Kingdom of Stagonia

Examining the Archives

2010-09-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

King Ludwig was going through some old records when he came across an account of a Stagonian raid into the Duchy of the North. (It should be noted that the king did not think of his nation as "vile" . . . one of the ways in which he is almost unique).

He carefully opened the report and began to read . . . .

. . . (Translation . . . we will be fighting a battle this coming Sunday using Clarence Harrison's "Victory Without Quarter" rules for the ECW. However, since I don't have any ECW figures, I will be using late Renaissance figures and we will place the battle in the early-mid 17th century. An account will follow next week.)

-- Jeff

Oh, the Vilest of Schemes is Afoot

2010-06-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

"So, my dear, does that imbecile of a Grand Duke have any idea?"

"No, my Love, my agents report that he dotes on that little snuff box. Further, that he insisted on holding it in his portrait so that it is quite visible . . . and we made sure that several Zichenauers viewed the portrait."

"And now they are invading! How delightfully devious your are, my dear Duchess."

"Indeed, my sweet, and now this will facilitate your plans, won't it."

"Most vilely, Love. Most very vilely."

Oppertunity for Vileness Knocks

2010-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

"The reports are confirmed, Your Majesty. Zichenauer is massing troops on the Stollenian border."

"Good, very good. And I presume that that fool, the Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus, will mass his entire army to face them."

"One would presume so, Sire."

"Indeed. Inform my generals that I wish to see them. There is an opportunity here for . . . . "

"For what, Your Majesty?"

"Why, vileness, sir. Vileness . . . what else?"

Holidays? Bah, humbug!

2009-12-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

In the depths of Stagonia's vile Nochtswan Castle (pictured at left -- click for a larger image), Ludwig du Vile, the young king of Stagonia, cursed the holidays.

"Why are the peasants so joyful because of this "Christmas" nonsense?"

"I need to find out. Go, get me a dozen or so assorted peasants. I'll torture them on my new 'Stollen rack'. " (at his words, some of his vile courtiers left to fetch the required peasants).

Giggling, the mad monarch (seen at left) continued, "Wouldn't Irwin Amadeus be furious if he knew to what purpose I've put his precious timbers?"

Now alone, Koenig Ludwig mused about his future plans. Where would his mighty troops strike next?

"I could strike Stollen again. The Elector of Zichenau has been after me to coordinate something vile like last year. I could attack Frankszonia but there are all of those Gallian troops nearby. "

"Let me see, Wittenberg is rather weak right now, perhaps I should hit them? Or what about . . . yes, that might be a very nasty move."

Grinning from ear to ear, his vileness mused, "Why Christmas IS a wonderful time . . . it gives me such ideas." But before he could complete his thoughts, his courtiers returned with the peasants he would torture.

Waiting is So Frustrating

2009-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Koenig Ludwig of the Kingdom of Stagonia was in a foul mood as he railed in the presence of both the Duchess and his foul mother.

"I hate this. I don't know if my plots will have had time to develop with the change in scheduling. Why did the Grand Tour have to bypass Wittenberg?"

"Well my plots are in the same situation" complained the frustrated Duchess of Saschen-Vindow, Ludwig's lover and would-be queen.

"Children, don't fret," purred Ludwig's evil mother (formerly a member of the de Sade family), "My plots have been prepared for months . . . and they are fiendish. All we need do is to wait for the vile news."

"But I HATE waiting, Mother . . . and I wish I could see the mayhem."

"Grand Tour" Plans

2009-06-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

"Will the 'Frankszonian Incident' be ready in time?" growled the Vile King to his Foreign Minister. "The Grand Tour will be arriving sooner than expected due to the Wittenberg fiasco."

"There's no way to know at this point, sire. We'll just have to wait and hope." replied the harried minister.

"Patience, my dear" cooed the Duchess . . . "if the timing isn't right in Frankszonia, you'll think of something equally clever for later."

"But I hate waiting," snarled Koenig Ludwig.

"Sad" News Reaches Stagonia

2009-06-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

After receiving a message, Koenig Ludwig of Stagonia sent for his mistress, the Duchess of Saschen-Vindow.

"You sent for me?" purred the behatted beauty (see photo at left).

"Indeed, my dear. I have just had some bad news." replied the vile king.

"Oh? What news is that?" replied the Duchess.

"A death." sighed Ludwig,

"Well that happens. Who died."

"A young man. Noble they say. Let us have some wine to toast the fact that we still live." said the king, "And that . . ."

"And that . . . what?" coaxed the dark lady of Saschen-Vindow.

The king sighed again . . . and stretching it out finally said, while raising his glass, "And that you are now a widow."

With a gasp, the 'bereaved' beauty exclaimed, "Peter dead! Thank God."

"Are you sure that he's the one you need to thank?" smirked Ludwig the Vile.

The Rains Came . . . then the Flood

2009-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Does history always repeat itself? The Stagonian army is beginning to wonder.

Those with a long memory will recall that the Tippelbruder campaign was in large part foiled by torrential rains which flooded much of the field reducing the available frontage to such an extent that the raid couldn't succeed.

Sadly the weather gods have once again turned against our wonderful Stagonian Field Force. Their expedition to the Grand Duchy of Stollen, which had been going so well, has again been thwarted "due to a sudden and protracted cloudburst, both armies retire from the field with no further fighting possible thanks to wet powder and sodden ground that prevents any movement for cavalry or guns."

Fortunately the primary goal of the expedition had already been accomplished. The lumber supply and working parts of the Sawmill had already been loaded upon wagons and was on its way to our glorious realm.

Thus, while the unfortunate weather has prevented our capturing the town of Saegewerkdorf, our forces will disengage and escort our "spoils of war" back to the Kingdom of Stagonia so that Koenig Ludwig (and his Lady Duchess) can have everything needed to see a proper "Royal Rack" constructed.

Therefor all Stagonia may rejoice at another triumph of Stagonian arms.

-- Stagonian Jeff

(Note -- Stokes game room has flooded and his game table needed to be disassembled so that the water damage could be dealt with prior to his trip to Germany.)

Koenig Ludwig Hears Some News

2009-04-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Sire, we have word from General von Drednoz. He has captured the Sawmill itself and is now preparing to advance on the town . . . although he is opposed by a large force of Stollenian troops. Nevertheless, he has already sent wagons back loaded with the wood you requested and all of the key equipment from the sawmill."

"Wonderful! See to it that we send the fair Princess Antonia that 'special gift' I've had prepared."

"Do you mean the bejeweled 'Lobster Cookbook' and the 300 gallon kettle?"

"Of course."

"Very well, Your Majesty."

"Wait. Was there any news of von Krinkle's Battalion?"

"I fear so, Sire. It appears that they've defected to the enemy."

"Just so . . . well, I love it when a plan comes together."

Situation at Sawmill Village

2009-04-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

[note -- my apologies for not keeping up with the affairs of Stagonia. As some of you know, I've been rather ill with pneumonia, a popped rib and then a nasty bout of gout (which is almost over). In addition my computer (which is now fixed), was down for some three weeks. So I missed the episode of the Duchess and many other matters. I'm sorry. But Stokes is finally about to start our "Charge!" version of the "Sawmill Village" scenario.]

Word has reached the Stagonian capitol that Major General Karl von Drednoz and the Stollenian general, von Drosselmaier are about to join battle.

Looking north, this rendering by a Stollenian artist depicts the Stagonian forces. From north to south (i.e., top to bottom), the units depicted are:

von Kirschstein Kuirassiers -- 3 squadrons
Grossfurzen Grenzers -- 2 companies
Feldpaff Battery -- 2 guns, limbered
du Lepps Fusiliers -- 3 companies
von Hirschbock Grenadiers -- 4 companies
Umgraben Sappers -- 2 companies
Hockdorf Hussars -- 2 squadrons

The same Stollenian artist provided a view (looking northeast) of the deployment of the "lobster lovers".

(as always, "click" on photos for larger version . . . and go to Stokes' blog for even more photos.)

The identities of the various Stollenian units is somewhat in doubt, but from northeast to southwest (again, top to bottom) they are believed to be:

4th (Trakehnen) Dragoons -- 3 squadrons
Jaeger zu Fuss -- 1 company
Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers -- 3 companies
Van Laurenz Musketeers -- 3 companies
11th Engineers -- 2 companies
von Krinkle's Battalion -- 1 company
Battery -- 2 guns
Jaeger zu Fuss -- 1 company

The "fly in the ointment", of course, is von Krinkle's Battalion. They were originally with the Stagonian forces . . . then they "deserted" and joined the army of Stollen.

Are they true "turncoats"? Or is this one of Stagonia's famous "dirty tricks"?

It should be noted that von Krinkle has his battalion directly in front of the Stollenian command tent . . . will they turn around and "wipe out" the Stollenian command during the battle?

And if they do (given von Drosselmaier's record of failure), will that hinder or help Stollen's chances?

Follow the course of the fight for the Sawmill Village at the Grand Duchy of Stollen blog.

-- Stagonian Jeff

Jeff's Computer Is Down

2009-03-31T01:05:00.000-07:00

The problems I've been having with my computer are more severe than first thought. It now looks like the hard drive will have to be wiped clean and a new operating system installed.

I'm writing this from a friend's computer because mine can no longer connect to the Net. So for perhaps the next week or so I won't have much online access.

Furthermore this will delay my game with Stokes. And prevent the awful nastiness resulting from the Vile King's encounter with the Duchess from coming to light for a while . . . who knows what evil lurks in their hearts?

Sadly we will have to wait . . . because right now my job is to try to copy all of the files I need before my poor machine is wiped.

-- Jeff (as Owner-Moderator)

A Command Assignment

2009-03-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

"Brigadier Lothar Oppenkopf reporting as ordered, sir."

"Well, Oppenkopf, Koenig Ludwig has a task for you. He wants you to capture and secure the Stollenian Sawmill just inside their border. Furthermore you are not to damage the facility nor any of the wood stored there since His Majesty has need of it."

"Do you have any idea of what sort of defenses can I expect?"

"Defenses? Oppenkopf, it's just a sawmill; hardly a military stronghold. It should be a cakewalk, even for you."

. . . . And so begins the "Battle for the Sawmill" which Stokes and I will play by email starting in a few weeks after he and his lovely Grand Duchess Sonja return from their Mexican holiday. We will be using the basic "Charge!" rules, with Stokes setting everything up on his table . . . and I'm sure that there will be lots of wonderful photos of the battle.

-- Jeff

For Want of a Rack . . .

2009-02-05T22:47:00.000-08:00

Koenig Ludwig of Stagonia was in a rage.

"Why can't I have it? I need it so that I can work out my tensions on my enemies. I NEED a new rack. The old one has HIS monogram and is all stained with foul juices."

"Sire, we don't have the proper wood here in the Kingdom. It takes a very strong, non-warping wood to make a good Royal Rack."

"Well, get the right wood elsewhere then."

"But, Sire, no-one will sell to us. Your late unlamented predecessor alienated all of the states of Europa. And none will sell us anything."

"Who said anything about buying it? Why do you think we have an army? Who has a supply of the proper wood?"

"I believe that the Grand Duchy of Stollen has a Sawmill near the border that specializes in the proper wood."

"Near the border, is it? Very well, call my generals. We will annex Irwin-Amadeus' Sawmill . . . then I will make the finest rack in the world! Then I can really have some FUN!"

"As Your Majesty commands."

Flags for Mounted Troops

2009-01-25T02:50:00.000-08:00

I've decided that all of the heavy cavalry will have gold buttons and yellow hat tape; while the dragoons will have tin buttons and white hat lace . . . well that is my thought for right now.

The four heavy horse units will have square guidons featuring the Stagonian horse on the unit facing color.

I'm currently planning on blue, red, yellow and purple -- with a gold fringe.

The four dragoon units will have swallowtail guidons featuring the Stagonian horse in a light blue oval.

The guidon will be split color with dragoon light gray on the bottom and the facing color on top -- and I'm currently looking at black, white, green and lavender -- with a silver fringe.

-- Jeff

Thinking About Uniforms

2009-01-24T03:35:00.000-08:00

Well I've got a bunch of figures on the way for my Stagonian army . . . and I realized that I have got to start thinking about uniforms for the vile ones.

I've long been planning for the infantry to be in an off-white. I don't like a pure white because to me it makes me think of white primer. So I'll probably go with a cream or light buttermilk sort of color.

However I realized that I've not really thought about the cavalry. So I sat down this evening and gave it some thought. I want the uniform colors to be quite distinct from those of Saxe-Bearstein (whose heavy cav is in white; whose dragoons are in buff coats; and the horse grenadiers are in red -- like the infantry).

I've therefor decided to have the heavy horse in light blue (the GNW heavies that have been substituting are in blue and I'd like something a bit distinct from them). The dragoons will, I think, be in a light gray . . . so the dismounts will be distinct from the regular foot.

The hussars, of course, will resemble rainbows (as always).

-- Jeff

Ludwig Muses on Possibilities

2009-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

"Is there any further word from that Duchess who is infatuated with me?" asked young Koenig Ludwig of the Kingdom of Stagonia.

"No, your majesty. Some rumors that she's headed here . . . but those are almost assuredly false."

"Ah. Well, let's look over our options for exercising the army. As I see it, we have a number of possible 'options'.

We could launch another attack on Saxe-Bearstein -- although the Mollwitz campaign failed badly.
We could support Zichenau by launching a strike into northern Stollen -- say at that sawmill the Lobster Duke loves so much.
We could attack Tippelbruder again -- I doubt that they could resurrect the alliance that managed to turn us away last time.
We could invade the Frankszonian lands on this side of the river -- but Gallia might not appreciate that -- and we do want to stay on their good side (they are one of our few friends).
We could attack someone new."

"Yes, your majesty. Those are all good options. As usual you see things most clearly indeed."

Having Read the Duchess' Letter

2008-12-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Having read the Duchess' letter, Koenig Ludwig smiled and mused to himself . . . "soul mates and kindred in deeds", eh?

"Well, my dear, it may chance that we will meet and compare notes. If you indeed have the stomach for our passion, we may make a beautiful team . . . and, if not, I wonder how well you scream?"

Turning to an aide cowering in a corner, "Find out all that you can about this dear Duchess . . . including what lands and military forces she controls . . . perhaps this may be a match made in a very warm place."

"The King is Dead!"

2008-12-16T12:23:00.001-08:00

Apparently the rumors that have been circulating for months are true.

Koenig Maurice du Vile and several members of his family were poisoned.

While the king survived this attempt, he was much debilitated by this foul assault upon his person.

Thus is there any question as to why he has apparently chosen
to end his life.

He has been succeeded by his noble cousin, Ludwig du Vile (pictured at left).

Koenig Maurice's last moments must have been sad indeed. He is reported to have committed suicide by gouging out both of his eyes, burning many parts of his body and finally using three blows of an axe to chop off his own head . . . all of this with his hands bound behind his back.

Koenig Maurice was indeed a most amazing monarch . . . is there any question as to why so many foreign nations were so envious of him?

Little is known of Koenig Ludwig's personality or just how he came to power since he has spent most of his life in seclusion at Nochtswan Castle (pictured at left).

However the rumors that his mother, Lucrezia de Sade, has tutored him in certain black arts are assuredly unfounded.

What this will mean for Stagonian foreign policy is not yet known . . . but certainly the foreign power or powers that poisoned good Koenig Maurice and thus indirectly caused him to end his own life will soon feel the weight of Stagonian arms in their just retribution.

-- Stagonian Jeff for Koenig Ludwig du Vile of the Kingdom of Stagonia

Stagonia's New Ally

2008-09-28T11:27:00.001-07:00

The Kingdom of Stagonia wishes to salute a new ally, the Duchy of Loathar.

-- Stagonian Jeff for the Crown

Rumors of Assassination Attempt

2008-09-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

For several months now the borders of the Kingdom of Stagonia have remained sealed. No one has been allowed to leave . . . and more than a few have been slain in the attempt.

Nevertheless rumors persist that someone attempted to assassinate Koenig Maurice the Vile. If this is true, there certainly would not be a dearth of suspects. Indeed his own malicious family would be amongst the first to be suspected . . . but they would hardly be alone.

Is he alive? or dead? The truth of the matter is not known, but His Vileness has not been up to his usual malevolence of late . . . so who knows?

Wollmitz Command

2008-05-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Koenig Maurice has decided that the area around Wollmitz required a change of command. He has therefor directed General Baron Gaspar du Vile to take command and to arrange the defenses.

In addition, His Majesty has assigned other officers to assist Gen. du Vile. Following is the list of the command's senior officers (note: with their "Tricorne Wars" information in italics):

General Baron Gaspar du Vile -- (Political, inertia 2, initiative 3 -- 12" command radius -- 2 AdC)
Maj. Gen. Rene de Villars -- (Aggressive, inertia 3, initiative 1 -- 11" command radius -- 1 AdC)

Brig. Yves d'Amours -- (Aggressive, inertia 3, initiative 2 -- 9" mounted command; 5" if foot)
Brig. Lothar Oppenkopf -- (Careful, inertia 1, initiative 1 -- 10" mounted command; 6" if foot)
Brig. Heinrich von Kroll -- (Steady, inertia 2, initiative 2 -- 14" mounted command; 9" if foot)
Brig. Graf Adolf von Voss -- (Political, inertia 2, initiative 1 -- 11" mounted command; 6" if foot)

In addition the following troops have been assigned to General du Vile to fill out the various commands as he sees fit (along with their rating in italics):

IR von Hirschbock (elite)
IR du Breiz (veteran)
IR du Lepps (veteran)
IR O'Duffy (veteran)
IR von Gruber (raw)
IR von Krinkle (raw)
IR St. Cyr (veteran)

du Coiffard Kuirassiers (elite)
von Waganer Kuirassiers (veteran)
Benzler Dragoons (elite)
Pfeiffer Draggons (raw)
Jailler Hussars (veteran)
Hockdorf Hussars (raw)

Furthermore, Koenig Maurice has assigned some artillery batteries to the Wollmitz force. These are all crewed by veteran gunners:

2 x Medium Gun Batteries of 6 pounders
1 x Light Gun Battery of 3 pounders

Finally the King has charged du Vile with defending the Wollmitz region against all invaders.

============

The above are the forces for our upcoming (June 15) quasi-refight of the Battle of Mollwitz from Charles Grant's book "The War Game". Stagonia will be taking on the "Austrian" positions and Saxe-Bearstein will be serving as the "Prussian" attacker.

As currently envisioned, Murdock will be in command of Stagonia and Ross Macfarlane, visiting from eastern Canada, will be the Saxe-Bearstein commander.

-- Stagonian Jeff

A Proposed Anthem

2008-02-29T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Kingdom of Stagonia is in a tizzy. Peter Simplissimus has proposed a "national anthem" for Stagonia . . . but Koenig Maurice has been (and remains) too upset by the result of battle to even hear the song.

Some members of his court like the song and some hate it. They've decided to publish the song and ask the public for their reactions to it. Here it is -- please let us know what you think of it:

Awake. ye children of Stagonia,
The day of Victory is here
See massed the ranks of the foes of Stagonia
See how their villainous leaders all jeer -
They want our riches, our women, our BEER!
From near and far their allies are cheering
Look, there, see their bayonets a-gleam!
Fear not, my brave Stagonian boys,
Fear not their musketry or shot!

Advance, Stagonia fair!
Their cries shall fill the air!
March on, march on!
See how they run!
Stagonia wins the day!

Remember well our hoary grandsires
Who fought and died for Stagonia fair.
Think of our maidens, beauteous and loyal,
Think of our matrons, proud and fair.
Would you submit them to rapine or care?
Yet these foul brutes now ranked before us,
Lust for rape, destruction and loot!
From your firesides you would get the boot-
While these beasts play footsie with your women!

To arms, Stagonians all!
Let honour be our call!
Fight on, fight on!
Fear not their guns!
Stagonia wins the day!

Curses! (Foiled again)

2008-01-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Koenig Maurice, monarch of Stagonia was in a rage. The first sketchy account of the Battle of Tippelbruder reported that a combination of accurate artillery and flooded terrain had defeated the Expeditionary Force and had forced it to withdraw.

(A notice posted by Arthur on the OSW group mentioned this . . . I presume that he will post a battle account relatively soon.)

-- Jeff of Stagonia

Plots Has He Laid . . .

2008-01-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

It is unfortunate. Indeed it is. Most unfortunate.

Koenig Maurice of Stagonia is not a patient monarch. Not patient at all.

The lack of news from Tippelbruder is turning his mind to other plots nefarious and vile (well he is a Stagonian -- what other types of plots do you think he'd have?).

There's the one to mislead the Pope . . . and the Frankzonian affair, of course. Then there is the secondary Tradgardland thing . . . and the support for Monrovia . . . plus that for Zichenauer (never forget Zichenauer).

And then there was . . . well, thinking about them made Maurice much happier.

Waiting, waiting, waiting

2007-12-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

"Why have we heard nothing from the Tippelbruder Punishment Force?"

"I don't know, your majesty. Perhaps nothing much has happened yet, sire."

"But surely they've fought by now."

"Perhaps, your majesty. Perhaps. But then again the weather might not be favorable there . . . or they could still be maneuvering . . . or something. I'm sure that General von Drednoz will send word once anything significant has been decided."

"He'd better."

Another Stagonian Conversation

2007-11-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

Koenig Maurice the Vile, King of Stagonia, wondered aloud if there had been any word from their secret agent in Scandalusia.

"Not yet, Your Majesty," replied his Foreign Minister, Baron Gustav von Rumpel, "but the cover identity that selected really pleased your spy chief, Count von Drednoz."

"And what was that identity again, Baron?" asked the king.

"I don't know, Sire. The Count wouldn't tell me. He said if he told me, he'd half to kill me . . . and I got the impression he wanted to tell me."

A Scene in the Palace

2007-11-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

(a scene in the palace of Koenig Maurice of Stagonia)

The servants whisper that the rumors are true. His Majesty is indeed playing with some strange toys.

He had glass blowers make a bunch of glass "soldier" figures, then had them painted in Tipplebruder colors.

He has lined them up at one end of the great table and he crouches at the other end and, using a spoon as a catapult, he launches lead shot toward the figures . . . and chortles every time one of the glass figures is smashed.

Surely the man has lost his wits . . . surely.

Planning the Proxy Battle

2007-11-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

This is in the way of a summation of what we know so far.

The town of Tippelbruder has been threatened by Stagonia and is expecting to be attacked. Some time ago (August), various other countries volunteered certain troops for its defense.

We are now setting up a "Proxy Battle" to be run by Arthur (of Frankzonian fame), who uses the KOENIG KRIEG rules . . . although he prefers to double the number of stands. If doubled, it meshes very well with my own "Tricorne Wars" rules in terms of numbers.

Therefor, Arthur, I have translated things into the "6-stand battalion" numbers. I have left the artillery and cavalry a bit vague because I understand that you have fewer numbers of these figures available. If you need to play on your smaller table, you'll have to adjust numbers for the smaller battalion size.

Anyhow, here is a rundown using the standards mentioned above (and presuming all reserves have reached the battlefield):

From David of Tippelbruder -- mercenaries + townies:

Hussars -- 3 squadrons
1 line battalion of 5 stands (musketeers)
1 light battalion of 3 stands (Croats)
10 skirmish stands of 2-men (combined lights)
light artillery

From Jeff of Saxe-Bearstein:

2 line battalions of 6 stands (musketeers less their grenadiers
1 grenadier battalion of 5 stands (includes those from battalions)
1 skirmish stand of 2-men
medium artillery

From Jonathan of Hesse-Engleburg:

Hussars -- 1 squadron
1 small battalion of 3 stands
2 skirmish stands of 2-men

From Allan of Wittenberg:

1 line battalion of 6 stands
light artillery

From Fitz-Badger of Soweiter League:

1 Highlander battalion of 6 stands

From Murdock of Mieczyslaw:

Dragoons -- 4 squadrons
1 line battalion of 5 stands

Thus, in total (at the 25-1 ratio), the Defenders have:

c.8 battalions (45 stands)
3 mounted forces (8 squadrons total)
13 two-man stands of light troops
artillery (almost all light guns)

Now, given the divided nature of these forces, I suspect that Stagonia should make do with approximately the same number of foot rather than the usual greater number. Thus I'm suggesting two brigades of foot (four battalions each) and a brigade of mounted (three units) with the normal light troops and artillery that we use.

We also tend to roll for what actually makes it to the battlefield and I have done that. So, here is what I got with my die rolls for units and numbers:

INFANTRY (total of 43 stands):

IR-1 von Hirschbock (elite) -- 6 stands
IR-2 du Breiz (veteran) -- 6 stands
IR-4 du Lepps (veteran) -- 5 stands
IR-5 O'Duffy (veteran) -- 6 stands
IR-6 De Marmier (raw) -- 6 stands
IR-7 von Gruber (raw) -- 4 stands
IR-9 von Krinkle (raw) -- 5 stands
IR-10 St. Cyr (veteran) -- 5 stands

MOUNTED (total of 10 squadrons):

CR-1 von Kirschstein Kuirassier (elite) -- 4 squadrons
DR-9 Moliere Dragoons (raw) -- 4 squadrons
DR-10 Pfeiffer Dragoons (raw) -- 2 squadrons

SKIRMISHERS (7 stands):

Icelauf Jagers (raw) -- 4 stands
Blut Jagers (raw) -- 3 stands

ARTILLERY (all veteran) --

1 x medium battery
2 x light batteries (one with each infantry brigade)

This gives the Defenders a very slight advantage in numbers of foot, double the skirmishers and a bit of a disadvantage in mounted (although I suspect the Stagonian C-in-C will keep the Kuirassier as his reserve, thus negating his mounted edge). Artillery is probably about equal, but again the Defenders will probably have an extra light battery.

While this sounds like Stagonia is set-up to lose, again I will remind you that the Defenders are NOT a unified command. It is composed of six separate forces . . . each having its own "break point" (whatever that may be). And, of course, if Koenig Maurice has miscalculated and Stagonia loses, that's hardly something to cry about, is it?

So, how does this look to everyone overall? Arthur, do you have enough troops to manage this? Or do we need to downsize?

-- Jeff

Battle of Tippelbruder Looms

2007-11-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

(well, not really . . . but we are getting it set up and the forces are closed).

NEWSFLASH . . . A Stagonian field army has been sighted in the close vicinity of the town of Tippelbruder. This appears to be in response to certain "insults" that Koenig Maurice perceived to come from the shop of David, Tippelbruder's uniform designer.

While no one else perceived anything that could have been an insult, several nations mustered troops to the defense of the town. They are:

from Hesse-Engleburg -- under the command of Captain Wilhelm Streicker:
-- Garde du Corps Prinzessin Gertrude -- 2 musketeer companies -- 2 x 120 = 240 men
-- Jäger Regiment Von Behler -- 1 company = 120 men
-- Hussars -- 1 Squadron = 120 mounted men
-- Corporal Sontag (to teach marksmanship to Tippelbruder militia)

from Soweiter League -- (no commander mentioned):
-- Saxe-Urquhart 86th Highlanders -- 1 battalion = c.560 men

from Prince Maurice Duke of Fenwick (vice King Leopold IV of Wittenburg):
-- 1 battalion of infantry (under Colonel Von Feldmouse) -- 4 companies = 600 men
-- 1 battery of artillery (under Lt. Colonel Von Schweeky) -- 120 men and 6 light guns

from Saxe-Bearstein -- under command of Brigadier Ernst von Bruin
-- Regiment von Lowenbrau -- 1 battalion = c.750 men
-- Regiment von Carling -- 1 company of grenadiers = 123 men
-- Regiment von Coors -- 1 company of grenadiers = 122 men
-- Karlsberg Jagers -- 1 small company of jagers = 62 men
-- Artillery -- 1 medium (9#) gun and crew
-- Regiment Von Urquell -- 1 battalion -- c.750 men (reserve -- still in Saxe-Bearstein)

from The Freikorps of Count Hans Trunkenbold von Misthaufen:
-- 1 Musketeer Battalion = c.500 men
-- 1 Jäger Corps = c.400 men
-- Croats -- 3 companies = c.300 men
-- Hussars -- 3 squadrons = c.300 mounted men
-- Artillery -- 6 light (3#) guns

from Town of Tipplebruder:
-- Town Militia -- 1 company = 100 c. men
-- Artillery -- 3 light (3#) guns

from Mieczyslaw -- (in Reserve -- still in Mieczyslaw):
-- Wstrasowo Dragoons -- 4 squadrons -- 150 each = 600 mounted men (not yet arrived)
-- elite Wojskowo Piechota -- 5 companies = 460 men (not yet arrived)

As can be seen, these forces are heavy in infantry, with lots of skirmish power. They also have an abundance of light artillery.

The Tippelbruder forces are, however, light in mounted troops; and definitely lacking in command officers. Indeed, it is likely that each of the above commands will remain under their own commanders with no recognized overall commander.

The Stagonian forces are as yet unknown (meaning we have to figure out a reasonably comparable force).

Please clarify any names, etc. for the above troops. Other troops may not be added . . . and a die roll will be needed by the proxy player (probably Arthur) to see if they arrive in time.

-- Jeff

Early Problems at Offenbach

2007-10-21T18:19:00.000-07:00

Things have not gone well for Stagonia during the early stages of the Battle of Offenbach. Brigadier Graf Adolf von Voss seemed to have a great deal of difficulty getting his brigade to lead the attack on the Frankzonian forces.

Then, once he finally started, he quickly screeched to a halt . . . and, despite orders from C-in-C General Baron Gaspar du Vile, seemed unable to get them moving again. Meanwhile the Frankzonian artillery continued to pound the lead battalion, that of Colonel O'Duffy, when this reporter had to leave.

* * *

What this all means, is that we were using my "Tricorne Wars" rules to fight this proxy battle. One of its key features is that all command officers have "personalities". Unfortunately for Stagonia, when Murdock rolled for which officers were on the list, three "Political" and only one "Steady" officers were selected.

"Political" brigadiers have a 1/3rd chance of interpreting their orders as "Hold" (wait for further instructions). This is further complicated by the fact that the C-in-C is one of the Political Generals.

Anyway, another of my "fog of war" mechanisms is that any change of orders must overcome the "Inertia" of the previous order (it takes time to change things). Sadly, it took a number of turns before Brigadier von Voss overcame his inertia . . . which gave the Frankzonians time to get into position and unlimber their artillery.

When von Voss finally started moving, he got close enough to the enemy (12") to need to test for interpretation of his orders. You guessed it, he rolled poorly and interpreted his orders as "Hold". It then took time for General du Vile to realize they'd stopped.

When I had to leave (due to my feeling poorly and the weather getting nasty), von Voss had already failed yet again to overcome his inertia. Hopefully Murdock's son, who was taking over for me, will roll better dice.

* * *

As for the basic outline of the battle when I left, von Voss was supposed to be leading the main attack (against the Frankzonian foot) on the Stagonian left . . . but was stalled.

The small mercenary force under Brigadier Prinz Robert Axe of Burtzenia was attaking the high ground and looked like they would push the remnants of the two armies skirmishers off of the ridge.

Brigadier Emile von Rumpel's brigade was positioned facing the Offenbach forces, but was holding off any hostilities (as were the Offenbachers) pending the response to the flag of truce carried by one of the Stagonian aids-de-camp -- which basically was asking that Offenbach stay out of the fight between Stagonia and Frankzonia in exchange for being left alone. The aide-de-camp would need several turns before he could return to General du Vile.

Brigadier Delmar Dijon was shifting his mounted brigade to the open ground on the Stagonian right as he shadowed the movement of the Frankzonian forces to their left.

SUMMARY

If von Voss could have started off when expected, it would have been very bad for the Frankzonians . . . and they may well have folded quickly. However, when I had to leave, I felt that, while very very much in doubt, that Frankzonia had the benefit of momentum . . . and that might give some reasons for Offenbach to decide to enter the fray (or not -- who knows).

Young Murdock is an extremely aggressive player . . . but subject to his eagerness getting him in trouble. It will be interesting to see how the rest of this proxy battle works out.

-- Jeff

A Frankzonian Betrayal

2007-10-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

"It is absolutely, fiendishly vile." swore Koenig Maurice. "Those Frankzonian swine have come up with a plot worthy of me."

"So it seems, Your Majesty" commented the Baron.

"They arrange with us to attack Offenstadt, then use the threat of us to try to get Offenbach to surrender completely to Frankzonia, who then intends to attack us!"

"That's not all, Your Majesty. Frankzonian agents have been posting vile songs about us . . . and singing them gleefully. Here are some of the verses our agents have sent in."

As the Baron watched his king read these songs, he saw the man grow very very angry . . . and ice-cold. The Baron had only seen Koenig Maurice is this mood a few times and he shivered even though he was not the focus of his king's fury.

"We only attack the Frankzonians . . . but we will accept no quarter. Send messengers to the Offenbachs, tell them that we are there to liberate them from those Frankzonian swine. Warn them not to surrender their sovereignty to Frankzonia. If they can hold off until we arrive, they will see that we'll leave them alone. Urge them to wait and watch the battle . . . Stagonia wants Frankzonian blood!"

"At once, Your Majesty. At once!"

A Letter to Frankzonia

2007-10-18T01:26:00.001-07:00

(in the Stagonian capitol)

"Baron, send a letter to Frankzonia."

"Of course, Your Majesty. . . . What do you want me to say?"

"We have marshaled the forces you requested in order to join you in your objective to take the city of Offenstadt. We will assist you as requested . . . but be sure to fulfill your part of the bargain or we will turn our eyes upon your lands just as you do on Offenbach."

"Anything further, my liege?"

"No, no need to sign it. After all it is the Franzonian plot we are carrying out."

A Foul Calumny!

2007-10-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Be it known to all,

It seems that Frankzonia is falsely alleging that we, the Stagonian people, are somehow planning an attack on the Soweiter League nation of Offenbach.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Indeed, Frankzonia has long coveted the Offenbach Tuba Works and is attempting to use the threat of our attack in order to gain access to the town so that they may capture the Tuba Works for themselves.

We swear that our eyes are turned elsewhere . . . and not at Offenbach. Offenbach's eyes, on the other hand, are aimed soley at the Tuba Works. So who are truly the vile ones?

-- Koenig Maurice of Stagonia

Operation Pinched Threads

2007-10-05T03:23:00.001-07:00

"Koenig Maurice, Operation Pinched Threads is a partial success."

"What do you mean 'partial success'?"

We've managed to intercept some of the wagons . . . but not all."

"Well, some is better than none. See that they're sold quickly."

"Yes, Your Majesty".

An Overheard Plot

2007-09-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Baron, we are seriously less than pleased by the lack of results from 'Operation Lobster Claw'."

"It did look so promising, Your Majesty."

"Perhaps we need to take a more decisive role. Contact the Electorate of Zichenau; see if they would be willing to hire some of our troops."

"I'm sure that they would, Your Majesty . . . but could they afford them?"

"Baron, isn't it your job to make sure that they can? See to it. Oh, get what you can for them, but be sure that they hire our 'frei corps'."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

(conversation overheard from outside a door in the palace of that vilest of nations.)

Another Day, Another Plot

2007-09-09T00:24:00.000-07:00

"Your Vileness . . . we've received word. Operation Regime Change looks to be moving forward along with the harvest."

"Which one is that? I forget . . . after all, there are so many lovely schemes in the works."

"Well, it really isn't one of ours. Not directly. One of our agents fell in with a group of dissidents in the Banat of Togaras . . . and dropped a little encouragement along with a suggestion or two."

"Ah, yes. I remember now . . . the gullible son. Good, good. Alert the special battalion to be prepared."

More Plots Afoot

2007-08-23T01:44:00.000-07:00

"So, the test in the Bishopric of Uber Gruntshuffen went well, did it?"

"Excellently, Your Majesty. Just as planned."

"Good, see that this line of lead-eating dogs are placed near the appropriate arms suttleries. With luck, our enemies won't have any bullets for their muskets."

"At once, Your Majesty."

Operation Burning Tailor

2007-08-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

"So, are they turning out French-style uniforms yet?

"I'm afraid not, your Majesty. They seem to be working on Russian uniforms."

"Are those 'special troops' in place yet?"

"I believe so, your Majesty."

"Then initiate 'Operation Burning Tailor'."

Dragoon and Cavalry Standards

2007-08-05T03:49:00.001-07:00

Since I'm basing the Stagonian army loosely on a French model, I've decided that Dragoons will be in red coats and Cavalry in blue coats.

Thus, for Dragoon standards, the bottom half will be red (for the coat color).

The upper half of the Dragoon standard will be in the regiment's facing color.

And the fringe (and hat tape color) will be in the button color.

Thus, the first Dragoon standard would be for a regiment with black facings to their red coats and brass buttons with yellow hat tape.

The second Dragoon unit would be similar to the first except that it would have yellow facings to their red coat.

Cavalry standards are square (rather than swallow-tailed). Like the Dragoon standards, the central device is the Stagonian Stag. But unlike the Dragoon standards, the stag is not on the Stagonian silver-blue of their national flag.

The white stag is on the unit's "facing color". And, again, the fringe is the same as the button (and hat tape) color.

Thus the first flag would be for a blue-coated regiment with gray facing color and silver buttons and white hat tape.

The second unit would have red facings with brass buttons and yellow hat tape.

Thus there once again is a "system" that connects the standards to the units they belong to.

-- Jeff

Stagonian Infantry . . . for Now

2007-08-02T03:52:00.001-07:00

Since we have been unable to obtain French-style uniforms from the usual source, it was necessary to obtain them from . . . well, let us just say "a former ally" and leave it at that.

Discerning observers will note the alternating fawn and chamois waistcoats and breeches. This is to facilitate telling units apart.

For example, the colors of the two garments mentioned above are reversed in the two battalions with blue and light blue facings . . . likewise with green. Orange facings can be mistaken for either red or yellow, depending upon the light . . . but not in the Stagonian army because of the difference in these garments.

So, until we obtain our rightful uniforms, we will use these.

-- Koenig Maurice

Stagonian Infantry Flags

2007-07-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most recognizable national flags in imaginary 18th century "Urope" is that of Stagonia.

It has a lavender-blue backround with the white deer of the von Hirschbock family. The white stars in the corners complete this very recognizable national flag.

This "white deer" image is central to all of the military flags of Stagonia.

The first "military flag you see (white cross with gold corners) is the standard Stagonian line infantry pattern.

Notice that the "white deer on light blue" echoes the image on the Stagonian flag

The "white cross" indicates that the basic coat color is . . . white.

The corner color is the same as the facing color -- in this case, golden yellow.

The second flag you see (red cross with black corners and a "gold" central oval) is in the pattern of "foreign" units within the Stagonian army.

The red cross would show that the unit wears a red coat -- and, no, this would not be a Saxe-Bearstein unit, but rather most likely an Irish one.

The black corners would be in the unit's facing color . . . but notice the central oval. Instead of the Stagonian light blue background, it is a "gold" color. This indicates that it is a "foreign" unit within the Stagonian army.

(Note that this flag would essentially be the Stagonian equivalent of the Dillon regiment in French service -- the Stagonian forces essentially echoing those of France.)

The next flag (gray cross with royal blue corners), is typical of the
"irregular" units within the Stagonian army.

In "Tricorne Wars" terms, the companies of these troops would be based in the "diamond" pattern.

Again, the cross (gray) would represent the coat color and the corner colors (blue) is the facing color.

Jager units would be similar except that they would have a green cross and then their facing color, but the central figure would be a white "standing deer" instead of the regular Stagonian deer.

The final infantry flag is therefor quite typical of a jager unit. This one would have maroon facings to go with its green coat.

So there you have a "thumbnail" view of the various types of Stagonian infantry flags.

As mentioned before, conceptually the Stagonian army is more-or-less based upon that of 18th century France. And, like France, it has a number of different troop types in its service.

-- Stagonian Jeff

And Now He is King!

2007-07-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have decided that Stagonia deserves its own blog. Previously it had been just a minor sidelight on my major blog -- Saxe-Bearstein -- but now it needs its own blog because its ruler, Maurice von Hirschbock has declared Stagonia to now be a Kingdom.

Of course he is mad. Originally he was simply Graf Maurice von Hirschbock; then he decided he was PfalzGraf Maurice von Hirschbock; but now he has named himself simply Koenig Maurice. Of course, this is a most vile thing to do . . . but then, what is the guiding light of Stagonia if not vileness?

Thus, the Kingdom of Stagonia officially joins other 18th century imagi-Nations. It occupies the same space as Bavaria -- immediately to the west of Saxe-Bearstein (which co-insides with Bohemia).

The armies of Stagonia will be uniformed much as those of France -- just as Saxe-Bearstein's troops are modeled on those of Hanover. Thus, while the location is different, our fights might well be mistaken for those of the western front of the Seven Years War.

-- Stagonian Jeff