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Apoplexy at the End of Move Five. . .

Lots to report from the drawing room during Move Five. . . along with the usual excess of smoking and drinking. But let's peek in on the Colonel and the Major, shall we?


For starters, Major von Topfsange's courier reached the 3rd Kuirassiere unmolested and was able to convey the change in orders. As a result, the troopers have rallied behind their standard and will undertake those orders during Move Six. "I'd watch my guns on the left flank if I were you, my dear Colonel," said the Major casually to a reddening von Adalnowski.


In the center of Major von Topfsange's position, just north of Effibriest, the 11th Engineer Battalion wheeled left and began marching east toward Crampas Farm where the Jaeger zu Fuss and cuirassiers waited. "Aha, so you're going to try a flank attack, are you? We'll see about that!" shouted Colonel von Adalnowski from his side of the table.


At the far western end of Teodorstal Valley, the Colonel and Major again declared charges and brought their Grenadiere zu Pferd and 4th Dragoons, respectively, into contact within the large clearing. Each man was careful this time to hold some of his cavalry in reserve to exploit any breakthrough or provide support to the leading squadrons. "You know, von Topfsange" said the Colonel snidely, "My horse grenadiers are heavier than your dragoons, and there is really no contest between the two. Your figures are plastics after all!"


Despite his unwavering can-do attitude, however, things went from bad to worse for Colonel von Adalnowski, when most of his company of Irish Grenzers holding Instetten were wiped out by blistering volleys from von Topfsange's Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers. The only man left in the two houses before the elite Stollenian unit, one Oberfeldwebel Schweik, emerged waving a white pillowcase and surrendered to enemy officers. "Why you little rotter!" the Colonel erupted almost upsetting the table.


Finally, the two companies of Flickenhoffer's Fusiliers, that Colonel von Adalnowski had advanced so confidently at the start of game between himself and Major von Topfsange, were cut to ribbons by the combined weight of controlled volleys from the 2nd (von Laurenz) Musketeers and a single gun to their right. A company of Jager zu Fuss occupying one of the buildings in Effibriest also peppered the white-coated fusiliers with highly accurate skirmish fire, causing the survivors to turn and retreat hastily back to the relative safety of their own lines. "I can't understand it!" roared von Adalnowski, "And my blasted batteries of artillery weren't able to hit a thing this move either!" He continued his rant blustering, "Von Topfsange, I'm heading out for a walk and a think. Don't you dare touch those figures in my absence. . . Not a finger!" As Colonel von Adalnowski stormed past, von Topfsange nodded in agreement and was barely able to conceal a laugh as he sputtered and feigned a polite sneeze into his lace handkerchief.

Comments

Capt Bill said…
The Beerstein Battle Staff have been monitoring this affair and have been very impressed indeed!
Der Alte Fritz said…
It appears that the Dice Gods may finally be smiling on the Grand Duchy of Stollen.

"Ha Rommel! I read your book!" - Patton.
marinergrim said…
Enjoying following this at it unfolds.
ColCampbell50 said…
I like the impromptu "surrender" flag. I hope that Stollen can keep up the good work against their enemies.

Jim
Bluebear Jeff said…
A nice continuing narrative, Sir Stokes.


-- Jeff
Hurrah for Stollen!

And I'll echo the applause for the impromptu surrender flag. A fitting gesture.

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