En Garde! Turn report

From: bjm10@cornell.edu (Bryan J. Maloney)

Date: Fri, 02 Feb 1996 00:00:00 +0000

The talk of Paris for March was of course HRH Princess Louisa's
Debutante Ball. Axel von Fersen decided to get a "jump" on the
competition by attempting to court the princess almost as soon
as her ship landed. Three successive tries, including a duel (to
first blood) with Paris' most popular Noble, Bud Y Zer failed
to win her affection, the princess preferring to wait to see who
would attend her ball. Lotta and Amy the mistresses of the two
men were not at all pleased with the competition, and dumped
the two just before the ball, even though it meant that they
couldn't find someone to escort them in time to go themselves.
Security was tight at the Princess' Ball. Tight being the phrase if
one considers a size 2 doublet on Henry VIII, as merely 'tight'.
Despite this things went relatively well at the ball, the entire
palace was decorated for the event, with some people working on
minor adjustments, even while people arrived. The music was
enchanting, and spirits were soaring after the event, surely this
will erase the problems of the Crown Prince's event from people's
minds. Though problems were there, the Ambassador from england
leaned against a wall to come away covered in fresh plaster, the
string section sounded somewhat flat, the Spanish ambassador
seemed to be constantly looking over his shoulder, and the servants
looked tired and harassed (but who cares about them). In fact many
of the staff were dismissed or arrested. Among the many arrests
at Versailles, were the Commander of the King's Musketeers BBG
Baron Juan Ferawl don Alferwan, and the Cardinal's Guard, Colonel
Chevalier Lyrrad de Lioncourt. Who were taken into custody by Baron
Enguerrand de Bretagne of the Royal Foot Guards. One other nobleman,
Alain de Mylcandonai was arrested and released shortly afterwards.

Violence and problems seem to be on the upswing with the attack on
the Dauphin, the murder of Major Palermo of the Cardinal's Guard
is unsolved. However justice did come to one. Late in the third week
of the month, the execution of Jean d'Tours. The convicted poisoner
of the Dauphin, his bride and a Priest. Duke de Sapear pronounced the
decision for him to be "broken on the wheel in the Place de Greves".
The attendees included the Princess who looked quite healthy and the
Dauphin, who was still looking rather pale and limped. d'Tours was
fanatically Anti-German and confessed to the crime to the
Commissioner of Public Safety, Axel von Fersen whom he blamed for
"Corrupting" the Prince.

Militarily, France is in Dire Straights with the defection of Lt.Col
de Boers, formerly of the GDMD. Along with the reported pilfering
of the regimental treasury, rumours abound of serious security
leaks, and that de Boers has given much information to the Spaniards
in return for a General's rank in their armed forces.

The loss of a number of units, who returned back to Paris this month
meant the 2nd Frontier regiment taking heavy casualties from the
Dutch. The 4th Frontier tried to reinforce from its position on the
now-quiet German border, also suffered heavy casualties, including almost
the entire command of the 69th. Major Arachnid de Noir dying valiantly
as his command post was overrun by dutch cavalry. Capt. Jacques le Bang
of the 13th, serving detached duty with the 2nd Frontier died when a
field piece he was operating in a last-ditch defence exploded.
The only Cavalry the 2nd Squadron of the Queens' Own were the only
thing that saved the entire line from collapsing. Cap Guillaume d'Authie
was initially reported dead, but his "corpse" was found under his
horse, miraculously he survived, but is terribly wounded.

On the Spanish front the first Frontier, bolstered by elements of the
ALC and DG met no large offensive as expected, instead fighting
was light and consisted of skirmishes. Michel Barnier a newcomer
was the only notable casualty, being hit by a bullet in the chest
while charging (and breaking) a skirmish line.

Meanwhile life does continue in Paris.
The Princess' friend, Ruby, Daughter of Count Rhedd of Russia, was
quite popular. The first week Duke Clattuc, Chevalier du Pheasante,
and Captain de Ballabre, all met on her doorstop. The Skill of the
Director of the Fencing Schools, du Pheasante showed in the first
duel against Clattuc. After an initial simultaneous attack, (and
simultaneous miss), du Pheasante got the measure of Clattuc's
attack and parried or lept out of the way of every blow, while
routinely scoring on the Duke, who surrendered heavily wounded. The
next challenger was more of a problem, though a junior officer in
the RFG, Captain de Ballabre would not stand down, forcing Major
du Pheasante to retire to save the honour of the regiment. However
Ruby was not about to be courted by a man without even a highway
coach, and refused him. The next week Duke Clattuc and Chevalier
du Pheasante again met, and with the wounds suffered from the
previous week, Clattuc was not able to put up much of a fight,
however he did manage to draw blood with an initial slash in this
contest. The next person to confront Argenta du Pheasante was a
heavily cloaked individual. The major was quite surprised that
someone who was such a poor duellist could exist in Paris. Even so
the Director of the fencing schools was even more surprised with the
collapse of the stranger from injuries from one mutual lunge.
Finally Ruby rushed into du Pheasante's arms but was pushed away as
the Major decided to immediately attend to the stranger's wounds, and
rush him off the chirurgeon, personally. The obvious show of mercy and
concern for an enemy quickly soothed Ruby's ruffled pride, upon
their re-union.

Daisy, who would eventually fall for the brash de Ballabre, was
courted by Chevalier d'Maison, his regimental enemy Captain Rouge,
his friend Chevalier du Draconcourt and Chevalier de Guerre.
d'Maison and du Draconcourt met first. The duel went for some time
with a lot of footwork, but no action. Finally du Draconcourt began
lunging at the still dodging d'Maison, after two misses and one
close call, d'Maison threw his rapier at his opponent. This
surprised du Draconcourt, to the extent that d'Maison managed to
recover his sword, and after several more unsuccessful lunges by du
Draconcourt, threw his sword again. This time d'Maison had to
surrender weaponless. Rouge then challenged du Draconcourt,
starting with a parried lunge (which was not taken advantage of),
and a furious slash, the contest looked very one-sided, until du
Draconcourt placed a perfectly timed kick to Rouge's kidney laying
out the only commoner here. However yet another challenger
remained, de Guerre who blocked du Draconcourt's lunge, placing him
on the defensive for several slashes from de Guerre's Sabre, which
shattered the rapier of Du Draconcourt, and forced him to retire.
Daisy, however, was not impressed. Rouge returned the next week to
meet de Ballabre however Rouge quickly succumbed to the same
strategy from de Ballabre, the kick not being quite as well timed,
causing de Ballabre minor injuries, but winning the heart of Daisy.

Another popular newcomer Sue Flay, was courted by de Chareaugai,
de la Soir and de Montalia. de Chareaugai dealt quickly with de la
Soir, two mighty slashes with his cutlass severely injuring de la
Soir. The same strategy vs. de Montailia failed miserably, as the
latter anticipated every move and peppered de Chareaugai with
several lunges causing his surrender. Unlike the last two
mistresses, one week's worth of fights on her door were enough for
Sue, who took up with de Montailia.

Other mistresses also saw suitors, Ronda and Cora rejecting Rouge
and le Mignon respectively. Sandy and Gail accepting the advances
of MacDoneaux, and St. Just. Tournage managed to console, Lucy,
the former mistress of Homard, whose strange disappearance in times
such as this is raising quite a few eyebrows.

The clubs saw quite a number of parties this month, and
even more duels (20).
Amongst the rival regiments were (KM vs CG): Falconetti* vs.
d'Eurotrache, a surprisingly offensive battle, with the size of the
winner giving the edge, Falconetti* vs. Young, a longer and more
defensive battle with the strength of the Musketeer proving
victory. R'Ded vs. Gil*, another long duel, Gil fought defensively
allowing only a few hits from R'Ded, while inflicting harm upon his
enemy. Falconetti vs. de Lioncourt*, the former's wounds from the
previous week slowed him down enough for de Lioncourt to win this
even match. d'Maison vs.  de Lioncourt*. A highly defensive
d'Maison, gave few opportunities for the latter, and then suddenly
threw his sword, which missed, leaving him unarmed and unable to
continue. R'Ded vs de Lioncourt*, a riposted lunge and a mutual
lunge finished this duel in quick order. d'Maison vs. d'Eurotrache*
another defensive-footwork intensive session from d'Maison ended in
him throwing his rapier yet again. This time hitting, but not
enough to cause d'Eurotrache to surrender. de la Croix* vs. Young
a fair match, the victor staying on the offence to surprisingly
win the match. de la Croix vs. de Lioncourt* yet another victory
for the Colonel, wining by use of good defence against the constant
Lunges of de la Croix. d'Maison vs. Young, the wounded d'Maison
didn't get a chance to throw his weapon in this match, Young
(also wounded), managed to end it quickly with a single lunge.
(DG vs. QOC): B'Staad* vs. d'Wich. A "watch this" from the victor
and a quick kick ended this duel in no time. (ALC vs. GDMD)
Al'Trouble* vs. van Schnell. Bad timing and a weak arm were the
culprits in this duel. de Success vs. d'Avalon*, an even match
with luck holding out for the latter.

The Marquis de Beest's son, Will, took umbrage to commoners being
shown more respect, tried to duel d'Yatguy, Al'Trouble, and
B'Staad, but could only face the first, whose slash ended his
complaints for the evening. However de Mylcandonai took up the
cause but after losing to de Bretagne didn't have the endurance
to do more than bluster at d'Yatguy, Al'Trouble, Falconetti, and
d'Armagnac. Finally d'Armes met an extremely defensive d'Yatguy,
who basically outlasted the nobleman. The next week the noblemen
again picked up the cause against the commoners. de Faixg fighting
d'Yatguy, and surrendering after a debilitating slash from the
commoner. Meeof, the son of a Baron picks the subject up the third
week against d'Yatguy, who silenced him with a single slash of his
cutlass. A perfect record for the commoners, which might indicate
some merit in their place in society.

Due to increased surveillance of popular duelling spots, by the
city watch, few of the challenged duels took place exactly where
and when they were supposed to. de Mylcandonai and de Bretagne
fought a long battle, despite the successful defensive moves of
de Mylcandonai, de Bretagne managed to do more with his fewer
blows. de Beest and le Gouda met up at Bothwells in the second
week, but suffering from earlier wounds, de Beest had to retire
after a single hit. de Mylcandonai managed to meet up with his
second opponent at bothwells in the third week, surrendering
after a single slash from le Dur. St. Just also met up with
de Lioncourt at Bothwells, Lioncourt proved as able with the
Sabre as the Rapier and beat his opponent, taking only one wound
albeit a deep one.

The Kings' Cabinet meeting at Versailles was a hush-hush affair,
however it seems that the Chancellor's proposal was accepted
as construction began almost immediately on Ships-of-the line.
The position was also renamed in light of the new duties to the
Ministry of Finance and the Marine.

Hunters saw its only party in the first week, with Chevalier Soir
de Success holding a small get together for no apparent reason.
But no apparent reason seems good enough for many parisians, as
Rhett R'Ded (with Deb), Jean-Frederic Robichaud, Justin Gil
(with Kim), Jacques Meeoff, Gilles d'Avalon (with Eva), Antoine
Tuthriefer, Anitol la Bell, Christian d'Ath (with Dana), Luc du
Chaseau (with Elana), Jean LeClaire, Marchaud MacDonaeux, and
Pas de Problem all attended. Marchaud MacDonaeux, attempted to
make friends with his regimental enemy by offering a seemingly
nice toast:
        The town of Paris flutters at your feet.
        Men come tonight to toast your lucky name.
        Who dares to halt us, when we sing your fame,
        Wear nought but sodden, mis'rable defeat.
        Cuirasses glisten as your foes retreat.
        Are there no Dutchmen who do not know shame?
        Without your sword our army's not the same.
        Elan becomes your daily bread and meat.
        You are the one for whom we raise our toast.
        Can any man deny you laud this night?
        Not I, but higher men, have set your course.
        Use well your rank, our noble, mighty host.
        A pray'r you serve the King in ev'ry fight,
        Sword high, and mounted on a strapping horse.

The same week Bothwells saw a trio of parties: Enguerrand de
Bretagne, whose party extolling the virtues of that part of the
country was quite a hit. Amongst the people exposed to the
were Luc a d'Yatguy (with April), Henri Al'Trouble (with Laurel),
Sam d'Wich (with Suspire), Leonardo Falconetti (with Anita), Terre
et Terre Encore (Laura came down with some sort of ailment that
kept her in bed all month), Claude d'Armagnac (with Alison), Antoine
d'Eurotrache (with Roxanne), and Darth N Young. Unfortunately the
people could neither behave, nor find Bretagne on the current maps
of France. Meanwhile Alain B'Staad's Dragoon party was attended
by most of the Dragoons. and Etienne Cherdlieu's impromptu gathering
was attended by Jean d'Armes (with Belinda), Francois-Xavier Mansy
de Guilloc (with Laika) and Ferdinand au Juste.

In the Fleur, the management had to apologize for inconveniencing
its patrons, the new coach entrance fell down only days after its
construction forcing the people to walk over 20 yards to the entrance.
This seemed significant as only three of its 8 members showed up this
month (Juan Ferawl don Alferwan, Robert de l'Aubergine and Bud Y Zer)

The second week, the Blue Gables had its only event, like hunters
remaining empty of patrons for the rest of the month. This event
was Otto van Schnell's GDMD gathering, where MacDonaeux revealed
the hidden intent in his sonnet [Hint read the first words of each
line (Elan means enthusiasm)].

The newly opened Regency hosted its first party, marred however,
by violence, due to its only member Geoffrey FitzRichard who
was celebrating his appointment to Divisional Commander. In
attendance were Henri Al'Trouble (with Laurel), Sam d'Wich (with
Suspire), Alain B'Staad (with Anna), Terre et Terre Encore (still
alone), Andre de la Croix (with Marie), Etienne Cherdlieu (with
Polly), Claude d'Armagnac (with Alison), Pic le d'Erring (with
Sally), Jean d'Armes (with Belinda), Soire de Success, Phillippe
de Montalia (with Sue), Darth N Young (with Sylvia) and Francois
de Guerre

Bothwells only hosted two gatherings this week, d'Yatguy's pre-ball
party, surprisingly lightly attended, with only Leonardo Falconetti
(with Anita), Vallon d'Maison, Will de Beest, Rhett R'Ded (with Deb)
and Benoit Balz, all but the latter members of the Kings Musketeers
who were happy to discuss relations with members of the Cardinal's
guard who were there in a regimental function hosted by
de Lioncourt. A serious shake-up of that regiment led to the presence
of a new Lt. Colonel (Henri de Faixg with Constanze), and new Majors
Antoine d'Eurotrache (with Roxanne), and Jaime le Gouda. Young and
Rouge seemingly not getting word of the meeting. Even the surprise
presence of the Cardinal, himself, was not sufficient to stop mass
duelling.

The Final Bothwell party in the Third week was Argenta du Pheasante's
spring Gala. This was almost as well attended as the Ball. Many
excellent vintages were brought by people of lower social status
in an attempt to show themselves possessing taste. Of Particular note
were Antoine Tuthriefer's and Gilles d'Avalon's vintages,
Christophe-Armand Tournage's Minervois, and Otto van Schnell's. A
good try, but not up to the mark was Armand St Just's, while Anitol
la Bell, Jacques Meeoff, and Benoit Balz's wines were of okay but
not good vintage.

During the Ball, those of lesser status Attended Marchaud MacDonaeux's
party. The host requested his guests compose a sonnet for the
princess, but unprepared all decided to take the penalty of drinking
a manum of wine without pausing. If you can't educate them, you
might as well make them happy. Those happy people included:
Baldwin de'Outremer (with Olivia), Phil le Mignon, Etienne Beauregard
and Paul de Maul.

A number of changes occurred in the Military, with the Death of the
Traitor, Vallon d'Maison takes over as Aide to the Dauphin.
The RFG lets in some new blood, with Cap. Toldi de Ballabre and
Sub. Jean-Frederic Robichaud. The Dragoons gained Cap. Alain de
Mylcandonai. The impoverished GDMD gained Maj Armand St Just,
and Maj, Gilles d'Avalon. The Royal Marines, perhaps with hopes of
a fleet to operate from hired three new people: Cap. Antoine Tuthriefer
Sub. Baldwin de'Outremer, and Sub. Guy de Chateaugai. Finally
the Picardy Musket. pick up Sub Paul de Maul, and Sub Etienne
Beauregard.

The new army is shaping up with Duke Georges Clattuc in charge of
the First, and Marquis Arion de Vauban (npc) in charge of the second.
The Divisions are commanded by Duke Harold de Emsay, former provincial
governor (npc), and Vicomte Ralph de Wedall, former Cavalry division
commander (npc). However the Guards and Fourth foot Brigades have no
commanders at present, with de Sapear turning the position down.

With the sun settling down over the horizon, two men meet on the
road from Versailles. The first speaker is on foot, and a cook
by dress. The second is Mounted on a fine horse, and is obviously
noble. "I'm sorry M'lord. Security was everywhere. I took a break
to light a pipe to calm me nerves, and de Royal Guard comes
barging in an' lets me go. No pay evens."
"What about the event, was the charge found?"
"Don'no M'Lord, but I think the plant was removed, it was looking
all a wilted when we cut out de roots to put the powder in. They
was taking out and fixing any things wit de slightest problem."
"That is too bad, with all those people there, the ones we wanted
could have been eliminated all in one fell swoop. Perhaps even
got rid of the King, the Boy wouldn't know how to run a country."
"M'Lord?"
"Well, I guess I'll give you your pay then..."
"No M'Lord, Don't....". BANG.
A solitary figure rides off towards Paris.