When Sigismund III was deposed, Charles IX assumed the Regency of Sweden but wasn't declared King until 1604. This was because the former King Sigismund had a half brother through his father's second wife, named John. He eventually gave up his succession rights in right for several duchies and was married to one of Charles IX's daughter.
What if John became King instead? There's little reason for Charles IX to proclaim him, but given the interregnum before he finally was crowned himself, it seemed to be something that was considered. Unlike Sigismund who was the son of John III and his Polish wife and raised Catholic, this John was born to John III's more Protestant minded wife and he was raised in the Protestant religion, meaning he'd certainly be an amiable alternative.
If John becomes King as John IV, how does this change things? Swedish-Polish relations will certainly be worse, as you for a time will have two brothers at eachother's throats and essentially the line of John III on two separate thrones. Charles IX is likely to not get a bum deal either way: even if he doesn't become king, I see him being an important minister to the ATL John IV and will certainly be compensated territorially and financially. John IV will likely marry his cousin he married IOTL, as well.
What if John became King instead? There's little reason for Charles IX to proclaim him, but given the interregnum before he finally was crowned himself, it seemed to be something that was considered. Unlike Sigismund who was the son of John III and his Polish wife and raised Catholic, this John was born to John III's more Protestant minded wife and he was raised in the Protestant religion, meaning he'd certainly be an amiable alternative.
If John becomes King as John IV, how does this change things? Swedish-Polish relations will certainly be worse, as you for a time will have two brothers at eachother's throats and essentially the line of John III on two separate thrones. Charles IX is likely to not get a bum deal either way: even if he doesn't become king, I see him being an important minister to the ATL John IV and will certainly be compensated territorially and financially. John IV will likely marry his cousin he married IOTL, as well.
