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!

Tipplebruder, UPDATE

First of all, there were some errors in the Quick Comments post ... please check the corrected post ... examining the photos, I see that the Misthuafen Freikorps was NOT eliminated, but broke after sustaining very heavy casualties .... also I did not report the casualties to the Jaegers on both sides ...
Also. V. Bruin is injured and out of action for a while (I passed on a survival roll because I'd already declared he'd survived ....)

Also, the casualty rate to the Stagonians did not include the post crisis collapse notes ... but given that Stagonia had to leave anyway, it seemed inappropriate to hurt King Maurice any further. That would be just too vile!

Wait a minute, what am I saying?!?

Oh well ....

Now:
PICTURES!!!

While I will be bringing them to this blog eventually, I've posted the picture albums on the Koenig's Krieg Yahoo group (Hey, I'm a moderator there, after all, and I did use mostly K.K. rules). If you're too eager to wait, Edie did a very nice job.

Regards and all that ....

Tipplebruder, quick coments .... CORRECTED

Friday, February 15, 2008
Tipplebruder, quick coments ....

v. Gruber and v. Hirschbock need "survival rolls"
1-3, they are rallying their forces in the muddy ice of the road home. \
4 -5: They are being carried home to recover from their grievous wounds.
6: Coffin nails, sorry 'bout that, Chief.

CORRECTION: v. Bruin was seriously wounded while standing with the Grenadiers in the breach, but may survive ....

Casualties in the four "wiped out" battalions exceed 80% prior to whatever recovery system your own games use ... Since there was no pursuit, however, I'd suggest that Stagonian Jeff put an extra fudge factor into his recovery rolls.
CORRECTION: Misthaufen Freikorps only takes 60% casualties as do the Alliance Jaegers.

The Duchy of Fenwick and Tipplebruder militia only took about 50 casualties.
The Battery v. Schweeky took heavy casualties, but all guns were recovered.
The Prinzessin Garde lost 50, and the Saxe - Bearstein Grenadiers lost 150.
IR Lowenbrau lost about 100, but was never charged ... as the Stagonians, such as Duffy's regiment at the close of the battle, had been instructed to not attempt to storm barricades until the defenders had fallen back from them.
The composite Jaegers only took about 50% casualties while the Misthaufen Jaegers took a hundred ... the success of the Stagonian Jaegers, though outnumbered, in winkling the Misthaufen Jaegers out of their initial position is a clear battle honor, btw.

Count Trunkenbold will definitely be looking for somebody to recoup his losses!

On the Stagonian side, which actually did press forward into an almost victory, the casualties caused by having to advance in the open into fire across ground which slowed their movement suffered badly. Three of the four destroyed battalions were theirs!
Otherwise:
Du Lepps - 200
du Briez - 125
O'Duffy - 125
v. Krinkle - 150
St. Cyr - 100
CORRECTION: Jaegers suffer 100 casualties

Neither the Stagonian artillery nor any cavalry sustained noticeable casualties.
The Alliance Cavalry was sheltered behind the causeway and inn from Stagonian carry through ball shot.
On the other hand, the Alliance "off table" reinforcements suffered badly from straggling.

In retrospect, I probably should have kept to the 12 figure battalion scale, which would have made the option of driving between the inn and the mountains a much more plausible one for Stagonia. However, as an "all knowing" player, I was actually handicapped by knowing that the mysterious horsemen were alliance figures, and wanted to make the schwerpunkt of the battle more remote from their potential interference.

Now that the battle report itself has a solid draft form, I'll concentrate on lining up the pictures to fill out the details! (yep, the CD is in the drive now, but time presses today!)

Regards,
Arthur (who really is getting steadily better, in spite of the grief lately, thanks everyone for the kind words!)

Tipplebruder, the crisis!

The Crisis:.

After pressing forward and falling back a few times, the artillery under Brig Oppenkopf combined with the occasional volley of musketry, finally depletes the Misthaufen Freikorps.
IB V. Gruber, which is the current leading inside battalion has also managed to drive the Alliance Jaegers back to the causeway. Alas, v. Gruber’s enthusiastic advance to flank the barricades at the inn and to pursue the Jaegers brings into a position in which Schweeky can obliterate his battalion by massed fire in enfilade.

The Alliance line is pierced! Drednoz orders a new general advance. Duffy’s battalion continues to press the forces near the inn to pin them into position while his jaegers follow up the retreating Alliance light forces in the hills. The battalions St. Cyr and du Lepps drive into the gap, while V. Hirshbock returns his battered grenadiers to the assault of the Hesse Engleburg battalion which is not covered by barricades

Seeing the approaching Stagonians across the causeway, the Saxe-Urquhart 86th Highlanders push forward, carrying the whimpering McLaurel at their head. The Prinzessin Garde push foward on side of the battery v. Shweeky to confront du Lepps, while the Saxe-Bearstein grenadiers attempt to stop St. Cyr. Count v. Trunkenbold anxiously tries to get the IR v. Urquell to move onto the causeway between the inn and the fleche. As this would mean that they would be separated from their own line, the colonel hesitates until loudly ordered by v. Bruin to comply!

Meanwhile, the Stagonian guns under v, Kroll have managed to disrupt the battery v. Schweeky, and since the battery had not fired on their advancing line, the whole brigade charges forward!
For a moment, as IR-6 De Marmier swarms into the fleche among Schweeky’s guns and IR-2 du Breiz pushes into the gap between V. Kroll and Offenbach’s brigades, it seems that G. Drednoz’s plan has been victorious! Though battered by the punishing Alliance artillery during their advance, these battalions still outnumber their foes. Eagerly, the Stagonian cavalry begins to move forward!

The Wounded Bear Rises:

Even as the Stagonian leaders excitedly press forward into the smoke, they are suddenly shocked to see bands of disorganized Stagonian infantry reeling back towards them!

V. Hirschbock, who had high hopes of overrunning the amalgam of militia and plain Fenwickian line has encountered a corps which had spent the last month under the tutelage of a master marksman ... the battalion recieves such intense musketry that its men fall in line like unplanted fence posts! The Highlanders deliver their own volley and crash into de Marmier who is already weakened by twice advancing into v. Schweeky’s guns. Swarming over the first Stagonians, they then crash into the flank of du Lepps, who has failed to force the outnumbered Garde back from their stand. Further east, while St. Cyr has managed to drive the also outnumbered Saxe - Bearsteon grenadiers back into the inn, they are rallied there by v. Bruin. Meanwhile, the small Tipplebruder artillery and Alliance Jaegers behind a barricade have stalled du Breiz.
Even as the Stagonian v. Kroll brigade crumbles, I.R. Urquell finally deploys along the causeway, clearly present in strength enough to hold the now exhausted Stagonians in I.B. St. Cyr.

Offenbach tries to bring his last battalion forward to support St. Cyr, but delays on hearing loud shouts, cheering, and fanfares from the Allied line. The Wojskowo Piechota leading files have been spotted rushing towards the smoke and thunder of battle.

At the same moment, runners from the hills reach Count Trunkenbold and Gen. Drednoz ... yes, there are cavalry working their way down off the mountain massif to the east ... flying Frankzonian colors!!

(Yes, fellow players, Stagonian Jeff was warned that Frankszonia could attempt to force march a cavalry unit to the battle, the distance is not impossible from southern Frankszonia ... and the snow etc. delays provided a decent chance ... but notice that neither force appeared till after turn six ... which is the longest Koenig Krieg game I’ve played to date! Also, given the premature exhaustion of the Stagonian infantry, I really don’t think they made all that much difference! Edie’s rolls usually get me on initiative rolls, this time her artillery and musketry were absolutely lethal! But I had enough initiative rolls to keep rearranging and sustaining the advance. )

Angrily, Gen Drednoz orders his musicians to sound “rally” and “retreat.” The artillery is sent off the field first, then the remnants of the infantry columns are painfully gathered together and sent trudging after. As the Frankszonian cavalry is still in the hills, and clearly disordered by its ordeal in crossing snow sludge and mud in the mountains, Count Trunkenbold does not attempt to challenge the still superior numbers of Stagonian Cavalry, which under the gallant Yves d'Amours and an angry Drednoz could still be a formidable threat. After his narrow escape, Trunkenbold is content to watch the Stagonian forces fade into the drizzle and sleet of another January storm.

Tipplebruder, phase 2, the Stagonian Push

Tipplebruder: Phase 2

The Fog Lifts!

After a while, a stiff, chilly breeze sweeps down the valley and, with the cold sun glaring down, drives the fog away. The composite Jaegers holding the convent of St. Mary Hildegaard Kunnegunde of the Holy Rose Water see themselves about to be surrounded and find many cannons almost touching the enclave’s walls! Without further ado, they sprint back to the main lines, where Brigadier v. Bruin rallies them on the flank of the Misthaufen musketeers, hoping to strengthen the gaping hole in the middle of the scattered Alliance forces.

With the annoyance of the Alliance Jaegers removed from the strong point, the Stagonian brigades quickly advance. Von Kroll eagerly sweeps west of the convent towards the river and the Tipplebruder bridge while Oppenkopf carefully reforms his brigade towards the Frank und Stein Inn.
(Tipplebruder and Alliance Forces xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Highlanders 11 Cavalry x
Bridge ========== G. Prinzessen == == 11 Turkenbold =x======= into the hills
Brigade Maurice: gun 11 Inn v. Bruin x
battery Schweeky xxxxx Grenadiers x
Jaegers Misthaufen /guns. / Lowenbrau x
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
11
11
IR-2 du Breiz IR-1 von Hirschbock IR-7 von Gruber IR-5 O'Duffy
Brigadier Heinrich von Kroll (ST. MARY’S) Brigadier Lothar Oppenkopf
IR-6 De Marmier IR-4 du Lepps IR-10 St. Cyr IR-9 von Krinkle

Brigadier Yves d'Amours Major General Karl von Drednoz
Stagonian DR-9 Dragoons CR-1 von Kirschstein Kuirassier
Stagonian DR-10 Dragoons (Crossing bridge)

Meanwhile the Stagonian Jaegers open a lively firefight in the hills against the Misthaufen Jaegers.
As the Stagonians press forward,,, the Alliance batteries begin to fire shells (considering the ground possibly too muddy to bounce the roundshot) and with some long range musketry inflict some casualties on the Stagonian front lines.

Warned already by his Jaegers, Count Hans Trunkenbold von Misthaufen strives to prepare his lines for the approaching onslaught. Brigade Maurice, the Fenwickians and Tipplebruder forces, hold a fleche and barricade guarding the Tipplebruder bridge. V. Bruin holds the strong point at the inn with the Freikorps and IR Lowenbrau on the barrricades, his artillery in his center, and the grenadiers in reserve. The retreating Jaegers attach themselves to his command providing a thin screen in the gap between the two strong points. At the same time, the supply column which had supported the camps on the east bank of the river is ordered to return to Tipplebruder.
At this point, however, Trunkenbold encounters a problem. He orders the cavalry under Pferdschnauzen to deploy behind the causeway in the center of his position, but its response is too sluggish. The language difficulties basically create two separate commands, and the Hussars do not respond. Pferschnauzen, happily, reports that the Saxe-Bearstein / IR v. Urquell can be seen marching rapidly down the valley to the battle site. When Col. Laurel is ordered to move his forces into the center gap, however, he responds by mustering his troops into an assault column and keeps them near their tents.

The Firefight

Now the battle enters a new phase, the Stagonian artillery pounds the Friekorps on the east and the battery under v. Schweeky. The Alliance artillery continues firing into the advancing Stagonian battalions. The effects of the Stagonian fire have convinced them, however, that ball shot is effective, and thus many of their shots carry into the second line of infantrry which the Stagonian brigadiers are pressing aggressively forward.

Seeing his infantry advance, Gen. Drednoz orders the cavalry to cross the stream behind him and deploy just out of the bounce range of the Alliance shot. He himself leads the von Kirschstein Kuirassier across the main bridge. While his attention is on this matter, though, the Alliance artillery proves deadly. Every volley inflicts casualties on both infantry lines. IR .v Gruber is the first to break, but Oppenkopf is able to rally it on IF St. Cyr while pushing v. Krinkle forward in its place.

Trunkenbold, however, has no sense of victory from the fluttering advance of the Stagonian line. McLaurel’s Highlanders seem to be moving forward sluggishly (McLaurel commands his pipers to play some tunes to rally them before throwing them into the fray). IR v. Urquell appears to have a bit of a straggling problem (they’ve been force marched for days). Then Hauptman Streiker, rushing to rejoin his command, delivers horrible news. The Croats have definitely seen a force of strang Hussars advancing down the valley opening onto the Alliance’s east flank!

Trunkenbold orders the Hit Man to hold his hussars in an ambush position covering the flank of the Inn position, and to send riders to rush the Wojskowo Piechota along. The Freikorps Jaegers and Croat are concentrated behind barriers of felled trees where the highway intersects with the mountain paths coming out of the valley.

The battle begins .at Tipplebruder ....

yes, this is text ... and just the moment of the beginning of the shooting phase of the game ...
I've got the pictures on disk, but I've got to get them on my confuser and then load them up here so that's going to take a week or so .... and so I'm going to start with these text files and then make a photo-journalism type report when the pictures are ready to upload ....


TIPPLE BRUDER BATTLE REPORT

Orders of Battle:

Alliance Forces:

Count Hans Trunkenbold von Misthaufen (2) commanding:

Brigade Maurice: (Dchy Grand Fenwick / Wittenburg)

IB Oberst v.Feldmouse: 24 @ (5) (red) (includes Tipplebruder militia)
Batttery V. Schweeky: 3 x 4 lb (Includes Tipplebruder guns)
-----
Hauptman Willhelm Streiker (1) (Hesse-Engleburg)
Garde du Corps Prinzessin Gertrude: 10 @ (7) + 1 marksmanship (pink)

Brigade v.Bruin
Brig. Ernst v. Bruin (0) (Saxe - Bearstein)
IR Lowenbrau : 24 @ (4) (red)
Grenadiers : 16 @ (6)
Battery : 1 x 9 lbr ; 2 x 3 lbr.
Freikorps Misthaufen: 24 @ (5) (blue)

Brigade Pferdschnauzen (0): (Actually led by the Hit Man)
Hussars composite: 18 @ (7)
Wstrasowo Dragoons : 24 @ (6)

Ranger Brigade:
Hauptman Sontag (1)
Composite Jagers: 12 @ (6) Skirmish, Rifle
Croats Misthaufen : 12 @ (4) Skirmish
Jagers Misthaufen: 16 @ (6) Skirmish, Rifle

Reserves:
Hit Man (Mieczyslaw ) (?)
from Soweiter League -- (Stanley McLaurel (1) )
-- Saxe-Urquhart 86th Highlanders : --24 figs, (6)
– Saxe-Bearstein / IR v. Urquell : 30 (-stragglers = 24) @ (5) (red)
– Wojskowo Piechota : 30 @ (7) (Late die, after deployment moves) (blue)







STAGONIAN FORCES: (white)

Major General Karl von Drednoz (1)

CR-1 von Kirschstein Kuirassier (500 x elite) – 20 figs, (8)

-- Brigadier Yves d'Amours (2)
Stagonian DR-9 Dragoons -- (4 x 125) = 500
Stagonian DR-10 Dragoons -- (2 x 125) = 250
30 figs, (6)
Icelauf Jagers (raw)
Blut Jagers (raw) --
12 figs, (5)

-- Brigadier Heinrich von Kroll (1)

IR-1 von Hirschbock (elite) -- Grenadiers : 24 figs, (7)
IR-2 du Breiz (veteran) -- 24 figs, (5)
IR-4 du Lepps (veteran) – 20 figs, (5)
IR-6 De Marmier (raw) -- 24 figs, (4)

-- Brigadier Lothar Oppenkopf (0)

IR-5 O'Duffy (veteran) -- 24 figs, (5)
IR-7 von Gruber (raw) -- 16 figs, (4)
IR-9 von Krinkle (raw) -- 20 figs, (4)
IR-10 St. Cyr (veteran) -- 20 figs, (5)

ARTILLERY (all veteran) --

Stagonia – 2 x 9 lb medium guns
Stagonia – 2 x 3 lb

(Item: due to available models, Alliance batteries are rolling 4 dice per stand while Stagonia is rolling 6 dice per stand) {Didn’t help much, though. Edie still out rolled my batteries every turn!}





Situation report, 10 AM

Stagonian forces driven in the picquets and skirmishers of the grungy Alliance back almost two miles, when they rallied on the Convent of St. Mary Hildegaard Kunnagunde of the Holy Rose Water. Even though Gen. Drednoz tried to enthuse his men with accounts of the plunder and virgins contained inside its stout stone walls, it proved impossible to bring enough force to bear through the bogs around the convent which were under continuous shell fire from the Tipplebruder forces. In the middle of January, however, an ice storm and hard freeze enabled the Stagonian artillery to be brought forward at night and placed close to the convent walls. Meanwhile Stagonian engineers braved the frigid waters of a minor stream to throw more bridges across the small stream between the Stagonian main force and the convent.

Gen. Drednoz had noticed that the Alliance forces were split .... a large force was guarding the egress of the highway from the forested hills (the Misthaufen Jaegers and Croats), and had formed a strong point around a country inn at the crossroads of the country path (Brigade v. Bruin) that Drednoz was using to advance in the flat lands and the highway. Another strong point had been established covering the bridgehead at Tipplebruder (Brigade Maurice), while the Alliance cavalry seemed to be held back in reserve.. The center of the Alliance line, however, appeared but weakly held, though the standard of Count Trunkenbold could be seen there.

Stagonian plans:
Drednoz thus ordered his Jaegers to make a demonstration on the highway approach in the hills in order to fix as many forces on that flank as possible. These small battalions were combined and performed outstanding service, holding almost twice their numbers in the hills during most f the battle. Their efforts were aided by the rumors of strange cavalry in the mountains which had been slyly planted in his foe’s army Meanwhile, he directed Brigadiers v Kroll and Oppenkopf to first clear the convent and then use their first line to pin the forces in either stronghold while their second line was to advance and seize the road between those two points. After this, Gen. Drednoz hoped to bring his superior cavalry force to bear to drive off the Alliance cavalry and force the isolated strong points to yield.

Tipplebruder plans:
Count Trunkenbold hoped to draw the Stagonians onto his barriers, where his infantry could decimate them with musketry. He anticipated the Stagonian drive into the middle but felt that with most of the enemy forces tied up on the strong points, his cavalry would be sufficient to drive them back across the highway. Furthermore, the Count was aware that while there was mysterious cavalry in the mountains, two more infantry battalions of high repute were rushing to the field to aid him. Thus he counted on his own light troops to hold the junction of the mountain path long enough that the inn strong point could redeploy to prevent the strangers from overrunning his lines. Further, on the shoulders of the gap, he had posted two small but elite battalions, and had ordered McLaurel to bring his highlanders into position there.
The only ticklish point was how long the composite jaegers could hold the convent, and thus buy time for the reinforcements to arrive on the field. Meanwhile, the Count dispatched Hauptman Streiker to the roadblock held by his own light infantry to see if any further intelligence on the strange cavalry could be gathered.

Gallian's Wintering In Germania And Elsewhere

Gallian's Wintering In Germania And Elsewhere

Narrator: Snow and cold weather in western Germania brought military operations between Gallia and Freyburg versus Hesse-Seewaldt and Britannia to a halt. As we begin 1758/2008, it may perhaps be useful to recall....

Germania (See the “Friedrich” board game map, if you please):

Koblenz, Gallian magazine of:
10,000 Gallians.

Frankfurt Am Main, Gallian Magazine of:
15,000 Gallians commanded by l'Intendant Bastille.
Bastille released some Frankzonian prisoners for Christmas.
Frankzonians were grateful and impressed.

West of Frankfurt and Koblenz, west of the Rhine:
Winter Encampment of l'Duc de Broglie and l'Duc de Poyanne's Army.
de Broglie is in Versailles. De Poyanne temporarily left the Main Army to inspect the Koblenz garrison, also under his command.
Large Main Army, 20,000 estimated soldiers.

Gemünden, Fortress of:
Lt. General Chevert has encamped his entire Army here refitting for the Spring Campaign. Some think he will be ordered into Bohemia (Saxe-Bearstein) when the Armistice between The Imperium and Germania falls to pieces. Should there be trouble in Frankzonia he is within two days march of Frankfurt Am Main, the latter to the westward of the fortress. Estimated to have 15,000 soldiers.

In Scotland:
Charles Edward Stuart landed with a battalion of Royal Scots in mid December. There he met with clans loyal to his family and merged clan forces into what he hopes will be an uprising to recover Scotland and the throne - at least in Scotland. The Prince and the Royal Scots were brought by a Gallian naval squadron, the latter returned to Gallia. Can we expect more soldiers to be sent? Well dear reader we must await the results of the meeting of l'Chevalier du Nord with the Gallian Foreign Ministry. Du Nord had previously been on Shetland and then was with the Prince in Scotland. Finally scouts have looked in on the nervous garrison of Edinburgh reporting disconsolations and trepidations among the troops of George II, fearing a Clan Uprising - again.

On Shetland:
No Gallian presence there once l'Chevalier du Nord was wisked away to Scotland in a clandestine but fraternal voyage. However, Gallia supports Tradgardland's occupation and we may presume Tradgardland may be happy with the above diversion to Scotland to keep Britannia discombobulated. Perhaps there is a political combination we have yet to learn about, eh?

Fortress of Louisbourg, New World:
Governor Silhouette is marooned by the ice in the harbor. Plans are afoot for the Spring thaw. Is there something cooking with Ny Tradgardland to vex the Brtitannians nearby?

At Versailles:
Parties and more parties. There we see our dear ladies, Lady Diana Pettygree, Lady Cherish Masquerade and Lady Belle Silhouette. Marshall Broglie is in residence too along with all the other Gallian personalities not already mentioned.

Meanwhile:
We may imagine Gallian soldiers enjoying the fireplaces in their barracks, singing songs, dreaming of home, manning outposts, awaiting plodding supply trains from home while sentries walk their posts peering into the distance for the unlikely appearance of Der Erbprinz or the Marquis of Granby. Patrols are periodically sent out in search of mischief. Nothing so far. The foe must also be enjoying the respite.

Posted by Gallia at 9:44 PM

Note from the Hurtshog Fahrtz to l'Intendant Bastille

Sire,
We apologize for recent impressment of several of your Gallian laborers into the forces of Frankszonia. After interviewing your straw bosses, however, it seems that the number so encumbered is only about a hundred or so, barely 20% of your work force. Since we have a sufficient number of skilled personnel in our debtor's prison, we would gladly permit them to be dragooned into your service for your projects in this area.

Please understand that this was not an intentional intervention, the press gangs were looking for mechanics and laborers, and in the low class inns at night, such distinctions are quite easy to ignore. Our own native labor pool has suffered much higher stress from the current crisis also. So the employment of these artisans by your foremen would ease a number of local political stresses.

Surely you are pleased with the quiet redeployment of Frankszonian main forces to the south. While we've retained some key units for our personal and urban security, we feeel that the Gallian muster in the area is sufficient to sustain order on the right bank of the Main.
\Our scouts have gathered information that implies that the Vile Stagonian force which recently struck us at Offenbach has redeployed to the south east, apparently planning to join in the Stagonian violation of peaceful Tipple=Bruder. In spite of the treacherous acquiesence of the Offenbach leaders in the Vile Stagonian duplicity, we feel that to support the Soweiter League and its associates is the best policy for an Imperial Frei Stadt. Therefore, our forces will again advance on Offenbach to see if this might draw back the Stagonian Brigade from their depredations in the Odin Wald.

Meanwhile, the battalions which so bravely held the Hesse-Sewald assault are being rebuilt at our outpost across the Main from Offenbach. While there, they are constructing earthworks sufficient for a battery of heavy artillery sufficient to reach across the river to the Offenbach docks.

While our officers are dismayed over the recent turn of international diplomacy, as an Imperial Frei Stadt not holding a distinct and explicit treaty of alliance with Gallia, we are compelled for the time being to withhold further direct assistance of your brave heroes. By the Imperial agreement, Frankszonia is no longer an enemy of Hesse Seewald. It is our sincere hope, however, that the Gallian Foreign Minister will soon rectify this rather embarrassing encumbrance with a sufficient instrument of friendship which acknowledges us as an autonomous entity.

Meanwhile, an anti-Stagonian alliance has arisen all over the continent. Indeed, we expect to hear of a major clash in the region of Tipple-Bruder as soon as the weather clears enough to permit movement.

Meanwhile, let us toast the honor and vigour of our cousin, your Gallian Monarch!

Herr Stanken, Hurtshog Fahrtz von Frankfurter
by the hand of le Comte de Beauphaup ...

Tides on the Main ....

Frankszonian forces continue to assemble in the Saxenhausen area south of Frankfurt. At Offenbach, however, the citizens notice that across and slightly down river from their town, large gun emplacements are under construction.
These do not appear, at the moment, to be Frankszonian units, but rather small units of local Stadtholders ....

In Frankszonia itself, rumors abound that the recent catastrophe at Offenbach was the result of secret collusion between Stagonia and Gallia. Folks around the Hurtshog's court, however, insist that such a conspiracy is "too Cheezy". Somehow this does not reassure the mechanics, who resent the presence of Gallian laborers in their area.

Nonetheless, a force of some four to six thousand men is definitely gathering south of the Main along with its normal gaggle of camp followers.

Offenback Falls!

Alas, it seems that the vacillations of the local Offenbach leaders has left them victims to Stagonian duplicity. The tiny, brave brigade; which Frankszonia had so generously sent to their aid in response to the earlier Stagonian Ultimatum was driven back.
We gather together again.
We call upon all the friends of the Soweiter League to assemble against the Vile Stagonian invasions.
Offenbach shall be free again!

Last Minute Diplomac y

Even as the Frankszonian officers glower at the rascally captive, the carriage of l’Comte d’Beauphaup clatters into the yard. Everything is held in suspense as guards quickly leap to the door and assist the elegantly attired young diplomat descend from his ornate vehicle. Seeing the flouncy lace shake in the man’s springy step, the captive leans out the window and shouts, “Guiles!”
“Ryan! you scoundrel!” laughs the count. “Whatever are you doing with this crowd?”
“Same thing you like to do,” Ryan rejoins, “holding hands with the most hirsute guards.”
The guards momentarily flinch away from him, but the mutual laughter of the two men, keeps everyone else from intervening. As the count traipses into the room, he gets serious. “I’m glad to catch you here, Ryan. There’s work to be done.” Then, without a further comment to anybody , he pulls Ryan aside into another room from which they expel the various aides, clerks, and officers.
“Ryan,” the count begins, “you’ve got to help me get the Soweiter Burgomasters to reason. The Stagonian forces coming down the river outnumber both of us together, and Gen. Chevert is on the wrong side to intervene.”
“Reason, I suppose, means submission to your Hurtshog’s whims and abandonment of our ancient liberties?” retorts Ryan scornfully.
“No!” the count continues angrily. “That’s what the first provision was meant to secure! Your “ancient liberties” are not by Imperial Edict and have never been acknowledged by Hesse Darned Stadt nor by Nassau. Frankszonia, however, has all of that.”
“Just how does our inclusion as a Frankszonian town defend it for our selves?” Ryan responds skeptically.
“Look, the Frankfurter Bundt is NOT the Stadt Council of Frankszonia, never has been. Wurstinburgers and other great towns have always been represented ... joining the bundt actually increases your status as well as gives an almost automatic improvement to the whole Leagues status.”
“I’ve never heard of becoming a protectorate increasing anyone’s status!” Ryan snaps.
“A mutual defensive alliance might have sounded better,” Guiles admitted, “but do you really want your boys getting blown away in fights with Limburger or Munster or Hamburger? Let alone becoming Gallian cannon fodder.
“Look, the Hurtshog isn’t gaining all that much by this. He’ll lose the tarrifs on the hundreds of tubas you sell each year in Frankszonia; he’ll lose a major bit of the river tarrifs on traffic past the bridge. Moreover, as a Frankszonian “protectorate” he can pressure L’Intendant Bastille into dispatching the many fine crafts men and engineers from Gallia along with our own laborers for the restoration of your towns defenses. Scheise! three modern redoubts, even if just ditch and dirt, would triple your town’s resistance.”
“You can promise these engineers?”
“They’ll be here within 36 hours of any agreement.”
“So your officers can use our own men to seize rule in the town?” Ryan turns away, “You know us better than that!”
“Verdamnt! Ryan! ‘Intact units,’ ‘Intact units.’ Do you honestly belief any lieutenant, hauptman, or especialy a Feldwebel of Soweiter would permit such an abuse?”
“Then why under YOUR officers and command?”
“We’ve got the more troops. Your units are Reichs Armee trained, ours are Germanian ... orders from the commanding General would be confused by your obersts and intendants. Besides, the Hurtshog has put together a real army staff ... look at the guys next door!” The count pleaded. “Offenbach simply must let itself become an active part of the Frankszonian community!”
“We are ourselves, not you,” Ryan snarls. “And what happens if, no when, the Stadt Council tells you how to use your offers?”
“Get real, Ryan,” Guiles answers sadly. “Stagonia shall not be allowed to obtain the tuba works intact. I play an Offenbach tuba, what do you think I want?”
Ryan looks out the window at the traffic of messengers and patrols for a moment. “Guiles,” he says, “even if it ruins us, they can’t swallow the arrogance of the proclamation.”
“Then reword everything to whatever works.” the count urges. “We need commitments to achieving the purpose together ...” a sudden clatter interrupts them. The various Obersts are leaving, looking grim and purposeful and with determined strides to their soon galloping mounts.
“You know Haugen Bienz.” the count continues. “If a diamond ring would roll by his foot, he’d stomp on it in case it was green fly .... and Woad and the big guns will be here in hours. The Hurtshog doesn’t want to hurt a hut here, but Stagonia must not obtain the works intact.”
Beauphaup opens the door. “Bienz!” he shouts, “quickly, before you do anything else, get this man a pass through our lines, a good horse, and a neat aide to ride escort!”
“Ach!” the general replies, “you diplomat! Ve haff un grosse schlact hier und Sie vill to gift this rascal stuff stop our soldiers? Nein!”
“In the Duke’s Name!” Beauphaup responds more forcefully than any of the officers had ever heard. Suddenly, Beauphaup pulls of his heavy riding gloves and thrusts a ring under Haugen Bienz’s nose. “And, under the Seal von Frankfurter! Now yield and obey!”
“Ja! Ich musten!” the general stammers. “Schnell, ein Grande Pferd und mit him, Emil!”
Within moments, the two riders dash off into a swirling mist which is rising into the cold air ....


Taking the terms in order:
One: Offenbach retains its membership and participation in the Soweiter League.
This is a matter for the League and not something to be ruled on by foreign nations.
Two: Offenbach shall appoint two representatives to the Frankfurter Bundt to represent its interests.
The League is more than willing to send an ambassadorial contingent to Frankfurter to represent the interests of the League and its members.
Three: Offenbach shall accept Frankszonian protection.
While Hesse-Offenbach and the Soweiter League is quite capable of defending itself we would graciously accept, as equals, an alliance against Vile Stagonia or other enemies of the League.
Four: Offenbach’s military shall be incorporated as intact units into the Frankszonian forces observing Vile Stagonia.
Hesse-Offenbach as a member of the Soweiter League cannot and will not place its forces under the command of foreign officers.

Developments at the camp near Offenbach

A piquet of Hillary’s Hussies beyond Offenbach spots a bedraggled officer sneaking towards them in the dark. As they dash forward to seize him, he exclaims: “Frankzonians! Oh Blessed Spirits!” and collapses. When they carry the unconscious man into camp, another officer recognizes the missing Oberst Bratmann!
Brig. Shlidelisht quickly orders him brought to the quarters of L'Haugen Bienz, where they carefully give him a few drops of schnapps. Bratmann revives for a moment, recognizes a friend and exclaims, “Franz, Franz, Die Stagonian marchen!” The battered man collapses again amid the exclamations of alarm from the assembled officers.

L'Haugen Bienz moves quickly to the map table. “Meinen Herren, ve musten machen schnell!
Kommen Sie.” He quickly marks out on his charts new positions, concentrating his forces on the western side of Offenbach. “Im der Morgen,” he continues, “ve shall by ein battalion uff Nathan’s Nationals und der 1st Black Skirts under Brig. Woad be joined. They escort a supply convoy und ein battery uff 24 lbrs. When they arrive, they will our second line immediatly deploy as. Die grosser guns, aber, will be unlimbered against the crumpled section and open fire immediately. Aber, against der vall und stone alone must they fire. When any breach appears, the Reiters will dash forward, discharge their pieces towards the town, and then retire if anyone returns a sinlge shot.
If ve can the Offenbach men out of the town draw, ve may be able to ride ofer dem vithout hurting them too bad.
Remember all! We are hear to protect Offenbach, not destroy it ... it is Stagonia vee must bury und nich praise, Jah?
If we musten the walls assault, we must carry through on the first rush or pull back into our entrenched camp.
This battle must bevore the Vile Stagonians arrive be over!”

As the staff begins to write out the necessary orders, a shout resounds from a guard outside the house where they are working. Soon, a dapper gentleman is dragged into the room by soldiers.
“We caught him beneath the staff room window, Mein Herr,” their corporal reports.
“Ach!” L'Haugen Bienz exclaims, “und, whom might you be? Vile Stagonian Spy!”
“Oh, hardly that!” the captive impudently chuckles .....

High Level Conferences

Conference notes between L’Intendant Bastille and Hurtshog Fahrtz.

Infantry Regiment Sanders / Chicken to be recalled and restored to full strength,
I.R. Relischer under Oberst Pickle is to replace it in Gen. Chevert’s corps.
1st Hottatrot battalion is to be changed similarly for the 2nd Hottatrot battalion.

Nathan’s Nationals (militia) is to form a battalion and march with 1st Black Skirts under Brig. Woad. They will escort a supply convoy and a battery of 24 lbrs to the camp at Offenbach.

The Count L’Beauphaup will attempt to obtain Offenbach’s agreement to the following terms:
One: Offenbach retains its membership and participation in the Soweiter League.
Two: Offenbach shall appoint two representatives to the Frankfurter Bundt to represent its interests.
Three: Offenbach shall accept Frankszonian protection.
Four: Offenbach’s military shall be incorporated as intact units into the Frankszonian forces observing Vile Stagonia.

Ducal Proclamation:

Frankzonians!

After its insulting note to our great friends, the Soweiter League,
Vile Stagonia instituted a program of covert sabotage and incindarism against Tipplebruder.
In Righteous Anger, our young men have marched to Offenbach to help guard them against similar nefarious aggression.
Alas!
Alas!
Vile Stagonian agents have already planted their insidious poison into the body of that fine city!
Misled as to our friendly and wholly honorable intentions, the citizens of Offenbach have given Stagonia a gift of their own valiant forces.
Now, the horrible tragedy looms that we, who should be brothers feasting together, may soon engage in the hateful horrors of battle!
Frankszonians!
It is this very pestiferous, petty pride that precludes our honorable German communities from enjoying those awesome attributes of acknowledged autonomy. It is this refusal to unite against the criminals in our own midst that yields our fields to foreigners!
Unite!
Rally to the Right!
Congregate with your comrades in the community of the committed!
Reach out to your relatives and associates afar, that conglomerated together we can grind this beastly boar into sausage!

Long Prosper Frankszonia!!!

Field dispatch from Offenbach

Dispatch from General Bienz:
To: His Highness Stanken, the Hurtshog Fahrtz von Frankfurter

Sire:

On approaching the town of Offenbach, we found that the local stadt council refused our generous offer of protection against the nefarious plots of Vile Stagonia. Indeed, a crowd of ruffians and mechanics assumed a motley of “uniforms” and have challenged our colors, threatening to attack our camp unless we withdraw.

After a council of war with Brig. Shlidelisht and Oberst Pfennighalter, we have decided to entrench our camp and retain our position on the outskirts of Offenbach. We hear that vile Stagonian agents have influenced the city mob in order to bring about this confrontation.

Perhaps, Your Highness, a high level diplomatic mission may yet defuse this situation, though there has been some random firing along the piquet lines.

Y’r srvnt.
Huagen Bienz

Battles:

First:
The grand "BIG BATTALIONS" battle in Illinois has happened, a grinding draw, it seems from first reports. Gallia and Hesse Seewald continue their grueling grind ....
Also a grand event, which we who have not attended, will miss for a long time.
Alte Fritz has some photos up on his blog spot and some battle reports are on the Yahoo Groups "Old School Wargamers" site.

Second:
The founder of the Empire vs. Elector blog has long suggested that we get "proxy" games going, in which gamers who are isolated have a third party actually game out their battles.
In furtherance of this goal, I've managed to engender a battle between the Soweiter League (actually our allies, sigh) and Frankszonia which is to be resolved by Murdoch ...

So the fun continues ...
:)

A Vile Ambursh!

Last Month, the young Frankszonian colonel, Hielgekeine v. Brattman, had been dispatched with a convoy of Larger, Wine, and beer franks to one of our cousin countries .... (alas, I can't find the note which says which one).
This mission had begun prior to the exposure of the infamous profiteering with adulterated products by Dilbert. Messengers had spurred after the Oberst Hielgekeine not only to warn him about the potential hazards ground into his wagons, but also to prevent his subversion by Cut - me - own - Throat Dilbert, who is known to be a very effective salesman.
Somewhere in the hill country of Northwestern Bohemia, these messengers have discovered wounded teamsters from the wagons and some scattered Hussars. They report being ambushed by either Germanian Bosniaks or Imperial Croats or some similar group of Balkan Bandits.
The young Oberst had rashly ridden into a clump of the foe and been overwhelmed. It is thought that he has also suffered a head wound, but since he was removed, supposedly to be held for ransom, the extent and nature of his injuries is unknown. Further, since there has been no ransom note received, the Frankszonian court is even more concerned that this is further result of either vile Stagonian plots or further sabotage by the Cheese Burger faction.
A reward of a fine charcoal brazier and grill with a good supply of certified, high quality brats is promised for information and / or assistance in the rescue of Hielgekeine alive!

Count l'Beauphaup
on behalf of the Hurtshog Fahrtz v. Frankszonia

The Grand Parade

Le Grande Parade
(Die Grosse Marche)

Detachments from:
From Right:
Frankszonian forces:
* The Cellulite Cursers, Cuirassiers 400
* Hillary's Hussies: Hussars 350
* Reiters, Cuirassiers 350
* The Porcelain Regt, dragoons 400
Infantry:
** Der Zeizme Bundt Guard (* IR Summer Guard,(300) * IR Grinderdiers (600), )
* IR Black Kilts (600)
* IR Phaulie’s Fusils (1200)
* 2nd bat IR Hottatrot (300)
Militia:
** Nathan's Nationals
Militia infantry: The Guild Companies, the Nordfeld regiment, and the Sudfeld regt.
Militia cavalry: The Wurst Brat Dragoons.
1000?
(Note, the militia seems quite under strength, especially the Nordfeld and Sudfeld regiments. The Militia still incorporates pike companies. Some of these men even appear to be carrying matchlocks, as well).
Artillery and Engineers special units.
* The Bombed Kennedy's (600)
{The Intendant and his officers will notice that, unlike the antique artillery they found in Frankfurt, this unit is equipped with pieces of the latest design – I’ve got to use AWI pieces with my plastics, okay? – including 4 siege guns, a battery of howitzers, about a dozen 12 pounders and two dozen 6 pounders, Granny Loomis is riding in an open carriage at their head}.

Total strength of reliables present: 3,800 ...
Total forces in unreliable units present: 1,700

(Not present because currently deployed away from Frankfurt)
Along the Nidda River, etc.
* Hiese Hunde Hussies (400)
* Vinny's Vincibles (240)
* IR Braunsbienz, (600)
* IR Foot Longs, (600)
With the Corps Chevert
** Colonel Chickens Brigade (@1200)
* 1st Battalion, IR Hottatrot (@600)

Gallian Forces:
* De Saxe Uhlans: 120 guarding Pettygree and Masquerade now housed here within the Citadel.
* Militia Grenadiers: 480, in the citadel itself, the guards you saw here.
* Brigade Flanders: Three battalions: 1,952 hommes.
* Brigade Provence: Four battalions: 2,323 hommes here in Frankfurt Am Main.
* Artillerie: 8 Battalion Pieces.
* Brigade Auvergne: Two battalions: 1,200 hommes (regulars).
* Saxe-Raschstein Chevaulegers von Rutowski: 400 hommes.
* Artillerie: 1 Battalion Piece.

Total in Frankfurt: 6,475, does not count de Poyanne’s corps.

Now Just North Of The City:
L’Corps de Armée de Lt. Gen. de Poyanne is not far away. He has some 25,000 hommes and twenty pieces of ordnance.

General Nathan is among the notables on the dias with the Hurtshog and the Intendant.
He has informed Intendant Bastille that the Hurtshog considers * Hillary's Hussies: Hussars 350
* Reiters, Cuirassiers 350 and the Militia units as all unreliable against the noble / Hamburger plot ... also, the IR Foot Longs are not trusted.. Also, IR Foot Longs, to the west of town are considered to have too many officers related to the plotting nobles. The Duke intends to order all of these to the south to Offenbach in the expedition “to protect Offenbach.” He will send Vinny’s Vincibles with them, and Once they know their orders are specifically to Offenbach and against Stagonia, however, there will be sentiment among the troops to stand steady on that assignment. This, however, will entail a dangerous passage of potentially hostile troops through Frankfurt. The Duke hopes that sufficient Gallian “guides” will be assigned to these forces to prevent any unpleasantness.

During the speech segment of the review, the Hurtshog denounces the vile plotting of the Hamburgers and Stagonians to despoil Frankfurt and her friends, the Soweiter League. He reads, with suitably acidic commentary, the note given to the Soweiter League. Reliable men posted throughout the unit give the appropriate shouts of anger and resolution and cheer when the Hurtshog declaims: “We shall stand steadfast against these threats and preserve the ancient privileges and autonomy of Frankfurt!”

Then he proclaims the Divine Providence of the presence of Gallian forces between Frankfurt and the Hamburger contagion. “Given that the main effort of resisting this subtle, underhanded sneak attack will fall upon them, we are elevating the Gallian Intendent to Lt. General of Frankszonia so that he and his staff can most efficiently direct our defense in this crisis!”
There is a smattering of extremely polite applause to this, as a strange conveyance is wheeled onto the field. It is a fancifully carved and painted large wooden rocking horse! Gen. Nathan whispers that the rockers conceal an ingenious suspension to provide a comfortable ride. Obviously the rider would sit head and shoulders above even the escorting team of cuirassiers! The Hurtshog continues, “As is traditional, we hereby install the General Bastille upon his mount of command!” As cheerful Frankszonian officers urge the General up onto the contrivance (there is also an ingenious little ladder to enable one to mount it), the Frankzonian forces are led in the ceremonial three “Huzzahs!” A section of the Summer Sage Guards forms up in rigid attention, and after presenting arms, assumes a position to protect the Intendant.

Then General Hottatrot and Oberst Rosenschnauz are brought forward.
The Marquis Hottatrot, leaning on two grenadiers, is awarded the Order of the Grilled Wiener for his initiative and bravery at the Battle of Bad Tannes ... his persistance even when seriously wounded is also mentioned. Then the color party of the 2nd Battalion of IR Hottatrot is ordered forward as representative of the regiment and presented with a red ribbon for the Battle of Bad Tannes.
The rotund Oberst Rosenschnauz is formally promoted to Brigadier in recognition of his steadfastness when literally between enemy fires, again in spite of his wounds, leading his battalion in holding its ground until the Cellulite Cursers and the Black Skirts could deploy and force the foe to fold.
As the infantry regiment Chicken is in the field with Gen. Chevert, Hauptman Sanders is given the red ribbon for the Battle of Bad Tannes for their unit.
After further huzzahs, and a speech by General Bastille, the parade proceeds to its conclusion ....