General von Drosselmaier (dark blue coat) and his small staff take stock of the valley in which they will fight for posession of the famous Saegewerksdorf (Sawmill Village).
Krankenstadt, The Grand Duchy of Stollen, 15 March 1769 -- The Stollenian army, under the disgraced General von Drosselmaier, has taken up a defensive position to the southeast of Saegewerksdorf (Sawmill Village), somewhere just inside southeastern Stollen, where they have set up camp for the night. Across the valley to the northeast, von Drosselmaier and his officers can observe the campfires of a large invading force from vile Stagonia as the sunlight slowly fades. The coming battle promises to be a bitter one, which could very well decide the fate of Irwin-Amadeus II, and, indeed, the Grand Duchy of Stollen itself on the stage of 18th Century Apocryphal Europe!
The front line of the Stollenian army, consisting of the Leib (Grand Ducess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers and a batallion of sappers.
Von Drosselmaier's army is the largest ever fielded by Stollen, consisting of large regiments of grenadiers, musketeers, and dragoons along with a full battery of artillery, a battalion of jaegers, and a battalion of sappers. It is generally thought that vile Stagonia has sent its own formidable army to invade, defeat, and occupy the Grand Duchy. As a result, Irwin-Amadeus II has given full authority to his minister of war and senior-most army officers to increase all available units to a full war footing. Despite its realatively small size, the army of Stollen contains a high percentage of veterans within its ranks, so many are confident that the army will conduct itself well in the field this spring.
Another picture, presenting the flower of Stollen's army on which the Grand Duchy pins most of its hopes for a decisive victory against vile Stagonia. . . The Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers.
And what of the craven General von Drosselmaier? Very generally, his plan is to gain possession of Saegewerksdorf, stopping the advance of the vile Stagonians on the Stollenian capital, Krankenstadt. The general then has orders to drive the enemy from the Grand Duchy, securing the Stollenian frontier in the process. Of course, orders are all very well and good, but we know how even the most carefully laid plans can go awry once battle commences.
Given the Stollenian army's performance in three earlier battles during the previous fourteen months, some government ministers in Krankenstadt are not at all confident that the coming battle will necessarily go Stollen's way. Indeed, the more wealthy residents of the city have been seen leaving in droves over the past several days. Rumor has it that most are heading northwast toward Mittau and Riga as fast as their coaches and footmen can carry them, to wait out battle from a safe distance. If von Drosselmaier wins the day, they can return at their leisure, and if vile Stagonia wins the day, eventually occupying Krankenstadt, no one will suffer the inconvenience brought on by such a vile bunch of fellows.
And how might the battle go? We have no way of knowing at this point. But keep reading Die Krankenstadt Tageblat for regular updates.
Given the Stollenian army's performance in three earlier battles during the previous fourteen months, some government ministers in Krankenstadt are not at all confident that the coming battle will necessarily go Stollen's way. Indeed, the more wealthy residents of the city have been seen leaving in droves over the past several days. Rumor has it that most are heading northwast toward Mittau and Riga as fast as their coaches and footmen can carry them, to wait out battle from a safe distance. If von Drosselmaier wins the day, they can return at their leisure, and if vile Stagonia wins the day, eventually occupying Krankenstadt, no one will suffer the inconvenience brought on by such a vile bunch of fellows.
And how might the battle go? We have no way of knowing at this point. But keep reading Die Krankenstadt Tageblat for regular updates.
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Comments
Indeed, I've heard it said that Brigadier Lothar Oppenkopf has been placed in command of the Stagonian forces . . . and he is noted as having a reputation of being a careful commander . . . one not noted for making mistakes.
-- Jeff
best wishes
Alan
No sign of the Stagonians yet then, I expect they are up to some vile trick.
-- Allan
Jim
Looks like the Stollenians have done fine work in reconstituting losses from the last battle well. Speaks of a good reserve system. The general staff should be well pleased.
(those that aren't staggering drunk already)
:)
A
"Stollenians wa' ha' wi' Crayfish bled; now bleed wi' your Lobster!"
I enjoyed the last game so much I'm determined this time not to miss anything.
Steve.