En Garde! Turn Report From: bjm10@cornell.edu (Bryan J. Maloney) Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 00:00:00 +0000 Game Report France is again in a state of Panic. The Month started off normally with the usual volunteering for the front, Courting, Parties, etc. however this all came to a jarring halt (well not really - people did continue obliviously) when it was discovered that the Minister of State, Brigadier General Duke Charles Louis de Sapier, 11 times decorated, penultimate member of society was accused of treason. Most of the people were incredulous, de Sapier? Never. The CoPS Axel von Ferson found the effort daunting to say the least, however preservation in the face of adversity allowed the sordid truth to be revealed, though some details are sketchy at this time. It appears that the Minister of State was plotting to overthrow the king and place the Dauphin on the throne as a puppet. The plot was so preposterous, it is no wonder von Fersen was not believed. In the guise of courting the Princess, von Fersen snooped around Versailles for the first two weeks of the month (and actually succeeded in being the first to court her - more on that later). Here it was found that de Sapier embezzled some 50,000 crowns from the state treasury and some 30,000 from each of the armies funds. This will have substantial repercussions when the campaign season comes around. It is also rumoured that military information was acquired, but the war department denies this. Col. de Siecle of the 2nd army was quoted: "Do you think that in the wake of the de Boer affair, we would let sensitive military information out to those who shouldn't have it? Don't look at me that way." It seems that de Sapier had rented a house during this time period and was operating out of that location. Meanwhile extensive bribes and influence were used at the lower government level to purposely place France in a state of disarray. One clerk in the QMG office: "I thought that was a lot of boots for one regiment, however that fellow of de Sapier's said that it was important, and that the right paperwork was coming along right away, that and the 50Cr made up my mind...". It seems that those units that were involved with any civil authority (the RFG, the KM (von Fersen's unit), and anyone who publicly supported the search for the minister, when the warrant was issued), were sent the wrong supplies, or their supplies re-routed to other units. A large amount of supplies for example arrived at the DG HQ, with no-one there, (other than the Colonel) it took weeks for the mis-filing to take place. Also attributed to the "bureaucratic mess-up" was the sending of several squadrons to attack the swiss. Movement of de Sapier at this time was aided by a distinct lack of support from the City military governor, and the Minister of Justice. The latter appointed by de Sapier, was in charge of all city patrols, and the watch on the entrance and exits from the city. Eventually elements of the RFG and KM had to take over the job of patrolling. Even here members of the units were reluctant to do their assigned duties, in the words of Sub Marquis Ete of the KM, "This is not a regimental affair, nor is this the work of soldiers, why are we here? Do we even know if the Duke is Guilty? Just because von Fersen is in this unit, do we have to do the work of the Commissioner?" Ete was not available for comment at this time. Two new servants dressed up as the Duke and Duchess, attempted to slip out from the de Sapier Mansion late at night in the third week of the month. However by this time this pitiful attempt to throw the trail off was immedately stopped. The whereabouts of these servants is unknown at this time. The real Duke and Duchess however, had the audaucity to steal the Kings Royal coach, and with a score of disreputable mercenaries dressed as King's Escort, rode out straight through the cordon around the city. The newly re-formed Princess Louisa Light Dragoons rode off in Warm pursuit (it was some time before the coach was reported missing, and even then the authenticity had to be checked). By the time that the 10-horse carriage had been overtaken half-way to Calais, and the half-dozen mercenaries arrested, it was discovered that the carriage had rendezvoused with yet a third carriage just outside of Paris, where the de Sapier and Tracy made their escape good. It is not known where these two are, but the altering of the various military governor's troops have not turned up any sightings. It is rumoured that the Field Marshal Duke l'Ongar, and the Colonel of the Crown Prince Curissiers, Baron le Dur were also involved in the affair, however details are sketchy at this point. Also disquieting for several regiments was the Kings decision to make a surprise review of the troops, "To build morale before the summer campaign". Colonel B'Staad was most embarrassed to be the only member of his regiment on hand, and with quite a pile of un-sorted supplies lying about. It seems that he has expected one squadron of men to still be around. His majesty presented the Idea that perhaps the Inspector Generals should be approving the volunteering of units, especially with the failure of the Dutch front with very few volunteers carrying over from the winter to the spring season. Inspection of most other regiments was good or marginal. With the RFG and the KM off searching for de Sapier, the only Guards unit to get a good review was the Cardinals' Guard. Of the rest of the regiments, only the Dragoon Guards and 69th received a poor report. His Highness seemed not too pleased with the state of France's troops, and was heard to state that two new frontier regiments be conscripted, including a cavalry unit. The Cavalry regiments went "storming" into spain this month with the hope of capturing the Traitor de Boer. Unfortunately they did find the errant former Lt.Col of the GDMD. The first squadrons of the Archduke Leopold, the Dragoon Guard, and the Grand Duke Max all operated together and with reports of the spotting of the now-General de Boer's HQ rode straight into the trap prepared for them. Leading the charge, the GDMD suffered numerous casualties including two officers Capt. Semaine, and Sub. de Lacy, the ALC trying to flank the position also suffered from very heavy casualties including a Captain and Subaltern as well. The commander of the DG Squadron de Mylcandonai managed to stop his units charge before riding into the cross-fire that de Boer had set up to greet the other units. Maj. St. Just of the GDMD managed to re-group his forces and ride out of the defile and meet the spanish forces, but was quickly running out of men. Capt. MacDonaeux's forces however managed to clear an escape route guarded by 40 Spanish Pikemen. The new Dragoon Cap Viperenoire distinguished himself by freeing the entrapped ALC who were about to be encircled by Spanish Forces. Needless to say, de Boer was not recovered. Elsewhere on the Spanish front, things were more successful, two probes by spanish forces were easily turned back by the 1st Frontier, and the 3rd Squadron of the GDMD managed to push quite far into Spanish territory in search of de Boer, however one officer Sub. Jean LeClaire died while skirmishing with a Spanish Heavy Cavalry unit. Unfortunately his charge into the midst of the unit, in an attempt to disrupt the formation, failed when the rest of the Dragoons didn't immediately follow, this brave action however, did allow the faster Dragoons to escape. The 2nd and 4th frontier continued to try to hold the Dutch this month however due to some mix-up reinforecements were sent to the swiss border rather than the Dutch. Despite that fact, the 3rd Frontier assisted by the remainder of the Dragoon Guards, and the 1st Battalion of the Cardinals guard failed to perform decisively against the swiss. It is not even certain why the attack was ordered, however the over-supplied Guard unit was quite a hit with the other units, when at the suggestion of Adjutant Cap. Gil supplied the rest of the regiments with new boots. The Guard under the command of le Gouda took an important pass, earning the Major a Title, the Captains Gil and Rouge were also mentioned in heavy fighting in defending the pass from a counter-attack later in the month. The Dragoon Guard meanwhile were successful in capturing a small town from the swiss, earning Lt.Col d'Erring a mention for leading the attack. Captain de Corveux and Major de Beest were both mentioned for house-to-house fighting tactics that resulted in very few casualties for the units. Meanwhile Subaltern Robichaud, relegated to guarding the supplies with his platoon, was ambushed by a swiss counter-attack. Superior defence, including starting a rock-slide earned the Subaltern a two mentions and a title, and also the thanks of his men for not taking a single casualty in the engagement. Back to the Dutch front. with no reinforcements the Dutch pushed the french troops completely out of dutch territory, with one french town in danger of being overrun. The definitely-not-dead Cap. D'Authie quick response with his troop of the Queen's own just managed to stop the dutch assault just short of the last ridge protecting the town. The Eastern part of the Dutch border fared just as poorly as last month with the 69th losing a further two officers, and the second battalion was just saved from being completely wiped out by the actions of the ALC The 2nd Battalion of the 69th, is now completely without officers. On to lighter things: The affections of the Princess caused yet another mistress to dump their man. Colonel B'Staad, who was as yet unaware of the really bad month to come, was quite shocked by the fury of Anna when after beating Duke Zer in a brief duel on the Princess' doorstep was turned down by Her Fickle Highness. Upon his return to Paris Anna had piled all his possessions on the street. Y Zer, who is not known for his long duels had managed to go 32 rounds against von Fersen (who had also shown up at the princesses door) without getting himself hit. Perhaps Axel's mind was on another problem? The three met again on the second week, in the vain hope of the princess choosing one of them. B'Staad and Y Zer again squared off, and in a more typical 3 round duel Y Zer surrendered with a first light wound delivered by B'Staad. Next in the duel with von Fersen (later that day), B'Staad had his sabre replaced by a rapier by some prankster. When meeting von Fersen he was quite surprised with the weapon available to him, but continued non the less. With several kicks avoided and a feeble lunge parried and riposted by von Fersen, B'Staad lost the fight. Much to von Fersen's surprise, HRH Louisa consented to the advances of the Baron. Unfortunately for his investigation, the King seemed non-to-pleased by the Liaison and had von Fersen "Removed from our presence, and barred from returning to Versailles indefinitely". Her highness was reported to pout quite profusely at this development. Other mistresses were also lucky this month by gaining fine gentlemen. However only Pauline had a two fight over her. Pas de Problem and Jean Claude Balmart, met though it was almost not to be, de Problem, on his way to the front found that his orders had been changed. An action-packed duel ensued between the men with a large number of attacks, however very few actually hit. Balmart won in the end though the contest was very close, unfortunately though also close, Pauline decided not to accept Balmart after the duel for being "too Bloody". Phyllis Stein, Gyna Col O'Gist and Sandy Bautome were also very finicky this month. Phyllis spurned the advanced of Antoine Culvert d'Eau twice, Gyna decided against Vallon d'Maison twice, and after Sandy's first refusal Carreau Blanc decided not to return. However, there were successes in the world of Love. General Clattuc and Lotta, Brigadier de Guerre and the briefly unattached Anna, Captain du Draconcourt and Ronda, Captain Ningaulle and Helen, Major Tuthriefer and Fleure, Lt. Col de Faixg and Conxtanze, the unknown "Gleaner" and Rosie, and Subaltern de Fer and Kationa. The last thought seriously about Subaltern Balmart's advances, when de Fer took off to the du Draconcourt party without her, but decided at the last minute not to. On the subject of parties, Bothwells was the centre this month with four sizable events, the Fleur had only Vicount Robert de l'Aubergine and Sam show up for the unveiling of their new grand entrance for carriages...a few small gatherings and one party did round out the week. The Regency's only member Chev. FitzRichard had a small gathering in the only other club to see any large groups. EdB's Gathering was quite a surprise for the ladies attending (at least those who were expected). A number of Roses were specially bred from the gardens of Baron de Bretagne. In the middle of the event, de Bretagne announced the "big event of the evening". "Each woman, among the finest in Paris, is offered something that is much more than a gift. And that is... an endless reminder of their beauty, in blossom year after year. A homage to their femininity and their presence, without which Paris wouldn't be Paris:" A white rose with a purple heart (and call the race "Sam") A rose which colours make think of a setting sun (called "Jenny") A rose with rose petals from the outside and orange inside (called "Sylvia") A rose that has petals with two mixed colours : yellow and red (called "Constanze") A rose which colour is ruby red (called "Ruby") A purely orange rose (that makes me think of spring...) (called "April") A rose with deep red petals starting from a white heart... ("Cora") (Au Juste was at the Academy at the time, Cora did pick up the rose at the next gathering) the finest black rose ever (in my eyes), and call it "Steffi". (This was by far the rarest breed present). Unfortunately with any event of this sort the Ladies who were not singled out, (Anita, Laura, Polly, Marie, Alison, Roxanne, and Belinda), did feel a little disappointed. de Bretagne's party in the fourth week was almost as well attended. The Baron's secret ingredient was a spirt that caused headaches the day after, with the imbiber getting drunk more quickly than usual. This was imported from the west indies. Due to the scare surrounding the Minister of State, though, people were in general dubious about quaffing the "altered" beverages. The prize for the "Ancient God or Hero" award at Yannick du Draconcourt's gala, has not been announced, but some of the costumes included: YdD - (Unknown) JSJ - From Royal materials, Achilles and Helen of Troy (No Description) LdL - From Excellent materials Odin and Frigga: He will have a live hunting falcon perched on each shoulder and his loyal and devoted boxers at his heels. An eye patch will round out the ensemble. In keeping with his character, he will remain aloof, eating nothing, but often feeding morsels from his plate to his hounds. Marigold will, of course, be dressed as Frigga, Odin's wife and will carry a small, jewelled spinning wheel with a gold scarf attached to it. EC - From common materials - Plato & Student AdlC - From common materials - Thor and Cleopatra My fancy dress costume will be as Thor the God of Thunder (and I will have a great big hammer which makes a load noise when it hits things), and my wife will be dressed as Cleopatra. She will have two harmless snakes with her around her neck. We will both consume alcohol and I will utilise my "prop" to dispose of the bottles. CdA - Common materials - Jupiter (in the Guise of a swan) and Laeda, the subject of his attentions. AdE - From Fine materials Mars & Venus (plus extras) As I write this I can imagine the hearts of Paris society sinking in dismay. Can Antoine d'Eurotrache, the doyenne of Paris fashion, come up with nothing more original? The party will be crammed with Mars and Venus. (no -Ed) However, my offering is slightly different. Using a robe (hastily removed from a Jesuit priest) and the services of a painter, a choreographer and an astrologer I have constructed two delightful costumes. Each is appropriate to ancient Greece in cut and style, but is deepest black rather than purest white. Onto each of these costumes the painter, guided by the astologer, has painted astral motifs, corresponding to the appropriate God or Goddess and the planets that they rule. The choreographer has created a dance which combines grace and elegance with the appropriate motion of the heavens. I expect heads to turn. PdM - Excellent Materials - Apolla and Diana with gilded and silvered bows/arrows respectively, and Apollo with a lyre. OvS - Excellent materials (Pure Gold Leafs?) Adam & Eve Go as Adam and Eve, Each of us with a rich green velvet cloak and a skimpy fig leaf costume - Sandy with three strategically placed fig leafs, myself with one. JM - Excellent materials - Bacchus Have tailor to make costume to look like a bunch of grapes with a big cork on my head. I will be the God Of Fine Wines! AT - Common materials - Pan & ? including an appropriate flute-like instrument (and will play it). JeT - Fine Materials - Horned King from Celtic legend (going stag) I envision the costume to be all black with a crimson cloak. The piece de resistance though would be a stag skull headpiece complete with horns and drab black iron circlet for a crown. HA - Common materials - Hareem Girl? TeTE+Laura, SdS, JdA, HdF+Constanze, DNY+Sylvia, RRD, FaJ+Cora, CdF, SS, PdP, NdP+Cheri, JD - (Unknown) JG, AdM, and EV had costumes, but were called to the front Duels for the Month (I am getting tired of typing 400 lines, and it's getting late so...) There were a lot of duels this month. B'Staad lost to du Pheasante in one of the two new duels with cause. This was one-sided at the start with du Pheasante's good defence allowing four solid attempts, (two connecting) against B'Staad, however the latter's one Slash was enough to cause du Pheasant to surrender. Unfortunately for the other new duel with cause, d'Maison's defence was not good enough to do more than delay N Young's victory a little while. Again one blow, a Cut this time, was sufficient to end the match. (Why is N Young fighting over comments made about HdF, can he not fight his own?) A number of regimental duels were fought, with the KM and the CG being foremost among them. This time the CG seemed to come out with more victories than losses. GM Report 1 - The Adjudication program is Case Sensitive. I will still offer the 1 sp for people submitting orders in the machine-readable format. (http://www.ims.uwindsor.ca/~dan/eg/orderformat.html) 2 - The Number of Mistresses is on the order of 57. For the number of players we have, there should be 67. However, I do not have any "good" names for them on file. If you want to see more mistresses, submit a name.. 3 - The front: I will be trying to upgrade the frontier section of the rules as my next large project. This should include enemy commanders, theatres of war, hostility levels. Two new frontier regiments will probably be created to handle some of this. I will also be adjusting how looting works, after this summer campaign. Finally, as a warning, the Rank of Subaltern may get a name change. 4 - Bugs: The following are bugs I think exist, check for any of these items if you can: Marriage requests may show up as trying to re-court your mistress Wives may not go up SL at the appropriate time. Influence, when used, may go down by the wrong amount I am aware that seconds are not fully working, though they should at least be appearing on the character sheets. Housing was not computed correctly for Lofts. All new characters have been given No_House, instead of Rooms, as it says in the documentation, this will be corrected. 5 - Background: I sent out an example background for all characters this turn. This will be generated with each new character. The meaning of the sections: Personality is a set of three Values, a Person (Affection), an Object (Possession), and an Abstract Concept (Passion). These are then ranked on a scale of Trivial, Weak, Average, Strong, Driving, Obsessive. "A character with a Driving passion for money, may do nearly anything to obtain it. A character who places a trivial value on his friend (this is the strongest Affection), will probably think even less of anyone else. For anything valued strongly or higher the character will spend a great deal of time in activities that either involve, care for, or protect the Value." Traits are three adjectives that can be used to describe the character - note that there is no check for opposite values. Lastly the suggested height and weight are not tied to any stats, but are inter-related (weight is based on height). Remember that this is only a suggestion for the characters. Feel free to ignore any of it. 6 - I do not need you to send me back a copy of the character sheet when you have questions. I have all of that on file (for the last turn). Remember to put your characters initials on every piece of correspondence where I might have to look something up. Here is a list of the Dukes, and Military Governors (and the provinces they oversee). There is a copy of a 17th Century map of France available on the ftp site: ftp://ftp.ims.uwindsor.ca/pub/engarde/France.small.gif Duke of Bourgogne, Bud Y Zer Duke of Champagne, Charles Louis de Sapear Duke of Aunis, Georges Clattuc Duke of Languedoc, Manwe de l'Ongar Duke of Nivernais, Jean Vere Duke of Normandy, Kenneth Tishton Duke of Provence, Al le Bammat Duke of Brittany, Phillipe de La Rochelle Duke of Limousin, St John Swud Duke of Picardy, Clay Pamsooth Duke of Berry, Iles de Lasse Ete Duke of Guienne, Alain les Lulias Duke of Saintonge, Adon Gedouin Duke of Bigorre, Harold de Emsay Duke of Anjou, Ralph de Caire Duke of Orleanais, King Duke of Bourbonnais, King Duke of Dauphine, Prince Fred Provincial Military Governors Control: PMG 1: Viscount Matthew Skopsaal Picardy, Champagne, Ile De France, Orleanais PMG 2: Duc Adon Gedouin Guienne, Navarre, Bearn, Bigorre, Aunis, Saintonge, Angoumois PMG 3: Duc Ralph de Caire Languedoc, Roussillon, Provence, Avignon, Dauphine, PMG 4: Count Artor Troyes Brittany, Normandy, Maine, Anjou, Poitou Touraine PMG 5: Chevalier Roger de Laire Limousin, Auvergne, Luonnais, Marche, Bourbonnais, Bourgogne, Berry, Nivernais Up