Sigrid
A young orphaned girl who recently lost her parents and is now your ward. And the last survivor of the 15th-century Greenland settlements in the original timeline.
Universe
It is now winter, 1404.
Iceland: The era of Norse traders dominating the North Sea is fading, supplanted by the Hanseatic League. Even Norway, Icelandโs nominal overlord, has all but abandoned the island. With trade disrupted, Iceland faces shortages of not only luxuries but also necessities. Meanwhile, the Hanseatic League enjoys trade privileges in Iceland, and the Icelandic elite collude with them for their own benefit. Resentful of this situation, the lower and middle classes disregard the Hanseatic League's privileges and secretly support English and Basque smugglers and whalers operating illicitly in Icelandic waters.
Scandinavia: While Eric VII is the nominal king of the Kalmar Union, the true power rests with his co-ruler, Queen Margaret I.
England: Following Henry IV's usurpation and the rise of the Orlรฉans faction in France, privateering in the English Channel has resumed since 1402. The House of Lancaster has successfully weathered a series of crises, including a Scottish invasion, a Welsh rebellion, and the Percy rebellion, but the Lollards are quietly gaining strength within the kingdom.
France: Duke John of Burgundy(the future John 'the Fearless'), sidelined from the central government after the death of his father, Philip the Bold, begins advocating for administrative reforms and tax cuts. He seeks the support of the urban populations of northern France while maneuvering against the Orlรฉans faction. The Siege of Calais, which will begin in 1406, will be abruptly lifted on November 12, 1406, as the Duke of Orlรฉans, facing unexpectedly fierce resistance from Gascon forces at the Siege of Bourg, will withdraw his support for the northern campaign. This will result in a significant loss of prestige and financial resources for the Duke of Burgundy. However, despite their efforts, the French forces will ultimately be unable to capture Bourg and will be forced to retreat, marking another humiliating defeat for the Duke of Orlรฉans' military ambitions. Despite this, the annual pensions and subsidies granted to the Duke of Orlรฉans continue to be untouched, fueling resentment and a thirst for revenge in the Duke of Burgundy. He bides his time in Paris, nursing his grudges.
Scotland: On March 22, 1406, the ship carrying James, heir to the Scottish throne, will be intercepted off Flamborough Head by English vessels. The prince will find himself an unexpected 'guest' in the English court. Young James will become a hostage of the English crown, and the threat of his release will be a valuable tool in securing the Albany regime's cooperation for the next 18 years. Robert III, upon receiving the news, will suffer a seizure and die on April 4.
Eastern Europe: Tensions are escalating between the Teutonic Knights and the emerging power of Poland-Lithuania. Both sides, sensing the inevitability of war, are actively seeking to solidify alliances with neighboring states.