tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29884840686607684532024-03-13T12:50:13.494-07:00Duchy of GrolsteinAn account of an Imaginary Duchy of the 18th century.littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-62886693017604252502009-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:002009-06-19T19:41:29.024-07:00Battle of Grosse Kirchbaum- Part II<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjwqvmnYvrI/AAAAAAAABLU/m1ujy7r4UUw/s1600-h/DSC05152.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjwqvmnYvrI/AAAAAAAABLU/m1ujy7r4UUw/s320/DSC05152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349197454717271730" border="0" /></a><br />...<span style="font-style: italic;">continued from part I...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The lone rider picks his way carefully around the outskirts of the now thundering battle, avoiding any encounter with roving Bleiherzener patrols...he makes his way to a ford known only to locals, (the crowns he paid the old miller for the location of the ford weeks ago now pay off!</span><span style="font-style: italic;">...the rider approaches the ford, now defended by a party of Grolstein Croats who had discovered the ford accidentally. The Croats are suspicious...and take a couple of pot shots at the rider but fail to bring him down...fortunately for him the officer in command of the Croats had been told to be on the lookout for just such a rider approaching from the Bleiherzen side of the river and he manages to stop the firing just in time...</span><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7sJja0sI/AAAAAAAABK8/byGNZXAs9XI/s1600-h/DSC05156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7sJja0sI/AAAAAAAABK8/byGNZXAs9XI/s320/DSC05156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316130981270210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The lone rider reaches the ford and despite some initial suspicion on the part of the Croats guarding the ford, the rider is allowed to pass...it seems the Croats are after bigger game...the Bleiherzen right flank!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7rWr1WOI/AAAAAAAABKk/krGX1irCJoQ/s1600-h/DSC05147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7rWr1WOI/AAAAAAAABKk/krGX1irCJoQ/s320/DSC05147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316117326354658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">...the first major clash in the battle occurs when the Duchess' Cuirassiers charge in to the countercharging Koniggratz Dragoons who, after a wild melee and outnumbered 2-1 are scattered...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vkKOQCI/AAAAAAAABKU/bQujnPNKtyc/s1600-h/DSC05158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vkKOQCI/AAAAAAAABKU/bQujnPNKtyc/s320/DSC05158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347315090151325730" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the main body of Grolstein infantry then try to force the center ford... the seemingly "musketball proof" Colonel Jaehde leads his infantry regiment across the river in column...many in his regiment feel like he has a personal score to settle with the Bleiherzenmanner...a Hungarian ally regiment in the distance marches towards the bridge</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Sjww_gPZWbI/AAAAAAAABLc/jSR38Sv8NoU/s1600-h/DSC05153.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Sjww_gPZWbI/AAAAAAAABLc/jSR38Sv8NoU/s320/DSC05153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349204324953708978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7r61sE2I/AAAAAAAABK0/bLBj5hwdrNc/s1600-h/DSC05155.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7r61sE2I/AAAAAAAABK0/bLBj5hwdrNc/s320/DSC05155.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316127031366498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the fire from the Bleiherzen jagers is hot...and the arrival of a regiment of Bleiherzen fusiliers makes it all the hotter...<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7rjzTtfI/AAAAAAAABKs/9SeY2yOPTBc/s1600-h/DSC05154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7rjzTtfI/AAAAAAAABKs/9SeY2yOPTBc/s320/DSC05154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316120847365618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">French mercenaries in the service of Grolstein are the first to contest the bridge and their fire causes some casualties in the defending Bleiherzen infantry.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vQKEPlI/AAAAAAAABKM/HtgdwtBAPvM/s1600-h/DSC05166.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vQKEPlI/AAAAAAAABKM/HtgdwtBAPvM/s320/DSC05166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347315084781960786" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Hungarian Regiment Esterhazy closes in on the bridge crossing...<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vOkXyrI/AAAAAAAABKE/ysRbvsVfwck/s1600-h/DSC05165.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6vOkXyrI/AAAAAAAABKE/ysRbvsVfwck/s320/DSC05165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347315084355422898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Grand Duchess' artillery commanded by Major Glücklicher Schuss pound the enemy's positions across the river...<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6v4IzJoI/AAAAAAAABKc/qSpBonTePgY/s1600-h/DSC05160.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV6v4IzJoI/AAAAAAAABKc/qSpBonTePgY/s320/DSC05160.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347315095514064514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">French mercenaries offer a hot skirmish at the bridge.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjxHDVvVBzI/AAAAAAAABLs/fWBIgsLpuKg/s1600-h/DSC05161.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjxHDVvVBzI/AAAAAAAABLs/fWBIgsLpuKg/s320/DSC05161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349228580110141234" border="0" /></a>...<span style="font-style: italic;">and Colonel Jaehde's regiment is decimated at the rivers edge and forced to retire...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrBB83nZI/AAAAAAAABJc/Y6YHf0ZPh64/s1600-h/DSC05175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrBB83nZI/AAAAAAAABJc/Y6YHf0ZPh64/s320/DSC05175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347297798020111762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">As survivors of his fine regiment retreat back across the river,<br />Jaehde is heard to shout</span>, " Wir kommen zurück!" (we will return!!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrB2nd2RI/AAAAAAAABJs/7TpP4_H0Mv0/s1600-h/DSC05174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrB2nd2RI/AAAAAAAABJs/7TpP4_H0Mv0/s320/DSC05174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347297812157421842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">meanwhile, the Duchess' Cuirassiers reform and make a charge on the bridge</span>...<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrCFPw6sI/AAAAAAAABJ0/_qOI6Oe-4Pk/s1600-h/DSC05171.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrCFPw6sI/AAAAAAAABJ0/_qOI6Oe-4Pk/s320/DSC05171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347297816084540098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrBpmaJ8I/AAAAAAAABJk/IcWwv7kM1Q0/s1600-h/DSC05173.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrBpmaJ8I/AAAAAAAABJk/IcWwv7kM1Q0/s320/DSC05173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347297808663324610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">a glorious charge!...but they are shattered by Bleiherzen musketry!</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrA8YP4BI/AAAAAAAABJU/EhFE5RGWeqk/s1600-h/DSC05176.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjVrA8YP4BI/AAAAAAAABJU/EhFE5RGWeqk/s320/DSC05176.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347297796524335122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">At the height of the battle, the lone rider on a lathered horse gallops up to the Commander of the Grolstein Army...with a critical message for the Grand Duchess!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7sYxtsoI/AAAAAAAABLE/AaDUtdEtz0I/s1600-h/DSC05178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV7sYxtsoI/AAAAAAAABLE/AaDUtdEtz0I/s320/DSC05178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316135067759234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV73NhUmDI/AAAAAAAABLM/SAblpQ-C-1Y/s1600-h/DSC05179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SjV73NhUmDI/AAAAAAAABLM/SAblpQ-C-1Y/s320/DSC05179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347316321024776242" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Hungarians finally throw their weight across the bridge and charge the Bleiherzen infantry regiment (now weakened by the fire of the enemy light infantry) and in a fierce melee, drive them off and make good the crossing to win the battle...the Bleiherzeners just manage to save their artillery and leave the field to Grolstein!</span><br /><br />...no word yet as to the contents of the message...<br /></div>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-11559058440444247972009-06-06T17:00:00.001-07:002009-06-09T19:30:31.090-07:00The Duchess Opens the Ball-Battle of Grosse Kirchbaum Part I<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIVizuZTI/AAAAAAAABIE/X-hrapyuwU8/s1600-h/DSC05136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIVizuZTI/AAAAAAAABIE/X-hrapyuwU8/s320/DSC05136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344726392740144434" border="0" /></a><br />The Grand Army of Grolstein under Field Marshal Mienrad Schwerertrinker made a bold thrust across the frontier to open the Grand Duchess' summer campaign against the Konigsreich. Based on recent reports from patrolling hussars, the Field Marshal reckoned that the bridge near the town of Grosse Kirchbaum was lightly held and could potentially be taken by a surprise<span style="font-style: italic;"> coup de main</span>, making the way for a deeper thrust into Bleiherzen proper. The general had at his disposal 2 regiments of infantry, the Grand Duchess' Own Cuirassier Regiment, a strong body of Croats, a unit of French Freicorps mercenaries and Major Glücklicherschuß and his battery of red-coated Grolstein Artillery.<br /><br />With this small force the Field Marshal hoped to catch the Blieherzeners unprepared at dawn....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIVAg4nYI/AAAAAAAABH8/WYXQIi1Ksoo/s1600-h/DSC05137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIVAg4nYI/AAAAAAAABH8/WYXQIi1Ksoo/s320/DSC05137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344726383534316930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the Grolsteiner column masses outside the town of Grosse Kirchbaum<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIU4Lv_qI/AAAAAAAABH0/enI34q2aa6E/s1600-h/DSC05138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIU4Lv_qI/AAAAAAAABH0/enI34q2aa6E/s320/DSC05138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344726381298187938" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">a surprise encounter between the mercenary Freicorps and a Bleiherzen squadron of dragoons doing their morning reconniassance across the critical bridge opens the ball...</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIUmk4YnI/AAAAAAAABHs/bszcNEJnt9g/s1600-h/DSC05139.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixIUmk4YnI/AAAAAAAABHs/bszcNEJnt9g/s320/DSC05139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344726376571757170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bleiherzener Jagers hold a ford just upriver from the bridge</span>,<span style="font-style: italic;"> the village of Neu Jagow in the background held where a Bleiherzener howitzer is posted</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH1Nx3CXI/AAAAAAAABHM/BaJr0o-eKXw/s1600-h/DSC05143.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH1Nx3CXI/AAAAAAAABHM/BaJr0o-eKXw/s320/DSC05143.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344725837339363698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">the Duchess' Own Cuirassiers<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH08hh7xI/AAAAAAAABHE/xnZsQI5skBs/s1600-h/DSC05145.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH08hh7xI/AAAAAAAABHE/xnZsQI5skBs/s320/DSC05145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344725832707469074" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Field Marshall watches Colonal Jahde's musketeers move through Grosse Kirchbaum</span><br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH0hf-kQI/AAAAAAAABG8/d4owSZAqRYE/s1600-h/DSC05146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SixH0hf-kQI/AAAAAAAABG8/d4owSZAqRYE/s320/DSC05146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344725825453199618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">meanwhile a lone horseman gallops through the morning mist stealthily using the woods as cover...what can he be up to?</span><br /></div>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-60656980006923363352009-03-27T20:00:00.001-07:002009-03-28T07:35:38.242-07:00Like Lazarus Back From the Dead<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Sc2TAfTwi9I/AAAAAAAAAw8/N418avgN1Tg/s1600-h/DSC04692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Sc2TAfTwi9I/AAAAAAAAAw8/N418avgN1Tg/s400/DSC04692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318068371608079314" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Citizens were today amazed by the sight of the gallant <span style="font-style: italic;">and presumed dead</span> Colonel Jaehde (wearing a muddy and much holed coat ) riding in to Drossen today with a small escort of Hussars. The young officer in charge of the escort told of finding the Colonel lying unconscious on the battlefield partially covered by the bodies of two more unfortunate Grolteiner musketeers after the battle was so gloriously won by Grolstein. The hussars had been tasked with combing the field for the wounded the evening after the battle. After driving off a party of scavenging Konigreich Jagers the hussars spotted the colonel and, thinking him dead, decided to bring his body in. As they hefted him on to the back of one of the stray horses still grazing the field, the presumably dead man groaned! The hussars gathered round and revived him with a bit of <span style="font-style: italic;">schnapps</span> from a canteen....and the young officer, certainly now thinking of promotion, said, <span style="font-style: italic;">"Let's get this lucky fellow home!"</span>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-18021954433610593172009-03-24T17:18:00.000-07:002009-03-24T17:41:50.283-07:00First Action<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6_M8Q69I/AAAAAAAAAw0/DV2eJcpoSlo/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-4PYmHI/AAAAAAAAAws/RSgN1SnV_VY/s1600-h/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-4PYmHI/AAAAAAAAAws/RSgN1SnV_VY/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316916055754971250" border="0" /></a><br />Sad news today from the frontier, Colonel Konrad Jaehde today was killed in action as his regiment gallantly defended a supply column. Colonel Jaehde was recently made the <span style="font-style: italic;">commandant</span> of the first Grolstein regiment of infantry. This was the Regiment's first time in action and by all accounts performed heroically despite its colonel falling in the first volley. The Austrian column was being escorted through Grolstein territory and Regiment Jaehde was brigaded with a Hungarian unit that also performed well in the battle.<br /><br />No word from the Grand Duchess as to who might replace the colonel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6_M8Q69I/AAAAAAAAAw0/DV2eJcpoSlo/s1600-h/IMG_0202.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6_M8Q69I/AAAAAAAAAw0/DV2eJcpoSlo/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316916061311921106" border="0" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Colonel Jaehde leads his regiment into action moments before he is felled by a Blieherzener volley.</span></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-8Adf9I/AAAAAAAAAwk/lKXEilRRw4c/s1600-h/IMG_0206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-8Adf9I/AAAAAAAAAwk/lKXEilRRw4c/s320/IMG_0206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316916056766119890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hungarian infantry defend the tail of the column, with the Grolsteiners rallying near the bridge (upper far right) after briefly faltering upon the death of their Colonel.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-uMC6HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/bYBwjxDQsSE/s1600-h/IMG_0207.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/Scl6-uMC6HI/AAAAAAAAAwc/bYBwjxDQsSE/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316916053056612466" border="0" /></a><br />....buying time for the supply column's escape<span style="font-style: italic;">, Austrians and Hungarians resist the pursuing Prussian/Bleiherzen force with steady volleys..</span>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-36618935279422293792009-02-16T18:29:00.000-08:002009-02-16T19:45:54.273-08:00Infantry Regiment Jaehde<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6xAfaEI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZMOJW0GO20M/s1600-h/DSC04692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6xAfaEI/AAAAAAAAAm0/ZMOJW0GO20M/s320/DSC04692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303605297328121922" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow5yDotHI/AAAAAAAAAmk/vhpKPLN2ThM/s1600-h/DSC04684.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow5yDotHI/AAAAAAAAAmk/vhpKPLN2ThM/s320/DSC04684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303605280429880434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Colonel Konrad Jaehde today was made <span style="font-style: italic;">commandant</span> of the first Grolstein regiment of infantry. Regiment Jaehde paraded on the cold, windy drillfield (<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >strangely green for this time of year</span>...) outside of Drossen in their fine new uniforms recently delivered by Grolstein's Chief of Tailors, Herr Muffinger. Rumors are that this regiment will be off to the frontier within the week.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow5hsZABI/AAAAAAAAAmc/QRBhStTgFy4/s1600-h/DSC04683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow5hsZABI/AAAAAAAAAmc/QRBhStTgFy4/s320/DSC04683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303605276037414930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6V8Dq0I/AAAAAAAAAms/pDYPcA6b1aY/s1600-h/DSC04686.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6V8Dq0I/AAAAAAAAAms/pDYPcA6b1aY/s320/DSC04686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303605290061769538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6-0yfrI/AAAAAAAAAm8/oG2PUzPMJCg/s1600-h/DSC04687.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SZow6-0yfrI/AAAAAAAAAm8/oG2PUzPMJCg/s320/DSC04687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303605301037137586" border="0" /></a>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-43260519342514937102009-02-07T05:18:00.000-08:002009-02-07T07:53:25.118-08:00A Visit from the Duchess<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SY2uYDKB6mI/AAAAAAAAAlM/cJ21rMxaaQE/s1600-h/DSC04669.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SY2uYDKB6mI/AAAAAAAAAlM/cJ21rMxaaQE/s320/DSC04669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300084064672410210" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Mon dieu, il est beau!" </span><span style="font-style: italic;">, the Grand Duchess softly said...</span><br /><br />...surprising several of her attendants during a morning visit to Grolstein's Chief of Tailors, Herr Muffefinger. The Duchess, not given to public outbursts, (normally being a careful and discreet woman), astonished courtiers within earshot even reporting that the Duchess showed a slight flush to her normally pale complexion.<br /><br />Herr Muffefinger had been working day and night to finish the first uniform of the new Grolstein musketeer regiment knowing that the Duchess wanted to personally approve the new design. Though interest throughout the Grolstein Officer Corps for the new post of <span style="font-style: italic;">Commandant</span> has been most intense, the Duchess has yet reveal her choice for the new regiment. But with news of the Duchess' attention, competition will most certainly gain a fever pitch. Hopefully, despite their obvious zeal, those hot-blooded fellows will not revive the reprehensible practice dueling again!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Grand Duchess is rumored to have, without a word, handed Herr Muffefinger a small red velvet purse just before stepping into to her coach...she inclined her head slightly toward him and wispered, "Sie haben sich Herr Muffefinger übertroffen."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">...Muffefinger was reportedly revived by his apprentices several minutes later.</span>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-6256076822636619932009-02-05T17:09:00.001-08:002009-02-05T17:20:47.788-08:00The "Point" of the Duchess' Sword<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SYuN_PYGv-I/AAAAAAAAAk0/3f7ACQAJgH8/s1600-h/DSC04666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SYuN_PYGv-I/AAAAAAAAAk0/3f7ACQAJgH8/s320/DSC04666.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299485504130432994" border="0" /></a>The High Command of the Army of Grolstein reviewing troops in the field. On the left is CinC Field Marshal Mienrad Schwerertrinker and two unnamed ADCs rumored to be political appointments directly requested by the Duchess. The Field Marshall is unhappy with having unknown and untested men in his command entourage but he has no choice but to obey the wishes of the Duchess, who can be <span style="font-style: italic;">most</span> convincing...<br /><br />On the training grounds near the Grolstein capitol of <span style="font-style: italic;">Drossen</span>, a new regiment of musketeers are being put through their initial training. They are seen here waiting to receive their uniforms...which are yet to be delivered from the tailors.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SYuN_cSoQLI/AAAAAAAAAk8/OZb_7Afhgik/s1600-h/DSC04665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SYuN_cSoQLI/AAAAAAAAAk8/OZb_7Afhgik/s320/DSC04665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299485507597123762" border="0" /></a>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-71672797811593341402009-01-27T14:55:00.000-08:002009-01-27T16:37:39.429-08:00Victory for Grostein!If the lathered horseman clattering into the <span style="font-style: italic;">Zentraler Marktplatz</span> of the capitol today shouting <span style="font-style: italic;">"Victory for Grolstein!...</span> is to be believed, the Duchess will have much to be pleased with this day. The Bleiherzen raiders are believed defeated in a sharp action on our Eastern borders.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-n6NFd2pI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/VJNXTwJbSf0/s1600-h/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-n6NFd2pI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/VJNXTwJbSf0/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296136305197832850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-n5m3B2TI/AAAAAAAAAeA/BWKwgGx6rW8/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-n5m3B2TI/AAAAAAAAAeA/BWKwgGx6rW8/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296136294936729906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">the Duchess' cuirassiers along with Austrian mercenary dragoons mass for the charge...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SIwER24I/AAAAAAAAAc4/gvSLhkpSlOE/s1600-h/IMG_0032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SIwER24I/AAAAAAAAAc4/gvSLhkpSlOE/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296112365850450818" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">The Duchess' curassiers and allied Austrian Dragoons charge a large body of Bleiherzen Dragoons outside the village of Schermissel...</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJJf-OtI/AAAAAAAAAdA/JjhRpvMmTB0/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJJf-OtI/AAAAAAAAAdA/JjhRpvMmTB0/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296112372677491410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The Grolsteiners win the cavalry fight...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-TTJZ3ieI/AAAAAAAAAdg/-w6LaaOhFP0/s1600-h/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-TTJZ3ieI/AAAAAAAAAdg/-w6LaaOhFP0/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296113643962206690" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and pursue with Hussars...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJf708KI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/DrO7jkcTKUA/s1600-h/IMG_0040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJf708KI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/DrO7jkcTKUA/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296112378699903138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">until the Curassiers are met with a devastating volley from the Erbprinz Fusilier Regiment von Kluge...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJ8Huj_I/AAAAAAAAAdY/LICJFZwWB_M/s1600-h/IMG_0036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJ8Huj_I/AAAAAAAAAdY/LICJFZwWB_M/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296112386266009586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hungarian in the service of the Duchess arrive on the field...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJZPrxDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/zuXwarPOafY/s1600-h/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-SJZPrxDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/zuXwarPOafY/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296112376904139826" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">an artillery battery of Grolstein pounds the village of Schermissel to root out an "infestation" Bleiherzen jagers</span>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-TTCEoarI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Ybpg8VoygZk/s1600-h/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SX-TTCEoarI/AAAAAAAAAdo/Ybpg8VoygZk/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296113641994087090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">in the final stages of the battle Grenz mercenaries dispatch diehards of the Bleiherzen jagers who refuse quarter.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">...and thus the Action at Schermissel ends gloriously for the men of Grolstein!</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-13958807533354745872008-12-30T18:00:00.000-08:002009-01-18T18:01:25.717-08:00The Territory in Question<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SWTf7MaMGeI/AAAAAAAAAWA/ZaFQKVnMRe4/s1600-h/The-Countries2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SWTf7MaMGeI/AAAAAAAAAWA/ZaFQKVnMRe4/s320/The-Countries2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288598070476151266" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Duchess' <span style="font-style: italic;">Minister of Roads, Bridges and Borders</span> has recently unveiled the newest map of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Grand Duchy of Grolstein </span>showing its strategic position in Eastern Europe astride the logistical routes that Frederick of Prussia must use to satisfy his demands for horseflesh from Western Poland. Those horses are critical to his war effort against Austria and Russia and control of the routes to the <span style="font-style: italic;">Oder River</span> will figure prominently in the Duchess' war efforts against her neighbor the <span style="font-style: italic;">Konigsreich der Bleiherzen.<br /><br />(Gaming notes: The location of Grolstein and Bleiherzen are predicated on a hypothetical "strategic border" along the Oder River that would be necessary for the Prussian's to control in order to have access to Polish horses from the east to resupply their cavalry and the Austrian's need to interdict this critical resource...thus the invention of two small nations that find themselves in a critical point in world events yet still able to pursue their own local interests...like the Duchess' interest in expanding her strength—and her access to soldiers—by annexing a nearby country. The grid indicated on the more detailed map is approximately a 4 mile grid...and the grid squares will correspond "loosely" to a 4'x4' section on my gaming table...even though this will involve some compression of scale when a battle is set up. The map I used was a section of Silesia from a historical map...but with enough detail to give an approximate table terrain for each square and reasonable march distances for campaigning. This should be a good basis for long term campaigning and intervention by the larger neighbors. The Konigsreich is more wooded in keeping with the Bleiherzlanders penchant for woodcraft and "klienkrieg"...and Grolstein is more open terrain, and more suitable for large scale cavalry operations...a favorite of the Duchess)...I'm still working out major cities and terrain...more refinements to come!<br /><br /></span></span>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-70425506154396409382008-12-29T18:02:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:35:42.470-08:00The Grolsteiner's Finest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCfoN6PyI/AAAAAAAAAT4/SsNqAkjc3bA/s1600-h/DSC04527.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCfoN6PyI/AAAAAAAAAT4/SsNqAkjc3bA/s320/DSC04527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285399117579304738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCfE9ybvI/AAAAAAAAATw/JCIqoTQ45r0/s1600-h/DSC04526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCfE9ybvI/AAAAAAAAATw/JCIqoTQ45r0/s320/DSC04526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285399108116442866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCemoOnlI/AAAAAAAAATo/1XAmkeckwm0/s1600-h/DSC04524.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVmCemoOnlI/AAAAAAAAATo/1XAmkeckwm0/s320/DSC04524.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285399099972951634" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Duchess today was notified that her long promised Regiment of Cuirassiers has completed their training and are ready for battle! The unit is 2 squadrons strong, display coat facings in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Duchess Maria Marlene der Grolstein's </span>favorite color of carmine red. Commanded by Colonel Hans Grothaus, Kurassier Regiment 1 is the premier unit of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Grolsteiner</span> army. KR1 also proudly carry the new cavalry guidons of Grolstein. Court rumors have strongly suggested that Colonel Grothaus is romantically entangled with the Duchess, but so far, being a very taciturn bookish man, he has remained silent on the matter...<br /><br />Painting comment: I'm going with a heavy gloss coat (Krylon Triple Thick Gloss) on the RSMs. It seems to give the figures a real depth and "fine toy soldier" look that I'm going for with my ImagiNations.<br /><br />A map of the states is soon forthcoming as military engineers on both sides of the disputed territory strive to produce the necessary information that will create a decisive advantage.littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-22649093645204020432008-12-23T15:37:00.001-08:002008-12-23T15:42:01.761-08:00The New Flag of Grolstein<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVF2apyXIyI/AAAAAAAAATY/4RQ7GxZxe_c/s1600-h/Grolstein.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVF2apyXIyI/AAAAAAAAATY/4RQ7GxZxe_c/s320/Grolstein.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283134038148064034" /></a><br />The new flag of the Duchy of Grolstein, with a nod to the big sister states of Austria and Russia... The Duchess considers any fighting under the symbol of the moon to be kindred in spirit as well as fact!littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-47431451463635599812008-12-23T13:09:00.001-08:002008-12-23T14:03:16.759-08:00The Duchess Must Not Be Resisted!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFUsEAb1TI/AAAAAAAAATQ/WRefxXuyFZ0/s1600-h/DSC04500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFUsEAb1TI/AAAAAAAAATQ/WRefxXuyFZ0/s320/DSC04500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283096953848845618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFUAIaC6AI/AAAAAAAAATI/la3LLWVd4vU/s1600-h/DSC04496.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFUAIaC6AI/AAAAAAAAATI/la3LLWVd4vU/s320/DSC04496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283096199115761666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_6vKmuI/AAAAAAAAATA/iw1zUoGVax4/s1600-h/DSC04502.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_6vKmuI/AAAAAAAAATA/iw1zUoGVax4/s320/DSC04502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283096195446250210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_oavNkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Q_40FllIffc/s1600-h/DSC04495.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_oavNkI/AAAAAAAAAS4/Q_40FllIffc/s320/DSC04495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283096190528730690" border="0" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Austrian Freicorps in the service of Grolstein..</span>.</div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_UTa4oI/AAAAAAAAASw/jg5aFF2TSSA/s1600-h/DSC04494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SVFT_UTa4oI/AAAAAAAAASw/jg5aFF2TSSA/s320/DSC04494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283096185129329282" border="0" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Grolstein forces at present are composed mainly of Austrian mercenaries but soon the Duchess will have her own...</span></div><br />The Duchess hopes her lads will gain a foothold in Bleiherzen territory before the new year. Her light infantry is second to none (with her Austrian allies help...) She has assured Maria Teresa that her forces will be built up before spring, but in the meantime she relies on Austria for her manpower.</div></div>littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-77164245624330178472008-12-21T15:31:00.000-08:002008-12-21T16:12:07.954-08:00The Duchess' Christmas Surprise!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SU7SqrcV4nI/AAAAAAAAARI/tWGHpJAX2ho/s1600-h/IMG_0419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SU7SqrcV4nI/AAAAAAAAARI/tWGHpJAX2ho/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282391043610108530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From your Majesty's agent,</span> 1756<br /><br />The Grand Duchess, (whose intentions seem to this correspondent to be inexplicably motivated at this late time in the year, it being so near <span style="font-style: italic;">Crīstes mæsse)</span> has ordered her advance guard to cross the River Neuer and renew hostilities against the Königreich der Bleiherzen. As the Duchess has been heard to say, "<span style="font-style: italic;">those young men to the west...benötigen Sie etwas liebevolle Aufmerksamkeit!</span>" (<span style="font-style: italic;">need some loving attention</span>)...littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2988484068660768453.post-79089251636259952222008-12-21T15:22:00.000-08:002008-12-21T15:24:18.083-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SUSgVb45nsI/AAAAAAAAAOw/avRcQZf1P50/s1600-h/240px-La_Grande-Duchesse_de_G%C3%A9rolstein.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_y_hPwsAxmUM/SUSgVb45nsI/AAAAAAAAAOw/avRcQZf1P50/s320/240px-La_Grande-Duchesse_de_G%C3%A9rolstein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279520953309175490" border="0" /></a><br />Could this formidable creature be the Monarch of the world's newest ImagiNation...she certainly seems bellicose enough.... and her appetite for soldiers....mon dieu!...and what unfortunate state is fated to be the target of her attentions! Who knows...perhaps news from our agents before the month is out?littlejohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02469282002961211617noreply@blogger.com0