Empress Maria Theresa rewards the loyalty of Queen Elisenda of Hesperia and Arborea

In recognition of the great sacrifice of Queen Elisenda of Hesperia and Arborea in support of the Empress' campaign in Sicily, Empress Maria Theresa has invested Queen Elisenda into the Military Order of Maria Theresa.

Concentric uchronies

A Galatan out-of-time musing, 2^nd half of Century

In her latest years of fortunate reign as Princess of Galatea and Queen of Hesperia & Arborea, Lady Elisenda Folc de Cardona had to face an unexpected internal crisis, after Empress Maria-Theresa formally requested assistance of the Galatan Confederation to an Imperial punishing expedition against the newly born Kingdom of Sicily, lead by Reich Duke von Beerstein. Summoned to a joint session for debating Her Imperial Majesty's request, a number of Confederate Parliaments rejected at first drawing any troops of their own for an allegedly agressive campaign; so that only after a long debate and heavy negotiations, a Galatan Expeditionary Brigade was finally agreed for muster.

Queen Elisenda proudly responded to the Empress in affirmative sense, but in her deep inside she understood to have this time demanded too much to the Imagi-Nation whose survival she had been devoting her entire life to. She knew her Parliaments patience had been exhausted and a change of sovereign would be soon demanded -someone young, plenty of new ideas and hopes. Her time was coming to an end, so that she silently started preparing her own succession.

More info at what-if-catalonia.blogspot.com/2010/12/expeditionary-brigade.html

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[Galatea, Hesperia and Arborea are my fictional names for Catalonia, Valencia and Sardinia respectively.]

The Empress asks the Marquis of Vilana to sent a brigade to Sicily to support the Reich Duke's campaign

Empress Maria Theresa has summoned the Marquis of Vilana to Schonbrunn Palace to seek military assistance from the Defiant Principality of Galatan/Catalan for her campaign in Sicily. News from the island is not good. The Reich Duke of Beerstein was repulsed with heavy casualties in his first encounter with King Joseph. Reinforcements of an infantry brigade could stabilize the situation. As the Empress is bogged down with the Turks, she is unable to sent any Austrian troops. The Marquis of Vilana may be her only hope!

Empress Maria Theresa orders Reich Duke to invest the Kingdom of Sicily

Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein was order by the Empress to begin an offensive against the Kingdom of Sicily. Despite a brilliant amphibious landing, the Beerstein force was repulsed in its first encounter with the Kingdom of Sicily. King Joseph's splendid army crushed the Beerstein right flank and forced the Reich Duke to withdraw under cover of darkness. Battle accounts will be posted on both site with the best possible spin on the affair...

Empress Maria Theresa recalls Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein to Vienna

Empress Maria Theresa recalls Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein to Vienna in response to the Coalition of Colon's military exercises. Young King Basil was also invited to attend the Council of War. Reich Duke Wilhelm regrets terminating the Grand Tour, however, the Empress must be obeyed!

Empress Maria Theresa recalls Admiral Graf Hopstadt

With the untimely death of the Imperial Sea Lord and the incursion of the Dey's Xebecs along the Dalmatian coast, Empress Maria Theresa ignored her advisers and has recalled Admiral Graf Rupert von Hopstadt to Vienna. In a private audiance, the Empress returned the Admiral's sacred sword and his many medals and decorations which she had keep for just such an occasion. Much to the chagrin of her advisers, the Empress invested Admiral Hopstadt with his long denied Order of Maria Theresa and appointed him her new Imperial Sea Lord. His first assignment is to reorganize the fleet and to secure the Dalmation coast. Imperial Sea Lord Hopstadt was seen smiling as he passed the bowed advisor who had plotted against him.

Empress accepts Board of Inquiry Findings

The Imperial Sea Lord delivered the Board of Inquiry Findings in the case of Admiral Graf Rupert von Hopstadt to Empress Maria Theresa at Schonbrunn Palace. The Empress was greatly relieved to learn her Admiral was exonerated on all charges, but very distressed to hear Admiral Hopstadt had resigned his commission and retired to his estate in the Reich Duchy of Beerstein. The Empress instructed the Imperial Sea Lord to make a personal appeal to Admiral Hopstadt to return to court to receive his justly deserved Order of Maria Theresa. She also reminded the Imperial Sea Lord that no General Officer had ever suffered the indignity of a Board of Inquiry after being successful, and warned him of the long term affect on the navy’s morale because of this action.

Admiral Hopstadt Stands Alone

Admiral Hopstadt needed no counsel; he would face these jackals alone armed only with the truth. Imperial Sea Lord and Admirals I present myself to answer these slanderous charges; Count One: Hazarding Imperial Ships on the high seas, Count Two: Dereliction of Duty in regards to the dreaded Driss Khal-al-Waw Dey: Count Three: Failure to destroy the pirate’s sanctuary.

As Admiral, I alone decide which storms to sail into! Thirty two years of sea service qualifies me, not you, to ponder on the efficacy of such circumstances. As for the dreaded Driss Khal-al-Waw Dey, the man I hanged certainly looked like the portrait presented to me in the mission briefing. None of you landlocked geniuses even hinted there may be a twin brother. Furthermore, the scoundrel never denied his identity even as the noose lifted him from the deck of my flagship. As to Count Three a description of the battle should resolve that matter.

Two of the three 42-pounder emplacements in the Presidio were knocked out by our initial volley. The Presidio guns returned fire, but without the heavy batteries their efforts were futile. After 20 minutes, four of their six 32-pounder batteries were also out of action. A mishap or lucky hit from the bombardment resulted in a fire outside the main magazine which resulted secondary explosion that sealed the magazine and silenced all of their guns.Ordering the squadron to weigh anchor, we sailed close up to the chain blocking entry into the harbor and began firing on the city. The nearly two dozen shallow-drafting xebecs in harbor, passed over the chain and attempted to close and board our ships, but were driven off. Over half of these vessels were smashed into splinters by our heavy guns.The harbor gunboats and bomb ketches attempted to return fire, but were unable to do any damage, and were destroyed over the next hour. Our squadron bombarded the city proper for another two hours. Fires were seen along the waterfront which shrouded the entire city in a haze of gun smoke. As night fell, the glow of the fires in the Kasbah guided our fire on the towering minarets of the Ketchooup Mosque. A series of salvoes from all three ships brought down the minarets, and I ordered cease fire! All this was achieved without the loss of one man.

Instead of receiving the Order of Maria Theresa, I am brought here to defend my honor. Gentlemen, your deliberations are of no further interest to me. I refuse to serve such ingrates. The Admiral removed the medals and decorations from his uniform and placed them on the table along with his sacred sword, a gift from the Empress herself. The Admiralty Chamber was deadly quiet as Admiral Graf Rupert von Hopstadt departed.

F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein accompanies Empress Maria Theresa to Trieste

From the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Trieste, Empress Maria Theresa and F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm review naval maneuvers of her newest squadron. The Flag Ship EMPRESS boasts 100 guns and is commanded by Rear Admiral Graf Rupert von Hopstadt. The REICH DUKE, a stately 74 gunner is commanded by Capt Needa Morebier, and the agile 64 gun GRENZER is commanded by Capt Karl von Grapp. From a distance, the British inshore squadron is also monitoring the Empress's entry into naval warfare.

After a triumphant dining in celebration aboard her Flag Ship, Empress Maria Theresa gave Rear Admiral Graf Rupert von Hopstadt his secret orders to be opened once at sea. F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm told the Empress if he had the fire power of the naval squadron, he could conquer all of Europe in her name. As the Empress's squadron takes to sea on it's first mission, the British inshore squadron can be seen on the horizon.

Reich Duchy of Beerstein appoints new Ambassadors

F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm applauds the Reichstag's decision to appoint four new Ambassadors to our allies. He has long sought their action on behalf of the Duchy of Tradgardland, the Markgraaf of Raubenstadt, and Frankszonia. These realms have sent us generals in our hour of need or have supported the University of Pabst. Elector Ulrich von Luftberg's support for Empress Maria Theresa certainly justifies our recognition and assistance. Our Ambassadors are: General Count Ulrich von Carling appointed to the Duchy of Tradgarland, General Count Rupert von Brewmister appointed to the Margraaf of Raubenstadt, General Count Wilhelm von Corona appointed to Frankszonia, and General Count Ludwig von Warsteiner appointed to the Rheinstadt der Luftberg. General Count von Warsteiner is to present Elector Ulrich von Luftberg his investiture into the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Tankard upon reporting to Court. The Duc d'Au Contraire is to inducted into the Order of Goblet upon his arrival at our Court. F.M. Reich Duke Wilhelm recognizes the contribution of these distinguished heros and wishes each new ambassador well during this phase of service to the Reich Duchy of Beerstein.

Empress Maria Theresa's Grand Victory Ball

A Grand Victory Ball was held at Schonbrunn Palace to honor the newest heroes of the Austrian Empire. It was an opportunity for the Empress to introduce them to Viennese high society and to formally recognize them before the court. The honorees were Field Marshal Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein, Prinz Wilhelm II von Beerstein Baron von Brewswick, Maj Gen Reich Graf Adolph von Coors Baron von Blatzberg, Maj Gen Reich Graf Lother Blunderdonner Baron von Alesgarden, General Reich Graf Pickelmany, Generaloffizer Reich Graf Mackay, General Reich Graf Joffery Lista Baron von Lista, and Colonel Honking Thirst.

Empress Maria Theresa summons Reich Duke Wilhelm to Vienna

Empress Maria Theresa summoned Reich Duke Wilhelm, his son Wilhelm II, and the heroes of the Battles of Alesgarden and Blatzberg to Vienna. During their presentation, Empress Maria Theresa promoted Reich Duke Wilhelm to Field Marshal, invested him into her newly constituted Order of Maria Theresa, and proclaimed him "Lion of the Empire." Duchess Lynda was heard to say, "Thrice a knight at his age is something to behold."

Wilhelm II was elevated to Prinz and Baron von Brewswick. Maj Gen Adolph von Coors Baron von Blatzberg, Maj Gen Lother Blunderdonner Baron von Alesgarden, General Pickelmany, Generaloffizer Mackay, and General Lista Baron von Lista were all invested into the Order of the Golden Fleece and named Reich Graf (Count of the Empire). Colonel Honking Thirst was also invested into the Order of the Golden Fleece and presented a regiment of his choice.

In a private audiance, Empress Maria Theresa explained that the Barony of Brewswick is a very contentious province. Austria, Prussia, and Russia all have claimed the mineral rich area and her appointment of Wilhelm II as Baron will no doubt raise the ire of Berlin and Moscow. Since Wilhelm II is still attending the University of Pabst Field Marshal Reich Duke Wilhelm will serve as "Reich Protector" against all adversaries!

A letter

A letter from Istanbul...

To their florivorios Majesties of Europa,Greetings in the name of Right ! To her fragrentness blossom Maria Theresa and the heads of states insignificant and petty I send the greetings of my master Mustapha Sultan of the East and master of all!I write,once more and with the greatest urgency demanding that ambassadors be appointed and sent forthwith to His Excellency's Palace in Istanbul that relations may be made known regarding the handing over of what land is rightly ours since 1739! We have waited long and desire only peace and land that is our by Laws divine and human! The land once known as the Banat of Torgoras is once more under our control and so we wait upon the border of Austria and Europa herself!An ultimatum is being sent forth to Europa - if no ambassadors are forthcoming by the next Full Moon , accompanied by endeavours to surrender lands once more to us then we shall call the full force of our armies will be asked to meet, from all the ends of the earth, with a view to war !We wish peace and justice to flow between our lands and Europa as well as the Eastern territories of the Austrian Empire to be ours once more . Failure to do so will regretfully mean the sounding of the shrill flute of conquest! That which was stopped at the gates of Vienna will not be stopped this time!

RespectfullyEvidya Secretary to the Vizier- blessed be his name for ever!

A letter...

An Ottoman Letter to Maria Theresa may be read at
http://osterreichuberalles.blogspot.com/
Is trouble looming out of the East - Reader beware!!

Updated Gallian Pesonage List And A Little More

Here is an updated of list of personalities created for the War in Germania with Der Alte along with others created by members of this BLOG, notably Arthur and Alan, as they interact with Gallia. I believe some have been missed. This all started small enough in 2005. Now look what we have! It is Featherstonian and Hyborian I suppose and oddly I have enjoyed watching how the personality of each interacts differently and true to form as circumstances arise.

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PERSONALITIES OF GALLIA (FRANCE), THE IMPERIUM (AUSTRIA) AND SAXE RASCHSTEIN (SAXONY) and some for GERMANIA AND BRITANNIA too by Bill Protz
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ROYALTY:
Gallian King: l'Roy Louis XV
Brother: Comte de Provence (Brigade des Carabiniers)
Brother In Law: Prinz Wilhelm von Saxe-Raschstein (Saxony)
Prinzessin Mercedes: Louis XV's Sister, Prinz Wilhelm's Wife (Saxony)
Imperium Empress: Maria Theresa
l'Comte de Albany aka Charles Edward Stuart
~~
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
Gallian Foreign Minister: Prince de Charade
Charade's Secretary: Bernard
Gallian Minister of War: l'Duc de Formidable
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Legerdemain
Gallian Diplomat: l'Comte de Rapprochement
Rapprochement's Doorward: Pierre La Port
Saxe-Raschstein Prime Minister: Graf von Bruhl
Imperium Foreign Minister: Count von Kaunitz
Gallia: Col. Enigma (??)
Governor-General/Fortress of Louisbourg: l'Duc de Silhouette
Intendant: l'Comte de Bastille (Frankfurt Am Main Magazine)
~~
COURTIERS:
Lady Diana Pettygree (from the Britannian Channel Island Pettygree)
Pettygree's Maid: Catherine
Pettygree's Valet: Henri (missing in Germania in 1756 now returned)
Lady Cherish Masquerade
Lady Belle Silhouette
Master Pastry Chef Jacques Torres
~~
SENIOR OFFICERS:
Gallian Marshall l'Duc de Broglie
Gallian Lieutenant General Chevert
Gallian Lieutenant General l'Duc de Poyanne
Gallian Lieutenant General Audace (Audacious cavalry commander)
Saxe-Raschstein General Major von Nostitz
Saxe-Raschstein General Major Graf zu Solms
Imperium Marshall von Browne
Imperium General von Schwarzenegger
~~
OTHER OFFICERS:
Brig. J.C. Fischer (Fischer Legion)
Col. Mirage
Col. Bercheney (Bercheney Hussars)
Rittmeister von Schill (von Schill Hussars von Saxe Raschstein)
Leutnant Blitzen: ADC (Prinz Albrecht Chevaulegers von Saxe-Raschstein)
Lieutenant Gardier: Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort
Capitaine Acheron de Vinnie (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
l'Capitaine: Captain of 40 gun figate l'Vengeance
Enseigne Bargot: Ensign aboard l'Vengeance
Lieutenant Gregorie: Lieutenat aboard Gallian galley at Le Havre
Henri l'Comte de Ste. Germain: Port Admiral Le Havre
Bernard-Louis: Admiral Ste. Germain's Secretairie
l'Capitaine Briege: Captain of Rhapsodie 36, burned in Tradgardland harbor
~~
OTHERS:
THAT WOMAN: Mysterious, one-eyed, elderly and peasant dressed offering advice to Pettygree. She appears at propitious moments and vanishes in an instant.
~~
Gallian Ships
l'Vengeance (40) VERY FAST!!!
Rhapsodie (36) sunk in Tradgardland Harbor at anchor
Alerte (20)Dispatch vessel
Rascalle (12) Packet Ship
A Galley (?) on the Seine between Le Havre and Versailles)
~~
FOR GERMANIA
Col. von Bungle
Gen. Schwerpunkt
~~
FOR BRITANNIA
Lt. Gen. the Marquis of Granby
Maj. Gen. Frye
~~
Tradgardland
von Bergmann: Diplomatic Mission to Gallia
Captain Anders (Ny Tradgardland Diplomat
~~
More as they are created.........
---------

Unused Names:
Deception
Cursarius (Runner/Raider)
Flabergast
Intrigue
Punctillious
Inuendo
Chaos
von Bluster
von Blunder
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A letter from the Holy Father to Duke Karl Frederick

My Son
This letter pains me to write . Pressure has been brought to bear upon me by my loyal and faithful servant the Empress Maria Theresa and the diplomatic corps of the Imperium. Their secret and vigorous assaults upon my person - in terms of legal argument and appeal under heaven, has led me to a painful and sad conclusion which I must share with you this day. I hereby revoke for all time your claim and sovereignty over the land known as Schwartz - Tradgardland. The Land will be without rulers or authority until I hear the appeals of the crowned heads of Europa.They will make fit and proper representation to the Holy See for sovereignty of the said land.
Once more my sorrowful thoughts are with you.
Benedict

Europa: Who's Who (draft edition)

Brother James at the cistercian monastery of Alt-Wittendorf has been compiling a lsit of the states of Europa with their rulers and other supplementary information.

He requests your indulgence and invites you to read his first draft and hopes that you will inform him of any errors or omissions and provide him with information to complete his opus [any unknown entry information is shown as ??]

Country: Ruler , Other Titles[Other Info]

Bishopric of Uber Gruntshuffen : ?? , ??

Britannia(Britain): ?? , ??

Byzantium: Emperor Bob XXI, Protector of the Divine Mistress, Lead Worshipper of the Moon Goddesses.

Duchy of Alzheim: Friedrich August II, ??

Duchy of Lagerburg-Slobbovia: ??, ??

Duchy of Mieczyslaw: 'vacant', ??

Duchy of the North: ?? , ??

Duchy of Tradgardland: Karl Frederick, ??

Electorate of Vulgaria: Donislov I , ??

Frankszonia: Hertzhog Stanken Fahrt, ??

Gallia(France): l'Roy Louis XV, ??

Germania : ?? , ??

Grand Duchy of Stollen: Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II, ??

Hesse-Engelburg: Fürst Guntram, ??

Hesse-Fedora: ?? , ??

Hesse-Seewald: ?? , ??

The Imperium(Austro-Hungary): Maria Theresa , ??

Noverre: Grand-Duke Douglas , ??

Saxe-Bearstein: Furst Bruno V , ??

Saxe-Huack: Duke Augustus von Lettow, Crown Prince of Ostenburg, Margrave of Bittburg, Baron of Charmont, Fidei Defensor.

Saxe-Raschstein(Saxony); ?? ??

Scandalusia: ?? ??

Soweiter League : ?? , ??

Wittenberg: King Leopold IV , Count of Gerundia

Who IS Who

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PERSONALITIES OF GALLIA (FRANCE), THE IMPERIUM (AUSTRIA) AND SAXE RASCHSTEIN (SAXONY) and some for GERMANIA AND BRITANNIA too by Bill P.
--------------
ROYALTY:
Gallian King: l'Roy Louis XV
Brother: Comte de Provence (Brigade des Carabiniers)
Brother In Law: Prinz Wilhelm von Saxe-Raschstein (Saxony)
Prinzessin Mercedes: Louis XV's Sister, Prinz Wilhelm's Wife (Saxony)
Imperium Empress: Maria Theresa
~~
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS:
Gallian Foreign Minister: Prince de Charade
Charade's Secretary: Bernard
Gallian Minister of War: l'Duc de Formidable
Gallian Diplomat: Comte de Legerdemain
Gallian Diplomat: Comte de Rapprochement
Rpprochement's Doorward: Pierre La Port
Saxe-Raschstein Prime Minister: Graf von Bruhl
Imperium Foreign Minister: Count von Kaunitz
Gallia: Col. Enigma (??)
~~
COURTIERS:
Lady Diana Pettygree (from the Britannian Channel Island Pettygree)
Pettygree's Maid: Catherine
Pettygree's Valet: Henri (missing in Germania in 1756 now returned)
Lady Cherish Masquerade
Lady Belle Silhouette
Master Pastry Chef Jacques Torres
~~
SENIOR OFFICERS:
Gallian Marshall l'Duc de Broglie
Gallian Lieutenant General Chevert
Saxe-Raschstein General Major von Nostitz
Saxe-Raschstein General Major Graf zu Solms
Imperium Marshall von Browne
Imperium General von Schwarzenegger
~~
OTHER OFFICERS:
Brig. J.C. Fischer (Fischer Legion)
Col. Mirage
Col. Bercheney (Bercheney Hussars)
Rittmeister von Schill (von Schill Hussars von Saxe Raschstein)
Leutnant Blitzen: ADC (Prinz Albrecht Chevaulegers von Saxe-Raschstein)
Lieutenant Gardier: Officer in charge of Pettygree's cavalry escort
Capitaine Acheron de Vinnie (Compagnies franches de la Marine)
~~
OTHERS:
THAT WOMAN: Mysterious, one-eyed, elderly and peasant dressed offering advice to Pettygree. She appears at propitious moments and vanishes in an instant.
~~
FOR GERMANIA
Col. von Bungle
Gen. Schwerpunkt
~~
FOR BRITANNIA
Lt. Gen. the Marquis of Granby
Maj. Gen. Frye
~~
More as they are created.........
---------
Unused Names:
Deception
Cursarius (Runner/Raider)
Flabergast
Intrigue
Punctillious
Inuendo
Chaos
von Bluster
von Blunder
-------------

In Response to the Grand Duchy of Stollen

Hans Karl von Wilkowiczeske,

The Electorate of Vulgaria welcomes the exchange of Ambassadors during these times of turmoil. There appears to be a major movement toward crises in the West that is at best confounding and absolutely perplexing. It is at times like these that civilized Nations should become friends!

Vulgaria is willing to extend the hand of friendship with two caveats; As the Empires of Maria-Theresa and Elizabeth march so marches the Army of Vulgaria, Betrayals of our friendship will be considered an act of war and will be retaliated against most severely.

I await your response in earnest anticipation of a new friendship with all that it conveys.

Byr Levrenti Beria
CoD

For the Elector Vleg Donislov I of Vulgaria

Where it's at! There's no turntables or microphones!

Now with the help of the many published maps I can reveal the exact????? location of the Electorate of Vulgaria! Well except for that whole wormhole lake border with Alzheim-but hey we are making this stuff up! Vulgaria lives in the world roughly in the area of 45'40" and 45'75" Latitude and 20'75" and 25'25" Longitude. The country is shaped like an upside down comma with the tail running along the Carpathians and the round bit anchored in the north of Transylvania.

They are primarily a Slavic people considered too difficult or poor to conquer by the Magyar's when they moved into Europe. Massive German migrations during earlier centuries have clearly made their mark in the Government and Military, as well as the efficient merchant class.

So come, book your vacations and come to Vulgaria; where the roasted pig is sweet and tender and the wine plentiful! But don't bring your army, as our good friends are the Empress Maria-Theresa and the Czarina Elizabeth!