Matchlock is a historical fiction series set during the Thirty Years' War, beginning in 1622, when Matthew Lock lands in Europe to investigate the brutal murder of his parents.

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Welcome to our coverage of the 30 Years War, where we cover the period 1622-23. It was a time of significant defeats and changes, but also of moments of great triumph and success for the Holy Roman Emperor.

In the aftermath of his enemy's disaster, Ferdinand was now free to shape Bohemia in his own image, in the process undoing centuries of history and traditions, all in the name of force, and through force alone. The country was effectively recast as a loyal Catholic dependency of Vienna, losing its independence and character, but Ferdinand wasn’t finished there. As his agents worked overtime to realise his victory, several prominent profiteers began to loom into view.

Among these new Bohemian men was a relatively minor noble by the name of Albrecht of Wallenstein, who played no small role in later years in securing Ferdinand’s security, not to mention creating the first standing Habsburg army. Other triumphs were affected too, as in February 1623, Maximilian of Bavaria cashed in his chips to become the Elector of Bavaria, thereby acquiring for himself and his realm a promotion which would have been the envy of the Empire. This, it seemed, was the reward which awaited those that aided the Emperor. And yet, there still fluttered in the Empire’s lands several rebellious flags, who had as their master not Ferdinand, but the defeated Frederick. The Winter King was certainly down, but he was by no means out...

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