Furst Guntram and the Cavenderian Ambassador

Furst Guntram Blauerwolf of Hesse-Engelburg (on left) in conversation outside a small local church with the Cavenderian Ambassador (on right).

As you can see, Furst Guntram is finally fully painted. He's far from perfect, certainly, but I believe we can declare him my first fully painted figure for Hesse-Engelburg. Only a couple of thousand to go! The Cavenderian Ambassador was of course painted by the talented Geoffrey of Cavenderia.

Report of Colonel Godfrey to Cavenderia

Your Grace,

Pray forgive my tardiness in delivering my first report of this Principality, but my time since departing from Cavenderia has been a chaotic whirl that is only now showing some signs of settling. The trip here was interrupted by brigands near the borders of the Principality, but we experienced a fortuitous assistance in the form of a squad of Hesse-Engelberg's Fuchshöhle Hussars who had apparently crossed the border to locate us. They provided us with safe escort as far as the slightly famous SiebenZiegen Inn, located near the bank of the river here known as the Schlafwasser.

Apparently, almost everyone who passes through the eastern half of the Principality finds their way to the Inn, yet it retains a charmingly local nature and is well attended by the farmers and huntsmen of the region around it. Perhaps the most intriguing feature...it would be impolite to say entertaining...is Alte Ludwig, a man of indeterminate age, considerable weight, and gregarious disposition. Indeed, I soon learned that Alte Ludwig has an opinion on every matter, from philosophy to politics to the proper conduct of warfare. It is my considered opinion that the variety of travelers who find their way to the inn accounts for his breadth of subject matter, as I can find no one who can recall having seen him anywhere save traveling to or from the inn and his house. His wife, I am told, has no objection to this state of affairs and is regarded as a woman of good disposition. I gather the general opinion of the populace is that she is more than content to allow him to bend the ears of strangers all day rather than her own. While at the Inn, I heard several tales of other traveler waylaid by bandits when traveling through the northern end of Ober-Schweinsberg. The mountains and woods near the border provide ample hiding places for such men. Interestingly, the tales involved rescue by not only Hesse-Engelburg troops but also troops from both Prince Arnold and Prince Asgar. Indeed, one merchant was jointly aided by a patrol from each, who worked together to defeat an unusually large group of brigands before going their separate ways each with a portion of the brigands to show to their commanders.

The following day, we crossed the river and passed northwards, through the town of Karlsdorf, ancestral home of the princely line, and onwards into the capital itself. I had the honor to audience with the Fürst and Fürstin and present my credentials after being given an opportunity to refresh myself from the journey. I found them both to be gracious hosts, and afterwards was treated to a fine dinner and ball in my honor. Indeed, the courtiers of the Principality seemed most eager to fete me and learn such news of our own homeland and the world at large as I might be able to tell them, though I found several whose knowledge suggests that the outside world does not escape the attention of the Principality.

After the feasting was brought to an end, I took my leave of Their Graces and was given an escort of Hussars of the Garde du Corps Prinzessin Gertrude, led by no lesser personage than the Garde du Corps commander Oberstleutnant Milheiser. I found the gentleman to be excellent company, and we discoursed at length on horses for much of the journey. The Engelburgers breed an excellent light horse, whose speed and endurance perhaps accounts for the seeming ever-present nature of their Hussars. If it is Your Grace's wish, I shall purchase a couple of specimens to send to you that our army may evaluate them against our own current mounts. We proceeded northeast from the capital to the village of Hinterwasser, where I was shown to a modest house that is to serve as my dwelling and our embassy here. I found the dwelling in good repair and adequate to support a small staff should such become needed. It is my understanding that it is the intention of the Principality to house all the ambassadors each in a house of their own in this village.

The courier will need this missive soon if he is to make good speed before darkness makes the path untravelable, so I shall close here.

Your Humble Servant,

Colonel Hermann Godfrey

Sunday's Painting and Cavenderian Ambassador

As promised, we have a series of photos from Sunday's output, as well as pictures of the Blue Moon civilians and the Ambassador figure sent to represent Cavenderia. Captions and photos below, and click on the pictures for a closer view. All paints are acrylics.

First up, we have the six-figure pioneer unit in its present state.The details, such as cross-belts and facings, are yet to be done, but I'm pleased with how they've turned out so far. Colors used are Liquitex Black Colored Gesso for the basecoat, Vallejo Model Color 70815 Basic Skintone for the face and hands, Delta Ceramcoat 02054 Golden Brown for the pants and axe handles, Vallejo Model Color 70960 Violet for the coat, and folkArt 420 Linen for the apron.


Next up, notice the beautifully painted Cavenderian ambassador to the right of the photo. This is a gorgeous figure, and finally pushed me over the edge to hunt down some civilians of my own. To the left (from the viewer's perspective) is my chosen figure for Furst Guntram Blauerwolf, wearing the same basecoat, Violet, and Linen (on pants and neck ruffle) as the figures above. I know it's bad form to not paint the skin first, but I needed to see how the colors looked on him. I still can't decide what color to paint his cuffs and the feathers on his hat. Continuing to the left is my chosen figure for the Furstin. Furst and Furstin and the unpainted civilians on the back row are all Blue Moon castings from the Duel box set. Continuing to the left again, we see an RSM95 Prussian Musketeer testing out the black basecoat with the Violet coat. I used, I think, Delta Ceramcoat 02126 Medium Flesh on him. Not necessarily fond of the medium shade. I may have to paint over it with a lighter one. I love the violet though.


And lastly, you can see a series of basecoated figures, from left to right... a night watchman from the Blue Moon set, a Revell 1/72 WW2 British Infantry officer, a Minden Miniatures SYW Prussian musketeer, an RSM95 SYW Prussian Grenadier, a Spencer Smith metal SYW officer, a Spencer Smith metal SYW grenadier, and a vintage Spencer Smith plastic SYW grenadier (the latter with linen pants painted experimentally). Oh, and on the far left, one of the old white gesso RSMs with a little excess purple painted onto one sleeve to test how it colors over white. I'm strongly considering stripping all my old white gesso-coated RSMs and redoing them in the black, not so much for coloration as because I made the white gesso too gloopy and covered detail on several.

Photos coming...

I've had a sudden burst of painting and basecoating today. No photos yet, as I may get more done before the day is out. But photos are planned.

At present, among other things, my 6-man pioneer company has acquired leather breaches and purple coat. A sample RSM95 Prussian Musketeer has been given a purple coat to test its appearance, as well, for my idea of going with purple coats instead of gray. I wiped a little excess purple on one of the older white basecoated RSM95s as well, just on a sleeve to see what I thought of it. I'm seriously considering stripping the white-coated ones and redoing the basecoat in black. This is partly because I made the white too thick, and it obscures lines on some of the RSM95s in unpleasant ways for finding what to paint which color.

Also acquiring a purple coat is my Blue Moon figure that I've chosen to represent Furst Gunter Blauerwolf. And I also intend to include a picture of the Cavenderian diplomat whose arrival I mentioned earlier.

Somewhere in Lagerburg

A letter, delivered by courier at night, along with a small package.
------------------

My dear Fritz,

It is with some concern I have heard from friends of the tensions between the Duchy and your Slobbovian neighbors. Things are nearly as on edge as they were when we served together in the freikorps in the last war, are they not? I thought it suitable to write you informally about a little tender inquiry I have been making of late. I think it would be possible, were you to wish it, for me to arrange an audience for yourself or some other representative of the Duchy to speak with the Trade Minister and/or the Foreign Minister regarding beneficial trade agreements. Enclosed, I believe you will find an excellent sample of the product of our recently discovered rich gold vein, the which I encourage you to examine and keep for your mineral collection. I thought that perhaps the division of such a fine mineral sample to some in your acquaintance might help to demonstrate the benefits of trade.

Respectfully,

RF

Reply to Tradgarland

To His Grace, the Duke of Tradgarland, greetings,

It is my honor to express the pleasure of Their Graces at the receipt of your message, and their wish that we might settle into a comfortable accord of peace and trade. To that end, it is my intent to call upon Your Grace or Your Grace's ministers during the coming week, after I have resolved certain matters regarding the contentious situation in our southern neighbor.

I believe if we work together, we can ensure the free flow of trade upon the river known to us as the Hasenwasser, which I believe bears another name as it flows south through your own country?

It is my hope that we can encourage close relations between our two peoples, and perhaps discourse regarding the recent troubles to the south and the whisperings of fresh war in other regions.

Respectfully,

Burgraf Heinrich von Waffenschmidt
Minister of State

Dispatches from Hesse-Engelburg

Dispatch to Tradgarland

In regards to your recent extension of offers to view your musterings, the Principality of Hesse-Engelburg offers to send Colonel Stieffer of our own Fuchshöhle Hussars, a fine officer whom we believe may be of use in the advising of your light cavalry in the proper manner of rapid negotiation of woodlands while mounted. We would also extend to your ruler the offer of the hospitality of our fine hunting lodge in the Fuchswald upon some fine eve, where he may enjoy the local sport of fox hunting and a respite from the weight of rule.

Sincerely,
Ludwig Strasser, Social Secretary for Thursdays

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Dispatch to Saxe-Bearstein

To our esteemed friend, Prince Bruno, greetings,

Being much disturbed by the recent focus of war upon your region, we thought it fit to write to you in our own hand and offer the return of your kindly loaned officer should you have need of him. We also regret to enclose evidence that the Stagonians may be providing financial support to the Bad Nachtschwein rebellion in our neighboring state of Ober-Schweinsberg. Your Highness will no doubt recognize the seal of a certain nobleman of the Stagonians upon the enclosed dispatch, which was capture amongst a recent Bad Nachtschwein convoy that attempted to sneak past our alert Hussars. If we may be of service with our small supply of iron to assist Your Highness in preparing his troops for the upcoming campaigns, we do hope it is known you need only ask.

In friendship,

Fürst Guntram Blauerwolf of Hesse-Engleburg
Penned by our own hand.

Message to Gallia

Dear l'Comte de Rapprochement de Gallia,

The Principality of Hesse-Engelburg is, like our Saxe-Bearstein allies, considering our options at the present time. However, given our more northernly position than Hesse-Seewald and Frankfurt, we feel confident there is no necessity for Gallian troops to traverse our soil, though Their Graces have consented that diplomatic discussion may be initiated to prove otherwise if the Prince should feel it necessary.

In the meantime, Graf Sepp von Sickel, Minister of Trade, has suggested a meeting with his opposite number to discuss the security of trade routes through Gallia and her allies as well as to request that measures be taken to deal with one Madame La Grange, a merchant of Gallian cheeses who has been known to disparage the fine goat cheese products of Hesse-Engelburg with most reprehensible charges of having been cured by demon's breath or, even worse, of being in fact imported English cheese sold under false pretenses. We are certain the Gallian Minister of Trade will be eager to encourage the Madame to confine her advertising to positive qualities of her own product, which is a quite respectable cheddar enjoyed on occasion even at my own table.

Respectfully,

Burgraf Heinrich von Waffenschmidt
Minister of State for Hesse-Engelburg

Message to Hesse-Seewald

In the names of Their Graces, the Fürst and Fürst Guntram and Sieglinde Blauerwolf, I bid greetings unto the rulers and representatives of Hesse-Seewald. Having been advised of the relative positions of our fine states, I thought it my duty to contact your government forthwith and extend our formal greetings and open a dialogue upon regional issues.

Naturally, under our present circumstances a primary concern is the current conflict upon our southern border, into which we have been drawn by the flagrantly illegal and ungentlemanly actions of the Bad Nachtschwein League in sending mercenary troops to invade our soil and threaten our southern trade routes. In view of this heinous action and believing your own state to be upon a primary trade route of this merchant league, we humbly request that you would enter into agreement to halt the flow of product from Bad Nachtschwein through your territories until such time as the grievance has been redressed and peace concluded between our Principality and the representatives of the League.

In accompanyment of this message we have dispatched Colonel Freidrick von Heiner and a small caravan of the local produce, in particular goat cheese, goats milk, and goat's hair cloth, as well as samples of the fine coal and iron to be found in our mines. We are confident of our ability to establish a base of trade and goodwill with your fine country that can only assist in increasing the stability of the region.

Respectfully,

Burgraf Heinrich von Waffenschmidt
Minister of State

Hesse-Engelburg Declares War on Bad Nachtschwein League!

While the Principality of Hesse-Engelburg has to this point maintained neutrality in the Ober-Schweinsberg civil war, Their Graces have today issued a declaration that a state of war exists with the Bad Nachtschwein League. The decision was made after careful questioning of prisoners from the Battle of Hirschtal finally established that the two musketeer battalions involved in the battle were mercenary units in the employ of the Bad Nachtschwein League. It is believed that the League was attempting to secure control of the southern trade routes as it the League is driven primarily by merchant interests. Their Graces have further requested that all surrounding nations join them in a trade embargo against all Bad Nachtschwein goods in light of the League's unwarranted and illegal attempt to invade Engelburg territory and disrupt trade.

Hesse-Engelburg News

Hesse-Engelburg Extends Recognition to Hesse-Fedora

The Principality of Hesse-Engelburg has become perhaps the first small state in the region to extend recognition to Hesse-Fedora, offering their newly formed regional neighbor an exchange of ambassadors. It is as yet unknown if this will sour relations with Hesse-Homburg, but with the Principality already mobilizing to deal with the Ober-Schweinsberg situation, it's difficult to tell if Their Graces are making any increase in defenses in response.

Ober-Schweinsberg Disintegrating

In what is now being refered to as the War of Ober-Schweinsberg Succession, the Landgraviate of Ober-Schweinsberg is rapidly disintegrating into various armed factions. Besides a patchwork of districts loyal to either Prince Arnold or Prince Ansgar, various cities and lesser nobles have chosen to declare either independence or neutrality rather than support either Prince. Most notable of these, perhaps, is the Bad Nachtschwein League, a trade league formed by various Ober-Schweinsberg cities and led by Bad Nachtschwein, one of the principal market cities of the Landgraviate. The League has chosen to declare itself a government, and has called upon the surrounding states to recognize it as an independent association of free cities.

Feldkamp Gala to Continue as Scheduled

Major Reinhold Feldkamp, the well-regarded commander of the General Staff Headquarters Guard, is hosting another of his bimonthly parties on the morrow at his grand estate. While there was speculation the party might be cancelled with war worries escalating, Major Feldkamp has confirmed that the gala will be continuing as scheduled. The Feldkamp Galas are attended by visitors from several foreign nations, most of them individuals or the family of individuals who once served with the Major during his time in mercenary service on the Austrian frontier.

Hesse-Engelburg Issues Diplomatic Advisory

Hesse-Engelburg's Ministry of State has issued an advisory to the diplomatic offices of all states in the region regarding the present unrest in Ober-Schweinsberg. The latest reports from Ober-Schweinsberg indicate the Landgraviate to be in a state of full-scale civil war, with the armies of the Landgrave divided between the two brothers, and additional forces being raised, conscripted, or hired by both sides.

The Ministry of State recommends that all countries bordering Ober-Schweinsberg increase their border patrols to ensure that the conflict does not spill into their territory as it recently did into Hesse-Engelburg. The Ministry of State wishes to confirm that the General Staff of the Army are interviewing prisoners from the recent Battle of Hirschtal to determine whether the units involved were acting upon the orders of either Prince or were operating under the command of a rogue general for personal gain. The Ministry of State wishes to emphasize that the Principality of Hesse-Engelburg has not yet chosen to intervene upon either side of the conflict and is continuing its attempt to broker a diplomatic solution.

Battle at Hirschtal! War Imminent?

At approximately 8pm this evening, a body of Ober-Schweinsberg troops was reported by alert Borderers entering Hesse-Engelburg territory south of the town of Hirschtal. A body of Hesse-Engelburg troops responded to the threat, marching south quickly and meeting the enemy outside of Hirschtal.

Our forces under Generalmajor Count Manfred von Waffenschmidt, the newly appointed commander of the army's 1st Brigade, were able to win a decisive victory in a prolonged engagement with the invading forces. The Lintzer Musketeers acquitted themselves especially well, being credited with the complete destruction of an entire enemy battalion in a series of sharp charges, coming away with the battalion's colors. Meanwhile, the second battalion of enemy musketeers were whittled down by a withering fire from the von Platzen Grenadiers, and routed from the field by a spirited flank charge from the returning Lintzer regiment.

Enemy casualties are estimated at over 700 dead and perhaps 20 captured, while our own casualties are believed to have been approximately 40 killed and 120 wounded. The seriously wounded have been transported to the hospital at Nonnenzuflucht, while the bodies of the slain are being identified for return to their families for burial.

At the present time it is believed the handful of captured prisoners are being questioned by staff officers to determine whether the enemy battalions were operating on orders from either of the brothers competing for the Ober-Schweinsberg throne. If either Prince is judged to be the instigator of such a heinous invasion, it is likely that a declaration of war will soon follow from Their Graces.

Ober-Schweinsberg Succession in Doubt; Hesse-Engelburg Forces on Alert

News reports from Ober-Schweinsberg indicate that the reigning Landgraf was killed two days ago in a fall from his horse while hunting in the mountains. Couriers sent to deliver condolences from their Graces have reportedly found the Landgraviate in an uproar with the Landgraf's twin sons each claiming the right of rule. While it is clear that Arnold is the eldest of the twins by seven minutes, his younger brother Ansgar has reportedly accused Arnold of having caused their father's death.

Relations between Hesse-Engelburg and Ober-Schweinsberg have been cordial for the last century, though not always good in past ones, and there is some concern that the outcome of this conflict between brothers could be detrimental to Hesse-Engelburg trade interests. Their Graces have issued an advisory to all citizens of Hesse-Engelburg to avoid travel into the region while the matter is settled, and it is feared that the brothers may soon escalate from accusations to armed warfare. Already each of the brothers has been crowned Landgraf in a separate cathedral by competing bishops, and it is believed that the noble families of the Landgraviate will soon be taking sides.

Generalfeldmarshall von Krimm has issued an alert to Hesse-Engelburg forces in case the conflict should spill over, and it is reported that the garrisons of the Waldschloß, the Südschloß, and Festung Eisenschild have all been reinforced to ensure the security of our southern border.

Their Graces have also reportedly recalled Bishop Ulrich Frankel from his relief efforts in the Duchy of Saxe-Huack in the hopes that he may be able to offer his services to moderate the dispute.

Reply to Stollen

Royal Residence, Engelburg, The Principality of Hesse-Engelburg

22. April 1768

To Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Stollen, the Furst and Fursten of Hesse-Engelburg send their warm greetings.

We were most disturbed to hear of the consternation caused within your fine Duchy at the recent mustering of our forces, and do wish to convey to you that we have no designs upon the Grand Duchy in our present activities. Hitherto, Hesse-Engelburg has relied upon our fine local militias and the stalwart vigils of the Borderers to maintain the sanctity of the principality's lands and sovereignty. It is only with concern about the increasing militarization of larger neighbors, doubtless a concern shared by your own people, that we have felt it prudent to follow suit of other principalities in raising a standing force for our protection.

Recent tensions with Stagonia, with whom our respected ally Furst Bruno V has had considerable troubles historically, have forced us to accelerate the activation of our units, but they should in no way be construed as a threat against the Duchy, with whom we hope to have the most cordial of relations. We do, however, extend our thanks for the offer of safe conduct across your territories, should we find it necessary to come to the aid of our allies.

With sincere regards,

Burgraf Heinrich von Waffenschmidt
Minister of State, Principality of Hesse-Engelburg

Stagonian Incursions? Goatherd Spies?

Reports are filtering out through the usual gossip channels to suggest that the purported French troops recently captured after an attack on Fair Champion Goatherd Maurice Bouchet are in fact troops from the state of Stagonia.

Rumors are flying in Grauerhimmel that an unidentified Stagonian nobleman may in fact be using troops under his command to attempt to assassinate Herr Bouchet. Tongues are wagging as to the reasons behind such a situation, and indeed as to the exact nature of Herr Bouchet's past. At the SiebenZiegen Inn, Alte Ludwig (interrupted in his usual habit of toasting sequentially each reigning monarch and all their relations for the past 700 years) declared that the son of a friend of a stableboy's uncle's cousin's great aunt's chambermaid's brother's blacksmith's wife's sister's nephew was personally present when Herr Bouchet bested the nobleman and both his sons in duels of honor over a stolen goat. Frau Linkmeyer, the proprietor, disagreed, feeling it much more likely that some errant noble daughter had simply taken a fancy to the goatherd much to her father's chagrin.

Whatever the truth of Herr Bouchet's past, it is reported that our beloved ruler, Furst Guntram Blauerwolf, has dispatched Minister of State Burgraf Heinrich von Waffenschmidt to Saxe-Bearstein to confer with their well-respected ruler regarding the Stagonian incursions. Patrols have been increased along the borders, and the Musketeers von Lintzer are reportedly mustering for service in case of incursions in further strength.