tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46455108912022324432024-02-19T18:45:51.768+09:00Les rêves de MarsThe Memoirs of His Excellency the Marquis de Sangfroid, Comte de Roué and the Prince Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles.
Being a discourse on the Late Contest of Arms fought over central Germany and the Low Countries as a result of the Dispute over the Legitimate Succession to the Holy Roman Empire, in which M. Le Marquis and the Regt. de Vignobles saw extensive service.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-87601662314122907852011-07-18T10:14:00.049+09:002011-08-06T12:13:32.375+09:00Rossbach Revisited, or: Futile Fury on the French Flank!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b style="color: red;">Right</b><span style="color: #990000;">, on to that battle report! (Note: click on any photo to enlarge).</span> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I've played many a game now using <b>Black Powder </b>for Napoleonics, but this was my first time using it for the SYW. Before I came to Japan, our gaming group had about two years worth of playing SYW games, with hundreds upon hundreds of miniatures on the table. The rules were a home-brew set, and the games, while fun, took a long time to play as a result of working out the firing and melee results- a legacy of the fact that they started life as what were intended to be largish skirmish games in the forests of North America! </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In contrast, <b>Black Powder</b> was designed from the get-go for handling pretty big armies, so I have been impressed with how quickly the games flow, and the SYW was no exception. In fact, in terms of units this must have been the largest game of Black Powder I played in.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The scenario had a large, but middling quality, French army stretched out in three lines along the left side of the table. The Prussians had a much smaller force, but it was a tough one, with many units getting a first fire bonus (add one to hit on the dice roll). with still others being able to take four hits rather than three before taking a break test. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>To make matters worse for the French, the Prussians were deployed on the other side of the table, but directly across from the exposed right of the French army, with the Prussian left almost directly across from the exposed French flank. </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFt3NqB4df4uTI2ewCHbs6yOl9cPfMqJTNcVeETbIi23wedBgKFmd9Nt2PlElUh1CC_GVjUZJJpmSiKOcYivz8IZDTDFybTrLbe-4hfRG3kiasSX0wPLY60txEh98tmFY73bDn-7vi38/s1600/VanSYW_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFt3NqB4df4uTI2ewCHbs6yOl9cPfMqJTNcVeETbIi23wedBgKFmd9Nt2PlElUh1CC_GVjUZJJpmSiKOcYivz8IZDTDFybTrLbe-4hfRG3kiasSX0wPLY60txEh98tmFY73bDn-7vi38/s400/VanSYW_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;"><i>The cream of the Prussian army ready to swing into action.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiok8gHTLooczjdoq3froDxXk0yXdsNP-8JefRBpCUkD6kfXbyC0HRqsa_jMNNVYljN5YYa7ld0T7MG5YnDz27pACQd9JXgIsSZMU5w4OsoHaT58MaKJBniahs1fUQslxcVNqkewUxrB4/s1600/VanSYW_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiok8gHTLooczjdoq3froDxXk0yXdsNP-8JefRBpCUkD6kfXbyC0HRqsa_jMNNVYljN5YYa7ld0T7MG5YnDz27pACQd9JXgIsSZMU5w4OsoHaT58MaKJBniahs1fUQslxcVNqkewUxrB4/s400/VanSYW_32.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Looking down the Prussian line to the left.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i> Nothing in front but green fields...</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The French general had the unenviable task of having to ponderously reorganize his lines to meet this coming threat before the dark blue mass could start to wade into the vulnerable flanks. And of course, they didn't have the Marquis de Sangfroid there to help them!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #990000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRsS7KqfuZFcb_5MfPB1AuNSi0V77Edp_8dK9BwiLpNjWj3WQpr5YPrOVNGTq1zlzEGtnyT6wc-RuXgbbJQv6Q-ihd6H1UoJL8er7J9FX11uhR03JgDUDgCTdapR6S_vKyXTUPi3Q1pA/s1600/VanSYW_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRsS7KqfuZFcb_5MfPB1AuNSi0V77Edp_8dK9BwiLpNjWj3WQpr5YPrOVNGTq1zlzEGtnyT6wc-RuXgbbJQv6Q-ihd6H1UoJL8er7J9FX11uhR03JgDUDgCTdapR6S_vKyXTUPi3Q1pA/s400/VanSYW_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">French in line- facing the wrong direction!</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-pHyiw_lVlX2TfN5xzet1x9gytp_o3fkczNnAqkHL8YiGI9YUVSC1y9Fj9f41eJ1mORHqc_0djVVXKLyDNQbOlixCalitYrpcYy__RHlcT5nuapsVBlkT1EipKI7XPyAtNdknm8WtBI/s1600/VanSYW_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-pHyiw_lVlX2TfN5xzet1x9gytp_o3fkczNnAqkHL8YiGI9YUVSC1y9Fj9f41eJ1mORHqc_0djVVXKLyDNQbOlixCalitYrpcYy__RHlcT5nuapsVBlkT1EipKI7XPyAtNdknm8WtBI/s400/VanSYW_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;">Prussian power bearing down on the effete French.</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinehXkmd8ys4EtET0dwNHSkqbvDbFKuzSWKCOLZg3RbxaiDfxo82oaV_7yH_Rcii1NgZ0FuDJi5Y2vXXSSQwxEiLDosoov8_B18yDdRPoIIzlUaNakgQxSb4MNpZjleo6H4SraG6CtFR0/s1600/VanSYW_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinehXkmd8ys4EtET0dwNHSkqbvDbFKuzSWKCOLZg3RbxaiDfxo82oaV_7yH_Rcii1NgZ0FuDJi5Y2vXXSSQwxEiLDosoov8_B18yDdRPoIIzlUaNakgQxSb4MNpZjleo6H4SraG6CtFR0/s400/VanSYW_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;">von Seydlitz & Co. looking forward to a bit 'o fun at Good King Louis' expense.</span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Prussian cavalry formed to the left of their line, with most of the French cavalry being deployed on their own right, so it was clear that the game would most likely start with a swirling cavalry melee.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #990000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1SWoYKFfFbKL0wpJ689yoro39brED-ta060gVKMsCT9QVLH_ldJeoyzjBgQrHxijrhtkrMDTgMvww2Mfq-XmNuk6D5Ri3-_OUTQ21pkKYXq8GLbZQ7sYcek0tYLQYOQDvYSu2ZZGaDo/s1600/VanSYW_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1SWoYKFfFbKL0wpJ689yoro39brED-ta060gVKMsCT9QVLH_ldJeoyzjBgQrHxijrhtkrMDTgMvww2Mfq-XmNuk6D5Ri3-_OUTQ21pkKYXq8GLbZQ7sYcek0tYLQYOQDvYSu2ZZGaDo/s400/VanSYW_9.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Four regiments of </i>beaux sabreurs<i> ready to meet them.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKC1S_8x2RVATCSIzIMzXNFre9fc_6upSAx2aJPVrWIr-HBWIU8QeMXMMqGiCa_EuBHxbkuh_fDggV8IxJixpuHyHeEJyK9rtPgy1Xa8s01S3yKsevpJnyTEVXiIo8_Iyt2kBPCWFFsI/s1600/VanSYW_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKC1S_8x2RVATCSIzIMzXNFre9fc_6upSAx2aJPVrWIr-HBWIU8QeMXMMqGiCa_EuBHxbkuh_fDggV8IxJixpuHyHeEJyK9rtPgy1Xa8s01S3yKsevpJnyTEVXiIo8_Iyt2kBPCWFFsI/s400/VanSYW_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Front Rank dragoons on what look to be Essex horses. Miniatures in Walter's collection, painted by (IIRC) Doug Hamm.</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjro0b7Ex7lNxh7eYXTADOVrT5LdZaV5TWXFLNLGTM7746xX5k5Or1e3BqCsKUqD0ULnMd7GUZOoqD02dadvHP8P6SaNAnd6sExZ96Czt2AZIk2pngvgG_PRByG3VNmMnnbsFDJN9Z3Lu4/s1600/VanSYW_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjro0b7Ex7lNxh7eYXTADOVrT5LdZaV5TWXFLNLGTM7746xX5k5Or1e3BqCsKUqD0ULnMd7GUZOoqD02dadvHP8P6SaNAnd6sExZ96Czt2AZIk2pngvgG_PRByG3VNmMnnbsFDJN9Z3Lu4/s400/VanSYW_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #b45f06; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The French had one unit of wild Hungarians on their left flank, who were to give a most lacklustre performance. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>More miniatures again painted by Monsieur Hamm, these are from the collection of Andrew Mah.</i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The French were ably commanded by Walter Melnyk as Soubise, with Andrew Mah taking the key command of the right flank cavalry. I was Frederick, and at first was the only player commanding the Prussians. Soon Dave Smith arrived and had the (dubious) honour of commanding what was to be a very tardy Prussian right.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The game was fought using 28mm figures from Front Rank, Falcon miniatures, Rafm, and a few Old Glory. Battalions were of 12-18 miniatures and cavalry squadrons were made up of six figures. All were from Walt and Andrew's collections.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Prussian plan, should it have worked, was to hold the right with some high-quality infantry while the left was to swing into the French flank before the unfortunate </i>soldats<i> had time to respond. In order to achieve this, it was important for the success of the Prussian plans that the French cavalry be swept from the field PDQ.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD8Co7KMT5frWYS6-i_4sVrMvQUFgKVc-7-lFhrG8y85_IuZPfxr0nhpf7f_OgTzT_0BtK4DvKlyJTiAh7s5uWr3bWIeMRRdqsCynbFzfC4eU_oDDphz9tqWmtpZSD1OLquiTXfTHUsE/s1600/VanSYW_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD8Co7KMT5frWYS6-i_4sVrMvQUFgKVc-7-lFhrG8y85_IuZPfxr0nhpf7f_OgTzT_0BtK4DvKlyJTiAh7s5uWr3bWIeMRRdqsCynbFzfC4eU_oDDphz9tqWmtpZSD1OLquiTXfTHUsE/s400/VanSYW_33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The s</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>ituation at the beginning of the game. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The game started, as expected, with the opposing cavalry getting set to grips. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The ball opens with the Prussian cavalry advancing on their French counterparts, while the French infantry hurriedly try to get into march column and move off to the right flank.</i></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Unfortunately things began to go awry for the Prussians early on, as they failed to send the French cavalry packing- I was really rolling dreadfully at that point in the game. It was a real see-saw battle (typical for cavalry, and something that I feel <b>Black Powder</b> handles well). </i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TaiZQ5jOpLwM66UquvlqT2_bqAqpH-hujCcESjxBMvJh6t2SdpbmOZmy-j9cJtQBQrUmEp6_pPkW1aRtunucKsMkqXxHwJhBNkK8bDJlvWap2aHjmxmMXPGbqiBxi-tWIqiqTZRrjzE/s1600/VanSYW_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TaiZQ5jOpLwM66UquvlqT2_bqAqpH-hujCcESjxBMvJh6t2SdpbmOZmy-j9cJtQBQrUmEp6_pPkW1aRtunucKsMkqXxHwJhBNkK8bDJlvWap2aHjmxmMXPGbqiBxi-tWIqiqTZRrjzE/s400/VanSYW_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lines reformed, and counterattack followed upon counterattack. Unfortunately for Prussia, although the French cavalry couldn't defeat the Prussian cuirassiers and hussars outright, </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>they were carrying out their role in holding up the Prussian advance very effectively. The Prussian horse just wasn't up to the task of dealing with them decisively that day. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbUZCYREflv6hFEmig8BlCxRoSOgFnxIK1eHE5njH_vqyV-Gz4ik96ltj2Gx9sxbrx4rlFMUHE2VKPu-hYd6OT3jO1rf7xhgiFw1z5P6HInC0O_I5mr-G-v6XpVfiwM5CY-L6zbo2sDI/s1600/VanNaps_30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbUZCYREflv6hFEmig8BlCxRoSOgFnxIK1eHE5njH_vqyV-Gz4ik96ltj2Gx9sxbrx4rlFMUHE2VKPu-hYd6OT3jO1rf7xhgiFw1z5P6HInC0O_I5mr-G-v6XpVfiwM5CY-L6zbo2sDI/s400/VanNaps_30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I needed to do more than just to keep the French horse at bay. Space was at a premium, so I wanted them routed out of the way <b>completely</b> so that my infantry could then slam into the French infantry before the latter was able to redeploy in the face of our attack. Each turn that went by without our seeing off the French cavalry saw the French able to steadily reform their infantry line to face the threatened flank. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Time was <b>not</b> on my side.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYLHiiXVOJfJvO2PIz8wKpOXmyH1gGZjEoGMqwg-hMD-yZ5O5NnCD_pBzT8ex3xNdvHAldrdBeK5_jlXy9f4g-V0U3QfCje-CzfaEokTA5FBUvORt9R5l_jJFKjabdhyphenhyphen8ty66YeGX0WU/s1600/VanSYW_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYLHiiXVOJfJvO2PIz8wKpOXmyH1gGZjEoGMqwg-hMD-yZ5O5NnCD_pBzT8ex3xNdvHAldrdBeK5_jlXy9f4g-V0U3QfCje-CzfaEokTA5FBUvORt9R5l_jJFKjabdhyphenhyphen8ty66YeGX0WU/s400/VanSYW_17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;"><i>Give 'em hot lead, boys! Meanwhile, the new French line takes shape...</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Eventually the Prussian foot took matters into their own hands, and, </i>à la Mollwitz<i>, drove off the French cavalry on their own. Unfortunately, this entailed them having to use their first fire bonus against the cavalry, which irked me no end as I really wanted to save this for use on hapless French infantry. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>While not doing badly in terms of casualties, I wasn't coming even close to achieving the goals I had set out for myself by this point in the engagement. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nSevlYSGfl5oUdhawzG7TTnk6VDRqZS-AxZiGZY_9ydWKWMk_CmRqUo9aHiDPzp3Sv27waK1QWr1AYJV3prh1G8ri2SKsSAtUrS_byGap-ZqtUJNBDQJALCbnJqNVcuGe5PrkgutrAE/s1600/VanSYW_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nSevlYSGfl5oUdhawzG7TTnk6VDRqZS-AxZiGZY_9ydWKWMk_CmRqUo9aHiDPzp3Sv27waK1QWr1AYJV3prh1G8ri2SKsSAtUrS_byGap-ZqtUJNBDQJALCbnJqNVcuGe5PrkgutrAE/s400/VanSYW_35.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;"><i>Those Frenchmen look <b>awfully</b> close...</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Unnecessarily galling was the fact that I had placed my artillery too far on the right flank of my first line. The advancing French infantry rejoiced in taking pot-shots at them so that they eventually broke under the constant fire (although they were able to put a few units into disorder, which certainly helped to slow down French re-deployment somewhat). </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>By this time the Prussian left found itself getting into what was </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>promising to be</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> a pretty intense firefight </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>with the French infantry, as battalion after battalion of the latter started getting into position. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>As the situation developed, Konig Freddy kept looking over his right shoulder to see where the hell the rest of the Prussian army had gotten itself to.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>And what of the Prussian right? The idea was for them to engage the French to their front, and by use of some aggressive hit-and-run tactics, hinder the French in trying to reinforce their right flank. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>However, in all my experience of <b>Black Powder,</b> I have never seen such an unwilling, bloody-minded, and incompetent (or treacherous!) commander as had evidently been appointed to command the Prussian right, nor such a steady succession of failed command rolls. A real slap in the face of mathematical probability!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This meant that on numerous occasions, and despite being needed elsewhere, King Frederick had to race off to the right in order to try to get the troops to do something- anything- that would see them off their butts and wading into the French. But more often than not to no avail.</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5VzeGkPKINaTxJsKQ_hM67-wzJ6cVpqsvInl3SsfxR0a20DTVxbA5wLyuNdcmy0n_RjidvSKshclLw9qlcI5HocgkSNJclFRATeXVoTaqvDVcm31rDbBTm2aLT7RalmXpSudJzxSoi4/s1600/VanSYW_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5VzeGkPKINaTxJsKQ_hM67-wzJ6cVpqsvInl3SsfxR0a20DTVxbA5wLyuNdcmy0n_RjidvSKshclLw9qlcI5HocgkSNJclFRATeXVoTaqvDVcm31rDbBTm2aLT7RalmXpSudJzxSoi4/s400/VanSYW_18.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;">"Aren't we supposed to be, like, well- <b>doing</b> something?</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A unit of rabid grenadiers did show some spunk, and was able to see off the French hussars in fairly short order, but that was all they really achieved. </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #990000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRHplYo0A5MggZvuSAgWwQG0Vzs3Jz7ESDROVmmdjGp_hW2RABW9KpqFOqXBffjnDnDmoNkoe9FsDZzlt9LMXgCd2adSbySynOKXfzF3BMhN0weGSMubE08rlu3m2bv5aj76dNIq9JnQ/s1600/VanSYW_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRHplYo0A5MggZvuSAgWwQG0Vzs3Jz7ESDROVmmdjGp_hW2RABW9KpqFOqXBffjnDnDmoNkoe9FsDZzlt9LMXgCd2adSbySynOKXfzF3BMhN0weGSMubE08rlu3m2bv5aj76dNIq9JnQ/s400/VanSYW_16.jpg" width="385" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;"><i>Much more where <b>that</b> came from, </i>mein freund!</span><i><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>All this had Dave chomping at the bit, as being a very experienced and aggressive wargame commander himself, the slowness of the Prussian right that day was proving<b> really</b> frustrating for him! The dice rolls required to give the </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>necessary commands just weren't forthcoming. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>But them's the breaks. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The upshot of all this was that by the time we called it a day, the lines had formed at pretty much right angles to the original start positions, like this; </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #990000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G0o7ZIOERcFqB-Lr_APV32JH22pcSz91H-A5DzQuGiPICmAvN71aG0FhvfmPaH8t3HiHzt8naWk-ECgDbJwYu8EqlWDBA97396H9GoLCOgeTfJ-JhMqSpzU5Cxx_GiN6XQD3O-QZpPE/s1600/VanSYW_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G0o7ZIOERcFqB-Lr_APV32JH22pcSz91H-A5DzQuGiPICmAvN71aG0FhvfmPaH8t3HiHzt8naWk-ECgDbJwYu8EqlWDBA97396H9GoLCOgeTfJ-JhMqSpzU5Cxx_GiN6XQD3O-QZpPE/s400/VanSYW_25.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #b45f06;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>From the Prussian side</i></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignmQj4n2UYzCq2fAhg2tkBEOf2yGUstsz1Wr7jzdfui5MPrW_h-8CmIKnUWuWslQ9GOlEQEjIG2O7jEWxrS6Ic1U189oHQCgXc8dbRp6JfWwXMzmsr6tnKOWS8mphexPq-WuSoBr-67g/s1600/VanSYW_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignmQj4n2UYzCq2fAhg2tkBEOf2yGUstsz1Wr7jzdfui5MPrW_h-8CmIKnUWuWslQ9GOlEQEjIG2O7jEWxrS6Ic1U189oHQCgXc8dbRp6JfWwXMzmsr6tnKOWS8mphexPq-WuSoBr-67g/s400/VanSYW_26.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">...and as seen by the French</span></span></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The game could have continued the following week. But the French, I felt, had accomplished their mission as they were able to prevent their right from caving in, and had the resources to fight a battle of attrition against the Prussian infantry. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFRNcTtPfyek_5o1-fcCGkJNrEAj8qCBD2Q3B7lr_rl0-CxJigl1L0WorNLq6EyPuELKgQ1QNd7lK4BTtv-z-LOn-SpSDA_I9OXX-lSY1b_BUzbQujUR255S31X3gUjNgSRATgvAjIWY/s1600/VanSYW_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFRNcTtPfyek_5o1-fcCGkJNrEAj8qCBD2Q3B7lr_rl0-CxJigl1L0WorNLq6EyPuELKgQ1QNd7lK4BTtv-z-LOn-SpSDA_I9OXX-lSY1b_BUzbQujUR255S31X3gUjNgSRATgvAjIWY/s400/VanSYW_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;">Man of the Hour! Hungarian cavalry command stand (in French service!) painted by Doug Hamm. Andrew's collection.</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The French horse had saved the day, and Andrew had handled his command boldly, achieving deserved success. Although his brigade </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>eventually </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>broke under all the pressure, its efforts had bought the time General Soubise needed to re-arrange his line to meet the Prussian attack. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In turn, the Prussian horse was pretty much a spent force as a result of the cavalry combat, and would need considerable time to lick its wounds before it would be in much state to carry out any further attacks. In addition, much of the infantry that made up the Prussian flanking force had been forced into using their first fire bonus- with little effect. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>All would now depend on the tardy Prussian right, and even if they deigned to get moving again, the French commander could easily start falling back down the road, getting most of his army off the table to safety. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A lost opportunity for the Prussians, and Soubise could count himself lucky to escape! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As for </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Gen. Gerhardt </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>von Slothdorf, </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>the </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>sullen & gouty </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>septuagenarian</i></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>commander of the </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Prussian </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>right flank, </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>H</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>is Majesty has a special posting in mind for him; garrison commander of a run-down fortress in the middle of some disease-infested East Prussian swampland. Don't call us, </i>mein herr<i>, we'll call you...</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
We all thought the game played well, and that it looked and felt like what we imagined an 18th C. battle to be like. Th</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>e scenario made for a close game, with a good balance of manoeuvre and combat. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>game </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>mechanics worked smoothly, and we found ourselves concentrating on tactics rather than on the system. Most of all, it was both challenging and fun, with moments of great tension! </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It was also a nice change for me not to have lots of skirmishers complicating things as is the case with our Napoleonic games, </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></b></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Some thoughts on the rules:</i></span></b></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> #1: Too many tokens on the battlefield! The first fire bonus meant having to keep track of who had and who had not fired. Walt had some good ideas in an e-mail he sent me:</i></span></div><blockquote style="color: #990000;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I used to give all my Prussian or British boys First Fire and/or Steady to credit their superior discipline and fire control. Both, however, can only be used once which meant using tokens on the units or a roster system to keep track of using these traits.<br />
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Instead, to make things easier, these units will get bonuses such as Shaken at 4, instead of 3, Elite 4+ to save disorders, or 3+ saving rolls instead of 4+, and/or sharpshooter (re-roll 1 missed shot per fire). All these are examples of permanent bonuses which eliminate fiddly record-keeping, especially troublesome in larger games."<i><br />
</i></span></div></blockquote><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> #2: We field large units of 24-36 miniatures in our Napoleonic Black Powder games. We prefer this as it allows us to field all those elite companies, colour guards and sappers, etc, without making the units look ridiculous. But for the more straightforward 18th C. armies, smaller is better. I will continue to settle for the 12-18 man units for my own collection, despite the siren song of those larger units as seen in Charles Grant's books!</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>#3: I like the way the rules work for cavalry vs. cavalry actions. He with the last squadron in reserve will win, which seems to have often been the case historically.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>#4: We decided that </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>in 18th C.</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> warfare, infantry would seldom form square. So we discarded the rule that infantry should automatically form square when charged by cavalry. As it happened this worked well as the Prussians chewed up the French horse when they tried it, but there was some good dice rolling involved there as well. There may- or may not be- a case to be made for strengthening the infantry's ability to deal with charging horse.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>All in all a great game, and I'm inspired to get in a few games myself over the coming months. The rules mods for the 18th C. give a quite different "feel" to the game than is the case for Napoleonic scenarios, and Walt has pointed out to me some further modifications for use with games using fewer battalions and squadrons.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>A doff of my tricorne to you all for a fantastic afternoon's gaming, comrades!</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-46543759643225180672011-07-15T10:10:00.008+09:002011-07-15T11:03:59.819+09:00Back in the saddle again! Rossbach Revisited<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsrjL-zZfIic7UfaVYt1wq2tgGyO8_TLnpdsEUyAgY_j6WiVA5fFuNcLRy2yAU1yoj8w39UHT7prYkxgliHpEqzph8QbptobzAalePJaDBh3xBabz4Blqws66D9MCYEUoNvUEAITaFt8/s1600/VanSYW_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsrjL-zZfIic7UfaVYt1wq2tgGyO8_TLnpdsEUyAgY_j6WiVA5fFuNcLRy2yAU1yoj8w39UHT7prYkxgliHpEqzph8QbptobzAalePJaDBh3xBabz4Blqws66D9MCYEUoNvUEAITaFt8/s400/VanSYW_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">I</span> </b><i style="color: #990000;">have been ignoring this blog for well over six months, for the simple reason that I was not doing any 18th C. gaming. Those members of our club here in Tokyo who are into the Horse-and-Musket period have been getting into 28mm Napoleonics, a development made possible by access to the excellent, relatively inexpensive, and easy to transport plastic miniatures produced by companies such as Victrix and of course Perry Miniatures. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #990000;">The absence of plastic equivalents for the 18th C. mean that it tough to get people into doing the period due to cost and figure availability, especially in my favourite scale of 28mm.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But I have never lost interest in the period, and there have been a number of developments that have whetted my interest over the last while. One was getting hold of a copy of Volume II of <b>Wargaming in History </b>by Grant & Olley, a volume that deals squarely with my favourite subject, the War of the Austrian Succession. "Drool fuel" abounds within its lovingly designed pages, and like Volume 1 with its scenarios for the SYW in the western theatre, it makes for inspiring reading.</span></i><br />
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</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JxEm7B5bvmeSb-3lSEayCEfvbRgQCOpZxvaKC4bzeCAXENjWqBMwQqjp_E3CUEdX6Hk83WXXQE1MposwaCP8-U6VhJdBS1-_L-b1zWv77jPvBP4N53cc-_eOLoyi5PkHikETRM6hfjE/s1600/WAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JxEm7B5bvmeSb-3lSEayCEfvbRgQCOpZxvaKC4bzeCAXENjWqBMwQqjp_E3CUEdX6Hk83WXXQE1MposwaCP8-U6VhJdBS1-_L-b1zWv77jPvBP4N53cc-_eOLoyi5PkHikETRM6hfjE/s400/WAS.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I look forward to the forthcoming volume on the wars between the Prussians and the Austrians.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Another big development has been the <b>Black Powder</b> rules by Warlord Games, which I have come to love as they tick all my boxes when it comes to what I am looking for in my wargaming experience. These have become the rules of choice for Napoleonic gaming down at our club, and we have had some <a href="http://serreslesrangs.blogspot.com/search/label/Black%20Powder"><b>very enjoyable games</b></a> using the rules, games with a high standard of presentation if I don't say so myself!</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Most important of all, this past three weeks I was back visiting family and friends in Vancouver, where I had the chance to play a Seven Years War game with my old group, the North Shore Gamers, and using Black Powder at that! It was a scaled down re-fight of Rossbach in 1757 between the Prussians and the French, and while M. le Marquis was not there in body, he was there in spirit- even if I <b>was</b> playing the role of Prussian commander. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">It was a great game, my first big SYW bash since before I left for Japan some 20 years ago now. Firstly and most importantly, I was gaming with a great bunch of guys, old friends and new. The scenario- at least as we played it- struck a good balance between manoeuvre and combat. And with <b>Black Powder</b>, the game just looked right and felt right for 18th C. combat. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">In my next post I'll give an AAR seeing how the game went, and some of the mechanics we used. Lots of pictures!</span></i></span> </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The experience has left me determined to try setting up a game at the club here in Tokyo sometime over the coming months. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-2519763067987991822010-12-05T18:17:00.007+09:002010-12-05T19:06:15.520+09:00A Most Generous Commisariat!<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red;">While</b> <i style="color: #990000;">prowling YouTube I came across this rather interesting video of FIW reenactors, which I have posted here because it gives a good view of the off-white colour of French infantry </i><span style="color: #990000;">justeaucorps</span><i style="color: #990000;">, and the kind of shadows that it gets in the folds and creases Clearly it is possible to go for fairly dark shading, so my black-lined figures don't seem all that far off.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Cq7j6vLo72k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/Cq7j6vLo72k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Now, I can appreciate the appeal of reenacting, and am aware that it is not an inexpensive pastime. It is also more accessible to those of an age where they have accumulated a good degree of disposable income and time now that the children have grown up. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I also realize (to my own personal annoyance!) that as one gets on in years, a certain "thickening of the torso" is hard to prevent- and even harder to reverse. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, there are some mightily-proportioned individuals here wielding their </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Charlevilles</span><i><span style="font-size: large;">. Whatever perils the French army may have faced while on campaign in the New World, starvation evidently wasn't one of them. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">One can see the strain on many a buttonhole. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The average annual calorie intake evident for individuals here would probably have equalled that of an entire </span></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">company</span></b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> back in 1759. Says a lot about modern diets and lifestyles.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #990000;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Anyway, the next time some people slag off my beloved </span><b style="color: #990000;">Front Rank</b><span style="color: #990000;"> miniatures as being over-fed gargoyles, I will simply reply with a link to this video.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Oh, and lest it be thought I'm knocking these people, and their hobby, I'm not; I'm no string-bean in the least, and I would have </span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>loved</b></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> to have been there and to have been part of it. </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-66997013888850965682010-11-28T15:46:00.006+09:002010-11-28T18:25:42.121+09:00To the Aid of King Raoul and Grenouisse!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">No</span></b> <span style="color: #990000;">updates for ages now. Clearly the history professors beavering away at</span></i><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">La Bibliothèque Nationale de la Lorraine,</span><i style="color: #990000;"> poring over the documents relating the stirring tales of M. le Marquis have been slacking, or have at least been suffering from a shortage of willing graduate students to do the gruntwork.</i><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Our club here has been focused on WW2 and to a lesser extent Napoleonic games. The reality of accomplishing anything in miniatures gaming is that you really need some degree of project discipline, and to accept that you can't do everything you want to. To try to do so by working on a little here and a little there is to make no significant progress in anything at all. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>So all the time that there was no real prospect of getting any 18th C. games in, I had resigned myself to the fact that work on</i><i> l’armée de l’Oise would have to be put on the furthest of back-burners for the foreseeable future. A shame, but given time restrictions it made sense as I have been making inroads on my Soviet army and on my Napoleonic French army.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Well, things can change. And it appears that the The <b>Regt. de St. Vignobles </b>is destined to see combat in big way- even if I won't be there in person to see them in action! </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Over on the WD3 forum which is my first forum port-of-call these days, an idea has taken off to have a big 18th C. "Old School" game on a grand scale, to be held in the wilds of Yorkshire in spring of next year. This will be under the auspices of a number of veteran wargamers including Tim Hall and Henry Hyde of </i><i><b>Battlegames</b> magazine, who is of course in overdrive getting everything sorted out for the game.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Now unless war breaks out on the Korean peninsula again, I can't see myself getting to the far reaches of decayed Empire for the game, as I have committed to being back in Vancouver then. But I offered to send a contingent from the Bishopric to form part of the vast forces being mustered for battle, and Henry was happy to accept. With New Year's holidays on the horizon, this means that I have an incentive to finish off the regiment now in a box awaiting completion, along with some other units that need some TLC. </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh0kxRIt13_JwRaX2Q19LBHgVYR2dnql5QlBNukVdqmiqVA_yKQOWrgliVnQpZJk3GUsU3Ru_LQI61uxBU_dq_yVcmnizK2jAn7R6ATPT55pZJtvhzKzbRbYGWByhvL4ONZaUUaJLdJs/s1600/Loading+the+troops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh0kxRIt13_JwRaX2Q19LBHgVYR2dnql5QlBNukVdqmiqVA_yKQOWrgliVnQpZJk3GUsU3Ru_LQI61uxBU_dq_yVcmnizK2jAn7R6ATPT55pZJtvhzKzbRbYGWByhvL4ONZaUUaJLdJs/s400/Loading+the+troops.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></div></div><div style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Expeditionary Force of the </i>l’armée de l’Oise<i> boards transports before setting out on its long voyage in support of King Raoul.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #990000;">The story at the moment is as follows (subject to change!);</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">His Excellency, Louis-Baptiste Sardanapalus Bouillon-Cantinat, the 10th Marquis de Sangfroid, Comte de Roue and the Prince Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles, will of course be honouring his ancient allegiance with King Raoul of Grenouisse, in defence of His most righteous and holy cause as he asserts his ancient rights to the territory of Grandprix, held in violation of God's Will by current Duke Zigor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An expeditionary force is being raised for service afar, in which the Bishopric of St. Vignobles will will no doubt once again add further laurels and acclaim to King Raoul- and, of course, to the House of Buillion-Cantinat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But rumours abound that the great rival of the House of Buillion-Cantinat, Matthias St. Hubertus von Loseth-Pfaffenhofen, Duke of Avenberg-Pfaffenhofen and Landgrave of Nassau Ringgwurm-auf-dem-Skree, is planning to hire out his own contingent as part of an Auxiliary Corps to the Duke Zigor, including the famous <i>Lieb-Dragoner </i>regiment. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", yes; but for a price.</span><br />
<br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-39276824897152628682010-05-22T12:39:00.016+09:002010-06-22T08:36:42.488+09:00Wanted for Service: Good, Bold Men (with an Eye for Loot)...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1viNUrxxPlnuK1fCsmQKdvZJRdNwtOjOyVovau8RCjAi5u8huzeDcxnFf7pIWn_xzYtU_VaJraxPbDKYPPvEMg3zTtI0V-TuvXctyiOX4ScoEeygRr-vQqS3V1mpMKNGl6qLLW75WIc/s1600/Recruiting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1viNUrxxPlnuK1fCsmQKdvZJRdNwtOjOyVovau8RCjAi5u8huzeDcxnFf7pIWn_xzYtU_VaJraxPbDKYPPvEMg3zTtI0V-TuvXctyiOX4ScoEeygRr-vQqS3V1mpMKNGl6qLLW75WIc/s400/Recruiting.png" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red;">As</b> the poster says! I've been thinking of which miniatures to use for </span></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Les </span><span style="font-size: large;">Hussards de Sarkozy</span></b><i><span style="font-size: large;">, and have decided that the ones that best suit my particular bill are <a href="http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/HUS/index.asp"><b>these</b></a> by <b>The Foundry,</b> which were, I believed, designed by Mark Copplestone. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, they are cartoonish/ orcish or what have you, but they have an "over the top" look to them that I actually like for the early, wild-hussar type.</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The problem is that including command figures I only need sixteen of them. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Now while I'm certainly no cheapskate, neither am</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> I an idiot. I realize that I've been spoiled by the excellent service from companies such as </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Front Rank</b></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">. And in fairness, the mail order service from the Foundry</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> is by all accounts not to be faulted for reliability. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">But by having different "stores" depending on where you are placing the order from, the Foundry in effect charge </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">their overseas customers</span></i> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>twice</b></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> for postage. And God help you if you fall into the East Asia/Rest of the World category! T</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">o add insult to injury- and unlike </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">most all other companies I do business with</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">- they evidently </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">do not even see fit to deduct VAT from their prices. </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">While having to grudgingly grant them a certain amount of </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">"testicular fortitude" for the practice, </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> I cannot- <b>will</b> not- validate their unfathomable policies by holding my nose and paying those kind of prices for a handful of miniatures.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">So, if anyone out there has sixteen to spare, along with command/ personalities, please do <b style="color: red;"><a href="mailto:ookishiratori@yahoo.ca">drop me a line</a></b> and let me know how much you want for them. Any fair price considered! I'd of course be paying the shipping to Japan. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">In particular I'm looking for the ones in <b>short fur hats,</b> but I'll consider a mix.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Preferably unpainted, but painted is okay (bear in mind that I'll be stripping off the paint so that I can paint the minis in the "correct" uniforms).</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Alternatively, if someone could point my way to a cheaper source of these figures through a store who actually charges postage at a reasonable rate, please let me know. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">No recasts, though. Aside from the poor quality I have no intention of rewarding thieves, even if it <b>was</b> Foundry they've ripped off!</span></i></div><div style="color: #990000;"><i><br />
</i></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-57993294831772743592010-05-10T13:08:00.024+09:002010-05-11T12:13:17.425+09:00Regiment Royal de St. Vignobles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDDVp4QPg1GBE8-XGaef-nq_NdBkoBqnsE4CQodzcyNA_zzJT2uBF8V2zGKFPq0MaZ0DRGOPlmp6zb6QUEZE0PpJzA7c8YLcyEnxvNlJZaXfGnFP17G1AqkoQkEgVNJRA3S6AUkjfdZE/s1600/Regt.+Royal+de+St.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDDVp4QPg1GBE8-XGaef-nq_NdBkoBqnsE4CQodzcyNA_zzJT2uBF8V2zGKFPq0MaZ0DRGOPlmp6zb6QUEZE0PpJzA7c8YLcyEnxvNlJZaXfGnFP17G1AqkoQkEgVNJRA3S6AUkjfdZE/s400/Regt.+Royal+de+St.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #b45f06;">click to enlarge</i></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Marquis wrote:</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The outfitting of <i> L’armée de l’Oise</i> proceeded apace, with overall efficiency and considerable expense- particulary on my part. Monies for uniforms, arms and accoutrements and victuals were always in short supply. The shortfall was inevitably made up by my dipping into my own coffers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While I was able to bestow some amount of patronage for some tidy sums, not to mention the occasional- and lucrative- games of chance, those gentlemen who managed my considerable estate were not averse to chiding me for such excess. They urged that I bring the spending under control, and begged that I pressure Versailles to be more forthcoming with the resources needed to prepare the army for war.</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This war within a war for ever-scarce funding alloted to me its share of little victories as well as defeats. Yet overall, it must be said, the balance of success went to those low-bred, pestilential and mean-spirited troglodytes who inhabited the counting-houses of Versailles. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, late one evening Count Sarkozy arrived back from a reconnaissance to find me in a most highly agitated and irritable state with my staff over the issue. On perceiving my evident distress, he promptly offered to ride with some of his men to Versailles with the intention of hanging the scoundrels in question up by their tongues until they agreed to loosen the purse strings. I must confess that I did mull over the merits or otherwise of the scheme for some moments before politely- yet firmly- refusing the Count's well-intended proposal.</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nonetheless, I was not without some skillful experience with the machinations of the court, and I was able to obtain some favours in return for my forbearance with such rogues, chief of which for the purposes of this narrative was the refitting and elevation of my own regiment, that of St. Vignobles.</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The campaign of Dettingen in which the regiment had distinguished itself had reduced the uniforms of the men to a most wretched and deplorable state. Having just outfitted the Regt. de Bouillon Cantinat, and seeing clearly that my finances were not what they were during the peace, I resolved that if the Ministry of War failed to underwrite my expenses as was my due, then I would see if I could not indeed manage to elevate the regiment and my House to a status fitting with the illustrious lineage and service of the Bouillon-Cantinats.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So debts were quietly called upon to be made good, and understandings were negotiated with the mighty and influential. As well as with their wives & mistresses, for over the years one learns where true fountains of power and decision making lay. With such stratagems, and in the fullness of time, the carefully nurtured seeds of ambition bore their fruit. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many months had passed when finally we received the welcome news from His Gracious Majesty that the <i>Regt. de St. Vignobles</i>, ...'on account of its proven valour and dedication to the House of Bourbon', would receive the unique honour of being bestowed with the title of "Royal". While steadfastly maintaining its independent character and certain privileges, it was to be taken into the French army as a native rather than as a foreign regiment. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As befitting the new status of the regiment (and in exchange for a considerable pecuniary gift of sundry movables) I was granted some small but fairly profitable holdings in the Aquitaine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, it was agreed that my eldest son was to be betrothed to the<i> Duchesse de Limoger. </i>A somewhat dim-witted young woman, but a niece of the King and the eldest of four children, all daughters; thus is the House of Bouillon-Cantinat to find itself tied to that of the Bourbons.</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I insisted upon the condition that the regiment would all the while remain under the command of its <i>chef</i>, and that it would be subject to the needs of the hereditary Prince Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles whenever the principality was to find itself threatened by an external foe. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The price of such arrangements was dear. A further reduction of a stock of the best vintage St. Vignobles had to offer, some sudden (and calculated) desertion of skill and luck on my part at the card table, and a tacit agreement that the regiment was to expect no financial support from Versailles other than that of pay (when available), arms, and equipment. But as these were already less than forthcoming I felt it a very practical solution and a pleasing outcome to me, one which would bring further lustre to the already brilliant stars in the Bouillon-Cantinat firmament.</span><br />
<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> *****</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The day the colours were presented to the regiment by the King and his party was one renowned for its splendour, with gentlemen and ladies of quality the region over coming into camp to take part in the festivities, including also some officers of my acquaintance from the Pragmatic armies, visiting on <i>parole</i> to pay their respects.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I myself performed the benediction over the new regimental <i>drapeaux. </i>These were designed by a most willing and appreciative Duchess D'Argenson and her daughter. In richness of fabric and in their embroidery the new colours were magnificent in execution, equally the rivals of those borne by the <i>Gardes Francaises</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner that evening was a sumptuous affair, in which the finest wines of St. Vignobles flowed like the melting snows of spring. This repast was accompanied by music provided by a party of musicians led by the esteemed M<i>. </i>Boismortier, as well as by the regimental <i>hautbois</i>. There was, of course, a display of fireworks followed by dancing, which was welcomed by the young officers of the army as being a rare opportunity for some pleasant dalliance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The rest of the night was passed by games of <i>vignt-et-un</i>, in which I played with even more than my customary skill and ruthlessness in order to cover at least part the evening's expenses, which I woefully suspected would be prove to be a daunting sum. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, my chief comptroller had rather irritably begged me to excuse him from duty that evening, as he desired to retire</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to bed early with what he suspected to be a case of imminent apoplexy.</span><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>*****</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Basically I was never that happy with my first design for the uniform and flag of the Regiment de St. Vignobles, and as I develop the character of the Marquis de Sangfroid and L’armée de l’Oise I have had a better idea for the flag and uniform. I've also become a lot more familiar with the graphics programs I have, so I can do a better job than before. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I like the idea of wine or madder-red as the distinctive colour of the Principality, and it is a colour that goes much better with off-white than with the mid to dark blue of the foreign regiments in French service. So I had our scheming hero concoct a plan to have the regiment become a regular French one- with privileges! </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">And frankly, I've enough blue to paint with the Dutch and my French Napoleonic infantry.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-63382047211876533892010-05-09T12:48:00.011+09:002010-05-09T22:51:12.843+09:00Noble Volunteer Company of Vintners<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red;">I</b> <span style="color: #990000;">have been asked to provide a uniform plate of the</span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><b style="color: #990000;">Noble Volunteer Company of Vintners</b></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #990000;"> </b><span style="color: #990000;">as introduced in my previous post</span><span style="color: #990000;">, and find myself most happy to oblige. </span></span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, the standard of the company still exists, having been carefully- and remarkably- well preserved in the vaults of the </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cathédrale de Notre Dame de St. Vignobles</b></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCO7g1iB3B_sSSQNMHHRQM3FYXyg2984I8Bxm7_-_H8VGXoxDJ0nJXR_ZJUYMHMeF77LQdVZozMyy2VlUAnAh1d-WQ224RqRLD_ghpFN7y7B4XeBW3hg1p45gcN_frhgQLe6Q_YPUdSw/s1600/NVVComp_plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCO7g1iB3B_sSSQNMHHRQM3FYXyg2984I8Bxm7_-_H8VGXoxDJ0nJXR_ZJUYMHMeF77LQdVZozMyy2VlUAnAh1d-WQ224RqRLD_ghpFN7y7B4XeBW3hg1p45gcN_frhgQLe6Q_YPUdSw/s400/NVVComp_plate.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></div><div style="color: #b45f06; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> (Click on picture to enlarge)</span></span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The company was always maintained at a strength of 48 officers and men, all of the nobility, as this was the number of men who sallied out with the <b>7th Marquis de Sangfroid </b>to save King Louis during the </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">Fronde <i>in 1651</i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">A detachment escorted the King whenever he made an official inspection of the vineyards of France, and an officer of the company was always present for the opening of wine casks during festivities at Versailles, tasked with tasting the wine both for quality and for safety. </span></i></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">While never serving as an actual combat unit, the uniform was worn by all general officers from St. Vignobles, for whom membership in the company was a prerequisite for the rank.</span></i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">-Plate made possible through some creative digital </span><i>"legerdemain"</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> and of course by David's wonderful work on his excellent blog,</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"> </span><a href="http://nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Not by Appointment "</span></a><span style="color: #990000;">.</span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-73956072738313173272010-05-09T00:39:00.019+09:002010-05-20T00:03:08.787+09:00Au service du Roi...<div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>His Excellency, </i><b>the<i> </i>10th Marquis de Sangfroid, Comte de Roue and the Prince Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles.</b></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTUcBJ-5h3pgzVHOJSnFjoeSOqU8xUzuLpX_xN0GkZO1Nh06hxVTMeKOMnWY87J3oZEIBj6gsvIzqJ1XgJ9S7WcqLd2YLo2jEpv6PQMER0uT2eJcZi0qy6xxR3S_wPbWXc9FanZu96Mw/s1600/MdS_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTUcBJ-5h3pgzVHOJSnFjoeSOqU8xUzuLpX_xN0GkZO1Nh06hxVTMeKOMnWY87J3oZEIBj6gsvIzqJ1XgJ9S7WcqLd2YLo2jEpv6PQMER0uT2eJcZi0qy6xxR3S_wPbWXc9FanZu96Mw/s400/MdS_6.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>This vignette is based on a written description of a painting by Édouard Detaille, now believed to have been lost during the Second World War. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFj6fCgKfnime-vSUJrTac9CtA4cGjAhIcxx1OdQKdJdK8_2lmu3yzraYtrjIXQ5FMuKaIHx3_av2LpdaHK8yxgsiIHn43lTKfjcFnx7U7UNQgeij7sWuLz4sTxDe2Fd2EH8SDIqJOIU/s1600/MdS_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFj6fCgKfnime-vSUJrTac9CtA4cGjAhIcxx1OdQKdJdK8_2lmu3yzraYtrjIXQ5FMuKaIHx3_av2LpdaHK8yxgsiIHn43lTKfjcFnx7U7UNQgeij7sWuLz4sTxDe2Fd2EH8SDIqJOIU/s400/MdS_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>M. le Marquis is portrayed on the morning of his great victory against the Imperial forces at the </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Battle of Chimay</b><i> in 1745, where, after a bold river crossing at night with picked troops from </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">L'armee de l'Oise<i>, he turned the enemy's flank and forced them to abandon their attempt to reinforce the Allied army in Flanders.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The scene shows a scout from Sarkozy's Hussars, wearing the non- regulation </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">mirliton<i> that was becoming popular with officers of the regiment at this time, reporting the presence of the Imperial army to M. le Marquis. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Marquis is mounted on his famous dapple-grey steed, Seligenstadt, and is accompanied by his faithful personal escort, brigadier Jean-Claude Boulet of the Bauffremont Dragoon Regiment. </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8NCffk1PGqb1CQKyKlsbsqWE4v-iTzVwdQL4_ZifBZidNn-3dydZDuIq8XMLK3PVWqT_GauwzEwvWJNbwuQhJy2cCr93SOATKbFlfUXNnXXnAs3Q96Y3rkS81CyPuSxHUzBzyIeJvxE/s1600/MdS_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8NCffk1PGqb1CQKyKlsbsqWE4v-iTzVwdQL4_ZifBZidNn-3dydZDuIq8XMLK3PVWqT_GauwzEwvWJNbwuQhJy2cCr93SOATKbFlfUXNnXXnAs3Q96Y3rkS81CyPuSxHUzBzyIeJvxE/s400/MdS_3.jpg" width="315" /></a></i></span></div></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Having saved the Marquis' life during the Battle of Dettingen, and having throughout the course of his service impressed his superiors with his temerity and resourcefulness, Boulet was duly promoted to brigadier and assigned to the Marquis' personal staff. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>He wears the uniform of his unit, but in splendid scarlet rather then cheap red broadcloth; it was awarded to him by a grateful Marquis to replace the uniform he lost while swimming the River Main in order to save his patron.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50HI-on20LWlfHjgjV5-8K6v71Hy958mWjjhmwM87UBcFfunYcXhn4fh-5l9GaLLShPCoKBHLXI_aTk2zI-qtuEdGkKa7sZcZ8l0Dp-zMIrJE1OQ3Km2KCSTms2WqlWr47cmLaAuaSJw/s1600/MdS_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50HI-on20LWlfHjgjV5-8K6v71Hy958mWjjhmwM87UBcFfunYcXhn4fh-5l9GaLLShPCoKBHLXI_aTk2zI-qtuEdGkKa7sZcZ8l0Dp-zMIrJE1OQ3Km2KCSTms2WqlWr47cmLaAuaSJw/s400/MdS_4.jpg" width="400" /></a> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Marquis himself wears the dress uniform of the Chef of the <a href="http://marquissangfroid.blogspot.com/2010/05/noble-volunteer-company-of-vintners.html"><b>Noble Volunteer Company of Vintners</b></a>; a handsome velvet coat of deep rose, with richly embroidered gold trim.</i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUNpwYIbMkTSt4o-qObt350OoIHXGBTewtYAcl4sl3Wgl9U-pBjpF38rGhymZRh2xnJsrWrvw1_4ABVyq7Nlii29tEwFGLraSG5fAi8fJKqlqj19aLlJ71rqglnV3JLmxfWIKt6P4zuI/s1600/MdS_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUNpwYIbMkTSt4o-qObt350OoIHXGBTewtYAcl4sl3Wgl9U-pBjpF38rGhymZRh2xnJsrWrvw1_4ABVyq7Nlii29tEwFGLraSG5fAi8fJKqlqj19aLlJ71rqglnV3JLmxfWIKt6P4zuI/s400/MdS_5.jpg" width="315" /></a><i> </i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Georges Debroullier had the following to say about the formation of the <b> Noble Volunteer Company of Vintners, </b>a company of guard cavalry serving with the King's Household.</i> </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">"This little-known but illustrious unit in the King's personal establishment was inextricably linked with the House of Bouillon-Cantinat. Early in the reign of the Great Louis, during the troubled times of the </span><i style="color: #660000;">Fronde</i><span style="color: #660000;"> in 1651, the young King was surprised by a patrol of enemy cavalry intent on taking him prisoner.</span> </span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately for His Majesty, <i><b>Guillaume-Baptiste Bonhomie de Bouillon-Cantinat</b></i>, the 7th Marquis de Sangfroid, was with the King's party. He had been been given charge of supervising French wine production and distribution, and was with the King at the time in connection with the discharge of these duties. </span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Upon seeing the threat to His Serene Highness' person, the 7th Marquis sprang into action, and immediately called upon his officials and their pages to arm themselves and to mount their horses to deal with the threat. They then rode out at once to take on the enemy, successfully thwarting their plans to take the King captive.</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A grateful monarch then created the <b>Noble Volunteer Vintner Company of the King's Household</b> in honour of their service, and made the Marquis de Sangfroid </span><span style="font-size: large;">hereditary </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Chef</i> of the company in perpetuity, granting in addition an annual pension of 6000 Louis' d'or."</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">M. Georges du P. Debroullier;<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"What Higher Master than Honour? A History of the House of Bouillon-Cantinat"</b></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pierre Declat &</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Cie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">St. Vignobles, 1902</span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
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</i></span></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>*****</b></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I haven't posted here in a long time, but I hope this one makes up for it in terms of eye candy at least. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I spent a considerable amount of time on the miniature for the Marquis. It is a simple casting, the Marquis de Montcalm figure from Front Rank's French-Indian war range. No conversions or alteration, but it represents what I feel is the pinnacle of my painting efforts in the 35 years I've been in the hobby, and I'm not embarrassed to say I'm extremely proud of him. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'm not happy with the photos; despite tweaking on iPhoto the reds did not come out very well. The red of the dragoon uniform in particular appears very "washed out", and in reality is a very rich, intense red. I may try taking pictures in better light tomorrow and see how they turn out.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But in all, not bad for an "overfed gargoyle", as some vocal critics like to dismiss Front Rank's SYW range.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Our club here has been focusing on WW2 miniatures gaming for a while, with Napoleonics in the pipeline for the future. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>This means that much of my time available for wargaming has been spent on these armies. </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Unfortunately, there has not yet been much groundswell of interest in the 18th. C as far as I can ascertain. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But even if other gamers here don't seem to have much interest in the period, I certainly do. And receiving <a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/news/660778"><b>this excellent book</b> </a>three weeks ago inspired me to take out my figures and get back to work on them, somewhere in between Soviet artillery pieces and French Napoleonic </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">voltigeurs<i>.</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszDBxulYL2u9F9wHQqBGp7fHa0Y5ynKNkf64GJyMZJbt9e_22PE2bCTnmKCPzO8Uy3dz5a1VJo-MOW_w_8ihRjsAxmAoS3oRNiN_pvZPjgM9TH4ZGK8xv7cJ9fSnlGqUwA5395542uEI/s1600/Grant_Olley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszDBxulYL2u9F9wHQqBGp7fHa0Y5ynKNkf64GJyMZJbt9e_22PE2bCTnmKCPzO8Uy3dz5a1VJo-MOW_w_8ihRjsAxmAoS3oRNiN_pvZPjgM9TH4ZGK8xv7cJ9fSnlGqUwA5395542uEI/s400/Grant_Olley.jpg" width="262" /></a></i></span></div><div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I keep reminding myself that this will be a case of "build it and they will come", so I will continue to plod away at painting up </i>L'armee de l'Oise<i> and its foes. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>If I am to get anywhere with this project I cannot afford to fall into the trap of trying to put as much detail into the rank and file as I have been able to on the noble Marquis, but seeing what Phil Olley has been able to achieve with his splendid collection of <b>Front Rank</b> miniatures as seen in </i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wargaming in History</b> <i>inspires me to keep going.</i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
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</i></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-1723956715939016942010-01-21T23:42:00.009+09:002010-05-09T22:48:17.034+09:00Return of the progidal?<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b style="color: #cc0000;">There </b><span style="color: #990000;">is an old Jewish proverb to the effect that one should be careful of what one prays for, as God may answer your prayers!</span> </i></span><br />
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<div style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>In my case, the gift from the Gods above is that I found another gamer who has been living no more than twenty minutes walk from me these past two years, and through his contacts we now have the makings of an active club! Regular gaming is now a reality.</i></span></div></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Of course the other side of the coin is that wargaming covers a wide variety of eras, scales and armies. We can't do everything at once so that for the moment the members are involved in organizing 15mm DBR and 20mm WWII using Blitzkrieg Commander amongst other pursuits.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>So far, wargaming 18th C. battles has been mooted, but there has been of yet no groundswell of interest. No hurry, I will persist, and I have been working on my miniatures. But of course priority has so far been on getting in painting for games that we are going to play.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Nonetheless, M. le Marquis is never far from my thoughts, but having been inspired by the opportunity to finally read my new copy of Savory's </i><b>His Britannic Majesty's Army in Germany in the Seven Year's War</b><i>, where I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of the battles were a <b>lot</b> more close-run affairs than I had thought, and have once again turned to thinking about tricornes, muskets and lace. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>In fact I was inspired enough to once more take brush in hand again, and "warmed up" by working on a fusilier of the</i><i> </i><b>Regt. Bigorre</b><i>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Front Rank figure. Looking back on my previous attempts, on reflection I decided to go for a bolder shading style and black outlining. While looking almost garish in a close up picture like this, it actually appears <b>extremely</b> effective on the tabletop- much more so than did my earlier efforts.<br />
</i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL_v4G4FaKrlEE7swBHrHBPaTCx3XjzpjNMry7n3box0UZK6Txby1jWIGnxs4nzM86e73eoCOkRl2sFYrUCFFhKrBWIhWxKU6EnliqHTh0im-RvOIsxiz_NkwjdjRfb0LM9hkuo0M2AQ/s1600-h/Bigorre_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL_v4G4FaKrlEE7swBHrHBPaTCx3XjzpjNMry7n3box0UZK6Txby1jWIGnxs4nzM86e73eoCOkRl2sFYrUCFFhKrBWIhWxKU6EnliqHTh0im-RvOIsxiz_NkwjdjRfb0LM9hkuo0M2AQ/s320/Bigorre_1.jpg" /></a></i></span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">More to come, but in the meantime here is a clip from a Canadian TV program of a battle that was not by much of a stretch a "close-run thing" (even if the campaign itself was much more touch-and-go than is generally realized). A British victory over a different, more famous Marquis, the Marquis de Moncalm. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Quebec, 1759. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #990000;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="285" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/HDRFHScDgGU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/HDRFHScDgGU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Quite a well done video for the numbers involved.</span></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-83852234846625902282009-06-21T12:00:00.014+09:002010-05-15T16:24:30.781+09:00Nassau-Ringgworm auf dem Skree<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoAZ-xtnu0h7eR5e2ziNoWKYT2iamYqOLRZ7mJ1owN7qySosenKU1pbjjQJSvozCdQ-LQFrqAVLKBiBK4TBpYQCzGoc0w4P2vKKufpMC8aWOQNU2TAEWctqaOCalN83XN70sYeIz1Kbo/s1600-h/Rhine+Map.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349615362052178098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoAZ-xtnu0h7eR5e2ziNoWKYT2iamYqOLRZ7mJ1owN7qySosenKU1pbjjQJSvozCdQ-LQFrqAVLKBiBK4TBpYQCzGoc0w4P2vKKufpMC8aWOQNU2TAEWctqaOCalN83XN70sYeIz1Kbo/s400/Rhine+Map.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 287px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Just click on map to enlarge</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: red; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The</span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Marquis needs an arch-nemesis to threaten his holdings on the Rhine. And after mulling over the options for a while, here it is.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Principality of Nassau-Ringgworm auf dem Skree</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span">,</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> led by its ageing but wily ruler, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">His Excellency</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Matthias St. Hubertus von Loseth-Pfaffenhofen, Duke of Avenberg-Pfaffenhofen </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span">and</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"> Landgrave of Nassau Ringworm-auf-dem-Skree.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span">More to follow once I work out how to introduce him into the story!</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-2895803665515390462009-06-14T10:29:00.008+09:002009-06-14T10:58:17.534+09:00Dragooned into service...<div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">...is </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">this old Wargames Foundry Marlburian dragoon that I came across in the bottom of my "spares" box, and which I quickly decided would be attached to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">l'Armée de l'Oise</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.<br /><br />I must have bought him back in 1987 or so, from my friend Dave Morgan who ran the late-and-lamented </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">S</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">entry Box West Hobbies</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> in Vancouver.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-oIL23QNkasqNEVbut6YFPgelIMMUGZRafTQwQyoVKF-yHi4i5k3pSqOUAYZ98MgrgoOGTy5trcVYjTpUDURvZzmewucu-G5ySulsih4NkiZ3-a1WnE7Ia47dAvnqfnrsqtX24iZRPE/s1600-h/Escort.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-oIL23QNkasqNEVbut6YFPgelIMMUGZRafTQwQyoVKF-yHi4i5k3pSqOUAYZ98MgrgoOGTy5trcVYjTpUDURvZzmewucu-G5ySulsih4NkiZ3-a1WnE7Ia47dAvnqfnrsqtX24iZRPE/s400/Escort.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346990669093822322" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br />Now, while he was intended for Marlburian armies ca. 1709, he has his hair tied back in a queue, so that he can easily pass muster for service 35 years later. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">What's more, he looks a </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">lot</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> like this gentleman who features on my blog header;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1LaiaQ8dm_ifeu5JMmA_EsmPbv_pWdHb4Ki7xIF3mRP2HwrdaHY1xS5gBRHy2WOPT7uz9OHS768It51YAQYQNOyr_lIqsrFFUdVChF1iKfeYIiNxRgtnHz1ifdz7ndQNyR0TeSGwArU/s1600-h/dhm315.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1LaiaQ8dm_ifeu5JMmA_EsmPbv_pWdHb4Ki7xIF3mRP2HwrdaHY1xS5gBRHy2WOPT7uz9OHS768It51YAQYQNOyr_lIqsrFFUdVChF1iKfeYIiNxRgtnHz1ifdz7ndQNyR0TeSGwArU/s400/dhm315.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346992077111273714" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So seeing that M. le Marquis must of course have a mounted escort on his command stand, what better choice than </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">brigadier</span></span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Jean-Claude Boulet</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, battle-hardened veteran of the Bauffremont Dragoon Regiment?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;"><br /></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-37574109513865067662009-06-13T11:15:00.018+09:002009-06-13T19:21:47.481+09:00Je suis revenu...<i><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Just</span></span></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">got back late last night from that marathon training session, and allowed myself the luxury of sleeping in this morning. Work will still occupy a lot of my time over the next few weeks, but this weekend I want to get in some hobby "quality time". </span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">On the workbench is<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC6600;"> </span></b></span></span></i><a href="http://gebirgskrieg.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">this monstrosity</span></b></span></a><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"> </span>which is just about completed, so that will be my first priority. But in between working on drybrushing stone (which kills brushes like you wouldn't believe), I shall continue to work on my French infantry and on </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">M. le Marquis</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> himself.</span></span></i></span></div></i><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Here is a close-up shot of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Fusilier</span> Pierre la Pierre, simple <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">soldat</span> of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Regt. de Condé</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6va9w4VOjQI3cpQ41y920wE7WV097sjsDwELt7eH0EzbSASZ3Jp-R4m7_RczZJygWR_UuQivXlLbgYZPBnYzoBM83J4_LC6pvA8uHQYEjt44B9ndkjIeNvwbHsT22UjjCEbt6tyggrM/s1600-h/soldat.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6va9w4VOjQI3cpQ41y920wE7WV097sjsDwELt7eH0EzbSASZ3Jp-R4m7_RczZJygWR_UuQivXlLbgYZPBnYzoBM83J4_LC6pvA8uHQYEjt44B9ndkjIeNvwbHsT22UjjCEbt6tyggrM/s400/soldat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346660540783840850" border="0" /></a><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Note the absence of "eyes". While I am perfectly capable of painting in the eyes, I usually only do this for my command figures, which tend to be the ones that people pick up to look at. This is partly to speed up painting, but also because I feel that at a distance the figures look better with the eye sockets painted in as dark shadows. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The French </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">justeaucorps</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> was left a natural wool colour, so was an off-white hue rather than the mid-grey that is so common in many illustrations. I was originally going to go with an very pale ivory colour shaded with a dark cream. But it somehow just didn't look right, coming out too yellowish.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So I decided to use a grey basecoat which would provide a strong shading, but highlighted with Ceramcoat's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Soft Grey</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> as it is as close to an off-white that one can get. I tend to avoid pure whites and blacks anyway, and my blacks are highlighted with the Ceramcoat </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Charcoal</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> which gives a "scale black" appearance.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The result is a fair approximation of the actual coat colour, if this near-contemporary Hermand plate is anything to go by;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99-gzj-sPRQUc2_xJRkWCkM5eC2FfOp0S_zw-wwG6RJFUbFZEQoNnEChlFjpRXtSMvz9b-Z0KiQ8MEpR2Lw0e9m829RnLysksU3vF-ODAMErIhjx8QSW32UiWTAcg9HlKR3IIlLMy-I/s1600-h/orleans.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99-gzj-sPRQUc2_xJRkWCkM5eC2FfOp0S_zw-wwG6RJFUbFZEQoNnEChlFjpRXtSMvz9b-Z0KiQ8MEpR2Lw0e9m829RnLysksU3vF-ODAMErIhjx8QSW32UiWTAcg9HlKR3IIlLMy-I/s400/orleans.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346657937478349890" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">A fusilier of the Regt. Orleans from 1757. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">From the Hermand manuscript.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><br /></span></i></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-61647522669764541332009-06-10T08:01:00.012+09:002010-05-09T22:47:07.692+09:00Notes from the campaign carriage...<div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: red;"><b>I'm</b></span> writing this post from a convention centre where I'm in the middle of running a week-long training course. So no pictures to post and no progress to report, seeing as my miniatures are over 100 kilometres away.</span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>However, I did bring my copy of Reed Browning's</i> <b>The War of the Austrian Succession</b> <i>with me to read over again, and I am once again struck by just how good a book this is.</i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Lots of ideas for the</i> l'armee de l'Oise<i>. Having placed it just south of Flanders and near the Rhine, I can have it strike at the Austrians under Prince Charles of Lorraine, come to the rescue of the hapless (and temporary!) Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII and his Bavarians in the Palatinate, or have the Marquis pull M. de Saxe's chesnuts out of the fire in the Low Countries in an attempt to wrest the Austrian Netherlands from the Queen of Hungary.</i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Alternatively, he can send the army south to help the Spanish and the Duc de Conti teach the devious and wily Charles-Emmanuel III of Piedmont-Savoy a lesson.</i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>1744 is a fascinating year from a gaming standpoint, with just about every corner of Europe seeing some kind of campaigning going on. Plenty of opportunity for the Marquis to build on his fine reputation as a warrior, man of letters and </i>bon vivant.</span></i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i>Finally, I sent off payment for the new</i> <b>Koenig Krieg</b><i> rules, so when things get back to normal by the middle of next week, I'll be checking my mailbox for its arrival, along with my copy of Savory's</i> <b>His Britannic Majesty's Army in Germany in the Seven Years'</b> <b>War<i>.</i></b></span></i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">An 18th Century summer ahead, it seems!</span></i></b></span></i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">M</span></span></i></b></span></i></span></i></span></span></i></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-36943655604610818972009-06-06T20:41:00.017+09:002009-06-06T23:47:38.497+09:00M. le Marquis...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> have had a fruitful day's painting. I've been working steadily away on the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">R</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">egt. de Condé,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and moreover have finally begun work on painting "Our Hero" himself!</span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I've had the miniature for a while-the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Marquis de Montcalm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> figure from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Front Rank's</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> French and Indian War range- but was in no hurry to get him done until I decided on a paint scheme.<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Well, in the end I've decided to give him a mulberry red coat with gold lace, this being the uniform of the hereditary Princes Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles.<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I was going to give him a brown horse, but in the end I thought that a dappled grey would set off the uniform better. The only hitch was that painting horseflesh has always been tricky for me, and a dappled grey doubly so, and it took me a lot of courage- and a few glasses of red wine- before I got around to checking out online articles about painting horses, and then to actually getting down to work.<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It's turning out quite decently, actually. You can see the results so far below.<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfwFoAfQokJR-Mc33U6dkWaKAw4M_d3GRdd910khLBLNlAFdLGvnbn1HUA_Kkxww-nsWI3NQvBPVAGUg6IDm9eLuJ11R-kiAXCvkKk3nVJiGLgTzX4ClqhyphenhyphenjtrQR-wUqOK7A0Eelykjk/s1600-h/M_le_Marquis.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: justify; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfwFoAfQokJR-Mc33U6dkWaKAw4M_d3GRdd910khLBLNlAFdLGvnbn1HUA_Kkxww-nsWI3NQvBPVAGUg6IDm9eLuJ11R-kiAXCvkKk3nVJiGLgTzX4ClqhyphenhyphenjtrQR-wUqOK7A0Eelykjk/s400/M_le_Marquis.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344180629294257922" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I've pretty well finished the horse except for the tack and hooves, and I have blocked in the Marquis' coat and face. I tend to start by painting in deeper shades, and then progressivley lighten the top coat so that the final result gives a rich, opaque finish.<br /><br />The coat was given a base of </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Ceramcoat's</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> </span></span></span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">mulberry</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, highlighted with an ancient pot of</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> Ral Partha</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> light reddish brown that I've had hanging around so long that the name on the label has faded away!<br /><br />I really miss the Ral Partha paints; the selection was vast, and I always found them easy to work with. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Wind Metals </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">in the US carries some now, but the selection is a very, very pale shadow of what was once available.<br /><br />I also worked on one of the standards for the second battalion of the Regt. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Condé. I made the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/8/12/1342564/French_Flags_28mm.pdf">flag</a> myself on PowerPoint, printed it out with a laser printer, and after wrapping it around the pole and gluing the two sides together</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">, I touched up the edges and highlights</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">. I will slip it off the flagpole while I paint the standard bearer, and I still have to prime and paint the final with its cords and cravattes.<br /><br />Photo's a bit washed out in the artificial light, but lookin' good, I think!<br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsB_zYISTyLP3Vr5LE2a3uJy6w9b9WU2xe6yPJy7q0OH0oQG2zTNJwWR6pwtN1J7mokY02IwO-MjAw_awcAsFqJOIxvwmJFCdzzH9Na27yptg2p94I6TQcpo8PKrW612no6w_dqJLmbg/s1600-h/Conde_in_progress1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsB_zYISTyLP3Vr5LE2a3uJy6w9b9WU2xe6yPJy7q0OH0oQG2zTNJwWR6pwtN1J7mokY02IwO-MjAw_awcAsFqJOIxvwmJFCdzzH9Na27yptg2p94I6TQcpo8PKrW612no6w_dqJLmbg/s400/Conde_in_progress1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344193415296643282" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This last week has been pretty hectic. One of my colleagues has had to return home for as spell due to a family bereavement, and tomorrow I'll be heading up country to teach an intensive course for a pharmaceutical company all next week, so I'll be off the radar for a while.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">When I get back next Friday I'll try to finish the good Marquis on the weekend, along with his escort from </span></span></span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">les Dragons du Beauffremont</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> and a scout from the </span></span></span><span style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Hussards de Sarkozy</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> reporting on the enemy's movements. They'll all be mounted on a hexagonal base for </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:large;" class="Apple-style-span" >Koenig Krieg</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-61239598429306308562009-05-31T13:59:00.023+09:002010-05-09T22:45:37.798+09:00Je suis retourné- the Regt. de Condé and some KK counters<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Those</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: #990000;">of you who check any of my blogs from time to time undoubtedly realize by now that I have the attention span of an inebriated moth with a memory disorder.</span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
For good or ill I have always had an interest in many different eras in both wargaming and in history in general, and it often happens that I drift off to some new or continuing project or another. In this case, I have been working on a WW1 project set in Italy, and have been working on a large terrain piece as well as a selection of French and Austro-Hungarians.</span><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><br />
But this prodigal son always seems to return, sooner or later, to the eighteenth century and the spectacle of lace, tricorns, and the dandified elegance of the French army. So here is a lengthy post to mark the return of the Marquis to my attentions.<br />
<br />
Aside from wanting a change from painting field grey and mud, two events are lurking on the horizon that indicate a return to the War of the Austrian Succession is in order. The first is the imminent, if now once-delayed, release of the latest edition of the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Koenig Krieg</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;"> rules. And very nice they are too, if the teasers on the website's </span><a href="http://www.koenigkrieg.com/forum/index.php">forum</a> <span style="color: #990000;">are anything to go by.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">The other is the impending publication of a reprint of Sir Reginald Savory's </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">His Britannic Majesty's Army in the Seven Years' War,</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> a project masterminded by Nigel Billington. While postdating the War of the Austrian Succession, it is well within my sphere of interest, and I am really excited to be able to get my hands on a copy. The last time I read it was back in university, and there is no other comparable work out there on the western theatre of the war.<br />
<br />
So, with all this in mind I was happy to have had the time this week to take out some of my Front Rank French, clean then up and give them a coat of primer, and then get to work. I've stared on the 2nd Battalion of the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Regt. de Condé</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;">.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis03jijzDsyonTPzHhKtVRAtpxYv-MpYzYJaAI9RMYnIPldiz8frjOOwFtg_wKq3hTVrb8BSLK2ARaPD4SaDmr_al1Ik_jDVvgL1cCAfLCUgGNan5XlZVkKb7h1KgZX4GL8OpTlxVb9Ig/s1600-h/Conde_in_progress.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341853109322620258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis03jijzDsyonTPzHhKtVRAtpxYv-MpYzYJaAI9RMYnIPldiz8frjOOwFtg_wKq3hTVrb8BSLK2ARaPD4SaDmr_al1Ik_jDVvgL1cCAfLCUgGNan5XlZVkKb7h1KgZX4GL8OpTlxVb9Ig/s400/Conde_in_progress.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 206px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Twelve figures strong, Koenig Krieg battalions are piddlingly small when compared to </span><a href="http://www.warcabinet.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/pils.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this</span></a>, <span style="color: #990000;">but given space restrictions and the excruciating time it takes me to paint, units of twelve miniatures are more manageable for me.<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Anyhow it is the </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">brigade</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> that is the focus of KK, and a brigade or three of these on the table will still look impressive.<br />
<br />
The mini standing on the left is completed. I always do a "test" figure first as that way I can find out what I shouldn't do before I have to end up repainting a whole unit, or realizing that I could have saved time and tears if I had painted some parts of the mini in reversed order.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">With these figures I found out that it really is easier to start with a black undercoat for all but the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">justeaucorp</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">, which is undercoated in </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Ceramcoat'</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">s </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Bridgeport Grey</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> before being highlighted in </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Soft Grey</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">.<br />
<br />
And it really helps to do the face first. I've always left it close to last before, and realize now that this was a </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">big</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> <span style="color: #990000;">mistake</span>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Part of the Auvergne brigade in my semi-fictional <span style="font-weight: bold;">l'</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Arm</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">é</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">e de l'Oise</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">,</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">Regt. de Condé was unique for having it's drummers wear <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">chamois</span> coats with red facings and carmine lace that was the livery of the </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;">Condé family, rather than being dressed in the more familiar blue of the Kings' livery. They were a very powerful family of great repute, so no doubt they could get away with it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwPxG9PwjbUcvSCiNVCOvFA5JJPMF4PxL5k-CJkOR4zNICC1kXj4B3iDkibSgr92GW4ws_ru6pZOQWmrGvztAr3kz1ZwNjFFAGV4a3M3zVIT0bFMo9Km3XEBME6sZPHNlN6IZbzDi9No/s1600-h/Conde_uniform.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341857952280628866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwPxG9PwjbUcvSCiNVCOvFA5JJPMF4PxL5k-CJkOR4zNICC1kXj4B3iDkibSgr92GW4ws_ru6pZOQWmrGvztAr3kz1ZwNjFFAGV4a3M3zVIT0bFMo9Km3XEBME6sZPHNlN6IZbzDi9No/s400/Conde_uniform.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 231px;" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">The guy in black skulking around the rear of the photo is a dismounted hussar, to be painted as one of the </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Hussards de Sarkozy</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> </span>who will be part of a command stand. My miniatures when in the middle of painting always tend to look so demoralizingly messed up, and these are no exception. I'm a slow painter, but I have to say that these are proving very enjoyable to paint- at least once they begin looking like the one on the left!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">It has become very obvious that it will take a long time indeed to finish even a brigade. I have decided that I will need either to outsource the lion's share of the painting, or to purchase some painted minis from eBay and touch them up rather than start from scratch. Considering that I need to work on the Pragmatic Army as well, this is really the only way to go.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Not a cheap option, and this will all have to be done in increments, but the problem is that I want to get gaming soon. The answer is to do what the old rule set <span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">he Complete Brigadier</span><span style="color: #990000;"> did. The rules, from way back in 1985 or earlier, came in an attractive box complete with cardboard counters that one could use while the army was being built up. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Yeah, I know, why not just play boardgames then? But I am a miniatures gamer at heart, and the idea of attractively coloured counters is as least as appealing visually as is a table full of unpainted minis, so I sat down at the computer and created some sets of counters using PowerPoint.<br />
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Here are some examples. Click on them for a larger view.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielGICqg3HPlqozj6nPGw7VA9CtOTFk6WhvXFk4HegGTZ6jRVUwi0OAC_NQ5IBNyMa8S0-gOoTTeZNSBPSp5a8LTkTUFnOMg4mPuJdcoM0AtP8zLtsWSUUVr_YXBjIdE1Q6TdVimDwVPg/s1600-h/KK_counters_St.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341862935099113554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielGICqg3HPlqozj6nPGw7VA9CtOTFk6WhvXFk4HegGTZ6jRVUwi0OAC_NQ5IBNyMa8S0-gOoTTeZNSBPSp5a8LTkTUFnOMg4mPuJdcoM0AtP8zLtsWSUUVr_YXBjIdE1Q6TdVimDwVPg/s400/KK_counters_St.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brigade de St. Vignobles</span></span><br />
<br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGadEXxN4eLbV-u5FTnexJm73IQjvmg7sF2OaShI18ZVl9HI8r2xa6zbrC2D9oBeKDJFdHPTz9xLcT2DsIDCBRHIkVBetuYVOYZEVdf-833wrJkY8GMVIbjBrlVkm8lySrUQgfYshrY/s1600-h/KK_counters_Auvergne.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341862819083996482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tGadEXxN4eLbV-u5FTnexJm73IQjvmg7sF2OaShI18ZVl9HI8r2xa6zbrC2D9oBeKDJFdHPTz9xLcT2DsIDCBRHIkVBetuYVOYZEVdf-833wrJkY8GMVIbjBrlVkm8lySrUQgfYshrY/s400/KK_counters_Auvergne.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 290px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brigade d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'Auvergne</span></span><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000;">I made a set of counters for each brigade of </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">l'Arm</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">é</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">e de l'Oise</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">. Next I'll work on the units for the Allies. The counters are actual-sized, and just need to be printed out, mounted on card, cut out and laminated. They can also be used as blinds for the game later once they are taken "out of the line" to be replaced with miniatures. </span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-4155130253883959622009-01-02T12:05:00.054+09:002010-05-09T22:44:57.134+09:00The Missing Mouillard<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBsYmXClmAzH5ehCmOIBwRJkqasaxeBtlqpoL1nhDth-HwzWT8RTGI3VPOvRuImHpE_iCD8D3J2DIu-Sh_q3aoUdx96mzaIT1V9T_785TY4cJFKZRkIgQeanj1bWm1wSV-uSJm50myxQ/s1600-h/Estampie-Galliard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286528304419778146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBsYmXClmAzH5ehCmOIBwRJkqasaxeBtlqpoL1nhDth-HwzWT8RTGI3VPOvRuImHpE_iCD8D3J2DIu-Sh_q3aoUdx96mzaIT1V9T_785TY4cJFKZRkIgQeanj1bWm1wSV-uSJm50myxQ/s400/Estampie-Galliard.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 287px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Late</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 19th C. manuscript displaying a montage of regiments and uniforms including that of the </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Brigade de Bouillon-Cantinat</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, along with a miniature of its commander, The Chevalier de St. Estampie-Galliard, when the brigade formed part of the French Army of the L'Oise in 1743.<br />
<br />
This immaculately-preserved artifact was brought to our attention by the noted expert on 18th C. French military uniforms, M. Lucien Rossignol.<br />
<br />
Discovered amongst the Sangfroid papers in the collection of </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">La Bibliothèque Nationale de la Lorraine</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, it is remarkable for being the only example extant showing the uniform for the cavalry regiment</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Bouillon-Cantinat</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, and is the sole surviving fragment of plates from the 1892 limited edition of the Lucien Mouillard work, all copies of which were believed to have been destroyed in the shelling of </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">L'Abbe de St. Vignobles </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">during the campaign for Verdun in 1916. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It represents a very notable addition to our current knowledge of the French army of the War of the Austrian Succession. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The continuing tale of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chevalier de St. Estampie-Galliard</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from the pen of his commanding officer, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M. le Marquis de Sangfroid</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> himself;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">********</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> a few more fortifying glasses of claret, I felt myself able to explain to my <span style="font-style: italic;">confidant</span> M. de Brouillier the reason that lay behind my apparent change of mood, and told him of what I knew of <span style="font-style: italic;">M. le</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Chevalier de St. Estampie-Galliard</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, the relating of which would certainly enlighten him to the source of my present distress. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The family of St. Estampie-Galliard is an ancient one from the lands of Roussilon, and while, of course, not of such august a lineage as that of the Bouillon-Cantinats, their service goes back many generations to the time of the Angevins. </span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The chevalier's father was of a man of some renown in the late wars in Spain alongside the great Marshal Berwick, in the course of which he met his future wife, the present chevalier's mother. She was a lady of ancient noble Spanish blood, who was renowned in her youth for her passionate nature and great beauty- as well as, it is said, for her somewhat lax moral character; a trait which, it must be noted, has evidently been passed on down to her son.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The chevalier is reputed to be quite handsome, and to his merit he is a fine rider and judge of horseflesh. Of his courage there is no doubt. Alas, the same cannot be said of his providence, perseverance nor especially of his judgement as it pertains to matters of a non-equine nature.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I had the opportunity once to conduct mass wherein the good chevalier was in attendance. The occasion remains in my remembrance on account of noting his frequent lack of concentration, consistent and loud yawning, and his insistence of taking up of conversation with the more attractive ladies of the congregation during my remonstrance against the evils of indolence and gluttony. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">His good looks, athletic prowess, and considerable charm have served to further him in his career where otherwise his lack of mental agility and self-discipline would have disbarred him. Of late he had been serving in the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Maison du Roi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, with the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gendarmes Bourguignons du Roi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. But evidently he has been showing fealty more to the Goddess Venus than to warlike Mars, which seems to have been the root cause for his current lack of employment.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It is reported, amongst those who have a taste for such snippets of knowledge and rumours, that the aged but most revered and influential of chancellors, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">M. le Duc</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> du Cress</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">é</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">-Armagnac</span>, had a very young and beautiful ward who was known to be a favourite of our King Louis. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mlle</span>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">H</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ortense-Desirée d</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">e</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> la Cloche-Rohan<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span>enjoyed a reputation throughout the court at Versailles for being a gentlewoman of singular beauty of complexion and fullness of figure, and she was much admired by the men of court, young and old. Thus when the opportunity arose, during the course of a dinner given in honour of the Conte d'Arles, it was upon this young enchantress who had evidently captured his attentions that our chevalier was to ply all the considerable talents for wooing and of charm that he had at his disposal."</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4eGFMx1OZlmX8jLSJW96-uhrND8UQPt2N3MXf7INm1pMCDlLhHiIb6P1ksauTZcqdCz7X2NJEab35EmyLhtR3sIG8-iG2AQML2d4-GYEwLrX2U8tXDf0en-NoHR0eM2lFG3HE3w4DEQ/s1600-h/Dalliance.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286584553273481858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4eGFMx1OZlmX8jLSJW96-uhrND8UQPt2N3MXf7INm1pMCDlLhHiIb6P1ksauTZcqdCz7X2NJEab35EmyLhtR3sIG8-iG2AQML2d4-GYEwLrX2U8tXDf0en-NoHR0eM2lFG3HE3w4DEQ/s400/Dalliance.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 224px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 349px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">It</span> appears that the chevalier's first real campaign was crowned with success and that the object of his besiegement surrendered the citadel- and all its more intimate chambers- without demur. Unfortunately for </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M. Le Chevalier,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> he was discovered engrossed in the act of intense exploration of his newly-conquered possessions by the Duke himself, who had descended into the wine cellar in company along with his companions, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">M. l'Abbe </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">d'Eu</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">M. le Marquis </span>de Feltres</span>- who also happened to be the commanding officer of the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Gendarmes Bourguignons du Roi-, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">intending to surprise these respected gentlemen with a cache of fine wines, which he had had the fortune to acquire in the course of a recent journey to Dijon.<br />
<br />
That it was indeed a surprise to all involved is not in dispute.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The resulting </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fracas</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> saw the benevolence and serenity of His Majesty sorely tested to the fullest, and it is rumoured that were it not for the timely intervention of the Queen- who had taken a liking to our now somewhat compromised hero- the worthy chevalier may by now have found himself in the service of the Ministry of Marine in New France. Instead, it was determined that he would be sent far from the centre of court to the armies currently serving on the frontiers either of the Rhine or of Piedmont-Savoy, in order that he may have to chance to redeem himself with his monarch through some act of heroism or other.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So it can be seen that Lady Chance is a fickle mistress, and thus it had fallen to my lot to provide a station in life for this unfortunate wastrel. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As the day went on, the thought of entrusting such a fine brigade of horse to a man of so little proven ability in matters of administration and tactics troubled my staff and I immeasurably. While no doubt ultimately having to accept the appointment, I determined that I would lever certain advantages from the arrangement.<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Namely, I wanted a trusted second-in-command for the brigade, so I petitioned the Minister that I have the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Regt. de Bouillon-Cantinat</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> take precedence over the other regiments of the brigade, by recognizing it as a legitimate successor to its forbears in 1688. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thus the brigade would bear it's name, and the major of the Regt. de Bouillon-Cantinat- my trusted and experienced subordinate from St. Vignobles itself, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M. le Chevalier</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Eduard Duchamps de Botte-en-Selle</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">- would through his position as brigade chief-of-staff prevent the Chevalier d'Estampie-Galliard from ruining the brigade through either neglect or excess. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The minister was only too glad to oblige to such terms, being thankful of having such a tedious conundrum removed from his hands. As for the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">chefs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of the regiments of </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Clermont</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and of </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Conti</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, they showed themselves quite understanding of the situation, and in exchange for a few barrels of the choicest reserve </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cognacs</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> from the wineries of St. Vignobles as well as the writing off of certain debts they had owing to me in the course of some ill-fated games of chance, they were content to acquiesce to such an extraordinary departure from the rules of precedence for the sake of the betterment and security of the Service."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></div></div></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-49804935578011131862009-01-02T12:02:00.002+09:002010-05-09T22:52:14.770+09:00Vexations from Versailles...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gbn4q6p17D5Yo89b54h1L17SQMqwIpstRlj9XTjkISsNlekSLWGyED_Bq7ZniU2KvYzqe-7343gBUTQbwco29AIDu-KTOfaKp58_CP-aYx65_KbmYwg0V8nYaKb9yx-irOdcQQMsbVc/s1600-h/D'Argenson_Galliard.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286523904431226546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gbn4q6p17D5Yo89b54h1L17SQMqwIpstRlj9XTjkISsNlekSLWGyED_Bq7ZniU2KvYzqe-7343gBUTQbwco29AIDu-KTOfaKp58_CP-aYx65_KbmYwg0V8nYaKb9yx-irOdcQQMsbVc/s400/D'Argenson_Galliard.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 339px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">As</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> the summer turned into autumn in that eventful year of 1743, we laboured ceaselessly on forging</span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">l'armee de l'Oise,</span> </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> seeking through our efforts to sharpen it into a finely-honed foil with which to lunge at the King's enemies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">To that end, I was ever involved in seemingly endless cycles of correspondence with Versailles concerning the outfitting, victualling, and financing of the army, and furthermore found myself deep in a constant inundation of letters of introduction and and recommendations. We were subject to a veritable tide of candidates, great and humble, all hoping to be selected for posts of honour and responsibility as general and regimental officers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I was determined to officer my corps with men that had shown aptitude & talent in the Profession of Mars, and who were well-versed in the social graces and of good family. In short, such gentlemen who would bring us honour and help to eradicate the shame that was Dettingen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">But we live in a world in which power, politics, and influence are unbounded. While I was on many occasion able to secure the services of worthy and dedicated individuals that would do us credit on the field, in other circumstances I was not always as fortunate. Oft was I compelled to walk a fine line and to broker agreements or compromises. And at times, composing myself with the resignation necessary in one who frequents the gaming table, I had just to accept the inevitable hand that fate (in the person of His Majesty) had dealt me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Such a one was </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">M. Le Chevalier</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"> Raymond Boniface de St. Estampie-Galliard</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">One morning as I was in the company of my comrade-in-arms, M. de Debrouillier, and with whom I was sharing a half-bottle of claret and quiche as a quick breakfast before making our customary inspections, we were disturbed from our deliberations by the arrival of a </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">post-chaise</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> bearing a hefty packet of correspondence from Versailles.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Steadily going through the voluminous pile of envelopes contained within- being for the most part a collection of requests for receipts, notices of accounts payable, & provisioning letters-of-credit along with other such sundry matters of administration- I was dismayed to discover a missive closed with the heavy and ornate seal which marked the sender as being the esteemed- and most influential- Minister of War, </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">M.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Marc-Pierre de Voyer de Paulmy, Comte d'Argenson</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I opened and read the letter with some apprehension. The essential contents of which, thereof, the Good Count- after proffering the best of wishes for my welfare and for my continued robust health- was pleased to inform me that His Majesty had tendered the "suggestion" that I take on the services of the said knight, </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">M. Le Chevalier</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"> Raymond Boniface de St. Estampie-Galliard</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">. Who, I was assured, would render me honourable and energetic service if given the opportunity to command a brigade of horse. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Now such a recommendation carried with it the weight of Mighty Jove, and, having already used up considerable credit with the authorities in Versailles in my efforts to obtain the services of my new Quartermaster-General, M. </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">le chevalier</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> Gouvrement de la Taille, I quickly calculated with sinking hope that this would be one appointment for which I would have to graciously submit to the benevolence and will of His Majesty.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Well able to ascertain my sudden and considerable feelings of vexation, M. de Debrouiller at once poured me another glass of claret, and inquired solicitously of the source of my evident and wholly unexpected chagrin."</span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Cont.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><br />
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</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-54997293116234217282008-12-30T16:42:00.040+09:002010-05-09T22:43:29.630+09:00Sarkozy's Pandours- or, some "pocket money" for M. le Marquis...<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsOLJCrKdBFY_nVwnaDqYkbtrTnfekYTpdZxlhbrmtDOoExznvj5EzkolqHOi0vhkMHzGh7RXxqW3mv4ij6P-_if3qmIAub_n2wBmCMvct1b_R-MTrevzK7_je1VuzBk4sV0t1aB3D6U/s1600-h/Sarkozy+Pandour.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285489517388978530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsOLJCrKdBFY_nVwnaDqYkbtrTnfekYTpdZxlhbrmtDOoExznvj5EzkolqHOi0vhkMHzGh7RXxqW3mv4ij6P-_if3qmIAub_n2wBmCMvct1b_R-MTrevzK7_je1VuzBk4sV0t1aB3D6U/s400/Sarkozy+Pandour.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic;">Another template courtesy of <a href="http://nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com/">"Not by Appointment"</a> !</span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">During</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> the lengthy process of retraining and refitting </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">l'armee de l'Oise</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> at Thionville, it was necessary to keep the enemy from looking to our frontier with an eye for mischief all the time that the defences of France were at at such a nadir. It was imperative to prevent the forces of the Pragmatic Alliance from taking advantage of our current deplorable state, and, if possible, to deceive them as to the true extent of our discomfiture.<br />
<br />
For this service, we needed men of energy and enterprise, and we had no further to look for such hearty individuals than in our new band of hussars and their </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">chef</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Count Horthy Emil Sarkozy</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">The Count soon demonstrated the wisdom of our having accepted his services, for no sooner had he joined our camp, than he began a series of raids, moonlight strikes, bluffs and other activities all along the part of the frontier that seperated the two armies. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">It was quite remarkable to us officers, our being so used to conditions of service with the French army, with what little fanfare Count Sarkozy and his hussars would make their departure. Leaving in the early hours before sunrise, no sooner would they ride out of the camp than they would seemingly vanish into the very ether; burdened neither by train nor baggage, other than what the men could strap to their horses.<br />
<br />
We would hear no news of them for days at a time. And then, with no harbinger or rumour heralding their approach, they would just as suddenly reappear, with no more ceremony as would have been the case had they merely been out on a morning to exercise their mounts.<br />
<br />
Upon his return, Count Sarkozy would first attend to watering his horses and to obtaining food for his men. He would then directly make his way to my quarters, s</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">till covered in the accumulated grime of his latest adventure,</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> where after brusquely paying his respects to the assembled company, he would then commence to present me with his latest <span style="font-style: italic;">souvenirs</span>; a chest of maps here, some intelligence on enemy forces there, and even from time to time a valuable prisoner. (This included on one occasion none other than Graf Kristoph von Meissenplatz- a celebrated officer late in the service of the Duke of Hesse-Rheingelden- in whose company I then had the pleasure to dine.)<br />
<br />
And always, Sarkozy's hussars- both men and horses- would return burdened with chests of coin, jewelry, and sacks of gold and other valuables, so that they were soon as rich as corsairs. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Which was as well, as in time I found myself in a position to bankroll the army and to pay for proper equipment and provisioning. A soldier may fight for honour or his comrades, but an army marches, alas, on money. My headaches at the time from dealing with the parsimonious scrubs in the Ministry of War were at their worst, and financing was always in short supply in those days.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I therefore did not press the Count too closely on how or where these most likely ill-gotten gains originated, but in my capacity as Prince Ecclesiastical of the Bishopric of St. Vignobles, I was always sure to give a brief benediction at Mass for those souls who may have had to endure the suffering that can befall the lot of those who have been privileged to "contribute" to the cause of Good King Louis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Also long-suffering indeed was the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Conte d'Aglianico</span>, a most brave and professional lieutenant of mine, under whose direct command Sarkozy found himself (inasmuch as our wild Hungarian deigned submit to our command; or indeed, to any authority at all).<br />
<br />
Many were the times that this gallant officer was called upon to intervene in the constant stream of disputes that arose between Sarkozy's band of uniformed brigands and the local populace. Through the judicious application of honeyed words, favours, bribes -and, when necessary, dark threats- he accomplished minor marvels of diplomacy, shielding me, along with the rest of my overburdened staff, from the endless deputations of affronted local counsellors and other such disaffected citizenry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Nonetheless, it was acknowledged by all that the value of Sarkozy's actions against the enemy were proving their worth, and he soon developed a fearsome reputation on the far bank of the Rhine. Captured documents revealed that the enemy were having to send additional forces to meet the threat. Indeed, none other than the esteemed <span style="font-weight: bold;">M. de Saxe </span>was soon to write to me and to the War Ministry, asking that the raids continue as they were serving to draw reinforcements away from the Flanders theatre that would otherwise be ranged against him in his upcoming campaign there.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">The proposal was soon made that Sarkozy's band be increased by the recruiting of two extra squadrons of hussars to that of a full regiment, and that a unit of Pandours be raised. These latter to be recruited from prisoners taken in recent actions in Bavaria- men whose dedication to the Habsburg crown was considered to have taken less of a hold on their hearts than did the prospect of a full purse while serving under the illustrious, and increasingly renowned, Count Sarkozy." </span><br />
<br />
</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-43358137679892492252008-12-29T13:51:00.034+09:002010-05-09T22:42:17.677+09:00The Sarkozy Hussars<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMo5r1eNw6K4XgaEjfdXe3Td9u1mtBVCZXjrHh7lspeW2vW0ghCJCTqu2b-ALnB3vz4RNRepZnxHoMRUr9H4buIHmQWdQ6K2hTT9txOYgJ1WNSMNJJL8qHKLmISCdQ3zMnhCiG-BPZCc/s1600-h/Sarkozy+Hussar+Plate+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285210441419174818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMo5r1eNw6K4XgaEjfdXe3Td9u1mtBVCZXjrHh7lspeW2vW0ghCJCTqu2b-ALnB3vz4RNRepZnxHoMRUr9H4buIHmQWdQ6K2hTT9txOYgJ1WNSMNJJL8qHKLmISCdQ3zMnhCiG-BPZCc/s400/Sarkozy+Hussar+Plate+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 324px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000;">click on image to enlarge</span></span></span>.</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><br />
In</span> the words of</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"> M. le Marquis</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">...</span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"As the French army licked its grievous wounds after the Battle of Dettingen at the newly-constructed camp at Thionville, our time was often taken up with the routine work of training and outfitting the army so that it would once again be fit to stand in the line of battle.<br />
<br />
One warm August morning, I found myself returning from my daily hunt along with my staff, and in the midst of a lively discussion on where one could best obtain the finest truffles, when suddenly we ventured upon a remarkable sight. Riding up the road ahead of us was a rather villainous-looking band of ragged ruffians, led by one of the most fierce, feral-looking individuals upon which I have ever cast my eyes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Yet I was struck by a pride and spirit that was evident in their hardened countenances and which impressed me, a pride which had been so dearly lacking in our men since that dreadful day by the River Main.<br />
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: times new roman; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjG_jTe1kK0wgYr2Ktq4DcEnZorhup4LIxxpHepX4_5VIbagv12eAh2czOAC5cmyBudNAYUnPtNN7CkS3odoYFpslaNGUvZXNARBmndPyH-nx62wxsPfUk40HROCbdI3uubQpAaXnVXE/s1600-h/Sarkozy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285073297233392066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjG_jTe1kK0wgYr2Ktq4DcEnZorhup4LIxxpHepX4_5VIbagv12eAh2czOAC5cmyBudNAYUnPtNN7CkS3odoYFpslaNGUvZXNARBmndPyH-nx62wxsPfUk40HROCbdI3uubQpAaXnVXE/s320/Sarkozy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 278px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 244px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #3333ff; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #3333ff;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Count Horthy Emil Sarkozy</span></span><span style="color: #3333ff; font-style: italic;">, in the uniform of his former regiment<br />
(when in the employ of Her Highness the Empress</span>)</span><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">This band of apparent brigands was led by none other than</span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"> Count Horthy Emil Sarkozy</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">, a noblemen descended from an ancient House with lands in the eastern reaches of The Empress of Austria's domains. A disciple of the great Baron Trenck, his reputation for cunning, cruelty, and the pursuit of riches was known by all, but there was no greater nor more energetic leader of troops for conducting</span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"> le petite guerre </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;">west of the mountains of Bohemia. He and his men were legendary for being most provident and enterprising masters of their terrible trade.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">It transpired that when in service with the Pragmatic Army in the campaigns in Bavaria, he and Baron Trenck had found themselves embroiled in a bitter altercation over the apportioning of some considerable booty, and nearly came to blows; indeed, Sarkozy in his fury fired a shot at the Baron. The bullet, whilst missing its intended target, went on to hit and to wound mortally the nearby young <span style="font-weight: bold;">Margrave of Groelchenburg</span>, a close cousin and a favourite of Her Majesty.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Naturally, this act endeared the Count neither</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> with Marshal Konigsegg nor with the House of Habsburg generally. Within days, Sarkozy found himself being strongly urged, by those of his associates who had close connections with the court in Vienna, that it would be in his best interests to flee the service of the Empress Queen. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">One moonless night soon afterwards he rode out with his men to the Rhine frontier, </span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">crossing over to the west bank somewhere just north of Mainz after having </span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">successfully avoided the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">piquets</span> on either side.<br />
<br />
He later revealed that he had heard much about my exploits at the Bridge of Seligenstadt- and that I was well-known for keeping a lavish table well-provisioned with fine wines from the family estates at St. Vignobles- and that he had ridden to Thionville in order that he may offer me his services, along with those of his men.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I was touched both by his sincerity and by his martial demeanour, and duly petitioned the War Ministry. His offer was graciously accepted, and I was thus entreated and commissioned to outfit the men for the King's service. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">I had a new uniform made for them in the Hungarian fashion, using the same bolts of grey and mulberry cloth that I had purchased to clothe the <a href="http://marquissangfroid.blogspot.com/2008/12/introducing-regt-de-bouillon-cantinat.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Regt. de Buillon-Cantinat</span>. </a> I also issued them with a standard- the ancient and faded <span style="font-style: italic;">guidon</span> of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bouillon-Cantinat Regiment of Gentlemen Volunteers,</span> who had seen service in 1688 with the Great Louis and Turenne in their Wars in the Palatine.<br />
<br />
Touched in turn by the sincerity and magnanimity of my gesture, Count Sarkozy swore tearfully that he and his men would honour the standard and would defend it to the last man. He then declared that all the time that he, Count Horthy Emil Sarkozy, had breath to draw in his body, he would champion the cause of France and the furtherance of the House of Bouillon-Cantinat."<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;">Uniform plate based again on (the </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">indispensable) </span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"> templates provided by David at <a href="http://nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com/">"Not by Appointment"</a>. Thanks, David.</span><br />
</span><br />
</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-20720959447370377302008-12-28T21:40:00.014+09:002010-05-09T22:41:46.606+09:00L'Armee de l'Oise<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lTJ6A63ygbftKhTIrKDDoRpurwSkb9IS2YMElrERDwDMmp5KiXl0ZgiyYMKKl-e7iye-MFPM9yiiELLrccT_1pDbPeXLaTIxv9ezpSiihHLQxvlhAVutth_D8wjcHgixn0gaJWmwABk/s1600-h/l'armee+de+l%27Oise+v.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285024673293550898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5lTJ6A63ygbftKhTIrKDDoRpurwSkb9IS2YMElrERDwDMmp5KiXl0ZgiyYMKKl-e7iye-MFPM9yiiELLrccT_1pDbPeXLaTIxv9ezpSiihHLQxvlhAVutth_D8wjcHgixn0gaJWmwABk/s400/l'armee+de+l%27Oise+v.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 299px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">C'est fini</span>.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> Click to enlarge.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Update</span></span>- I forget the grenadiers! Duly added- thanks to "Capt. Bill" for bringing their absence to my attention!</span><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-45110941646200035532008-12-28T11:34:00.035+09:002010-05-09T22:43:07.988+09:00Introducing the Regiment de Bouillon-Cantinat<span style="color: #660000; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><br />
The</span> <span style="color: #990000;">cavalry of </span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">L’armée Française de l’Oise</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Brigade Colonel-General</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: times new roman; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span> <br />
<ul style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Colonel-General</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. de la Reine</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Dauphin</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Brigade Bouillon-Cantinat</span> <br />
<ul style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Bouillon-Cantinat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Conti</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Clermont</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Brigade Bauffremont (Dragoons)</span> <br />
<ul style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Beauffremont</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. Harcourt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 130%;">Regt. d'Aubigne</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Troupes légère</span><br />
</span><br />
<ul style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><li><span style="font-size: 130%;"> les Hussards de Sarkozy (the Sarkozy Legion)<br />
</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">It is now high time to let the Marquis take over the narrative. From his memoirs;</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<br />
"</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">The creation of</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> L’armée de l’Oise</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> was decreed after the disaster of Dettingen, and was to be formed from the debris and remnants of the French armies of <span style="font-style: italic;">Messieurs les Ducs</span> de Grammont and de Noailles.<br />
<br />
After Dettingen these worthy gentlemen found themselves recalled to Vesailles to give account of their failure to punish the Allies with the alacrity and completeness with which they had assured His Majesty was to have been the expected outcome.<br />
<br />
It was myself, M. Le Marquis de Sangfroid, who on the departure of M. Grammont was given command of this new army.<br />
<br />
I was duly tasked by the Ministry of War with the protection of the French side of the Rhine from any incursion by the Army of the Pragmatic Sanction, and when necessary to support the actions of the esteemed </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">M. le marechal de Saxe</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> in his laudable campaigns in the Low Countries.<br />
<br />
Those of the cavalry and infantry who managed to cross the Rhine in safety were reorganized in a new encampment that was set up at Thionville. The demoralized survivors of the cavalry were joined by the </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Regt. Dauphin</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">, and by the dragoon regiments</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"> Harcourt </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">and </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Aubigne</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">. </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<br />
In time- and with care to drill, bellies, and purses- morale steadily improved.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">The infantry regiments were brought back up to strength by drafts with which to replace their grievous losses, and were joined by the valiant men of the </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Regt. Royal Baviere</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Furthermore, and in recognition of my services to His Serene Majesty at Seligenstadt in which the valorous and noble conduct of the men of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Regt. de </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. Vignobles </span>was commented upon by all, I was commissioned to raise a new cavalry regiment from my estates in Artois and St. Vignobles, the </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Regt. de Bouillon-Cantinat</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">.</span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">Over the next few years, the army was trained by myself to a high standard of efficiency, as was noted with gracious pleasure by the esteemed </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">Marechal</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> de Saxe himself. In my trustworthy hands, </span><span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">L’armée de l’Oise </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">was to bring considerable honour to France, to our beloved monarch, and to the prestige of the noble house of Bouillon-Cantinat."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">*************</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DkhiPXxyyFY6fGkamEMavkaxm5EvtQtvuHTVdccL2tQXCFNzZsKKovotBkx8lXrRw-zL3d_Be7Ut52I3_v4ZesfCeYwLUaJnVziRYbA8rI2fgKYi3okJyk0jE9bsCHF43YQ2lESROvI/s1600-h/Regt.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284729908493019410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DkhiPXxyyFY6fGkamEMavkaxm5EvtQtvuHTVdccL2tQXCFNzZsKKovotBkx8lXrRw-zL3d_Be7Ut52I3_v4ZesfCeYwLUaJnVziRYbA8rI2fgKYi3okJyk0jE9bsCHF43YQ2lESROvI/s400/Regt.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 365px;" /></a><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">Renowned for it's imposing bearskins (a gift from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mme. la Duchesse de Richmonte</span></span> in exchange for some -let us say, discrete- services on my part) as well as for its wine-red facings, the intrepid </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Regiment de Bouillon-Cantinat </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">was to earn itself a reputation second to none for fearlessness in combat.<br />
<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">And, it must be admitted, a reputation to no small degree for licentiousness as well. This being as a result of frequent and oft-publicized forays to the local taverns and other houses of ill repute. In these nefarious activities, they were more often than not discovered to have been aided by their rather brigand-like <span style="font-style: italic;">comrades-in-arms</span>, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hussars of Sarkozy</span>.<br />
<br />
As a consequence of such mischief, on many an occasion</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> I was forced to make use of my influence & </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">considerable </span><span style="font-size: 130%;">charm- and, in some cases, of timely reminders upon debts payable from old games of chance- so as to prevent retribution being levied upon the men of the regiment by the heavy hands of local council authorities.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><embed autostart="false" height="40" loop="true" playcount="2" src="http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/8/12/1342564/Bouillo-Cantinat.mp3" width="300"></embed></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #000099; font-size: 100%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Fanfare March of the Regt. de Bouillon-Cantinat</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">********</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #990000;"> Click on the image to enlarge. Thanks, as always, to David of</span> <a href="http://nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Not by Appointment " </span></a><span style="color: #990000;">for providing the uniform and flag templates.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
</span></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-38416061514238353822008-12-27T10:37:00.008+09:002010-05-09T22:41:31.550+09:00A Dearth of Horseflesh?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayqTnEsbzQGeUGarQS_dhaKztQ_srdttPlISE8vO4nY1N-FJZdXTvInB-WY8SrnU932n19Jawjz8UeOTlZ-NqNOOrYYxBeB6GwklfJxmcJW2H4sacrHN2weSnnU73QcsqbztjKQxMT8o/s1600-h/CavalryLament.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284285517135415090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayqTnEsbzQGeUGarQS_dhaKztQ_srdttPlISE8vO4nY1N-FJZdXTvInB-WY8SrnU932n19Jawjz8UeOTlZ-NqNOOrYYxBeB6GwklfJxmcJW2H4sacrHN2weSnnU73QcsqbztjKQxMT8o/s400/CavalryLament.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 338px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">quick question for my learned colleagues.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">Aside from</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Front Rank</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"> and some rather dire looking figures from </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Foundry,</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"> does anyone know of a -good- range of 18th C. French cavalry out there? Good as in variety and quality.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">I know the </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Staddens</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"> are popular with a lot of Lace War aficionado's- and they do have their appeal- but they are somewhat generic, and do not really suit either my painting style or the other miniatures in my collection, the cavalry being all <span style="font-weight: bold;">Front Rank.</span><br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">My understanding is that </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Minden Miniatures</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"> are supposed to be working on cavalry next year, but I've no idea yet how extensive the range will be for the French.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">For some reason, a number of manufacturers who have done French infantry do not seem to have tackled the cavalry (yes, <span style="font-weight: bold;">you</span>, Crusader!). </span></span><br />
<br />
</div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-35421620081937354392008-12-26T15:00:00.028+09:002010-05-09T22:41:09.381+09:00The Queen of Battles...<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">...IS</span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #660000; font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">of course the infantry. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: italic;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've been working on designing a force to take on the Pragmatic Alliance (See </span></span></span><a href="http://was-flanders.blogspot.com/2008/12/tweaking-pragmatic-army.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">), and have created the semi-fictional </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">L’armée Française de l’Oise</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, in the service of which M. le Marquis can seek honour, glory, and the occasional hidden cache of fine wines.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ-9xOweT1qNNEYZs-gXF7uZ-T1XjE0x3jlK1TzNpqjjSPlNsoJmO3dxZI0XtLvYlzjq1CBRrTUyl0pIhxKhq4ETkBal7c_FekDDtMa2PyJl7ZwrPeVShe7q-i6TA9YL9BRN36YRCbU0/s1600-h/Infantry+orbat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284849280845129666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ-9xOweT1qNNEYZs-gXF7uZ-T1XjE0x3jlK1TzNpqjjSPlNsoJmO3dxZI0XtLvYlzjq1CBRrTUyl0pIhxKhq4ETkBal7c_FekDDtMa2PyJl7ZwrPeVShe7q-i6TA9YL9BRN36YRCbU0/s400/Infantry+orbat.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 111px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3333ff;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lick on image to enlarge</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I say semi-fictional, in that of course there was no such army! But the order of battle <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">is</span> based largely on the 2nd French battle line at <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Dettingen</span>. There are a more than a few tips of the tricorn to artistic licence, though. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">The Brigade de Navarre <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">a</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">ctually consisted of four battalions of the Regiment de Navarre and one batallion of the Regt. Bigorre. Here I've substituted a battalion of the Regt. de Royal Baviere for one of Navarrese, mainly because I like the flag of the Bavarians!</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Most significantly, the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Brigade de St. Vignobles</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> was actually the Swiss Brigade Bettens, but I've substituted the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://marquissangfroid.blogspot.com/2008/01/regiment-bullion-cantinat-de-sangfroid.html">Regt. de St. Vignobles</a></span> as being a much more appropriate representative of the territory of Lorraine than the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Garde Lorraine</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">, which it has replaced! I've also taken the opportunity to increase it by one battalion so that it is now a two-battalion strong regiment. I've kept the Regt. de Forez, so this is now the strongest- and most colourful- of the four infantry brigades. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">I was thinking of adding the Irish Brigade, but honestly seeing as I'll have to paint up a mass of Hanoverians and British for the Pragmatic Army, not to mention two large battalions of Swiss, I think that will be enough red to last me a lifetime. Besides, when I think French of the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Ancien Regime</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">,</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> I think off-white.</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;">Shocking liberties, perhaps? While I love history, and usually try to stick pretty close to it, I also consider it my plaything to kick around as I like. Those purists who need smelling salts after reading such heresy may go ahead and inhale.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><br />
<br />
Next, I'll add the cavalry and artillery. A big choice of colour to choose from here!<br />
<br />
</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-9462799066675810692008-12-26T12:09:00.009+09:002010-05-09T22:32:57.297+09:00Fracas at Fontenoy!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">M. le Marquis</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">is well-pleased to have received a wonderful book celebrating his sovereign majesty's greatest victory of the age- Fontenoy in 1745.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBjZADy_phWGaA99iO5TA8iwRCwxE1r113Zef1fbXDm4ns4ZB3BCZGOndVPq8aGtbRjkVtlwy2xbvqT-9Y-AViBViqgoS9Oq0NTb7M30TwYcS38FqJ5GrraW6-AxQC5aesnFBq7mcrfs/s1600-h/Fontenoy+spread.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283932489359615746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBjZADy_phWGaA99iO5TA8iwRCwxE1r113Zef1fbXDm4ns4ZB3BCZGOndVPq8aGtbRjkVtlwy2xbvqT-9Y-AViBViqgoS9Oq0NTb7M30TwYcS38FqJ5GrraW6-AxQC5aesnFBq7mcrfs/s400/Fontenoy+spread.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 291px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can read a little more about it</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://was-flanders.blogspot.com/2008/12/good-reading-ahead.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.<br />
<br />
</span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It should make for a very pleasant read by the fireplace, and would easily complement the partaking of a glass of burgundy or two, accompanied by a platter of </span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pâté</span></span></span><span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and a suitable selection of fine cheeses.<br />
<br />
I'm working on a order of battle for a French army that M. le Marquis can command, using the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Koenig Krieg </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rules. I'll put it up this evening.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4645510891202232443.post-81440013667472935712008-10-18T21:59:00.008+09:002008-10-19T00:19:58.096+09:00Gotta love purple facings!<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I've</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">been working on the Pragmatic Army recently on my</span> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://was-flanders.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Will ye go to Flanders</span></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://was-flanders.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >blog, and haven't posted here for a while.<br /><br />So let me remedy this with a plate showing what will be a brigade of regular French infantry, organized for use with the <a href="http://www.koenigkrieg.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Koenig Krieg</span></a> rules</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >. Each battalion will consist of twelve miniatures. I have two (and a half) battalions cleaned up and primed so far. I'll work on them concurrently with my Dutch infantry.<br /><br />This brigade fought at the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Battle of </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >Dettingen</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" > in 1743. Nice, simple uniforms and attractive flags.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy4LChElqQO5jwh_zoax9o_VoOTGk-jni0MulvOsqCEQMfievTvuG8ZpmIc_ZCrUv-u7w1yKnnpDwqtuC4T52cd8wIak4PMxyicodgE0Ufs28PBLlfEXcB-LvFZLQsYEHr2yQoSdySm4/s1600-h/Brigade+Auvergne.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZy4LChElqQO5jwh_zoax9o_VoOTGk-jni0MulvOsqCEQMfievTvuG8ZpmIc_ZCrUv-u7w1yKnnpDwqtuC4T52cd8wIak4PMxyicodgE0Ufs28PBLlfEXcB-LvFZLQsYEHr2yQoSdySm4/s400/Brigade+Auvergne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258482369436152818" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Click on image for a larger picture</span></span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >Uniform templates courtesy of the excellent </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://nba-sywtemplates.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not by Appointment</span></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">blog. Flags by me courtesy of PowerPoint.<br /><br />The button arrangement is not spot on for these regiments, but given the myriad of possible pocket designs and button combinations, with just about every regiment having a different pattern, this is unavoidable! It shouldn't matter, however, seeing as practicality dictates that there is only a limited choice of options available on figure castings anyway. <br /><br /></span></span></span> </div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" > <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;" >Over the last couple of weeks I have been working on the next instalment of the Marquis' memoirs, usually while commuting back and forth from work. Bear with me here, as while the creative juices have been flowing, inspiration- and time- tends to come in fits and starts. There is usually a lot of reworking before I get anything that I am happy with enough to post here.<br /><br />I'm not about to give up my day job to be a writer, that's for sure!</span></span><br /><br /></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07889130893225462338noreply@blogger.com2