What Happened 500 Years Ago?

[Oldtimer]

Alright... Thanks guys... You gave me some good leads for web searching that I hadn't thought of.

Here's what I found so far about the turn of the 16th century...

<snip>

Scandinavia - Hans King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden had a rather unremarkable reign distinguished only by the successful rebellion and seccession of Sweden.

<snip>

Well, the rebellion and seccession of Sweden didn't happen until he was succeeded by his son, Kristian II, in 1513. It was during Kristian's reign that Sweden finally left the Union of Kalmar after years of bloodshed. That marked the end of the Scandinavian union which had lasted from the 14th century, and the start of many years of hostility between Sweden and Denmark. The new king of Sweden, Gustav I, turned the church firmly towards Luther, ridding himself of a few stubborn bishops and archbishops in the process.

/Mikael

 

[cathyb]

Have you read "the spirit ring" by bujold?

Lois McMaster Bujold wrote a fantasy book called "the spirit ring" that is set in renaissance Italy with historically-based magic. The main chanracter is actually the daughter of a sorcerer/jeweler who's licensed and monitored by a representative from the inquisition, and the story ably handles spells, demons, kobolds, etc. Although I think it might be set slightly later than what you're asking about (can't recall off-hand), I'd still recommend it as an inspiration for renaissance fantasy world building.

 

[jgbrowning]

And finally, have you looked at the three volume work by Fernand Braudel? The series title is Civilization & Capitalism: 15th - 18th Century. The individual titles are The Structures of Everyday Life (volume 1), The Wheels of Commerce (volume 2) and The Perspective of the World (volume 3). These three volumes are fascinating reading for their own sakes, but for your current purposes, will probably give you more adventure ideas than you could use in a lifetime.

I'd like to see what you come up with, so please keep us updated on your progress!

I have to second this suggestion. Fernand Braudel is excellent. Right now I'm less than 12 inches away from the 3rd volume of that set. I like to keep them nearby for quick reading...

joe b.

 

[underthumb]

On this same topic, are there any solidly historical roleplaying books, rather than historical translations littered with additions such as magic and monsters?

 

[Kultar]

If you want me to I can dig through my history notes from my European History Class and the book and see what I can dig up. Just email me at demimaegus@aol.com and I will send you everything in a word doc. Just give me a few days after you email me though because its a lot to go through.