History of Sweden | The Second Era - Loremaster Caeruleus

The Second Era  – The Age of Steel and Alliances

The Second Era is a challenging period of Swedish history to make sense of. But as far as I have deciphered: it was chaotic. As the best historical periods tend to be. War was raging all over, Sweden conquered vast expanses of land only to lose them and then re-take it. The records show a bloody period where the world map was constantly shifting and changing like sand dunes in a vast desert.

These images represent the tidal shifts of power. Here, Sweden at the height of its power.

Less than two months later we see this. Sweden under Greenlandic occupation:

Exactly how all of these wars and events transpired is lost to the ever grinding tooth of time. Though it is clear to me that we now had grown the muscles to fend of the enemy, but we were still lacking the discipline and wisdom to maintain it.

Part 1 - The Legends of Tomorrow

It’s hard to pinpoint when one Era ends and another begins. But the defense of Skåne and Halland https://app.warera.io/battle/685ee8f0b822a7a17b5e2b18 is a fairly good estimate. 

The third leader of Sweden @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910 writes of the battle:

“In the annals of Swedish history, few moments shine as brightly as the legendary Battle of Skåne and Halland, where the steadfast defenders of the North stood unyielding against the unexpected and ferocious Chilean invasion.

Against impossible odds, five Swedish heroes rose from the ranks of ordinary citizens to become living symbols of resilience and unity: Adrian, Slinky, Baffe, Martin, and Slemming.”

https://app.warera.io/article/68614c23b8fe0b770f2f25e6 - @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910

The world was still in its infancy and battles were not nearly as massive they are today. In his chronicles @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910 describes the Swedish victory and its heroes valiantly, but it shows a nation that is just barely managing to fight of its invaders. Nonetheless, the victory is significant and draws a line in the sand marking the border of the age of myth and the beginning of The Age of Steel and Alliances.

Although @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910 only served for one term, he understood the value of Lore and Legends. He made sure to honour those who fought in the trenches. Many of those who were named in his chronicles are still active, or were until very recently. During this period we see the first official appearance of Will as his first candidacy for President against @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910. Young and bold very early in his military and political career. But we will talk about Will more in the future.

Some leaders give their people reduced taxation, increased civil rights or a robust defense @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910 gave us our Legends, and that my dear citizen, is the very bones of a nation.

And now on to @684db976c61d88cbf54202bd and @684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990. Together they take turns leading the country and they share the first position for most terms served as Statsminister. Four terms each, they defined the second half of the Second Era. Both, still active today, as two living legends.

Part 2 - Trade Deals and War Machines

@684db976c61d88cbf54202bd put Sweden at the negotiating table and spearheaded several trade deals and pacts. Somewhat of a silver tongued diplomat and capable at cutting deals, thus strengthening the nation through economy and diplomacy. Not every hero wields a shield and a sword, some of them like @684db976c61d88cbf54202bd use their cunning and intellect againts the darkness.

During the Second Era, Europe and Latin America were entangled in a messy and bloodyconflict. Germany was invaded by Poland and France, Brazil and Italy joined the attackers, and the PABLO bloc was formed. Sweden was forced to act quickly and thus the alliance CULO emerged. A counterweight bringing together nations including Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Romania.

The goal of CULO was to stop major coalitions in the world, probably to avoid a stale and one-sided dynamic in the international relations. They set off to break the PABLO block and they succeeded.

The two sides fought all over the continents until CULO eventually proclaimed victory over PABLO, which initiated the peaceful dissolution of CULO. (Read more here https://app.warera.io/article/691cd59499b6f95d036b23f7)

Later on Sweden joined France, the United States and Malaysia in the Transoceanic Defense Pact (TDP). A bloc against no particular enemy, rather a partnership built around security, sovereignty and cooperation.

“From shore to shore, the TDP stands guard.” - https://app.warera.io/article/689b7cea06abe908492f3bcf

This is typical for the periods where @684db976c61d88cbf54202bd was Statsminister, alliances and cooperation between like-minded world leaders. We were no longer fighting alone, we had allies that we could depend on, and who in turn could depend on us.

While @684db976c61d88cbf54202bd wielded the pen @684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 studied the blade, while constantly tinkering with the War Machine of Sweden. While a country grows it needs a helping hand and that is what @684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 was;  a capable military strategist and great teacher of war.

His work is a large contributing factor for the current state of the Swedish community and our ability to wage war. His legacy mainly lies in the military might and organization the recruitment and the schooling of new players. Many of were first greeted by his body of work when we joined the war effort: https://app.warera.io/article/69de85378e9a1768f5b6e535 *

@684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 was closely tied to some of Sweden's most important alliances and conflicts. He became particularly associated with Sweden's support for Germany, repeatedly emphasizing loyalty to allies even when doing so came at a cost. But keeping friends and allies is something worth investing in.

Germany remains as one of our closest allies to this day, and I am sure that the efforts of both @684db976c61d88cbf54202bd and @684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 are a major reason for our continued friendship.

@684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 was mentionen in @68486c262aea5f1b6a289910 early works. There he is depicted as a ghost in the woods, fighting behind enemy lines operating in the shadows. Today he is known and nicknamed as The Angel of Sweden. A quiet and steadfast protector of the nation with a habit of swooping in at precisely the right moment, turning the battle around.

These three leaders are different in nature. But they were dancing to the same beat, almost like a choreographed dance, picking up where one left of moments before. Their combined strengths and different styles of leadership turned Sweden into a power to be reckoned with.

Now the small nation had alliances, a growing military and, perhaps most importantly, a growing reputation and population.

Somewhere towards the last term of @684c7b78a4bac2a5600b6990 (the 12th term in all the history of Sweden). The Second Era fades into history and the world changes once more. The Third Era begins and our strength is well and truly tested. It starts with none other than @6961f95d4ef8b98ff55f5e46 and Will.

But more on that next time.

Sincerely, Loremaster Caeruleus