The Secret Council assembles

The first thing was to take action with all they had; now Chancellor Südflosse sat in the High Chamber of the Palace of Böhnstadt and knew his master will take matters into his own hand.
There were three men and one woman around the table: Princeps Erhard Berthold, his Guard Captain, Ludwig von Merck, Erik von Südflosse himself and Lady Ingetora Orstsdottir, the Varangian ambassador to Schultze-Böhnstadt.
'We are to set up this Council', the Princeps started in a mild, but anxious tone. 'For, you see, things have gone wild and we are at war no doubt; and that war I wish to win before more defeats are suffered and more casualties are taken.
In times like this we must seek allies where we had not done before, and this is why you, mylady, are sitting at this table right now.'
'You ask me to engage in a war we do not have interest in', the ambassador replied. 'We take money not; we are proud to serve the right, but Gluteborg-Varangia is not home of ruthless mercenaries.'
'My father knew that too well', the Princeps said. 'But times are changing, and if we don't stop the Flossian deluge they'll soon reach your country too, and they will reach it un-prepared.'
'You will be paid for', thus spoke von Südflosse, 'all we need is a few regiments, may they be volunteers or veterans or whatever you like. Join the war or lend your troops and we will give them flags to fight for; you'll have well-trained men who've smelled the smoke of a thousand muskets' fire. Their commander will be granted some estate of Böhnstadter land near the border; we will arrange their quarters, supplies and will transport them if necessary.'
'And should you refuse, we will presume you already have a contract with the Union and deal with you so', von Merck finished the thoughts of the Chancellor.
'Waging war against us and the Union at the same time?' Lady Ingetora laughed.
'I have the orders to raise five more brigades here, ready to be signed. Two more will be enough to deal with von Presser's lot in the west' - the Princeps lowered his voice and his words had a threatening tone.
'That is all; what is your answer, mylady?', von Südflosse asked.
'We bow not to mere threats, sir', the ambassador exclaimed. 'And I have no power to decide this matter alone; I will travel to Gluteborg and see the King and his court to make decision.'

An exchange of information

Luckily, the dispatch sent by von Kahlen reached the dispatch sent by von Spülge from the other side of the river. They quickly turned back, and met von Spülge's escort which just crossed the Grühne bridge. Thus the General was timely informed of the mobilization of his brigade and could alter his plans to meet them at the Bridge that leads to his town of origin.

The other messenger, sent to Störkburg took off the road to cut the distance and was ready to enter the mountain range near the fort of Wraugspitze.

Grübsheim falls

'Today these walls won't hold us back', von Leuchtenberg exclaimed with confidence. He was determined to take the fort no matter how big the brigade's losses are.

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

Running with time

Dietrich von Spülge and his escorting Mounted Jägers were still twenty miles far from the Grühne and about forty more to Dreichholm. Grübsheim has been under siege for two days now.
They rode until dusk, then Von Spülge sent forward a smaller detachment of troops with orders to the Brigade to make ready for march. This detachment rode through a small fortification guarding the southern end of the bridge on the Grühne, the commander of which deliberately offered to send his own Hussars even more forward.
It still takes at least two days for the Brigade to get the orders and mobilize. Meanwhile, the siege is on again.

Siege of Grübsheim, Day 1

The Flossian army had prepared to storm Grübsheim. They had a full brigade of foot with two artillery batteries and a pioneer battalion. Von Leuchtenberg studied the outlay of the defensive works:

Grübsheim is near a lake on the left bank of the River Grühne. The lake is connected to the walls with a canal and supplies the moat surrounding the fort with plenty of water. There's one crossing on the canal guarded by three towers. More guntowers are placed around the walls, marked as dark red dots on the sketch above.

The fort itself is a star-shaped one with an outer wall which ties the two ends of the moat together in the south. 'This is where we'll attack', announced von Leuchtenberg. 'After the outer wall is crushed, all we've got to do is take them out by force. Send the Pandurs over that crossing and see if they can pass,' he ordered Colonel von Werther. 'Take the pioneers if you'd want to, but make sure they pack up some siege weapons for the rest of the brigade.'

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

Dreichholm Brigade to the rescue!

'How dare you!'
Dietrich von Spülge entered the corridor of the High Chancellery shouting all the way to von Südflosse's office, and when he finally arrived into the room, he showed no intention to stop. 'How dare you not warning me that my hometown has been fallen to Flossian hands, you ruffian, you, you... Son of a baker, darn clerk, you will pay for this!'
'Excuse me, Herr Generalleutnant, I am writing orders', Erik von Südflosse told him. Spülge's rage was gone in a second. 'What sort of orders?', he asked, hoping for the best.
Von Südflosse signed the papers and then sealed the envelope. 'Orders for the Dreichholm Brigade to march west and liberate Grübsdorf from the enemy siege. By chance, take back Spülge too. Look, I knew I couldn't stop you from attacking those wretched Flossians, let us make it legal once and for all. In the meantime, I'm sending orders to dear old Hohenspitz too: he will attack as soon as he can. This is a level of threat we did not expect: don't turn it into peril.'
'Sir', von Spülge bowed then left in a quick pace. He rode to Dreichholm immediately and started marching towards Grübsheim.

The fort of Grübsheim was held by 6 battalions of foot - a fusilier and a militia regiment -, plus a squadron of dragoons. They were facing the full force of the Union, but were keen to hold the walls. They knew help would come, but did not know when. Judging by the fate of Spülge, their only option was to hold.
The Flossian army - at least the foot as the cavalry brigade decided to spend a few days in Spülge, in the inhabitants' empty homes - slowly surrounded Grübsheim and made itself ready to storm the walls.

The first act of war

In the fog of dawn, the 5th Klaußstadt Cavalry Brigade, which left the town of Geistwold during the last, starless night, gathered and took up formations at the outskirts of Spülge, on the left (western) bank of the River Grühne, and at first sunlight the first squadrons descended on the town.

Rolled 1d10 to see how many miltia battalions are quartered in Spülge = resulted in 4. 
Rolled 1d20 for commander's Training, -1 Militia Officer, = resulted in 18-1, Seasoned.

Von Strutzenheim and the two heavy cavalry regiments arrived from the northern road leading to Geistwold. His plan was relatively simple, but he hoped the spies' informations were correct and there was an ignorable force stationed in Spülge. 'It will be an easy ride, my fellows', he said, then continued on to explain the plan.

The light cavalry regiments, the III. Carabiniers and the IV. Hussars will circle round the town and attack from the southern road as a first wave.

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post)

Brigades of the Union assemble

The assembly of troops took no more than three weeks. At the beginning of April the Flossian main army gathered in Geistwold. This army, named the 1st Division contained the following:

6. Rückelburg Brigade - under direct command of Field Marshal von Leuchtenberg

I. Pandurs zu Fuss 1-3. (4) Col. von Werther
4. Grenadiers (7)
VIII. Füsilieren 1-3. (3) Col. Eisberg
IX. Füsilieren 1-3. (3)

5. Klaußstadt Cavalry Brigade - under direct command of Elector von Strutzenheim
At quarters in Klaußstadt

I. Garde du Corps 1-2. (6) under direct command
V. Leib-Küirassieren 1-2. (5) Lt. Col. Schwannberg

II. Leib-Dragoner 1-3. (5) Lt. Col (promoted) Schilswig
III. Karabinieren 1-3. (2) Col. (promoted) Fichte
IV. Hussaren 1-3. (3) Lt. Col (promoted) Mösenberg

1st Independent dragoon (escort) squadron - no appointed commander

Artillery regiment A, 2 batteries, Col. Größfud

V. Rgt 1-3. Pionieren (7) Col. Mannwehld

In the meantime, the Landwehr Brigade's six battalions (one pike and one musket per regiment, in the good old-fashioned way) were assembled and sent to Grübsheim with the lead of Elector Michheim.

Landwehr Brigade - Elector Miccheim as acting Lieutenant General

Rgt. 1 1-2. (X) Lt. Col von Mulke

Rgt. 2 1-2. (X) Major von Glebstrühr

Rgt 3 1-2. (X)  Lt. Col Schmidt

The other two brigades, under assembly, would contain the following:

1st Rückelburg Brigade - under direct command of Elector von Presser

Von Presser's Leib (foot) Rgt 1-3. (4) - under direct command

II. Rgt. Grenzer (from the Selbständig battalions and reserve) 1-3. - Col. (promoted) Fischer

III. Rgt. Füsilieren 1-3. (3) - Col. von Mauser

4. Grenadiers (4) 

IV. Rgt. Füsilieren 1-3. (3) - no appointed commander

2nd Geistwold Cavalry Brigade - under direct command of Elector von Könstrelle 

VI. Light cavalry regiment 1-2. (of the independent regiments) Col. von Braun

VII. Light cavalry regiment (-II-) 1-2. Lt. Col. Ruquier

VIII. Rgt. Küirassieren (6) 1-2. Col. von Löwenstern

Independent units

Volunteer Jäger Rgts. 1-2 (2 battalions each)

Selbständig Grenzer Rgts. 1-2 (3 battalions each)

Artillery Rgts. B-C (2 batteries each)

Pioneer Rgt. VI. bat. 1-3

Newspapers and posters in the bigger towns have shown the words of the First Elector:

"We are going to war, my people. The Electors do not take any more insults from the scoundrel Böhnstadter: our land must belong to the people who deserve it. This war would require much manpower, but the cause is well worth the risk; and I know and feel in my heart that the good men of the Union will not hesitate and join the Army as soon as possible. God be with you,

Elector von Presser"

Union an dem Flosse army list and the Electors make a plan

Before taking a seat amongst his three colleauges, Magnus Walther von Presser, the oldest elector of the Union on the Flosse read through a list his adjutant just put on his desk.

Current Armies of the Union
list by Manfred Sillinghoffen, by the orders of his Excellence the First Elector


(One regiment of foot is 3 battalions by standard, cavalry regiments are 2 squadrons.
Brigades are strictly organized and not only operational units.)

6. Rückelburg Brigade - under direct command of Field Marshal von Leuchtenberg
At quarters in Rückelburg

I. Pandurs zu Fuss 1-3. (4) Col. von Werther
4. Grenadiers (7)
VIII. Füsilieren 1-3. (3) Col. Eisberg
IX. Füsilieren 1-3. (3)

5. Klaußstadt Cavalry Brigade - under direct command of Elector von Strutzenheim
At quarters in Klaußstadt

I. Garde du Corps 1. (6) under direct command
II. Leib-Dragoner 1. (5) Major Schilswig
III. Karabinieren 1-2. (2) Lt. Col. Fichte
IV. Hussaren 1. (3) Major Mösenberg

7. Landwehr Brigade - no appointed commander
(Insurrectionist, regiments take a week to form)
3 regiments of Landwehr foot with two battalions, 1-6. (2) 

Independent regiments

Light cavalry regiments 1-3 (2 sqds of light cav. and 1 carabiniers)
Militia (pike) battalions (196 men) I-VIII.
Artillery regiment A, 1 battery at present, 2 reserve
Selbständig Grenzer battalions 1-2.
V. Rgt 1. battalion Pionieren (7), bat. 2-3 reserve
Von Presser's Leib (foot) bat. 1-3 (5)

When declaring war, besides the regular brigades, all four electors should raise a mixed brigade with
one cavalry and two foot regiment plus a field gun battery.

'Fine', said von Presser outloud as he finished the list. 'I'm going to make some proposals to my fellow Electors.'
The cause the Electors' Council gathered was quite serious. A civilian living on the other side of the Böhnstadt-Flossian frontier rode to Rückelburg with the news of major Böhnstadter operations (at least a brigade, and the Principality had only two) near Schrimpsdorf and Rotsdorf.  They, the Council and the people wanted war no doubt, that was the reason of regular troops participating in frontier raids. The only question was how to begin. If they do not follow diplomacy, Leuwenthaal, formally an ally of both the Union and the Principality would intervene; then there's a chance for Glambria entering the war too.
The Council was seated around an U-shaped table when von Presser entered the room. They've also invited the head of the Union's army, Feldmarschall Otto von Leuchtenberg to dispute the case; the commander was standing at the moment, between the two branches of the table. He held a piece of paper in one, and a long cigar in his other hand.

Schultzdorf Brigade hits the road

After receiving 50000 thalers from the Chancellery for finances (the payment being 1 thaler per week for a foot soldier and 1.5 thalers for a cavalryman, 100 thalers for a cavalry and 75 for an infantry commander per month; volunteers, freelancers receiving half pay), the 1st Schultzdorf Brigade started its march to Störkburg. General von Hohenspitz decided to make a continuous march for three days and spent the fourth bivouacked near the village of Lochkirchen. 

(Click on the images to view in full size)

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

Von Hohenspitz receives campaign orders

An errand reached General Karl von Hohenspitz directly after mustering the Schultzdorf Brigade by the side of his Arch-Princeps. The letter the messenger has given him contained an invitation to Lord-Chancellor Erik von Südflosse's office. As his Princeps already mentioned this to the General, he was prepared to set off immediately.

 'This must mean no good', contemplated the old man, as he rode up on the streets of Böhnstadt. When Princeps Erhard Berthold isn't making personal contacts, it always means something wrong is about to happen.

Mind if I illustrate the posts without any actions like this?

The halls of the Chancellery were almost empty. A few guards on the corridors, that is all. 'Come on in General', Südflosse invited von Hohenspitz inside his huge office when he saw him standing at the doorstep. 'This is a most urgent task and therefore I must speak to you personally. Please sit.'

'Any inconveniences, Lord Chancellor?', asked the General. He did not really like Südflosse's attitude but had to admit his achievments. The Lord-Chancellor was an interesting person nonetheless, already at the head of the most important office in Böhnstadt and not even entering his thirties.

'Inconveniences it is, General Major', replied von Südflosse. 'There were numerous Union raids on our border guard posts around Rotsdorf and threatening Störkburg itself. Quite an insult, but as we are formally allies bound together, we cannot take any direct action.'

'That land has always disturbed our fellow Flossians somehow, I say-'

'Now, as I'm entirely sure you have already understood, we do not want to provoke war with the Union', interrupted the Lord-Chancellor, 'therefore the movement of our troops must be subtle to say the least.'

'What have you thought of, Sir?', asked von Hohenspitz politely.

'Well,' Südflosse cleared his throat, 'after the mustering in the capital, the Schultzdorf Brigade will be making its way to Störkburg for a month or two of practice with the cadets of the Military Academy. It's not a sign of aggression towards the Flossians and probably just the marching of the Brigade will stop those brigands' attacks on our outposts.'

'Sounds subtle enough. But why not send the Dreichholm Brigade if I may ask?'

'Simple as that, General. I do not want any atrocities down there which our dear General von Spülge tends to cause. He is my far relative and I am informed of his acquaintances every each time.'

'Reasonable', replied von Hohenspitz. 'Are you writing the orders?'

'The orders are already written, Herr Generalmajor. Signed by the Princeps himself.' He handed a thick envelope pulled out one of his desk's many drawers.

After the General rode back to his quarters, he opened the letter immediately. The first page (there was two) contained the following:

Current campaign orders

to the hands of Generalmajor Karl von Hohenspitz, 

Schultzdorf Brigade, Böhnstadt

The Schultzdorf brigade marches to Störkburg where it officially joins the annual excercises of the Military Academy's branch of officers. In the case of increasing Flossian threat, the commander of the army (Gen. Maj. von Hohenspitz by appointment) is free to decide what actions the Brigade should take; but make sure not to provoke the Union forces as it is unwise to stain our prospering alliance in such ways.

'As if they hadn't stained it already', murmured the old general.

The second letter contained secret orders written by von Südflosse.

Dear General,

For your convenience, here are the secret orders which cannot be made public during any circumstances. As I am quite sure you would make this decision sooner or later, your Freelance Companies, led by Herr Oberstleutnant Alfons von Petzger, must make their way to Rotsburg and later on, if the attacks continue, to the threatened outposts by chance. 

Yours truly,

Lord-Chancellor Erik von Südflosse

'Fine, fine', said von Hohenspitz again to himself. 'I'll see to that tomorrow. Long time since I had ridden my war steed.' He sat to his desk and started writing orders to his Brigade to march.

Schultzdorf Brigade on muster

A small group of riders left the south-eastern gate of Böhnstadt in an early March morning. The group was led by a middle-aged man riding a white horse: Princeps Erhard Berthold von Jazygia, who, by the invitation of the man accompanying him, Generalmajor von Hohenspitz, managed to make some changes in his schedule and rode to see the 1st or Schultzdorf Brigade.

They left the gate galloping but slowed their steeds soon to enjoy the morning weather. 

'So you're saying, Hohenspitz, that our army is ready to fight?' The Princeps was eager to start a conversation.

'Yes, your Highness, they are very fine and well-behaved men...'

'Well?'

'At least most of them. No complaining, they do their job and that's all I need.'

'Do you keep discipline then?'

'Of course I do. The first principle of maintaining an army is discipline.'

'Let's see the army then, my good man.'

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

Attack on the outpost

Captain Fritz von Braun, while smoking his clay pipe, prepared a patrol at a guard post near the Flossian border of Schultze-Böhnstadt. They were just a few miles west of Rotsdorf but the Captain did not like this place at all. He had a platoon of lazy foot soldiers, four hussars who were more lazy if that could even be possible, and another platoon of the local Border Guards who were just unmentionably lazy.

Doesn't matter, the patrol began. At least they are accepting orders, von Braun told himself. But as they wandered off to the woods westwards of the outpost...

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

Army organization, Böhnstadt army list

All independent army divisions consist of a main army and the supply train, camp followers, workers etc.

Battalion of foot consists of 120 soldiers, cavalry squadron of 90. Artillery battery consists of 4 field guns or 10 mortars, no multi-barreled or howitzers.

Regiment of foot is 3 battalions by standard, cavalry regiment is 2 squadrons.

Hierarchy

Army (usually one per state)

Corps - grouped temporally

Division - 2 brigades

Brigade

Each brigade by standard has a pioneer battalion and a pair of dragoon and light cavalry squadrons for foraging, reckoning, escorting duties.

Pioneer battalion's crew is 45 grenadiers and 75 field workers, 15/25 making up an operative company. They can build defense lines, palings, bridges, trenches etc., repair buildings, set up artillery depots.

Regiment

Regiment of foot

Commander - Lt. Gen. or Colonel - 1st battalion

Vice-commander - Lt. Col. - 2nd battalion

ADCs

3rd battalion commander - Major

1-3 bat. vice-commanders, Major/Capt.

Regimental clerk and subordinates per battalion

All battalions and higher units can own standards, elite squads can be set up for defending these.

Cavalry regiment

Commander

Vice-commander

ADCs

Squadron commanders

V. Sqd. commanders

Company leaders

Clerk and subordinates per squadron

Stablemen, acquirers, smith

Cuirassier regiments do not belong to any brigades' list.

Böhnstadt army list at the start of current campaign

First campaign

-2 Brigades

1. (Schultzdorf) Brigade

Von Hohenspitz

At quarters in Böhnstadt outskirts

Schlachtgruppe 1. (temporary) – Maxim Harlein

I Rgt./1 Pioneer battalion – Lt. Col Harlein (qual.: 7)

1-2. Field Gun Battery – Col. Gertwitz (X)

1. (Eugen) Jäger btn. – Maj. Jagdfeld [Swiss] (4)

Infanterie – Herbert von Plischke

1st Prinzipalitär Guard Rgt. of Foot btn. 1-3. – von Plischke (5)

btn. 4-5. Grenadiers (5)

2nd (Störkburger) Rgt of Foot btn. 1-3. – Col. von Blatter (4)

btn. 4. Grenadiers (6)

Kavallerie – Markus Kollerbach

3. Rgt. Kav. Leib-Dragoner bat. 1-2. – Col. Kollerbach (3)*

*Dragoons, considered as mounted foot soldiers, are organized into battalions when under direct command of a Brigade's HQ.

Not in the army list

1. (Selbständig) Sqd. Prinzepsen Garde du Corps – under direct control (7)

1. Rgt. Kav. Annelise Küirassieren sqd. 1-2 – Col. Schalwerden (4)

Freelancer Companies sqd. 1-4 (2 raiding parties, 2 JzP [Swiss in game] and 2 dragoon squadrons) – Lt. Col. von Petzger (2)

2. (Dreichholm) Brigade

Von Spülge

At quarters in Fort Dreichholm

Schlachtgruppe 2. (temporary) – Peter von Wraugspitze

I Rgt./2. Pioneer bat. – Maj. von Wraugspitze (7)

3-4. Field Gun Battery – Lt. Col. Spilsske (X)

Infanterie – Siegfried von Kahlen

2nd Prinzipalität Rgt. of Foot btn. 1-2. – Col. von Kahlen (4)

btn. 3. Grenadiers (4)

3rd (Schultzdorfer) Rgt. of Foot btn 1-3. (3)

Kavallerie – Gebhard von Paulitz

4. Rgt. Kav. Dragoner bat. 1-3. – Lt. Col. Midnansk (3)

5. Rgt. Kav. Leibhussaren von Paulitz sqd. 1-2. – Col. von Paulitz (4)

Not in the army list

2. Rgt. Kav. Prinzess Angela Küirassieren sqd. 1-2. – under direct command (6)

Freelancer Companies sqd. 5-8. (2 raiding parties) – Col. Grebzau (2)

Characters

...Or what I have invented so far! This list contains the characters which are already set and are to lead the armies of Schultze-Böhnstadt and the Union an dem Flosse.

Main stats: roll on 1d20

1. Temperament – will affect battlefield and campaign decisions

1-4 Misantrophic

5-8 Moody

9-12 Moderate

13-16 Bold

17-20 Hot-headed

2. Training (can change regarding academic training)

1-4 Inept

5-8 Quickly learning

9-12 Adept

13-16 Spirited

17-20 Seasoned

Secondary stats: based on primary & others

Cavalry/infantry/foot commander

Education and interests

Leader pack, Schultze-Böhnstadt

Erhard Berthold von Jazygia – Princeps of Böhnstadt

Private Education: +-1 on Temperament, +1 on Training

Temperament: 8+1 Moderate

Training: 9+1 Adept

Non-military

The Princeps is a busy man, always caring about diplomacy and managing his state. He inherited the throne after his father Eugen Jürgen at the age of 24, he’s 38 now and knows his way in politics – but not warfare as he spent the last 14 years in peace. Due to his high education he is quick to learn though.

Erik von Südflosse

College of Schultzdorf education: +-1 on Temperament

Temperament: 13-1 Moderate

Training: 16 Spirited

Non-military

Von Südflosse is the young (28) right hand of the Princeps as Lord-Chancellor of his Council. He likes to do every each of his tasks before due time and hastens every process he is able to. Has a weakness for women and tends to forget things too fast.

Karl von Hohenspitz – General Major

Störkburg Academy training: +-2 on Temperament; +2 on Training

Temperament: 8+2 Moderate

Training: 18+2 Seasoned

Cavalry commander

A veteran of the Varangian Wars and at the age of 56, Karl von Hohenspitz lead the armies of Schultze-Böhnstadt to victory countless times. His enemies fear him, so do his soldiers. Awarded with the Order of the Flosse by the tetrarchs of the Union and the Great Cross of the Shining Star by his Princeps, Erhard Berthold of the House of Jazygia. He collects various coins and bird feathers, and loves to compose cheesy poems. Commands the peace-time armies of Böhnstadt which are reduced in number and require a „lesser general” to lead. His rank means he must attend the 1st (Schultzdorf) Brigade as well and command his subordinate von Spülge of the 2nd brigade.

Secondary ranks

Dietrich von Spülge – Lieutenant General

Störkburg Academy training: +-2 on Temperament; +1 on Training (lazy chap!)

Te 13-2 Moderate

Tr 2+1 Inept

Cavalry officer

Von Spülge is a lazy young officer who inherited his military rank at the age of 30 after the death of his father, Anders von Spülge, a dignified military genius of the early wars of the century. He finished the Military Academy with not so shiny grades and has been a Colonel of the Prinzess Angela Küirassieren before being promoted to general. He has no clue about the military arts whatsoever, but has a kind and gentle heart and knows his men well. He leads the 2nd (Dreichholm) Brigade of the Principality’s armies.

Leader pack, Flosse

Magnus Walther von Presser - Elector

Rückelburg Academy of Law, +-2 on Te, +2 on Tr

Te 20-2 Hot-headed

Tr 2+2 Inept

Infantry commander

The head of the Electorate, 62-year old von Presser is from a highborne family and has worked as a lawyer in the State Office of Rückelburg, then became an attorney – he knows how to direct a state by law, and is a very virtuous man who respects his opponents. Likes riding and has an own infantry regiment he commands with an iron fist. In fact he lacks military experience as he has spent the last few conflicts sitting in various offices. It’s easy to make him angry and more easier to make peace with him. The four electors by the way do not vote for a common leader – they share power instead and hold councils every month in Rückelburg.

Lothar Könstrelle - Elector

Businessman, +1 on Te, -1 on Tr

Te 10+1 Moderate

Tr 1-1, Very Inept

Infantry commander

The second elector is a wool importer. Könstrelle is a simple man with a low attention span and always full of ideas. He is the most balanced personality of the four, but has zero military experience.

Michael Michheim - Elector

Scholar, -1 on Te, +2 on Tr

Te 9-1 Moody

Tr 4+2, Quickly learning

Infantry commander

The bishop Michheim, the third elector is a very cautious man and has a wide variety of interests. He’s 40, and usually in a bad mood. He is a collector of ancient literature and can be rarely seen without a book or two. There are rumors about him visiting brothels in Rückelburg but who can judge these?

  

Alfred von Strutzenheim - Elector

Military Academy of Schlachthoff am Flosse, +-2 on Te, +1 on Tr

Te 17-2 Bold

Tr 3+1 Inept

Cavalry commander

The fourth elector, being 47 now, rose to fame in the Varangian Wars and the War of Leuwenthaal, first as a mercenary working for Glambria, then a colonel of his own kinsmen. He’s not good at leading men but very fine as a second-in-command or leading a flank. He cannot bear responsibility and lacks creativity – two things that don’t match to a commander in his rank, as all electors are ordered to raise a Brigade when it comes to war. He’s also quick to snap at any of his subordinates if they make a mistake. On the positive side: he’s a daring cavalry commander („he’s too stupid to understand how perilous his situation is”, as his commander, Josquin de Derpi said at the battle of Bugsdam).

Otto von Leuchtenberg – Field Marshall

Military Academy of Schlachthoff am Flosse, +-2 on Te, +1 on Tr

Te 19-2 Hot-headed

Tr 5+1 Quickly learning

Infantry commander

Leuchtenberg bought a rank of General at the age of 49, he’s 52 now and, as there is no better man to lead the armies of the Union, he is entitled as CIC of all the military force within the state. A very responsible man, but „has no fantasy”, as one of his colleagues mentioned. He likes racing and hunting hounds above all, and smokes way too much.

The Rules

Campaign rules

On the map
One turn equals one day. One hex is approx. 5 miles or 8 kilometres.
An army unit can move 4 hexes on roads by standard, plus roll 1d6: 1= 3 hexes only, 6= 5 hexes.
If a unit moves 4 hexes subsequently for 5 turns (or 20 over the same amount of turns), it becomes fatigued and must stand still in the following turn.
Smaller groups of foragers, escort groups, caravans etc. may move 5/6 hexes depending on their role plus roll 1d6, 1=-1 hex, 6=+1 hex.
A messenger with changing horses may move 8, without changing horses 7 hexes. No dice (but availability of horses in each village can be determined by dice).

Further movement modifications
Muddy roads -1 (in spring and autumn)
Bridge, woods -1
Swamp -2

Orders
At the beginning of each campaign, generals consult with their government. Army groups may interact with messengers. All commands and directives shall be written.

Battle
A maximum of two armies can participate in one battle session. The in-game map must follow the terrain of the hex it is fought in.
Leaders exchange written messages on the field. Orders in battle must also be written for all units before starting, containing their objectives.

If an army fights more battles in subsequent turns, it must fight these with the same number of troops as in the previous one(s). Units otherwise roll dice to determine how many of their losses had become wounded and dead (1d10/1d20 for percentages or custom dice [sides equal number of casualties+1, reduce result by 1, if 0 it means 0 troops are dead: tool here). Dead soldiers, obviously, do not return to their unit, while wounded are able to return in the next three turns.

Experience
All units start the campaign with a basic experience considering their earlier role (Guard, line, veterans, volunteers etc.) and can gather experience for both battles won and lost.

Improvements
No improvements on rate of fire in the Academies. No multi-barreled guns or howitzers.

Supplies

Armies carry a determined quantity (for X days) with them. Fortifications also contain a determined quantity of supplies. They use these faster in winter and armies must invest extra money on clothing and other accessories (firewood, shoes etc.). On the contrary it is easier in summer and autumn to find food in villages.
Armies are set up with a budget which they can spend in villages and towns. They must pay their soldiers in due time. Carriages with escorts can be sent from capitals to refill an army's budget.
If food or payment isn't enough troops may revolt or sack nearby villages or towns.

A post about army compositions (at least in the Principality) will be published ater.

The Participants

A briefing on the Principality itself and the nations it interacts with:

Schultze-Böhnstadt is in the east and north-east of the continent. Her towns and villages have huge distances between each other, but they are highly populated. The capital is Böhnstadt, and the country is ruled by the Arch-Princeps. The flag and coat of arms both feature a green line on red field, with a mountain goat jumping over a rock with its first legs. 

The Union on the Flosse (Union an dem Flosse) is based on the river Flosse, its capital, Rückelburg is at the  estuary in the Northern Sea's shore. Standard and crest features a silver racing hound in the centre, with four times cut black and silver fields. The Union is led by the four electors. Most of its inhabitants speak a German tongue, as do the people of Schultze-Böhnstadt.

(Click on 'Read more' to see the rest of the post.)

The Map

(mid-click or open in new tab for full size)

This is the hex grid based map (100x100 hexes) of the continent where the Principality of Schultze-Böhnstadt is situated. Its territories, towns and forts are marked red on the map, as red is the main color of the Principality's flag. More details on the neighboring countries in the next post.

Introduction

Hello there, good people of the Internets. 

This place will soon be filled up with infos about my latest gaming project reveling around the Principality of Schultze-Böhnstadt, an imaginary German-speaking state in an imaginary world. The characters are to be worked on; on the other hand, a map is already set and I will post it as soon as I can.

The time of conflict is 18th century by standard. The games will be progressed by the awesome Cossacks: Back to War strategy game. Here's a teaser for you:

Where does the inspiration come from? Mostly, boredom. I have relatively few classes on university (or at least relatively few which require my attendance), yet I have to stay in my student hostel room in weekdays, where I, out of courtesy, cannot get into splashing paint everywhere, which is my regular weekend hobby. So when I don't have to study or don't have any patience to read, and there aren't mad parties; well, I will make up virtual armies.

Leaders - Kingdom of Gluteborg-Varangia

Back to the Leaders Page

King Odur Gustavsson

Official title: Konig av Glutemarknoge
Crowned: 1540 OC

Temperament: Moody
Training: Adept

Born 1499 OC, King Odur has waited a long time before ascending the throne of Varangia. Engaged in court politics, he rarely saw a battlefield. On the other hand, he is a great organizer and aided by his chancellors he has made his country prosper from whaling and overseas trade. He is married to Queen Anna Niklasdotter, aunt of Ambassador Ingethora Orstsdotter, and has three children, Prince Klaus, Prince Gustav and Princess Angela.

General Hvalbard Magnusson

Official title: General of the Army, Count of Ostvarangen

Temperament: Moderate
Training: Seasoned

One of the oldest serving generals in the continent at the age of 62, General Magnusson was already a battle-worn veteran by the time he took command of the combined Varangian expedition and the Army of Sjelle in the Varangian Wars. He is a great strategist and has learnt to trust in the rank and file of the army: he believes that these men, and not the generals, win battles. He is married to Justicia van den Berg, daughter of a Leuwenthaal merchant, and has a son and two grandchildren.

Brigadier Lars Aldstern

Official title: Brigadier General, Count of Aldstern, Knight of the Golden Horn of Flosse

Temperament: Moody

Training: Adept

Lars Aldstern is very much the opposite of General Magnusson. He is relatively young, very harsh and self-centered. He has been promoted and demoted multiple times. His family is from the Flossian Union. He is very fond of women, but had not yet settled with any; he is an excellent cavalry commander, but often described as 'short-sighted' in planning.

Ambassador Ingethora Orstsdotter

Official title: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Gluteborg-Varangia to the Court of Schultze-Böhnstadt

Temperament: Moderate

Training: Spirited

Born 1520 OC, Lady Ingethora is a very talented woman known throughout the mainland courts of Europe. Despite her obligations in diplomacy, she enjoys hunting and is skilled with the sword. Her father was a rich man with no titles; to be better recognized, the Baroness of Westsund title was created for her by the King. His Highness values her advice above all.

Leaders - Kingdom of Glambria

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King Peter (Pierre de Rapides)

Official title: Roi de Glambria

Crowned: 1537 OC (aged 17)

Temperament: Hot-headed

Training: Seasoned

Born as first son of King Francois VII. in 1519 OC (making him 31 years of age), and titled from his birth Crown Prince of Glambria, Pierre served with the army in the New World and in the various campaigns during his lifetime. His father died of old age, but nobody contested his ability and claim to the throne. He is known to be a great horseman and enjoys hunting and leading his cavalry guard personally in battle.

Maréchal Jacques de Villefort

Official title: Marshal of the Army, Count of Suignac

Temperament: Bold

Training: Spirited

Born 1501 OC, and living the life of a country gentleman in his youth, he has been promoted after the death of his predecessor, the Vicomte of Suillen, as a reward of his accomplishments during the campaign for Suillen Isle. The Marshal is not a very remarkable man; he is an untrained, but enthusiastic commander who always tries to listen to his subordinates' advice. Married to the older sister of King Peter, Anne-Louise.

General Henri du Charmant

Official title: Squire of the Lusin Gardens, General of Corps

Temperament: Moderate

Training: Seasoned

Du Charmant has entered his 40th year in the spring of 1550. He has spent all of his life in the army, rising from the rank of sergeant to generalship, something he is very proud of. He is an excellent commander of light troops, and the victor of Porto Parisiani. 

Wars Page

This page is linked from the basic info page, and details not all wars found in the short chronology there, but only those which have already been played out in one form or another.

The Varangian Wars

All posts with the 'Varangian Wars' label

Fought between the Kingdom of Gluteborg-Varangia and the Flossian Union, between OC 1538-40. Schultze-Böhnstadt troops allied with the Flossians, but retained a separate command. The Army of Sjelle, a native force, allied with Varangia.

Beginning of the conflict

The Varangian court, as a result of the Great Wars [the Thirty Years War] has gained control over the Sjelle Islands. The inhabitants of the islands are mostly of Varangian origins, but some trade from the New World is directed here, and the islands serve as bases for fishing and whaling. The Flossians, ninety years later, have forged a clause in the documents signed at the Treaty of Westfahren, ending the Great Wars, and using these laid claims on parts of the Sjelle shelf. The Varangian court, alerted by the amassing of Flosse troops in their northern ports, sent a contingent of the mainland army to the islands. 

Chronology

May 1538: despite harsh weather conditions, the Flossian main force lands on the largest island and begins the siege of the smaller coastal fortresses. 

June 1538: the weather prevents the arrival of reinforcements, and the Varangian army, strengthened by the Army of Sjelle, a large volunteer force, pushes the Flossian invaders back to the landing site.

August 1538: despite receiving more troops and ammunition, the Flossians starve on Sjelle, and the Varangian fleet sails out to halt any further convoys. A cease-fire agreement is signed and the Flossians sail back to the continent.

September 1538: peace negotiations fail and a small Varangian contingent raids the northern Böhnstadt border.

October 1538: The Battle of Linskög Narrows between seven Varangian and eight Flossian ships.

November 1538: the Battle of Walsund is fought with a decisive Varangian victory.

December 1538 - February 1539: harsh weather prevents a Varangian advance: part of the army sails home, fearing an invasion from the southern mainland.

March 1539: the Varangian advance is halted west of Walsund by an outnumbering allied force.

May 1539: on the first anniversary of the outbreak of the war, a Flossian squadron of ships of the line bombards the Sjelle ports, in return the Varangian fleet sails out in full force. The Flossian ships sail back towards Rückelburg and the Battle of Nordstrand ensues.

June-July 1539: the exhausted Varangian expedition sails back to Sjelle. The Flossian fleet secures the strait and the army follows.

August-October 1539: the Siege of Sjelle proves inconclusive and hostilities cease.

November 1539: both the Varangian and Flossian fleet suffer heavy losses from a storm. The siege is interrupted, then lifted as the Böhnstadter break the alliance and return home.

December 1539: despite heavy weather, a Varangian army crosses the Böhnstadter territories and begins plundering the eastern borders of the Union.

January 1540: the battle of Willenberg between a Union and a Varangian army.

February 1540: in exchange for lifting the siege and resigning all claims for Sjelle, the Varangians pull out from Union territory. 

March 1540: the Flossian ambassador in Glutemarknog signs the peace treaty which effectively contains the same criteria as the previous cease-fire.

The Île-de-Suillen Campaign

All posts labelled with 'Île-de-Suillen Campaign'

Fought between the Kingdom of Glambria and the Alliance of Quattri Formaggi in the year 1543. The Glambrian army and navy conducted a series of agressive maneuvers, engaging their Formaggian foes, and landed a large contingent on Île-de-Suillen in hopes of capturing the vital strategic spot on the South Seas.

Beginning of the conflict

Failing to best the protestant Duchy of Armagnac, the Glambrian court, trusting in their previous victories over the weakened Formaggian government, devised a combined action plan and a landing on the island. From Île-de-Suillen, Glambrian fleets could scour the entirety of the South Seas, giving hardships to both Formaggian and Armagnac trade.

Chronology

April 28, 1543. The Battle of Suillen Shelf, The Glambrian fleet attacks the Formaggian ships arriving to intercept the landing of the army. The Formaggians retreat with heavy losses.

April 30, 1543. The Battle of Porto Parisiani. An irregular Glambrian force comprising of light infantry and horse ties down a Formaggian contingent, preventing them to join the relief of the island.

May 1, 1543. Second Suillen Shelf. Privateers in Formaggian service attack the frigate screen north of Suillen to gain time for the relief force to land. Although suffering heavy losses, they succeed in their task.

May 3, 1543. The Siege of Suillen. Encountering heavy resistance, the Glambrian army, despite fatal losses, manages to capture the key fort on the island, and with the aid of the fleet, throws the Formaggians back.

The Störkburg Campaign

All posts with the 'Störkburg Campaign' label

Beginning of the conflict
Still not content with the secession of the Störkburg Valley and its resources, the Flossian army launched a series of attacks against the Schultze-Böhnstadt border. The army was, however, ill prepared for a prolonged campaign, and the superiority of the Principality's army soon showed.

Chronology

March 20, 1550. Flossian irregulars cross the border and launch a series of attacks on Schultze-Böhnstadt outposts.

March 23. The declaration of war reaches the Schultzdorf court. The Schultzdorf Brigade mobilizes and marches westward to Störkburg Valley on the initiative of General Hohenspitz.

March 25. Flossian cavalry capture the river crossing at Spülge.

March 26-28. The Flossian first wave infantry brigade captures the border fortress of Grübsheim.

March 29. The Schultzdorf Brigade captures the Flossian fort of Mecklenheim. 

March 30. The Dreichholm Brigade under Dietrich von Spülge engages the Flossian cavalry at the second Battle of Spülge and destroys most of it.

April 1. Princeps Erhard Berthold orders the levy of reinforcements and decides to lead a contingent himself to Flosse.

April 3. Von Hohenspitz engages the conscript Flossian brigade at the town of Strutzenheim. Part of the Flossian contingent manages to escape and reform.

April 4. The conscript brigade, while being reinforced from local burgers, still retreats before the Böhnstadter in the west. Spürsburg Fortress yields to von Hohenspitz's demands.

April 5-6. The Princeps besieges two smaller border forts. During the night of the 6th, a troop of dragoons from the destroyed Flossian cavalry brigade escapes the prisoner camp and heads westward.

April 7. Recruiting and emptying local garrisons, Bishop Elector Michheim at the head of the Flossian Landwehr Brigade stands battle at Skreptsdorf against von Hohenspitz with catastrophic results.

April 8-9. Rushing to the southern bridges of the River Flosse, Bishop Michheim opts to stand his ground to protect the Flossian capital. 

April 10. Elector von Presser stands battle with the united forces of the Princeps and Dietrich von Spülge at Rammsfeld, east of Rückelburg. The Böhnstadter again emerge victorious, and the Union pleads for negotiations of peace. 

April 11-12. Unaware of the defeat in the east, Michheim defends the Flosse bridges against the Schultzdorf Brigade's assault. One bridge is burnt and the Flossians retreat to the right bank.

April 14. Heads of the two states sign the Treaty of Neu-Leuchtenberg, ending the war with a formal Schultze-Böhnstadt victory.

Leaders Page

This blog post is linked from the basic info page and directs the good Reader to sub-pages detailing the personnages of each nation of the world.
As with the Nations Page, the states are in alphabetical order: it may be confusing at first, but it suffices to remember that the common name of most countries does not include the title, with the exceptions of the Flossian Union and Leuwenthaal.

All posts with the 'Leaders' label

Duchy of Armagnac

Freiburg Leuwenthaal

Kingdom of Glambria

Kingdom of Gluteborg-Varangia

Principality of Schultze-Böhnstadt

Alliance of Quattri Formaggi

Union on the Flosse

Nations Page

This blog post is linked from the basic info page and lists the separate pages for the countries in the world of Schultze-Böhnstadt in alphabetical order.

All posts with the label 'Nations'
Leaders Page, linking towards the heads of state and army

Duchy of Armagnac

Freiburg Leuwenthaal

Kingdom of Glambria

Kingdom of Gluteborg-Varangia

Principality of Schultze-Böhnstadt

Alliance of Quattri Formaggi

Union on the Flosse