New Sovereign takes Oath

Today 6^th March 1714, Princess Elisenda has just taken oath on the Defiant Principality Constitutions as customary (not without previous harsh negotiations with the Commons, as it can be read here). Chancelleries of all around Europa are invited to the Coronation Ceremony event, which is due to be held on next 21^st March at Saló de Sant Jordi (=Saint George Hall) in Catalonia's Generality Palace.

Diplomatic advice needed

I've just started posting at Defiant Principality's blog the first one of a projected series of posts, aimed at reporting the development of the eventual peace conversations between Gallia/France and Galatea/Catalonia, following an hypothetical preliminary agreement at Rastatt (late 1713).

As it becomes virtually impossible for me to assume both sides' roles (i.e. their eventual acceptable yieldings or respective 'red lines' in a negotiation), I've chosen to divide the event into several separate scenes. In each one, both sides explain their starting positions with regard to a particular issue. This is followed by some discussion and eventually a dealing proposal; but I'm not accounting any final agreement, thus leaving open the end.

My ultimate purpose would be accounting such agreement later, after considering readers' comments and reasonings. And I believe such inter-activity would be a nice approach to the real thing. Or, at least, some sort of not-so-usual musing in our hobby. This is why I'd like to encourage you all to drop a thought of your own in each proposed scene --and warmly thank in advance any one's.

[At this my first negotiations round, both sides have agreed a prisoners exchange, regardless of negotiations ultimate result --as a mutul sign of goodwill and eagerness to reach a satisfactory agreement. However, Gallian/French dignitaries are by no means unaware of the strong bonds of Galatans/Catalans toward Emperor Charles, that might get them military involved in adventures contrary to the interest of France. So that they've tried to get reassured about Galatan intentions by means of a similar military alliance to them. Of course, their Galatan counterparts are also willing of some reassurement face to an eventual Hispannic/Spanish rejection of the treaty. How to reach a satisfactory enough agreement?]

Couriers to Wittenberg

October 11^th, 1713

...Couriers have already arrived in Kingdom of Wittenberg taking personal messages from both Emperor Charles VI and Princess Elisenda to H.M. King Leopold, letting him know in advance the scheduled journey of that young Galatan/Catalan Lady through his land, as well as some confidential details about her otherwise small retinue. A more detailed file comprising listings and safe-conduct copies have also been delivered to Count Hermann Munster.

[Out of character, please consider Princess Elisenda retinue already on their way and about to enter Wittenberg, so that she can be freely introduced in an ppropriate scene at will, accordingly with your own interests. I'm going to suspend for a while my Defiant Principality narrations on her particular journey, in order not to hamper eventual scenes/adventures inside Wittenberg. If any interest or need to contact me whatever the reason for, my usual gaming e-mail is soldadets [at] wargames [dot] cat --Lluis ]

Couriers up and down

...Couriers have been dispatched by Emperor Charles VI to King Louis XIV at Versailles, and also to Wittenberg and the rest of lands on the Vienna - Paris road, acknowledging them on the imminent journey through their respective countries of an official retinue under His protection: Lady Elisenda Folc de Cardona, who has just been appointed as Princess of Galatea/Catalonia by His Imperial Majesty, wishes to arrive in Gallia as safely and fast as possible, with the aim to obtain King Louis' approval to the appointment and ease the achievement of a satisfactory peace with that powerful Nation.

The above mentioned couriers are carrying full detailed accounts on the journey scheduled milestones, retinue members listings and safe-conducts to be delivered to respective Authorities, along with a request on the additional measures they esteem appropriate to ensure the retinue's peaceful transit through their lands. The retinue itself can be identifiable through the two standards they will carry:

Also, others couriers have been sent by Princess Elisenda herself to the Sovereigns of Poland, Beerstein and Lagerburg-Slobbovia, acknowleding them on her pledge to visit their respective Imagi-Nations as soon as her duties in Versailles are duly fulfilled.

Details on the whole can be learnt here.

Pragmatica Sanctio

Vienna, 1^st October 1713

...or how Emperor-King Charles VI intentions are finally unveiled after the development of parallel conversations respectively held by Eugene of Savoy at Rastatt and Marquis of Vilana at Monte-Cristo, and how these do affect our graceful Lady Elisenda Folc de Cardona. With a last minute starring appearance of Herr William, first Baron of Beerstein.

If curious, you can read the event thoroughful report here: Pragmatica Sanctio

What News?

Today a rider bearing dispatches bought news from Beerstein, amongst other, indicating the College of Honors is to invest Erzherzog Rudolf Dascher Hansuppen II von Hessiansacken hausen into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Tankard! Our Benevolent Landgraf overcome with emotion could not utter reply at first.

Some time having elapsed and emotion subsided the Erzherzog after some discussion with his advisers has decided to send the celebrated Hessiansacken artist in residence, Francios Metrelonge to Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein for portraiture at the Erzherzogs expense, as gracious  acknowledgement on the honour bestowed.

Other news has kept ze Landgrafs closest confidants and Schlosse messengers busy but as yet no word as too what is occupying their minds.

A Grand Tour in war times

Hi all,

I've just posted this practical question at TMP: http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=211002. It is referred to a signified character's journey from Barcelona to Vienna in really troubled times. Please would anyone help me in this matter?

Lots of thanks!!
Lluís
(http://what-if-catalonia.blogspot.com/)

A diplomacy battle, imminent

Yesterday morning (ehem... that is, on 6^th August 1713...), a Spanish/Hispannic war galley carried in Monte-Cristo the renowned Philip V's legate Marquis de Ordoño, with the expectable mission to counter the diplomatic efforts of the Catalan/Galatan legacy currently seeking supports to their agonic struggle against the Two Crowns. As a matter of fact, Don García Manuel de Cotes y Ormaza, Marquis of Ordoño and General Comissary of the Croisade (sic) is one of the most renowned legates in service of Philip V, well-known for his stubborn dealing positions during the Utrecht Treaty deliberations.

Some concern has spread in the offices of the Monte-Cristan Bureau de la Sûreté Nationale when, as a result of their discreet inquiries, it has been known the galley also carried a whole company of heavily armed Royal Walloon Guards; no one doubts the Hispannic expedition would never be fool enough to dare taking any war action inside Monte-Cristan soil, but the purpose why so many elite soldiers are accompanying the Marquis de Ordoño remains nevertheless as an intriguing mystery. Just for caution, Sous-lieutenante Claire Baizanville has discretely reinforced the security devices around the Catalan/Galatan Legate, Marquis of Vilana.

Please read the chronicle, if interested, at The Galley (and please accept my apologies for my so rude English). No necessary to assert any kind of diplomatic intervention would be warmly welcome :S

First diplomatic shots

First diplomacy round at Monte-Cristo, under the context of the late WSS campaign currently being run... If interested, this is the chronicle: http://what-if-catalonia.blogspot.com/2010/09/diplomacy-under-porch.html

[Sorry for the vacillating English my blog is written in. Have for sure that I'm doing my best -as my dictionary also does!! :D ]

Call for plots

Logistics of my projected 1713-1714 Catalonia campaign are experiencing some technical difficulties -although I expect we'll have them solved in a few days. The matter is that, after some play-testing, it was realized that a good logistic support would be needed to run the campaign, so that a gaming friend offered himself to adapt the whole to a CyberBoard gamebox, and this is to become quite hard to do -more than expected.

This is why I've been, in the meanwhile, developing in my blog some chained short tales, which are intended to bring some individual characters to life. However, there is no aim to derive my campaign into a merely narrative story (on the other hand, I'd be noticeably uncapable for such a huge enterprise, due to my English language knowledge shortages!) Inversely, I'm planning to simultaneosly develop that campaign in several fronts, so that it potentially becomes an inspiration source not only for miniature wargaming scenarios, but also for roleplaying and/or pulp gaming. The campaign rules are to conduct bigger armies moves, while the already created individual characters stories will be growing and mixing, either by narrative speculation or with the aid of Mythic GME tables -kindly provided by a Valencian reader, roleplay gamer. An ambitious plan, no doubt. In spite of its magnitude, I believe this all may be appropriately guided if done without any hurry, delecting oneself at every step by itself.
So that it is still possible that my Galatea Principality birth's date might still delay a little bit --and even more delayed might be its chronological encompassment to the rest of EvE Imagi-nations!

In the end, I'd like to ask for a couple of things to all those of you that might be interested in plunging a bit into your own Imagi-nation's recent History through mine. If any of you would somehow involve your own country's History in my Defiant Principality's birth struggle, please let me know your plot suggestions, whatever their nature:

1 - For example, you might will to introduce one of your imagi-nationals into my ever-developing storyboard, with some specific mission you would imagine.
2 - Another way of inter-connecting Histories might be getting the country as a whole openly involved in the campaign, in this or that sense -however, I admit this one to be a bit too compromising for you, depending on tje involvement degree!
3 - Finally, I'd love to contact players running Spain, France, Britain and Austria proxy Imagi-nations, in order to *consult* to them eventually arising issues that might concern their respective Imagi-nations --or simply to discuss and agree eventual interactions produced during the campaign.

Last but not least, I've started drawing some cartography of my Imagi-nation, as you can see by the image attached, specifying the imaginary names I'm to be using. Following Jean Louis suggestions, I'm in the job of assigning mythological names to each of the Crown of Aragon states: ie Galatea for Catalonia, Pyrene for Aragon, Hesperia for Valencia and Gymnesian for the Balearic Islands. Other names already chosen too are Scylla for Sicily, Arborea for Sardinia, Gallia for France, Brittany or maybe Albion for the UK, and Eiberia for Spain (Castile). Otherwise, cities and towns will be probably assigned their actual Roman, Greek or Pre-Roman names, or closely similar ones.

Diplomatic Report from Cavenderia

To: his Majesty Reich Duke Wilhelm of Beerstein

From: His Majesty's most devoted Ambassador General Graf Joffery von Silz

The Royal court has been a vibrant and chaotic place upon news of your near arrival. I and all of Cavenderia look forward to seeing your Majesty. The Prinz, if I may be so bold, had demonstrated notable adjustments to his emotions daily since my arrival. However, upon hearing of his esteemed cousins immanent arrival has been nothing but joyous and exuberant in his pursuits this week.

The Prinz has personnaly inspected every detail of the royal itenerary. Many battalions and garrisons have been called up to provide the utmost security during his Majesties' visit and should prove very relaxing.

The Prinz has told many a tale of your Majesty's exploits at his Uncle's sea manor and has planned a relaxing time there at the conclusion of the trip. So it is with heavy heart that I must relay some disturbig news I have ascertained recently.

In my capacity as diplomat I have heard rumours of Cavenderian privateers attacking Morean vessels and a terrifying coup attempt upon her Royal person, Theofilia. I truly believe no harm will befall Young Basil but have a feeling that Cavenderia may not be as pro-Morea as first thought. I will stay vigilint in my pursuit of information at this time all of this could be only healthy economic coersion. There is one more matter of interest, there seems to be a schedule for two distinct events of important persons visiting on the horizon. Of course, your Majesty and young Basil's visit is certainly spoken of publicly the second visit seems to be of great secrecy and brings an almost euphoric mood upon the Prinz in the brief instances I have overheard the discussion.

We look forward to your arrival,

Your respectful and faithful servant.

King Basil! Er Comt!

Frankfurt is plunged into disorder and a genial panic when word of the approach of Duke William and King Basil's approach is received. Given the fine weather, the word of their bypassing the previous destination has preceded their arrival by only a few hours!
More on the rising excitement at Frankszonia ....

Und, ze plot, she thickens!
As partygoers blithely dance in the evening air,
soldiers stand watch, and spies begin to gather ...

(as long as it's the top post, I'll just keep adding here *v*)

After a restful night's repose, the royal party receives a gentle entertainment in the morning which winds up with a bang!
( see http://frankszonia.blogspot.com/ )

A Spiritual Mess ... uh ... Messenger

(An Announcement after a Meeting With Spirits in the Frankfurter Cathedral)

Most Reverend Addled von Gutgulp, Patriarch of the Later-In-The-Day Saints (an unique rye, uh, Rite in the Catholic Shursh), has ashsigned Rt. Rev. Mousewitz as a plenty ... uh ... plainly ... uh ... represhentative of Frankshzonia to the Bishopric of Uber Gruntshuffen on behash uf der Hurtshog Fhartz von Frankfurter to dishcush problemsh of mushial (Hic!) intrestsh.

HAlleluia!

Vee'll trink zu zhat ....
Deo Grashiash

Cavenderian Ambassador Reports on Hesse-Engelburg

Gentlemen, may I direct your attention to the Hesse-Engelburg blog, where the Cavenderian Ambassador has found time to dispatch his first report to his sovereign.

Grand Map # 7

Somehow, I missed the wonderful achievement on the Duchy of M (oops, I didn't write it down and can't spell the Slavic). The work was done last August, so I figure it's already out of date some.
Given the incredible intermingling of holdings in the era, however, this is a great achievment as a generic map.
But ...
PROXY GAMES???
Of course, Stagonian Jeff and I are always open to some sort of scuffle.
The Soweiter League's St. Maurice would include Offenbach on the Main, the site of the contretemps way back when ... but Frankfurt / Frankszonia has considerable holding south of the Main as well as to the north up to the Nidda River (more on that later). Perhaps some territorial squabble with either Ubber or Unter Gruntshofen (spell again?)or with the Soweiter League?
Given that Frankszonia is officially "Catholic" and actually quite "Protestant" some kind of tensions could be invented there?
given that both Frankszonia and the Soweiter League are very commercially oriented, some sort of squable about fees and tarrifs?
Nothing lethal in any of these cases, more just a trial by combat among otherwise friendly entities?
???
A

принц of Boyardvina

setting: drawing room of fashionable home east of Vitebsk, a celebration of spring dinner party has many of the notables from the Tsar's realms gathered, the sounds of thier after dinner conversations rise and fall in the distance...

A smartly dressed gentleman is pacing in the drawing room, evidently he has not wanted the company of his fellow diners.

Presently another man slips in from the dressing room nearest the coach-house, his dress is that of a road traveller and shows much wear from the season past.

"Excellency," the older road traveller addreses the well dressed paceing diner, with a curt bow and flickering aversion of his eyes around the room.

"News?" is the response from the well dressed man.

"It would seem that the Habsburg court is somewhat distracted by a combination of expanding military actions to both their south and north. The Vizier in Constantinople is sabre rattling while the Prussians appear to be ready to defend their recent gains." The traveller removed a paper from his coat.

"Parts of Gallian holdings are ready to support the Germanic holdings and may participate against the Ottomans were they to press on with their apparent plans to capture more reich territories." The older man read from his notes, while the younger poured them both a glass of wine.

"Nothing seen in Dobrushiva suggests that they are preparing for action, however this campaign may be driven by the Vizier or his henchmen in Constantinople directly, with the main force still far from the border regions." The traveller took the offered wine glass.

Nodding the Prince considered this news, for a moment there was a roar of laughter from the dining rooms. When this subsided the Prince turned to his messenger,

"Take fresh horses in the morning, ride south and inform Admiral Padorin to make reconnaisances by land and sea along the Black Sea." The prince turned away for a moment more to write a quick note, he sealed it with his signet ring using wax from one of the candleabra's lights.

"This is for General-Major Sytoparov. Tell him to make all preparations slow and careful. We may even catch the opezdol looking the wrong way!" Chuckling to himself as he drained the wineglass принц of Boyardvina watched his messenger depart with the latest dispatch towards the south. Back to the dinner party and finding out how much of the Tsar's wealth could be spared for another stab at the Ottomans.

To the Empress ....

Hey guys, is there an active player for the Empire???
I'm sure that Mr. Protz had a friend running that side of things, didn't he?
All the info I can find right now is a minister kauntz?

A considerate conference

At the Intendant's offices; an aide enters with the card of Herr Eberhard Kunegunde who wishes to speak with the Intendant. As Bastille knows that this man is rumored to be the head of the Hurtshog's secret police, an audience is quickly granted!

Bastille: Good afternoon, Msr. Kunegunde. What brings you out on a blustery day like this?
Kunegunde: Ah well, in February, a clear day is to be appreciated, and one enjoys talking over affairs with trusted comrades.
Bastille: (thinking, since when did we every trust each other?) May I offer you some hot chocolate or a good cup of Coffee?
Kunegunde; Danke. A warm cup would be appreciated.
Bastille: (and he doesn't even have a taster with him? this must be important)Rubberdeux, my aide, will quickly provide us with a good pot, no?
The aide takes the prompt and leaves.
Bastille: (walking over to check the door)Bien. Now, Kunegunde, what's this about?
Kunegunde: We are quite concerned over the developing situation between Hesse Homburg and Hesse Fedora, sire. The involvement of greater powers threatens to draw in Frankszonia.
Bastille: Gallia is quite pleased that it can rely on Frankszonia, no?
Kunegunde: Such reliance is touching, especially as we notice that you are establishing a new base not two days quick march away from your stronghold here.
Bastille: Ah, but this is simply to counter the Germanian foothold in Hesse Fedora. That's clear on the other side of the Tannesberg!
Kunegunde: Ja, das is richtig, aber ... Homburg sets upon the eastern flank of our northern fields quite this side of the Tannesburg.
Bastille: Now really, Msr Kunegunde! You're being quite paranoid.
Kunegunde: In such times, when one sees a neighbor suddenly being built up to power by outside forces, paranoia is probably quite contagious. Moreover, in spite of the complications involving Germania and the Imperial court, the Margraf von Fedora and our own Hurtshog have long been amicable. Now, we see the Hurtshog's opponents clustering to the court of Homburg, and that notorious scoundrel, Roquefort as well?
Bastille: Do not concern yourself, Msr. Kunegunde. You can assure the Hurtshog that Gallia will keep things in control.
Kunegunde: Actually, m Lord, the Hurtshog is most anxious that Gallia does not intrude its proboscis into the affiar.
Bastille: M'seur! (shocked and angry)
Kunegunde: (sternly) We have information that Limburger is building up to drive us back over the Tannesberg hogback. This Homburg / Fedora affair would provide an excellent screen for their nefarious plans. Given the influence of the vile Stagonians in certain Gallian circles and the machinations of Roquefort, Frankszonia would prefer that there would be no chance of Gallian casualties providing any raison de entre for further complications.
Bastille: (even more sternly) Hesse Homburg is now an ally of the Gallian monarchy. We will respond most forcibly to any assault upon them from ANY source.
Kunegunde: (sardonically) what a reassuring reply. Surely, Gallia would be just as eager to defend allies of even longer standing, even if they happen to be unpopular with the Wiener court?
Bastille: M'seur! You insult the Gallian Crown!
Kunegunde: But not its self interest, m'Lord. And, after all, we are speaking of a most worldly prince. Gallia is nowhere nearly as vile as its apparent client, Stagonia, Danke Gott. As a fellow Cathlic, I'm sure you're aware of what trust one can propose in any prince.
Bastille: (disdainfully) I've not seen the Hurtshog be any less worldly than any other prince.
Kunegunde: Nor does he pretend to be. However, given the Roquefort always seems to have access to funds that Frankszonia can't match, and that he is probably offering the assistance of Cheezer troops to Homburg even as we speak, it seems that another four cornered conflict is about to break out.
May I remind you that Frankszonia has already spent blood in your cause? I'm sure that our Reichsarmee contingent will be as good when it is tested.
Bastille: (grunts)
Kunegunde: The Hurtshog and his officers are confident of Frankszonia's abilities in any affair that is PURELY local, my Lord. We are hoping to ensure that the Hat war and the more cheesy affairs will be kept separate, but we have experienced the perfidy of our foes to often to ensure that the young Princess and her court will be immune.
Bastille: So, what do you propose now?
Kunegunde: We are repositioning our forces, sir. But we definitely have ruled out any sort of pre-emptive action against Homburg. At the moment, we're going to focus on securing our internal lines of communication and maintaining a close eye on the movements of the Limburgers.
All we want is an assurance that any Gallians who happen to be in the line of fire this time are strictly observers, in return we can assure you that our generals are not foolish enough to start shotting at a lion when a mad dog is bearing down on them from the other side!
Bastille: Ah, i smell chocolate! (opens door) Rubberdeux, man, did you have to go to America for the beans? Come in. Msr, you will find that his blend is most delicious ...
(the meeting devolves into small talk about trade on the Rhine) ...

Mission to Hesse-Homburg

Guiles, Count l'Beauphaup presents his credentials to the court of Hesse-Homburg.

He presents an assortment of premier beverages, including some rare and unobtainable Gallian vintages. Also, of course, he brings a wagon load of the new, improved Frankfurters, bratwurst, and so forth from the new factory in Frankfurt.

He also brings a letter from Hurtshog Stanken Fhartz v. Frankfurter to the effect that as both entities are loyal members of the Empire they would profit by establishing various agreements.
Specifically:
a non-aggression and non-interference pact, as in spite of being putative allies in the greater scheme, on the local level there is a confusion of old relationships and obligations ;
Also standard agreements for equitable treatment and passage of commerce.

Sorry, for the blandness, the bewitching Dame Edith demands my attention ...

:)

Diplomatic Status

I thought, with things finally heating up, that it would be worthwhile for us to start a thread into which to post the diplomatic sentiments of our various principalities towards the various other powers.

Feel free to add comments, and remember your secondary nations!