The 17th Century: What nation would you have fought for?

[VN-Killah]

Just to spark a bit of theoretical conversation, if you had been alive in 17th century Europe, and had the chance to fight for the nation of your choice, which would it be and why? Also, what kind of position would you look to occupy (marksman, cavalry, halberdier, etc)?

For me, I think it would have to be the Swedes. They had some of the best firearms (from what I've read) during the Second Northern War, and also had some pretty cool infantry (who can beat those Nordic swordsmen?  )

Furthermore, their empire was so damn powerful, you probably couldn't help but feel like you were fighting on the winning side during the early stages of the Deluge. I think if I had been alive then, I would've gone into the Swedish forces as a dragoon. Being on horseback makes you more maneuverable and easier to keep out of the way of enemy fire (if you're a good horseman, anyway.) Also, for those times when you would be required to fight dismounted, you'd be in pretty much the same position as the musketeers, which means staying back and shooting at the enemy from a relative distance rather than charging head on into the carnage.

Anyone else?

 

[RalliX]

So, we're talking Eastern Europe specifically?

Well, implying that I were to fight, I would prefer to be a Reiter if possible. Good armour, a big horse, and a brace of pistols to make my sword less lonely.
Edit: I don't really care much about who I were to fight for. Just that I'm winning. Reiters fought for the Poles, the Muscovites, and the Swedes AFAIK. I'd probably go with Sweden.

 

[VN-Killah]

So, we're talking Eastern Europe specifically?

Sweden isn't Eastern Europe. But anyway, no, I'm just talking about the whole of Europe at that time. Any nation, east or west. I just gave examples of the Deluge and such to back up my reasoning for joining the Swedes. For all I know, there could be someone here who would've wanted to fight for the French, or the Dutch...

 

[RalliX]

I see.
I know quite well that Sweden isn't an Eastern European country, but they also held a fair amount of the Baltic states at the time.

 

[AWdeV]

Basically, Sweden wasn't Eastern European but eastern europe was partially Swedish.


TBH, I probably would prefer not to have to fight at all. Not now, not in any period.

Either that or get rid of those damn Spaniards traipsing through the Netherlands.

 

[VN-Killah]

Basically, Sweden wasn't Eastern European but eastern europe was partially Swedish.


TBH, I probably would prefer not to have to fight at all. Not now, not in any period.

Either that or get rid of those damn Spaniards traipsing through the Netherlands.

Yes, the Spanish do seem to have a history of incessantly wandering into territory that isn't theirs XD

 

[Kobrag]

The Parlimentary English/Scots during the civil war.

 

[Ule]

royalist english, of the civil war. realisticaly county miltia, what ever i was told to use, pike or musket.  (im not far away from preston which was royalist town,  id of probly found employment there with some band)

idealy, id like to be of the rieter varitey, thems buff coats and brace of pistols so fun. but of course wearing big hat witha big feather in, and secret.

then once wart face took over id run off to the continent to carry on with war. unless i was died, in which case id be dead.

 

[Kobrag]

royalist english, of the civil war. realisticaly county miltia, what ever i was told to use, pike or musket.  (im not far away from preston which was royalist town,  id of probly found employment there with some band)

idealy, id like to be of the rieter varitey, thems buff coats and brace of pistols so fun. but of course wearing big hat witha big feather in, and secret.

then once wart face took over id run off to the continent to carry on with war. unless i was died, in which case id be dead.

You would fight for a Catholic pervert who had delusions of grandeur?
An idiot man that supported Irish murderers and even hired such rabble to fight for him when he was forced into a war that he could have avoided?  Such as dropping the matter of trying to convert the scots to his wicked beliefs and dropping the bull**** about absolute Monarchal power.
I may not agree with cromwells later actions, but defending the church and the freedoms of his kinfolk was nothing less than heroic.

 

[Orchid]

royalist english, of the civil war. realisticaly county miltia, what ever i was told to use, pike or musket.  (im not far away from preston which was royalist town,  id of probly found employment there with some band)

idealy, id like to be of the rieter varitey, thems buff coats and brace of pistols so fun. but of course wearing big hat witha big feather in, and secret.

then once wart face took over id run off to the continent to carry on with war. unless i was died, in which case id be dead.

Spoiler

You would fight for a Catholic pervert who had delusions of grandeur?
An idiot man that supported Irish murderers and even hired such rabble to fight for him when he was forced into a war that he could have avoided?  Such as dropping the matter of trying to convert the scots to his wicked beliefs and dropping the bull**** about absolute Monarchal power.
I may not agree with cromwells later actions, but defending the church and the freedoms of his kinfolk was nothing less than heroic.

^ Seconded. I'd prefer not dying for a decadent, filthy rich and egocentric nobleman at all, but seriously? You'd put your bottom on the line for an autocratic swine like Charles I?

 

[jepekula]

Finland.

Jokes aside, Sweden.
Since I'm Finnish.

 

[VN-Killah]

Finland.

Jokes aside, Sweden.
Since I'm Finnish.

So you speak Finnish fluently then? That's cool.
I'm currently writing a short story set in 17th century Europe about a Nenets man who ends up fighting for the Finnish army. I know it would be fantastic if there was someone here who might be able to lend me a hand with a few translations and whatnot 

If you'd like to take a look at it, you can find it here: http://forums.taleworlds.com/index.php/topic,225087.0.html

I've posted the first two parts so far.

 

[Kormin]

I would guess I would be a English Roundhead, but realistically...None, screw countries. I'm a Pirate, Oh spanish treasure ships, how beautiful your cargo and how fun to sink.

 

[VN-Killah]

I would guess I would be a English Roundhead, but realistically...None, screw countries. I'm a Pirate, Oh spanish treasure ships, how beautiful your cargo and how fun to sink.

Haha, you might have converted me there, man. Never really considered piracy....

 

[AWdeV]

I would guess I would be a English Roundhead, but realistically...None, screw countries. I'm a Pirate, Oh spanish treasure ships, how beautiful your cargo and how fun to sink.

Reported for encouraging piracy.

 

[Rifleman]

I want to be d'Artagnan in France fighting the French. Swordfights, women, daring escapes from churchmen...what else could you ask for?

 

[Captured Joe]

And you would be a Roman Catholic.

So, no

daring escapes from churchmen

.

I would like to be an officer, maybe in a Catholic League infantry brigade.

EDIT:

For me, I think it would have to be the Swedes. They had some of the best firearms (from what I've read) during the Second Northern War, and also had some pretty cool infantry (who can beat those Nordic swordsmen?  )

The 2nd Northern War happened during 1700-1721, so after the 17th century. But the Swedes still had good firearms in the 17th century; Their tactics during the 30 Years' War were mostly based on firepower ('cause their cavalry could not compete with their Catholic and Imperial adversaries).
Also, Nordic swordsmen, LOL?!?

 

[Captain Pyjama Shark]

The Royalists, they are so wacky and stylish.  But I think I would prefer not to have to fight anyone.

 

[VN-Killah]

The 2nd Northern War happened during 1700-1721, so after the 17th century. But the Swedes still had good firearms in the 17th century; Their tactics during the 30 Years' War were mostly based on firepower ('cause their cavalry could not compete with their Catholic and Imperial adversaries).
Also, Nordic swordsmen, LOL?!?

Sorry, but I have to correct you. The Second Northern War was from 1655-1660. The Great Northern War, however, was from 1700 to 1721. I think you got the two confused...

 

[Ule]

You would fight for a Catholic pervert who had delusions of grandeur?
An idiot man that supported Irish murderers and even hired such rabble to fight for him when he was forced into a war that he could have avoided?  Such as dropping the matter of trying to convert the scots to his wicked beliefs and dropping the bull**** about absolute Monarchal power.
I may not agree with cromwells later actions, but defending the church and the freedoms of his kinfolk was nothing less than heroic.

yea they wore cool hats.. its how i make all important decision's, the hats.