list of demands for Swedes in exchange for the withdrawal of the Finnish Army. Cancelling all court cases against attackers, financial compensation to every Fin already sentenced and an apology to the Royal Family for “unlawful judicial violence”.
While for most of the people this announcement did sound like a mumbling of a madman it appeared to be a great start for a surprising political career. And the future of the Baltic Union.
Chermiina was wounded, and the army was passed in Purre’s hands who got wounded on 11th of November. The next general was Mereis and on 15th of November he did lead the army to retreat.
The Army of Queen led by Mereis returned to Sweden in December, to pick up wounded and transport them safely home. And this time they retreated finally. Without Royal apologies, without cancelling court cases and without financial compensations to those already sentenced.
Around this time Angel_de_la_muerte Fleming, still as a Count of Finland, sent his family ships to the sea. His ships were found a few months later when Opifex, Lord High Admiral of England published piracy notification about the North Sea. On 3rd of February 1474 Battle carrack BBF Asgard, captained by Lageweg Fleming as long with other vessel, captained by Ragnarrr Fleming, believed to be BMF Baltic Queen type: carrack, has sunk Merchant Genovese Sunshine in between Holland and England
By the end of February, they were seen entering the Oder river, heading towards Wielkopolska harbour in Skwierzyna.
Finnish attack on Sweden in October cut out completely talks about renewal of the Baltic Union. Finland by its Admiral Purre and later also a Count Angel_de_la_muerte did send a signal that they don’t want peace. They want war. Blood and gunpowder.
So it did come with great surprise when on 15 April 1474, Baltic Union agreement was published.
Posted by Katarina_sofia Admiral of the Novgorod Fleet, signed by Kasander Lubomirski of Wielkopolska and Angel_de_la_muerte Fleming of Finland. Pact of Katarina - sister of Aleksandr Nikolaevic who opened the proposal for renewing the Union. Kasander of Wielkopolska who did not join the conversation at all, and Angel of Finland who broke the meeting and opened a war.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of talks on cooperation and peace, a new Baltic Union has emerged. Novgorod has, in a sense, made a mockery of its own negotiations by inviting into the alliance those who openly support war and piracy. It is building a force capable of causing widespread destruction.
It’s frightening to think what might come of such a union. Below is a translation of
the original text.
Shanika Monte, for Northern KAP
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Article validated by Solveig Thorsen, Editor-in-Chief of Northern KAP. Do you want a right to respond? Visit us or go to the KAP reception desk. Would you like to report a breach of the KAP Charter to the College of Chief Editors? Go to the KAP international headquarters.
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With the welfare and prosperity of the nations of the Baltic Sea region in mind, as well as the security and prosperity of our lands, we hereby announce the formation of an alliance between our principalities:
1. The Grand Duchy of Finland
2. The Principality of Greater Poland
3. The Duchy of Novgorod
As of today, this trilateral alliance marks the beginning of a close partnership on matters relating to the Baltic Sea, as well as to territories which the parties jointly and by mutual consent recognise as a zone of their regional interests. The aim of this agreement is to work together to ensure the safety of navigation, the development of trade and stability in the region, which the signatories shall safeguard.
The parties undertake to provide mutual support and assistance in the event of threats both at sea and in the ports belonging to their lands. Merchants and ships of the three principalities shall be free to trade, enjoying the protection and goodwill of the other parties.
The fleets of the Grand Duchy of Finland, the Duchy of Greater Poland and the Duchy of Novgorod shall cooperate to protect trade routes, counter piracy, plundering, violence and the sinking of ships, and to ensure the safety of all vessels sailing under their flags.
May this alliance become the foundation of lasting cooperation, the prosperity of our nations, and peace on the waters of the Baltic Sea.
Drawn up and proclaimed this day on behalf of the three duchies.
Signed by:
Katarina_sofia
Kasander
Angel_de_la_muerte
29/04/1474Neuvoston vaalit läänissä Suomen herttuakunta : S on saavuttanut enemmistön
TURKU (KYL) Lista Suomi! on ottanut johdon läänissä Suomen herttuakunta, ja saavuttanut huomattavan enemmistön paikoissa. Heillä on ehdoton enemmistö.
Äänestyksen tulos :
1. "Suomi!" (S) : 100%
Neuvoston jäsenten paikat on jaettu kahteen osaan äänestystuloksen mukaisesti:
1 : Angel_de_la_muerte (S)
2 : Hassling (S)
3 : Phineasnigel (S)
4 : Pablo_Juan_Estrella (S)
5 : Malva (S)
6 : Lageweg (S)
7 : Rijer (S)
8 : Carlito_reinaldo (S)
9 : Ragnarrr (S)
10 : Lucalucaluca (S)
11 : Fernandezzz (S)
12 : Korwin (S)
Neuvoston jäsenet valitsevat uuden lääninherran kahdessa päivässä. Lääninherran pitää edustaa läänin asukkaita kuninkaan edessä ja nimittää uudet neuvoston jäsenet.
15/03/1474Valet av Kungadömet Sveriges råd : NFSR har fått en majoritet av platserna.
Partiet NFSR har tagit ledningen i Kungadömet Sveriges länsval, och fått en absolut majoritet av platserna. De kan styra ensamma.
Röstresultat :
1. "NFSR" (NFSR) : 100%
Valplatserna har delats i förhållande till valrösterna:
Rådsmedlemmarna kommer välja den nya landshövdingen om två dagar. Landshövdingen måste visa länets respekt för kungen och ge rådsmedlemmarna deras nya positioner.
31/05/1474 Baltic Union from the past to the present