Dear Athanasius Kircher,

My late father always spoke of you as a dear friend. I also remember when several years ago, you asked me to rerfer to you as ‘uncle.’ Thus, I turn to you now, asking you for a prompt arrival in Vienna.

You might have already heard about my father’s murder last year. He was on the verge of uncovering a great conspiracy, and I am almost certain that his death is connected to the demise of the Emperor.

Some might think that the newly elected Emperor, Charles II Habsburg, is om a path to solve most problems and unite the Italian and Austrian Habsburg lands. There is even talk of a revival of the greatness of the Holy Roman Empire. Yet, my information suggests it won’t be as simple…

I have found several of my father’s former agents. They are very well informed and fear that soon the title of Archduke of Austria and the right to the crowns of Bohemia and Hungary will be challenged. Opponents of the new Emperor argue that these titles were hereditary, and election alone does not secure them. Formally, they are likely in the right. My father’s agents claim that riots will soon erupt in both Vienna and Bohemia. This conflict is being fueled by the French, the Swedes, and even the Ottomans.

As you might remember, my grandfather was among those who partook in the negotiations in Osnabrück who favored lasting peace, even at the cost of weakening the Emperor’s power. I fear that the truce made then will now prove fragile, and that we are facing another thirty years of conflict.

Nevertheless, my most troubling discoveries are of another nature. I believe that some of of those who are in on the plot my father was investigating, might be worshipping evil forces… These are not matters I can put down on paper. I have already said too much.

I hope to see you soon.

Yours Octavia Piccolomini

FUN FACT! In the world of Anno Domini 1666, the Peace of Westphalia was not concluded in 1648, only less significant treaties were signed.