Not with dreams, but with blood and iron shall a nation be molded at last.
- Swinburne

The year is 1615. France would gamble its resources to thrust its sword at the heart of Spain. And what a defense did Spain give, but the gamble proved decisive. With France now holding much of the Iberian, next year's challenge will be for France to successfully hold its newly acquired territories with an overly stretched military. Spain's dissolution has introduced two independent plaint states, Milan and Naples, for the remaining powers to compete over. England's careful observation of the French-Spanish struggle prompted a landing of a contingent in Brittany. With its close alliance with the Dutch and other German states, England holds the lead in score. Yet, this is not the only arena of war. Denmark has made its impression, taking Brandenburg and Livonia to enhance its strength and influence. Austria has made attempts to counter this, but the taking of Slovenia by the Croatians has forces the Austrians to consider a new strategy for the coming year. However, with the Bavarian center in its grip, a resource of wealth and influence, the Austrians can hope still to defend against the Danish onslaught.