The Grand Duchy of Stollen

The tabletop action has heated up considerably between Major von Topfsange and Colonel von Adelnowski during Moves Six and Seven as the two have sought to occupy and hold advantageous positions in the Teodorstal Valley before the the arrival of their main armies tomorrow morning. While their respective companies of jaegers and grenzers have each suffered more than 50% casualties in a stiff firefight along a ridge on the south side of the valley, there is, of course, a chance for at least some of them to return to the fray on Day #2 once the main armies and commanding generals have arrived. For now, the few Stollenian jaegers left have high-tailed it back down the hill in the direction of their rear area. The remaining grenzers and staff in the copse atop the ridge shall hold their position for now, at least, until tomorrow morning, unless met with overwhelming odds in the meantime. What of the troops in other parts of the battlefield? The second company of O'Malley's Irish ...

No combat to resolve in Move Five, but lots of movement and jockeying for position. With an unmistakable air of tactical superiority, Stollen's Major von Topfsange managed to establish a line between Effibriest and the wooded ridge on the southern side of Teodorstal Valley. The good major next positioned his rallied cuirassier squadron on the eastern edge of the village, thus protecting his far right flank. "If you attempt a move on the village or my flank, I shall send my cavalry crashing into the flank of your own troops, my dear von Adalnowski." His words still hanging in the air, von Topfsange then poured himself another glass of schnapps and, without comment, produced a clay pipe, which he proceeded to light, filling the room with the distinct aroma of the finest Turkish tobacco. Coughing theatrically for effect, Colonel von Adalnowksi scowled and ordered his forward company of O'Malley's Irish Grenzers into the copse atop the ridge south of Effibriest. ...

In the above photo, you'll observe Stollen's Jaeger zu Fuss now fully deployed and facing a company of O'Malley's Irish Grenzer. The Stollenian gun and its crew have also moved into position and unlimbered, however it cannot fire until Move 5 (sadly) because only light infantry can move AND fire within the same turn as outlined in Charge! Opening shots were fired at the end of Move Four after the opposing infantry moved into position at close and medium range. Stollen's Major von Topfsange, in particular, rolled high in the skirmisher and cavalry exchanges. However, since the red-coated Irish Grenzers are deployed in skirmish order, von Topfsange scored only four casualties. "Gott in Himmel!" cried Colonel von Adalnowski, the Zichenauer commander, with disgust. However, luck was not entirely on von Topfsange's side, and his opponent was able to score two hits on Stollen's green-coated Jaeger zu Fuss . Stollen's single gun and crew moved ...

In this first photograph, two companies of Stollenian Jaeger zu Fuss and the single gun assigned to Major von Topfsange race into position before a company of enemy grenzers just to the south of Effibriest. Things have remained relatively quiet for the first three turns of the Action at Teodorstal Valley as the opposing sides have raced to seize favorable positions. However, that appears about to change as you can observe in these three photos. Stollen began by advancing its squadron of cuirassiers into and through the centrally located village of Effibriest, only to be met on the western side of the village by a squadron of enemy horse grenadiers. Meanwhile, Stollenian jaeger zu fuss and a single gun are attempting to circle to the south and establish a line between Effibriest and the wooded ridge directly south of the village. They have not managed to deploy completely and accomplish that objective just yet though. On the Zichenauer side, things appear somewhat better at this poi...

Some of you might be interested in how I determined the advance guards would march onto the table, so I've included that chart below. By the way, Stollen rolled a "3", and Zichenau a "5". Advance Guard Order of March (Roll D6) 1 -- Half of infantry and artillery marching on road, cavalry screening ahead on left, other half of infantry screening ahead on right 2 -- All troops on road in marching order: half of cavalry at front, followed by infantry, artillery, and half of cavalry. 3 -- Infantry and artillery on road, cavalry screen ahead. 4 -- Artillery on road, infantry on both sides of it off road, and cavalry screen out front. 5 -- Infantry and artillery on road, cavalry in marching order on either side of road. 6 -- Half of infantry and artillery on road, cavalry screen ahead to right, second half of infantry ahead to left. P.S. Yes, Jeff. The lake is painted onto the table's surface. Forgot to mention that earlier. ;-)

Here's a sketch, looking from east to west, of the Teodorstal Valley where it seems very likely a preliminary action will occur. In the foreground, you'll notice the Stollenian advance guard moving past Crampas Farm. In the middle distance is the village of Effibriest, while at the western end of the valley is the small village of Instetten. The eagle-eyed among you will also notice an alien ship, looking very Wellsian (Yep, we're really old school around here!), which has just landed on the southern edge of the valley, presumably to observe how gentlemen wage tabletop warfare in the latter third of the 18th Century. Another artist's sketch, this time of the Stollenian advance guard, commanded by one Major Aegidius von Topfsange (in the yellow coat), consisting of a squadron of cuirassiers, a single gun and crew, and two companies of green-coated jaeger. Figures are RSM95, Revell plastics, and a cannon by MiniFigs. Finally, here is a view of the Zichenauer advance g...

Contact: Katrina-Bettina von Heffelfinger Die Krankenstadt Tageblat 4 Schlossplatz Krankenstadt The Grand Duchy of Stollen For Immediate Release : ZICHENAUER AND STOLLENIAN TROOPS POISED FOR BATTLE Opening Shots of Campaign Expected Shortly Krankenstadt, Grand Duchy of Stollen, 06 July 1770 -- Correspondents for Die Krankenstadt Tageblat report that the Zichenauer and Stollenian armies, under General de Latte and General von Tschatchke respectively, have reached the Teodorstal Valley in southwestern Stollen where both are converging on the villages of Effibriest, Instetten, and the small outlying farm of Crampas. Main Armies Not Yet in Position While the main bodies of the Zichenauer and Stollenian forces are still moving up, de Latte and von Tschatchke each appear to have detached advance guards, to seize and hold two of the three built up areas on the field of battle until the main armies arrive on the field. Exact orders and troop dispositions remain unclear at the present time. ...

Contact: Katrina-Bettina von Heffelfinger Die Krankenstad Tageblat 4 Schlossplatz Krankenstadt The Grand Duchy of Stollen For Immediate Release: ARMIES OF STOLLEN AND ZICHENAU ON THE MOVE Opening Shots Expected within the Next Week Krankenstadt, Grand Duchy of Stollen, 29 June 1770 -- As the various units in the Army of Stollen assemble just to the west of the capital city Krankenstadt, the Zichenauer juggernaut has firmly established itself in the extreme southeast of the Grand Duchy during the last several days. General Phillipe de Latte, commanding the Army of Zichenau, has chosen the small town of Zwieback, just inside Stollenian territory, as his main base of operations. His men have begun digging fortifications around the town and establishing a small magazine there as well as a field bakery and supply depot. Firm lines of communications have also been established between Zwieback and Hissig, the capital of Zichenau. Deep Advance by Zichenau into Stollen Expected Stollenian o...

(Inside the Grand Ducal coach, returning to Krankenstadt after a long weekend of frivolous gaiety at Aunt Agatha's). Irwin-Amadeus II: (Scrutinizing the silver snuffbox in his hands) I say, Hives, have you noticed anything about this new snuffbox of mine? Hives: (Nose buried in copy of Plato's The Republic ) Sir? IA: Something just isn't right about it. It's "off," you might say. H: (Turning a page) Off, Sir? IA: Yes, Hives. Peculiar. H: (Still reading) Peculiar, Sir? IA: Oh, dash it all, Hives! Don't be so obtuse! You know what I am talking about. H: (Lowers book to his lap) Might his highness be referring to the Zichenauer coat of arms clearly engraved on the underside of the snuffbox in his possession? IA: (Spirits lifting somewhat) Yes, Hives! That's it. H: No, Sir. I must admit that particular detail has eluded my attention. IA: (Spirits nosediving) Hives, dash it, I would appreciate you not having fun at my expense. H: Very good, Sir. IA: W...

(Hives enters Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II's chambers, rolling an ornate silver tea service on a cart before him). Irwin-Amadeus: (Yawning, stretching, and sitting up in bed) Ah, there you are Hives. Hives: (Pours cup of Darjeeling tea, adds two sugars with a dash of milk, and places the cup on the bedside table next to the Grand Duke) Good morning, Sir. IA: (Takes sip of tea, burns lips, and winces) Thank you, Hives. What time is it, please? H: (Consults pocket watch) It's just gone half past nine by my watch, Sir. Breakfast will be served in the dining room in one hour. IA: Oh, dash it all, Hives. Why on Earth must Aunt Agatha insist on having breakfast at such an ungodly hour? H: (Tactfully) Many people would say, Sir, that 10:30 in the morning was the best part of the day. IA: (Takes another sip of tea, again scalds lips, and follows with a pained expression) Well, I suppose there is nothing for it then but to dress myself. Hives, draw my bath, please. H: (Crossing room...

Contact: Katrina-Bettina von Heffelfinger Die Krankenstadt Tageblat 4 Schlossplatz Krankenstadt The Grand Duchy of Stollen For Immediate Release: ZICHENAUER ARMY CROSSES FRONTIER INTO GRAND DUCHY OF STOLLEN General Phillipe de Latte at Its Head Somewhat more organized military intelligence now confirms that the Army of Zichenau has crossed the frontier at Zwieback and is moving slowly along the main road toward the Stollenian capital by way of Effibriest and Instetten. Reports also indicate that the notorious French mercenary-adventurer, and veteran of the Seven Years War, General Phillipe de Latte, de facto consort to the Electorate of Zichenau's ruler, Princess Antonia III, is once again in command. Allied Principality of Pillau-Zerbst Provides Small Levy of Troops to Zichenau Besides the usual preponderance of baggage wagons, chamber musicians, dancing girls, vivandieres, and birdcages, the Army of Zichenau's slow pace can also be attributed to a larger than normal artille...

Contact: Katrina-Bettina von Heffelfinger Die Krankenstadt Tageblat 4 Schlossplatz Krankenstadt The Grand Duchy of Stollen For Immediate Release ZICHENAUER FORCES SIGHTED ALONG FRONTIER Enemy Troops Rumored to Be on the March against Grand Duchy of Stollen Krankenstadt, The Grand Duchy of Stollen, 25 June 1770 -- Rumors have come into the capital in recent days, from farmers and villagers living close to the Zichenauer frontier, that troops belonging to the Electorate of Zichenau are on the move in the area. Indeed, postal coaches to and from the region have confirmed the gossip as fact in more than one instance. Is an invasion of the Grand Duchy of Stollen afoot? At the present time, it may be too soon to tell, but tongues are wagging in the streets and salons of the city this morning. Government of the Grand Duchy Schedules Series of Emergency Talks And how might the Stollenian government deal with the threat? That too remains to be seen, though the Grand Duke Irwin-Amadeus II ...

Yet another lively representation of some 18th Century hussars by Richard Knoetel. I never tire of looking at this particular branch of service. . . and, lately, daydreaming about how I might eventually paint those Minden Prussian hussars. Well, not much painting the last few days here at Stollen Central. Real life, looking after Young Master Paul, a new translation project that rolled in the other day, and our annual Abba Fest (to celebrate the coming summer solstice and Midsommar. . . I must keep the Grand Duchess in touch with her Swedish roots) last night precluded productive painting. Sadly, there are just so many hours in the day! But, today is Fathers' Day here in the United States, and I have requested some painting time this afternoon and evening, which the Grand Duchess, in her infinite wisdom, has granted. So, after the three of us enjoy coffee and maybe something sweet in a local cafe, it's back to Zum Stollenkeller for some basecoating and other work to get...

Some Austrian hussars by Knoetel. It's almost impossible to decide which uniform to model my own hussars on since something new and even more fantastic seems to turn up daily with regard to these theatrical troops. But variety is the spice of life I'm told! Not for the Grand Duchy of Stollen Project, that is still several months away, but for that current crop of Huzzah musketeers, which I glued temporarily to 16 plastic bottle caps yesterday evening after dinner. It was next time to put away the new Huzzah Prussian hussars for now and dig out the Holger Eriksson dragoons from last summer. I'd forgotten what nice castings these are. Not as much fine detail as the Minden figures, but enough so that you know what you are looking at. And not much flash or too many mold lines to remove with a hobby knife either, so the figures won't take an inordinate amount of time to prepare for painting. And that means that the painting queue for the next 3-4 months, maybe slightly...

Here's the second company just after receiving its first coat of Future/Klear acrylic floor finish last night. The past weekend was a busy one with my band playing two gigs back-to-back Friday evening and again early Saturday morning. . . Whew! Glad I don't do this professionally! However, although we were dog tired Saturday morning, we rocked the local farmers' market like it has never been rocked before with lots of people actually stopping to listen, and many introducing themselves between sets, to compliment us on our choice of material and playing. Lots of fun in each case. On the soldier front, finished up the white lace on the second batch of Huzzah musketeers Saturday evening and applied the first shiny, protective coat of "varnish" ;-) last night. The second coat of Future/Klear will follow this evening late, and I'll detach the figures from their plastic bottle caps tomorrow and start getting the third and final batch ready to basecoat. By t...

Another hussar uniform that has caahgt my eye recently is attributed to Freicorps Mayer. "Decisions, decisions!" as my 7th Grade English teacher used to say during his more humorous moments. It never ceases to amaze me that there are people out there who get their kicks from sabotaging, ok vandalizing, others' things. That happened recently to out neighbors across the street here, who had to repair a low retaining wall around an ornamental tree in the front yard that a few trouble-makers tore up one night recently. Similarly, I keep getting these strange comments from somewhere in Asia, or from someone using a keyboard and computer set-up with Asian (Japanese?) characters. Normally, I might suspect that these comments come from someone who does not have a full command of English, but some of the links related to these posted comments are, shall we say, highly questionable. Grrrrrr. . . . So, for the time being, I'm afraid I've had to enable comment moderatio...

Visions of different hussar uniforms and colors are filling my head at the moment as that recent order of 30 Minden Prussian hussars makes its way across the Atlantic to Stollen Central. Mother and sister have been in town to visit the grandson/nephew, Young Master Paul, so socializing and family activities have assumed prominence in lieu of painting the last several days. However, they have now returned to their respective homes, leaving much more free time in the evenings once again. So, I stole away down here to Zum Stollenkeller last night for about 90 minutes of painting, applying dark brown and white paint respectively to all of the musket stocks and white sword knots on those 16 Huzzah musketeers. All that remains is to do the white button lace this evening, and then the painting is finished. If there is time, I might even make the big push and apply the usual two coats of Future/Klear, to impart a glossy, protective finish. And then it's onto the third and final batch!...

I've gone an done it. Yep, I've sent an order to Frank Hammond for 30 of his new Prussian hussars plus an extra officer and another trumpeter to provide staff for Stollen's cavalry brigade. Spent a productive hour last night working on that second batch of 16 Huzzah musketeers. For the most part, I painted brass bits: cartridge pouch badges, sword hilts and scabbard tips, plus the band that holds the barrels to the musket stocks. Next, my attention turned toward painting in the red strap on the figures' left shoulders, between the shouldered musket and necks. I then spent the remaining 15 minutes of so touching up any black areas that needed it, for example gaiters, cartridge pouches, and hats. Tonight, it's onto the musket stocks, barrels, and bayonets. Barring any mishaps with the brush, these figures will then be about done save for my usual two coats of Future/Klear acrylic floor finish. Only 16 figures will remain to complete for this unit then. I'...