Cannon fire and burning buildings at Seifriedsburg

Since early morning, cannon fire has been heard from Seifriedsburg. By noon, billows of smoke indicated that buildings were on fire, though the cannon fire continues ....
Rumors abound ....

One: Frankszonians wiped out, Gallian forces taken heavy damage, but Hesse Seewald and Germania have basically expended an entire corps, though a cavalry division is rumored to be descending on Gemunden already.
Two: Frankszonians held the crest of the plateu and slaughtered the brigades sent against their barricades, but Hesse Seewald managed to flank the position.
Three: Seifreidsburg is burning, the Allies force has been split apart, but Von BallPark and Gen. Sorbet are rallying troops on the edges of Seifriedsburg to challange the lodgement gained by Hesse-Seewald ...
Four: Official disaptches in the early morning, initial Hessian assault repulsed, but Frankszonian position has been flanked and the force is falling back into the town proper Messengers galloping into camp are smoke smudged and occasionally injured ... rumors that Ballpark has said position is lost without reinforcements by nightfall ....

Arthur
PS: The noted artiste Dame Edith has been making swift sketches of the conflict which may accompany the official report later ...

Orders of Battle for Seifriesburg

Orders of Battle for the Battle of Seifreidsburg
*numbers (initiative or morale rating); ## = # of figures; x # = # of Battalions; @ # = “cost per figure.”
Note: once again, artillery will be at double strength due to the paucity of prepared figures ....

Gallian / Frankszonian

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. von Ballpark (with rocking horse) (1) @ 15

Frankszonians:

Brigadier Rosenschnauz (0)
I.R. Chicken (musketeers)
Intendent Chicken (0)
1st battalion: (5+)* 24 x 1 @ 1.1
Lieutenant Oberst Sanders (0)
2nd batt: (5+)* 24 x 1 @ 1.1
Lite artillery, 1 battery @ 4

Brig. Hottatrot
1st Hotts: (5+)* 24 x 1 @ 1.6 (dbl A)
Intendant V. Kamp (1)
I.R. V. Kamp (Jaegers)
1st v. Kamp (4) 24 x 1 @ 1.5 (skr, R)
Howitzer battery @ 5
Heavy battery @ 6

Gallians:
Maj. Gen. Le Sorbet (1) @ 10

Brig: FitzAle (0) @ 5
Cav. Reg. Churchy (Cuirassiers)
Col. Churchy La Femme (0)
1st Wing (7) 14 x 1 @ 4
Col Falsie (0)
Falsie Hussars (7) 14 x 1 @ 3

Brig. Maudelin (0)
Col. L’Lagalle (0)
Lagalle Dragoons (6) 14 x 1 @ 2
Col. Maingie du Cheval (0)
Maingie Hussars (7) 14 x 1 @ 3 (at Weyersfeld)

Brig. Duplicitie (0)
I.R. 4th Laura Anne
Col. Phule (0) bat: (5) 24 x 1 @ 1
Col. Dummass (0) bat: (5) 24 x 1 @ 1
Grenadiers (6) 18/? to 24? x 1 @ 2

Col, Bombalier
Lite artillery, 1 battry: 4
Howitzers: 1 battry @ 5
Heavies: 2 Battrs: @ 6

* The Frankszonian troops, coming from their stellar performance versus the Nidda brigade, have an exaggerated unit morale and thus receive the “Russian” bonus of minus one on morale die rolls. In addition, Hottatrot’s soldiers are true professionals and highly drilled, and thus are granted the “Prussian bonus” of double action in the move/fire segment.
Furthermore, the Frankszonian troops forming the first line of a defense in depth, delaying position, have been drilled in a voluntary retreat maneuver so that they can pull back to prepared defenses in their rear. (When the full battle report of the various “agendas” is made, this will hopefully contribute to the story line).



Hesse Seewald / Germania

Commander of First Line: Lt. General Klompen (1) @ 20

Maj. Gen V. Rottenbeck (0) @10

Brig. Fungemungus (0) @ 5
I.R. Klompen (5) 24 X 2 @ 1
I.R. Rosenblum (5) 24 x 2 @ 1
Brig. Funft (0) @ 5
I.R. Trinken (5) 24 @ 1
I. R. Drunker (5) 24 @ 1
Oberst Rotheisen (0)
Grenadiers (6) 24 @ 2
1 Battry light @ 4
1 Battry Howitzer @ 5

Maj. Gen. Pferdkopf (1) @ 10

Brig. Goutier (0) @ 5
Bricht Schiesehause Hussars (7) 14 @ 3
Dunklehof Hussars (7) 14 @ 3
Brig. Claude Gruener (0)
Strumgen Dragoons (6) 14 @ 2
Teufelbund Dragoons (6) 14 @ 2
Tinklein Dragoons (6) 20 @ 2

Maj. Gen Googlen (0)

Brig. Eisenhoff (0)
I.R. Fingerlein Fusils (5) 24 x 2 @ 1
I. R. Turkeys (4) 24 x 2 @ 0.75
Brig. Rosenbaum (0)
Grenadiers V.Hesse (6) 24 @ 2
Lieb Gard Cuirassier (7) 12 @ 5

Frankszonian Anthem ...

Nobody knows the Frankszonian anthem, by the time we get around to singing it, we're too drunk to
pronounce the words .... sort of like the old "Louie, Louei" song ...
Something like
Hurray, Frankszonia! mit dibble...um. dum dee dum.
PAH! POM! PAH!
Hurray, Frankszonia! wee dribble ... something ... Bum!
BOOM! BANG! BOOM!
Ta Ra! ... something .. something Am de Main,
Veer wibble ... something ... something ... insane?
FIRE! FLOUR! FEAR!
Hurrah! Hurrah! ... something ... upsie stein
DRINK! DRANK! DRUNK!
gurble, gargle, slurp.
FRANKSZONIA!

Cannon fire heard from Seifriedsburg since dawn

From: Gen. V. Ballpark at Seifriedsburg
To: Gen. Chevert at Gemuden

Sir, in my previous post, I reported the following situation after several days of manuevering:
As the position at Aschenroth seemed to offer the foe too many manuever options with his superior forces, we have concentrated on the plateau at Seifriedsburg, The enemy appears to be deploying directly against us, but I have ordered the squadron at Weyersfeld to remain there as an outpost should they attempt another flank march, as this would put them on the Wursburg route again and thus evade our position entirely.
Our left flank is covered by the defile between Schonau and Wolfsmunster. This is barricaded and covered by some light guns and dragoons ... and the hillside is mined to cause blocking landslides should the foe attempt to force it.

This morning before light, a force of enemy grenadiers rushed the bridge crossing the wooded gully between Aschenroth and Seifriedsburg. As I write, Hesse Seewald forces are crossing the bridge and deploying on the scrub covered slopes and pastures below us. They appear to have at least twice our strength in this assault. Unfortunately, the morning fog prevents us from discerning their position and strength more accurately, but we can see over the mists that further forces are moving out of Aschenroth towards us. It appears that the northern forces have committed to gaining this plateau and its direct access towards your camp.

I have concentrated my brigade, your 4th Laura Ann regiment, and a battalion of jaegers at the crest before Seifriedsburg. We are supported by some squadrons of dragoons and hussars, I have ordered the squadron at Weyersfeld to join us in haste. The enemy appears to be weak in artillery at this moment, so I have hopes of at least delaying them with some cost at this position.

If we are forced off this plateau, the defile at Schonau will be outflanked, and the troops there will have to fall back to positions near your piquets.

Your servant,
V. Ballpark

Message from lady Pettygree to the Prince du Charade

Note from Lady Pettygree to the Prince du Charade:

My Lord Charade:

I cannot be more specific on the contents of this note, as the package contains further packaging for a further note, which I believe may be an appeal directly from Granny Loomis to the Royal Family. She is, after all, related on the female side to the Gallian royal house. Lady Rosenschnauz, however, has given me several points which the letter may concern.

First of all, the family Fahrtz is extremely concerned that Hurtshog Stanken’s commitment to Gallia may actually doom their reign in Frankszonia, an area notoriously Protestant and pro-Germanian in sentiment. Therefore, their court is extremely desirous that Gallia be much more visible and prominent in its co-operation with and esteem for the Hurtshog.
Towards this end, they have frequently requested a detachment of a military training cadre.

Secondarily, I believe that they are desirous of written commitments of refuge and support should Germania prevail and the family Fahrtz be driven from Frankszonia.

Thirdly, even the loyal officers are enraged by the Intendant Bastille’s treatment of prisoners as “rebels” ... with the implication that they are rebelling against Gallia. Such treatment denies the autonomy of Frankszonia as well as ignoring that Frankszonia is an Imperial Frei Stadt, not a vassal of the Gallian throne.
I believe that they wish these prisoners to be designated rather as prisoners of war, and thus accessible to normal exchanges and ransoms. Further, if a “rebel” designation is still needed, that such cases be submitted directly and supremely to the Hurtshog himself, whose focus is entirely on his dynastic legacy now that his exotic Princess has presented him with an heir.
Unfortunately, the Hurtshog is a young man, and all he perceives in the Intendant is a very capable officer, and thus is not active enough to prevent the growing perception of him by the Frankszonians as a Gallian puppet. Furthermore, during a recent crisis, all of the battalion commanders have begun to station piquets and other safeguards to prevent their units from being disarmed by some sudden coup. Already, as you are aware, several high officers and their entourages have fled to join Hesse Seewald.
The Hurtshog values the experience and skill of the Intendant, and considers his own leaders to be either too elderly or too inexperienced to be effective in the Kaiser Schacht that is forming. Providing these men with Gallian adjutant / advisors should balance the concerns of the Hurtshog and maintain Frankszonian pride.

Given the sacrifices and risks which the Stanken family has already made on behalf of Gallia, I believe that a prompt and courteous reception of their message may be required.

Alas, it seems that I will be unable to personally discharge their commission unless your Highness acts promptly due to a family crisis.

Your devoted friend, Lady Pettygree

Divers News From Gallia

Divers News From Gallia

Esteemed Gentlemen,
Mostly to keep me on track, may I offer this news?
------------------------
Gallian Armée du Marshall de Broglie:
Near Minden, Germania where the Britannian Army and her allies are posted.
Broglie pursued the Marquis of Granby after the latter was defeated in June at Gütersloh, Germania.
--------------------------
Gallian Armée du Lieutenant General de Chevert:
Adjacent to the fortress of Gemünden awaiting Der Erbrpinz von Hesse Seewald. An Avant Garde of Frankzonians blocks the main road northward from which Der Erbprinz must march, if he marches south. Chevert retreated to this location after his defeat at the hands of Der Erbprinz at Salzungen in August. The army is just about fully recovered. The fortress anchors Chevert's flank. Confidence is returning. The armée of Lt. Gen. de Poyanne is near at Frankfurt Am Main and Lt. Col. Enigma and his cavalry are returned to the theatre.
------------------------------
Gallian Magazine At Frankfurt Am Main:
l'Intendant Bastille's paranoia has subsided regarding mischief, confusions and intrigues everywhere. Calm has been restored especially since Lt. General de Poyanne remains close by with his 25,000 Gallians. Rebels were scattered by the latter some weeks ago making things more peaceful. It also helps Bastille's digestion that the Ladies Pettygree and Masquerade left under the care of a massive brigade of cavalry commanded by Lt. Col. Enigma at the very height of politcal distress. The latter has just returned to Frankfurt Am Main awaiting orders. The new jail is filled to near capacity with rebels.
--------------------
At Versailles (Gallian capital):
The party of Lady Diana Pettygree and Lady Cherish Masquerade arrived at Versailles and are recovering from their lightning fast jounrney from the Gallian magazine of Frankfurt Am Main. Lady Pettygree has requested an audience with the Gallian Foreign Minister, Prince du Charade to present to him a letter from the Frankzonian government. So far the Prince has not asked Lady Pettygree to attend him with the letter.
--------------------------------
Gallian Foreign Ministry:
The Prince de Charade issued an opinion to the King that the perpetrators of the fire attack from a certain nation of the Orient be tried as spies. He further noted a declaration of war at this time would be pointless. Time will allow some action another day. The war in Germania and alarms from Governor General l'Duc de Silhouette from the Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island in the New World are keeping Gallia busy enough. Charade is about to write a letter full of thanks to the the Gallian ally Freyburg for reinforcements en-route into the Gewrmania theatre of war.
------------------------------
Aboard l'Vengenace:
Enseigne Bargot reported to l'Capitaine that the frigate has logged an amazing 1,200 miles in six days from Louisbourg in the New World bound for Le Havre. The frigate is amazingly fast and was aided in this journey by convenient sea currents some navigators say come from the eastern seaboard of America and the Gulf of Mexico. Our voyagers do not know the wind of an approaching but distant hurricane to said eastern coast also added significantly to their journey. At this rate they will reach Le Havre on the 20th instant or thereabouts. The ship carries important diplomatic dispatches from Ny Tragardland and the Gallian Governor General of the Fortress of Louisbourg, l'Duc de Silhouette.
--------------------------------
Naval Hospital at Le Havre:
The chief surgeon is about to dismiss the recuperating Tragardland diplomat von Bergman. He thinks the 20th instant will be the day. Von Bergman is understandibly in earnest to resume his mission to Versailles to court the Prince de Charade into an alliance with his country. Von Bergman's gruesome wound suffered in the naval battle between l'Vengeance and Invinceable has healed miraculously. Lucky fellow.
--------------------------
Aboard Britannian Frigate Invinceable:
Damage suffered by lucky long shots in the naval action of mid-June with l'Vengeance is repaired. A new bowsprit and foremast have been fitted at the naval yard at Portsmouth. The captain desires permission to resume cruising off the Gallian coast, especially to return favors with his nemesis aboard l'Vegeance.
---------------------
Channel Isle de Pettygree:
Lady Pettygree's father is very ill. He may request that his daughter and son return home to his care.
----------------------
That Woman:
Wherabouts unknown. Presumably she will appear in an intant to advise Lady Pettygree how to preserve herself from next dangers.
----------------------
The Mysterious Nemesis!:
Her wherabouts also unknown.... Who? What? Why? Where? Does she exist?
-------------------
Colonel Bauer:
The enigmatic Hesse-Seewald Black Hussar Officer. Wherabouts unknown but is presumed to be with Der Erbprinz or the Mysterious Nemesis.
----------------------------
Der Erbprinz:
No doubt massing for the next battle. Where will he strike?
----------------------------
Votre Serviteur,
Bill Protz

Nearing The Chateau of l'Prince de Charade

Nearing The Chateau of l'Prince de Charade

Narrator: Lady Pettygree, as the dear reader may recall, left Frankfurt Am Main, was thereafter escorted to Coblenz and from there travelled to Versailles, Gallia with an important message from the sovereign leader of Frankzonia. What is in that message, we can only guess.
-------------
Lady Pettygree: "Lt. Gardier?"

Gardier: "Oui Mademioselle."

Pettygree: "I observe we are a day's coach ride from Versailles. It would be a blessing if you would dispatch an escorted messenger to l'Prince de Charade, at his chateau I should think, announcing our imminent arrival. Please to mention we carry an important dispatch from Frankzonia which he must see at once, if he so pleases. Kindly extend my compliments as well and my desire to see him upon my arrival at Versailles."
------------
Narrator: And so the story moves along a little more. Perhaps next time, we shall enter the library of l' Prince de Charade and read the message together.
-------------

Warps of Religion

Warps of Religion

As Jeff pointed out, the "Wars of Religion" were technically over in our period.
But ...
Fred the Grape in our period played "the Protestant Card" in order to isolate Vienna and France ... and to sustain his support from England and northern, Protestant German districts. Apparently, this ploy worked well.
The historical (as opposed to our hysterical) Frankfurt raised three companies for the Reichs Armee. They were supposedly well tricked out (in all the meanings of "trick" I'm afraid) but quit en masse when they discovered that they were really going to have to take the field ... while a FreiKorps battalion was raised there for Prussia.
Given that my Frankszonia is deliberately a schizophrenic mish mash (just ask the Intendant Bastille!), this seemed to be a good fragment to toss into the brew!
As we Later in the Day Saints, say, "I'll drink to that!"
:)
A

Fictional America runs into a bit of a shock ...

In the spirit of things, I'm working on another Hysterical Country, in the newest of New Worlds ....
And we ain't no stinking paleface colony either!
Much more later, and probably in an another blog ...
I've not posted lately here due to several deaths in our family ...
One of them was supposed to have gamed with the wife and myself this week ...
Rather shaken to have three close together like this ...
And may still have to deal with the fall out for another week or two ...
So the humor may be a bit forced at first,
But I'm counting on the chiefs: Three Feathers (to the Wind); Big Moose Noises; and White Raven to provide both humor and commentary when it rolls around.

Meanwhile, the secret communication from Frankfurt is being recomposed, and the game rethought since there'll be only the wife and I to push the lead ....

Alf and Edie's Grandmother had been suffering horribly anyway, so to a degree, we're not that bad ... but even so, they were close friends and terribly missed.

Your host,
Arthur