Thursday, December 18, 2008

An Extemporaneous Effusion on the Passing of King Maurice DeVille

An Extemporaneous Effusion on the Passing of King Maurice DeVille

(Note: Frankszonian officials insist that this broadsheet which appeared on the doors of some local taverns does not accurately represent any of the poetic tributes offered at the official “Drink to That” event ... though they can’t seem to find anybody who remembers those very clearly ....)

Old King Maurice of Stagonia is dead now, alas!
Pity their girls of their working nights class:
Who must now half their prices
For duration of the crisis.
For what species will King Fred prefer in His bed?

Mad Maurice, alas, has horribly died.
Stagonia insists that it Was a suicide.
Of Course that is true,
For surely, just like you,
New King Fred is sadly aware of how he tried!

Stagonian nights must be terribly depraved.
Their Kings have become so sickly and afraid,
So filled with depravity
They catch their decaptivity
With bracelets behind so shiny and engraved.



In other news ....

Though the court does not wish to start the Witch Hysterias anew, it has taken notice of the purported activities of the recently ascended King Frederick De Vile of Stagonia.
As a consequence, we are recruiting specialists from the Rabbinate and also will encourage quarterly competitions in composing and painting distelfinks ... (probably spelt wrong ... those are the colorful, kaleidoscopic patterns used by the “Pennsylvania Dutch” and their German forbears to attract good spirits and drive off bad ones).

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Battle of Sharp (Cheese) burg

Battle of Sharpcheeseberg

Forces involved:
(note, battle used 25 mm figures ... no pictures, wife was asleep with a cold)
Frankszonia:
* Brigadier Chicken
* I/R Sanders/Chicken: 1 battalions x 12 figs @ (5) (rebuilt after Siefriedsburg)
Blue / red; Yellow / yellow black black/white
* I R Footlongs: 1 battalions x12 figs @ (5)
Blue/Yellow white/white black/white black/white
*Bangers Jaegers 1 Battalion x 8 figures @ (6)
Blue / buff white / black black / na

Cheezers:
* Michael O’Mouse
* Bitischerwurst composite Grenadiers x 10 figures @ (6)
** I/R Gruenkaze 2 bats x 10 figures @ (5)
Dark green / light green Light green / black bronze helment
(actually, used figures for a jaeger unit)

No artillery nor cavalry involved in this skirmish.
Notice that the more flexible basing of 25 mm permitted the use of “10 figure battalions”.

Battlefield Terrain.

in the north, a road runs from Hesse Fedora (to the west) east to west across the board ... Sharpcheeseberg is in the middle.
From Sharpcheeseberg, another road runs south, but takes a sharp turn east towards the bottom o f the board, swinging behind a hill, and exits in the southeast.
Squeezed in between the road and the board edge in the northwest beyond Sharpcheeseberg is another hill.
An hedgerow runs from Sharpcheeseberg southwest to the board’s edge. In the southwest quadrant is also a small woods.

Opening Dispositions and Missions:
* Frankszonia:
Bangers Jaegers start in Sharpcheeseberg, their orders are to advance to the woods in the southwest to fire on any approaching Cheezers.
The Foot Longs and the Chicken/Sanders battalions are to concentrate in the fields south of Sharpcheeseberg to act as a blocking force to any columns trying to reach the Hesse Seewald forces or trying to strike Gen. Broglie or Gen. Chevert from behind.
* Cheezers:
March into Sharpcheeseberg and probe for less defended route to link with either Hesse Seewald or Hesse Fedora.

The Action:

As the Bangers barge down the road, they suddenly observe a column of Britscherwurst grenadiers headed their way! Horrors! A messenger dashes back to Brig. Chicken who exclaims “Boiled Sausages! Burn them! Quickly, deploy into a skirmish line and delay them!”

Seeing the Frankszonian activity up the road, Gen O’Maus proclaims in his squeaky tenor: “Okay, Men! by the numbers at my signal, Deploy into line of battle.... Deploy!”
“B... b... but of course,” Major Goofey chuckles. “We’ll soon show THEM, eh Mickey?”
“Watch your posture, Major,” the General warned. “This could be serious.”

Even as Brig. Chicken fires up Col. Sanders Original battalion to line up in support of the Jaegers, they observe battalions of the Gruen Kaze regiment hurrying up behind the Britscherwurst. “Brats!” Gen. Chicken exclaimed, “With Green Cheese!” Seeing that one of the G.K. battalions is heading for the hedgerow which obliquely flanks the road south, he orders the FootLong battalion to seize the hedgerow itself also. Colonel Nathan hurried up to Chicken and asked whether the enemy was heading for the Hesse Seewald or Hesse Fedora encampment. The General angrily replied, “the only place those Hussies are going is back home!”

As the Britischerwurst line advanced, the Jaegers cut loose with wild and inaccurate fire. Seeing a line of regulars forming behind the skirmishers, however, the Britischerwurst line halted and responded with an equally futile volley. Gen. Chicken, observing the close advance of the grenadiers decided to spare his Jaegers and ordered them to retire behind the flank of the Sanders battalion, between them and the FootLongs. On the other side, however, O’Maus decided to spare his grenadiers for a more opportune moment and advanced the 2nd battalion of the Gruen Kazes beyond the grenadiers. These G.K. troops had hardly moved into position when the Col. Sanders Chicken Battalion hit them with a close volley.

Meanwhile, along the hedgerow, the 2nd G.K. battalion was engaged in a firefight from one end of the obstacle against the Footlongs advancing from the other end. The Footlongs were at a disadvantage as they were still in an attack column formation. Brig. Chicken drifted over towards the Footlongs to observe their condition. Seeing Chicken seem to leg it aside, O’Maus ordered the1st Battalion GK> to charge, but battered in the Footlong’s fire, they hesitated.
Chicken squawked, “at them!” when he observed this. On the side, he ordered the Bangers Jaegers to move onto the G.K. flank and fire and afterwards Sanders to charge them. “Chew the breading off of them!” he encouraged the men.

Under the combination order, the 1st G.K. reeled back past the Britscherwurst grenadiers. In their turn, the grenadiers grilled the Frankfurters with a deadly close volley. Chicken, however, had joined the Footlongs and urged them to charge into the 2nd G.K. which was disrupted by its clambering through the brush and bank of the hedgrow. The Footlongs slammed into the highly nettled 2nd G.K. and stung them badly.

Suddenly, O’Maus found that his Britscherwurst veterans were the only still viable unit left to him. Since Col. Sanders seemed still to be cooling down from its exchange, O’Mause had the grenadiers about face and confront the Footlongs as they emerged froms the hedgerow’s stinging nettles. The Footlongs, with their brigadier still with them, rapidly formed line and began a lively firefight.
Without the brigadier’s influence, however, Col. Sanders had difficulty blowing up the coals in his men to advance. The Bangers Jaegers advanced to harry the rear of the grenadiers. which prevented them from driving back the Footlongs. On the other hand, one of the Green Cheese battalions had clumped enough together to open an enfilade fire on the Footlongs as well.

Smoked by this combined fire, Brig. Chicken did not observe Gen. O’Maus quickly turning his grenadiers and retiring among the G.K. remnants. Together, the Cheezy force managed to string off the field though fully battered and fried.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Parrse in Rear View Mirror ...


These K.K. 12 man battalions are assembled from approximately three or four boxes of Revell Prussians. In spite of the quite different figures in each battalion, their placement provides the illusion of an active battle line.
The formation is pictured twice.
This top picture reveals the immance of the Cat-atstrophe, Tweety Pie ...









Grenadiers of the Sage Guard being blessed ... a demi battalion that I'd hoped to use in Texas.
The figures are Mindend Minatures Prussians.



Grenadiers of the Sage Guard ... a break down showing how they can be based for a Koenig's Krieg battalion.

Blessing of the guns: I believe this is the correct size for 25 mm artillery bases.


The Artillery Park:


Still too small a collection in 25mm, and the Revell Austrian Artillery on the left are on bases which I think are too small.


The Light Infantry:

Pioneers in front, Officials on the Right, notice that at 25mm one can use individual bases ... given that these are light troops, there are also double bases. Basically one regular 15mm base easily accomodates the 25 mm figures ... so one 25mm figure would take exactly the basing for 4 15mm figures.




Blessing of the Lights:
The first short line behind the officers are Revell Austrian pioneers, several of the officers are modified artillerymen. The parson is in black and white.


Some officious officials: (also Revell figures)


Breaking the sequence, the Limburger Brigade of the Cheezers.

15 mm Minifigs, French figures w/out turnbacks. The disordered appearance to give several views, but by family custom, some figure(s) are always based aimed in the wrong direction! LOL

When I began, I was woefully short on 25 mm artillery. So whipped these babies up in Chenile craft with those ugle Giant of Hong Kong figures. The gunners are about 20 mm, the dice is about an inch high for scale. The basing is correct for 25 mm artillery.
I've mentioned on occasion the special command vehicle used by Frankszonia ... here is an example with a 25mm figure (exact same vehicles used in 15 mm are more impressive at that scale).
:)

And, of course, the 15mm; 2nd squadron of the One Fifth Light Dragoons ...

(Since the Anglerican denomination dominates the Britischerwurst, and whereever you find four, you'll find a fifth ...)


Sunday, November 23, 2008

Some more Bad LImericks ...

As the armies approach each other at Ginnheim, a dragoon suddenly gallops into No Man's Land with a megaphone and shouts:

This Resistance defends our Autonomy
Though all that they have is a monotony
Of Adulterous beggars
And soldiers with staggers
From indulging their officer's $#!@%y!

and

Poor Mary of the Rose and her Parseleigh
Are heroes, I'm sure, but just partially;
For their friends are so horrible
With habits incoorrigible
That even Stagonia treats them harsly!

He quickly darts back towards the approaching Black Kilts before any marksman can catch him ....

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

progress report

For the forthcoming battle of Ginnheim, I've wrapped up some of the project I started back before I got slapped into the horse pistol ...
in 15's, 48 "militia" being Minifig French without turnbacks)and 8 more mounted British 5th lights (to go with my Britscherwurst 1/5 lights)

Unfortunately, during one of my enforced absences, the cats got into a turf dispute ... and a few of them decided to debate possession of my green / grass cloth. So I'll need to wait till it dries out to complete the game (the manuever phase is over, the Cheezers can hit first, but if Gen Woad (my wife) outlasts their assault, he'll soon be able to crush them into the Nidda river ....
:)\
A

Ein Appeal zu der Volksrad

A personal message from the Hurtshog Stanken Fahrtz v. Frankfurter to the Deutsche Adelborn (German nobility):

My dear Cousins:

It has come to our attention that some consider Frankszonia to be an imperialist, aggressor state. This seems to have arisen due to our campaign to create a Super Sized Fry Stadt.
Ironically, this mis apprehension devolves from our desire to create a less plastic situation in which the dignity and freshness of our Folk is swallowed up by some six million strong ogre. Indeed, even though we in Frankszonia are ourselves perforce occupied by the Gallian hordes, one may notice that our struggles are often with our soi distant allies therein who have been caught undermining the autonomy of a local franchise.
Indeed, unlike other self proclaimed defenders of the Deutsche Mark, almost before the furor of conflict has fallen silent, the leaders of our neighbors have found themselves in the Frankfurter Bun, with the flavor of their office and authority enhanced rather than reduced.
Come, the Kreis are sounding for the defense of the Empress and our Graftsen. We are one Folk. Let us all go together in one Folk’s Wagon!

Sincerely,
Hzg. F v Frankfurter

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Eventual Events

First, on the Frankszonia blog, I've updated the lists and profiles of folks who are supporting the Elector versus Gallia inside Frankszonia.

About this time,Baron Wiffen Fhartz von Inkblot zu Grossen and General Braunschweiger should show up in the Germanian headquarters seeking an audience with the Elector and the duke of Hesse Seewald.

Also, while Gen. Broglie and the Intendant Bastille are in conference, they are interrrupted by a commotion. An officer barges into the room with a sergeant and an old Moustache. The enlisted men's uniforms are spattered with blood.

"Report!" barks Broglie.
"Sire" the officer salutes clumsily, "there's been an poison attempt. These clods killed the poisoner before we could question him."
"Pour Certament!" exlaims Bastille.
"No! No!" the Moustache pleads.
"Sire!" the sergeant complains, "we caught him in the act of dosing the officer's mess kettle. We took him alive in spite of his struggles, but as we were forcing him into the hall, his blood suddenly spurted all over us. None of my men had so much as drawn a bayonet!"
"This note was found upon the assasin, my Lords," the officer contiued.
Gen. Broglie takes the scrap and reads, "Die Reine geffallen am der Main."

Bastille chokes for a moment as he wonders, is this the hand of the infamous Stille Fhartz or another nefarious bit of Frankszonian politics?

Meanwhile, the Hurtshog with his main forces is almost a day's march to the northwest, approaching Ginnheim. They hope to disperse the concentration of Resistance, Cheezers, and Hang Overians who are in an entrenched camp in the woods near Russelheim.

Known Friends of Germania and Hesse Seewald in Frankszonian Circles

Given the approach of the Hesse Seewald forces to within a good day's march of Frankfurter, the list of leaders of the anti-Gallian faction becomes more important.
The first part of the list are the relatives who have been assigned by the family to represent and to defend the family interests in the camp of the other side ...

* Cousins:

ReichsHerr Stille Fhartz ... a Germanian sympathizer and political intriguer who employs silent but deadly assasins.

Baron Wiffen Fhartz von Inkblot zu grossen: an elderly cousin who has been selected to become the position holder in case of Germanian victory at Frankfurt.

Hauptman Eyewassher Fhartz von Inkblot zu Grossen: son of the Baron. Nimble and a good ballroom dancer whose coup de oeil seems to apply more to the boudoir than to the battlefield.

Graf Ick Fhartz von Putterin: A scholar and horse breeder whose specialty is not causing trouble for anybody stronger than himself.

Baron Keine Fhartz von Baumb Middle aged, exitable and irrascible. His fortune derived from being a silent partner in several breweries.

* Pro - Germanian Military defectors:

* Lt. Gen. Pepperoni (an immigrant Italian family, very fussy ... Not from Salamis, which I think
is a Grecian town, but has family connections with Bologna ... ); Just promoted to command the
Wiener Front. (Now deserted to “Elector” forces)
* General Braunsweiger (1) (a Deli-ight of the Brand Name Burgers Alliance, considered an
expert in combined arms operations, but often is kept in fixed fortifications where - tho highly
successful - his units often get sliced quite thinly). (now deserted to Germania, as he is a fan of all things from Bar Line. He may have good knowledge of Frankfurter’s fortifications ).

** leaders of the anti-Gallian nobles ...
which may be of interest to neighbors as they're seeking to hire mercs:
* Hans Muckiethaler: evil banker who is generating instability hoping to be able to control the stadt bundt if the Duchy falls.
* Sagehunde Thyme, Graf von Eischerheim: elderly but vigorous veteran, will be the C.O. of the noble resistance.
* Oberst Weis Parsliegh: brave, honorable, smart ... the white knight of the noble resistance.
* Lady Rosen Mariah: the fiery young beauty who seems to be the unacknowledged princess of the resistance.
* Oberst Von Trollop: commander of the various companies of cuirassiers who have gathered in the nobles’ resistance.
* Graf V, Pfalz: has raised an infantry regiment, publically to be a Freikorps, actually as part of resistance.
* V, Fisch: Leads the Fisch Freircorps. Relatives to the well traveled Lord and Lady Fischer from Britischerwrust.
* V. Graphk: Leads the Graphk Cuirassiers, composed primarily of retired and semi retired gentry, widely known for their colorful outfit and language.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Roquefort

The lair of that fiend, Roquefort ...


Fiendish Flags

Perhaps its time to post the flags for the Cheezey Faction.
First, the Cheezey flag, of course:









Then the flag for Limburger:

Thursday, October 16, 2008

the 3 "R's": Ribaldry, raiding, rioting

Since a recent inquiry was made into the nature of higher education in Frankszonia, we offer these insights ....

While Frankszonia has its university, inherited from the Dark Ages it seems (especially when one considers the curriculum), the Hurtshog Fahrtz uses it primarily for training cadets in engineering, mapping, and staff work. Of course, it also produces a useful crop of lawyers and courtiers for those rare times of Imperial council and coronation ...
Otherwise, he's focusing his efforts at developing apprenticeship programs among the trade guilds and importing artisans of new industries ...
speaking of which, in addition to the ceramics, sausages, and foundry, I've decided to invest in bookbinding and printing efforts (after all the major book fair of Europe is held in Frankfurt).
:)
l'Comte de Beauphaup ....

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Murky Mists of Miscellaneous Malfeasance ...

Murky Mists of Miscellaneous Malfeasance ...

A couple of folks have said that they’ve lost track of the various alliances and plots and counter plots in Frankszonia ... but the situation has to be spicy so that the sausage keeps well and doesn’t get too greasy!

Anyway, the first and foremost consideration is the position of the Hurtshog Fahrtz and his court. Bluntly, they’re pro-Frankszonia. Since we’re occupied by the Gallians at the moment ... whose occupation force ranges from five to ten times the number of troops we can raise, we’re perforce Pro-Gallian. Just as in historical Frankfurt, the loyalty of Frankszonia to the Empress depends upon whom is speaking and the situation ....

However, since Frankszonia was originally established as a mini-Prussia copy cat, the story line factored in all those Old Germanian Connections once Bill and der Alte generously decided to admit my humorous side show long ago ... in the pre EvE blog days! So, after some hare raising coup attempts pestered the Gen. Chevert and later the poor Intendant. In addition to the aristocracy based anti-Gallian “resistance” (who are now trying to connect with other anti-Gallian forces such as Hesse-Seewald), one must also consider the republican tendencies of the Merchants Guilds. Even more than the poor Hurtshog, they’re interested in the main chance and the highest bidder.

Now in addition to these factions inside Frankszonia, my gaming had already created the “Cheezers” ... including Limburger, Muenster, etc. Their activities were co-ordinated by the rascally Marquis de Roquefort who seems to have access to some great treasury. At the moment, the Cheezers are definitely on the side of Hesse-Seewald. The original Frankfurter alliance, however, had included the Britischerwurst and Hungover forces. These left our alliance at the outbreak of the Gallian / Seewald war, though we retain friendly correspondence.

Similarly, Frankszonia in the purely small country world had held long friendships with Hesse-Fedora and some other groups which are very pro-Germanian, and equally deep antagonisms with Vile Stagonia and other pro-Gallian local potentates. (Hence the Offenbach and TippleBruder affairs).

So on the outside chance I ever can get to the big games (which this latest hospital episode has thrown into doubt), there’s a Frankszonian Ducal army which would fight stoutly (and has fought stoutly) on behalf of Gallia ... (unless it’s right beside some Vile Stagonian unit, in which case we’d probably concentrate on very cautious maintenance of our position).
There is also a very strong force of infantry and cavalry following several of the emigre officers in the Resistance who would cheerfully fight fanatically against the Gallian gall.... (including those lick spittle petty puppets of the Hurtshog’s court) ....

So, as you can see, it’s all really quite simple. Not at all like the religious currents flowing up and down the Main ....

:P
A

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Phaulie's Folly and Doubt at the Redoubt

Encounter before GinnHeim:

(sorry, no pictures ... batteries were flat)
Pursuing the enemy columns after Abbot’s field, the Frankszonain forces encountered the remnants of their former foes defending a redoubt which covered the approaches to a river crossing.

Gen. Meyer decided to hold back his cavalry and to commit his forward infantry elements to storm the redoubt.

Frankszonians:
* M. Gen. Ziegfeldt von Phaulie: (0) Wears a monocle on a silk cord.
Has solid tactical skills, but very "by the book." When pressed, however, will try something
unconventional "for the sport of it." He has a solid infantry record.
Fond of schnapps (2 hip flasks ... after all, one has two hips, Ja?).
At 45/50 years, just starting to grey and is quite a ladies man. Favorite arms: his right.
He is an inept engineer, but has a passion for attempting engineering projects.
(N.B.) Gen. Phaulie will take a morale check if ordered to withdraw ... if fails morale, roll D 6
1-3 = fall back one inch; 4-5 = dither for a turn, 6 = will attempt to lead troops in a charge.
Phaulie will also attempt to join any unit which does charge. If Phaulie is killed, his
half-brother takes charge immediately from the middle of the brigade instead of waiting four
turns.
* Brig. Rosenschnauz: (0) On the staff of Baron v. Ballpark, heavy (as in 300 lb) drinker. (promoted due to bravery and to wounds taken during Battle of Bad Tannes).

** Chicken’s Brigade: ( a leg infantry unit)
* I/R Sanders/Chicken: 2 battalions x 12 figs @ (5) (rebuilt after Siefriedsburg)
Blue / red; Yellow / yellow black black/white
* IR Relischer 2 bats @ 12 figs rate (5)
Blue/ green; Yellow / yellow black black/yellow

* Nathan’s Nationals .... militia made up of whatever is handy ....
* Bombed Kennedies .... 1 batteries of 12 lbrs and 1 batt. howitzer.

Cheezers:
The Deutsche Resistance
* Graf V, Pfalz: has raised an infantry regiment, publically to be a Freikorps, actually as part of resistance.
* V, Fisch: Leads the Fisch Freicorps. Relatives to the well traveled Lord and Lady Fischer from Britischerwrust

1 inf. batL Old Retainers 12 figs @ (5)
2 Inf. batl. Freicorps 2 x 12 figs @ (4)
1 inf bat. Jaegers 12 figs @ (6)
1 battery of light guns.
1 battery of 12 lbrs.
Redoubt / Fleche


The Position:

On fairly level ground, a redoubt lying near a river covering the south side / road of a bend in a local stream. The stream is close to the right of the redoubt (which faces South East) and a scrub woods covers its right. Beyond the woods to the north, columns of the Deutsche Resistance can be seen moving towards a bridge on the stream.

The deployment:

Phaulie chooses to attack from the southeast, as an attempt to maneuver around the woods seems liable to not bag anything significant whereas those enemy columns would be cut off if he is able to quickly sweep over the force in front of him.
He deploys the Chicken Brigade with IR Chicken in front and IR Relischer as the second line and in column. He places the artillery with the howitzers to the left of the line brigade and the 12 lbrs to the right (first mistake, the howitzers would be needed to cover the woods).
Since he has two battalions of Militia, he posts them as skrimishers to cover the flanks. .

Graf v. Pfalz, an experienced and wily veteran, places the Old Retainers, one battalion of the Fisch Freikorps, and the 12 lbrs within the fleche. The 2nd battalion of the Freikorps is refused behind the right of the fleche on low ground between the fleche and the stream. The jaegers and the light artillery he conceals in the edge of the woods on his left ... with orders to not reveal themselves until the Frankszonians have advanced in front of their artillery.

The Action:

As all infantry units have just been in battle at Abbot’s Field, an attrition roll is made for each unit. Chicken’s Brigade comes of best, but the Fisch Freikorps does much better than Nathan’s Nationals.

First initiative favors the Frankszonians who bombard the fleche. The 12 lbrs in the fleche resond by firing on IR Chicken / Sanders.
As the artillery firing continues, Phaulie observes the Old Retainers, on the east arm of the fleche recoil. He sounds the Advance!

When IR Chicken/Sanders marches down onto the flats before the redoubt, the light artillery opens an oblique fire upon them while the 12 lbrs strike them from the front. In spite of the casualties, Phaulie forges forward going boldly where he should not (and cursing the fact that his howitzers cannot silence the concealed battery in the woods)!
V. Fisch, meanwhile, leads his second battalion along the river bank to engage the Frankszonian militia coming up the river bottoms.

Meanwhile, the Old Retainers have rallied and have surged back into their positions. The first battalion of the Fisch Freikorps opens fire on the advancing Chickens along with the continued pounding from the Cheezer artillery. Howitzer fire on the Freikorps by the Cheesy batter drives them back with heavy losses. V. Pfalz has to personally rally them. The jaegers in the woods open rifle fire on the militia battalion advancing towards them. While the militia manage to close to musket range, the I/R Chicken/Sanders is visibly shaken.

Phaulie orders IR Relischer to advance around the left of IR Chicken/Sanders. This brings it to the attention of the Cheesy 12 lbr battery. Since Relischer is still in column, it takes heavy casualties. The right wing Frankszonian militia continues to engage in a firefight with the jaegers, and of course is beginning to look like Swiss Cheese as a result. Firing through the gap between the militia and IR Chicken/Sanders, the Frankszonian 12 lbrs. again drive back the Old Retainers even as the 1st battalion of the Fisch Freikorps manages to return to the works.

At this moment, v. Fisch charges the militia battalion, catching it obliquely. At the same time, the oblique fire from the Cheeser light guns throws Chicken/Sanders into the fat. Moments later, the Jaegers rifles finally mill down the militia battalion before them.

Phaulie finally feels his foolishness. With his flanks being barbequed, he rallies the Chicken brigade between his batteries. V. Fisch declines to advance against that position, and Graf v. Pfalz is still reorganizing his own line forces, so the action ends.

The Deutche Resistance falls back behind the stream into Ginnheim, where Russelville Cheezer battalions can be seen deploying.

Next:
A Game of Ginnheim?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

another view




Bill Protz found this excellent regional view and posted it on the Empire vs. Elector blog.
It shows some details which had bothered me and some names I hadn't been able to locate.
Among other things, my games between the Limburgers and the Frankfurters will need more hills :)
A

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Interceptions

A courier arrives in Frankfurter for Intendant Bastille from Gen. Broglie:

Among other trivia about supply trains, depredations from desperadoes, and the piccadillos of German subordinate allies, a copy of an intercepted letter found on a Britischerwurst dragoon officer:

"To: My Lord, the Duke of Hesse-Seewald;
From: Shtille Fhartz
Re: Proposed cooperation

"Sire:

"We are eager to accede to your suggestion that we engage the forces along the Main from their rear while you operate on their front.
"Indeed, such an opportunity would be an answer to our constant petitions to the Divine to liberate our beloved Frankszonia from the odious occupation by the degenerate Gallians and their effete puppet, the Hurtshog v. Frankfurter.

"Unfortunately, even though we were able to divert the Empress's largess to Hesse Homburg to bring Prince Pepperoni's battalions and squadrons up to strength, the Cheezers are reluctant to engage the Gallian engorged forces of the Hurtshog. Especially because their usual provocateur and supporter, the Marquis de Roquefort is hesitant to come too close to the attention of M,sr. Le Charade at the moment.

"However, should you be able to dispatch a cadre of good officers and sergeants to the encampments between Limburger and Russelville, we expect that we will be able to raise sufficient battalions to make at least a credible diversion in cooperation with your actions.
The inclusion of good artillerists and their guns would be especially appreciated due to our losses at Bischof.

"Failing the dispatch of such a cadre, could your beneficence at least provide us with sufficient resources to sustain our forces and to recruit qualified mercenaries?

"Sincerely,
". Fhartz, Landgraf zu Beerfranks "


The Baron Bastille rings for his secretary as he considers the fact that Shtille Fhartz is rumored to employ silent but deadly assassins ....

Saturday, August 16, 2008

More Dip (lomancy)

The court of the Hurtshog welcomes the Count Wilhelm v. Corona from Saxe Beerstein.
In celebration, the Anglerians throw a special grill and fish fry while the Patriarch of the Later - in - the - Day Saints toasts with a special Te Deum!

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Frankfurters are boiling ....

Let's see:
Johannes Baddman will suureptiously leave a file in Broglie's tent which claims that Hesse Homburg has indiscriminately recruited forces and leaders which bear The Empire no good will and Gallia even less ...

A clerk from one of the BurgerMasters of Frankfurter will approach either Broglie and / or Intendant Bastille to point out that the Hurtshog's activities have been serious problems for Gallia's other minor allies, and perhaps is overdue for replacement ...

Phillipe reports to the Intendent that the malcontents have recruited Dutchmen and coming down from Limburger to Russelville form a serious challenge to the Hurthog's forces in that area, and if victorious would be able to march into Mainz and cut the supply lines for both Broglie and Chevert ... that later, btw, looks good for a proxy fight ...

:)

Monday, July 7, 2008

Freiherr Yelch departs for Scotland

* Reich FreiHerr Franz Yelch:
This young (26 year old) soldier of fortune is the fourth surviving child of an impoverished noble seeking to establish his fortune in the path of honor. A cheerful, optimistic prankster, he views himself as a kind of gallant knight errant. As an Hauptman in the Infantry Regiment Von Hottatrot, his energy and initiative sustained that corps’ conquest of the key redoubt in the Battle of Bad Tannes after the Margrave was wounded. As a reward, Franz has been promoted to a Major de Battalion in the Sage Guard. Since he has distant cousins (in-laws of an older brother) among the Stuart and Frazier clans, he volunteered to represent Frankszonia in the restoration of the true kings of Scotland.
Though he obviously is ambitious and talented as a military officer, his ultimate dream is to establish a horse breeding farm in America, far from the barbaric Prussian / Germanian hordes. While he avidly attends horse races, he doesn’t really gamble (having barely adequate funds anyway) but instead studies the breeding lines and characteristics of the outstanding beasts. In quiet interludes, he plays on the organ or attends local operatic productions; pining away for the lady singers whose company he never can afford.

(Inspired by my own ancestor Yelch, who did immigrate from around Frankfurt to get away from the Prussians right after the American revolution and who is thought to have brought the first organ down the Ohio into the Northwest Territory. His estate was established near modern Bloomington, Indiana and endured until the 1950's. One tradition is that as a child he was usually fed burnt toast lest he eat more bread than the family could afford ...)

Thursday, July 3, 2008

A new Wiener force is assembling

Okay, the original post was an excellently researched response by someone else to someone’s honest question about Austrian Grenadier battalions and their commanders. I ought to be ashamed of what I’m going to do with them }:->

Re: Austrian Grenadiers


I found this in my copy of SYWA Journal, vol. VIII, n.4

Grenadier Formations in Loudon's Corps in 1761:
(becomes Loudones Corps)

Major Morbeer (Morebeer)
2 cos. Giulay (Goodlay)
2 cos. Deutschmeister
2 cos. Angern (either Anglers or Angerly)

Major Rollfe (?) (Rallfe)
2 cos. Botta (Blotto)
2 cos. Konigsegg (Hey, I’m keeping this one!)
2 cos. Wied (Wired, Weird, Wilde)
2 cos. Los Rios (Dos Gringos?)

Major Muck (?) (yep!)
2 cos. Stahremberg
2 cos. Bayreuth
2 cos. Esterhazy (already got Eatserhasty)
2 btns Loudon Grenadiers

Ob. Kinsky (Kinksky)
1 sqd Erzh. Josef Dragoons
1 sqd Wurtemberg Dragoons
1 sqd Schmerzing Cuirassiers
1 sqd Prinz Albrecht Cuirassiers

Ob. Lt. de Bine (de Binge)
2 cos. Durlach
2 cos. Loudon
2 cos. Palfy

Major O'Donell (Der Bauer Alte McDonald)
2 cos. Erz. Ferdinand (quite bullish, no?)
2 cos. Wallis (Walleyed)
2 cos. Platz (Plotzed)
2 cos. Waldeck (Walld_cked0

Ob. Caldwell (Cladwell, a real picky dresser ... forget the term right now)
2 cos. Marschall
2 cos. Andlau
2 cos. Baden

Ob. Lt. Kodent (?) (Kotex)
1 sqd Ansbach Cuirassiers
1 sqd Trautmannsdorf Cr. (can’t type this one on a family list0
1 sqd Alt Modena Cr.
1 sqd Kollowrath Dragns. (Kollor Wraith Dragons? right Tolkienesque!)

In summary, there are six infantry battalions and the equivalent of two 4
squadron heavy
cavalry regiments in Loudon's Corps.

Wiener General Picklemany wins laudits in Beerstein!

* Picklemany (2): Competent. Good leader, but tends to be conservative in approach to
campaigns: In tactical matters, he is perhaps one of our best learned and most versatile commanders. Fluent in Deutsch, French, Italian, and Turkish ... and can issue standard commands in English and Hungarian! (now in service with Ober Beerstein under HerzogWilhelm von Beerstein who invests him into the Order of the Goblet. General Picklemany was also invested into the Military Order of the Golden Crown for their gallant conduct which ensured our victory at Alesgarden).

His bravery and leadership managed to keep the Hungarian units in line even when they were almost overwhelmed by the Germanian forces. Alas, word is that he took a nasty fall from his horse, but the Duchess Lydia is personally seeing to his recovery!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Von Ricewits

Having just seen the name of the guy who invented Krieg Spiel,
I'm spoofing his name with
Von Ricewits ...
a somewhat conceited staff officer and theorist ...
Who's never commanded even a platoon in real combat (though he has been present at several big battles).

Who has used Cod Liver Oil to treat some sort of skin problem (he never really explains where or what) but complains that not only did it not work, but attracts cats ....

:)

Bischhof Fight

The encounter was broken up by rain in the 8th inning.
Full report on Frankszonia site when I get film back in a week or two ...

Key points ... the Resistance had its Old Retainers battalion wiped out ... but we lost a battalion too. Frankszonia captured some artillery, one of the Resistance nobles, and recovered a battered Bischof (our artillery pitched a lot of balls, but found out that while we could hit the broad side of a barn, getting the guys behind the old stone walls was a very different matter ... sigh).

Messengers are being dispatched to report a "victory" to Intendant Bastille and Gen. Broglie, but a private note from Oscar Meyer warns them that the whole raid had been a diversion to clear the way for a column of renegades from Hesse Homburg led by Frankfurters opposed to Gallian occupation who are linking up with Cheezers out of Limburger near Russelville. The Brats intend to either harass Broglie's flank if he returns north or "to liberate" Frankfurt should he leave the depot unprotected.
While Frankszonia is rushing forces north in hopes of intercepting the columns before they unite, we'd appreciate some Gallian support here ...

from the Hurtshog ...

Saturday, May 17, 2008

New coals on the grill ....

L'Comte de Beauphaup announced today:
Negotiations are underway with the Levitcher Rabbinate to obtain units of Hebrew Nationals to support our Frankfurters.

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Frankfurters

July 27, 2007 (5:41pm)
Commisioned Rank (which is really rank) among Frankfurters:
Fahnenjunker / '' '' ... Unteroffizer / Fahnrich (basically all youngsters still in training)
Lieutenant ; Oberlieutenant
Hauptman / Junker (Hauptman is paid professional; Junkers are supported by family fiefs).
Major (not to be confused with Major de Camp ... a post usually filled by a general).
Oberstleutnant
Oberst / Inhaber (Oberst = paid professional; Inhaber “owns” the regiment).
Brigadier / Major General; / Lieutenant General; / General (I know, at this period, these titles are a tad anachronistic, but the functions existed already ... so it’s simpler to keep track this way) 7
Field Marshal
Captain General
Given an average of three to four years to save up for the purchase of a promotion, the occasional promotion for merit (or for knowing too much about your superior) will still engender a long career for somebody who wants to get to the top but who does not have Ducal patronage!

A: Frankszonian Generals, the top Brass (and do they have brass!):
* Lt. Gen. Oscar Meyer (2) (conservative, excellent in logistics and linear war; tall, florid fellow and somewhat older ... always a little sweaty but uses a spicy cologne);
* The Sultan of Swat (1)(Balkan mercenary, very important for the trade in Sesame Seeds) ;
* Lt. Gen. Pepperoni (an immigrant Italian family, very fussy ... Not from Salamis, which I think
is a Grecian town, but has family connections with Bologna ... ); Just promoted to command the
Wiener Front. (Now deserted to “Elector” forces)
* The Baron von Ballpark (0) (a beefy fellow whom rumor has linked with the infamous Pigg
in a Blanket scandal); (Now serving with Gen. Chevert of Gallia)
* M. Gen. General Schwann (2+) ( a driving and romantic personality, very concerned with
mobility .... his units would get the Prussian double action bonus);
* General Braunsweiger (1) (a Deli-ight of the Brand Name Burgers Alliance, considered an
expert in combined arms operations, but often is kept in fixed fortifications where - tho highly
successful - his units often get sliced quite thinly). (now deserted to Germania, as he is a fan of all things from Bar Line. )
* Brig. Nathan (0) (a brigadier who is often placed in charge of local militia and fortresses).
* General Bob Evans (1) (a Fried Corpse leader).
* Hzg Stanken Fhartz (1) (ruler of Frankszonia, superficially brassy, in maneuvers tends to be
silent but deadly).
* Granny Loomis the Queen Mother (2) ... she has a great interest in artillery and has seen to a
reform and an improvement in that branch of service.
* Stuftliana (0) ... the newly wed Duchess of Frankszonia, an exotic and hopefully fertile little
dish.
* Lady Rosenschnauz; (1) officially lady in waiting for Stuftliana, but is used for discrete
messages and rendevous. Remarkably devoted to her husband's fortune ....
* The Migraine ... uh ... Margravine Rhabbidiers (that's rabid ears, not rabbit ears!): (1) nasal
voiced gossip who travels a lot (she gives Granny Loomis headaches, think of Fran Dresser’s voice with a higher pitch and a spoiled whine ... but can be remarkably silent when she wishes to employ her expensive ... ah ... expressive and vivacious beauty .... (Currently on diplomatic assignment to Scandalusia, right now, traveling in style across Gallia)
* M. Gen. Ziegfeldt von Phaulie: (0) Wears a monocle on a silk cord.
Has solid tactical skills, but very "by the book." When pressed, however, will try something
unconventional "for the sport of it." He has a solid infantry record.
Fond of schnapps (2 hip flasks ... after all, one has two hips, Ja?).
At 45/50 years, just starting to grey and is quite a ladies man. Favorite arms: his right.
He is an inept engineer, but has a passion for attempting engineering projects.
(N.B.) Gen. Phaulie will take a morale check if ordered to withdraw ... if fails morale, roll D 6
1-3 = fall back one inch; 4-5 = dither for a turn, 6 = will attempt to lead troops in a charge.
Phaulie will also attempt to join any unit which does charge. If Phaulie is killed, his
half-brother takes charge immediately from the middle of the brigade instead of waiting four
turns.
* Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot: (1) Lewd, plain looking but not fat; a gourmet but
flatulent. Maintains a couple of ballerinas and is very keen on dance. Devil may care, reckless,
audacious, etc cavalry man. Secretly fond of Rhine Wines.
Awarded the Grilled Frankfurter for his agressive initiative and fight even though seriously wounded at the Battle of Bad Tannes ... now an initiative +1
Another tragic family secret is connected to some rumors:
a: he was born before his parents were married;
b: perhaps his real parents never did marry;
c: but his legal mom and dad dote on each other and are quite sensitive so he can't openly
research the problem ...
d: rumor also has it that his dandified legal father is more fond of young boys than girls ...
Brilliant at intrigue, he tends to be a major factor in Frankszonia undercover organs.
* Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup: (0) VERY LACE, ornate costume with high heels and makeup,
he was a protégé of the former Marquise de Hottatrot. Of course, he and the current Marquise
were childhood friends, and thus entered Frankszonia service together. Has some very well
appointed page boys, and is a noted ball room dancer. Known for his quick, mincing side step
maneuvers . Is a genius at supply and with siege guns. Usually, however, he is utilized on
diplomatic affairs.
* L'Haugen Bienz: (0) A scion of the Bienz family (Braun Bienz is also a noted member).
Considered a coarse and uneducated general, he is noted for his persistence, and has a reputation
for causing foes to run.
* Brig. Shlidelisht: (1) An erratic cavalry genius.
* Brigadier Feurstein: (0) hobby is fireworks.
* Oberst Pfallendaun: (0) financed by family brewery.
* Oberst Pfennighalter: (0)a man of great, compounded interests, usually organizes improved
militia units into reserve units.
* Brig. Rosenschnauz: (0) On the staff of Baron v. Ballpark, heavy (as in 300 lb) drinker. (promoted due to bravery and to wounds taken during Battle of Bad Tannes).
* Brig. Hilligekine Brattmann: (0) a young athlete, got command via family connections.
(Note: for those with little Deutschspraken ... Hilligekine is a lousy way to spell, Holy Cow).

* Leghorn Chicken: (1); by the book, works for chicken feed, but gets cut up a lot. Wounded at Seifriedsburg.
* Ken Sanders (1); Able to stand pressure and heat, crisp, good at regrouping fragmented units.

from the Britischerwurst:
* Roderick Woad, Earl of Hiccup: (1) : Dictatorial commander, very loyal to friends and
chivalric to ladies (has one great love he keeps secret). Thirsts for violence, highly aggressive
and is a duelist. Will always dash towards the sound of firing. Surrounded by sycophants and
misfits, which he keeps trying to train to elite status to be forlorn hopes.. .. in his
pseudo-Highlander regiment, the Black Skirts.
He loves to give bombastic speeches in which he denounces his foes as weaklings, milksops,
and namby-pambies. Secretly, he writes poetry ... very bad poetry. But he also writes satiric
limericks about his foes which he gets some loud sergeant to shout out over the field during
deployment ...
Note: Currently in service with Frankszonia because of Jacobite leanings ....


** Frankszonian agents:.
*Johannes Baddmann: either a remittance man or architect, whichever suits his current situation.
*Wilhelm v. Weiserwurst: supposedly an historian, traveling to research various lineages, etc.
* Frau Hilda Wasserschloss: an artiste, known for her quick sketches, watercolors, and snow jobs.
* Herr Eberhard Kunegunde: Master of the Secret Police.
* Herr Schwartzmann (the Dark Man): is this a person or a special job rank? Has been reported as a waiter at a Beer garden, a minor nobleman at a ball, a Croatian cavalryman, and a fuller.
* Lord Moose Hunter (an American Indian, the name is short for Chief Big Antlered Moose Caught in Ice): a superb scout, fluent in English, Spanish, and French ... and enough German to get by. Is used either to guide other agents on infiltration missions or to search a sector for
infiltrators ... is carried on list as a Master Huntsman.
* Baron Hans von Kluggelhande, a diplomat posted to Wien for the Rat ...

** leaders of the anti-Gallian nobles ...
which may be of interest to neighbors as they're seeking to hire mercs:
* Hans Muckiethaler: evil banker who is generating instability hoping to be able to control the stadt bundt if the Duchy falls.
* Sagehunde Thyme, Graf von Eischerheim: elderly but vigorous veteran, will be the C.O. of the noble resistance.
* Oberst Weis Parsliegh: brave, honorable, smart ... the white knight of the noble resistance.
* Lady Rosen Mariah: the fiery young beauty who seems to be the unacknowledged princess of the resistance.
* Oberst Von Trollop: commander of the various companies of cuirassiers who have gathered in the nobles’ resistance.
* Graf V, Pfalz: has raised an infantry regiment, publically to be a Freikorps, actually as part of resistance.
* V, Fisch: Leads the Fisch Freircorps. Relatives to the well traveled Lord and Lady Fischer from Britischerwrust.
* V. Graphk: Leads the Graphk Cuirassiers, composed primarily of retired and semi retired gentry, widely known for their colorful outfit and language.

Immune (plot) characters which could be mentioned or contacted
* Lady Rosenschnauz; (1)
* The Migraine ... uh ... Margravine Rhabbidiers
* Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup:
* Monsieur Philippe: A Gallian agent, perhaps, but reports to Gen. Chevert and to the Intendant Bastille.
* Cut-me-own-throat Dilbert: a brilliant sausage merchant ... just be very wary of what is IN his sausages .... currently on the lamb, uh, lam from Frankszonia due to the discovery of his hazardous concoction of ingredients normally found in gunpowder and bullet alloys ....


** Special Skills:
* Moosart: A young musical prodigy from some little village on the Elbow River, known for his exciting musical compositions, his bright church music, and his fascinating influence over rich, young women.
* Fettuccine: An Italian dancing master and rake ... survives because he’s also a fencing master.
Si* r Tom, the count Saucie: the tall, dark envoy from Duke Alfredo of Bologna ... middle aged but in good shape, having established himself as a decent cavalry officer prior to this appointment.
* Mistress Ewewarp: a plump master weaver and seamstress, is the contractor for the dresses and costumes for the masquerade.

A Local Ally:
Graf von Fusche de Bergerwart (1): traditional friendly family, based between Hesse-Homburg and Frankszonia. Possesses (Austrian style) a regiment of dragoons, a battalion of infantry with a good company of pioneers, an half battalion of jaegers, and a few light guns (the latter courtesy of capturing a convoy of anti-Gallian conspirators).

LOL) Ficksnore sounds more English somehow (Lord and Lady Ficksnore).


Units of Note ("a" or "b" flat? Or, as Germans, "d flat"):

A: Frankfurters:
(Note: older Frankszonian units are “Prussian style”)
Special Figures:
* Roderick Woad, Earl of Hiccup: (1) :
Mounted Cuirassier with sword stuck in side.
* Marquis d’Hottatrot: (1)
Mounted Dragoon casualty who looks like an operatic pose and singing.
* the Intendant, Baron de Bastille: (1)
mounted on blue trimmed rocking horse
*Lieutenant General Oscar Meyer: (2)
Mounted on green trimmed rocking horse, feathers in cap.

Cavalry:
* The Porcelain Regt, dragoons (uniform lt blue coat, white cuffs, lapels and collar, lemon
yellow waistcoat an breeches or White coat, medium blue facings on cuff, label and Turnbacks.
Buff breeches and coat and a buff crossbelt. Red saddle with large white stripe with two blue
within the white.)
(currently following painted) 16 figs, @ (6 Morale)

. * Hillary's Hussies: / or / Frangipani Hussars; x 15 @ (7)
Hussars (7) 16 figs,- blue coat, red leggings and cuffs
Coat = blue; Trim = red Tunic = red; trews = yellow; boots = black; hat = red
(Note: at this time, Hillary’s Hussars and the Frangipani Hussars cannot appear on the same battlefield ..... I haven’t really painted the Frangipani Hussars yet, also the following Hussar units may appear in hostile commands under other names! Hussars, with my eyesight, are hussars) .
* Hiese Hunde Hussies (a hot dog cav unit) @ 12 figs (7)
(Green coats, white fur, blue pants, green hat bag)
* Arthur’s Hussars: 16 figs @ (7) Green / yellow outfit with Red hat bag

Coat / trim; Tunic / trews; Gaiters / boots hat / lace

* Lieb Garde Cuirassiers; 14 figs @ (8)
white / red ; (silver breast) / white black black / white
* Vinny’s Vincibles /: Cuirassiers: 14 figs @ (7)
Yellow / red; (black breast) / yellow red black / white
* Relischer Cuirassiers 12 figs @ (7?)
Green / red (black breast) / yellow black red / white
* Cellulite Cuirassiers: 12 figs @ (5?6?)
white / blue (black breast) / yellow black black / silver
* The Cellulose Scouts (a mounted rifles/light cavalry brigade). NOT YET AVAILABLE

Artillery:
* The Bombed Kennedy's (Bombardiers du Kennedy a siege artillery/engineer outfit).
At this time, I have about 6 light/medium guns, 3 @ 12 lbrs; and 3 whimsical chenille howitzers. Unfortunately, these have to be used by everybody ... as some are in blue coats, some in red, and some in brown, such divisions are plausible if completely nonhistorical.

Infantry:
** Chicken’s Brigade: ( a leg infantry unit)
* I/R Sanders/Chicken: 2 battalions x 12 figs @ (5) (rebuilt after Siefriedsburg)
Blue / red; Yellow / yellow black black/white
* IR Relischer 2 bats @ 12 figs rate (5)
Blue/ green; Yellow / yellow black black/yellow

** Von Balpark’s brigade:
* IR Braunsbienz, (mustard, uh, musketeers) 2 bats @ 12 figs, Morale rating (5)
(Blue with red turnbacks, white small clothes, lace).
* I R Footlongs: 2 battalions x12 figs @ (5)
Blue/Yellow white/white black/white black/white

** Brigade Rosenschnauz (promoted after Bad Tannes)
* IR Phaulie’s Fusils 2 battalions x 12 figs @ (5)
Blue / red; white/whte; black blue / white
* IR Futile Frankfurter 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5)
blue / yellow white / yellow black yellow / white

** Brigade Hottatrot:
* IR Hottatrot 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5)
Blue / red yellow white black/ yellow
* IR Robin’s Fusils 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5)
Green / red white / yellow black blue / white

** Guards Corps
* Sage Guard 1 bat x 12 figs @ (7)
Green / yellow white / yellow black red / white (owl feather)
* Grenadiers 2 bats x 12 figs @ (6) (Skirmish, grenade )
Blue / var white black var/ gold
Jay’s Jaegers 2 bats x 12 figs @ (6) (Skirmish, rifle)
Green/blue Green/ green black/brown black / none

** Evan’s Brigade (Freikorps)
* IR Princess’ Own 2 bats x 12 figs @ (4) (Skirmish )
pink / purple white/yellow black pink wrap
* IR Pfennigmann 2 bats x 12 figs @ (4) (Skirmish)
Purple / pink yellow / white black Purple wrap

Nathan’s Nationals .... militia made up of whatever is handy ....

* IR Black Kilts (Broderick Woad, Earl of Hicccup) x 24 figs @ (6)
Yellow tunic, Black Kilts, brown / red caps.

Polish Reds ... (use Britischerwurst units)

Also / shared with the Wieners, of course /
Frangipani Hussars (7)
According to Stephen Manley in “The War of the Austrian Succession: A Wargamer's Guide, Part II” on the Danish and German States armies the uniform of the Graf von Frangipani Hussar Regiment in Bavarian service was a "traditional uniform betraying their Hungarian origins" which I take to mean that the uniform was similar to the Austrian hussars'. That would include a
busby on the Hungarian pattern and color (brown I think, with a bag in the facing color).The details were yellow dolman, white frogging, dark blue cuff and pelisse with black fur trim on the latter, yellow breeches, dark blue schwrades, yellow boots. They had white leather equipment, black leather sabretasche, and a white, yellow, and "savoy blue" barrel sash. The saddle was covered with white sheepskin. The saddles and other horse furniture leather were black with brass metal fittings. The schabraque was dark blue, the border had a yellow dog's tooth pattern, and the blanket roll was dark blue. The shape of the schabraque had a rounded front corner and a drawn out pointed rear corner with a slight curve upward of the edge midway back, about where the circingle runs under the schabraque. The men were armed with carbine, pistols, and a curved saber.

The regiment was originally in Austrian service and taken over as a whole by Bavaria when the Austrian army demobilized in 1739 after the loss of the Turkish War. Note the clever timing of Austrian demobilization, just right to make them vulnerable to Fritz after the Emperor's death. Nominally the regiment had four squadrons of about 175 officers and men each. As with all
Horse and Musket period units, I suspect the actual official TO&E was "however many men answered roll call that morning". In June of 1745 the regiment was transferred to Dutch service. A second Bavarian Hussar regiment ended up at one squadron although it had a nominal four, before being incorporated into Frangipani.

The Cheesy Faction: Some Real Munsters ...

The Cheesers:

C: Cheesy Generals
* Roquefort (2): a devious, haughty and ruthless French soldier of fortune. Comparatively
immune to the wiles of women (not completely, just comparatively). Acts abruptly and often
violently to forward his mysterious goals or to demonstrate his sense of superiority.
(Suspected of being in cahoots with “vile Stagonia”).
* Von Ignatz (1) a practical leader. Concerned over the welfare of his troops and civilians.
Usually unfazed by tactical surprises and reverses. Has engineer's attitude: "whatever works."
* Gonzales St. Expedite (1) a brilliant cavalry leader. Often used to direct irregulars. Known
for surprising, sudden, and slashing raids. Will often taunt the hostile general either before or
after his raids.
* Magnus Musculus (0) a proponent of the offensive / defense in which the foe is enticed to
attack and then ambushed with superior forces or fire power. Known for great persistence
and furious assaults. While considered quite a ladies man, there are only a few dubious
scandals attached to his record. Likes to make broad, sweeping maneuvers against a foe's
flank or wing. Also is quite theatric in temperament. Usually wears a cloak. Can often be
distracted or decoyed out of position by quixotic quest imagination ....
* Michael O'Mauss (0) very popular with his troops and clients. Known for a cheery
disposition which refuses to submit to reverses. Also considered incredibly lucky by his foes.
He is an incurable romantic, but this leads him to permit his girl friend to often be endangered
by hostile action. Unfortunately, he frequently drives his officers to distraction by focusing on
petty and / or inconsequential details.
* Thomas Katt (0) and
* Jerome v. Trippen (2) a famous team, Katt usually handles the slower, larger regular units
while V. Trippen directs the light troops and irregulars. Generally popular with their troops,
they seem to have a habit of playing practical jokes at very awkward moments which has
frequently gotten them into trouble.
* Kirkenmaus (Promoted strictly on merit, considered quite impoverished by other Obersts)
* Gruyre,
* Appenzeller, (0)
* and Emmenthaler. (0)
You can't get cheesier than they are. (says the The Duke of Plaza Toro <1>)

Cheeses:

** brigade Michael O'Mauss (0)
* Quatrie Brie 1 bat x 16 figs @ (5) (actually 4th Loraine, French)
1 bat x 12 figs @ (5)
(Whites, red sashes, blue turnbacks; black boots, black hats / white lace )
* Yellows 1 bat x 16 fogs @ (4) (Spanish??)
(Whites, yellow Sombreros)

** Die Kazekopfen Brigade> Thomas Katt (0) (Sepoy figures)
* 1st Kazekopf 1 bat x 8 figs @ (4/5)
Light grey coat brown pants grey Turban
* 2nd Kazekopf 1 bat x 8 figs @ (4/5)
Dark grey brown grey
* 3rd Kazekopf 1 bat x 8 figs @ (4/5)
Yellow coat brown pants grey turban
** Das Alte Kaze Brigade (sepoy figures)
* Gouda 1 bat x 12 figs @ (4/5)
Various various red turban
* Munster 1 bat x 12 figs @ (4/5)
Various various white turban
* Limburger 1 bat x 12 figs @ (4/5)
var. var. Green turban

The Weiners

Wieners:
(From the Imperial Capital at Wien on the Blew Danube ... famous for fresh water pearls, which Frankfurter alleges develop because of the grit and grease from the manufacture of the obviously inferior wieners).

* Empress Teaser Hopsbier (“The Merry Teaser,” flirtatious and tends to throw expensive parties, but really cherishes her folks ... and her soldiers, especially the tall, young, athletic ones). ...
* Her protégé: Marsha, the Countess Dawn, considered by most to be an harmless coquette (who actually is a brilliant military tactician) who masquerades as a man in order to be:
* Marshal Done: (2) Seems reserved and standoffish to his staff. He is extremely private
in his personal life and upholds very high standards of behavior. However, he often is
mysteriously gone when not on active campaign, and at these times nobody knows where he is.
He is known to be a confidante of the Empress and very influential in her program of military
reform.
* Feld Marshal Brownale (2) Boisterous and enthusiastic when in contact with the enemy. His
enthusiasm is shared with the troops with whom he likes to unofficially socialize. Has a
reputation for being able to rally units and to encourage dangerous assaults. He is a friend of Gen
Woad, the Baron Sipcup, or is that Hiccup?
* Prinz Joesipper: (0) hangs out with the cafe crowd. \
* Oberst Hasenpfeffer: (0) Impatient and peppery.
* Oberst Katzenhaus: (1) has also risen in the Wiener ranks due to exceptional services rendered.
* M. Gen. Schnitzelen: (0) classic case of prospering by being kicked upstairs.
* Oberst Spam: (0) is raising a jaeger regiment which he intends to flood into hostile areas.
* Waddle: (0)
* Schlogger: (0)
* Snorzen: (1) (a Baltic SoF)
* Wilhelm von Shlickt (1) : A freikorps leader, he avoids open combat.
His dubious reputation in small wars leaves a stain on the honor of the army ... Likes cigars.
A real Wiener ....
** Unfortunately, I did not get the citation for these, but I was reading something on the net and
ran across Graf Otto von Botelauden and Henrich Wallpot von Passenheim. So ...
* Graf Blotto von Bottleladen: (0) Middle aged, subject to wild mood swings, uses a prince nez
as it reminds him of the view through the bottom of the bottle or stein. While flagrantly
promiscuous on campaign, when at home or on any non-combat mission is notoriously
passionate about family and Frau. Actually, his income is derived more from a successful
tavern and inn chain / franchise than from the minuscule hereditary lands.
und ....
* Ernst Hallpot von Pissenhelm.: (1) soldier of fortune. Works on time limited capitularies
only. While rigorously loyal during period of contract, he has been known to refuse renewals at
the last moment. Otherwise, a good jack of all trades militarily. He has excelled at organizing
supply trains, depots, and hospitals. Details of his lineage seem curiously fluid.
* Riergard v. Rottenbrat: (0) Irritable, duelist, pettifogging administrator.
* Picklemany (2): Competent. Good leader, but tends to be conservative in approach to
campaigns
* Blumentwit: (0) (Inspired by real, WWII German, Blumentrit).
* Grimsnifter (0)
* Sauerputz (0)

The Hungry forces include:
* Gen. Naggy (1)
* Eaterhasty: (1)


Wieners: (Austrian Style)

* Cuirassiers De PToumaine, 12 figs (7)
White coat //blue trim Black cuirass Black boot black hat /white lace
* "The Rotten-Bratten" Chevau-Legers, 12 figs (7)
White/ black Black Cuirass Black Boot black / white
* Von Schlickz .Bozniaks lt. cav.1 bat @ 18 figs* (4)
Variegated
* Bottleladen Drag Queens, MC, 2 bat @ 15 figs (6)
White / blue white/white black black/white

** Wiener Line
* IGA: Grenadiers from Blumentwit’s Brigade 24 figs: (7)
White / var white / white black gaiters bearskin/various
* IGB: Hassenpfeffer, 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5) tricorn
White / green white / white black black / yell1ow
* IGC-Waddlle 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5) Miter cap
White / blue white black blue
*IGD: and Schlogger 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5) miter
White / red white black red
* Jaegers v. Spam 2 bats x 12 figs @ (6) rifle, skirmish , tricorn
Green / blue green black black/ green

** The Hungry:Line:

Nagy Brigade
* HIR 1 , fusiliers 2 bats x 12 figs @ (5)
white / blue white black black
* HIR 2, fusil 3 bats x 12 figs @ (5)
Blue / white white black black
* Pest Grenz 1 bat x 16 figs @ (4) Skirmish
Green Green black brown

Eaterhasty Brigade
* HIR 3 , fusil 1 bat x 12 figs @ (4.5)
red red black black
* HIR 4, fusil 1 bat x 12 figs @ (4-5)
Red blue black black
* Frontier Grenz 2 bats x 12 figs @ (4) skirmish
Dark blue / red blue black black

Special Unit:
The Kaiser Salud Guard (Includes Cuirassiers, Wiener and Hungry Guard infantry, and
Hussars).
(Note: about half the light / medium artillery is painted in Austrian colors)

Updates in progress

On a recent British Antiques Roadshow, I learned that Frankfurt in our period was a source of very high quality ceramics ... Delft ware, tiles, etc. so it seems appropriate that we add that feature to Frankszonia ... along with beanpots (that's bean, as in vegetable, not Balsm or bom as in crazy).

So, while waiting for the wife and I to feel good on the same day, I've begun a quick refresher over the various clusters of people and forces in my Frankszonian hysteria.

* Information on the Rulers and their Entourage\

* Hurtshog Stanken Fhartz v. Frankfurter (1) (ruler of Frankszonia, superficially brassy, in maneuvers tends to be silent but deadly, always speaks Frankly).
* Granny Loomis the Queen Mother (2) ... she has a great interest in artillery and has seen to a
reform and an improvement in that branch of service.
* Princess Stuftliana (0) ... the newly wed Duchess of Frankszonia, an exotic and hopefully fertile little dish.
* the Urpprinz “Smokie” ....
* Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup: (0) VERY LACE, ornate costume with high heels and makeup,
he was a protégé of the former Marquise de Hottatrot. Of course, he and the current Marquise
were childhood friends, and thus entered Frankszonia service together. Has some very well
appointed page boys, and is a noted ball room dancer. Known for his quick, mincing side step
maneuvers . Is a genius at supply and with siege guns. Usually, however, he is utilized on
diplomatic affairs.
* Lt. Gen. Oscar Meyer (2) (conservative, excellent in logistics and linear war; tall, florid fellow and somewhat older ... always a little sweaty but uses a spicy cologne);

* Coats of Arms or Flags:
(see "New Flag for Frankszonia" entry below)

* Secondary nations and Aggressor states:
The Cheese Factions, who are the real Munsters of this world .... manipulated by that smelly rogue, Roquefort.... often advancing from Limbruger.
Also we seem to be in perennial conflict with Stagonia ....
The Weiners tend to be more rivals than foes,, even though their ruler, the Merry Teaser is much loved.

* Geography:
See blog on boundaries and maps .....

* Produces and Industries:
Any kind of sausage, brat, frankfurter .... brass foundaries .... wine and beer .... pretzels .... yard grills ... also of high quality “Delft Ware” ceramics and tiles.
* Places of Interest for those on the Grand Tour
The Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, the Bischhof, the new Sausage Works, the new prison - Bastille; Bad Tannes ....

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Frankszonia on th e move again?

Battle of Ginnheim ... opening moves ....

Since I fully agree with Otto that the fun in the 18th century comes from the interplay of dances, balls, affairs, and intrigue, I’d planned a lovely scene in which L’ Intendant, while attending a low key dinner = dance honoring Granny Loomis, is whisked off by Madame Rosenschnauz “to be measured by Mistress Ewarp again for a fancy dress outfit (the Madame is VERY dedicated to her husbands career),” courtesy of Granny Loomis, of course.

Unfortunately, a minor health setback has resulted in me dumping two attempts at writing a nice baroque flirtation ... and one attempt at believable dialogue between officers. So, here’s to just the setting and plan .... fill in your own imaginary giggles, winks, sashaying, chamber music, and illicit cuddles ....

Once in the side chamber, however, Bastille is secretly met by the Hurtshog and some key advisors to request the loan of a few siege guns and engineers to compel Russleheim to behave. As Russelheim is but a small town that happens to be strongly posted, they doubt that Gallia will want to undertake a real siege .... but it has proven to be an irritating entre pot for Cheezers, Germanians, and opposition Frankfurters. So a few guns to smash a few warehouses and to start some other fires ought to be enough to get Russelheim to promise to be more circumspect in the future.

Bastille hears this, and promises to consider it, but he is also aware (thanks to Master Philippe) of some other factors:
A: the immediate threat from Stagonia is eliminated, and there has been a steady movement of Frankszonia forces to good semi-permanent barracks north of Frankfurt ... near the roads leading to the Gallian depot.
B: Frankszonian troops have been engaged in extensive drill work, in spite of the inclement weather (okay, cold, wind, sleet .... not the tornadoes, hail, and floods I’ve been dealing with lately!).
C: General Meyer has twice conducted “assembly drills” to train the natives to muster quickly (like most German states, Frankszonian native troops get extensive furloughs in winter and in peacetime to practice civilian crafts and business).
D: Discontented former Frankszonian officers have collected units in Hesse Homburg, in spite of their alleged opposition to Gallia .... but that these units have not been fielded during the recent Homburg / Fedora clash.
E: Thanks to his New Year’s clemency, the Frankfurter countryside is seething with intrigue again.

Now does he grant the Hurtshog’s polite request?
After all, a couple of 24 pounders and a few mortars with their crews and engineering officers would provide him with a good lodgement within the Frankszonian ranks to obtain more detailed intelligence and influence.
On the other hand, there’s rumors that the conflict in the north is heating up, and these units may be requested anytime by Broglie or Chevert ....
And ...
does Bastille really want to move heavy armaments out of their protected position into the Frankszonian forces???

If he refuses, what might the Frankszonian reaction be??

:)
* Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot:

Friday, April 4, 2008



from:
http://www.hoeckmann.de/deutschland/hessensued.htm

There's a discussion on the EvE blog about how to generate a map of our imagi-nations.
I've argued that we use a "real" map and just plug in the country names without worrying about borders.
The picture above is just southern Hesse, and AFTER the post Napoleonic reduction of autonomous states. (Historical Frankfurt, btw, is the tiny red blob about middle / right.
A century earlier, the wild juxtaposition of land claims and heritages would make any deeper precision on a "real" map impossible anyway.
So, some dozen different princes claim the same spot ... your point is?
And it would make a handy excuse for a wargame, and could just as handily ignored!
:)
Arthur

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Sunday, March 9, 2008

working on a new roster

Given the recent completion of a few painting projects,
I'm working on a new roster for my imaginations ....
Wiener,
Frankszonia,
Limburger,
Etc.
Be a bit, but the noted artiste, Dame Edith of Peculiar County will be assisting in presenting a pass in review when the work is ready.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Tipplebruder pictures

Later, Captions, and then to remove about three or four duplicated pictures ....
Meanwhile, the Stagonians are played by my Wiener figures and the Alliance is mostly Britischareworst and Hungover figures ....
:)
A

Above one sees the Vile Stagonians approaching from the South. On the right is the edge of the mountain and forests. On the left is the river upon the banks of which Tipplebruder stands. There's a small stream being forded in front of the cavalry, while the infantry and guns surround and prepare to assault the Convent of St. Mary Hildegaard Kunnegunde of the Holy Rose Water. To the north, one can see the Frank and Stein Inn and across the river, Tipplebruder.
The Same view from a more grounded altitude.
Skirmishing along the highway in the hills among the trees.
From the west, near Tipplebruder (just in the picture to the left) looking across the river to St. Mary's. The Stagonian brigades approach on the right. Across the muddy but frozen fields, one can see the inn on the left, and the tree covered hills in the distance.
The quaint town of Tipplebruder.

Looking behind the Alliance lines, as units scramble to reach the defensive works now threatened by the Stagonian offense.
Skirmishing ih the hills, the Stagonian Jaegers, though outnumbered, press the Freikorps Jaegers back. St. Mary's and the Inn can be seen through the trees and far away in the flood plain, little Tipplebruder.
The Alliance attempts to block the mountain highway and roads by cutting down trees across the roadways.

In the distance, Hesse Engleberg and militia form up near the artillery redoubt. Blurry in the foreground, the Freikorps mans part of the Inn Strongpoint. Behind them, a supply convoy is being sent to Tipplebruder.

Tragardland troops man the barricades at the inn!
From the north, behind the Alliance lines at the Inn, we can see the Alliance jaeges preparing to abandon St. Mary's. Count Turkenbold, with two strong allied battalions still approaching elects not to meet the Stagonians at St. Mary's.

St Mary's almost surrounded.
Seeing his infantry advancing against the main Allied line, Gen. Drednoz leads the Cuirassiers across the stream.


Gen. Drednoz contemplates the situation, with his cavalry formed to exploit any success as his infantry battalions struggle through the mud and lethal artillery to assault the Alliance lines.
While Gen. Drednoz absorbs the fact that Turkenbold has abnormally accurate artillery (60_% hits! And bounce!), a view from the North. The late Hesse Engleberg battalion is approaching the Inn, the Allied cavalry is deployed to either halt a breakthrough or to repulse the unknown horsemen coming down the mountain paths. The Highlanders are pressing forward to support the front, carefully paced by their Colonel, Stanley McLaurel who is whining, "now men, do not lose your order. Keep in step. Steady now!"
Bird's eye view of the previous, the infantry lines are engaged in a deadly firefight.
From Tipplebruder Tower; The defensive position is being penetrated in the middle (the lonely, soon to expire battalion to the right of the barrier beyond the redoubt). Brigadiers are rallying their men and pushing them forward. Two battalions can be seen reforming up by St. Mary's/

The Stagonian flags are in the works! The Stagonian cavalry begins to advance!
Stagonian Dragoons advance toward the battle line.
A brigadier drives his men towards the redoubt and the gap towards the stream (through thick, clingy, icy clay mud).

The Stagonians have broken through the line!
The crisis, the Tragardland grenadiers stand in the breach!

The Crisis: The Artillery redoubt is stormed! The Stagonian cavalry rushes forward to get through the Alliance lines!
Something is happening in the hills! Those horsemen approach.

The Crisis: the Princessin Garde stands in the breach while the Highlanders sweep forward to retake the artillery redoubt!

Climax, the Polish? infantry battalion can be seen rushing forward on the extreme left, the Tragardland battalion begins to deploy along the causeway.

The Inn Strongpoint holds, while the light troops engage in a fierce firefight in the foreground.

My lord Drednoz! Our jaegers are falling back on the flank. Frankzonian cavalry approaches the right wing! We must retire or be surrounded!