Von Mack, sitting near a window in a quiet cafe near the temporary residence of his nobles, observes a large man striding through the dark puddles of the wet night. That can only be Moosehunter, he thinks when the figure suddenly stops in a bit of shadow and seems to look directly at his window. Then, with a quick sideways jerk of the head down the street, the large man strides into the rain.
v. Mack quickly rises and tosses a coin to the barman, grabs his coat, and hurries out into the street. Moosehunter has vanished, as V. Mack expected, but a quick whisper from a sodden, late night vendor asks, "Some goat cheese, meine Herr? It's quite fresh, and there's more to be had at the Sign of the Broken Flute."
"Goat cheese?" v. Mack asks, then comments, quietly, "this looks more like some Muenster."
"There be plenty of monsters on the street tonight," the vendor responds. Then he quickly crosses the street, turns a corner, and vanishes.
V. Mack looks at the cheese in his hand, and notices the paper in which it is wrapped. He hurries back to his rooms and presses the paper against the chimney of his lamp to read "3 + karl v". Rapidly snatching up a case from his luggage, v. Mack hurtles out of his room towards the quarters of the V. Kerns.
Showing posts with label St. Maurice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St. Maurice. Show all posts
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Frankszonia Driven From Neu Isenberg!
BATTLE OF NEU ISENBERG : AAR
THIS WAS A PROXY BATTLE ... PLAYED BY "mURDOCK'S mAURADERS". tHERE ARE A SLEW OF LOVELY PICTURES OF THE BATTLE ON HIS BLOG:
The defenders of Neu Isenberg, Frankzonians under the command of Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot had some advance notice of the coming forces from the Kingdom of Saint Maurice. They made use of the time to erect some improvised defenses along the Frankfurter Strasse before the town of Neu Isenberg. Constructing these defenses on one side of the high road were the militia of Neu Isenberg, never before tested in any battle regimen.
These defences were still under some construction when the troops of St. Maurice came out into the open from the light woods in the area.
Arranged in front of the St. Maurice lines were two battalions of militia forces.
Hidden in a thicker part of the eastern woods were the elite Jay's Jagers, waiting totally concealed.
The battle opened with a cannonade from the St. Maurice battery, which tore a great swath through the exposed ranks of the Hottatrot regiment 1st battalion.
Meanwhile in the woods the Jagers now had the flank company of one of St Maurice's militia regiments totally exposed and in some disorder directly in front of their concealed position. Rising almost as one these marksmen then cut their own deadly swath through the officer and senior NCO's leading these new soldiers. The general response was panic and they turned to flee...only to find the fixed bayonets of the regular line troops directly behind them. They turned to flee away from the continued Jager enfilade fire towards the other battalion of militia.
The response from the other militia force was also to start to panic and flee...only to be cut down almost instantly from the rear by the leveled muskets in volley fire at point blank into their backs! (it was a critical success for the fire shot!)
These totally frightened men then threw down their arms and fled in all directions! (including towards the Frankzonian lines!)
So ended turn 1.
The St. Maurice force was not slowed at all by the chaos in the woods, the main line was advancing on the improvised defenses that still appeared to have men working on them. Upon firing at the troops the Frankfurter Buns took off in all directions away from the battle area, their 'leaders' vainly showing attempts at rally, while running at full speed along the high road after passing into the town. A company of regulars that were completing the works on the other side of the road also ran off in the confusion started by the Buns militia loosing their composure so quickly (it was a critical failure of morale on the militia and a normal fail on the line troops).
Meanwhile in the woods the St. Maurice militia that was running in mobs came close to the edge of the woods and surrendered en-masse to the Frankzonian IR Black Kilts. A detachment of a dozen men was made to form a 'guard' for these surrendering troops and they were mustered to the eastern outskirts of Neu Isenberg.
so ended turn 2
With the advancing line at the high road and the defenses only half-manned there was little opposition to the St. Maurice line troops scrambling over the wooden barricades.
Confusion in the woods had died down and now the St. Maurice lines started to move forward to press on the Jagers.
so ended turn 3
The next action started from the artillery which had been firing all along but only had good effect on the first volley, now this cannonade again struck home, with the Hottatrot 1st again taking more casulaties, this time enough to halt their tentative advance in the woods, as they readied themselves to face St. Maurice foot coming at them through the woods.
The first cavalry clash comes now on the west edge of the defenses. The Gendarmes of St. Maurice clashed with the Frangipani Hussars, who were driven off by the heavier and more skilled Gendarmes.
so ended turn 4
A small rain shower came across the battlefield at this point (I have a 'wonky' light ballast in my gamespace and it went out at this point...also the radio station started playing "Raindrops"), the St. Maurice commander, having decided that the battle was all going in his favor, ordered his two ADC's to return to camp and prepare his tent for the rain. Then when the rain got worse, left his command post, with an orderly remaining behind to simply report back the final effect of the battle. (this was decided after a critical failure in the initiative rolls for the turn).
Overall the battle did not move much at this stage, the Gendarmes drove off Arthur's Hussars and got into good supporting position for the western defenses. The other troops traded musket fire, with one force of the St. Maurice line troops expending their powder (presumably the rain caused more powder problems leaving that battalion without fire capability until they moved to the rear of the battle area ~ for resupply) [they rolled a critical failure on firing, then a normal failure for 'no powder' effect].
so ended turn 5
The tipping point was upon the battle, for the wiley St. Maurice commander had managed to convince a small force of independent dragoons to simply 'make a show' in the woods to the east of Neu Isenberg. It was at this point that their crashing mounts, whistles and shouts could be heard by the Jagers. Frankzonian commander l'Marquise de Hottatrot was also informed and decided that it was time for his "Devil my care" reputation to not be outdone! He ordered an immediate cavalry attack followed by having his personal entourage of Highlander garbed sycophants sweep into the melee.
The first cavalry attacks are badly co-ordinated and the St. Maurice commander on the spot drove his lancers into the flank of the returning Frangipani Hussars, shattering them utterly and sending all of them into a running battle to the west of the town, the Lancers took off in pursuit of prizes.
The Sultan of Swat with the Delft Blues then struck at the ready Gendarmes, the encounter did not go off well. The Blues were obliged to let the St. Maurice line troops fire onto their flank as they advanced, taking down many, then they trotted into contact with the Gendarmes in some disorder. The Sultan was not killed, but dismounted during the engagement and managed to catch on with one of his retreating troopers following the hot engagement.
thus ended turn 6
Now the Highlanders were going in without any support.
First the Gendarmes laughed at their small numbers approach, after a few troopers dropped from the accurate small-arms fire and they saw the claymores come out...all of them drew pistols and sent the kilt clad brave men off into the buildings for cover.
With the unknown dragoon force pressing in from the west and the St. Maurice Kings troops holding the edge of the town, running out of any troops to actually take action with, Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot ordered the general retreat and left the area to the north. Leaving Neu Isenberg in the hands of St. Maurice, yet not without cost as the prisoners were also herded along with the main body.
End result:
Neu Isenberg now in the hands of St. Maurice.
Losses:
St. Maurice: 2bn militia
Some cavalry in the Gendarmes and Lancers (who will be at least a day before they can even form up again [with lots of loot!])
Some line infantry, perhaps a company KIA, with 2 companies wounded. No forces are fresh and no pursuit is possible.
Frankzonia: 1bn Line troops KIA
1bn Militia scattered over the area to the north
Frangipani Hussars were really badly mauled by both the Gendarmes and Lancers (they were broken morale and hit in the back!) ~ I suspect they did not get away at all.
Arthur's Hussars were wounded, but not mauled.
The Blues were decimated by musket and sabre, 50% casualties and wounds to nearly everyone else.
No troops came away without casualty, they were not in good order as a body of men on retreat, only two battalions of Line were in any sort of order.
No effective defensive line would be available for 2 days from these troops.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The commands were split between two players on each side and I did "Kreigspeil" using a rough set of notes and my own 'hybrid' system based on Envoy and GURPS ~ so as to allow some of the very colorful character elements that Frankzonian commanders have to perhaps shine through, sorry if not much made it to the tabletop = there is just soooo much to work with!
Interesting note regarding the players, twin sisters took opposing sides during the battle and I am interested in hearing from them about their game-play experience.
so ends this AAR.
Comments are encouraged!
Posted by MurdocK at 8:47 PM
THIS WAS A PROXY BATTLE ... PLAYED BY "mURDOCK'S mAURADERS". tHERE ARE A SLEW OF LOVELY PICTURES OF THE BATTLE ON HIS BLOG:
The defenders of Neu Isenberg, Frankzonians under the command of Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot had some advance notice of the coming forces from the Kingdom of Saint Maurice. They made use of the time to erect some improvised defenses along the Frankfurter Strasse before the town of Neu Isenberg. Constructing these defenses on one side of the high road were the militia of Neu Isenberg, never before tested in any battle regimen.
These defences were still under some construction when the troops of St. Maurice came out into the open from the light woods in the area.
Arranged in front of the St. Maurice lines were two battalions of militia forces.
Hidden in a thicker part of the eastern woods were the elite Jay's Jagers, waiting totally concealed.
The battle opened with a cannonade from the St. Maurice battery, which tore a great swath through the exposed ranks of the Hottatrot regiment 1st battalion.
Meanwhile in the woods the Jagers now had the flank company of one of St Maurice's militia regiments totally exposed and in some disorder directly in front of their concealed position. Rising almost as one these marksmen then cut their own deadly swath through the officer and senior NCO's leading these new soldiers. The general response was panic and they turned to flee...only to find the fixed bayonets of the regular line troops directly behind them. They turned to flee away from the continued Jager enfilade fire towards the other battalion of militia.
The response from the other militia force was also to start to panic and flee...only to be cut down almost instantly from the rear by the leveled muskets in volley fire at point blank into their backs! (it was a critical success for the fire shot!)
These totally frightened men then threw down their arms and fled in all directions! (including towards the Frankzonian lines!)
So ended turn 1.
The St. Maurice force was not slowed at all by the chaos in the woods, the main line was advancing on the improvised defenses that still appeared to have men working on them. Upon firing at the troops the Frankfurter Buns took off in all directions away from the battle area, their 'leaders' vainly showing attempts at rally, while running at full speed along the high road after passing into the town. A company of regulars that were completing the works on the other side of the road also ran off in the confusion started by the Buns militia loosing their composure so quickly (it was a critical failure of morale on the militia and a normal fail on the line troops).
Meanwhile in the woods the St. Maurice militia that was running in mobs came close to the edge of the woods and surrendered en-masse to the Frankzonian IR Black Kilts. A detachment of a dozen men was made to form a 'guard' for these surrendering troops and they were mustered to the eastern outskirts of Neu Isenberg.
so ended turn 2
With the advancing line at the high road and the defenses only half-manned there was little opposition to the St. Maurice line troops scrambling over the wooden barricades.
Confusion in the woods had died down and now the St. Maurice lines started to move forward to press on the Jagers.
so ended turn 3
The next action started from the artillery which had been firing all along but only had good effect on the first volley, now this cannonade again struck home, with the Hottatrot 1st again taking more casulaties, this time enough to halt their tentative advance in the woods, as they readied themselves to face St. Maurice foot coming at them through the woods.
The first cavalry clash comes now on the west edge of the defenses. The Gendarmes of St. Maurice clashed with the Frangipani Hussars, who were driven off by the heavier and more skilled Gendarmes.
so ended turn 4
A small rain shower came across the battlefield at this point (I have a 'wonky' light ballast in my gamespace and it went out at this point...also the radio station started playing "Raindrops"), the St. Maurice commander, having decided that the battle was all going in his favor, ordered his two ADC's to return to camp and prepare his tent for the rain. Then when the rain got worse, left his command post, with an orderly remaining behind to simply report back the final effect of the battle. (this was decided after a critical failure in the initiative rolls for the turn).
Overall the battle did not move much at this stage, the Gendarmes drove off Arthur's Hussars and got into good supporting position for the western defenses. The other troops traded musket fire, with one force of the St. Maurice line troops expending their powder (presumably the rain caused more powder problems leaving that battalion without fire capability until they moved to the rear of the battle area ~ for resupply) [they rolled a critical failure on firing, then a normal failure for 'no powder' effect].
so ended turn 5
The tipping point was upon the battle, for the wiley St. Maurice commander had managed to convince a small force of independent dragoons to simply 'make a show' in the woods to the east of Neu Isenberg. It was at this point that their crashing mounts, whistles and shouts could be heard by the Jagers. Frankzonian commander l'Marquise de Hottatrot was also informed and decided that it was time for his "Devil my care" reputation to not be outdone! He ordered an immediate cavalry attack followed by having his personal entourage of Highlander garbed sycophants sweep into the melee.
The first cavalry attacks are badly co-ordinated and the St. Maurice commander on the spot drove his lancers into the flank of the returning Frangipani Hussars, shattering them utterly and sending all of them into a running battle to the west of the town, the Lancers took off in pursuit of prizes.
The Sultan of Swat with the Delft Blues then struck at the ready Gendarmes, the encounter did not go off well. The Blues were obliged to let the St. Maurice line troops fire onto their flank as they advanced, taking down many, then they trotted into contact with the Gendarmes in some disorder. The Sultan was not killed, but dismounted during the engagement and managed to catch on with one of his retreating troopers following the hot engagement.
thus ended turn 6
Now the Highlanders were going in without any support.
First the Gendarmes laughed at their small numbers approach, after a few troopers dropped from the accurate small-arms fire and they saw the claymores come out...all of them drew pistols and sent the kilt clad brave men off into the buildings for cover.
With the unknown dragoon force pressing in from the west and the St. Maurice Kings troops holding the edge of the town, running out of any troops to actually take action with, Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot ordered the general retreat and left the area to the north. Leaving Neu Isenberg in the hands of St. Maurice, yet not without cost as the prisoners were also herded along with the main body.
End result:
Neu Isenberg now in the hands of St. Maurice.
Losses:
St. Maurice: 2bn militia
Some cavalry in the Gendarmes and Lancers (who will be at least a day before they can even form up again [with lots of loot!])
Some line infantry, perhaps a company KIA, with 2 companies wounded. No forces are fresh and no pursuit is possible.
Frankzonia: 1bn Line troops KIA
1bn Militia scattered over the area to the north
Frangipani Hussars were really badly mauled by both the Gendarmes and Lancers (they were broken morale and hit in the back!) ~ I suspect they did not get away at all.
Arthur's Hussars were wounded, but not mauled.
The Blues were decimated by musket and sabre, 50% casualties and wounds to nearly everyone else.
No troops came away without casualty, they were not in good order as a body of men on retreat, only two battalions of Line were in any sort of order.
No effective defensive line would be available for 2 days from these troops.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The commands were split between two players on each side and I did "Kreigspeil" using a rough set of notes and my own 'hybrid' system based on Envoy and GURPS ~ so as to allow some of the very colorful character elements that Frankzonian commanders have to perhaps shine through, sorry if not much made it to the tabletop = there is just soooo much to work with!
Interesting note regarding the players, twin sisters took opposing sides during the battle and I am interested in hearing from them about their game-play experience.
so ends this AAR.
Comments are encouraged!
Posted by MurdocK at 8:47 PM
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Frankfurters at Neu Isenberg
Murdock is going to start his resolution of this conflict this week ...
Frontier force at the village of Neu Isenberg. If the raids continue, the Hurtshog will attempt a defensive stance until the situation at Hausen is resolved and then drive on Sprendlingen in the Kingdom of St. Maurice. (Note, these are on real world maps south of Frankfurt am Main)
Major General
* 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.
Cavalry:
Gen:
* The Sultan of Swat (1)(Balkan mercenary, very important for the trade in Sesame Seeds)
* Col. Fruglich
* Delft Blues:
lt blue coat, white cuffs, lapels and collar, lemon yellow waistcoat an breeches
(Dragoons, trained, @ 800 men)
* Frangipani Hussars; (7) (veterans, @ 750 men)
,- blue coat, red leggings and cuffs
Coat = blue; Trim = red Tunic = red; trews = yellow; boots = black; hat = red
* Arthur’s Hussars: Green / yellow outfit with Red hat bag
(Trained, @ 750 men)
Infantry:
* 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 ....
Col. Frazzle (nee Hottatrot):
* IR Black Kilts (2nd battalion, veteran (elite first held with Guards) @ 600 men)
Yellow tunic, Black Kilts, brown / red caps.
* IR Hottatrot (1st Battalion, veteran @ 600 men, Prussian style uniforms)
Blue / red yellow white black/ yellow
* Brig. Nathan (0) (a brigadier who is often placed in charge of local militia and fortresses).
* Grenadiers: (elite, converged battalion, @ 600 men)
* Frankfurter Buns: (Militia, either Prussian or Reichsarmee style uniforms, @ 600+)
* Jay’s Jaegers: (Rifle, skirmish, elite or veteran, @5-700 men depending on attachments)
Frontier force at the village of Neu Isenberg. If the raids continue, the Hurtshog will attempt a defensive stance until the situation at Hausen is resolved and then drive on Sprendlingen in the Kingdom of St. Maurice. (Note, these are on real world maps south of Frankfurt am Main)
Major General
* 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.
Cavalry:
Gen:
* The Sultan of Swat (1)(Balkan mercenary, very important for the trade in Sesame Seeds)
* Col. Fruglich
* Delft Blues:
lt blue coat, white cuffs, lapels and collar, lemon yellow waistcoat an breeches
(Dragoons, trained, @ 800 men)
* Frangipani Hussars; (7) (veterans, @ 750 men)
,- blue coat, red leggings and cuffs
Coat = blue; Trim = red Tunic = red; trews = yellow; boots = black; hat = red
* Arthur’s Hussars: Green / yellow outfit with Red hat bag
(Trained, @ 750 men)
Infantry:
* 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 ....
Col. Frazzle (nee Hottatrot):
* IR Black Kilts (2nd battalion, veteran (elite first held with Guards) @ 600 men)
Yellow tunic, Black Kilts, brown / red caps.
* IR Hottatrot (1st Battalion, veteran @ 600 men, Prussian style uniforms)
Blue / red yellow white black/ yellow
* Brig. Nathan (0) (a brigadier who is often placed in charge of local militia and fortresses).
* Grenadiers: (elite, converged battalion, @ 600 men)
* Frankfurter Buns: (Militia, either Prussian or Reichsarmee style uniforms, @ 600+)
* Jay’s Jaegers: (Rifle, skirmish, elite or veteran, @5-700 men depending on attachments)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Spring storms gather ..
Having been trapped outside of Frankszonia by the sudden onset of a major ice storm, and then delayed in his return by a serious illness of his mother in law, The Hurtshog has returned to his capital to oversee the continued strengthening of his southern border.
The troops there report finding more destroyed farms, but the enemy has proven skillfull in evading their patrols.
Worse yet, there are reports that the poor farmers and their families were mutilated. There are even rumors of cannibalism! These atrocities must be halted! His Majesty Louis-Philippe must be brought to a sense of his responsibilities!
The troops there report finding more destroyed farms, but the enemy has proven skillfull in evading their patrols.
Worse yet, there are reports that the poor farmers and their families were mutilated. There are even rumors of cannibalism! These atrocities must be halted! His Majesty Louis-Philippe must be brought to a sense of his responsibilities!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Intelligence? from the Kingdom of St. Maurice ...
Even though an ice storm worse than any in memory has ravaged the forests and pinned Frankszonian forces in place for over two weeks, clearing weather has permitted road repairs and travel to resume. The Hurtshog's intelligence services reported this event ...
Ye Gods and Little Fishes!!" His Majesty lept to his feet, instantly dropping the lady Irmintraut ignobly to the floor. He has just received the formal complaint, delivered by Col Brattman, with his usual aplomb. "Do these cabbage-eaters seriously believe that a few itinerate zombies loitering about and having a little fun seriously constitutes a raid? We of St. Maurice have more serious concerns than to pick fights with lessers." He immediately handed over the colonel for a complementary proctology examination, and has dispatched General Blase, le Comte du Monte Python, along with a detatchment of the Kilbasa Lancers, to Frankszonia, to make clear His Majesty's displeasure over this while affair, and to indicate in no uncertain terms that the disruption of St. maurician commerce will not be tolerated. After all, the sale of 18th century action figures and other useless baubles is critical to the income of the realm. More as it develops.
The Hurtshog, knowing that his subjects continue to suffer and anxious over the welfare of isolated farmsteads in the broken forests, is extremely irritated by this report. "So, Maurice is going to try to intimidate us ... by claiming that it can't control zombies?!?" The Hurtshog snorts. "As soon as we can manuever some infantry support and light guns into the area, inform the cavalry officers that they are authorized to pursue these raiders across the border!"
The Burger Master steps forward, "Perhaps, Sire," he begins diffidently, "these Gallians around the Intendant would be happy to import their Parisan knick knacks and figurines duty free until the Kingdom of St. Maurice assumes a more reasonable attitude?"
"That's an idea," the Hurtshog concedes, "but I'd hate to disappoint the Urprinz. He's just old enough to like those action figures. We'll wait till young Hillegekiene makes his official report before holding a formal council on this."
Amid the mounting tensions, General Nathan begins to review the roster of his Nationals ... much of the militia will not respond to a new call, having already served in the Ginnheim campaign.
Ye Gods and Little Fishes!!" His Majesty lept to his feet, instantly dropping the lady Irmintraut ignobly to the floor. He has just received the formal complaint, delivered by Col Brattman, with his usual aplomb. "Do these cabbage-eaters seriously believe that a few itinerate zombies loitering about and having a little fun seriously constitutes a raid? We of St. Maurice have more serious concerns than to pick fights with lessers." He immediately handed over the colonel for a complementary proctology examination, and has dispatched General Blase, le Comte du Monte Python, along with a detatchment of the Kilbasa Lancers, to Frankszonia, to make clear His Majesty's displeasure over this while affair, and to indicate in no uncertain terms that the disruption of St. maurician commerce will not be tolerated. After all, the sale of 18th century action figures and other useless baubles is critical to the income of the realm. More as it develops.
The Hurtshog, knowing that his subjects continue to suffer and anxious over the welfare of isolated farmsteads in the broken forests, is extremely irritated by this report. "So, Maurice is going to try to intimidate us ... by claiming that it can't control zombies?!?" The Hurtshog snorts. "As soon as we can manuever some infantry support and light guns into the area, inform the cavalry officers that they are authorized to pursue these raiders across the border!"
The Burger Master steps forward, "Perhaps, Sire," he begins diffidently, "these Gallians around the Intendant would be happy to import their Parisan knick knacks and figurines duty free until the Kingdom of St. Maurice assumes a more reasonable attitude?"
"That's an idea," the Hurtshog concedes, "but I'd hate to disappoint the Urprinz. He's just old enough to like those action figures. We'll wait till young Hillegekiene makes his official report before holding a formal council on this."
Amid the mounting tensions, General Nathan begins to review the roster of his Nationals ... much of the militia will not respond to a new call, having already served in the Ginnheim campaign.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Frankfurters on the Boil, Again!
Frankfurters on the Boil Again!
After a muted celebration of the minor victory at Ginnheim, the Burger Masters are concerned with the closeness of the Hesse Seewald army. While Marshal Broglie’s forces are still extremely strong, there is no escaping the fact that the Seewald generals have had a string of successes. Given the strong anti-Gallian and anti-Imperial sentiments among parts of the population (especially the Anglericans), the situation is very unstable. The town leaders are grateful that the anti-Gallian resistance and the odiferous Cheezers are retreating!
An angry deputation, however, has come to the Intendant Bastille. They are supported by an irate crowd in the streets. Ragged refugees have arrived in Sachsenhausen across the bridge. Raiders from St. Maurice are ravaging farmsteads in the southern forests! The Frankszonian landholders demand Gallian action to control this insidious backstabbing which is so similar to the Stagonian vileness!
Once again, the Militia drums are beating and forces are being led south by the flamboyant Marquis d’ Hottatrot. The Hurtshog is racing back to the city with his Guard corps and some other troops.
While Col. Brattman is dispatched to the Kingdom of St. Maurice with an angry protest, l’Comte d’Beauphaup has all merchants from St. Maurice called into the palace. “Due to the current outrages, murders, and devastation occurring in the Teuische Heeren Waldt,” he announces, “all assets of subjects of the Kingdom of St. Maurice are being appropriated at this time.”
After the outraged protests of the merchants have been somewhat stilled by the cocking of the gendarmes’ carbines, he continues, “your property may be redeemed by ransom, and anything not dispersed during this emergency will be returned when proper reparations are obtained from your King. In the meantime, it is highly advised that you depart Frankszonian territory by nightfall.”
This brings more protests, as the roads south are now closed by Frankszonian troops. Beauphaup, however, points out that Offenbach is but a few hours ride away on the south bank of the Main and would be an excellent refuge. The skeptics in the group are also grimly aware that the Soweiter League and Frankszonia have become very friendly since the Tipple Bruder affair.
The farsighted in Frankfurter’s church steeples can discern plumes of smoke rising above the wooded hills a long way to the south .....
(Note: by and large, the place names used here are actual places near Frankfurt ... we’re hoping to generate a new proxy game ... arising from the fact that the zombie outbreak in St. Maurice is in an area close to the Frankszonian territory).
After a muted celebration of the minor victory at Ginnheim, the Burger Masters are concerned with the closeness of the Hesse Seewald army. While Marshal Broglie’s forces are still extremely strong, there is no escaping the fact that the Seewald generals have had a string of successes. Given the strong anti-Gallian and anti-Imperial sentiments among parts of the population (especially the Anglericans), the situation is very unstable. The town leaders are grateful that the anti-Gallian resistance and the odiferous Cheezers are retreating!
An angry deputation, however, has come to the Intendant Bastille. They are supported by an irate crowd in the streets. Ragged refugees have arrived in Sachsenhausen across the bridge. Raiders from St. Maurice are ravaging farmsteads in the southern forests! The Frankszonian landholders demand Gallian action to control this insidious backstabbing which is so similar to the Stagonian vileness!
Once again, the Militia drums are beating and forces are being led south by the flamboyant Marquis d’ Hottatrot. The Hurtshog is racing back to the city with his Guard corps and some other troops.
While Col. Brattman is dispatched to the Kingdom of St. Maurice with an angry protest, l’Comte d’Beauphaup has all merchants from St. Maurice called into the palace. “Due to the current outrages, murders, and devastation occurring in the Teuische Heeren Waldt,” he announces, “all assets of subjects of the Kingdom of St. Maurice are being appropriated at this time.”
After the outraged protests of the merchants have been somewhat stilled by the cocking of the gendarmes’ carbines, he continues, “your property may be redeemed by ransom, and anything not dispersed during this emergency will be returned when proper reparations are obtained from your King. In the meantime, it is highly advised that you depart Frankszonian territory by nightfall.”
This brings more protests, as the roads south are now closed by Frankszonian troops. Beauphaup, however, points out that Offenbach is but a few hours ride away on the south bank of the Main and would be an excellent refuge. The skeptics in the group are also grimly aware that the Soweiter League and Frankszonia have become very friendly since the Tipple Bruder affair.
The farsighted in Frankfurter’s church steeples can discern plumes of smoke rising above the wooded hills a long way to the south .....
(Note: by and large, the place names used here are actual places near Frankfurt ... we’re hoping to generate a new proxy game ... arising from the fact that the zombie outbreak in St. Maurice is in an area close to the Frankszonian territory).
Ginnheim Fallout
After the engagement at Ginnheim, insignificant in itself, dramatic events developed in Frankszonia.
First of all, the Cheezer alliance foundered on the choice of withdrawel routes. The Limburger Brigade and Gen. Michel O’Maus chose to fall back towards Hesse Fedora. The Resistance and the local forces, however, retired toward their base at Rodelheim (formerly called Russelheim in my blog, as the name was unreadable on the earlier maps in my possesion). Not only had this been their primary base for two years, but also it had the advantage of a complete water defense plus its not quite so ancient fortifications.
The Hurtshog and his generals decided to let the Limburger brigade make its withdrawel undisturbed. Not only was its route into Hesse Fedora protected by diplomatic complications (while Hesse Fedora and Frankszonia are in opposing big power alliances, they have a long history of local cooperation), but also that route took the Limburgers into the operational zone of Gen. Broglie.
Meanwhile, Gen Phaulie with his force of Fusiliers, Freikorps, and Hebrew Nationals had been force marching to the south of Ginnheim in a wide turning movement. As a result, they were able to reach the Nidda River at Hausen and cut off the retreat of the Resistance forces. While this battle has not been resolved (see earlier post), the only real question is whether or not enough of the Resistance will escape to make the defense of Rodelheim feasible.
News has reached the Hurtshog, however, which has force him to greatly weaken the pursuit of the Resistance from Ginnheim. Raiders from the Kingdom of St. Maurice have been devastating isolated farmsteads in the Teuische Heeren Waldt (part of the Frankszonian Stadt Waldt)!
Leaving Von Ballpark’s Brigade, most of the Cuirassiers and the Porcelain Dragoons to continue the pursuit of the Resistance under the capable command Gen. Meyer, the Hurtshog hastens back to Frankfurter with the Guard Corps, the grenadiers, the Black Kilts, and a Hussar Brigade.
This is not so much to reinforce the city’s defenses against the looming forces of Hesse Seewald as provide an adequate stiffener to Hottatrot’s brigade and the militia forces in Frankfurt.
These are ordered to probe in advance of the Hurtshog towards the village of Neu Isenberg. If the raids continue, the Hurtshog will attempt a defensive stance until the situation at Hausen is resolved and then drive on Sprendlingen in the Kingdom of St. Maurice.
Meanwhile, l’Comte d’ Beauphaup has summoned the merchants from St. Maurice who happen to be in the City, and informed them that their assets are being seized until a settlement for reparations are made with the Kingdom of St. Maurice.
First of all, the Cheezer alliance foundered on the choice of withdrawel routes. The Limburger Brigade and Gen. Michel O’Maus chose to fall back towards Hesse Fedora. The Resistance and the local forces, however, retired toward their base at Rodelheim (formerly called Russelheim in my blog, as the name was unreadable on the earlier maps in my possesion). Not only had this been their primary base for two years, but also it had the advantage of a complete water defense plus its not quite so ancient fortifications.
The Hurtshog and his generals decided to let the Limburger brigade make its withdrawel undisturbed. Not only was its route into Hesse Fedora protected by diplomatic complications (while Hesse Fedora and Frankszonia are in opposing big power alliances, they have a long history of local cooperation), but also that route took the Limburgers into the operational zone of Gen. Broglie.
Meanwhile, Gen Phaulie with his force of Fusiliers, Freikorps, and Hebrew Nationals had been force marching to the south of Ginnheim in a wide turning movement. As a result, they were able to reach the Nidda River at Hausen and cut off the retreat of the Resistance forces. While this battle has not been resolved (see earlier post), the only real question is whether or not enough of the Resistance will escape to make the defense of Rodelheim feasible.
News has reached the Hurtshog, however, which has force him to greatly weaken the pursuit of the Resistance from Ginnheim. Raiders from the Kingdom of St. Maurice have been devastating isolated farmsteads in the Teuische Heeren Waldt (part of the Frankszonian Stadt Waldt)!
Leaving Von Ballpark’s Brigade, most of the Cuirassiers and the Porcelain Dragoons to continue the pursuit of the Resistance under the capable command Gen. Meyer, the Hurtshog hastens back to Frankfurter with the Guard Corps, the grenadiers, the Black Kilts, and a Hussar Brigade.
This is not so much to reinforce the city’s defenses against the looming forces of Hesse Seewald as provide an adequate stiffener to Hottatrot’s brigade and the militia forces in Frankfurt.
These are ordered to probe in advance of the Hurtshog towards the village of Neu Isenberg. If the raids continue, the Hurtshog will attempt a defensive stance until the situation at Hausen is resolved and then drive on Sprendlingen in the Kingdom of St. Maurice.
Meanwhile, l’Comte d’ Beauphaup has summoned the merchants from St. Maurice who happen to be in the City, and informed them that their assets are being seized until a settlement for reparations are made with the Kingdom of St. Maurice.
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