NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC Forward

With Empire: Total War coming out in just a few days, I expect a resurgance of this type of RP. So..

I'm going to basicly re-start my nation's back-history 1700s RP. The last time I tried this, it fell apart because a lot of people joined who had no idea how to properly RP an army from this period, and frankly didn't commit to the RP.

So, I'll RP it solo if I must. People are still welcome to join, but they must first agree to several conditions.

1.) You will RP realisticly, this means no instant teleporting of troops from one spot to another. No ridiculousness will be tolerated.

2.) No massive amounts of troops.

3.) If you join, you are pledging to check the thread often and post at least twice per day. People who join and then just ignore the thread will be ejected from the RP, and then scorned socially. SCORNED.

4.) Short ass little posts will insult me, and I'll scorn you.

If you are incapable of abiding by and agreeing to the above, then please just read the RP and don't try to join.



Intro

The Empire of Kaelmark had sprung into being three hundred years previously during the disasterous civil war that split the Ostwind Empire (NPC) into two states. Since then Ostwind to the north and Kaelmark to the south had seen an uneasy semi-peace. In the last three centuries there had been fought a dozen skirmishes and small battles along the border in territorial disputes.

It had been a bad harvest for Ostwind, a blight upon the wheat cut the expected output by almost a third and belts had been tightened over the winter. Under pressure and with the threat of another rebellion at its doorstep the Ostwind government decided that reaquiring fertile lands to the south, implicitly Kaelmark, could bring stability back to their own governship.

In mid-spring after the final frost, Ostwind mustered an army to march south and reclaim their lands and possibly put an end to the offshoot Kaelmark state.

Northern Border of Kaelmark

General Huw VonFric of the Ostwind Royal Army sat astride his horse atop a hill overlooking a shallow stream. The ground below was hazed by a light cloud of early morning fog that seemed to cling to the ground at about knee height.

Columns of Ostwind soldiers dressed in green and marching on foot with their muskets over their shoulders were crossing a narrow stone bridge across the stream. It was creating some congestion, and officers were tidying up the formation as it met the bottleneck. A small force of cavalry had already crossed to protect the far side. Stretching up the road to the north seemed an endless line of men, horses, wagons and cannons.

General VonFric lifted a spyglass to one eye and peered across the shallow gully and into the foggy fields to the south where the roofs of houses and barns could be seen. He could hear the muffled gong of a church bell being franticly rang.

VonFric turned to his aides, sniffing distainfully, "As we suspected, our crossing has not gone unnoticed." He pointed with a gloved hand southwards towards the town, "Signal our cavalry to send pickets towards that town.. what is it called?" turning to look at a young Major, his face flushed in the cool air.

The Major consulted his map, "Ah, Karlsburg General."

Karlsburg, Kaelmark

A young man in his early twenties ran through the streets of the small town like a wild rabbit. His chest heaving, clothing splattered with mud from his work in his fields. He almost fell through the door of his home, startling his wife who had been standing by the window staring at the mass of confused citizens who took to the street as the church bells tolled.

"David!" the woman gasped, reaching for him. He shook his head and gently grabbed her wrists to get her attention.

"Sarah, take the children down to the cellar now!" He was already moving to the cabinet where his militia clothing and musket were kept. Sarah followed him, her face concerned.

"David, what's going on!?" As her husband opened the cabinet and began to put on his orange militia coat, she shoo'd their daughter and son away from the window. She looked worriedly into the street, seeing other men of the town gathering in their uniforms with their weapons.

"I saw them. Ostwinders coming in across Dally Ford." Spoken as he struggled into his overcoat and grabbed his hat. He moved towards the door, pausing to grab his wife around the waist and kiss her mouth fiercely, "Get on into the cellar. Don't come out 'til I get back, y'hear now?"

She bit back tears and nodded, not wanting to worry the children who David was crouching down to hug. He turned, giving her a last look before he took to the streets.

Karlsburg Commons, north of town

The governer of Karlsburg rode into the fields with a small escort of important townsfolk. He came to a halt as out of the mists he saw men in green mounted on large horses and carrying sabers. He waved nervously at what looked like an officer. The man rode forward and brought his horse to a halt ten yards from the delegation.

The governer cleared his throat, "Sir, what is the meaning of this?" asked as the screen of cavalry moved closer to town. He looked over his shoulder and saw the militia gathering near the Rusty Hinge Pub.

The cavalryman, actually a Lieutenant, replied. "Lieutenant Gris, Fifth Dragoon Regiment sir. This is none of your concern, your excellency. We ask that you recall your militia, no harm will come to your town." As he spoke and his head nodded, the feathers on his helmet whispered in the gentle breeze now blowing in from the west.

The governer frowned, "Well Lieutenant, it is my obligation to see to this town - and it's surrounding lands - defense. If this is an invasion then surely your mad Emperor has finally tipped completely over the cliffs?"

The Lieutenant stiffened in the saddle at the insult and turned his horse away without another word. He rode back to his line as the town's delegation made haste to their town.

Dally Ford

A cavalryman galloped towards the bridge. Finding it still packed with soldiers, he guided his horse into the shallows and crossed in a bow wave of cold water. He rode towards the General's party on the hill. "General sir! Lieutenant Gris begs to report contact with this town's leadership. They mean to fight, they've called out militia. Looks like a company of militia."

General VonFric shook his head in annoyance. He hadn't wanted contact so early. This risked slowing down everything. "Very well, return to your post and tell the good Lieutenant to hold his position. I'll send orders shortly." The cavalryman saluted and rode off.

Karlsburg Commons, north of town

Kaelmark militia in orange stood in a mostly neat line facing across the commongrounds with mounted Ostwind dragoons in green. The two forces stared at each other tensely.

A wagon being moved into a street behind the Rusty Hinge Pub drew the attention of one Ostwind Dragoon. He squinted through the mist, mistaking the wagon for an artillery piece and began to ride forward for a better look at a canter.

In the militia line a worried Sergeant was forming his men into two ranks of fifty men. He paused and looked towards the approaching horseman. Down the line, David stood shivering in the cold air. Two men down from David, a boy.. no older than sixteen paniced at the sight of the horseman. Assuming they were under attack he lowered his musket and fired. David looked around in confusion as fifteen or so other men fired in response as they assumed they'd missed a command to fire.

The Sergeant ran down the line yelling, "Hold your fire! Hold your fire!" Out in the field the startled cavalryman heard several balls pass by close enough to snap the air. Unhurt but for a hole in his jacket he turned and galloped away. The militia gave a ragged cheer, still mostly confused.

Karlsburg Commons, mid-morning

The cavalry had kept their distance after that. The fog was burning off and now they could make out most of the town. The militia stood in a battle line two men deep and fifty across.

Moving in from the north were two hundred men from the Ostwind Eighth Regulars Regiment. They brought with them orders to commence an attack and sieze the town. The cavalry were ordered to support the action and afterwards to look for spare stores of food as well as suitable horses.

Within ten minutes the Ostwind Regulars had organized and were marching across the field towards Karlsburg. Snare drums and penny pipes began to play an Ostwind battle hymn which carried across the commons and echoed through the deserted streets of town eerily.

On the Kaelmark side, David felt his knees tremble slightly as he watched the Ostwind Regulars approaching, their large flags flapping in the breeze and the music playing. Behind him, the Militia Sergeant shouted, "For'ard!"

The two forces slowly marched towards each other as the last of the fog was disappearing and the sun began to shine down in earnest on the field.

At one hundred and fifty yards the militia came to a halt under orders. They stood waiting as the Ostwind Regulars continued their advance. The Sergeant shouted, "Arms!"

The militia brought their muskets down from their shoulders.

"Ready!"

Weapons came to their shoulders in preperation. David squinted through the sights of his musket, watching the wall of green-jacketed men march towards them undeterred.

"Aim!" They paused. And then, "Fire!"

The line fired, a cloud of white smoke obscuring the view momentarily. As it cleared they saw some of the Ostwind Regulars had fallen out of the line. At this range the hits were few, however. They began reloading.

The Ostwind Regulars closed to seventy yards and with a distant shout they too came to a halt. The militia stiffened in fear as enemy weapons came to bear and then spat white clouds at them. Balls zipped past, cutting air and thunking into flesh and bone.

Cries of pain errupted from the militia line as men fell. Those left standing brought their muskets to bear when they heard the command, "Ready!"

Karlsburg

Having disobeyed her husband, Sarah was crouched by the window on the second floor of their home. She watched as the orange and green lines exchanged fire. She couldn't make out her husband in all of it, and she cried out tearfully each time the Ostwind Regulars opened fire.

Even as she watched the two lines closed to within fourty yards of each other. The ragged Militia line fired first causing dozens more casulties among the Regulars. Then with cold efficiency the Regulars returned a volley. Sarah bit her knuckles as large gaps appeared in the Militia battle line. Half of the front row were dead and in some places, there were gaps of six or seven yards between any standing men.

Several militia turned and ran. Many more wavered, torn between reloading and firing back or seeking saftey.

Karlsburg Commons

David tried to ignore the burning pain where a musket ball had clipped his thigh. Just a flesh wound, but it hurt like the devil. To either side of him men were retreating.

Some ran towards the Rusty Hinge Pub while others footed it towards the fields. The Sergeant had fallen several minutes prior, and there was no one left to give commands. He reloaded his musket and lifted it to his shoulder, firing into the wall of green.

He bowed his head to reach for his powder horn and noticed to his right there were no men left. A neat line of bodies wearing bloody coats, some of them dead atop each other. He looked to his left and saw only a handful of men left. Those men broke, turning and running as the Regulars lifted their muskets again.

David closed his eyes tightly as the mass of regulars opened fire on himself and the few remaining men. He was dead before he hit the ground, but he Held The Line.

Karlsburg, hours later

General VonFric stood in the town square watching as the Ostwind flag was hoisted on the town's flagpole. He had taken the liberty of riding into the town, observing the rows of bodies on the green and then into town. He took a leisurely breakfast and oversaw the raising of the flag. He would soon be on his horse again to move with his army south.

OCC

Will you be having a map for this RP. I was in the last one but got fed up with troops that moved all to fast and totally unrealistic in the things they did.
Can you provide a good map, the last one you had was quite good, if you cant make one I can drag one up got you. I would suggest you provide guidelines about time and distance for moving, as well as formation changes etc. In the last game we had units racing all over the place, at speeds totally unrealistic for the period.
If you wish I can provide a small fact chart that can be used as a guide by all players.

ooc: We could use this one again, I suppose.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/map2.jpg

As to guidelines, they really shouldn't even be NEEDED with good RPers. So many people joining the last game and arguing, and having their units teleporting around is what drove me off last time.

Albany (Ostwind)

For General Dupont sitting on his grey Mare, this day was the culmination of a life long dream and a life long obession.
He could still remember the words of his father, who was born in Ostwind.

"Kaelmark and Ostwind should be and one day will be, united as one, live for that day Michael and you will live in history."

Well father he thought to himself, "that day has arrived, and Im part of the history in the making, only Im a Rechburgian helping make it happen.".

Dupont was sitting on a rise just south of Albany, just across the border, literally a matter of a hundred paces away was the Kaelmark village of Soran.
Already his Jaegers were in the village and most likely pushing through to the southern outskirts.

His aide Major Sorenson had already reported that there had been no opposition, the border guards had been asleep and the town taken in a matter of minutes.

Now the Gratz Hussars rode by, they would pass through the town to begin pushing out a screen as the Division headed for its next objective Sagen, just over two days marching away.

Kaelburg, Kaelmark Capital

His High Excellency Emperor Jon Guye of Kaelmark looked down the long meeting table in the Imperial Palace. There were assorted military advisors, this being a council of war, many of the typical ministers and heads of departments had been dismissed. "I need hard facts gentlemen, not estimates."

A senior officer, his orange uniform decorated with medals and commendations and wearing a white powdered wig stood formally. "M'Lord, all we have are estimates and scout reports. Our scouts have only made contact with part of the Ostwind army. They are keeping up a strong cavalry screen to prevent our men from getting close."

The Emperor leaned forward in his char with an intense frown, "And the estimates are that Ostwind has sent an army of sixty thousand?"

The officer nodded, "Yes sir. Judging by the units we have seen so far, their movement speed, the number of artillery and the size of their wagon train. Our best guess is in the region of sixty regiments."

Northern Kaelmark

The long procession of the army had been marching for days down country lanes and dusty roads. Fortunetly the weather had held up and enabled the artillery, wagons and horses to move quickly.

Behind the column a large tent had been set up in the army's latest resting point. In that tent the Ostwind command staff were having their own meeting. General VonFric leaned over the map table, dragging his finger along the road leading south and then tapping a city marked 'Posten'. "This is our first major target gentlemen. This city is one of Kaelmark's economic centers. They produce many grain products and it will likely be well protected."

A Major spoke up, "General, they know we are coming. We've had contact with their scouts for several days. They have been trying to gauge our strength and direction. We can expect Line Troops there. Regulars and plenty of them."

The General gestured dismissively, "No more than ten regiments at the most. Remember we hold the numerical advantage in this campaign by a factor of a little less than two to one." He folded his arms over his chest and glowered at the map, "Even more if you count the Rechburgians to the west. It is my hope Major, that the threat of Rechburg striking into Kaelmark near Sagen will draw Kaelmark's attention in two directions."

Sagen, Kaelmark

Sagen, a comfortable little burg situated among large, open fields of wheat and grains, was more of a ghost town now than anything else. Its thirty thousand inhabitants had fled to the south and west, seeking escape once riders had pushed their horses franticly south from the border to report that Rechburg was on the attack.

Although the Rechburg army was still a day and a half away, preperations were being rushed. The local militia was called up, and citizen soldiers grabbed their orange militia coats and muskets, and made their way to the town.

The overall Rechburg attack had caught Kaelmark by surprise. In the process of moving troops towards the Ostwind break-through north of Posten, their troops were out-of-place to deal with the situation at Sagen.

Two regiments of Kaelmark Regulars on their way through the area to Posten had been diverted to Sagen, but even with the militia it was a terribly small force to fight back with.

To prepare, the militia's battery of four 6lb cannons had been moved to a small hill in the fields north of town overlooking the road from Soran. A small number of apple trees which had been on the hill were chopped down to make a rough line of stakes further down the hill.

Cartridges were distributed to infantry, sixty per man and several ammunition wagons were set up in the fields behind where the Kaelmark lines would be deploying. To make good use of their idle time, the leader of this force, one Major White ordered that both the militia and regulars enter the fields and fire several practice volleys into the grasslands north of town.

As Major White watched several militiamen fumble with their ramrods and weapons, he frowned and hoped that something would slow the Rechburgians down, or at least spread them out. With his 2,000 Line Infantry and 900 Militia, he figured he could probably engage 2,500 Rechburgians to a stand-still.

Near Sagen - 8 miles away

Captain Murat of the Gratz Hussars was a veteran of numerous campaigns, having fought for even more numerous armies.
His large moustache, the scars and the grey hair all indicated he was a veteran of some experience.
He had joined the Rechburg army back in 1742, he was now quite old for a captain, but fortunately age had only added to the thickness of his hide. He was by far the most experienced Cavalryman in the Rechburg contingent, and as he saw it, he intended to retire from the army, not be carried out of it.

However for now, he was yet in another war, in another country, ahead of him spread in a thin line were the men of his unit the 1st Squadron of the Gratz Hussars. There task was simple, find the enemy and how did they do that; well with good eyes or by being shot at.
The progress was steady, the terrain reasonably open, whenever they came to a small wood or village, the squadron would spread out, surround it if possible and then send in a troop to explore.

On other occasions Captain Murat would send patrols out, far and wide, their task was to interrogate anyone they came to, ask and find out information, but always look for mail collection centres and read the mail.
The reports were that they would meet the enemy in or around Sagan, it was such an obvious place to defend. If the enemy were there, it would be the Gratz hussars and the dragoons who were with them to pin them while the army manoeuvred around and hopefully behind. However that was in the future, for now, in the distance Murat saw a large Chateau. It was late in the day and it looked like just the place for an aging captain to rest up for the night, tomorrow would likely bring a battle; so Captain Murat mused to himself he needed the rest.

Turning to the Sergeant behind them, he said

“We will quarter in that Chateau over yonder, I want pickets out and a patrol sent to Sagan to watch and wait, they are to send riders back keeping me informed of all and any movements”.

The Sergeant dutifully saluted and turned to the man behind him and yelled,
“MacDonald you horrible little man, sound the rally on me, and make it damn good this time; I’m sick and tired of the twittering you call buglaring.”

ooc: I registered at that game and I'll look into it. Hrmm. How do I turn my PMs on then? >.>

IC:

Sagen, Dusk
A sparse stream of travellers from the north had reported throughout the day to Major White that the Rechburg vanguard of cavalry was indeed making its way down the road from village to village.

The Gratz Hussars would find no resistance, and not many men in the villages. Most of the men able to fight had went south to Sagen, leaving behind the women, children, the old and some wealthier men who 'simply cannot be spared to fight a war'.

The long day of preparations had left the 6lb battery in a strong position on the hillcock overlooking the pastures and unsown wheat fields. Further drilling by Major White's staff had sent formations of militia and line infantry marching around, drilling and practicing as the day progressed.

A tinker driving a wagon in from the north paused his mules near the cluster of officers sitting astride horses. "G'day sirs."

A Lieutenant nodded politely to the gentleman, "Have you any news of the invaders?"

The tinker smiled, showing a toothless grin. "Aye sir, I do. Saw somma dem horsemen up near Wicketsville, yonder 'bout nine miles norf. Reckon if they soldiers catch up, you'll be seein' dem by noon tommor'er."

The officer nodded and trotted his horse over to Major White to report as the tinker's wagon clattered on into town.

With this news, Major White chewed at his bottom lip for a moment. He had no real cavalry of his own, but expected the Rechburg commander to waste little effort in engaging his small force. At least he might delay the enemy a few hours. At last, he ordered the soldiers to stand down and go get rest and good food in Sagen, for tommorow morning would see a fight.

The tired men gratefully went to the taverns for food and drink (Although booze barrels had been smashed and drained into the gutters to prevent drunkeness) and then a night of rest. Sentries in Kaelmark orange stood in the church towers, and on the roof of the town hall, looking in all directions throughout the night.

Near Sagan (early Morning)

It was 3am when Captain Murat was woken up, despite the early hour he felt the best he had for many a day, the difference is always in a good comfortable bed he thought.

Dressing quickly, he looked out the window into the darkness only to find may hundreds of glowing camp fires.

Christ he thought to himself the bloody army arrived last night and I slept right through it. Damn I am getting old when my nana naps mean I sleep through a bloody army marching outside my window.

Angry with himself he stormed out the bedroom door and slammed it, racing down stairs he walked into another surprise.
General Dupont and his staff were gathered around a large table being served breakfast by the chateau staff.

“Ahhh welcome Captain, I wondered when I would we would be graced by your presence” The General said, with a sly smile.

“General, Im sorry, ahh very sorry sir, good god I have no idea what happened"

He paused at the bottom of the step, not sure whether he should walk out the front door and join his Regiment or stay, never one to run away he decided to stay

“ Oh hell General I slept too damn well, that’s what happened”

General Dupont laughed out loud

“Well Murat when one of my officers has such a clear conscience that he sleeps the night through prior to a day of battle , I feel much better about what he and I are both about to do.”

Pointing to a vacant chair at the breakfast table he said,

“Pull up a chair captain, we are having a working breakfast and I value your input”

Captain Murat sat in the vacant chair and had a plate of breakfast put in front of him immediately by one of the maids.

“Well now captain, tell me I haven’t read your reports yet, how has the advance guard found the going so far” the general asked while chewing on a gritty piece of grilled ham.

“Its been very easy General, so far we haven’t seen any opposition, just the occasional glimpse now and again of a scout, but they disappear quickly. The population are peaceable enough that we haven’t had any hold ups. In fact Sir, I would have to say its been a walk in the park so far.”

“Well today, this morning Captain, your park is likely to get a little bit rowdy. Your patrols that you sent out last night have reported back and it seems the enemy are gathering in Sagan”

“I thought they might General” Captain Murat replied having just gulped down some excellent coffee.
‘Sagan is such an obvious place to defend, it’s a vital cross roads”

“Yes well it seems the enemy agree with you Captain, so we are going to have to evict them; don’t you think”.

“Did my scouts ay anything about the force there sir” Murat asked.

“Merely that there were infantry, most likely militia, it seems a battery placed on a hill; it appears little or no cavalry though”.
General Dupont answered while he glanced at a map on the table beside him.

Standing up, General Dupont walked over to the window, glancing outside and noting the slight dawning of the sky. He returned to the table.

“Murat you are to take you hussars and you will be joined by the Dragoons and the Jager Regiment, I will also give you 2 batteries of 6 pounders and you are to evict the damned enemy out of Sagan.”

An orderly just came through the door, saluted the general and handed him a message, the General read the despatch and then glanced at the map.

Dupont then looked down the table to a small Colonel who had sat the entire time, neither eating nor talking.

“Colonel Davout sir, you will take command of the entire advance guard, including Murat here, and you will attack Sagan as early as possible.
I will follow with the army in a few hours, it seems that there has been some damnable hold up and the baggage train still hasn’t arrived”

The Colonel rose, being a very short man it was hard for Murat not to laugh at the sight of this little man in a military uniform, at the very least it was impossible not to smile at him.

Good God, he should be in a damned circus, not the army he mused to himself.

The Colonel put a very large fore and aft hat on his head, saluted the General and glanced at Murat.

“Very well Sir, we will start immediately” the Colonel said as he made his way to the door.

The General looked somewhat surprised at the Colonel.

“Ahh don’t you want to look at the map Davout”

The small Colonel stopped, looked at Murat then the General.

“No sir, no need; I looked at the map last night and know what I need to know. We are here, the enemy are down there. There are no large woods, no rivers, only a small rise and a village; it wont be a problem sir”.

“Well Colonel. I wish you well” the General said as he casually returned the Colonels salute.

Murat and Davout stepped out the door and headed to the row of horses that were tied up outside.

Watching the Colonel mount his horse, Murat was surprised at his agility as he literally leapt at the horn of the saddle and pulled himself up.

The Colonel taking the reins, casually glanced at Murat.
“If you ever laugh or sneer at my size again I will bite your goddamn balls off so quick you wont notice they have gone, do you understand me captain”.

“Umm yes sir, I’m ahh very sorry sir” Murat replied awkwardly.

“Its no matter Murat, it happens all the time but I don’t have to like it or accept it, we wont mention it again unless you give me reason to knacker you”.

It was the colonel who was now smiling as he led Murat and his troopers out of the Chateau grounds.

Murat nodded to the Bugler
“Sound the conform on me Evans” he ordered.

With the Bugle sounding out over the camp the Gratz Hussar regiment of 6 squadrons or 12 companies rode out of camp, they were followed by the Empress dragoons and the Getia Jager Regiment and 2 batteries of guns.

In the lead were Captain Murat, Colonel Davout, Captain Thungen of the Jaegers, and Captain Seckendorff of the Dragoons.

The ride towards Sagan was quiet, the day was dawning now, the streaks of the early morning sun rising over the distant horizon. The ground was wet with heavy dew and the day looked very promising.

After 30 minutes or so, Colonel Davout stopped

“Murat I want you to take 6 companies of your Hussars and circle wide, well out of view of Sagan and the hill. You will remain out of view until you hear the artillery firing, then you will attack those guns from the rear.”

He then turned to Captain Thungen
‘You sir, will advance your Regiment in open order, start peppering the infantry and press them sir, press them hard”.
Glancing over at Captain Seckendorff he said
“For the moment you will be my reserve, when we see Captain Murat here attacking the hill and the guns that are supposed to be on them, you will charge the Infantry.”
Looking over at his artillery commander Captain Neipergg who was only just arriving he said
“You will use 1 battery to engage the enemy guns until you see Murat here charging, and then you switch to any available targets, with the other battery you will engage the enemy line infantry. Any questions Gentlemen?”

No one said a thing.
“Well gentlemen I wish you luck of the day, and remember I want the enemy gone from here before the General arrives, so get to it.”

With that, Captain Murat signalled the 1st squadron was to follow him, the second squadron would remain under lieutenant Copland would circle to the right and out flank the enemy from there.

The jaegers were already breaking out into open order as Murat rode of to the left to begin his wide circling move, hopefully out of sight of the enemy.

Sagen, 10am

A bright, beautiful spring morning. The dew was disappearing from the ground, and the glistening look of the grasslands and fields was fading. Major White sat on his horse watching as lines of his troops marched into the fields in formation. Scouts had reported the Rechburg forces were about to top a small ridge, miles north and would soon be in sight.

The Major took his hat off and wiped at his brow with the sleeve of his uniform, expression somewhat concerned as he considered his situation. Overnight, a few hundred more militia had arrived but they were so exhausted from marching that they would be of little good to him now.

Throughout the morning Major White had been consulting his staff, looking for fire lanes through the fields that the Rechburgs might like to exploit. As dawn had began pouring light through the windows of the town hall and onto their maps, they felt they had a fair plan.

With the Rechburg forces just topping the distant ridge, the Kaelmark infantry took their places. Lietuenant-Major Martin would be taking the army's right flank, deploying three of his Battalions (250 men each) in a battle line some 500 yards infront of the artillery. Behind Martin was a small reserve of militia near the base of the hill.

The left flank and center would be taken by Major White's Regiment, deploying its full force across the road and into the pasture west of the road. To his rear-left would be Martin's remaining Battalion, and behind White's line would be the bulk of the militia.

And of course, Captain Falk already had his battery established, with A Section to the left and B Section to the right.

And the glint of sunlight upon muskets, and a flicker of Rechburg uniforms in the distance announced that the enemy had arrived within sight of Sagen. Major White drew in a deep breath, and gestured for his Color Sergeant to unveil the Peace Flag. A white flag with the Kaelmark hawk insignia in the corner.

Under this peace banner, Major White and a small group of officers rode down the road towards the approaching Rechburg army for a parlay.

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/913/sagendeploy.png

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/sagendeploy.png

OCC - The Hussar squadrons are out of sight and waiting to hear the cannons before moving. During the battle I will refer to left and right as we look at the map, not Rechburgs left and Right.
Colonel Davout whilst sitting on his horse studied the enemy line whispering to no one in particular

“Good god, there’s a tad more than a regiment here, what the hell were our scouts doing to have estimated so badly”

He turned to Captain Seckendorff
“One infantry regiment and a pair of guns ehh, I want you to find out who the scouts were, when this is over I want the bastards whipped from an inch of their lives”

Turning to his aide he said
“Send a messenger to each of the Hussar squadrons warning of them of the increased numbers, it shouldn’t make any difference to the plan; but they need to be made aware of the new numbers.”

Captain Thungen called out,
“Colonel the enemy are sending out a parley party”.

The Colonel looking through his telescope had already noted the Kaelmark officers riding out under a peace flag.

“Very well Gentlemen, lets hear what our illustrious friends wish to say, no doubt they are here to tell us we have to go home, ehhh “

“More like if we leave now they wont hurt us sir”, answered Captain Thungen.

The Rechburg officers rode out under their own flag of truce.

The two parties met an equal distance between the armies.
Colonel Davout saluted the senior Kaelmark officer.

“Colonel Davout, Rechburg Army; how may I help you gentlemen?” he asked with a wry smile.

Meanwhile behind the Rechburg officers the advance guard was drawing up for battle, the Infantry blue uniforms with gold trim making quite a sight, the Green and grey of the Dragoons out on the Right adding their own colour, the horsehair plumes gently flowing back and forth in the breeze. If one adds the impression the Battle flags make as they gently flutter in the wind it all adds to the splendour, a place of splendour soon to become a place of death and carnage.

OOC: Would it be possible for me to join?

Yes I think it would, but check with Kaelmark, its his show. He should be on in a few hours.

OOC: DaWoad, I'm letting people in if they can agree to play realisticly within the boundries of the era, make decent posts and try to post every day. If you can agree to that, feel free.

Rechburg, there are actually two line Regiments, and almost a full militia regiment. Though the militia might be a bit hard to make out, as they're behind the line. There are four guns. (Guns were divided into 'Sections' of two guns each. So, A and B section.)

IC:

Among the Kaelmark lines their banners fluttered in the gentle wind as thousands of eyes stared across the fields at the distant invaders. Unwelcome intruders in a war of Ostwind aggression.

Major White pulled his large grey horse up and saluted. "Good morning, gentlemen. I am Major White, this is Lieutenant-Major Martin." gesturing to a younger man in the party. "Sir, Colonel Davout I must insist that you and your army leave the field immedietly. This is a war not that Kaelmark started, but Ostwind. Your government's choice to side with foul Ostwind is a poor one and I should not wish to see your honor stained sir by participating in such an event." All said quite formally.

"If it should come that you insist upon a fight, I must inform you that you face Kaelmark's 19th and 21st Line Regiments. It is my hope sir that you intend to wage an honorable fight, and will not make undue distress upon the citizens of Sagen who have chosen to remain."

Colonel Davout smiled and nodded his greeting to the Major. After listening to the rather predictable pre-amble he said

"Major White, it is a rare pleasure to meet you here sir, sad that we soldiers should meet on a field of battle but I guess that is the nature of our profession is it not sir. I guess It is because of our profession that we are here , I leave it up to the politicians to sort out the where and why, like you I just obey my orders; which brings us to this field on this day Major.

You have no fear in regard to civilians, in as long as they do not impede, resist or spy I personally guarantee their safety".

Colonel Davout then saluted Major White and turned and left, as they rode back he said to captain Thungen

"The bastards have almost 3 Regiments lined up there Thungem, 3 bloody regiments. The only good thing is part of their force seems to be made up of militia and we have veterans, but its going to be a hard day Thungen; a very hard day."

As he rode back into his own lines, he took a folder out of his saddle bag and quickly scribbled a note.

To General Dupont

The enemy before the village of Sagan consists of 3 regiments of Infantry not the 1 as we were informed. It appears at least 1 of them maybe militia.
I am engaging the enemy sir, but would suggest an immediate reinforcement to enter on the right flank.

Regards
Colonel Davout - Commander Advance Guard

Handing it to his aide he said, send this to General Dupont immediately, he is still 8 miles down the road, urge him to send cavalry immediately.

The artillery commander Captain Neipergg rode up

"Colonel those guns on the hill seem to be behind some sort of fortification, with my 6 pounders I doubt I will do much damage"

Colonel Davout nodded in agreement.
"Yes I saw that when I rode forward, I would suggest Neipergg since we are out of range of their guns you move your batteries into range and fire on the infantry in front of the guns, since the enemy infantry are closer you should be able to fire on them and still be out of range of their guns.
Out on the left you can advance with the infantry and get closer, then start to play on their infantry."

Turning to captain seckendorff commander of the dragoons he said, dismount 1 squadron and send them up with the guns, they can act as infantry, keep the second squadron mounted and ready to attack.

He looked at Captain Thungan who was busy eating an apple.

"If I may interrupt your breakfast captain, send your men forward in open order and start firing on the line keep 1 Battalion back in line formation with the guns.
Should they charge the 2 open order battalions can rally on the formed line and guns, if they dont your men should make a meal of them"

Then as the horse suddenly side stepped, Colonel Davout regained control and said

"Gentlemen good luck to you all, remember we dont have to have suicidal frontal charges, slow and easy, keep the pressure mounting on them. they arent going anywhere as we already have them surrounded and our army will be with us in a few hours, so gentle pressure gentlemen; not heroics."

With that said the command group broke up as each commander rode off to their respective commands.

Sagen

Major White frowned and leaned back in his saddle a bit, looking out over the assembling Rechburg soldiers. He finally looked back to the Colonel, and dofted his hat slightly. "It is an unfortunate business, Colonel. I thank you for your parlay."

And he and his officers wheeled their horses to trot back towards their own lines. A few hundred yards before reaching the front ranks, White looked at Martin, "Godspeed, Joseph." said personally to the Lieutenant-Major. Martin saluted, and broke away with his sergeant back towards his Regiment deployed on the Kaelmark right flank.

Major White brought his horse to a halt several hundred yards behind his own Regiment, near the militia. He stood in his stirrups and lifted his eyeglass, looking across the fields towards the Rechburg line to make sure the Colonel and his group had gone back to their men. He then waved to Captain Falk, who saluted.

Captain Falk gestured to the commander of A Section, and he gave the order. With twin gouts of smoke and sparks, they fired their 6lb shot in an arc towards the Rechburg line. Being as 6lbers typically have a range of about 1,400 yards, the shots fell far short of the Rechburg line, bouncing and throwing up clods of dirt at about 1,200 yards and then rolling forward for quite a distance but still well short of the Rechburg infantry. Ranging shots, but an opening to the battle at least.

Captain Murat and the 1st Squadron Gratz Hussars remained hidden in a copse of wood over 3 miles away from Sagan, many of the men were startled by the initial firing of the artillery, he tuned to his men and said,
“Not yet, that will only be the ranging shots, we will wait for a while yet”.

Meanwhile back as Sagan the line moved forward, the dismounted Dragoons armed with muskets advanced in open order as they were trained to do, as did the Jaegers out on the left.
Finally judging themselves to be in artillery range, both batteries began to deploy.

Already the shot from the artillery was bouncing across the field, it seemed that they were aiming for the battery out on the right; but at this range the gun crews felt reasonably safe except for the occasional lucky or rather unlucky bounce.

The jaegers were running, ducking and weaving to the left then the right across the fields, as of yet they were not firing. It was common practice for the light troops to try and draw the initial fire from line troops, for after that their fire becomes more unreliable owing to the build up of smoke, fear and anticipation.

For Jaeger Sergeant McIntosh this was old hat stuff, it was the love of the fight that kept him in the army and in particular the jaegers. He was proud of his file; they were all good men, plenty of experience and tough bastards to boot.

In the distance he could see the Kaelmark troops lined up waiting, well he mused to himself

“Well my darlin’s, wait just a moment or two more and it will be coming”.

He yelled to his men

“Remember when you open fire aim low and kill the f….. officers”

Sagen, 11am

On the small hill, the 6pders shifted their fire. Hitting the enemy artillery at such a great range was unlikely, and rather than wasting shots on unlikely targets, the crews lowered the elevation of their guns, and began to fire off towards their left, towards the Jaegers rather than the Dragoons infront of them.

This would cause the solid shot to skip through the Jaegers at an enfiladed angle to cause greater casulties as it passed through the Rechburg axis of soldiers.

It would be Martin's right-most Battalions that engaged first, being forward of the main line by about fifty yards. As the Dragoons entered what Martin estimated to be about 110 yards range, he gave the order to fire. A drummer began to rattle out a specific order on his snare drum, and up and down the line, the Kaelmark 19th Regiment's 1, 2 and 3 Battalions fired a volley and then began to reload.

On the Kaelmark left, the officers had a little more free reign, and the Battalions under White's command fired individually at the approaching Jaegers at the ranges of 120 yards, 100 yards and 90 yards. Kaelmark Line Regiments were efficiently reloading, and maintaining order so far.

Major White nodded approvingly, looking to his right towards Martin, and then towards the road his own Regiment was deployed across. "We'll show these invaders our mettle."

Jaegers
The Jaegers saw the Kaelmark line troops present arm, each being a veteran of this type of warfare would be counting to himself

"Present 1...2...3.
Aim 1... 2... 3....

Then most jaegers ducked to the ground or weaved

Fire 1... 2... 3...

The hail of bullets hit the ground around the jaegers, some sailed willfully over head.
Looking around Sergeant McIntosh could see a few from his company had been hit, one from his file, Private Klein was holding his head, where a musket ball had clearly grazed him.

He yelled at the soldier
"Klein you lazy bastard, how come you let yourself get hit, don't you learn anything"

"Twerent my fault Sergeant" grumbled Private Klein, "those bastards didn't count to three before they fired."
The sergeant walked over to him, saw the craze wasn't to bad, just then another hail of balls went by, there was a sudden thud and Klein fell, clutching his chest.

"Good god Klein you really are a poor soldier, have I given you permission to die" berated sergeant McIntosh

There was no answer.

The sergeant continued walking until he came beside the twin brothers Privates Hugers, both brothers were born marksman.

"Right you two hopeless sods, a ducat to the first one to drop that pretty boy on the horse pointing at the Kaelmark officer, and I'm not counting any hits on the horse".
Both brothers smiled at each other, already counting the ducat as their own, they took deliberate aim at the officer on the horse.

The dismounted Dragoons (1st squadron)

The dragoons were now like the jaegers spread out wide and shooting, unlike the jaegers their shooting was not as accurate, owing to the lack of experience.
It was unnerving for the dragoons to hear the solid humming of cannon balls as the flew overhead, clearly being aimed at the jaegers.

Then there was the loud bark of the guns from the battery behind as it fired at the solid ranks of the line infantry out to the right.

A few dragoons had been hit, and as their commander Lieutenant Erwin Mansfield looked around he guessed only 3 or 4 dead.
Mansfield continued to urge his men forward, running in pairs, one would fire while the other reloaded.

The artillery was now firing onto the packed lines of Kaelmark troops, though through the increasing smoke it was becoming difficult to see how many hits were made.

19th Regiment, Kaelmark right flank

It seemed things were going well under the Lieutenant-Major's command. The Dragoons were still advancing, but their non-volleyed fire felt less effective than the coordinated and amassed pounding being delivered by the Line Infantry.

Martin pushed his horse closer to the line, waving his sword and yelling towards a Lieutenant of the 3rd Battalion, "Advance twenty yards and give these pests a volley!"

The far right wing of the Kaelmark army, the 3rd Battalion of Martin's 19th Regiment began to advance steadily with the thunder of drums, pushing closer to the approaching Dragoons. Extended slightly from the line, they wheeled to the left, and stopped.

"Aim!"

Over two hundred muskets leveled towards the Dragoons from a range of 70 yards.

"Fire!"


21st Regiment, Kaelmark left flank

Major White frowned as he watched the Rechburg light infantry ducking and running wildly about. He looked to one of his aides and shook his head, "I thought this Colonel Davout was an honorable man. By God, look at the way his skirmish line fights! They are like apes!" said disapprovingly.

A moment later, a pair of miniballs hissed past, and he doubled up in his saddle, clutching at his hip painfully. Officers croweded around, offering helping hands. "Major, you must be seen to!"

Across the 21st's front, the musketry continued in a steady, rythemic barrage of one Battalion after another firing at the Jaegers. To help combat the faster light infantry, the Line was now firing by three ranks instead of two, with the first rank kneeling to fire. Increasing the firepower of volleys by half.

Here and there down the line, orange uniformed bodies lay in the grass, victims of musket of cannon fire. But so far, losses seemed light on both sides.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/battle2.png

The attack had been going in now for about 30 minutes, the casualties were light but would begin to mount.

The sustained volley fire from the line was becoming raggered and less accurate, but even so they were inflicting casualties.
The 1st sqn of dragoons currently dismounted and fighting as light infantry had suffere 6 killed and 19 heavy wounded.

The jaegers were suffering as well, but being more agile they were harder to hit, so far they had suffered 15 wounded and 4 dead.

!st Sqn (Hussars)
Captain Murat could hear the firing in the distant as it increased in tempo, he turned to his sergeants instructiong them to inform their men

"We will advance at the trot in open order, when we are 300 yds away I will order Prepare to Charge to be blown, on hearing that you will close ranks and at 150 yds the charge will be sounded."

Each of his sergeants heard his instructions and then rode off to repeat them to their commands, waiting to give them time Captain Murat wondered how the attack was going.
Glancing around he could see the men were ready so he ordered the "trot in open" to be sounded, on hearing that the 350 troopers broke out of the woods and advanced.

2nd Sqn (Hussars)
The 2nd Sqn of hussars not having artillery to fear closed to within 300 yds of the enemy flank, there they waited in line, waiting for the order to charge.
They had moved a little south and were parallel to the 4th batt.

Jaegers.

The 1st & 2nd Bn in open order (647 men) and still carefully aiming and firing as stargets presented themseleves, which they did aplenty with ranks of troops in line. For men taught to aim at individual targets, rows of men were just simply to easy. Despite this the jaegers were still carefully picking their targets, officers and NCO's had priority, then any old enemy soldier would do.

They werent moving forward now, but were still moving about, making themselves difficult to hit. The casualties were within what their officers could expect, so therefore they were not too concerned.
Most of the 647 men were picking on 1st battalion of Whites Regiment, this was not by design but because they were angling intowards that direction. As a consequence it was suffering fire from front and flank as the Jaegers moved around the edge of the line.
The artillery was quite ineffective against them, only occasionally it would inflict any casualties.The cannonballs bounced the down the open ranks of the jaegers could easily hit a man not paying attention or just plain unlucky.

Dragoons
The 1st Sqn of dragoons (dismounted) and the 2nd artillery battery were concentrating their fire on Martins regiment.
Lieutenenat Carlson commanding 2nd Squadron (425) watching through the telescope saw the movement of the distant hussars as they advanced from out of the woods on the right, so he edged his squadron further to the right and started to slowly move in.

Artillery
The artillery was reasonably effective, as the line infantry were immobile and presented several ranks to them, now they had the range it was a matter of working along the line, at least as far as able without firing on their own men.

General Dupont

It was clear now that the advance guard was in a significant battle, the sound of artillery and musket fire echoed out over the fields like a distant thunder storm.
He had received Davouts note requesting reinforcements, sadly because there had been great confusion with the baggage train and horses, the Cavalry were far from ready when the note arrived. So Dupont had sat here waiting for over 30 minutes now while commanders gained control of the situation.
Finally he ordered the cavalry brigade forward as well as the 1st infantry Brigade. It would be some time before the infantry would arrive, and most likely 45 minutes before the Cavalry arrived on the battle seen.
Meanwhile he was about to cashier some damn inefficient officers in the rear.

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/835/battle3.png

As Major White had hoped, with his right wing somewhat advanced, it was funneling the enemy into his center and left, where he had the bulk of his reserves. He currently lay on a table in the Sagen Town Hall as his surgeon examined the shot wound in his hip. Fortunetly due to the long range shot and his thick uniform, it had lost most of its potency and was merely lodged an inch into his flesh rather than finding the vitals or bone.

He listened as runners made their reports and he gave strategic orders. He'd leave the tactics to his Lieutenants and Captains still in the field in the thick of battle.

A young Corporal came clattering down the stairs from the belltower, "Major! Cavalry on our flanks!" and ran to the map, pointing at the positions and direction.

Major White sat up, "Those damned cavalry on our right will likely go for Martin's rear. Order the militia reserve onto the hill with the artillery to hold off the cavalry until Martin can respond."

Martin's Flank

As the Hussars advanced at a trot, the 100 or so militia that had been behind Martin scrambled up the hill towards the artillery, where the high ground might give an advantage. The artillery crews inserted their rods into the guns and heaved them, turning them towards the distant Hussars and began to reload them.

A moment later, Martin's 3rd Battalion began an about-face and double quick march towards the hill, but wouldn't make it there before the Hussars hit the militia, unless something forced the Hussars to stop.

White's Flank

Martin's 4th Battalion on the far left flank wheeled to its left, to face the distant enemy. They remained where they were, watching the motionless Hussars several hundred yards away.

The Center

All along the center, the slow advance of the Rechburg light infantry and Dragoons was stirring the confidence of the officer corp. Every moment Rechburg lost here was another moment that help might appear on the horizon.

The front two ranks of the Line Regiments were rotated to the rear ranks, replaced with fresh men from the rear ranks. With fresh zeal, they began a steady volley fire that swept the field, mostly unaware of the events happening on the flanks.

There were men down all along the line with injuries and some fatalities. The Kaelmark officers were biding their time as the Jaegers and Dragoons scurried around in the fields. They couldn't do that for much longer, they'd have to tire eventually, maybe even break.

Hidden behind White's Regiment, the militia were forming up into combat lines, having sat out the battle until this point.

1st squadron Hussars

Having just sounded the charge the 1st squadron now charged the guns, they had been very quickly swiveled around but in the time it took to turn and move he would at best only suffer a round, not enough to stop him; he was there.
Slightly to the right he could see a Kaelmark battalion turn and rush for the hill, but for it do that maneuverer it would take too long even for guards, those didn't look like guards.
Then he smiled to himself as he saw the dragoon squadron which had veered to the right of the field now charging the rear of the Battalion heading for the hill, that battalion would suffer.

He looked at the guns, he kept saying to himself,
"we are there, we are there"

He yelled, an exhilarating scream back at the men

"kill the bastards men"

The guns fired at the 350 hussars, at least 50 saddles may have been emptied, but now the hussars charged the gunners; the blood lust between their lips.
Then to his amazement a battalion of militia stepped up from the rear slope as it was making its way to the guns, it was to late for everyone; they charged and crashed into the militia and the gunners. A huge melee would ensure.


Dragoons 2nd Squadron

The Lieutenant carlson the commander of the 2nd squadron of Empress Dragoons couldn't believe his eyes, he had maneuvered his Squadron out to the right to attack the right most Battalion when all of a sudden it changed facing and started moving for the hill.
Seeing his chance he ordered the bugler to sound the charge.
450 heavy Dragoons charged the rear of the battalion moving back towards the hill, they would already have been a little disordered after marching foward then turning and moving back in a rush for the hill which they couldn't reach before the dragoons got to them. To call them to a halt and turn yet again would be murder he thought to himself, no they will run for the village, I know I would.

Wait till they see the Dragoons about to slash into them, what choices did they have the Carlson kept wondering to himself, infantry in line caught in the rear, even if they stopped and turned, they would be trampled by the horses and cut to pieces by the heavy Dragoon blades.

He yelled to the men behind him

"We are the Empress dragoons, long live the Empress"

The jaegers were doing their job, they were engaging the large percentage of the enemy while the cavalry dealt with the right flank. They still kept up a withering fire on the line, the running around slowed, some were tired, but most just wanted to make sure of their targets.

There were a few however that slowly made their way to the rear, usually claiming no ammo or ficticious wounds; or simply weariness and they would be picked up by the Gendarmes in due time.

Sagen Hill

The artillery crew had fired their shot at point blank into the charging Hussar 1st Squadron and cried out in horror as the Hussars continued up the hill. Just then, the wave of militia poured over the crest, and the two suprised forces ran headlong into each other. Men were knocked rolling down the hill by horses, others were trampled. Those left standing lifted their muskets and fired into the men on horses in the melee before beginning to stab up at them with their bayonetts. On the back side of the hill, dozens of militia paniced and routed, fleeing towards Sagen.

The artillery crew rammed double cannister shot into their guns, really bags of musket balls, crew members knocked down in the melee, struggling to reload their big guns.


The Right

The Lieutenant of 2nd Battalion saw the gap on his right where 3rd Battalion was charging towards Sagen Hill, and the wild fighting ontop of the hill itself. He saw Dragoons running across the field towards the gap left by the 3rd, and shouted an order, "Wheel right!"

The formation turned towards the right, as the Dragoons were running by, perhaps fourty yards distant. "Volley fire, reload!" The Kaelmark Line Infantry reloaded their muskets in preperation for a volley. They'd only get one as the Dragoons ran by. "Ready!" the muskets followed the running Dragoons, "Fire!"

The charging 3rd Battalion continued on its way, to about face now would be too disorderly. The 3rd was committed to its movement.

The Center

All along the front, the Kaelmark Line was still holding. The officer corp had suffered a higher percentage of casulties so far, and commissioned men were yelling angrily towards the distant Jaegers, about this serious breech of courtesy. It was unlikely they would be heard between volleys.

The Jaegers were not willing to move, it seemed and so White ordered that his Regiment begin a steady advance towards them. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions marching forward in step, with Martin's 4th Battalion still covering their left flank.

OCC
Just a deploment note for 2nd dragoons

They are mounted and have been in reserve back by the artillery, so when they charged they would have been well out of the range of the other battalions.

The 2nd squadron of dragoons has caught the running battalion before it reached the rise, charged in the rear the battalion was in its most vulnerable. the dragoons suffered casualties on the way in as they were fired on by other infantry. However as these infantry were all engaged in firing at the 1st squadron of dragoons who were dismounted and to their front, the chaos of turning a line to fire at charging cavalry on its right flank would have caused considerable disruption.
As the Kaelmark battalion swivelled to fire at passing cavalry they were enfiladed by the rechburg artillery, its balls bouncing the length of the line.

The jaegers started to fall back, as was their duty when faced by advancing line troops, then above the firing could be heard the jaeger recall, as this point the two battalions feel back and reformed behind the 3rd battalion which was formed, fresh and waiting. The artillery was now pouring fire into these battalions as they advanced.

The 1st jaeger battalion was considerabley more shakey than the 2nd so was taking longer to reform.

The melee on the hill continued with the Hussars now suffering over a total of 75 men dead.

ooc: Oh. You had them both marked as "2nd squadron" so I thought it was all one unit. :(

IC:

Sagen Hill

As the melee continued, the militia were dispersing. More than half of the militia lay dead. Only one of the 6pdrs managed to fire its cannister round across the hill towards a cluster of Hussars before its crew were chased towards Sagen.

In response, a battalion of perhaps 300 militia were being manueverd from behind White's line towards the hill, to try to at least keep the Hussars from entering town.

At the base of the hill, the 3rd Battalion broke after a short melee with the Dragoons and also streamed towards the city.

Right Flank

The 1st and 2nd Battalions of White's Regiment turned and marched closer to White's Regiment. They would curl around the flank to provide cover, and to fire at the Hussars should they try to remain on the hill with the abandoned guns and the dead militia.


Center

Rather than over-extending and spreading out his force, White ordered his Regiment to cease its advance. Skirmishers were deployed, and the Regiment did an about-face and double time march back towards their former position, using the skirmishers to guard their rear against the Jaegers.

In their former positions, they could fuse their right flank with Martin's 1st and 2nd Battlions.

ooc: Our map is a bit of a mess right now, isn't it? ^.^ And yes, I understand the situation pretty well right now.

IC:

With the cavalry on both flanks out of musket range and the Jaegers clearly no longer making attempts to advance, Major White gave the order for his army to begin a withdraw into Sagen. Militia were posted at intersections to help prevent the Rechburg cavalry or light infantry from trying to give chase.

Meanwhile, the infantry began to exit the south side of the city, marching in two columns parallel as a preventative measure against a cavalry attack. But with the afternoon wearing on, Major White didn't expect a pressed persuit of his men.

Those wounded and able to walk marched alongside their brothers-in-arms, and those too wounded to move were left on tables and benches in the church under the care of the town's surgeon, and a group of nuns.

As the tail of the columns left town, the militia posts withdrew as well, exiting the south side of the city in the wake of the main force and acting as pickets.

In the field, Kaelmark left nearly three hundred dead regulars, and seventy dead militia.

As the Kaelmark forces left Captain Murat was meet on the hill beside the captured Kaelmark guns by Colonel Davout.

"Well that was a brief and intense hour or two Murat"
Looking at Captain Murat he noticed he was covered in blood and had several cuts.
"Are you well Murat, you seem to have got yourself knocked about sir"

Murat just sat on his horse, watching the tail end of the Kaelmark force disappear.

"I'm fine thank you sir, but yes it was a brief fight and it was hell here for a few minutes. By god my scouts are going to pay hell for their goddamn laziness, we should not have been taken surprise like that.
They had 3 regiments of troops here, and guns, and to think we had 1 Regiment of light infantry and 2 cavalry regiments, and god knows Hussars are not good in a battle for a town, not good at all.
I have to say Colonel it was a close run thing"

"Aye Murat, you are right, damn close, but right now we need to push that bastard Kaelmark rabble hard, what have you got?"

"I only have the 2nd squadron Hussars fresh sir, everything else is knocked about." Captain Murat replied.

"Very well captain, get them to pursue and attack that rear guard, they should be able to severely cripple them since the enemy have neither artillery nor cavalry. I will get the general to reinforce them with more cavalry and galloper guns when they arrive."

"Yes sir" Murat saluted and slowly rode down the slope for the 2nd Squadron which was concentrating on the south side of Sagan.

As Colonel Davout watched the cloud of Kaelmark stragglers and rearguard slowly make their way out of sight, he lowered his telescope and turned to find General Dupont and his staff arrive on the hill.

"A fair day to you Colonel, I gather it was bit intense sir" General Dupont inquired.

"Yes General, we were taken by surprise by the numbers and the tenacity of the Kaelmark militia, they fought like regular troops. The gunners here died to a man, that row of dead there was a militia unit that clashed with our hussars. Look see how they died clumped together, very rare to see militia dead like that sir. Normally you would expect to see a trail of dead in the direction they ran, these troops did run, but only after they were overrun by 300 cavalryman, damn good militia".

"Nice to see you admire the enemy Davout, because I'm giving you the advance guard again, but this time you will be heavily reinforced" Take the 2nd Infantry Brigade, the 2nd and 3rd Jaeger Bns of the 1st Jaeger regiment, the 1st Light Cavalry brigade and the 3rd Cuirassier regiment, and I think your guns here plus a galloper battery. I want you to pushed that enemy Colonel, push them with your sword in their back, don't let them reorganise and most important of all don't let them rest."

He turned to his aide,
"The 1st Dragoon Regiment, the one's that fought here will tidy up the dead, they can use the damn Kaelmark prisoners and the towns people to assist. and then they will rest.
The 1st Hussar Squadron will send out pickets to the bridges east and west of Sagan, they are to guard the bridges and inform us of enemy movements, I will reinforce them when the army arrives.
Is that clear"

"Yes Sir" the aide answered.

Another aide approached the General

"Sir these are the strength reports from the advance guard after the battle"

He handed the reports to the General


(75 % of the wounded will return after 2 weeks)

1st hussars 40 men killed 75 wounded
1st dragoons (dismount) 20 Killed, 60 wounded
2nd Dragoons 18 killed 36 wounded

1st Jaegers 87 killed, 132 wounded (Morale shaken)
2nd Jaegers 21 killed, 63 wounded
3rd jaegers 18 killed, 40 wounded

Total killed 204 killed and 406 wounded of which 304 will return after two weeks recovery.
So a total loss off 306 men

OOC: An interesting read, keep it up guys!

South of Sagen

Major White was grey in the face, his wound had stopped bleeding but it hurt and he felt inhumanely tired and drained. He sat on his horse watching as the vanguard of his forces marched by, Kaelmark Line Infantry still proud in defeat.

Even Martin's Regiment had managed to remain mostly intact, and its battalions had kept their colors despite their losses. Lieutenant-Major Martin lay in the field at Sagen, near where 3rd Battalion had met its fate. Martin had galloped towards the combat to rally his men, but had been shot from the saddle. Indeed, the Kaelmark officer corps had suffered greatly.

Now 3rd Battalion of the 19th Regiment marched along in stoic silence, only one man in three of their original number had survived the fighting. Mourning their friends and their leader.

A militia Captain galloped up the columns and saluted Major White, "Sir. Captain Val." Major White nodded and Val continued, "Sir, most of my men (the militia) are from this area. They know it like their own backyards. Requesting permission to break off with a battalion of militia to delay persuit? They're bound to chase us. Either with cavalry or those fuckin' apes." And by apes, he meant Jaegers.

Major White nodded his consent and then spurred his horse on, following the marching columns as they entered the woodlots and hay fields south of Sagen.


The Militia

An hour later as the last of the infantry columns were disappearing between woodlots headed south, Captain Val stood on a low stone wall seperating two hay fields, looking at two hundred volunteer militia. "Gentlemen, you are all locals so you know these lands. Show me to some fine spots for an ambush, and we'll see if we can't delay these invaders."

And moments later they were deploying in a shallow gulch which a stream had cut into the fields. The gulch had a few feet of water in it, and was stony. It also ran near the road for several hundred yards.

The militia deployed most of its men into this gulch, laying on the bank nearest the road to remain out of sight. The remainder of the militia positioned themselves in a skirmish line across the face of a woodlot on the far side of the gulch, to provide cover for when the time to run came.

edit: Thanks, AfrikaZkorps ^.^

Colonel Davout Called his officers over, Captain Murat of the1st Gratz Hussar Regiment was eagerly watching his regiment as it pulled out to pursue the enemy.
Colonel Speer of the 1st Cavalry Brigade was impatiently pacing the ground waiting for his orders, they were all waiting for Brigadier Calvert of the Infantry Brigade, who was only just arriving.

"Gentlemen" Davout started his address, "We are not going to flounder down that road chasing the Kaelmark mob, no indeed not. Were we to do that we will just bounce from one ambush to another, instead this time we will do using our speed.
Murat send 2nd Hussar squadron around the left they will be joined by the 3rd Lancer regiment from your cavalry brigade Colonel Speer. You are to use your speed to catch the enemy main body, you will then attack them in the best opportune moment, either by getting ahead of them or attacking them while they are stretched out.

Speer with your remaining cavalry units 1st Lancer and 4th Light Cavalry regiments you will take the left flank and do as Murat does, use your speed to catch and get ahead of the kaelmark forces.

They are on foot, have wounded and will be tired, so they should be easy game.

The 2nd and 3rd Jeagers,the 3pdr galloper battery and the 1st infantry brigade and the Curasssier regiment with the artillery will follow the Kaelmark forces down the road, expect ambushes, do not fight them, go around them. Gentlemen The enemy rearguard is designed to delay a pursuing force, but when that pursuing force is going not only around the rearguard but the main body, the enemy will have little choice but to stop and fight; this time Gentlemen we have the force to deal with them.
So if the infantry do run into a rearguard ambush, simply pin them and then go around their flanks."

"Any questions gentlemen" Davout asked.

"Sir I had ordered my forces to protect the flank out by the bridges east and west of sagan, should I recall them?"

"Yes do so Captain, I will ask General Dupont to send pickets out there."

Captain Murat stepped forward,
"Whats happening with the Ostwind army general, we seem to be the invading army, not the supporting army."

"Good question Murat, Gentleman like you I am in the dark regarding other progress of the war, we just need to look after own patch eh"

Davout then turned, but quickly spun back.

"Gentlemen, good hunting; now away with you and run our game to ground".

South of Sagen

As the afternoon grew late, the columns continued marching. They had stopped for a brief rest to get off their feet and get some food and water into their bellies but were again marching.

By now they were marching through a checkerboard landscape of woodlots and hay fields. Flat and mostly open, it was good marching terrain. Skirmishers half a mile out to either flank and the vanguard walked along, keeping an eye out for trouble.

It could still be days before word of Ostwind progress reached their allies, as there were rumors of a terrible fight underway at Posten, hundreds of miles east.

OOC: Short post, I know. It's your move, this army is basicly marching. Hard to write a lot about that. ^.^

OCC - Yeah this stage will be brief everywhere as I suspect there would be skirmishing with the rearguards and basically I have two cavalry groups racing along your army flanks, out of sight in most cases. So I guess not a lot to write about in that.

IC
The pursuit of the army by the infantry along the road was more frustrating than anything. The Kaelmark militia would hide and shoot when the jaegers came into range, but would run away before the Hussars could move around their flanks. This cat and mouse game would continue until the Kaelmark army called a halt.

On the flanks however the three and half Cavalry regiments plus the galloper battery had moved along and beyond the Kaelmark army until they were at last ahead of them. once ahead they joined up and found an ideal position to block the retreating Kaelmarks.
Murat hoped with their retreat blocked and the Infantry brigade close behind at last this army would be brought to ground.

The ground chosen was ideal, they had gone beyond the endless woodlots and farms and seem to be in some sort of crop growing area, wide open paddocks and slight undulating ground.

The cavalry drew up in charge formation and waited until the approaching dust cloud transformed itself into a army retreating towards them.

Colonel Davout with the main force following the jaegers just received a message from a dispatch rider that the cavalry were in a blocking position. He had sent a crude map with his message.

He read the message and then to his aide

"Right the cat and mouse game stops and now we push hard, the next time the rearguard try to stop us, the jaegers pin them, the 1st Line regiment will attack their front and the Cuirassier will run them down, push them and do not let them disengage. The rest of the Brigade will push straight down the road into the rear of those bastards ahead of us".

Turning to another aide he said

"Tell the 1st brigade to prepare for battle, I want the artillery up front, and inform general Dupont we have the Kaelmarks trapped".

OCC
I will leave the map to you as this is your country and I don't want to presuppose anything that you don't want there. The only thing I would ask is that you bear in mind the cavalry would have chosen the ground to their advantage, other than that it doesn't really matter.

15 miles South of Sagen

Riders had been galloping in all afternoon to report of enemy cavalry movements east and west. Common men, farmers and workmen had witnessed foreign horsemen passing, and had ridden towards Major White's command to deliver the news.

Major White thought he could see what was happening. The enemy would no doubt try to attack his columns in the open lands further south, where it would be hard to hide from ambushes and prevent chaos. If this happened, the army would be too weak and disorderly to survive another day.

Therefore, Major White made his decision. He looked left and right of the road, seeing open fields and two small woodlots. It was good ground for an infantry fight. He ordered the columns to halt and begin passing out foodstuffs and water to the men. Soldiers wearily sat down on the sides of the road to eat.

A trickle of militia ambushers were coming in from the north, reporting small fights with Rechburg light infantry and cavalry, but predicted the Rechburg vanguard would reach them within hours.

Major White called a conference of his surviving staff, sitting on a tree stump at the edge of a woodlot and examining a map. He spoke to his officers, "If we march any further, the Rechburg cavalry will chew us to pieces in the open. That's no doubt what they've got planned. They'll harass us the rest of today and throughout the night, and march their infantry in the morning to wager battle with what's left of our forces."

He tapped his map, "A farmhand claims he saw their cavalry about four miles south, at Baker's Fields, possibly cutting us off so their cavalry can flank us. Well, I don't need a fight with more cavalry. We'll stop here and rest until their infantry vanguard stumbles into us. With their cavalry miles south, they'll be forced to fight an infantry battle with us."

He looked up at his officers and smiled grimly, "The Rechburg infantry might not be looking to fight us head-on, hoping to mop us up in the morning. But we'll show them a true battle. Distribute cartridges and equipment to those that need it. Order your men to rest, and when I give the signal.. form up like so.."

And he went on to outline the strategy of positioning the army to face back up the road towards the enemy infantry vanguard.

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/82/fieldbattle.png

OCC - will post more later tonight, busy RL

Sergeant McIntosh was very proud of his men, the hard training, discipline and particular the hard fitness regime all paid off now, when it counts’ in a battle.

The battle for Sagan had been a frustrating affair, the Kaelmark forces had stood like statues, their officers died like flies; and yet they didn’t budge. McIntosh had to admit he had a grudging admiration for such men.

The pursuit of the enemy as they fled Sagan had been a frustrating affair, running from one ambush site to the next, not many casualties, perhaps one or two dead and a score of light wounds. It was the time that was wasted in attacking the rearguards and then reforming, that was the real cause of admiration.

Sergeant McIntosh’s battalion the 2nd Jaegers Battalion 1st Light Regiment, had been brought back up to strength with replacements from the 1st Battalion. The 1st remained in Sagan burying the dead and recuperating.

For now however he and his men as they trudged along the road were very relieved to see the hedges and woods were opening out to more open terrain. It meant the likely hood of ambush would diminish significantly.
There were only small copses of woods spread out around the distant horizon,
“Much better, much easier” pondered Sergeant McIntosh to himself.

The Hussar Squadron patrolled several hundred paces ahead of the Jaeger, reconnoitring and screening as they advanced.
Sergeant McIntosh noticed the Hussars had halted; the officers were peering through telescopes at some distant object.
Moments later a rider speed towards them, yelling to Sergeant McIntosh’s Lieutenant as he sped by.

“The bastards are making a stand just up ahead”

He continued along the road, no doubt looking for Colonel Davout and General Dupont.

Without waiting for his officer to say, sergeant McIntosh turned to his men

“Right then you bloody sorry lot, looks like them Kaelmark pricks want another piece of ya, well this time my pretty darlin’s we are going to chew them and spit them pricks out.”

The Lieutenant turned to the sergeant,

“Sergeant have the men form in open order, check their weapons and have a rest for the moment.”

“Right Sir: Sergeant McIntosh responded,

“Alright then, you heard the officer, form open order to the front, check your weapons and then, and only then have a rest”


Colonel Davout saw the dispatch rider riding towards him, moments later he arrived.

“Compliments of Captain Bevan sir, he says the enemy have formed for battle across the road, near those trees you can see on the horizon”

“Thank you, tell the Captain I will be coming forward.” Colonel Davout replied.

The Colonel with his staff started riding forward; as they rode through the Jaegers Colonel Davout saw a man he knew very well.

“Good God, sergeant McIntosh, you old scoundrel what in the hell are you doing in my army, I would have thought you would have owned a tavern and have a buxom wench on your knee by now”

The sergeant smiled a grin that showed many gaps in his teeth.
“Good to see you again Colonel, I heard you were the man in charge, damn fine thing too”

“Well I must a do, sergeant, keep your powder dry and aim low, ehh my old friend” the Colonel said.

“Aye sir, and a top of the morning it tis to you too sir”.

When the Colonel made it to the screening Hussars he stopped and scanned the horizon through his telescope.
There before him he could see the Kaelmark Army formed up for battle, the Regimental and Battalion flags fluttered lazily in the gentle Breeze.

He Turned to his aide
“Right then, put a desk over there, I will draw up the orders, but for now bring up the guns and start laying into them. The guns will be covered by the 2nd Battalion of jaegers and the 1st Line Regiment, I will give you the other dispositions shortly.”

He turned his horse as he made his way to where he would station his desk. Behind him he could see the advance guard arriving, including the 1st brigade and the Cuirassiers.

He turned to another aide,

“Send a message to captain Murat, tell him wherever he is, he is in the wrong position, he is to move up and be prepared to attack when he gets word”

Davis Field

Major White leaned on his saddlehorn, staring intently north towards the gathering Rechburg forces. Now and then, a brief flicker of light and smoke, and a cannon ball would pass overhead or crash into the sod near or among the troops.

He dug out his spyglass and lifted it, gazing north. He shook his head. "They're damn sure taking their time to come at us." he then looked to an aide, "Lieutenant, have the wounded begun moving?"

The Lieutenant nodded, "Yes sir. Per your orders, those most-wounded have begun to move south-east towards a small town called Daviston. They're unfit for combat, sir. There's a nunnary there that will care for them. I don't think even these aggressor barbarians will violate sanctuary and kill the wounded in their beds." What he didn't mention, was most of the wounded had been members of Martin's 3rd Battalion, mauled during the action at Sagen.

"Very well," White said gruffly, mulling over his options. "Are the militia in place?"

"Yes sir, per your orders. The last of our ambushers just came in ahead of the enemy vanguard. They're set up."

"Good. Pass the order, loose order formations for all line infantry." said as an enemy cannonball flew overhead, landing somewhere to the rear.

All along the front, the soldiers spread out, perhaps two or three paces between each man. Enough to make them poor targets for solid shot artillery but close enough to reform again in time to meet an attack.

The militia, in reserve again, also spread themselves out, many of them laying down in the grass to rest.

The small Kaelmark army stood its ground, daring the Rechburg military to strike. And the sun dipped lower in the sky to the west.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/fieldbattle.png

OCC The Cavalry of both groups (north & south) are further back than positioned. Owing to lack off space they have been positioned in front of the Inf.

One of general Dupont's aides rode up beside the general,
"Sir, there is a group od kaelmarks moving out from behind the trees".

The General swung his telescope around, and watched the group.
"Leave them be, they are wounded, clearly moving out of the battle area, if they fire on us; we will deal with them then."

General Dupont pondered a moment, again looked at the wounded and then announced that he wanted to talk with the Kaelmark commander before the battle started.

He turned to his aide

"Raise the Parlay flag and follow me"

With that said he rode forward to the halfway point between the two armies.

Davis Field

Major White lifted his spyglass and peered towards the party that rode forward from the enemy lines. "Seems they want to talk." He smiled tiredly at one of his aides, "Perhaps they want to surrender honorably?" voice lifted louder at that. The staff smiled as well, and nearby infantry gave a ragged cheer.

With his color sergeants in tow under the flag of parlay, he rode forward. His orange Kaelmark waistcoat was stained with blood, and had a miniball hole in it over the hip but he still looked dignified, his brilliant blue eyes lit by an inner fire of defiance.

As the two groups met between the armies, he saluted formally. "Sir. I see you've insisted upon persuit of this affair. It is my duty to request your surrender or barring that, you to turn north and immedietly leave Kaelmark."

He looked to the west towards the low sun, then back to the Rechburg party, "It will soon be dark, and judging by the way your soldiers have fought so far, it will be well after dark before our battle lines clash. I will grant a pause to our affair until morning." Offering to delay the fight until suitable light, as a gentleman would.

General Dupont got of his horse, handing the tether to his aide, he walked over to Major White.

"Major I would like to shake the hand of a brave man, and yes over the chaos of battle I still believe gentlemen should be able to acknowledge a foe as such.
I also see major that you are a sensible man, you have sent your wounded away that means you are a caring man. In that vein I am offering you Major a chance to save the lives of your command.
It is a good officer who knows when he was in an untenable position, to realise that to fight is merely to ensure the slaughter of your men. Yes its becoming dark, but that does not deter me in the slightest, it simply means the firing is closer and the decision will be decided in hand to hand.

You are surrounded Major, you have no artillery and no cavalry, to die on this piece of road is pointless.
I will win this battle sir, there is little you can do to prevent it, numbers and the fact that most of my men are fresh just make it a certainty
Your men have fought a major battle they are tired and you have no baggage train, thus this means you have limited ammunition.

Major I will offer you this one chance sir,
Order your command to lay down their arms, I will accept everymans parole and in the morning you may march away from here with your colours flying; on the understanding you and your men will not raise your arms against us or Ostwind in this war.

Sir you have fought valiantly and honourably, but now your men who honoured you in battle, now look to you to offer them a chance.
Parole now, or certain defeat and in the knowledge you could have saved the lives of your men but your sense of honour or ego was greater than your sense of military judgment and compassion.

Yes the light fails, but we have fought in the dark before, it will mean a battle of no quarter, thus sir I offer you the chance to decide.

Major White also got down from his horse, slowly and with the help of a sergeant. His wound was greatly discomforting and he walked with a slight limp to meet General Dupont and shake his hand formally. He listened as the man spoke, and then turned somewhat to look towards his assembled soldiers in consideration.

His jaw tightened, and the conflict was obvious. Of course he wanted to spare his men battle against an overwhelming foe if possible, but to do so now in this circumstance would mean disaster for Kaelmark.

He finally spoke, quietly and deliberately, "General, your offer is most generous and I am honored that you make this offer. However, as you surely must understand, it is my duty here to delay your invasion as much as possible until a proper force can be assembled to meet you on the field of battle."

White gestured to the surrounding fields, "These are our homelands, Sir. I fear even if I accepted your offer, many would remain on the field to fight you. And how could I ever look my countrymen in the face, knowing I did not do my all to slow your invasion? No, I am sorry but I must decline."

He looked towards the setting sun, "When dusk comes, the fighting will be terrible. All of this, and for what? So that your country can help Ostwind take our lands? So that their corrupt government can rule us with an iron fist again? No. We are free men. I am a free man. My sons and my daughter will be free, and if I must pay for it with my own life, then let it be so."

His tired, bloodshot eyes turned, burning into Dupont's own, "If you insist upon this venture and upon this fight, I can assure you that you will have to fight an army at some point, sir. Not a meager two Regiments and some militia, but a true army. And their zeal for King and Country will burn as hotly as my own. Ostwind will take no great measures to aid you, to them you are but foreign mercenaries, useful tools." White took a deep breath, wincing at the pain in his side, "As a gentleman, I warn you, you must cease this affair and return home now while your force is intact. Ostwind will never let you march home through their lands if you suffer defeat."

General Dupont was somewhat saddened by the Majors decision, but not all all surprised, for he too in the circumstances may have come to the same decision.

"Major you are a brave man, and as such after this day I hope your nation honours you as such.
As for the rights and wrongs of what brought us to this point, is for me irrelevant. I am a soldier first, a patriot second; I obey my Duke just as you obey your King. The rights and wrongs of this venture will be decided by history, the rights and wrongs of your decision to fight will be, sadly decided here; today
The General stepped back and saluted the major

"Major I quite honestly hope you survive this day, but if you don't please be assured in the heart of one old enemy; you will be remembered as an honourable man and a loyal Kaelmark patriot.
Good day to you sir".

As the General mounted his horse he looked past the Kaelmark army to see in the late afternoon sun, the dust of the approaching Cavalry force further to the south.

He smiled at the Major have him a wave, turned his horse and rode back to his own lines.

As he rode past the jaegers he turned to his aide,

"order the attack" he said.

With that a bugle sounded and the cannons started firing.

Davis Field

Major White was helped into his saddle and then with his color guard rode back to his lines. He also saw the dust cloud, and knew what it meant.

"Turn the militia towards the rear. Keep my Regiment covered." He expected the enemy would hit his left side pretty hard, and it was better to have the militia make an about-face to face south down the road.

Martin's Regiment remained vulnerable it seemed, with 3rd Battalion turning to face south. Major White galloped between his front line and the south-facing reserves, looking to his left and right at the enemy and considering what to do.

The infantry remained in their open formation, with several paces between men and ranks. They would wait until the enemy was within 100 yards before they would close up again.

Major White yelled hoarsely, "Stand firm men! Stand firm! Hold the line!"

The battle was initiated by the commencement of the 12 x 6 pounders as they poured their fire into the ranks of the 2nd battalion of Whites regiment.
The 2nd jaegers nimbly raced into and through the woods to begin their sniping at the 1st battalion of the same Regiment.
The 1st line Regiment waited until the Jaegers were in position and then advanced until in musket range and commenced an exchange of fire on Whites Regiment.

Meanwhile the 3rd Jaeger Battalion advanced in skirmish order and again began its fire on the closed ranks of the Kaelmark 1st battalion on the right of the road. The skirmish fire again taking its priority toll on the officers and NCO’s.

The 2nd Line Regiment advanced behind the Jaegers until they were just out of musket range. The Grenadier regiment moved up just behind them.
The 1st Heavy Cavalry and the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment swung slightly to the right until just north of the Right hand wood.
The 1st Cuirassier remained alongside the Grenadier Regiment.

To the south the cavalry force marched until they were in charge range, there they formed up.

Davis Field

Major White watched the cavalry moving on the right through his spyglass and then looked south towards the forming cavalry there. "As expected." noted to one of his aides, who nodded.

Just then on the left, as the 2nd Jaegers entered the woods.. they were met by a wall of smoke and fire as 150 militia hidden in the brush on the north edge of the woods stood and let loose with a volley at the Jaegers near point-blank range. Major White listened to the fighting off to his left, and looked at his aide again, "This Dupont is a fine officer, but it seems he failed to account for the rest of our militia. No doubt he assumes they ran off. Or.. he just doesn't think much of them."

On the right, the barrels of muskets slid out of the brush at the woods north edge and took careful aim at the Cuirassiers approaching the woods. Waiting for them to get a little closer.

On the south side of the eastern-most woods, more militia were hidden, watching the enemy cavalry to the south. These men had been instructed to spring out and volley into the flank of any cavalry approaching from the south.

All along the front, battalions opened fire on the skirmishers. Having learned a lesson from last time, the officers were under orders to have their men fire by three ranks, with the front rank kneeling.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/fieldbattle3.png


The exhange of fire in the woods on the left was somewhat of a surprise to General Dupont, but he was not overly concerned with it as the jaegers were more tah bale to take care of eventualities there.

On the right movement in the woods had been seen , however the numbers wre unknown. General Dupont had decided that with the time available there was no time to be subtle, any force that stepped out on the right would be squashed by the heavy cuirassiers, it was now time for the main attack.


2nd Line Regiment advanced into the melee with the 1st,2nd and 4th Battalions on the right. The 2nd Cuirassier and 1st heavy Cavalry swept in to support the charge, the pounding of the heavy horse bearing down on the exposed kaelmark Lines, already under attack from the infantry.

Grenadier Regiment followed the 2nd but then swung to the left to attack the
2nd and 4th battalions of whites regiment in the flanks.
The 1st line Regiment attacked the 1st and 3rd battalions of whites regiment.

In the south the 400 lancers attacked the militia battalion behind whites line, while the 300 hussars attacked the 160 men of the 4th Battalion on the right side of the road.
The 400 dragoons charged into the rear of 2nd and 4th battalions which were being attacked by infantry and cavalry to their front.

The 3rs jaegers wung to the right and began engaging the enemy in the right hand woods.

Davis Field

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/5890/fieldbattle4.png


Prescripted manuevers began to unfold. All along the front, the line infantry began to exchange volleys. On each flank, militia behind trees and in scrub brush traded sniping shots with Jaegers and other foot soldiers.

The militia reserve behind White's Regiment wavered slightly as the Rechburg Lancers charged. Their officers yelled for them to be steady, hold their fire... until the Lancers were within 20 yards. Then, to fire. A sheet of smoke and flame errupted point-blank at the Lancers, and men began to scatter. Some fled, others tried to meet the enemy horsemen with bayonetts.

Martin's battered 3rd Battalion fired upon the Hussars coming up the road towards them, in much better order than the militia. Their solid ranks extended their muskets with bayonetts to meet the charge, and the front row was trampeled.

Behind Martin's Regiment (On the right) the charging Rechburg Dragoons would experience dangerous flanking fire even as they charged towards the rear of 2nd and 4th Battalions, who had turned some men around and were now firing both north and south.

On the left, militia moved up alongside the Rechburg flank from the woods and began pouring fire into the flank and rear of the line infantry there.

Up and down the line, men were falling. The dry grass of the field was smoldering here and there from musket fire and wadding, and a heavy haze of smoke hung over the battle.

Fighting front and back, the Kaelmark army held steady for a while. But on the right, where the Dragoons were hitting his rear, he could sense his troops wavering. He spurred his horse on, drawing his saber and yelling, "Use your steel men! Stab the horses if you must!"

The carnage was terrible.

The intensity of the fighting increased when the Rechburg line infantry advanced and began exchanging fire, volley for for volley. the Kaelmark fire began slackening somewhat particularly as they were nervously looking over their shoulders certain in the knowledge south of them were approaching cavalry.

Then the Rechburg Infantry charged, supported by the cavalry, as men hacked, shot and stabbed each other, the kaelmark soldiers were attacked from the rear and flank as well.

In the smoke from the volleys of musket fire as well as the burning grass soldiers fought each other with swords, muskets and barefists. The dead and wounded falling onto the burning grass.
It was a scene from hell as the Rechbug cavalry were litteraly hacking down at the Kaelmark soldiers, many exhausted or with weapons and no ammunition. then there would occasionally be a group who fought back to back defying all who came against them.

Near one such group of men Captain Murat saw major White, bearing many wounds he was miracously still in the saddle if only just, he was being attacked by Rechburg infantry. Ordering the Infantry back, Murat called out over the noise of the mayhem to him.

"For godsake White, your men are being massacred, drop your sword and surrender; its over"

It seemed that Major white, was half crazed with blood lust, as he swung left and right at all around him, he paused on hearing Murat calling out to him.

Elsewhere many riderless Rechburg cavalry horses were fleeing the flames and smoke, the wounded men were screaming as they became engulfed in the flames of the burning grass.

For General Dupont this had been so unnecessary, good men wasted in some futile attempt at honour which after today will be forgotten by all the living.

In the darkness soldiers struggled to find their enemy, for sure many were killed by friends believing them to be the enemy.

Davis Field

Major White thought he could sense his left flank pushing forward slightly against the Rechburg line, but the right was in tatters. Martin's demoralized Regiment was crumbling under the assault.

White's aide had been shot from the saddle moments earlier and so he rode back to his color guard, yelling above the noise of battle, "Sound recall! Sound recall!"

A trumpeter rang out the notes as the snare drummers beat on their drums, sounding recall. And in this situation it could mean only one thing. A surrender. Fire continued on both flanks for a moment, before beginning to sputter off on the Kaelmark side as men tried to disengage from the combat. There were wide gaps in the line, and rows and clusters of the dead all around.

In the darkness, he thought he could see his Regimental colors still flying, although it looked as if half of his Battalions had lost their own colors. He couldn't see Martin's Regiment through the smoke and poor light, so he rode towards it, suprised to find himself in a field of corpses, both man and horse.

He paused his horse in the middle of the hellscape, exhausted and stunned. Martin's 3rd Battalion had been slaughtered to the last man, only the wounded were left, groaning and crawling about on the smoldering grass. Major White bowed his head, tears cutting trails through the grime on his face. He'd failed his country, family and men. There would be no quick end to this war now.

For hours into the night men could be heard moaning and groaning on the battlefield. There was no thought of pursuit of a beaten enemy, apart from the night, weariness it was that there simply not enough left to pursue; of those that did retreat they simply melted into the night.

The collection of the wounded and prisoners was of the first priority, the burying of the dead could wait until daybreak.

Major White hadbeen found wandering amongst his men, he was taken to general Dupont who ordered his personal physician to attend the kaelmark officer.


In the dawning of a new day, the scene was quite simply horrific, black scorched grass, in some places still smoldering scared the landscape.

The dead lay in rows or heaps where they fought and died, for Rechburg the losses were significant, but no more than General Dupont considered normal for fighting at night.
As he rode around he could see groups of cuirassier bodies, laying where they had been shot out of their saddles, occasionally he would see a wounded man laying there begging for water, or a Kaelmark men simply dragging their wounded broken bodies away. For miles in the distant one could see bodies where the Kaelmark army had fled, the wounded obviously too weak to go far had collapsed and in most cases died.

Burial parties were organised immediately and the army started to reorganise itself back into units.
General Dupont rode back to his command tent, there he saw the Kaelmark commander Major White, he was simply sitting exhausted in a chair seemingly gazing out into space.

As he walked into the tent, Dupont placed his fore and aft hat on a desk, indicated to his man servant that he wanted coffee, he sat down beside the major.

"Well its a hell of a scene Major, a lot of good men died last night. Your men fought bravely, but at the end of the day whether we win or lose this war, will your men's sacrifice have mattered; I dont think so".

The servant placed a coffee cup beside the General as well as Major White.

"I will be sending you back to Sagan major, we are establishing a hospital there for the wounded, from there it will be up to you, freedom if you give your parole or back to Ostwind as a prisoner"

Davis Field

Of all of the unit standards captured, one was missing. 3rd Battalion's colors were not on field. Investigations revealed that the color guard had been decimated, and one of the drummer boys in the battalion band had picked up the fallen standard when he retreated from the field and carried it with him south.

Kaelmark had left six hundred dead in the field and nearly twice as many wounded, some mortally so and would not see the sunset. The officer corp was nearly gone, and other than Major White the most senior officer that was on his feet was a shell-shocked young Lieutenant who had been in command of a section of Martin's 4th Battalion.

Major White turned his exhausted, unfocused gaze upon Dupont, looking as if he were somewhere else. His face was still dirty, his hat gone. He spoke in a hoarse voice, rusty like an old gate swinging back and forth, "Sir. Whenever men fight for their homeland, it is not in vain." He drew his sword and laid it on the table beside Dupont, officially surrendering it and his army.

"Major you may keep your sword, I take you for a man of honour and its hard enough to lose a command, a commander of your calibre should not suffer the indignity of losing his sword.
Major all I ask mof you is to chose your fate, give your parole and return home to your family, or go to Ostwind as a prisoner of war."

As he walked out by the entrance of the tent he could see the army getting ready for the advance, by now the remaining units of the Rechburg army had arrived; the advance would continue.

Placing his hat on his head, the General turned to major White,

"Well major for you the war is over, for me sadly more battles to come, now before I leave, what is to be home or Ostwind?"

ooc: SO do you take on a high ranking officer from one of the sides and rp his forces or what? Could I land an expeditionary force in favor of one of the sides?

ooc: May i join i am pretty keen on this era and from what i've read so far this could be fun.

Davis Field

Major White followed Dupont, blinking in the sunlight once he left the tent. He looked around, foreign soldiers with their feet on the soil of his homeland. He reached out to take his hat and put it on his head proudly. His chin lifted, eyes turning towards the morning sun.

"It would be criminal of me if I were to leave this field in defeat and not do everything within my power to oppose this breech of my homeland. I am afraid I must accept imprisonment and the foul fate that Ostwind should see fit to give me. I cannot accept parole, sir."


Posten

The morning sun revealed a field of unimaginable chaos and havoc. At Posten, an army of 45,000 under the command of VonFric of Ostwind had faced an army of 22,000 under the command of General Fox of Kaelmark.

Now the fields were littered with bodies, horses and other debris. The losses to both sides had been horrific. At first the defending Kaelmark army had held out, causing serious losses among the men of Ostwind. Kaelmark had something of a reputation for its excellent artillerymen, and their shell and canister shot had created gaps that broke up the Ostwind advance again and again.

Numbers had been the deciding factor again and overnight the Kaelmark army had left the field and abandoned Posten, moving south. The Ostwind army had been too exhausted and damaged to follow, but now occupied Posten.

The roads north were thick with columns of prisoners being marched back to Ostwind, many of them walking wounded.

A rider was dispatched west to inform Dupont of the victory, and that in two days the Ostwind army would resume its march south. He also sent warnings that another Kaelmark army had been sighted the previous day near Wintzig.

An additional document warned that supplies from Ostwind might be in short supply, as Kaelmark had been assembling its legendary navy with its heavy ships-of-the-line and would soon put to sea to blockade Ostwind and possibly strike out at Rechburg shipping. General VonFric sent his compliments to Dupont, and noted that he felt confident about this campaign but for the greatly feared Kaelmark Royal Navy.

ooc: SO do you take on a high ranking officer from one of the sides and rp his forces or what? Could I land an expeditionary force in favor of one of the sides?

ooc: Please refer to the first post, and the requirements for joining, ok?

ooc: Read it and read them. Ostwind is an NPC nation and is attacking the south and all, and you are required to post once per day in long posts, but I didn't see anything thing specifying how one should join, I am assuming that since Rechburg is rping his own troops, that I should rp my own, however not in massive numbers. I am planning on sending an expeditionary force of about 1 division (8,000 Soldiers) Under the command of Prince Joesph. Under the pretense of some former military pact. Unless I could send a full blown army of 15-20 thousand, I just am not sure how much you would allow in total.

General Dupont watched the major join the long line of prisoners heading for Ostwind, turning his back on Davis field he made his way towards his staff who were on the road waiting for him. Just as he arrived a Ostwind courier pulled up with a message from General VonFric.

On reading the message General Dupont handed it to his aide and pulled a map from his saddlebag, he then dismounted, and indicating to his officers to join him he squatted down studying the map.

“Gentlemen there was a major battle fought between Ostwind and Kaelmark over at Posten, well away from here to the nor east. It appears the Ostwind Army have gained a victory, but it was a hard fought victory.
There has been mention of some other disturbing news, namely our supplies may be threatened due to the fact the Kaelmark navy has come out. Directly that doesn’t disturb me, as we have a lines of Communications through Ostwind to Rechburg, however having said that, it is a very long LOC and quite unsatisfactory.
We have sufficient ammunition for several battles, I will immediately ensure that General Hope, our very own quartermaster general does all he can to ensure that the supplies are built up at depots.”

Picking a piece of grass from the ground he put it between his teeth, clearly deep in thought and oblivious to all. A few moments later he said,

“Gentlemen the main problem will be food, so we may need to forage and that means we will need to plunder the towns for food. At this stage it is not urgeant and my priority is to establish a supply magazine that we can depend on ourselves"”

He turned looking once again at Generals Hope and von Bock,

“General Hope, and Provost Marshal von Bock will ensure the collection of food is done in a civilised but firm manner, no ransacking, killings and or rapings. It is a distasteful business and it goes against my grain I can tell you; but its war and it must be done. I want a magazine prepared at Sagan.”

Turning to General Foche who was sitting on his backside chewing a piece of grass just like his chief. Dupont asked,
“General Foche what are our strengths based on the new returns?”

General Foche opened a book he always carried with him

“Well sir the fighting yesterday severely bloodied the 1st division.

The 1st brigade has lost a total of 800 men; this has meant the 1st Jaeger battalion has been disbanded to fill in the losses in the 2nd and 3rd Jaeger battalions.

The attached Cavalry brigade has had moderate losses, they have suffered losses of 600 men, men we could not replace easily and it wont happen until the replacement draft arrives in a few days.

So in the 1st division we have lost 1400 men in one day of battle, some of these losses will likely be made up with replacements due. But as of this moment the 1st division has 13,600 men out of 15,000. The attached cavalry brigade has lost 600 men thus has at the moment 3400 men left. So in our first day of battle we have 2,000 dead and 4,000 wounded of which 3,000 of the wounded will return in a week or two."

The 2nd division currently moving from Sagan is at full strength with 15,000 and its cavalry brigade, which is the Guard du Corp bde, has 4000 men.
Though at the moment 2nd division has left 1 regiment of 1000 men in Sagan to guard prisoners and the hospital.”

General Dupont nodded

“Thank you Christian, we have suffered heavy casualties considering we were only fighting mostly militia. This does not bode well and we must do better.”

He again glanced at the map and pointed to the nearest town of Perunia.

“Gentlemen we march on Perunia, the cavalry are to ride there immediately, they will be followed by the light Infantry. once there we will then wait for the 2nd Division to arrive.”

He rose from his squatting position, folding the map carefully.

General Dupont stood, looking at Captain Murat and Colonel Davout.

"Murat you are promoted to Colonel, and Davout you to General, the orders arrived from Rechburg.
Davout you will take command of 1st Division, Murat you have the advance guard. It seems I am to be Corp commander."

He walked to the horse, but before he mounted he turned to face his officers one more time.

“What does worry me gentlemen is that we are supposed to be supporting Ostwind, yet here we are deep in Kaelmark and not a sign of Ostwinders apart from one measly courier.”

OCC
Have edited this thread to increase available information.

ooc: Read it and read them. Ostwind is an NPC nation and is attacking the south and all, and you are required to post once per day in long posts, but I didn't see anything thing specifying how one should join, I am assuming that since Rechburg is rping his own troops, that I should rp my own, however not in massive numbers. I am planning on sending an expeditionary force of about 1 division (8,000 Soldiers) Under the command of Prince Joesph. Under the pretense of some former military pact. Unless I could send a full blown army of 15-20 thousand, I just am not sure how much you would allow in total.

ooc: Generally, the smaller number would be better. Feel free to jump in. But I don't want any arguments and such in the RP.

occ

I operate two forces of 15,000, this enables me to be strong enough to stay in the game for some time and not big enough to complicate the story or to dominate. My advice to anyone joining, think 1750 ish and be brave enough to let the other fella choose his casualties, if he is unrealistic he will get pulled up.

I have enjoyed this game very much, because the story flows and Kaelmark has to be oone of the best opponents I have had in an RP in a very long time. Firstly in that he is a good story teller with a flair for the period; secondly he is realistic with casualties and eventualities.

I hope others joining can do so with the same attitudes.

ooc: Thanks, Rechburg. I have the same opinions about you. :) I'll be posting in the morning though, my brain is totally burnt out tonight. (Had to deal with a clogged bath drain for 2 hours. :mad: )

Letter to Gen vonFric

Sir,
Yesterday we fought two battles culminating in victories. As of this morning we are proceeding to Perunia.
I have with me the 1st Rechburg Division and expect to arrive in Perunia sometime tomorrow.
I have following the 1st Division, the 2nd Rechburg Division less detachments.
It should arrive in Perunia in two days.

In view of your message regarding supplies I have written to my Duke seeking a direct supply route from Rechburg, this he has agreed to on the condition these supplies are used soley for the Rechburg army and any attached Ostwind units attached to our army.

I am establishing a supply magazine in Sagan and would request that you send at least 1 brigade to help protect this town and its magazine. I have ordered the 2nd Rechburg Division to detach the 4th Infantry brigade to return to Sagan and protect this area. On the arrival of a Ostwind garrison the 4th Brigade will return to the 2nd Division.

I view this matter as the utmost urgency and respectively ask that you do all possible to send us a infantry garrison of not less than Brigade strength.

Your obedient servant

General Dupont
1st Corp Commander
Royal Duchy of Rechburg.


Order to General Maximillian Kray
Commander 2nd Rechburg Infantry Division

General Kray

You are hereby instructed to detach the 4th Infantry brigade and send it back to Sagan, once there the town of Sagan is to be emptied of all Kaelmark civilians. You are to order the Brigade Commander to fortify the town with redoubts, horse traps etc. the buildings are to be fortified and the supplies kept within the town enviroment.
The brigade will patrol the area and will prevent any attempt at sabotage or spying by whatever means necessary.

Once the Brigade has been relieved by a Ostwind garrison it will return to 2nd Infantry Division.

Commanding General

General Dupont

ooc: I'll be replying tonight. Hopefully during this slight lull, the folks who wanted to join will jump in.

(OOC:Is it still possible still for me to join, this late in the show?)

HMS Imperator, Several miles off the coast of Beslitz
Several days after the battles

Admiral von Hagel looked across the ship from the stern, his pilot vigilantly watching the waves. The cool sea breeze rejuvenated him. He simply loved the salty crisp air of the high seas. It was a beautiful day to be on the water and he would soon be at his destination, plus with the Kaelmark navy on the seas, chances of an engagement were minimal. He gazed at the vast fleet that had been assembled for the task of supporting Kaelmark against their northern foes. It comprised much of Christstan's entire navy and the empire simply could not afford to pitch such a vast number of ships in a vital battle, so the fleet had been given orders not to engage if possible and it seemed they would not have to. They carried 15,000 of Christstan's finest and each man was vital in the war where Ostwind numbers were carrying the day.

His ship was fortunate, he was not aboard a transport carrying horses or supplies. He was aboard one of Christstan's finest Ship-of-the-line, and the flagship of the fleet. Their goal was to coordinate the fleet and transport the staff officers that would be commanding the army. He chuckled at those captains tasked with transporting horses for the cavalry or cattle brought for fresh meat. The stench for the length of this journey must have been terrible. His ship of course, was spotless, and the only discernible scent was the sea. He almost lost himself in the gentle rocking of the ship when Prince Joesph arrived on deck. The sailors snapped to attention as he passed by in his royal white coat. This was one of the few men that the great admiral had to bow to.

After the formalities Prince Joesph talked bluntly with the admiral, "How much longer will this take Admiral? I need my men on the ground as soon as possible. The sea makes me sick."

The admiral bowed slightly and said, "my lord, I can go only as fast as the sea and breeze can take us, we will land sometime next week."

Joesph grunted and turned sharply on his heels, while he walked away he said over his shoulder, "Until then Admiral. Bon voyage", and made his way back into his quarters.

Joesph stood in the captain's quarters, where he was currently residing, and looked at the map laid across the table. Several wooden figures were laid out across the map indicating army locations and approximate size. Several of his officers were already sitting at the table studying the map. One of his officers, a captain Johann Graf, his intelligence officer was shaking his head. "My lord, forward scouts have reported that Kaelmark has lost the first two engagements and is falling back from the north Posten has fallen and should they hear of our approach, they could take or trap us at Beslitz, I would advise a more southerly landing."

The Prince's brother Franz immediately followed with a "No, Kaelmark will ensure the port is safe, plus we need our army at the front as soon as possible, if we can meet with the retreating army, we can begin the push north. The Ostwindians(?) will need time to regroup their forces before the continue south."

Joesph stood over the table where the others were sitting and crossed his arms as he thought. The Ostwind army and their allies had taken control of the center of the northern border. He looked at the figures representing the Ostwind Army from their last known points, Sagan and Posten. He walked toward the window and said to his officers, "It appears they intend to use their numerical superiority to overwhelm the Kaelmark forces with multiple attack points, thus preventing the Kaelmarkians from gathering a substantial force in any particular area. That much is clear. However their next moves will give insight to their overall strategy. If they take the middle of Kaelmark, they divide the country and can have secure lands in Kaelmark to fight outward from, however, they could also simply force several major engagements and drive the Kaelmark army farther and farther south. Either way, I intend on supporting them, hopefully our soldiers may balance the playing field and negate the major factor of the Ostwind numbers in the east."

The officers nodded, Joesph would go to the east, meaning a landing at Beslitz. For now they could only wait and suppose, while planning out several possible strategies.

OCC
Yes Argenteria, just read the first post and join in.

Letter to Dupont

Dear Mr. Dupont,

I am glad to hear that you are in good health and that your army has been successful thus far. I congratulate you on your victory over militia and straggelers but hope that you will advance in a timely manner.

You will be happy to know that I have recieved word that the prisoners you captured have arrived at Tonvel in Ostwind. Trials will begin immedietly, and I look forward to recieving confirmation that the scoundrels have been hanged for their resistance.

I have also taken the liberty of ordering three thousand conscripts to march to Sagen per your request. They will help with the occupation and should arrive within three days of this letter. Should Sagen become undefendable, you are ordered to burn the city to the ground.

You are ordered to proceed with all haste to crush the Kaelmark army at Wintzig between yourself and Duben. You must then march on Duben, where we expect to find the bulk of Kaelmark's 2nd, 3rd and 4th Corp.

Regards, General vonFric


Near Beslitz

The Christstan ships approaching Beslitz had been cleared to proceed to the port. Beslitz was the gem of Kaelmark's ports, the largest military and trade port in the region. As the Christstan vessels approached the harbor they would bear witness to a forest of tall masts and wide, beautiful ships.

The ships were painted orange and black, the Kaelmark Royal Navy colors and there were many ships-of-the-line present as well as frigates. Most of the ships sat out at anchor in the harbor, waiting in long, neat rows as the last provisions were being loaded onto those ships still docked.

The Harbor Master sent out a small boat to meet the Christstan ships, and guide them towards an empty row of docks on the south side of the harbor under the big guns of a fort. Waiting on shore was a delegation of Kaelmark officials.

Port Malmaison
Duchy of Rechburg

Admiral Adam Leiberich dismounted from his gig, his naval secretary Commander Provera assisting him. Together both men stood on the quay looking out onto the Naval Base of Port Malmaison.

Admiral Leiberich had become the darling of the Rechburg Navy; he was young, handsome and a very able naval strategist a tactician. His handling of the Kunesdorf naval campaign had been described in the Admiralty Gazette as “Nothing short of brilliant”.
In that campaign his battle fleet had destroyed not only the Kunesdorf Navy, but had forced Kunesdorf to sue for peace due to the naval blockade.

Still as he waited for his coxswain and Naval Secretary to get into the boat waiting to take him out to his ship, he pondered to himself;

Hmmm those were in the old days.

Ready Admiral his Grieves his Coxswain said, holding out his hand to assist the Admiral.

Admiral Leiberich stepped into the boat ignoring the hand, he sat down and waited for the crew to pull away from the Quay.
Ashore a large crowd had gathered, some to try and catch a glimpse of a loved one aboard one of the many ships, but most just to see the Admiral.

As they approached the “Duke” his flagship, a 100-gun ship of the line, the Admiral said to his Coxswain,

“Take me around her Grieves”

Knuckling his fore head in acknowledgement of the order, grieves steered the boat around the ship.
High up on the ship the bosuns whistle could be heard as the guard and crew assembled for the arrival of the admiral.

Adam could not help but love the “Duke”, in his mind she was a work of art, not a weapon of war.
There was no sign of the battle damage she suffered 9 months ago, in fact all the ships of the Rechburg battle fleet had been repaired. As he gazed around the fleet, he could see everyone of them was clean, and in magnificent trim. Everyship and every crew were veterans of many naval battles.

Slowly the boat came around to the port side of the “Duke”, once alongside the ladder the Admiral rose and grasped the the first rung; thinking to himself as he does every time he boards a ship

Make sure you don’t get tangled up with your sword.

The memory of the young fourth Lieutenant Adam Leiberich tangling with his sword and falling back into the boat was still fresh in his memory.
With a final pull he was on the ladder and in no time was up on the deck.

Again the Bosuns whistle sounding the salute.

Lined up were the marines and officers of his ship, including his lifetime friend and captain of the “Duke” captain Karl Werneck.

Taking Captain Werneck by the hand and shaking it vigorously he said

“Follow me to me cabin Karl, and order all captains on board in 2 bells please.”

The Admiral made his way down the steps to his cabin, stepping inside; he was after all this time – home.

General duponts staff had never seen him so angry, he had read the message from General vonFric in front of them as it had arrived during their customary morning conference.

His face reddened to the point that many felt he may have a "bad turn", he looked at the assembled officers. He wanted to scream his anger, his utter contempt he felt for this damned madman vonFric; but slowly he regained his composure.

he handed the message to General Davout and then turn to his officers

"Gentlemen we have been told we are to hang the Kaelmark prisoners and if necessary burn Sagan if we should lose it.
It appears General vonFric has sent us conscripts to guard Sagan, goddamn conscripts for Christs sake. The first sight of an angry Kaelmark maiden and they will take to their heels.
I tell you gentlemen, we may be in the wrong goddamn war".

He turned to General Davout, who like Dupont moments ago was now glowing with anger and indignity.

"We cant do this sir" Davout said.
"This, this is beneath us sir, its damnably nothing short of murder and mayhem"

General Dupont realised that perhaps showing the letter was not the best thing he may have done, because now all his assembled officers who were reading the letter were clearly feeling the same.

Colonel Murat stepped up and handed the letter to the General, he being the last to read it.

"What are you going to do sir" he asked, looking the General straight in the eye.

Dupont clasping the bunched letter tight in his fist, strode to the table with the map on it.

Pointing to Winzig he paused for a moment, his officers slowly gathering around the map.

"Well Colonel in answer to your question, I will have no part of murder".

He quickly scribbled a message on his message pad

To General Maximilian Kray Commander at Sagan

You are to remain in Sagan in command of the Garrison there. You will be joined by 3,000 Ostwind conscripts soon. Use these men in establishing the defenses around the town.

The assembled prisoners are not to be sent to Ostwind, they will be kept in
a POW camp on the outskirts of the town, until other arrangements can be made. Under no circumstances are you to allow the Ostwind authorities to move or harm any Kaelmark prisoners. You have my permission to seek as many paroles from prisoners as possible.

Further orders will follow

General Dupont
1st Corp

He handed the message to a staff officer who left the tent to hand it to a courier.

"Now Gentlemen, back to the war" he stepped up to the map once again.

"Gentlemen we move on Wintzig, the order of march will be as usual."

The officers nodded

General Dupont then said,

"Gentlemen we are Rechburgians, we fight war as horrible as it is in a honourable way. I will have no one, do you hear me - no one besmirch the name of Rechburg, our army or our Duke. You will not cause any more harm to Kaelmark civilians than is absolutely necessary and in no way will you harm prisoners of war. Cause dishonour to me or Rechburg Gentlemen and I will rip your hearts out, now you may go."

On Board “The Duke”

Admiral Adam Leiberich read his orders as given to him by the admiralty, they were simply the written confirmation of what he had been told.

He was to take the Rechburg Battlefleet out and to ensure the Rechburg trade routes were kept open. He had been given dates and courses when convoys were due and he was to ensure that they remained open.

The Duchy of Rechburg was a large trading nation; it relied heavily on trade not only with its allies but with its colonies as well. The Rechburg navy was therefore very large and battle tried, every ship and every crewmember were now veterans.

Taking on the Kaelmark navy didn’t concern the Admiral, he knew he had the instrument to do that; it was the rather odd appendix he noted on the bottom

“…….You are therefore to protect Rechburg trade routes only, in no circumstances will you defend or become involved with the Ostwind Naval defence of their own trade routes.”

Why he wondered shouldn’t he be helping the allies, it was all very odd indeed.
As he looked out the window of his cabin, he pondered to himself

What is my Duke playing at?

Perunia - Ostwind

The city of Perunia had been left as an open city, it was therefore left unharmed by the Rechburgians as they passed through it.
Colonel Murat liked the city, it was picturesque and very much reminded him of his own home town of Calicia. He didnt have time to take in all the sights as his advance guard continued the march for Winzig.

The Rechburg army turned east for the first time and now began its cautious approach on Winzig, the advance guard aware that there was likely a Kaelmark army out there somewhere close.
By now they had been joined by the 2nd Division less its 4th Brigade, but at least it had the Guard du Corp Cavalry and the Corp heavy artillery.

General Dupont for the moment headquartered in the Schlofberg palace on the outskirts of Perunia, had been sending regaler messages to the General Staff as well as Duke Leopold.
He was very distressed at the lack of communication between himself and General vonFric. As he noted to the Duke in his last letter

"....... as of today I am no more aware of where the Ostwind army is than where the Kaelmark army is located. All I know for sure is that between my army and Wintzig there is "a Kaelmark force", presently my scouts are attempting to locate it."

That message had been sent a week ago, he was waiting for reports from his scouts.
Outside his office Dupont heard quite a commotion as the bugle blew indicating that a royal personage was in sight. the voice of the Guards officers bellowed out over the courtyard as they quickly assembled the guard of honour.

Looking out the window, Dupont couldn't see anything beyond the palace walls, so he quickly grabbed his hat and rushed downstairs and out into the court yard. Just as he arrived at the top of the steps a squadron of Imperial Guards Cavalry rode through the gates, followed by a coach embossed with the ducal flag, he knew immediately that Prince Blaise Metternich, the Dukes younger brother and special adviser had arrived.

General Dupont stepped up to the door of the coach, a servant quickly stepped between the General and the coach and opened the door.
Wafting out of the coach came a heavy cloud of smoke and the smell of tobacco, through the darkened cloud stepped the prince, cigar in his mouth and not quite the picture of a prince.

"Ahh well met Dupont, well met indeed" the prince said on seeing the still shocked general.

The Prince stretched himself, he was a tall thin man, who as a child had always given the appearance of a sickly child, but there was no sign of that child now. General Dupont still dumb foundered saluted the prince and then shook his hand.

"Sire you are most welcome, but sire why are you here; this is a great surprise and we are so deep in enemy territory."

The Prince smiled at the general, taking him by the elbow he led the general up the steps to the grand door. Before entering he turned and waved to the crowd that was quickly gathering, as well he acknowledged the royal flag that rose up the pole indicating a royal personage was in residence.

"Come General, we need to talk, and quickly".

Still somewhat in shock the general kept thinking to himself

"What the hell is the Duke up to now?"

South of Posten

General vonFric stood under a canvas tent with his staff. The drumming of rain on canvas muffled some of the noise of his army marching along the muddy road headed south. To the north, great clouds of white and black smoke smudged the horizon as the sudden downpour of rain fell upon the burning city of Posten.

An officer wearing the black and green uniform of a cavalryman stepped into the tent, water dripping from his wide-brimmed hat and down his coat. "General, we've just gotten hit by another ambush. More militia sharpshooters."

vonFric frowned and clasped his hands behind his back, looking at the officer. "Damn these Kaelmarkers, they've come out like worms from an overturned log. Did you catch any?"

"Yes sir, we caught six. I interrogated them myself, they're farmers from the south who missed the battle at Posten. Word has gotten out that we fired Posten. They heard that we set fire to the city and came out to ambush our vanguard."

vonFric shook his head, "A pathetic waste of time. These cowards haven't the mettle to face us honorably, and instead ambush us."

"M'Lord General, there were only ten or so. They fought well despite being outnumbered by our --"

"Cowards!" vonFric's voice rose, "Send out a patrol to round up the others."

"And the six prisoners we took?"

vonFric turned his back, dismissing the officer and looking to his maps. "Hang them." He leaned over his field table, writing notes on his map.

Wintzig

At Wintzig, several large fields had been turned into military camps. An army of 7,000 had been sent west from the staging point at Duben and now that army was taking down its tents and equipment in preperation for marching west again towards Perunia to meet the Rechburg invasion.

The day was overcast and to the north and east the skies were black with storms. Very distantly, the rumble of thunder could be heard. It would probably delay the Ostwind main army on its way to Belzig.

In command of this army was General Webb, a career artilleryman who was on the verge of his retirement to a comfortable estate on the south coast. Webb was a practical man with an eye for terrain, and well-respected in the Kaelmark military. If Major White had been a wildfire, Webb was a calculating blizzard, slower to act but overwhelming when he did.

Now Webb stood in the kitchen of a manor in Wintzig eating his breakfast with his senior staff. They had been up since dawn planning the march. Together they considered their final preparations.

"A strong vanguard and screen of cavalry to help prevent ambushes. Skirmishers deployed to the flanks. More cavalry among our supply train."

"Yes, and what a supply train we will have. Fourty pieces of artillery. General, are you sure that it is prudent to take Wintzig's defensive artillery with us?"

Webb nodded, "Yes it is quite prudent. I do not intend to have fighting here at the city, Major. It is why we will also take most of the defensive garrison with us. If we are defeated in the field, so be it. But I will not see Wintzig destroyed in the fighting. We will not use civilians as protection." Webb was an officer of the old school, a traditional warrior who frowned upon urban combat.

Perunia

The Prince sat in General Duponts chair behind the desk.

"Its a matter of foreign policy Dupont. You see its in Rechburgs interest to see both Kaelmark and Ostwind severely damaged in this war, just as its in Ostwinds interest to have Rechburg fight most of its battles.
But with the escalation of other country's entering the war we need to be ahhhhh more prudent"

General Dupont wish the prince would stub that godawful cigar out, the putrifying smell severely irritated him

"Sire but surely we are Ostwinds ally, we are honour bound to join them in this war"
"
The prince puffed slowly on the cigar, amazed at how the smoke could just linger and then disappear,

I wonder where it goes to he wondered, watching the last traces of his latest puff disappear into the mysterious void.

Becoming bored with he smoke he put the cigar on the ash tray and said

"We are only allied to Ostwind as a matter of national convenience, honour does not come to play, it may transpire that at the end of this war; we may be at war with Ostwind or perhaps even Kaelmark if they should gain too much of an advantage"

"But sire, surely we are at war with Kaelmark already, well at least my soldiers and I feel like we are".

The Prince smiled, "well of course you do Dupont, its a soldiers duty to fight, whether he is at war or not. Its the duty of Governments to decide when they are truly at war".
The Prince paused, still watching the smoke,

"You see Dupont we are assisting Ostwind in their war, we are not at war with Kaelmark."

There was a knock on the door

"Come in" General Dupont demanded.

"A courier entered the room, bowed to the Prince, and handed the General a message and then left.

General Dupont read the message and then handed it to the Prince

"Well Sire it seems the Kaelmark forces think they are at war with us, just as I did; they are advancing from Wintzig".

The Prince paused reading the letter, looking up at the general he said,

"This is good news general, we can settle the issue with Kaelmark here and now, after the battle we can hopefully talk some sense with them".

"Assuming we win sire, assuming we win" the General said.

The Prince nodded, "There is that Dupont, but we must win and you will carry the day for us General.
So what do you intend, Dupont. No doubt reinforce the walls of the city and let him attack us, beat their heads on the walls ahhh general".

The general gathered his hat and briefcase,

"No sire, fighting in a city is pointless and chaotic, we will meet them in a place I have located just a few miles outside the city, however sire, I must go now and join my army."

"Of course Dupont, you go, and good luck, and Dupont take the Imperial Guard regiment that I brought with me, I am sure you will need them more than I."


OCC - I will do a map later tonight.. busy at work at the moment.

ooc: Righto.

West of Wintzig

The Kaelmark 7th Army marched along a well-maintained trade road towards Perunia. It was still a good twenty miles to the city, and the army wouldn't be there until morning. Even still, General Webb took no chances. He had deployed a heavy screen of Dragoons to protect his route, and the fields to the flanks were thick with skirmishers.

The wagon and supply train had continual cavalry escorts and following the train were a hod-podge force of militia and regulars who were coming in from the countryside on their way to Posten, but joined 7th Army upon word that Posten was lost.

This growing, angry force continued its march. Along the way, they passed an unsteady trickle of men in smoke-splotched, bloody uniforms who had escaped the fighting at Davis Field and were now moving towards Duben, where the main Kaelmark army was assembling.

When possible, General Webb dispatched an empty wagon to pick up the wounded survivors of White and Martin's Regiments and take them to Duben.


Duben

The large, gothic-style city of Duben was situated at the base of a slope of leading up to cliffs that dropped off steeply for perhaps one hundred and fifty feet and overlooked a large lake to the south.

Despite the pouring rain, men were hard at work in the fields around Duben, setting up fortifications. Walls of earth and stone were constructed, with large platforms behind them for cannons, an elevated position for them in the event that the enemy attacked.

Beyond, the fields and woodlots were filled with tents and smokey fires. Horses roamed in herds in fenced in areas, eating their fill.

Emperor Guye himself of Kaelmark had come to Duben and currently stood in the mustering hall of the fort built on the hill. Dozens of people were gathered here, mostly military advisors and officers.

Emperor Guye had his hands clasped at the small of his back, looking on in concern as a pair of sergeants from the 1st Kaelmark Royal Guard, (His own bodyguard Regiment) escorted a boy into the hall. The boy had ridden a stolen horse night and day to arrive, and he was ragged. His soaking wet uniform was torn and still smeared with blood and ash and his skin was pale, a haunted look in his eye.

A Captain from the 1st Royal Guard stepped forward, "Your Majesty. This is John Hatch, he is a drummer in the 3rd Battalion of the 19th Regiment. We believe he may be the only survivor of the Third that hasn't been taken prisoner. As reported, all survivors of the battle were sent to Ostwind after being captured by Rechburg."

The boy bowed awkwardly to his Emperor. Guye stepped forward, setting a strong hand on the young man's shoulder, "There is no need for that, Private. Tell me, did your commanders survive the fighting?"

Hatch swallowed nervously, "Sire, Lieutenant-Martin died at Sagen and I'm told Major White was captured with the others. I.. I ran right after my dad died.. a horseman killed him." his voice broke, trying hard not to snuffle.

Emperor Guye's throat tightened, and he gave the boy's shoulder a squeeze. His voice became softer, more human, "You did the right thing, John. I am glad that you are here."

The boy reached under his shirt and pulled out a sodden, dirty bundle. He shook it out, showing the 3rd's Battalion Standard. An orange background, with a black eagle holding a coin in its mouth that read '19', clutching three arrows in its talons. Three, for 3rd of course. The flag was wet, smelled of smoke and had several bullet holes. "S.. sire, I saved our colors. I wanted to give them to you.."

Guye's bottom lip trembled, and he gently took the ragged banner in his hands, as if it were a delicate silk. He looked the boy in the eyes, his voice broke slightly "You honor me, sir. And I will see that the Third.. the Bloody Third Battalion is honored as well." He stepped back, holding the flag in his hands, to his chest. He looked to his surgeon, "See to Mister Hatch, please."

The surgeon nodded and lead the boy from the room. Emperor Guye looked down at the flag again, feeling tears run down his cheeks. He finally looked up at the officers and advisors, and announced in a voice of flame and iron, "This represents our cause. Our freedom! Our families! Our unyielding resolve!"

OOC: I suppose this is an intro of sorts. No idea where I want this to go.

Angenteria City
Holy Imperium of Angenteria

The sound of ringing bells could be heard across the cobblestone streets of Angenteria City. The capital city of the Holy Imperium of Angenteria, it was an grand city built in the neo-gothic style, standing the test of time. Workers across all the districts of the ancient city crowded the streets. Places of work were closing down for the day, and special edition issues of local newspapers were being issued for free to the gathering population. Well, to those who could read, that is. In a matter of minutes, the streets were lined with cheering citizens. The news seemed to be spreading quickly.

"The Emperor is dead!" They cried. "Long live the Emperor!"

The gates to the city was quite a scene indeed. Here, two lines of Imperial Guardsmen, dressed in their usual white uniforms, stood at full attention, their muskets pointed straight up towards the sky. Cheering citizens lined the sidewalks, eagerly waiting to catch a rare glimpse of the people who had lead their nation to greatness.

Finally, the gates to the city swung open, and a booming cheer greeted the sight. Three lines of hussar cavalry rode through the gates, their mounts slowed to a walk. This was followed by five lines of infantry, their white uniforms and polished muskets gleaming in the light. In the middle of the parade, however, stood the most important part of the procession. Two horse-drawn carriages, one open, one closed, were met with yet more cheering and showers of white rose petals. The open carriage displayed a closed and ornate white casket.

Emperor Francis Riektal II held the title of Emperor of the Holy Imperium for a good fifty-four years. His reign had seen the presence of massive reform and change within the Holy Imperium. Starting with what was previously regarded as rather quaint and aging medieval kingdom, his adventures at home and abroad during had brought all sorts of modern technology to the Holy Imperium. Bringing scholars, researchers, advisers, craftsmen, scientists, and architects from all over the world, he had transformed Angenteria into a true imperial power. He had totally reformed the legal structure, abolishing the dog-eat-dog ways of old and replacing it with an actual court of law. He had modernized the Imperial Guard, transforming it from a laughable medieval force into a strong and unified military, incorporating the latest advancements in weapons. He had created a navy with the construction of multi-decked ships of various classes, using the latest in cannon and sailing technology. He had reformed the ancient social structure, granting the lower classes official citizenship, along with a rather basic bill of rights. He had turned Angenteria into an international power, with the founding of the first colonies in the New World. He was hailed by many as "Angenteria's Peter."

He was a great man who had brought his country into the modern world. Now, his descendants would decide what to do with it.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Within the closed carriage, Princess Sophia Riektal (http://th04.deviantart.com/fs12/300W/i/2006/286/6/9/Lt__Noin_by_GeneralGM.jpg) sat, arms folded, as she gazed out the window, viewing the passing crowd. The oldest living child of Emperor Francis II, she would inherit the throne of Angenteria by ancient tradition. She was dressed in clothing that would sooner befit an officer in the Imperial Guard. She had always despised the dressed for ladies of the court, writing it off as "clothes worn by stuffy English women who believed that breathing was something that happened to other people."

However, it was not like there were many other candidates for the throne. The only possible male heir, her older brother Marcus, had succumbed to illness, and her younger brother, Gregory, was only 12 years old, and too young.

Now Sophia, only 26 years of age, would become the next Empress.

"So many people..." Gregory mused, standing on his tip-toes to look outside. "Are they all here to see Father?"

Sophia nodded, smiling slightly. Gregory was so young. So innocent. She sighed, returning her gaze to the window

The carriage proceeded swiftly down the streets of the city, greeted everywhere by the cheers of enthralled citizens and showers of white rose petals. Eventually, they reached the gates of the Imperial Palace, a large, neo-classical palace that stood in the center of the city that acted as the Imperial Family's official residence. The square in front of the palace was nearly full of cheering citizens, and the Royal Guard seemed to have their hands full keeping them from mobbing the royal procession. Once inside the cast-iron gates, the guards quickly ran forward, clanging them shut. Coming to a stop, two more guards moved up, taking positions at attention at the door of the carriage. The door swung open, and the royal siblings exited, proud and dignified in their finery. They were greeted by an older gentleman in a white, powdered wig and a long coat.

"Welcome home, Princess." He said, bowing appropriately in the presence of members of the Royal Family. "Or should I say...Empress?"

Sophia chuckled. "Thanks, Dimitri." Since her brother's death, she had undertaken great strides to prepare herself for her eventual inheritance of the crown. She had spent countless hours studying various subjects such as military tactics, scientific principles, foreign languages, and all the subjects that a sovereign should be familiar with. "But I'm not sure I'm ready for this."

They began to walk, escorted by Royal Guards, into the palace. "His Majesty certainly left some rather large shoes to fill." Dimitri replied, without a hint of exaggeration in his voice.

"He did..." Sophia replied, only paying half-attention. Her mind was swirling with all sorts of different thoughts. A reasonable feeling for someone in her situation.

"But fret not." Dimitri continued, looking down the corridor. "Your reign will be exciting indeed! The first Empress in one hundred and thirty two years! That's certainly something to be proud of, you know."

As they proceeded down the long corridor, Sophia's eyes averted toward the wall, where a portrait of her father was being hung alongside previous rulers. She only half-heard what Dimitri was saying. She still had to attend her father's funeral. And then there was her coronation to get over.

"...Perhaps..."

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/2ndmap.jpg


The ridges are rolling slopes, all are in the area of 300 ft high and not difficult to climb. They obscure troops behind and give a higher level of fire.

The Chateau is a large brick and rock building and outbuildings with a strong exterior wall which have been loopholed.
It is defended by 2 battalions of Foot guards and 1 Battalion of Light troops.

The tavern and Blacksmith buildings are strong buildings but no exterior boundary walls. They are defended by 2 Battalions of Line Inf. the walls of the building have been loop holed.

On the ridges can be seen artillery batteries the two closest to either side of the road are each 6 x 12 pdrs all others are 6 x 6pdr except for the battery closest to the chateau is 6 x 9 pdr Howitzers and 4 x 24pdr guns.

The remaining troops are obscured at the moment behind the ridge or the woods.

Your intelligence would report the following:-
1)In total there are approximately 20 - 24,000 Rechburg troops in the area, they may or may not be present on the field.

2) Yesterday an important person arrived in the city of Perunia, they came with 3 Battalions of Imperial Guards.

3) Reports indicate the Rechburg Brigade that was in Sagan may have left for Perunia, if so it must be several days before it arrives. Rumours indicate there may have been other Rechburg troops arrive there, none of this is certain as none of it has been verified by military personal.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/2ndmap.jpg


The ridges are rolling slopes, all are in the area of 300 ft high and not difficult to climb. They obscure troops behind and give a higher level of fire.

The Chateau is a large brick and rock building and outbuildings with a strong exterior wall which have been loopholed.
It is defended by 2 battalions of Foot guards and 1 Battalion of Light troops.

The tavern and Blacksmith buildings are strong buildings but no exterior boundary walls. They are defended by 2 Battalions of Line Inf. the walls of the building have been loop holed.

On the ridges can be seen artillery batteries the two closest to either side of the road are each 6 x 12 pdrs all others are 6 x 6pdr except for the battery closest to the chateau is 6 x 9 pdr Howitzers and 4 x 24pdr guns.

The remaining troops are obscured at the moment behind the ridge or the woods.

Your intelligence would report the following:-
1)In total there are approximately 20 - 24,000 Rechburg troops in the area, they may or may not be present on the field.

2) Yesterday an important person arrived in the city of Perunia, they came with 3 Battalions of Imperial Guards.

3) Reports indicate the Rechburg Brigade that was in Sagan may have left for Perunia, if so it must be several days before it arrives. Rumours indicate there may have been other Rechburg troops arrive there, none of this is certain as none of it has been verified by military personal.

ooc: :eek: It looks like Waterloo...

OCC

Yes very good, sort of what I pictured - dammit another history buff:)

I will do a preamble set up later today, the next two days are a bit tough for me as I have family coming for a holiday, I will be RPing but not as much or for long. Hopefully its enough to get the battle done quickly.

General Dupont rode up to the crest of the ridge, looking east towards the enemy he could see nothing, but he knew behind that ridge and behind those WOODS an army was approaching.

Looking north and south along his own ridge he could see the artillery was in place, the gunners were all at “stand easy” and many had campfires going getting ready to boil a brew of various sorts. Behind the reverse slopes of his ridge was assembled his army, 1 ½ Divisions of infantry and what equates to a Division of cavalry.
His army were veterans, some even Guards, so he felt confident about the quality; it was the dwindling numbers that concerned him most.

As he looked across the valley to his right he could see the pioneers were just leaving the chateau with its strong high walls, they had loop hold the wall as well as constructed a raised parapet behind the wall that men could move along and fire.
The whole complex being defended by some guard battalions and light infantry, the chateau was supported from the ridge by the corp artillery, which included 24 pdr guns and 9 pdr howitzers.

In the centre the tavern and blacksmiths shops were not as substantial an obstacle as the chateau, but they did dominate the central position.

The General staff rode along the ridge with their General, the General then turned to one of his aides Captain Huber,

“Hans would you be so kind as to order the 2nd and 3rd jaegers to the front of the ridge in open order, the others can remain where they are. Also keep the light cavalry further to the flanks, but out of view for now”.

He looked around one final time, feeling satisfied he now like his army had to wait.

OCC

Yes very good, sort of what I pictured - dammit another history buff:)


ooc: :p Next you're going to have me charging across a mile-long field towards a little stone wall. :D

IC:

4 miles west of Dupont

As the sun began to slip behind the horizon, General Webb called a halt to the march. They would make camp here and then leave in the morning to commence the battle. The army stepped off the road and began to set up their tents and dig company firepits.

Picket posts were choosen by the cavalry and assignements set up while General Webb and his command staff gathered for a brief strategy discussion. While they spoke of the next day's march and their goals as well as organizing the small units of militia and regulars who had joined during the march.

The wagon train pulled off the road and came to a halt. The artillery was parked in neat rows near the center of the Kaelmark camp where their crews could give them a good cleaning and oil the wheels and carriages.

A blue haze of camp smoke rose over the tents as men made their meals and sat around the fires talking. Battalion bands began to play at either end of the camp, enjoying a friendy duel of fifes and drums.

The battle would commence in the morning.

OCC

ooc: Next you're going to have me charging across a mile-long field towards a little stone wall.


No I didnt have you pegged as a daft bugger, sneaky and persistant bugger maybe.:)

OCC




No I didnt have you pegged as a daft bugger, sneaky and persistant bugger maybe.:)

ooc: >.>

<.<

:D

IC:

4am

The army had rested well the previous evening and in the darkness of early morning, bugles began to sound out. The cooks were already up and men went to get a plate of food before bringing down their tents and stashing their bedrolls.

Ten minutes was spared for a final examination of equipment, and then at half past the hour units were gathering on the road to march west.

Overnight scouts had gone to the eastern ridge opposite the Rechburg position and mapped out the terrain by moonlight, and these rough maps were in General Webb's hands as he rode his horse along the road between two Regiments of infantry.

By 5:30 am, the first Kaelmark troops were arriving at the east ridge. Battalion and Regimental commanders rode up and down the position, getting their troops where they were needed.

The artillery was positioned to sweep the flat area between the ridges, and in the Kaelmark south, General Webb ordered batteries of mortars behind the trees where they would be protected. The long range, arcing mortars would be able to support most of the fighting from there.

And as the sun begain to light the sky, thousands of eyes turned towards the Rechburg-occupied ridge, looking for the enemy.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8586/2ndmapkaelpos.png

Letter to Dupont

Dear Mr. Dupont,

I am glad to hear that you are in good health and that your army has been successful thus far. I congratulate you on your victory over militia and straggelers but hope that you will advance in a timely manner.

You will be happy to know that I have recieved word that the prisoners you captured have arrived at Tonvel in Ostwind. Trials will begin immedietly, and I look forward to recieving confirmation that the scoundrels have been hanged for their resistance.

I have also taken the liberty of ordering three thousand conscripts to march to Sagen per your request. They will help with the occupation and should arrive within three days of this letter. Should Sagen become undefendable, you are ordered to burn the city to the ground.

You are ordered to proceed with all haste to crush the Kaelmark army at Wintzig between yourself and Duben. You must then march on Duben, where we expect to find the bulk of Kaelmark's 2nd, 3rd and 4th Corp.

Regards, General vonFric


Near Beslitz

The Christstan ships approaching Beslitz had been cleared to proceed to the port. Beslitz was the gem of Kaelmark's ports, the largest military and trade port in the region. As the Christstan vessels approached the harbor they would bear witness to a forest of tall masts and wide, beautiful ships.

The ships were painted orange and black, the Kaelmark Royal Navy colors and there were many ships-of-the-line present as well as frigates. Most of the ships sat out at anchor in the harbor, waiting in long, neat rows as the last provisions were being loaded onto those ships still docked.

The Harbor Master sent out a small boat to meet the Christstan ships, and guide them towards an empty row of docks on the south side of the harbor under the big guns of a fort. Waiting on shore was a delegation of Kaelmark officials.

Beslitz Harbor

The great fleet was humbled by the vast quantity of ships at port. Kaelmark had quite the navy, however it would likely be on the ground where the war was decided. Christstan had long favored ground warfare to naval, with its feared Cavalry and solid infantry, Christstan had few reasons to construct a navy of vast proportions. The admiral looked on in awe, envisioning the power of such a fleet at sea. This was Kaelmark's weapon, and they would have to mobilize it quickly if they intend for it to be decisive in the war. Christstan's vessels were black and white, and could easily be identified from the Kaelmark ships.

All the ships at port made to difference to Prince Joesph, if they were at port, then they were not being used in the war and thus made no difference. He wished to get onto the field and get more news from the front. Admiral von Hagel met witht he harbor master and instructed the ships to follow. Prince Joesph said nothing, he stood at the bow looking on at the delegation assembled. He wore his white dress uniform, indicating royalty, adorned with the various orders he was associated with and honors he had received.

When the ships had docked, the planks were lowered and Prince Joesph was the first to exit the ship, followed by his staff officers while several trumpeters played the herald for royalty. When all the officers were off, the trumpeters ceased and Prince Joesph smiled at the group. He looked at the assembled people right left to right and then turned to his aide and put out his white gloved hand. The aide put a piece of paper in his hand and he unraveled it and read it, "His Imperial Majesty sends his regards to the Emperor Guye and his family. As a sign of his commitment to the current alliance of our people, he has sent an army of 15,000 of some of Christstan's finest, under the command of His Imperial highness, Prince Joesph von Weiger. This preliminary force has been sent and more may be allocated to your cause upon request by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Guye."

He put the paper back into the hands of the aide and smiled again, a cocky, arrogant kind of smile and said, "That would be me. These are my soldiers, experienced fighters and professionals. I hope our presence may aid your cause in some way."

----------------

ooc:

Christstan Order of Battle

1. Christstany Expeditionsarmee (1st Christstany Expeditionary Army)
Commander: Prinz Joesph (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Archdukecharles1.jpg) (Rank of Lt. General)
Strength: 15,414 Soldiers (12,100 Infantry, 2,480 Cavalry, 834 Artillerymen), 58 Guns (40 Light, 18 Heavy)

Advanced Guard - n/a (3,100 Infantry)
5th Maxon Jäger Battalion - Major Karl von Boch (800 Jagers)
3rd Reichstaat Grenadier Battalion - Major Erwin von Geitle (805 Grenadiers)
7th Reichstaat Grenadier Battalion - Major Albert Ackerman (805 Grenadiers)
4th Saxon Fusilier Battalion - Major Johan Getman (690 Fusiliers)

I. Division - Maj. Gen. Joachim Kaufmann [6157 Soldiers (4500 Infantry, 1240 Cavalry, 417 Artillerymen) 29 Guns (20 Light, 9 Heavy)]

Artillery [29 Guns (20 Light, 9 Heavy), 417 Soldiers]
II. Foot Artillery Company (9th Foot Battery 6 6prds 2 7pdr Howitzers, 10th Foot battery 6 12prds 2 7pdr Howitzers, 2nd Mortars 3 6" Mortars) [19 Guns, 225 Soldiers] - Major Lukas Huber
IV. Horse Artillery Company (2nd Horse battery 4 12prds, 4th Horse battery 4 6prds, 9th Horse Mortar Battery 2 6" Mortars) [10 Guns, 192 Soldiers] - Lt. Col. Leon Schweitzer

I. Infantry Brigade - Brig. Gen. Arnold von Colburg (4,500 Infantry)
1st Maxon Infantry Regiment - Col. Albrecht Bauer
3rd Maxon Infantry Regiment - Lt. Col. Christian Sauerbier
2nd Rochburg Infantry Regiment - Col. Karl Bauermann

I. Cavalry Brigade - Col. Bernhard Schäfer (1240 Cavalry)
9th Reichstaat "Death's Head" Hussars Lt. Col. Leopold von Roggenfelder
5th Hamlin Dragoons Lt. Col Manfred Schlesinger

II. Division - Maj. Gen. Franz von Rilke [6157 Soldiers (4500 Infantry, 1240 Cavalry, 417 Artillerymen) 29 Guns (20 Light, 9 Heavy)]

Artillery [29 Guns (20 Light, 9 Heavy), 417 Soldiers]
III. Foot Artillery Company (4th Foot Battery 6 6prds 2 7pdr Howitzers, 11th Foot battery 6 12prds 2 7pdr Howitzers, 1st Mortars 3 6" Mortars) [19 Guns, 225 Soldiers] - Major Ludwig Schoepke
V. Horse Artillery Company (3rd Horse battery 4 12prds, 5th Horse battery 4 6prds, 10th Horse Mortar Battery 2 6" Mortars) [10 Guns, 192 Soldiers] - Col. Klemens Zimmermann

II. Infantry Brigade - Brig. Gen. Frederick William Buxhowden (4,500 Infantry)
1st Riechstaat Infantry Regiment - Col. Wilhelm Schultz
2nd Riechstaat Infantry Regiment - Lt. Col. Otto Meyer
3rd Saxon Infantry Regiment - Col. Christof von Koch

II. Cavalry Brigade - Col. Erich Krupke (1240 Cavalry)
4th Reichstaat Hussars - Major Ulrich Färber
1st Saxon Cuirassier Lt. Col Waldemar Klein

OCC - WOW Christan that is an excellent order of battle, very nice and well done.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/2ndmapkaelpos-1.png

General Dupont woke early, in fact he had not slept very much at all. Many things worried the General, and sadly they were things out of his control.

Why had the Prince turned up, and why now? The good side had been he brought three Guard battalions and some artillery.
It seemed his honour was to be tested, in the first instance the Ostwinds fought war in a very unchivalrous manner, in fact he considered it barbaric.
Secondly the Prince seemed to be indicating Rechburg may not assist Ostwind to the maximum, which for an ally was less than honourable.

He pulled his boots on and adjusted his sword, as he opened the flaps of his tent there before him in amongst the mist and smoke were elements of his army.
As far he could see, both left and right, the army seemed to be springing to life.
The sun was rising, the day would be warm, at least there had been no rain and that had to be a bonus.

His staff were already assembled around the desk which had been establish in fron of his tent.

There were a considerable new number of officers that had come with either the replacements, with the Guard regiments or were simply the royal hanger - ons.

"Well gentlemen, how does the day look for us?"

"Colonel Murat stepped up to the map, sir we have mapped out the positions that are visible to us, and like us they disclose very little. Your army is assmembled and ready sir, I have hussars outwide patrolling on the flanks, so we wont be surprised out from there".

The General looked around, not far from him he could see a hospital tent with all its tables bare but ready for their gory tasks. Further along he could see rows of infantry and the Cavalry standing proudly, almost arrogantly.

"Right gentlemen lets have some breakfast and wait for our friends over yonder to ponder their next move"

Angenteria City

The next morning, the city was again abuzz with activity, citizens crowded the streets of the Angenteria City, held back from clogging it completely by white-uniformed guardsmen, who diligently kept a path open through the streets. However, the tone of the people had changed. Just a day before, they were cheering and patriotic citizens, happily swinging their flags around two and fro. Today, their attitude had changed completely. They were quiet, cooperative, and very mellow. Those who were better off dressed in finery, mainly solid colors, and mainly black and white.

Well, they had good reason to be. This morning was the funeral ceremony of the Late Emperor Francis.

Royal Guards swung open the cast-iron gates to the Imperial Palace, and the Emperor's funeral procession began their somber march. Soldiers marched out at a slower pace in neat, ordered rows, their pace kept by the beating of regimental drums. The Emperor's carriage, the same one from the day previous, was black, and open-topped, and displayed a closed, ornate casket. The people were silent as the procession passed by, looking onward at the black casket that carried the body of their Emperor to his final resting place.

The Royal family was not too far behind in an carriage of their own, moving to pay their last respects to their father.

The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Basilica Imperialis, a large gothic cathedral built sometime in the 15th century, and the casket was carried inside by Royal Guards, with Princess Sophia and Prince Gregory walking adjacent to them.

The funeral service lasted for two hours, with all the proper blessings received and incantations uttered by the grace of God. Those present at the funeral, mainly the friends and family of His Majesty, payed their respects to their Emperor, before he was laid to rest alongside that of his ancestors.

Her Majesty looked onward as the proceedings went on, composed and dignified. She did not cry for her father. While she indeed mourned his death and loved her father as much as a child could, she was not sad. This was her time, her reign. It was time for her to take the center stage, and lead Angenteria onwards into the future.

Beslitz Harbor

Admiral Blu stood at the end of the dock, watching as the Christstan delegation came down the ramp from their ship. At the introduction his eyebrows rose somewhat under his wide-brimmed and feathered hat. Royalty here?

He spoke, not exactly sure what to say to the Prince. "I see. Well then, welcome sir.. ah, M'Lord to Kaelmark. Your aid is greatly appreciated and welcomed. I'm afraid Emperor Guye has been out of touch as of lately." The Admiral turned and looked down the length of the dock towards the city, and then out into the harbor. A launch was waiting nearby to take him to his flagship, HMS Kaelmark.

(Ignore the British ensign here. ^.^)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/37/HMS_St._Lawrence_001.jpg/220px-HMS_St._Lawrence_001.jpg

HMS Kaelmark was a 112 gun first-rate ship-of-the-line with thirty-two 32pdr long guns and two 50pdr carronades on the upper deck, thirty-six 24pdr long guns on the middle deck and twenty-eight 32pdr carronades, four 24pdr long guns, and two 50pdr carronades on the lower deck. Designed to completely smash anything it came up against, HMS Kaelmark had been the flagship of the Royal Navy since her commission two years previously.

Admiral Blu smiled at the Prince, "I imagine it'll take you a while to unload your equipment and men." He then turned to point down the quay towards a large stone building, "That is the Harbor Master's Office. They will send out some laborers to help with the unloading. I bid you Godspeed to get your army to Duben as quickly as possible. It is 200 miles."

Admiral Blu saluted the Princea and climbed down a ladder into the waiting launch. "Your fleet will be safe here, M'Lord Joseph. I can promise you that." The sailors began to row towards Kaelmark and Admiral Blu sat down.

Webb

General Webb looked out over the ridge with his spyglass and examined the enemy's positions. "This Dupont. He's chosen good ground for himself. Those stone buildings down there will be the keystone to his entire position. The reverse slope of that ridge hides whatever forces he has back there, but it also prevents them from being able to stop our advance unless they move to the top."

"Very well then. I want our Dragoons to continue patrols on the flanks. Assemble three Regiments on our south side, behind the woods. We will take those buildings first. Prepare the artillery. I want the howitzers, mortars and the southern six pounders ready to fire on my word. In the meantime, send out a rider under a parlay flag. Lets meet this Dupont face-to-face shall we?"

Five minutes later, a cluster of Dragoons rode forward under the parlay flag, cantering into the cornfield north of the blacksmith and waiting.

A cavalryman arrived at Duponts tent,

"Sir the Kaelmark's want to parley"

"Hmmm well of course they do".

He put on his hat and walked out of the tent with general Davout

"You know Davout, if these Kaelmarks fight as good as they talk, we may very well be in trouble."

He walked over to his horse and hauled his small body up on to the horse, "

"Why don't you join us Davout, I always think its healthy to meet with your enemy before you try to kill him".

With that said, both Generals rode over the crest and down to meet the Kaelmark officers.

General Webb waited, watching as the enemy party closed in. Once they came to a halt he nudged his horse forward a few steps. Behind him, the Dragoons held their flags upright, flapping somewhat in the breeze.

General Webb nodded to them, "General Dupont I assume. I am General Webb." He dofted his hat, the artilleryman's badge on his chest flashing in the sunlight. "Sir, I must demand that you turn your army around immedietly and return to Rechburg. I am permitted to offer you full opportunity to keep your arms and equipment and your honor intact. There is no need for your men to die for Ostwind."

He brought his gloved hands down to rest on his saddlehorn, expression a bit distant as he considered. "There is no way you can win this campaign honorably. My Emperor is gathering his strength and once he crushes the Ostwind army, you will be deep in our territory with no support. I say this out of practicality and common sense."

Beslitz

It took almost an entire day to unload the campaign supplies, arms, and horses for over 15,000 soldiers. Joesph was growing impatient. 200 miles was a huge distance to cover, his men would be worn out before the first shot was fired. The Admiral hadn't stopped to talk, which the Prince found to be quite rude, and all he knew was that he was expected 200 miles away at Duben. He shook his head. He called his aide, "get Major Farber, tell him to send scouts out to get me some damn intel on this bloody situation. They cant possibly expect me to march my entire army into the middle of their damn war blindly!"

He almost began to shout at his aide but realized that he had nothing to do with it so he stopped. He looked to his second, Franz his brother and said, "The men wont like it but this calls for the tactics of Schnell Schlange (Swift Snake). We march at least 15 miles per day, with a days rest on Sunday till we reach Duben. We will arrive in two weeks time, hopefully the position remains. IF we are on our own, we strike fast, and hard, and pull out. We cannot afford to commit our troops as yet till we know the current situation."

Now they would have to wait for the reports, after they came in, the army began to march toward Duben.

General Dupont took of his hat and bowed in as graceful manner as possible, after listening to general Webb.

"General, your offer does you honour, but as you well know it is an offer I cannot accept; as generous as it maybe.
The war between Kaelmark and Ostwind has as you know drawn in other parties, of which Rechburg is only one, I could not and would not besmirch the honour and reputation of Rechburg at this time. We are an ally of Ostwind for better or worse, I am a mere soldier and as such I am a instrument of my Government, thus I am bound by the treaties of my Government.

Sadly my dear Webb, we are at a moment of impasse, I believe the only possible answer to such an impasse will come at the end of the battle, not before".

Beslitz

The reason for Admiral Blu's abruptness became obvious soon after his launch reached HMS Kaelmark. The massive sails of the warship unfurled and the flagship turned its bow to the mouth of the harbor. In a long procession, the rest of the fleet followed. Fifty warships setting sail to take the war to sea.

Waiting at the Harbor Master's Office was an army officer, a Colonel. Upon seeing the Christstan delegation he stepped out and offered the Prince a sealed letter with a salute. The letter bore the Kaelmark Imperial Seal.

Dispatch:

Dear sir,

I am currently at Duben preparing my army for a strike against the Ostwind vanguard that has marched from Posten. Depending on the haste which Ostwind marches, by the time this letter reaches you battle may be already joined. Please forgive me for not being present to meet you at Beslitz but as I am sure you understand, the situation is most grave.

I have not spoken with your Prince (Obviously, Guye didn't know the Prince himself would come) and I am not authorized to give you commands of any sort. Therefore, I ask that you make all due haste to Duben. I have ordered wagons and horses assembled outside of Beslitz to speed your travels.

Please send my regards to your Prince.

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Guye of Kaelmark


The Colonel saluted again and spoke up, "M'Lord, battle has not yet commenced at Duben. There have been heavy rains in the area and the Ostwind army has been bogged down. It may be another week before battle begins."


Webb

General Webb shook his head slowly, rubbing at his chin as he considered his options. He finally straightened up in his saddle, looking at Dupont seriously. "This war your government is waging is wrong, sir. Perhaps in your life as you look back upon this, you will regret it." He gave a formal salute, and then turned his horse back towards his own lines. Webb was hardly a diplomat, and Dupont's stubborness to proceed with the slaughter was evidence enough that he could not change the fellow's mind.

Beslitz

The Prince nodded and took the letter, his army was already marching towards Duben and his scouts had filled him in on the most recent battles. He looked to the colonel, "I thank you, my forces have begun the march to Duben, your wagons and horses will hasten our travels greatly. We should arrive before the battle begins." He returned the salute and left the office. His aide was holding his horse Tiberius outside for him. The great white war horse was among the best bred in Christstan, taken from the royal stables.

He mounted his horse and cantered to the head of the long column that was his army. It was customary for generals to lead marches from the front. Now he would have to press on his army. Most of the heavy goods and supplies were in the wagons and not on the soldiers backs so they would move faster, all they carried was their muskets, powder horn, and shot bag. The army was moving quickly, and Joesph took it as a personal test of honor to get the army to Duben before the battle began.

(I will post a few marching posts so as to make it take longer for my troops get there.

OCC - sadly I cant post until late tonight new zealand time.

(OOC: Sorry I couldn't post today. I have a major economics test tomorrow. I will have something done by tomorrow.)

Once general Dupont bid farewell to the Kaelmark General he rode back to his ridge, from its crest, he sat and observed the valley.
Clearly the batteries on the ridges were too far apart to engage in accurate counter battery fire, for some the 6pdrs and howitzers for example they were clearly out of range; for others it was simply impossible to aim with any degree of accuracy.
The same problems would be at hand for the enemy, so clearly they will engage the buildings first. The chateau didn’t worry him overly; it was strong and had been reinforced by the pioneers the previous day, so it could withstand any amount of battering.
The tavern and blacksmith shop in the centre of his line however would suffer damage, but the longer it took the Kaelmark to batter them, the better for him, as he had reinforcements on the way from Sagan. They were due to arrive later in the day.

Keeping his units behind the hill kept them out of harms way, he could bring them forward in response to the enemy’s moves, keeping them under cover until the last moment; all the while the attacking enemy units would be exposed to heavy fire.

As he looked along the reverse slope of his ridge, he was concerned to see the Prince riding up to him.

“Ahhh well met Dupont, a good day for a battle ehhh, dare say we are going to give those Kaeliwag people a decent bashing .. hmmm what.”

General Dupont wondered to himself

Does this man truly try hard to be a prat, or does it come naturally

“Sire, I must insist for your own protection that you go back to Perunia, beside if my army should see you suffer a wound it may cause a collapse; so great is their love for your person, sire”.

“Damn, you are right Dupont, careless of me; I will not allow myself to be the cause of any distress to our army; reassure the army that I am well and my thoughts are with them. Reluctantly, I will leave this field of battle, but I will fight along with my men in spirit” the prince said.

“Sire, the men will fight like lions, knowing of your love and concern for them”.

The Prince then left the field; a very relieved General Dupont then turned to his commanders.

“Gentlemen, return to your commands, the day is about to commence I suspect”.

Webb's Ridge

Webb positioned his horse along the eastern ridge near the road. Looking to the south he could see his mortars being joined by horse-drawn howitzers. To the north, the 12 and 24 pound long artillery were bringing their guns to point towards the blacksmith.

He finally nodded, to his signalman, "Commence the bombardment." The signalman lifted his trumpet and sounded a few notes. Beside him, a pair of flagmen waved their signal flags.

And to the south behind the trees, the 16 mortars began to fire one after another as they established their ranging shots.

Observing from the ridge, Webb noted gouts of flame and black smoke as the mortar rounds fell just short of the Chateau's walls. He gestured, "Signal the mortar batteries. Increase range by fifty yards." The flagmen waved their signals again while the gunners adjusted their aim and reloaded. They would resume their fire, beginning to drop their shells on the Chateau, a mixture of solid shot to punch through the roof, and explosive shell to kill soldiers.

Along the ridge, the 12 and 24 pounders were firing at the blacksmith, using solid shot which would be able to penetrate stone walls after several hits. Blasting away at the smithy.

Webb looked on in satisfaction as the southern 6pdr batteries positioned themselves. The 6pdr was really the workhorse of the Kaelmark military, being fairly fast to reload and with pretty good accuracy. The 6pdrs held back, waiting for the event that the Rechburg artillery moved forward to engage. The 6pdrs would serve as counter-battery.

Berstein

The long train of soldiers, livestock, and supplies was now passing through Bernstein. The city seemed on edge as this foreign army marched unaccompanied by their own troops through their country. The farmers along the way had shut themselves and their livestock in for fear of being raided. These actions greatly offended Prince Joesph as he was half expecting a parade and flowers to be thrown at his men as they passed through. He was then on determined to win the love of these people, he deeply desired to be loved by all and be held in such esteem as he was in Christstan. He gave strict instructions for the men to be on their best behavior while marching through Kaelmark, and he still had them marching in parade, rather than campaign uniforms. He was something of an egotist, and the emperor warned him to not let his pride get in the way of his command, but it fell on deaf ears largely. Nothing short of a statue and parade would temper his lust for glory.

They left the town as quickly as they arrived. The quartermaster had refilled some of the provisions used but he had stayed behind and ran the horses in order to catch up. Joesph would not stop. He ached for battle - the chance to prove himself and truly win the hearts of people who already did not love him due to his position. Christstany soldiers would perform or die on these fields that were not their own. It was a matter of personal and national pride for Joesph and the army, and they all felt it. They were told that meritorious actions here would be greatly rewarded, as the emperor seeks to impress his ally.

Edit: Don't mean to rp your people, just wanted to put something other than they marched through "x"

Duponts Ridge

Dupont watched the Kaelmark guns pound both his forward positions, the château was holding despite the roof of the château collapsing in. Fortunately most of the flammables had been moved out prior to battle, now with the roof gone the building was able to be used as a interior defensive position.

The losses in and around the château were reasonable light. The forces inside having had shelters dug and now the roof collapsed they had even more timber to reinforce the tops of the their cover.

What did concern him was the ease that the tavern and blacksmith shop were being demolished by the continuous rain of fire.
He sent messages forward that the defenders were to pull back and take up open order positions. By the time the messages were received and obeyed the buildings were flattened and a burning mess.

The main infantry on the reverse slope of the ridge had been brought up but were lying down so they were quite safe from fire, yet ready to attack or defend as circumstances required.
Behind the cavalry and reserve artillery remained well rested and out of danger.

Angenteria City
Imperial Palace

Sophia Riektal looked at herself in the mirror, and ran a long, slender hand through her hair. She stood quietly on a small stool as two attendants made the final adjustments to her regalia. It was overly large, and smelled like a hundred people had worn it before. To top it all off, it was itchy. The ancient robes of the Emperor of Angenteria were not exactly the most auspicious choice when thinking of mobility. She folded her arms, which were covered with the long sleeves of her regalia.

She looked away from the mirror, towards the two items, which attendants held with the utmost of care. The first was a long, golden scepter, part of the Emperor's royal regalia. The insignia of the Riektal Dynasty, an eagle inscribed with a cross, stood at the top. Second was an sword, held firm in a golden sheath. It was said to belong to the first Riektal Emperor when he had assumed the throne, and had been kept in the best condition the smiths could keep it in.

A knock on the door brought her mind back to the present.

"Come in." She called.

The door opened, and Dimitri stepped through, with two royal guardsmen at his flanks. They stood at perfect attention, taking positions at either side of the door. Dimitri himself was wearing a long white coat and shirt, with a silk cravat neatly hanging from his neck. He smiled slyly.

"Well, you certainly look royal enough."

"I only have to wear this thing for the ceremony, right?"

"You can do what you want, you're the Empress."

"This is true." Sophia pondered. She couldn't wait to be done with this thing. The two attendants stood up, and bowed.

"Your Majesty..." one said "...we've finished preparing your regalia."

"Thank you." Sophia said simply, stepping down from the stool. The attendants holding the sword and scepter approached. With utmost care, the buckled the sword onto her wait, and presented her the scepter. Taking it, she held it in her right hand. It was heavy, and as tall as she was.

"Shall we go?"

"Please."

Together, the two walked from the room, escorted by attendants and guards. A monarch did not show up to the coronation alone. They were silent all the way to the main foyer, a large, decorated room with two equally large oak doors. The roar of the crowd could be heard from the outside. The people were gathering to see their new leader with their very own eyes.

Dimitri was sure he heard Sophia sigh.

"Don't be nervous." He said, smiling. "I'm told there's only about a thousand of them."

Sophia chuckled. Only he would have the nerve to speak to her like that. He certainly had character.

"Only a thousand?"

"Only a thousand." He replied, as if he was commenting on his morning tea.

The doors swung open, bathing the area in sunlight. The roar of the people was deafening.

Sophia stepped forward.

The rest, as they say, was history.

(OOC: Fret not! The actual interaction will commence in the next post!)

West of Bernstein, the Christstan army would come upon a suprise. In an act of pre-planning and organization, Emperor Guye had ordered thousands of fresh oxen, horses and mules assembled alongside the road at what he called a 'Way Station'.

It was here that fresh beasts of burden could be swapped out with exhausted ones and hooked up to the wagons and gun carriages. Hundreds of Imperial engineers stood by to complete the process themselves, leaving the Christstan army several hours to rest and eat what hundreds more cooks had prepared for them. Massive cauldrons of corn and oat meal, entire cows baked over fires, canned vegetables and importantly, bread and butter and bacon, high-energy foods.

In the thick of it all, another Kaelmark Colonel found the Prince. He saluted, "M'Lord. His Majesty sends his regards and bids your men to rest here and eat plenty while we get your oxen swapped out and wagons hooked up. He also has made arrangements at Belzig for your men. Fresh beds, meals and saftey. He suggests that if you wish, you may leave most of the ammunition for your cannons here. There will be plenty at Duben, and there is an additional stockpile at Belzig." This would save many tons of wagon space and speed things up some.

Webb's Ridge

The General watched in satisfaction as the blacksmith was left in ruins. He ordered his 12 and 24 pounders to cool for a while and watched the continued bombardment of the Chataeu. The high-arcing mortar rounds lobbed into the courtyard, or onto the collapsed roof.. where they would begin to fall upon the upper floors.

"Most excellent." Webb turned in his saddle and gestured to the south. "Move the auxillary up behind the mortars near the treeline. The same to the north. Make sure there are no infiltrators moving through the woods."

And moments later, out of sight of the Rechburgs for the most part, skirmishers moved to the treelines, searching for any sign of the enemy.

As the Kaelmark skirmirshers moved into the woods they came across off Rechurg defences where the Jaegers had built breastworks inside the woods.
The defences were not visible from the woods edge, thus were not noticed.
The withering fire from the hidden jaegers would likely cause considerable surprise to the advancing Kaelmark units.

General Webb noticed some of the Kaelmark artillery preparing to move, clearly they were moving to the edge of the woods, but were being held back owing to the defenders inside the wood.

The Recgburg artillery officers held their fire, having registered the ranges of their guns the previous day, they were aware that the effective range for the guns and howitzers was the west side of the wood, so as not to waste ammunition or tire the crews they still with held their fire.

Meanwhile the pounding of the chateau continued. Casualties mounted but were slo, replacements were trickeled in through a back wall door as they were needed.
Some damage had been done to the parapet, but they was being repaired. the walls had received numerous hits, but largely they were strong and withstood the damage.
The collatoral damage to the buildings inside was significant, but still considering the fire it was acceptable.

General Dupont, eagerly kept looking to the west to see the dust clouds of the approaching reinforcements, but there were none.
It was slowly dawning on Dupont that he would have to fight this battle with the troops he had. He was confident he had the edge in quality, as for numbers only time would tell; and slowly time ticked by.

OCC

We may need to keep a watch on the time distance thing.

It took me a week to reach Perunia (admittedly 1 day was spent fighting 2 battles). The Christian army landed when I reached Perunia which was yesterday in game time (according to my reckoning) and already the Christaian army has advanced a 100 miles to Bernstein.

I acknowledge you are using wagons, but do remember that in the 1700s to move a army of 60,000 men required 20,000 horses and that was with the men marching. To add horses and wagons to move the men and food would have been been colossal. I know the Christian army doesn't have 60,000 men, that is the figures my research gave, so you can figure it at roughly for every 3 men required 1 horse.
Even using wagons, I would assume 40 miles a day to be excellent movement considering the roads of the period and breakdowns etc.

I'm not complaining, just concerned that we keep the ratios about the same.
Its one of the reasons Dupont is worried about his reinforcements, because they were meant to have arrived yesterday and still haven't.
And they wont because I have calculated that they march 4 days and rest 1,( which seemed usual, except for napoleons 1806 to march to Ulm which was beyond the norm) which means they will arrive tomorrow, a day late... siiiigh.

The Prince returned the salute from the colonel from atop his saddle. He was quite surprised by the whole set up and his men were thrilled. Joesph was annoyed however, he wished to press on, but he would not refuse the hospitality of the Emperor himself. Plus, this would allow for the rations they brought to stretch longer. He knew it would harm morale if he kept the army moving so he allowed the column to stop to eat. Joesph nodded as the colonel spoke, "I thank you on behalf of myself, my troops, and his majesty the emperor. We will take up your offer and abandon our cannon ammunition here. This will greatly increase our speed. We will set out and rest again at Belzig before marching onto Duben."

If no more words were exchanged, the Prince and his entourage retired to the headquarters tent. Joesph, as was customary for Christstany generals, ate only when and what his men ate and thus partook of the food prepared inside his headquarters tent. It was acceptable to his palette and he was sure his men took it as a welcome change to the usual dry bread and salty meat they usually ate on campaigns. He sent a message through the ranks that should the army find first victory, then beer would be sent out through the ranks. It was usually not advised to have soldiers drink on campaign, but the morale boost and incentive would be great in the coming battle.

After several hours of rest, which many men took to sleep after eating, the army continued on its march, still determined to march the minimum 15 miles for the day, which they would do quickly, and tomorrow, minimum distance would be increased to 25 miles per day, with small intervals for rest. The freed wagon carts would be used to lighten the burden on the soldiers, and transport some soldiers by wagon, to increase speed. Soon they would be in Belzig.

edit:I thought we were doing a post order type of thing, because of the posting requirements, hence the reason I am dragging this march out so long. If it is a rl time schedule, then I will slow my troops down a lot.

occ

If you are marching 10 - 15 miles per day was normal, a forced march of 25 miles is ok, but you need to rest every 3-4 days, which is why my reinforcements march 4 rest 1 and they arent slowed by artillery.
When Marlborough marched to the Danube in the Blenheim campaign they could march 2 marches in 1 day if they didn't have artillery. When lumbered with artillery it was down to 1 march per day. One march = 10 - 15 miles per day. I have suggested we make 1 march = 20 miles with artillery, just to keep the time rolling.

If you are stuck for posts during your march you can post about happenings with your men or the commanders.

For example in my own side I have recently introduced the Prince who will be scheming and thus hopefully providing me with secondary story posts.

I understand that but are we going to do a rl day to miles ratio or how are we going to do this?

I guess we can leave that up to kaelmark as its his show. When it was 2 players it was easier, but I do understand that with more players we need to make a situation where tactical time and strategic time can met.

Perhaps we just observe a voluntary strategic restraint while battles are fought, that is as I suggested earlier those units moving strategically can RP other activity until the battle is over.

Some of the delays in this battle have been my fault as I have been busy with family visitors over the weekend, hopefully now we can move the tactical time along a bit.

As far as I am aware we would have been fighting for about an hour, so lets say its 10am.

ooc: sigh.. and the arguing begins. It should just be RP'd.

I dont think either of us are arguing, we are just wondering how we work the time distance thing.
I mean its silly for all of us if during and hour or two of battle in one place a unit elsewhere travels a hundred miles, we both realise that and are wondering how you want to solve the issue.

All Christan wanted to know is this RP a RL day = 1 game day or is there some other time scale, and I didnt know what scale you intended - no arguement from either of us.

Instead of sniping at us while we discuss the problem some direction would have been helpful as this is your RP and you were clear that you set the rules.

ooc: Like I said, it should be RP'd. We can't go by IRL time, as one battle could take 2 RL days or more to resolve.

OCC

My assumption therefore is - A battle is being fought over a game day, so all other Rp's outside of the battle are done on a game day basis (slowed time = is that what you mean)

This is not arguing I am just trying to be clear in my mind by what you mean "just RP it".

OCC

My assumption therefore is - A battle is being fought over a game day, so all other Rp's outside of the battle are done on a game day basis (slowed time = is that what you mean)

This is not arguing I am just trying to be clear in my mind by what you mean "just RP it".

This is exactly what I didn't want to happen. Complaints and arguments. I don't know people can't just work it out together and RP.

Kaelmark all I wanted to know is how we measure time and distance, no has argued it was a simple question. It a situation that is common in most RP's and usually gamemaster/ umpire gives a formula for players to work by.

"RP it" is not an answer because I dont know whether I RP the reinforcements I have been marching for 4 days to just simply turn up prior to battle.
I guess Christan has the same problem, he doesnt know how far he would be towards his objective before we fight.

But as it seems too hard for you to answer I dont want to argue with anyone It is therefore simply best I will simply pull out.

I suggest you simply replace rechburg forces with Ostwind ones.

wish you well on this.

Kaelmark all I wanted to know is how we measure time and distance, no has argued it was a simple question. It a situation that is common in most RP's and usually gamemaster/ umpire gives a formula for players to work by.

"RP it" is not an answer because I dont know whether I RP the reinforcements I have been marching for 4 days to just simply turn up prior to battle.
I guess Christan has the same problem, he doesnt know how far he would be towards his objective before we fight.

But as it seems too hard for you to answer I dont want to argue with anyone It is therefore simply best I will simply pull out.

I suggest you simply replace rechburg forces with Ostwind ones.

wish you well on this.


Awesome, thanks. :rolleyes:

Really we weren't arguing. We were simply seeking a reasonable time scale for marching. I thought it was on a turn by turn, Rech on a day by day. Day by day would be reasonable in terms of miles but could bring lulls in the rp. Post order runs into the fact that weeks are passing for me and hours for you. A simple solution could have been arrived at, I hadn't thought it would come to this. I suggest we all determine a feasible method before a really good rp dies again.

(OOC: Is it too late for me to bring this back from the dead?)

I dont see why not, the only sticking point is the timing issue and its not a deal breaker simply requires someone to make a decision about how we solve the real time v turn by turn or whatever. Any system is better than no system and I will go with what everyone wants.
If it can be reconvened I am still around, tho at this stage I am getting ready to start another 18th century RP, but its a few weeks off yet.
So count me in if the people are still around.

Well, let's give it some time, and see what everybody else thinks. I'm ready when everybody else is.