Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A Brief Synopsis:
A Brief Synopsis:
(Apologies if any of the mentioned powers are misspelled ... I’m offline at the moment due to the backwoods network I have to rely upon!)
At the instigation of the nefarious Marquis Roquefort, famous centers of cheese production such as Limburg and Munster had attempted to dominate the market for sausages which incorporated any cheese ... and “to encourage” all forms of sausage to include cheese as an ingredient. Vienna had exploited this disorder by ordering all non-cheese containing sausages, brats, wurst, and frankfurters to be classified as “Wieners” and under Wiener oversight.
Under these conditions, an highly unusual alliance had formed between the Frankfurter Bundt led by Frankszonia with Hungover and Hamburger. Bad zu Wurst, Wurstenburg, and similar stadts were being drawn into the conflict. Most of the fighting had occurred in Hesse Darmstadt and the Duchy of Nasau ... which of course highly alarmed Hesse-Fedora, Hesse-Homburg, Hesse-Inglestadt, and Hesse-Seewald. Due to the shifting allegiances of the emigre Jacobites following Broderick Woad, the Count of Hiccup, in his Black Skirts Brigade, the fighting had been indecisive (actually, my beloved but uncannily lucky with dice wife uses Woad as her command figure ... so the army which he commanded tended to win whenever there were equal odds ... the figure is a cuirassier casualty figure ... the guy is riding while grasping a sword stuck into his side).
At this point, the brewing discontent between Hesse-Seewald, an ally of Germania, and Gallia, whose king had kinfolk threatened by Hesse-Seewald ambitions (okay, that’s the party line, satisfied, m’Lord Bastille?) invaded. In its opening move, the relatively minor Duchy of Frankszonia, with most of its troops north of the Tann Hills is overrun and occupied. The Hurtshog Fahrtz dashed back to Frankfurt on Plain (which the froggies, with their snide ethnic bigotry about food call Frankfurt am Main ... don’t worry, m’Lord Intendant; an obligatory nod to national prejudices here) to protest.
To his dismay, the Hurtshog found Frankfurt occupied by powerful corps of Gallians under Gen. Chevert, who was rapidly establishing a depot for Gallia within Frankfurt’s walls. While the French gave him a formal apology for their abrupt invasion, they were scrounging for everything of military value which the Frankszonians couldn’t hide first. Further, their only movement of forces out of Frankfurt involved massive battles with Hesse-Seewald and its allies (reference the two battles of Fulda displayed in the folders at the Yahoo group, SocDaisy).
The Hurtzhog is quite pragmatic about the affair, and after sneaking an explanation and a sincere apology to his much admired military mentors and child hood friends in Germanian service, proceeded to collaborate with the Gallians. While he succeeded in obtaining their assistance in a few of his local ambitions (see the Battle of Bad Tannes in Frankszonia.blogspot.com), his attempt to dominate the supply market for the depot backfired. A cabal of war profiteers, acting through the notorious Minister of Trade, “Cut-me-own-throat” Dilbert, provided a plethora of distinctly sub-standard provisions while diverting the better Gallian products to their own projects.
When this racket reached unreal levels, the Hurtshog exposed it and attempted to intervene. This triggered an attempted coup by the Guild Syndics. Though the Hurtshog was easily victorious, driving Dilbert and his confederates into exile, the French became sufficiently alarmed to transfer their enforcer, the Intendant Bastille, to Frankfurt in order to secure the depot while their armies took the field in the new season. Provoked by this insult, many officers and their friends who had previously been closely connected with Germanian military circles mutinied and led what followers they could into Hesse-Seewald. With the compliance of the Hurtshog, however, the Intendant seemed able to stabilize affairs.
Meanwhile, the Hurtshog and his exotic wife had celebrated their recent union by engendering little Graf Honker, a Ducal heir! They had joyously acted on a suggestion of Gen. Chevert and scheduled a Masquerade, to which they had invited the illustrious Gallian ladies, Pettygree and Masquerade. The fete’ seemed promising for establishing relations with Gallia on a more positive level. Just as the international celebrities were assembling, however, a much more serious crisis has erupted!
When the Cheese War was suspended by the greater Gallia / Seewald conflict, the Hurtshog had sent his erstwhile allies from Hungover / Hamburg away for their safety. Secretly, however, the Hungover / Hamburg forces had hidden in a forested area to the west of Frankszonia and had managed to unite with their erstwhile foes, the Cheddar Guild Brigades. Hamburg had always had a rivalry with Frankfurt. Now, encouraged by the failure of Gen. Chevert to break through the Fulda Gap and the discontent in Frankszonia, they had begun plotting with certain Frankzonian nobles and the Guild Syndics to overthrow the Hurtshog and to seize the Gallian Depot!
With the excitement and the glittering opportunity of the presence of the many notables attending the Masquerade, they have accelerated their efforts and inadvertently exposed their machinations to both the Gallian and Frankszonian agents. Having just crushed two actions against his throne, the Hurtshog is dismayed by this new resistance, and no longer can fully trust his army. Consequently, he has appealed to the Intendant to make the affair more obviously into part of the Gallian / Seewald conflict, and thus dampen the domestic disruption.
Meanwhile, the Frankszonia court hastens to establish favorable contacts with the Gallian notables gathering for the fete. Frankszonia is aware that the Intendant, almost paranoid about the murky Frankszonia situation, desires to send the whole packing on the instant. Further, he is quite disconcerted by being suddenly made the commander of the Frankszonian forces in their current state of disarray.
Even as the Ducal council confers with the Intendant Bastille and the harried ladies of the court attempt to begin negotiations with Ladies Pettygree and Masquerade, even more alarming news arrives! Stagonia, much despised for its frequent involvements in brigandry, fraudulent schemes, and other interference with honest trade, has issued an ultimatum to the Soweiter League of minor states. Since some of the League members lie in what Frankszonia considers its sphere of influence, Frankszonia has lodged a stern protest with Stagonia.
Now the Ducal court seems to be sitting on the cork of a rapidly fizzing champagne. How can it survive this volatile brew? Treason couples with a secret gathering of foreign foes almost within its walls, Gallian imperiousness threatens the time honored freedom of the city, unscrupulous neighbors are threatening valued trading partners, and furthermore, the Imperial divisions just south of the Main which had been intervening in the l’Affair Cheezer have yet to openly declare their intentions or to gather with their proclaimed allies, the Gallians.
Can the Intendant gather enough French forces before the Hungover expedition strikes?
Will the Imperials assist Frankfurter against either Stagonia or its internal foes?
Will the Intendant summarily dismiss the gathered notables “for their safety” before the court ladies can complete their intrigues?
How will the Frankszonian emigres and defectors be received by Germania and Hesse - Seewald?
Who is the mysterious lady who has recently appeared in Frankfurt?
What is much feared “M’Lady” doing?
Stay tuned to this station .....
Arthur,. scribe to the Hurtshog Stanken Fahrtz von Frankszonia ...
(Apologies if any of the mentioned powers are misspelled ... I’m offline at the moment due to the backwoods network I have to rely upon!)
At the instigation of the nefarious Marquis Roquefort, famous centers of cheese production such as Limburg and Munster had attempted to dominate the market for sausages which incorporated any cheese ... and “to encourage” all forms of sausage to include cheese as an ingredient. Vienna had exploited this disorder by ordering all non-cheese containing sausages, brats, wurst, and frankfurters to be classified as “Wieners” and under Wiener oversight.
Under these conditions, an highly unusual alliance had formed between the Frankfurter Bundt led by Frankszonia with Hungover and Hamburger. Bad zu Wurst, Wurstenburg, and similar stadts were being drawn into the conflict. Most of the fighting had occurred in Hesse Darmstadt and the Duchy of Nasau ... which of course highly alarmed Hesse-Fedora, Hesse-Homburg, Hesse-Inglestadt, and Hesse-Seewald. Due to the shifting allegiances of the emigre Jacobites following Broderick Woad, the Count of Hiccup, in his Black Skirts Brigade, the fighting had been indecisive (actually, my beloved but uncannily lucky with dice wife uses Woad as her command figure ... so the army which he commanded tended to win whenever there were equal odds ... the figure is a cuirassier casualty figure ... the guy is riding while grasping a sword stuck into his side).
At this point, the brewing discontent between Hesse-Seewald, an ally of Germania, and Gallia, whose king had kinfolk threatened by Hesse-Seewald ambitions (okay, that’s the party line, satisfied, m’Lord Bastille?) invaded. In its opening move, the relatively minor Duchy of Frankszonia, with most of its troops north of the Tann Hills is overrun and occupied. The Hurtshog Fahrtz dashed back to Frankfurt on Plain (which the froggies, with their snide ethnic bigotry about food call Frankfurt am Main ... don’t worry, m’Lord Intendant; an obligatory nod to national prejudices here) to protest.
To his dismay, the Hurtshog found Frankfurt occupied by powerful corps of Gallians under Gen. Chevert, who was rapidly establishing a depot for Gallia within Frankfurt’s walls. While the French gave him a formal apology for their abrupt invasion, they were scrounging for everything of military value which the Frankszonians couldn’t hide first. Further, their only movement of forces out of Frankfurt involved massive battles with Hesse-Seewald and its allies (reference the two battles of Fulda displayed in the folders at the Yahoo group, SocDaisy).
The Hurtzhog is quite pragmatic about the affair, and after sneaking an explanation and a sincere apology to his much admired military mentors and child hood friends in Germanian service, proceeded to collaborate with the Gallians. While he succeeded in obtaining their assistance in a few of his local ambitions (see the Battle of Bad Tannes in Frankszonia.blogspot.com), his attempt to dominate the supply market for the depot backfired. A cabal of war profiteers, acting through the notorious Minister of Trade, “Cut-me-own-throat” Dilbert, provided a plethora of distinctly sub-standard provisions while diverting the better Gallian products to their own projects.
When this racket reached unreal levels, the Hurtshog exposed it and attempted to intervene. This triggered an attempted coup by the Guild Syndics. Though the Hurtshog was easily victorious, driving Dilbert and his confederates into exile, the French became sufficiently alarmed to transfer their enforcer, the Intendant Bastille, to Frankfurt in order to secure the depot while their armies took the field in the new season. Provoked by this insult, many officers and their friends who had previously been closely connected with Germanian military circles mutinied and led what followers they could into Hesse-Seewald. With the compliance of the Hurtshog, however, the Intendant seemed able to stabilize affairs.
Meanwhile, the Hurtshog and his exotic wife had celebrated their recent union by engendering little Graf Honker, a Ducal heir! They had joyously acted on a suggestion of Gen. Chevert and scheduled a Masquerade, to which they had invited the illustrious Gallian ladies, Pettygree and Masquerade. The fete’ seemed promising for establishing relations with Gallia on a more positive level. Just as the international celebrities were assembling, however, a much more serious crisis has erupted!
When the Cheese War was suspended by the greater Gallia / Seewald conflict, the Hurtshog had sent his erstwhile allies from Hungover / Hamburg away for their safety. Secretly, however, the Hungover / Hamburg forces had hidden in a forested area to the west of Frankszonia and had managed to unite with their erstwhile foes, the Cheddar Guild Brigades. Hamburg had always had a rivalry with Frankfurt. Now, encouraged by the failure of Gen. Chevert to break through the Fulda Gap and the discontent in Frankszonia, they had begun plotting with certain Frankzonian nobles and the Guild Syndics to overthrow the Hurtshog and to seize the Gallian Depot!
With the excitement and the glittering opportunity of the presence of the many notables attending the Masquerade, they have accelerated their efforts and inadvertently exposed their machinations to both the Gallian and Frankszonian agents. Having just crushed two actions against his throne, the Hurtshog is dismayed by this new resistance, and no longer can fully trust his army. Consequently, he has appealed to the Intendant to make the affair more obviously into part of the Gallian / Seewald conflict, and thus dampen the domestic disruption.
Meanwhile, the Frankszonia court hastens to establish favorable contacts with the Gallian notables gathering for the fete. Frankszonia is aware that the Intendant, almost paranoid about the murky Frankszonia situation, desires to send the whole packing on the instant. Further, he is quite disconcerted by being suddenly made the commander of the Frankszonian forces in their current state of disarray.
Even as the Ducal council confers with the Intendant Bastille and the harried ladies of the court attempt to begin negotiations with Ladies Pettygree and Masquerade, even more alarming news arrives! Stagonia, much despised for its frequent involvements in brigandry, fraudulent schemes, and other interference with honest trade, has issued an ultimatum to the Soweiter League of minor states. Since some of the League members lie in what Frankszonia considers its sphere of influence, Frankszonia has lodged a stern protest with Stagonia.
Now the Ducal court seems to be sitting on the cork of a rapidly fizzing champagne. How can it survive this volatile brew? Treason couples with a secret gathering of foreign foes almost within its walls, Gallian imperiousness threatens the time honored freedom of the city, unscrupulous neighbors are threatening valued trading partners, and furthermore, the Imperial divisions just south of the Main which had been intervening in the l’Affair Cheezer have yet to openly declare their intentions or to gather with their proclaimed allies, the Gallians.
Can the Intendant gather enough French forces before the Hungover expedition strikes?
Will the Imperials assist Frankfurter against either Stagonia or its internal foes?
Will the Intendant summarily dismiss the gathered notables “for their safety” before the court ladies can complete their intrigues?
How will the Frankszonian emigres and defectors be received by Germania and Hesse - Seewald?
Who is the mysterious lady who has recently appeared in Frankfurt?
What is much feared “M’Lady” doing?
Stay tuned to this station .....
Arthur,. scribe to the Hurtshog Stanken Fahrtz von Frankszonia ...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Resistance Brews: Act II, scene 2
The Resistance Begins:
Act II, scene 2: Hochauzerschoff:
Personae:
*Frankszonia:
* Granny Loomis the Queen Mother (2) ... she has a great interest in artillery and has seen to a
reform and an improvement in that branch of service.
* Stuftliana (0) ... the newly wed Duchess of Frankszonia, an exotic and hopefully fertile little
dish. She has long, luscious, raven black hair, a slightly dusky complexion, and a hint of an Oriental eye slant.
* Lady Rosenschnauz; (1) officially lady in waiting for Stuftliana, but is used for discrete
messages and rendevous. Remarkably devoted to her husband's fortune ....
* Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup ... very Lace ....
* a page,
* a Feldwebel of the Sage Guard, a few musketeers, and some cavalry troopers.
*Foreign guest artists for the Maquerade:
a: Moosart: A young musical prodigy from some little village on the Elbow River, known for his exciting musical compositions, his bright church music, and his fascinating influence over rich, young women.
b: Fettuccine: An Italian dancing master and rake ... survives because he’s also a fencing master. c: Sir Tom, the count Saucie: the tall, dark envoy from Duke Alfredo of Bologna ... middle aged but in good shape, having established himself as a decent cavalry officer prior to this appointment.
d: Mistress Ewewarp: a plump master weaver and seamstress, is the contractor for the dresses and costumes for the masquerade.
Gallian:
*Lady Pettygree
*M. d’Charade , a youth acting as a page to the Gallian Ladies.
*Lady Masquerade
Lt. Gardier: Presumably the commander of the de Saxe Uhlans guarding Lady Pettygree.
also:
The mysterious woman ...
Various girls, servants, and local ladies chattering in background ...
Scene opens in a lavish, large room in some palatial home ... in the foreground, several of the more elaborately dressed coifed women are seated around an elderly but wiry lady whose dress is noticeably severe by comparison. Behind their chairs, a foppish nobleman and his page stand in attendance. Various military figures can be seen near the walls.
Stuftliana: My dear ladies! How exciting that you are come. Mother (she turns to the elderly woman), you see? I told you that these Gallian ladies had daring!
Granny: (snort) Their mothers were daring enough in their day, I suppose ... or at least that’s what we heard.
Lady Rosenschnauz: Now, now, your Highness, these lovely women have traveled a long way to honor your grandson.
Granny: Don’t be pert, child! (Glowers a moment, then looks directly at Lady Masquerade ... and winks) I remember your mother, m’Lady Masquerade, quite well ... and your grandmother. Tell me, did her rheumatic pains remain cured?
Lady Masquerade: I’m proud to say she retained her health and faculties all her life, Your Grace. Granny: Ah yes, her faculties (humorous snort) ... I understand that your own faculties are quite accomplished as well, m’Lady (winks again).
Guiles: Excuse me, noble ladies; but the cool refreshments have arrived, would you mind accompanying us to the balcony? Lieutenant Gardier?
The party rises, and moves stage left onto the balcony, where a table with various bottles etc. and crystals is attended by uniformed servants. A small orchestra is playing a gentle composition. Soldiers along the balustrade, however, are alert and watching off stage. Drinks and sherbets are brought among the ladies ...
Lady Pettygree: That is lovely music, Princess. I’ve not heard it before, but it seems to fit this gentle evening breeze so well.
Stuftliana: Oh yes. The composer is quite a find. Moosart was working for the Wieners, but they didn’t take him seriously
Lady Rosenschnauz: Well, he had to leave Germania after they traced that hilarious air to him. (giggles).
Masquerade: Hilarious air?
Another lady, also giggling: It sang of, well, why certain rulers had to wear wigs ...
Lady Rosenschnauz: Lady Masquerade, my I present Mistress Ewewarp? She is a genius with cloth! You should have seen the polar bear outfits she made for the Ober-Bindlestaff troupe last year!
Lady Pettygree: Mistress Ewewarp?
Ewewarp, curtseying: Your Ladyships.
Beauphaup: Ah yes, perhaps this would be a good time to meet the rest of the team that her ladyship has assembled for the Princess ... Hansel, if you would?
(the page runs back into the room and returns with two men ... one is a young, earnest looking man in an unadorned outfit, while the other is a middle-aged, obviously Italian, fop. Lt. Gardier relieves the later of his rapier as he approaches. )
Beauphaup: Exalted ladies, may I present to you Wolfie, a musical genius; and Pietro, as nimble footed as they come. Moosart and Fettuccine, the Ladies Pettygree and Masquerade.
(The men bow .... Fettuccine fluidly and Moosart rather stiffly. At the ladies’ nod Moosart nervously starts to speak).
Moosart: I’ve composed several new waltzes, a fine minuet, and also a fun bransle for the event, your Graces. I hope you will be pleased with them.
Fettuccine, grinning: Fear not, damesoilles! I’ve heard the pieces, and they will be a joy to dance to!
Stuftliana: So you say, Pietro. But without your help, I would be lost. These European dances are so complicated ... and men and women dancing together!
Rosenschnauz (teasingly): Now Stuffy,, relax. Besides, I know that you and Stanken have been practicing. From what I hear, you both enjoyed it a lot!
(General laughter).
Granny, suddenly, loudly, and angrily: Schiezenhauffer! Watch yourself you, you ....
All, surprised: Your Grace?!
Granny, pointing at a somewhat surprised looking soldier / waiter holding a pitcher of beer: Diesen Klunkcopfen Hundende haf on me his beer gespillen!
Beauphaup shouts: Von Whizzen!
(a feldwebel comes from the main room at a run).
Feldwebel: Mein Graf?
Beauphaup: Since this Bauernklopft can’t walk and hold something at the same time, could you assist him back to the guard room?
Feldwebel: Jawhol, Mein Graf. Kommen Sie hier!
(both soldiers exit)
Granny: I am this happy meeting to disrupt so embarrassed! Frau Ewewarp, could you to a quick change assist me?
Ewewarp: Of course! Your Grace. Excuse us please, my ladies all (she gives Lady Pettygree a quick look).
Granny: I am myself forgetting. Perhaps these gracious Gallian ladies would also your deft hand at curing the damages of wind and of travel appreciate?
M. Charade, their youthful attendant: You are gracious, your Grace, I am sure that ...
Lady Pettygree, breaking in: We’d be honored, coming Michelle?
Act II, scene 2: Hochauzerschoff:
Personae:
*Frankszonia:
* Granny Loomis the Queen Mother (2) ... she has a great interest in artillery and has seen to a
reform and an improvement in that branch of service.
* Stuftliana (0) ... the newly wed Duchess of Frankszonia, an exotic and hopefully fertile little
dish. She has long, luscious, raven black hair, a slightly dusky complexion, and a hint of an Oriental eye slant.
* Lady Rosenschnauz; (1) officially lady in waiting for Stuftliana, but is used for discrete
messages and rendevous. Remarkably devoted to her husband's fortune ....
* Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup ... very Lace ....
* a page,
* a Feldwebel of the Sage Guard, a few musketeers, and some cavalry troopers.
*Foreign guest artists for the Maquerade:
a: Moosart: A young musical prodigy from some little village on the Elbow River, known for his exciting musical compositions, his bright church music, and his fascinating influence over rich, young women.
b: Fettuccine: An Italian dancing master and rake ... survives because he’s also a fencing master. c: Sir Tom, the count Saucie: the tall, dark envoy from Duke Alfredo of Bologna ... middle aged but in good shape, having established himself as a decent cavalry officer prior to this appointment.
d: Mistress Ewewarp: a plump master weaver and seamstress, is the contractor for the dresses and costumes for the masquerade.
Gallian:
*Lady Pettygree
*M. d’Charade , a youth acting as a page to the Gallian Ladies.
*Lady Masquerade
Lt. Gardier: Presumably the commander of the de Saxe Uhlans guarding Lady Pettygree.
also:
The mysterious woman ...
Various girls, servants, and local ladies chattering in background ...
Scene opens in a lavish, large room in some palatial home ... in the foreground, several of the more elaborately dressed coifed women are seated around an elderly but wiry lady whose dress is noticeably severe by comparison. Behind their chairs, a foppish nobleman and his page stand in attendance. Various military figures can be seen near the walls.
Stuftliana: My dear ladies! How exciting that you are come. Mother (she turns to the elderly woman), you see? I told you that these Gallian ladies had daring!
Granny: (snort) Their mothers were daring enough in their day, I suppose ... or at least that’s what we heard.
Lady Rosenschnauz: Now, now, your Highness, these lovely women have traveled a long way to honor your grandson.
Granny: Don’t be pert, child! (Glowers a moment, then looks directly at Lady Masquerade ... and winks) I remember your mother, m’Lady Masquerade, quite well ... and your grandmother. Tell me, did her rheumatic pains remain cured?
Lady Masquerade: I’m proud to say she retained her health and faculties all her life, Your Grace. Granny: Ah yes, her faculties (humorous snort) ... I understand that your own faculties are quite accomplished as well, m’Lady (winks again).
Guiles: Excuse me, noble ladies; but the cool refreshments have arrived, would you mind accompanying us to the balcony? Lieutenant Gardier?
The party rises, and moves stage left onto the balcony, where a table with various bottles etc. and crystals is attended by uniformed servants. A small orchestra is playing a gentle composition. Soldiers along the balustrade, however, are alert and watching off stage. Drinks and sherbets are brought among the ladies ...
Lady Pettygree: That is lovely music, Princess. I’ve not heard it before, but it seems to fit this gentle evening breeze so well.
Stuftliana: Oh yes. The composer is quite a find. Moosart was working for the Wieners, but they didn’t take him seriously
Lady Rosenschnauz: Well, he had to leave Germania after they traced that hilarious air to him. (giggles).
Masquerade: Hilarious air?
Another lady, also giggling: It sang of, well, why certain rulers had to wear wigs ...
Lady Rosenschnauz: Lady Masquerade, my I present Mistress Ewewarp? She is a genius with cloth! You should have seen the polar bear outfits she made for the Ober-Bindlestaff troupe last year!
Lady Pettygree: Mistress Ewewarp?
Ewewarp, curtseying: Your Ladyships.
Beauphaup: Ah yes, perhaps this would be a good time to meet the rest of the team that her ladyship has assembled for the Princess ... Hansel, if you would?
(the page runs back into the room and returns with two men ... one is a young, earnest looking man in an unadorned outfit, while the other is a middle-aged, obviously Italian, fop. Lt. Gardier relieves the later of his rapier as he approaches. )
Beauphaup: Exalted ladies, may I present to you Wolfie, a musical genius; and Pietro, as nimble footed as they come. Moosart and Fettuccine, the Ladies Pettygree and Masquerade.
(The men bow .... Fettuccine fluidly and Moosart rather stiffly. At the ladies’ nod Moosart nervously starts to speak).
Moosart: I’ve composed several new waltzes, a fine minuet, and also a fun bransle for the event, your Graces. I hope you will be pleased with them.
Fettuccine, grinning: Fear not, damesoilles! I’ve heard the pieces, and they will be a joy to dance to!
Stuftliana: So you say, Pietro. But without your help, I would be lost. These European dances are so complicated ... and men and women dancing together!
Rosenschnauz (teasingly): Now Stuffy,, relax. Besides, I know that you and Stanken have been practicing. From what I hear, you both enjoyed it a lot!
(General laughter).
Granny, suddenly, loudly, and angrily: Schiezenhauffer! Watch yourself you, you ....
All, surprised: Your Grace?!
Granny, pointing at a somewhat surprised looking soldier / waiter holding a pitcher of beer: Diesen Klunkcopfen Hundende haf on me his beer gespillen!
Beauphaup shouts: Von Whizzen!
(a feldwebel comes from the main room at a run).
Feldwebel: Mein Graf?
Beauphaup: Since this Bauernklopft can’t walk and hold something at the same time, could you assist him back to the guard room?
Feldwebel: Jawhol, Mein Graf. Kommen Sie hier!
(both soldiers exit)
Granny: I am this happy meeting to disrupt so embarrassed! Frau Ewewarp, could you to a quick change assist me?
Ewewarp: Of course! Your Grace. Excuse us please, my ladies all (she gives Lady Pettygree a quick look).
Granny: I am myself forgetting. Perhaps these gracious Gallian ladies would also your deft hand at curing the damages of wind and of travel appreciate?
M. Charade, their youthful attendant: You are gracious, your Grace, I am sure that ...
Lady Pettygree, breaking in: We’d be honored, coming Michelle?
Hesse Seewald
With the kind permission of Der Alte Fritz:
Hesse Seewald is a sister duchy next to Hesse Kassel.
Its approximate boundaries are (North) the Harz Mountains;
(West) the Werra and the Wesel Rivers with Munden being a part of the realm;
(South) the Werra River down as far as Vacha, where the Werra takes a 90
degree turn back to the east;
(East) draw a line from Vacha on the Werra north, just to the west of Gotha
(which is part of Saxe Gotha) and on up to the Unstrut River. Then continue the line northward
fromt the Unstrut to the Harz Mountains.
Recently, the duchies of HS and Saxe Gotha were united following the death of the Herzog of
SG. This will add lands including Gotha and Erfurt and place both banks of the Unstrut in the
HS domains.
The majority of the little duchies in Thuringa have banded together in a military alliance to keep
Saxony and Gallia from over running their lands. The members of the alliance include Saxe
Weimar, Saxe Coburg, Saxe Meiningen, Saxe Gotha and Hesse Seewald. The alliance
covers most of the lands that comprise Thuringia.
Other friendly duchies include Hesse Kassel, Brunswick, Hanover, Anhalt, and Prussia
(Germania),
The Duchy derives significant revenues from tolls from the canal that links the Unstrut to the
Werra. This allows barge traffic on the Elbe to cross to the west and into the Rhine tributaries, a
valuable trade route indeed. There are significant iron, silver and gold deposits in the Harz
Mountains and the nearby Herzeberg and Nordhausen Armouries are world famous for thier
armour and munitions production.
The duchy is quite self sufficient economically and always has a budget surplus, which allows it
to maintain a standing army of 30,000 men at arms. This makes the Duchy one of the most
powerful of the second tier of duchies in the Empire.
Hesse Seewald is a sister duchy next to Hesse Kassel.
Its approximate boundaries are (North) the Harz Mountains;
(West) the Werra and the Wesel Rivers with Munden being a part of the realm;
(South) the Werra River down as far as Vacha, where the Werra takes a 90
degree turn back to the east;
(East) draw a line from Vacha on the Werra north, just to the west of Gotha
(which is part of Saxe Gotha) and on up to the Unstrut River. Then continue the line northward
fromt the Unstrut to the Harz Mountains.
Recently, the duchies of HS and Saxe Gotha were united following the death of the Herzog of
SG. This will add lands including Gotha and Erfurt and place both banks of the Unstrut in the
HS domains.
The majority of the little duchies in Thuringa have banded together in a military alliance to keep
Saxony and Gallia from over running their lands. The members of the alliance include Saxe
Weimar, Saxe Coburg, Saxe Meiningen, Saxe Gotha and Hesse Seewald. The alliance
covers most of the lands that comprise Thuringia.
Other friendly duchies include Hesse Kassel, Brunswick, Hanover, Anhalt, and Prussia
(Germania),
The Duchy derives significant revenues from tolls from the canal that links the Unstrut to the
Werra. This allows barge traffic on the Elbe to cross to the west and into the Rhine tributaries, a
valuable trade route indeed. There are significant iron, silver and gold deposits in the Harz
Mountains and the nearby Herzeberg and Nordhausen Armouries are world famous for thier
armour and munitions production.
The duchy is quite self sufficient economically and always has a budget surplus, which allows it
to maintain a standing army of 30,000 men at arms. This makes the Duchy one of the most
powerful of the second tier of duchies in the Empire.
Chateau du Prince du Charade 23 July 1757
Monday, July 23, 2007
Chateau du Prince du Charade 23 July 1757
Narrator:
It is very late on the 23rd. instant as we find l'Prince du Charade in his bed chamber seated at his writing desk. A solitary candle illuminates the agenda he has just completed for the days ahead. Sitting back gently, he slowly swirls and sips the last of some Chevert wine from a fine crystal glass. Though drowsiness now enters his mind, he rereads matters relating to the Foreign Ministry of Gallia one more time.
#1 Duc de Broglie's remarks about his advance to Minden to engage the Britannians for a second time.
#2 Lt. General Chevert's lettre concerning imminent proposed maneuvers into Hesse-Seewald or Saxe-Raschstein.
#3 l'Intendant Bastille's report on the state of the magazine at Frankfurt Am Main, requests for more garrison units, a particularly strongly worded demand that Regiment Auvergne (2 Bns.)and the Rutowski Chevaulegers linger in the city for a fortnight upon their arrival, the completion of the new large jail and of the shifting and multitudinous attitudes of local authorities, disaffected persons and emigrés. As a sidebar Bastille thinks it best the ball be cancelled and that the ladies Pettygree and Masquerade return home without delay.
#4 Report of the interrogation of the few survivors relative to the apparent Byzantium naval action to burn down all of Paris. Inquire if the attempt was government inspired or if the act was one of madness or vendetta solely on the part of the people involved. Scribbled on the side is a note to compose a demand to the Byzantium ambassador or his counterpart to explain.
#5 Interview with (Gallian) diplomat l'Comte de Rapprochement to learn the nature of the Britannian attack on l'Vengeance off the north coast, the state of the health and mission of the Tragardland diplomat von Bergman so cruelly injured in the aforementioned naval battle and finally Rapprochement's story of the river engagement with the Byzantium ships of Item #4.
#6 Formulation of a stronger response to Saxe-Bearstein should the latter persist in neutrality. Consider asking for monetary contributions for the expense of Gallian treasure and blood incurred in the repulse of Frederick of Germania at Lobositz last November.
#7 Report concerning the whereabouts of Lt. Col. Enigma.
#8 Dinner with the King at the Palace of Versailles.
Narrator:
The Prince sets the glass and agenda down. The candle is snuffed out. He rises, takes a deep breath and takes to his bed. His dear wife opens sleepy eyes, shifts a little and places her arm round his chest. The cover is drawn over them and in seconds both are asleep in the very early morning of the next day.
1 comments:
-
During their sleep, a folded letter without any envelop or backing appears on the Prince's table. It reads as follows:
Your Highness,
Phillipe asks me to warn you to watch the Margravine Rhabbidiers. There's reason to believe that her exile assignment as counsel/legate to Scandalusia was contrived. Her eyes, ears, and mind are as penetrating as her notorious voice.
Y'r servant
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Resistance Brews, Act II, scene 1
The Resistance Brews
Act two:
Scene 1: Street before Ducal residence in city ...
Personna:
Frankszonians:
Lt. Gen. Oscar Meyer
Brig. Nathan
Lady Rosenschnauz
M. Gen. Ziegfeldt von Phaulie
Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot
Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup
Oberst Pfennighalter
Herr Eberhard Kunegunde
Lord Moose Hunter
Page in service of L’Beauphaup
Various Burgomeisters
Gallians:
l'Intendant Bastille: Managing Gallian interests in the city, a tough master
Sgt. Dumas: Bastille's assistant.
Lt. Gardier: Presumably the commander of the de Saxe Uhlans guarding Lady Pettygree
Lt. Col. Enigma: A high ranking officer of the Royal des Carabiniers and something else.
also:
Graf von Fusche de Bergerwart
A troop of the Porcelain Dragoons is drawn up beside the residence, the grenadiers guarding the doors are not in their usual formal poses but are standing at the ready, their muskets at high port.
Carriages are dropping off various well dressed men ...
A troop of Gallian cavalry trots into the area followed by several well mounted Gallian officers.
As the officers dismount, a young page, elaborate dressed and made-up boy, runs down the steps to meet them.
Page: My Lord Bastille! If you would please be so good as to accompany me sir?
Bastille: If it is necessary.
Page: My lord, the Count Beauphaup, has instructed me to see to your needs and to guide you about the palace, my Lord.
Bastille: (going into the palace with the page and his officers) And where is the good Count?
Page: he is helping the Marquise de Hottatrot into the council chamber, my Lord. The Marquis is not yet recovered from his wound.
The party enters into a series of side rooms and comes upon the Hurtzhog and his aides.
Hurtzhog: I am very glad to see you’ve come, my Lord.
Bastille: We are very curious as to the nature of this urgent meeting, your Grace.
Hurtzhog: Ah, yes.... well ... now that you are here, the briefing can begin.
Shall we go in, my Lord? (offers his arm)
Bastille: (remaining at attention does not take the arm) very well, your Grace.
Hurtzhog: (obviously upset at this curt refusal) very good. (turns and raps on another door)
The door is opened from the other side, and the page strides forward into a large room filled with people seated in various ornate chairs near a large table covered with papers.
Page: His Grace Stanken, Hurtzhog von Frankszonia and his Honor, the Intendent Bastille!
(All stand as the ducal party and Gallian officers enter. The Duke leads the Gallian party to the large table ... among the papers, Bastille might notice a rough draft of the plans for the jail).
Hurtzhog: Gentlemen! Before we undertake the serious business of today, I wish to present m’Lord, the Intendent Bastille. We believe that his interests and ours are very closely entwined in this matter.
Crowd: polite murmers ....
Hurtzhog: Richard?
(one of the present grandees, a robust, middle aged man, steps forward)
M’Lord Bastille, may I present the Graf von Fusche de Bergerwart? Richard, the Intendent Bastille.
(They nod curtly to each other across the table).
Hurtzhog: Gentlemen, let us be seated. von Fusche has important matters which he wishes with you to share.
(All others sit down again).
V. Fusche: Gentlemen, yesterday my company of dragoons intercepted a large wagon train. It was for Ficksnore headed, but we have for the trade of that scoundrel, Dilbert, been alert; and one of my officers noted that an agent of Muckiethaler was with the wagons. That agent, unfortunately, evaded capture. The nature of the wagon train itself, however, was most alarming.
(pause while sipping from a wine glass)
Barrels labeled as spices contained gunpowder
(some exclamations from the crowd, neither Hurtzhog nor Bastille changes expression).
Cases labeled “cast iron curios” contained cannon balls or shells.
(More muttering)
Bales labeled “festival bunting” consisted of good coat cloth, dyed in the red of Hungover and Albion.
Burgomeister: Treason!
Others: Caught red handed ... or clothed!
(Bastille notices that a very plump general whose arm is in a sling and another officer, however, confer quietly together. They obviously expected something like this from their mutual nodding)
V. Fusche: It was the nature of the wagons themselves which was most intriguing.
Fhartz: Jah?
V. Fusche: we found that the wagon boxes had been built over and to conceal caissons and limbers. There were enough for two full batteries of 12 pounders!
(Bastille notices that the Hurtzhog gives an angry twitch at this).
Hurtzhog: Thank you, Richard. Now I ask General Meyer to share with you some analysis.
Gen. Meyer: Danke. Gentlemen, these supplies were diversions from those ordered when the Gallian hosts first approached us. The fact that they have been diverted means that our other magazines may possibly also be taken by traitors. The question to be faced is, will this seizure cause them to accelerate or to delay their plans?
The Plump General (Rosenschnauz): (laughing) Hardly! the wives of these lords would kill them if the masquerade is interrupted!! My wife’s connections on that score are very sure!
An austerely dressed burgomeister shakes his head.
Eberhard: General, as much as I esteem your wife, the so called “resistance” is being manipulated from abroad.
A plainly dressed, swarthy, and very tall man rises in the back,
Moose Hunter: (thick accent) The presence of the red cloth confirms what General Rosenschnauz and I already deduced, my lords. This affair is probably being guided by the Hamburger bund.
(Expressions of surprise from many).
Rosenschnauz: Before the Gallian Seewald affair broke into open warfare, you may a brigade of Hungover troops recall that was sent to us against the interruptions of our trade by Limburger. I believe that they did not return to Hungover when we withdrew into the Tann Hills at the arrival of the Gallian hordes, but went into hiding in the forests near Russelheim.
Moose Hunter: They appear to have been reinforced to nearly divisional size. Hence the red cloth.
Gen. Meyer: (alarmed) If we were to try to take a pre-emptive strike on Koenigsberg, they would smash our left!
(Other officers confer in an agitated state).
Hurtzhog: There is other information as well, gentlemen, please.
(The crowd quiets but continues to show agitation)
Hurtzhog: First of all, we happen to know that the Hungover forces, whatever their size, are extremely short of horses and other draft animals. Thanks to the aide of Intendant Bastille, we’ve made a fairly good sweep of useful livestock and brought it under Gallian guard. Secondarily, the rebel forces are rarely battalion size, thus they must converge and organize in Koenigsberg before commencing any operations towards Frankfurt. Third, we’ve managed to disperse several good Hussar squadrons into the country side to provide an alarm should they accelerate their maneuvers.
(the crowd begins to quiet).
Hurtzhog: Now here is where the Gallian presence becomes important. M’Lord Bastille, these men are mostly Protestant adherents to Germania or currently Hesse-Seewald. Given the strength and closeness of Gallian arms as well as their disorganized state, we had not been too alarmed. Tbey’ve called us Gallian puppets, but you know well that we’ve managed to maintain more than a little autonomy so far.
Now, however, the presence of foreign regulars can only mean that some sort of attempt against the depot here is the true target. Our most reliable infantry is already with Gen. Chevert in the field. Due to the civil complications, we can rely upon most of the cavalry but only about four battalions of our infantry.
The documents discovered with these wagons implies that our enemies intended to concentrate on Ficksnore, which is much closer to Frankfurt than Koenigsberg.
We believe that we have three weeks to prepare, however.
Further, since this plot will obviously require Gallian power to thwart, we have gathered our more effective leaders presently in Frankfurt and place them and their forces entirely at your disposal.
(There are some mutters of protest, but the Hurtzhog silences them).
For family reasons, I must withhold the Sage Guard and a few squadrons of Cuirassiers. Until the time of action, however, they have been instructed to obey your orders for the safety of the great ladies coming to the masquerade.
Eberhard: My Lord, the Duke’s decision to hold the masquerade is a sound one ... among other things, it guarantees that several of the rebel leaders will not muster until afterwards ... by which time we will be able to intercept them, and by which time I hope that adequate accommodations may be available to ... ah ... entertain them?
Brig. Nathan: If we can make the battle to seem more a Hungover / Gallian event than some ersatz “free Frankfurt” uprising, pacification will be much easier, and the unrest in the troops much more easily cured.
Gen. Meyer: So, m’Lord, the first question has to be .... do we march on Russelheim right away, or wait until you and unfortunately the enemy can get all your pieces on the board?
(All turn towards the Intendant).
Act two:
Scene 1: Street before Ducal residence in city ...
Personna:
Frankszonians:
Lt. Gen. Oscar Meyer
Brig. Nathan
Lady Rosenschnauz
M. Gen. Ziegfeldt von Phaulie
Francios l'Marquise de Hottatrot
Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup
Oberst Pfennighalter
Herr Eberhard Kunegunde
Lord Moose Hunter
Page in service of L’Beauphaup
Various Burgomeisters
Gallians:
l'Intendant Bastille: Managing Gallian interests in the city, a tough master
Sgt. Dumas: Bastille's assistant.
Lt. Gardier: Presumably the commander of the de Saxe Uhlans guarding Lady Pettygree
Lt. Col. Enigma: A high ranking officer of the Royal des Carabiniers and something else.
also:
Graf von Fusche de Bergerwart
A troop of the Porcelain Dragoons is drawn up beside the residence, the grenadiers guarding the doors are not in their usual formal poses but are standing at the ready, their muskets at high port.
Carriages are dropping off various well dressed men ...
A troop of Gallian cavalry trots into the area followed by several well mounted Gallian officers.
As the officers dismount, a young page, elaborate dressed and made-up boy, runs down the steps to meet them.
Page: My Lord Bastille! If you would please be so good as to accompany me sir?
Bastille: If it is necessary.
Page: My lord, the Count Beauphaup, has instructed me to see to your needs and to guide you about the palace, my Lord.
Bastille: (going into the palace with the page and his officers) And where is the good Count?
Page: he is helping the Marquise de Hottatrot into the council chamber, my Lord. The Marquis is not yet recovered from his wound.
The party enters into a series of side rooms and comes upon the Hurtzhog and his aides.
Hurtzhog: I am very glad to see you’ve come, my Lord.
Bastille: We are very curious as to the nature of this urgent meeting, your Grace.
Hurtzhog: Ah, yes.... well ... now that you are here, the briefing can begin.
Shall we go in, my Lord? (offers his arm)
Bastille: (remaining at attention does not take the arm) very well, your Grace.
Hurtzhog: (obviously upset at this curt refusal) very good. (turns and raps on another door)
The door is opened from the other side, and the page strides forward into a large room filled with people seated in various ornate chairs near a large table covered with papers.
Page: His Grace Stanken, Hurtzhog von Frankszonia and his Honor, the Intendent Bastille!
(All stand as the ducal party and Gallian officers enter. The Duke leads the Gallian party to the large table ... among the papers, Bastille might notice a rough draft of the plans for the jail).
Hurtzhog: Gentlemen! Before we undertake the serious business of today, I wish to present m’Lord, the Intendent Bastille. We believe that his interests and ours are very closely entwined in this matter.
Crowd: polite murmers ....
Hurtzhog: Richard?
(one of the present grandees, a robust, middle aged man, steps forward)
M’Lord Bastille, may I present the Graf von Fusche de Bergerwart? Richard, the Intendent Bastille.
(They nod curtly to each other across the table).
Hurtzhog: Gentlemen, let us be seated. von Fusche has important matters which he wishes with you to share.
(All others sit down again).
V. Fusche: Gentlemen, yesterday my company of dragoons intercepted a large wagon train. It was for Ficksnore headed, but we have for the trade of that scoundrel, Dilbert, been alert; and one of my officers noted that an agent of Muckiethaler was with the wagons. That agent, unfortunately, evaded capture. The nature of the wagon train itself, however, was most alarming.
(pause while sipping from a wine glass)
Barrels labeled as spices contained gunpowder
(some exclamations from the crowd, neither Hurtzhog nor Bastille changes expression).
Cases labeled “cast iron curios” contained cannon balls or shells.
(More muttering)
Bales labeled “festival bunting” consisted of good coat cloth, dyed in the red of Hungover and Albion.
Burgomeister: Treason!
Others: Caught red handed ... or clothed!
(Bastille notices that a very plump general whose arm is in a sling and another officer, however, confer quietly together. They obviously expected something like this from their mutual nodding)
V. Fusche: It was the nature of the wagons themselves which was most intriguing.
Fhartz: Jah?
V. Fusche: we found that the wagon boxes had been built over and to conceal caissons and limbers. There were enough for two full batteries of 12 pounders!
(Bastille notices that the Hurtzhog gives an angry twitch at this).
Hurtzhog: Thank you, Richard. Now I ask General Meyer to share with you some analysis.
Gen. Meyer: Danke. Gentlemen, these supplies were diversions from those ordered when the Gallian hosts first approached us. The fact that they have been diverted means that our other magazines may possibly also be taken by traitors. The question to be faced is, will this seizure cause them to accelerate or to delay their plans?
The Plump General (Rosenschnauz): (laughing) Hardly! the wives of these lords would kill them if the masquerade is interrupted!! My wife’s connections on that score are very sure!
An austerely dressed burgomeister shakes his head.
Eberhard: General, as much as I esteem your wife, the so called “resistance” is being manipulated from abroad.
A plainly dressed, swarthy, and very tall man rises in the back,
Moose Hunter: (thick accent) The presence of the red cloth confirms what General Rosenschnauz and I already deduced, my lords. This affair is probably being guided by the Hamburger bund.
(Expressions of surprise from many).
Rosenschnauz: Before the Gallian Seewald affair broke into open warfare, you may a brigade of Hungover troops recall that was sent to us against the interruptions of our trade by Limburger. I believe that they did not return to Hungover when we withdrew into the Tann Hills at the arrival of the Gallian hordes, but went into hiding in the forests near Russelheim.
Moose Hunter: They appear to have been reinforced to nearly divisional size. Hence the red cloth.
Gen. Meyer: (alarmed) If we were to try to take a pre-emptive strike on Koenigsberg, they would smash our left!
(Other officers confer in an agitated state).
Hurtzhog: There is other information as well, gentlemen, please.
(The crowd quiets but continues to show agitation)
Hurtzhog: First of all, we happen to know that the Hungover forces, whatever their size, are extremely short of horses and other draft animals. Thanks to the aide of Intendant Bastille, we’ve made a fairly good sweep of useful livestock and brought it under Gallian guard. Secondarily, the rebel forces are rarely battalion size, thus they must converge and organize in Koenigsberg before commencing any operations towards Frankfurt. Third, we’ve managed to disperse several good Hussar squadrons into the country side to provide an alarm should they accelerate their maneuvers.
(the crowd begins to quiet).
Hurtzhog: Now here is where the Gallian presence becomes important. M’Lord Bastille, these men are mostly Protestant adherents to Germania or currently Hesse-Seewald. Given the strength and closeness of Gallian arms as well as their disorganized state, we had not been too alarmed. Tbey’ve called us Gallian puppets, but you know well that we’ve managed to maintain more than a little autonomy so far.
Now, however, the presence of foreign regulars can only mean that some sort of attempt against the depot here is the true target. Our most reliable infantry is already with Gen. Chevert in the field. Due to the civil complications, we can rely upon most of the cavalry but only about four battalions of our infantry.
The documents discovered with these wagons implies that our enemies intended to concentrate on Ficksnore, which is much closer to Frankfurt than Koenigsberg.
We believe that we have three weeks to prepare, however.
Further, since this plot will obviously require Gallian power to thwart, we have gathered our more effective leaders presently in Frankfurt and place them and their forces entirely at your disposal.
(There are some mutters of protest, but the Hurtzhog silences them).
For family reasons, I must withhold the Sage Guard and a few squadrons of Cuirassiers. Until the time of action, however, they have been instructed to obey your orders for the safety of the great ladies coming to the masquerade.
Eberhard: My Lord, the Duke’s decision to hold the masquerade is a sound one ... among other things, it guarantees that several of the rebel leaders will not muster until afterwards ... by which time we will be able to intercept them, and by which time I hope that adequate accommodations may be available to ... ah ... entertain them?
Brig. Nathan: If we can make the battle to seem more a Hungover / Gallian event than some ersatz “free Frankfurt” uprising, pacification will be much easier, and the unrest in the troops much more easily cured.
Gen. Meyer: So, m’Lord, the first question has to be .... do we march on Russelheim right away, or wait until you and unfortunately the enemy can get all your pieces on the board?
(All turn towards the Intendant).
Monday, July 16, 2007
Plumbitis
Reports indicated that the Hurtzhog Fahrtz is slightly indisposed ...
After attending the Holy Happy Hour with the Later in the Day Saints clergy, he was taken to the Summer's day Fish Fry held by the Holy Order of Fishermen, the Anglericans.
Shortly after this event, he was afflicted with a bout of Plumbitis ... in which the lead from all his brass precipitates and settles in the seat of his pants ....
:)
A
After attending the Holy Happy Hour with the Later in the Day Saints clergy, he was taken to the Summer's day Fish Fry held by the Holy Order of Fishermen, the Anglericans.
Shortly after this event, he was afflicted with a bout of Plumbitis ... in which the lead from all his brass precipitates and settles in the seat of his pants ....
:)
A
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
By Order of l'Intendant l'Comte de Bastille, Military Governor of Frankfurt Am Main. 24 July 1757.
In honour the friendship between Gallia and Frankzonia, military units and officers of both nations at Frankfurt Am Main are to assemble on the Marschfeld on the north side of the city for special celebrations and speeches.
July 25, 1757 Schedule
1:00 Assembly on Marschfeld
2:00 Parade (Frankzonians leading)
3:00 Speeches
4:00 Feu de joie
5:00 Retreat
Ordre de bataille facing the city and reviewing stand ten toises north of the main road running east and west:
On The Right: Frankzonian Units
On The Left: Gallian Units
Cavalry: On the wings
I have the honor to be,
l'Comte de Bastille
in the Citadel of Frankfurt Am Main
July 24, 2007 10:26 PM
Please be advised that Major Karl von Lager (currently attached to the Saxe-Bearstein Consulate as a military attache) will be attending the masquerade.
He is the second son of Maj. Gen. Otto von Lager of Saxe-Bearstein, 26 years old, tall, dark hair but blue eyes and is rather stiff and shy around ladies of noble birth (and less shy around common girls).
July 24, 2007 11:55 PM