The Thirty Years War continues to ravage 17th century Europe, but a new force is gathering power & influence: the United States of Europe, a new nation led by Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, & the West Virginians from the 20th century led by Mike Stearns who were hurled centuries into the past by a mysterious cosmic accident. While the old entrenched rulers & manipulators continue to plot against this new upstart nation, everyday life goes on in Grantville, even under the shadow of war, as this lost outpost of American freedom & justice must play David against a 17th century Goliath of oppressive feudalism.