Saxe-Bearstein v. Stagonia in a meeting engagement

 The wonderful BloodAxe minis collection of Bluebear Jeff was in action on the tabletop this November.


Details can be found at MurdockS MarauderS

Wars of Stagonian Aggression return!

 

a Stagonian Brigade arrives

Codsticker's Historicals and Murdock'S MarauderS teamed up to bring the Stagonian wars to the tabletop again!

 

CROSSROADS 

 

The battle action was played out using Black Powder rules and the miniatures collection of Bluebear Jeff. 

The full AAR of Saxe-Bearstein v Stagonia at Kallais.

 Murdock'S MarauderS has put up a full After Action Report.

 

Saxe-Bearstein was in retreat.

Stagonia managed to halt the evacuation.
Could they defeat the Saxe-Bearstein army now?

Saxe-Bearstien Marches again vs Vile Stagonia

 June 27, 2021 saw an opportunity to have the Saxe-Bearstien and Stagonian armies of Bluebear Jeff face one another again on 'the field of Mars'.

mid-game looking from the left rear of Saxe-Bearstein's lines

 

The video picks up during deployment of the troops.

TWITCH TV VIDEO

The full game is in the one video. 

Codsticker has a summary:  CLICK

Murdock has an overview:  CLICK

The Great Blue Bear now on his way to the summerlands.

Emperor vs Elector readers, one of the originators of this group blog, Jeff aka Blue Bear of Saxe-Bearstein has passed away.

Jeff had been in hospital since July and moved to Hospice care in late September.

October 2, 2016 at 7:52 pm Pacific time, Jeff started on his journey to the summerlands.

a pictorial memorial for Jeff

On October 13, 2016 there was a celebration of life for Jeff and we all recounted many tales from the past 20 years.

Saxe-Bearstein shall be going silent as was Jeff's desire.  There is no reason to stop posting here and continuing a game-filled conversation.

Villanous stirrings ...

Count Boyarisov starts his move ...

Dark rumblings from the darkness of a Moscou night.

The Boyarisov clan has a young, vibrant leader seeking to be more than just another Russian Prince.

Follow developments at The Duchy of Mieczyslaw.

Post Rider - Bluebear Jeff Update

Greetings again my fellow imaginarians!

I come bearing good news of Jeff.

He has recovered much of his strength and when I visited him today (Sunday May 13) I met him standing in the hallway of the recovery ward, he had decided to take a walk and we met just around the corner from the elevators and his room.

We had a good 45 minute conversation, where I left him with all your good wishes (from the earlier posting) and did a short update with him about the blog.

Jeff thanks you all for your kind words and good feeling energies that were sent his way, keep sending them were his comments.

Lani, Ms Bluebear as some have called her, also had a message sent out today:

Jeff may get to come home on Tuesday ... everything is starting to work.

Thank you all so very very much for all that you have done and your thoughts and prayers there are no words to adequately express my gratitude.

Jeff was also willing to let me snap a photo and I share it here to round out the posting.

The Bluebear

 

Post Rider - Jeff update

I have had the opportunity to visit with Jeff this afternoon.

He is not able to speak and as such is using note pages to write his thoughts and requests, some hand movements and other visual cues to communicate also.

He is really struggling to recover from the surgery and other procedures. He needs to get his lower digestive tract moving so he can get back on solid foods to regain his strength and heal. They are giving him nutrients via IV, but it is not enough for him to truly heal. 

Jeff asked about the EvE community and I gave a report about the recent naval and land operations.

He is also keen to accept any and all healing energy to give him the boost to press on in his own recovery.  Those who would send him good thoughts please take a few moments to do so.

 This was from the note page Jeff wrote.

I will likely be back in to see Jeff in a week and can carry your messages in to him.

 

Proxy Battle Search - Naval Raid - Tipplebruder Partisans

To continue the 'Seben Year Warz" that I started last year, now another move across the board.

The Russians have broken out across the rivers into Mieczyslaw and have sent a raid into the Duchy of the North. The raid is at odds of 2:1, with the intent and orders to destroy or damage military naval vessels in the port of Stockholm. The Russians want to have local naval supremacy in the Baltic before winter sets in.

Further to the south in central Uropa Saxe-Bearstein has been overrun by the Altmoranian forces. Now Wein comes within the grasp of King Billiam of Brandenburg. The Austrians have massed forces to cover the capitol and maintain a flank force to press across the Danube should the Altmoranians take action against the fortifications. More forces are being pulled back from the Dobrudshiva borders across the Hungarian plains. Will the Brandenburgers be able to take Wein before winter proper sets in?

Stagonia, having torn off their mask and fully supported Prussian aggression into Saxe-Bearstein, is now facing a pressure force from Gallia, these Frenchies mean business and the Stagoians only have some hastily raised militia and 4th drill battalions to defend the royal holdings. While the army has settled into the mountains including Tipplebruder in their supply lines. While not the center of operations the town of Tipplebruder is facing a stripping of local supplies to feed the Stagonian forces preparing to support Prussian advances on Wein. In the Atlantic, Spanish and French fleets have re-deployed, to support a Spanish blockade of Gran Bretan fleet in Gibraltar. This has pulled many Britannia ships from patrols and released pirate activity in the Mediterranean. All communications with Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt have been cut off. I have no naval game assets, so if there are EvE active members that would like to do the 2:1 odds Naval Raid at Stockholm - again this is a raid and the aim of the Russians is to sink, burn or damage as many Swedish ships as possible. Not a landing of troops. For those with skirmish forces, or an interest in doing a mountain raiding party sort of game (or games) then Tipplebruder militia could be active in messing with the Stagonian supply lines during autumn and early winter in the mountains around Tipplebruder. (Maybe a new storyline?)

From the surgeons tent

Bluebear Jeff is reported in stable condition and recovering well.

Further medical tests will be needed and we may or may not hear from him before the 10th of February.

Thank you all for your well wishes.

Inhaber not well

Bluebear Jeff of Saxe-Bearstein has been admitted to hospital recently and as such may not be able to handle the comments or requests of the EvE community for some time.

Please do send out some good will energies for a speedy recovery.

Alarms and Discursions

Amidst the roar and infernal smoke and total confusion of a great battle, The Frankszonian "guests" of Baron Bastille notice a slathered horse being led to the party.
A young Gallian dragoon hands an attache case to the Baron, who looks at a couple of the papers inside, and then quickly wheels his horse towards the rear shouting for an aide.
The messenger remonstrates, pointing to the Hurtshog animatedly, but Bastille brusquely orders the lad away!
L'Comte d'Beauphaup quickly overtakes the rider and inquires, "What news from Frankfurter, M'seur?"
"There seems to be a mutiny among the Frankszonian forces in their southern Stadt Wald, m'Lord," the lad replies, excitedly. "A supply train from Wittenberg was taken, and one of St. Maurice's patrols were ambushed! Several regiments seem involved, and they've got the support of the peasants in the forest!"
After sharing the shock and excitement (and a draft of cordial) with the lad, the count hurries back to the Hurtshog. To their pressing inquiries, he replies, "that foolish Gallian will be buying more of our seltzer and bizmuth, my lords." Then he adds, grimly, "It seems that the inevitable consequences of removing the Hurtshog from such an unstable stew as Frankfurter are already boiling over."

Captions, Captains?

Captions have been posted to the Tipplebruder battle pictures on the Frankszonian blog.
Sorry about the delays.
A

Tipplebruder, UPDATE

Sunday, February 17, 2008
Tipplebruder, UPDATE

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

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

Wait a minute, what am I saying?!?

Oh well ....

Now:
PICTURES!!!

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

Regards and all that ....

Tipplebruder

Draft battle report in four installments on the Frankszonia blog.
Remember, in reading blogs, the last IS the first ....
Also some pictures of the sample figure Frank sent me from Minden's ... painted in the colors of my Sage Guard, but I broke off its musket during painting (yes, as the figure should show, I am half blind and shaky, LOL)

A.

Prelude to Tipple Bruder

On a day with no rain for a change, messengers come pounding into Count Trunkenbold headquarters.

Great news!
The Wstrasowo Dragoons have arrived! After a grueling forced march, their forces intact thanks to the heroic efforts of the farriers, the tired, mud-spattered column pours into the cantonments at Tipple-Bruder. Their colonel believes that their infantry contingent could be only two days march behind him.

Then, the Count learns important intelligence. The Dragoons were able to arrive so quickly because they had not encountered any Stagonian troops! On the other hand, when the passed through Oberschnorrhof, they learned that a major column of at least three brigades of Stagonian troops had turned south towards Hundsrueck about two days before. This must mean that the Stagonian general has decided to swing south of the great massif east of Tipple-Bruder in order to avoid the easily defended defiles between Dammbach and Hobbach.

Count Trunkenbold quickly orders a detachment of hussars to probe the routes from the south and sends his jaeger units into the hills to look for any evidence of a surprise march over the mountains.
Shortly after dark, the hussars return. The Stagonians are encamped at Eschau, only a few miles away beyond Unteraulenbach! tomorrow, they could be in Tipple-Bruder by noon!

Recalling the jaegers, Trunkenbold delivers the necessary command. Assemble and march! A position must be found on the southern road before dawn!

Soon a great clamor arises as red faced feldwebels luridly muster their raw troops for a night march. At least, they reflect, it won’t be across country but down a well defined road with cavalry guides! The infantry battalions are ordered to follow the Austrian custom of carrying along their chevaux au frise ... there may be no time to improvise any stronger barriers.

With mules braying, caissons creaking, and feldwebels cursing, the motley horde assembles into their units which are led across the bridge and sent lumbering south into the foggy darkness.

The Grand Masquerade

First of all, where is a link to all those lovely 18th and 17th century pictures you all are finding ... it would have been marvelous to have had a few of those for this entry!


In spite of the wind and rain, the grand processions are conducted with suitable pomp and circumstance, though the drum and brass section occasionally seemed out of key and off beat during the lightning and cloudbursts. Armored against the wet by plentiful potions, the people of Frankfurt party. There are, alas, a few regrettable incidents between the German and Gallian participants in the street which bring quick reactions from the dragoons posted at every corner. Arrests of disorderly house parties are also reported, the dark wagons of the constabulary rolling through the streets accompanied by the jeers and thrown empties of reeling revelers to the new jail.


A major break with tradition, however, is that the military, outside of their formal functions and patrol duties, seem to be absent from town ... and a frisson of rumor of great battles nearby runs through the crowds.

Some of the major Foreign notables who are specifically honored with carriages and escorts and participation in the rituals include the following:

Saxe Bearstein:
Consular military attaches, Major Karl von Lager:
who of course will be feted by various ladies, invited to the Council of Knights and other ceremonial functions. In private, the Hurtshog and Gen. Meyer will be interviewing him about a coordinated response to Stagonian irritations. What they are looking for, of course, is acquiescence to the Frankszonian “protection” of Offenbach. He will also be offered a run down farm for the construction of a Saxe-Bearstein consulate near of the city. Le Comte d’Beauphaup assures him that Frankszonia would rather throw a barbecue than a battle!
. For the masquerade, he will be costumed as a fairy knight. He is promised a “noble lady of high estate, breeding, and appearance” for the Masquerade. In the meantime, however, there seems to be a strong likelihood that he will make the acquaintance of Martha, Lady Pettygree’s maid. Who, of course, will be at the Masquerade as one of the many fairy girls in attendance.



Hesse-Engelburg:
Generalmajor Paul von Scheider and wife Roswitha von Scheider are also in the glittering train of nobles and officers at these events. Again, In private, the Hurtshog and Gen. Meyer will be interviewing him about a coordinated response to Stagonian irritations. What they are looking for, of course, is acquiescence to the Frankszonian “protection” of Offenbach. On the other hand, Frankszonia is concerned to preserve the unique nature of the Soweiter League, especially as they provide handy entre-pots to regional markets often under the thumb of more grasping, larger powers.
They are to be costumed as members of Oberon’s (and who IS Oberon?) court.
Helga Freitag, Under-Secretary for Minor Matters on Even Numbered Months, will, of course be closeted with Stuftliana and Professor DuBois discussing ideas for educational establishments (as in military academies). Rumor has it that they will be costumed as the other set of “Lovers in the Forest.”

Fraulein Francine Oppenkopf,

if she attends as a Stagonian representative, will be granted a constant bodyguard / protector due to the current tensions vis a vie Stagonia. She is told that Frankszonia simply can’t tolerate interference with the Soweiter League due to vital economic interests. (On the other hand, she’s been offered a deal by some disaffected Frankszonian merchants at terms which, in their words, they would be cutting their own throats).
At the dance, she may be torn between a person with a commanding air who is costumed as the Ducal General of Cuirassiers (Lord Bastille, in half armor and in command of security) and the heroic figure of the Marquis d’Hottatrot, dripping with gaudy medals and enjoying his moment of glory .... playing up his wound for all it’s worth (nor is he adverse to groping groupies).

Lady Rosenschnauz will be playing a fairy godmother near the alcove where the Urpprinz will be nursed and nestled. What as or who with her husband will attend is not known. Rumor has it that he will be unable to participate due to his wound.

Those who know him might recognize Phillipe, either as a waiter with a tray of drinks or dancing with a young girl of the local nobility. The lass is dark haired, animated, and roguish in her behavior, as well as being a good dancer. Alas, she seems deaf to all the various importunes of dubious opportunities with various officers and burgomeisters which will be offered to her.

Sir Tom, the count Saucie: the tall, dark envoy from Duke Alfredo of Bologna ... middle aged but in good shape, having established himself as a decent cavalry officer prior to this appointment, will arrive escorting another of the local debutantes, but will also make a pass at Fraulein Oppenkopf ....

The squire Charade, who is part of Pettygree’s and Masquerade’s entourage, attends as the human slave swiped by Titania from Oberon (and, oh yes, who gets to play Titania?). His costume of decorated ballet leotards displays his youthful and athletic figure much to the distraction of several of the local frauleins.


Naughty gossip has it that the poor Comte l’Beauphaup, having been rebuffed by Lord Charade and by a French officer is not attending. On the other hand, his skill with costume and disquise is legendary. Will anybody spot him before the unmasking?

Prior to the entrance of the Hurtshog and his wife (separately as “the Lovers in the Woods”), the crowd is entertained by the hilarious high jinks of Puck and a rotund fellow wearing the Donkey’s Head.
While this offsets the tension in the crowd caused by rumors of battles approaching Frankfurt, the tension is revived when people notice that the ceremonial guards are not standing to their normal rigid, formal poise, but are instead at arms - ready, and obviously scanning the crowd, the various rooms, and the grounds with martial intensity. There are also rumors of some little outbreaks by mechanics against the Gallian laborers who had, of course, also been included in the festivities.

Meanwhile, Fettucine is happily pairing off with young and old of either sex alike to lead them through a few figures for each new number that Moosart’s musicians bounce through. Tumblers, acrobats, mimes, jugglers, and other entertainers wander through the crowd performing their stunts whenever they hit an open spot. There are even folk dancers and actors imported from a region famous for their arts.


All goes well with the chattering, gay, and glittering company swirling and jumping and bowing through polkas and minuets and waltzes (with a few going off to enjoy some waltzes of the Straws). The colorful costumes above the polished marble floors amid the mirrored walls and sparkling chandeliers make a dizzying whirlpool of color. All of this turbulence of color is framed by the deep, polished wood and plush, velvet drapery (a few which drapes seem occasionally agitated from behind by pairs of brightly polished or beaded shoes).


After midnight, the crowd gathers onto the balconies and into the paved courts (it’s been raining most of the day, after all) to enjoy the fireworks against the dark clouds. The firewheels, sprinkling lights, multi-colored boms and lofty rockets dazzle against their sable backdrop. After a grand finale with Moosart’s most bombastic piece accompnied by fountains of light, flights of rockets, and spreading blasts of golden showers high in the air, everyone bestows their dancing partners and other suitable targets with grand, flourishing, romantic kisses. Oh, embarrassed laughter as the unmasking shows who kissed whom!

Then the frivolity is suddenly shattered by a loud roar! “Hold up there, ye conniving Italian bastard! I’ll carve yooor tripes tae haggis! Ye’ll cozen me lasses nae mair!” There is a sudden flash and clatter of swords rippling in a wave of screams and shouts. As some soldiers push through the crush towards the disturbance, others take quick steps away from the people and cock their pieces alertly ... One reveler tumbles bleeding into the mirrored hall holding a shattered rapier while another breaks through the bewildered guests and vaults a stone wall into the night.

As the officers converge on the wounded man, who sinks into (and promptly ruins) and elaborately embroidered seat, the young stranger looks up and says in clear English (for those who understand that uncouth and disordered tongue), “Fettucine! Ah well, old chap. You know, I was sure you were the one supposed to assassinate me. Pettygree! and that old laird as a lover!” He grimaces for a moment, then asks, “What will poor Georgie say?” As the court physicians try to clear away his finery to reveal a horrible slash through his rib cage, he gives a wry smile, winches, and in best Hollywood tradition, dies.

Among the confused and clamoring guests, the Intendant Bastille finds that the Hurtshog is suddenly standing beside him with a drawn sword and pistol, watching the crowd as if he was the Intendant’s body guard. Then, even before Bastille can frame an appropriate comment or question, another sudden alarm descends on the estate. With loud shouts of challenge and response, a troop of both Frankszonian dragoons and Gallian Hussars gallop into the estate. Their officers fling themselves from their horses and smash through the crowd to the Intendant. One has no hat but a bloody bandage, and another’s arm had been shot.

As the Intendant and his own officers draw their own weapons, the Hurtshog barks, “Vell?!”

The Frankszonian dragoon replies, “You and Moose Hunter were right.”
The Gallian captain interjects, “He committed suicide.”
The Frankszonian agrees, and adds, “Some got away anyway, and they’ve got a few of their damned martyrs now.”

“Pferde Schizen! Bauergraben Mucken! VerDamnt!” roars the Hurtshog. Then he spins on the Intendant angrily. As the Gallians prepare to shoot the Hurtshog down, he tells Bastille, “Ach! Now vill you some Frankszonian marks earn, Mein Herr! Ve were ov dem dumbkopf Stadt Constabulary suspicious. Und! Ve var Ricthig! Diesen Baurenfoofs macht on Sein Bastille an attack. Alle ist aber, nicht kaput. Vir haben diesen Furhren gerumpt, und alle die arsenalen secured.” The Hurtshog gets control of himself, and continues, “it seems that a few of our prisoners did escape anyway. After all, the constables were all veterans. But now, Ich mussen eine Reich von Armee declare ... which makes you, m’Lord, my ranking und most responsible minister as General der Ober Kommander.”

General Schwann steps up to the Intendant and salutes. “General, he asks, “may we secure these nobles here until your command have declared the city safe?”
A lieutenant of the Sage Guards marches up, salutes: “The Princess and the Urpprinz are safe, M’lord. The Rosenschnauzes have put squares about them and the great ladies.”
Two other officers (note, one Gallian and one Frankszonian) ride in from the city. They clomp up to the Intendant, “we are in luck, General. The mob did not riot, thanks to all the rain; and once the constables started shooting, everybody actually fled to their homes. Except for the troopers doing the house to house searches, All seems quiet .”


Stay tuned.
Who was Oberon and Titania?
What happened to Puck and to the donkey?
How will this batter the poor Paranoid Bastille?
Who was the Englishman, and why did he die?
Will the Ducal family and the Noble Ladies be rushed to Gallian safety, or will Frankszonia now be secure, even enough for Bastille?
Meanwhile, how have the Frankszonian Battalions under General Chevert fared?

We wonders, aye, we wonders.

A.
August 20, 2007 (12:06am)

Dispatches from Hesse-Engelburg

Dispatch to Tradgarland

In regards to your recent extension of offers to view your musterings, the Principality of Hesse-Engelburg offers to send Colonel Stieffer of our own Fuchshöhle Hussars, a fine officer whom we believe may be of use in the advising of your light cavalry in the proper manner of rapid negotiation of woodlands while mounted. We would also extend to your ruler the offer of the hospitality of our fine hunting lodge in the Fuchswald upon some fine eve, where he may enjoy the local sport of fox hunting and a respite from the weight of rule.

Sincerely,
Ludwig Strasser, Social Secretary for Thursdays

---

Dispatch to Saxe-Bearstein

To our esteemed friend, Prince Bruno, greetings,

Being much disturbed by the recent focus of war upon your region, we thought it fit to write to you in our own hand and offer the return of your kindly loaned officer should you have need of him. We also regret to enclose evidence that the Stagonians may be providing financial support to the Bad Nachtschwein rebellion in our neighboring state of Ober-Schweinsberg. Your Highness will no doubt recognize the seal of a certain nobleman of the Stagonians upon the enclosed dispatch, which was capture amongst a recent Bad Nachtschwein convoy that attempted to sneak past our alert Hussars. If we may be of service with our small supply of iron to assist Your Highness in preparing his troops for the upcoming campaigns, we do hope it is known you need only ask.

In friendship,

Fürst Guntram Blauerwolf of Hesse-Engleburg
Penned by our own hand.