The ships of Europe explore the globe. The age of mercantilism sets the stage for centuries to come. The Reformation is underway, and scientific thinking begins to challenge the church, even as nation falls upon nation. In the Americas in Asia, ancient empires clash. Cultures resonate and express themselves with the fruit of the Ottoman, Savavid, Mogul and Chinese expansions. In England, the Elizabethan age of Shakespeare, Marlowe, Donne, Jonson and Spencer dawns. The English language begins to shape itself with wondrous verse and literature. A century where humanity interacts on a global scale; the consequences begin.