(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.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Planning the Proxy Battle
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:
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):
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
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
- 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
- Hussars -- 1 squadron
- 1 small battalion of 3 stands
- 2 skirmish stands of 2-men
- 1 line battalion of 6 stands
- light artillery
- 1 Highlander battalion of 6 stands
- Dragoons -- 4 squadrons
- 1 line battalion of 5 stands
- 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
- CR-1 von Kirschstein Kuirassier (elite) -- 4 squadrons
- DR-9 Moliere Dragoons (raw) -- 4 squadrons
- DR-10 Pfeiffer Dragoons (raw) -- 2 squadrons
- Icelauf Jagers (raw) -- 4 stands
- Blut Jagers (raw) -- 3 stands
- 1 x medium battery
- 2 x light batteries (one with each infantry brigade)
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
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Battle of Tippelbruder Looms
(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
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
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Early Problems at Offenbach
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.
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.
"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.
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
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
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Frankzonian Betrayal
"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!"
"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
(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."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
A Foul Calumny!
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
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
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