by Scott Blair

The Holy Roman Empire: Under Maximillian, the problems of the empire have become grossly apparent. Despite leading 40,000 men into Italy, he could not keep the nobles from withdrawing. Moreover, many of the electors believe that Maximillian (and therefore the rest of the Hapsburgs) have sacrificed the interests of the Empire for their own advantage and claims. Flanders and Lombardia have been removed from the empire. The Swiss have also gained (for all intents and purposes) independence from the empire. They have also failed to defend the eastern fringes of the Empire against the Triple Kingdom of Poland, Lithuania, Hungary. Moreover, Venice has been hurting the great merchant banking houses through tariffs and economic war; something that shall come into play when the new emperor must be chosen.

The Reichsregiment, however, has been gaining power. Maximilian was unable to convince the Diet of Ausburg to dissolve it, and it has gained power, functioning as the Empire’s executive branch.

Consisting of 20 officials appointed by the nobles and free cities, it often clashes with the Emperor and his deputy on council. Most nobles, however, favor a strong Reichsregiment and Diet.

France: With the acquisition of Flanders and much of the Low Countries, France is considered by many to be the strongest nation in Europe. Moreover, France possesses Naples, at the center of the Mediterranean. Although relatively poor, its geographic position (not to mention the prestige from being King of Jerusalem) expands France’s influence in the Levant. Francis I is considered one of the possible candidates for the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, but many fear what that would do to the balance of power if the Empire and France were ruled as one.

Portugal: Trade with Africa has enriched Portugal, but not the extent that it was in OTL. The spice trade is largely in the hands of the Venetians (more on that later) and expeditions beyond the Cape have only just begun. They are tied to the Spaniards by ties of blood, and there is talk of a marriage between the young Charles and a member of the Portuguese royal family.

Spain: With expeditions to the new world just beginning, they have set out to find a route Asia from the West. So far in the Caribbean, medium-sized reserves of gold have been discovered. But tales speak of a civilization drowning in the stuff to the West….

England: Not too much different from OTL. Maybe more merchants in the Levant trade, as they were driven out in the 1480’s by Turkish privateers.

The Triple Kingdom: Poland, Lithuania, Hungary: King Ladislas III reigns over the three kingdoms. The various are loyal to varying degrees, with Hungary being the least loyal. In the early 16th century Poland took much of Pommern from the Empire, and is expanding into the Ukraine.

Venice: Technically the weakest of the powers listed, it is also the strongest. Its navy is supreme, and the industries of northern Italy are under its control. With the elimination of Genoa, it controls virtually all the spice trade. Yet Portuguese expeditions are sailing up Africa towards India, and will soon reach it. When they do, the consequences are feared greatly. The Byzantine Emperor Manuel, who has begun importing western ideas, has been making strides in retaking the Levant trade (and the Venetian islands). Venice is the wildcard. If it can consolidate Northern Italy, the resources of the Serenissima will be equal (or superior to) that of the Kings and Emperors of Christendom.

Byzantium: The Empire struggles on. Although it has made gains in Anatolia, ever-present revolts and border raids by the Persian supported Nomad tribes threaten the security of western Anatolia. However, Emperor Manuel has taken steps towards reforming the navy, in hopes of capturing the Aegean Isles from Venice.