The Duchy of Saschen-Vindow

Easter...

2009-04-12T04:31:00.001-07:00

Today Easter Day 1759 two men met in the Palace of the Dukes of Saschen -Vindow. They shook hands upon the promise of Everlasting Peace between Tradgardland and Sasche-Vindow. The men were Duke Peter ( recovering from his recent illness and still unable to leave his bed) and Duke Karl Frederick of the resplendent Tradgardland. In the light of Easter a new age is secured,one to be celebrated in the days ahead...Pax Vobiscum to you and yours this Eastertide from Alan and Family

In Stagonia..

2009-04-09T23:57:00.000-07:00

It is night time in the castle of King Ludwig of Stagonia. The Duchess slips into his room and waits. Ludwig enters the room- a tad worse for wear...
The Duchess speaks" So Ludwig are you going to make a dishonest woman of me ?My marriage was a sham. I need you and a dynastic marriage is the only option. What say you sir!"

Affairs of the heart...

2009-03-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Imprisonment is not easy for Duda and Von Trimbach but it is hoped that they may be distracted by romance within the castle of Duke Peter. With time upon their hands, the game of love may distract, but it is hoped they will not fall the same fair young woman...

excerpts from a letter to the Duke of Tradgardland

2009-03-14T11:50:00.001-07:00

It is with regret I write to say that my illustrious collegue and myself are being held as prisoners in the Castle of Duke Peter having been independently captured by Hussars and jaeger belonging to the Duke. The Duke's secretary kindly writes this on our behalf to ask you to send gold to seek our release.
Fear not ,we are being kept in good if basic accommodation. The days are long - time to recall our failure upon your behalf. Time too to recall the good men lost under our command- for this we are eternally sorry.
your obedient Servant
Von Trimbach

Musters

2009-02-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

The forces of Duke Peter have been gathering. As well as the Border troops a crack unit of jaeger ( made up of local gamekeepers and hunters) are moving with undue haste towards the border where Tradgardlanders are believed to be . Great rivalry exists between the Sashen -Vindow border troops and jaeger companies. This emanates from an incident in the late 17th Century which found these units on different sides in a short but memorable civil war...

A border village

2009-02-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Saschen-Vindow border troops are mustering today in their villages. They have been summoned to the defense of the Duchy by Duke Peter. It is believed that Tradgardland troops are at this very moment making for the Border...

It is hoped they can be ambushed in the woods and swamps just this side of the border. The Ducal jaegers are expected any day now in the area.

Journey's end?

2009-02-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

The vehicle is proceeding well through copious amounts of blood ,sweat and tears. No further spies have been discovered yet Duke Peter remains concerned about the security of the work as it nears it's completion.

The fabricators have worked day and night to journey towards completion. It has cost life and limb not to mention coin. Duke Peter fears that the Tradgradlanders will mount an attempt to destroy the machine before it's completion. Rumours abound of troops across the border massing...

In Saschen-Vindow...

2009-02-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Von Trunk mounted Feikorps have apprehended a Tradgardland spy within the vicinity of where the Engines are undergoing fabrication.

Justice was swift and lacking even a shread of mercy...

The Duchy of Tradgardland will no doubt have its own views upon the barbarism shown by Von Trunk and his men!

If you go down to the woods today...

2009-02-01T03:40:00.000-08:00

In the woods surrounding the castle a strange sight is taking shape. The model makers have moved onto the next stage - what will happen next?

A Model

2009-01-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter admired the skill of the modelmakers who had come before him today. He looked at their arcane invention with interest. He pondered if these twins could really produce a full sized version in weeks. To the eye they looked like vagrants or even outlaws ,yet there was something about them . A spark of genius thought Duke Peter. He turned to them and told them to begin this very day. The castle forge and blacksmith was at their disposal...

From the Court Circular of Saschen-Vindow

2009-01-28T04:44:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter is enjoying the fine weather currently making its presence known in Saschen-Vindow. It is hoped he will inspect some units of the army within the next few days. All is a flurry of pipe clay and drill as the aforementioned units become the very best they can be, with the application of officer's sticks and words in due season ...
The units concerned are : Infantry Regiment St Georg , The "Hungarian " company of the border town of Alt-Waldsee and the converged grenadier companies of the Duchy.

StarSingers...

2009-01-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

High in the castle tower Duke Peter sits he has been up all night examining a list of his officers. He has marked those loyal to him - too few for comfort!He slumbers in his favourite chair until he is awoken by the sound of singing from the starsingers. They are late this year as all nocturnal activities were cancelled due to the current unrest within the Duchy. But here they are in broad daylight. They sing and chalk upon the castle gate 17+C+M+B+59 ,hopefully bringing good fortune to the Duchy for the coming year...

Night

2009-01-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter is abroad this night too. He has gone to see the new moondial which was erected within the palace grounds. His thoughts are of the coming year and war with Tradgardland - the ancient and traditional enemy! Far ,far more disturbing are the rumours concerning his estranged wife...
Mad tales of Ludwig of Stagonia, of her love for him and her desire to place herself upon the throne of Stagonia and Ludwig as Duke of Saschen-Vindow.Joint rulers they would be here and abroad. He knows how he is unpopular unlike his beloved Duchess.He fears civil war within the Duchy and murmurs a prayer heavenwards...
In the silence an unthinkable idea comes to mind an option horrendous but preferable to the ravaging of the Duchy by civil war...

Night

2009-01-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

The crowd has arrived .Men muffled in cloaks against the cold night air throng the illuminated great hall of the desolate country house. They represent the upper strata of Saschen -Vindow society - yet many are conspicuous by their absence. Those gathered have a unifying dislike,distrust or historic grudge against Duke Peter. They are not vast in number but their influence is immeasurable...

At last the waiting is over - a figure enters,black wig removed and the Duchess stands before them...

"Gentlemen thank you for coming to this place under the cover of the night. I bring you news for a new year. The future begins today! I offer you a new order in Saschen-Vindow . I offer you myself upon the Ducal throne with my Consort the new King of Stagonia at my side..."

The crowd remain silent and exchange embarrassed glances - this is not what they had hoped for. The Duchess continues working herself into a frenzy of hate aimed at Duke Peter. One by one those at the back of the crowd drift out into the night heads shaking and disappointed , worried about others knowing they were present this night. Eventually only a few remain too terrified to move...

After Dark

2009-01-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

It is night in Saschen-Vindow. The Bells have tolled and the people hurry into the walled towns and villages before the gates are closed. Chains are stretched across the streets to deter robbers and invaders, attempting to impede their progress. The Watch have gathered across the Duchy ready to guard their neighbourhood from ills of the Dark...

On the road a dashing figure is observed riding in the company of others. A full dark wig (unfashionable for these times) and a suit of dark clothes topped off with a plumed hat completes the outfit. No one would ever recognise the Duchess of Saschen-Vindow under such outlandish garments and no one would wish to meet her on the road tonight.

A Saschen-Vindow pair...

2008-12-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter and the Court Fool. He is the advisor to Duke peter on all matters temporal and spiritual. The fool provides military and political advice whilst displaying his vast knowledge of philosophy and the arts of Mars. Duke Peter has him at his side upon the filed of war at all times.

Greetings...

2008-12-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas From Duke Peter,his Court and subjects to all good people of Europa and beyond. The Duchy looks forward to entertaining and enlightening you all in the months to come!

The Duchess greets all of you and promises some surprises in the months to come too...

On the painting table...

2008-12-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

The jaeger company of Von Ekdahl assembled upon the painting table - well dining room table actually!

They are accompanied by Ingmar the bear,their mascot. The company consists of gamekeepers from the Saschen-Vindow Counties. A few finishing touches will see them ready for action soon...

The Fool on the hill...

2008-12-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter spends some time in the company of his one true friend - the Ducal Fool . The Duke has maintained this tradition which originated in medieval times in Saschen-Vindow.

The Duke's fool maintains traditional costume and is a constant companion of Duke Peter's. The discuss the meaning of everything ,military strategy and theology over silver figures moving upon the floor of the Duke's Study. The Duke and Fool maintain an ambivalent relationship at times where the fool says those personal things to the Duke he will not tolerate from any other. The jokes and japes regarding the duchess are wearing rather thin however...

Stagonia

2008-12-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

Her guests long gone, the Duchess wanders thru a palace illuminated by a thousand candles...

She is pleased with her work this night- she has secured the devotion and loyalty of men of substance in the Duchy.

She sends yet another letter to Ludwig du Vile the new King of Stagonia. In it she speaks of them as soul mates and kindred in deeds and political ambitions. She asks for his favour and deepest friendship in the days and months to come...

Charms...

2008-12-17T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Duchess has lavished her hospitality upon her dinner guests. She has paid particular attention to the disgruntled general and made sure he has fallen completely under her spell . He assures her ( in return ) of his undying loyalty and devotion. When the Day comes he will be ready - as will be those under his command...

The Duchess...

2008-12-15T10:53:00.000-08:00

Meanwhile, in a large rambling House across the Duchy, the Duchess of Saschen -Vindow receives visitors . It is many years since she became estranged from Duke Peter and now it has become evident ( to the great and not so great ) that she has surrounded herself with an alternative Ducal Court.She lives in luxury surrounded by those ever at her beck and call. Today she will receive the mother of the poor unfortunate broken upon the wheel, who was a loyal and trusted servant...

Dinner guests will include some militia captains and a rather disgruntled General. All will be captivated by her beauty,wit and rather less so by her thinly disguised utter ruthlessness...

Charge

2008-12-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

I am working on the Saschen-Vindow 's army with a view to getting a Charge game on the table soon. These are members of the Militia .

I hope to start on a light infantry /dismounted jaeger company this week. Afterwards I will have a go at the plastic huzzars. I am still worried re flaking paint but I will have a go...

Pavilioned in Splendour....

2008-12-03T12:39:00.000-08:00

The generals gathered , after vespers consisting of sausage and sauerkraut, round the map of the Duchy stretched out before them. They consulted the regimental returns and gleaned the state of the Army of Sashen-Vindow:

Infantry Regt XIV " Alte Bjork"

Infantry Regt XII

The Militia from the Seven Counties

Ducal Guard

Hussars de Architrave

Artillery train

Von Ekdahl's Jaeger Corps

Morale within the pavilion was almost as low as the temperature outside...

O Fortuna...

2008-12-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

For many within the Duchy of Saschen-Vindow the wheel of Fortuna has turned...

That unfortunate young man of previous mention met his demise today in a packed City square in the Ducal Capital . With due ceremony ( with the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd ringing in his ears ) he was broken upon the wheel - a suitable punishment for perpetrators of Treason...

The Duke was able, aided by his manservant - Old Ulrich , to go to the Castle window and cast his recovering eye upon his army encamped below... His chest swelled with pride as he watched the men drill under the watchful eye ( and ever ready stick) of their officers until the sun set behind the hills and forests.

In the camp the generals talked of the coming war with Tradgardland . Of the readiness of regiments and sundry matters pertaining to supply and strategy. For Winter is the time to train,to fabricate muskets, to call forth the Militia and prepare for the new campaign season...

Highs and lows...

2008-11-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

Dr Smollett called upon Duke Peter this afternoon. The celebrated author and physician found the Duke to be in good health considering yesterday's surgery. Duke Peter was well enough to hear about Dr Smollett's latest novel based upon the ups and down of life in the Stagonian Court. It will no doubt be another salacious and scurrilous tale quipped Duke Peter to Smollett,who smiled quietly and drank deeply of his wine.
Meanwhile in the palace dungeon the young prisoner was shown a gift given by the Emperor of China to Duke Peter's late father - the Chinese torture chair. The mere sight of it was enough to loosen the tongue of the prisoner who rambled on and on about vile Stagonians, a character called Von Bergmann and a woman in black. Half an hour later ,still rambling on and on ,the prisoner was thrown into the deepest dungeon to await his fate...

Surgery

2008-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

Only by the timely intervention by the Ducal Surgeon ( a low German fellow by all accounts ) was the life of Duke Peter saved. He had been feeling unwell during Sunday service and had to be rushed to his private apartments. There, with in attendance only Wilhelm ,the Duke's brother, was surgery performed by the aforementioned doctor. The Duke is said to be recovering excellently in the company of his faithful hound and with his beloved gallery of painting of KarlXII aiding mind and spirit...

This concludes a rather vexing few days for Duke Peter as on Saturday he survived an assassination attempt by a mysterious youth ( working in the Palace kitchens) who was discovered adding Deadly Nightshade to the Duke's breakfast. The wretched young man is being questioned at this very moment within the Palace Dungeons. The hussars continue to pray for the Duke's recovery and their hymns can be heard rising heavenwards from the camp near by.

Huzzah for the Hussars!

2008-11-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

Will's hussars have arrived safely- thanks Will.They will form the first unit I will paint up for the Saschen-Vindow Ducal army. I have 2 squadrons of 10 figures to paint. I have not been successful with my last attempt to paint plastic figures . What advice would you give me? The figures have come with some of them undercoated in white. It seems to flake easily. I look forward to your ideas...

Camp

2008-11-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Army of the Duchy of Saschen-Vindow will gather in the camp being prepared for them by the Duke's pioneers. The camp is near Duke Peter's castle and will be an occasion for the annual Review of the Army prior to the arrival of Winter.

It will be a chance for us,dear reader, to discover more regarding the forces available to the Duchy...

Tracts for the times?

2008-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

The first squadron of the Saschen-Vindow hussars has been causing concern once more to Duke Peter. Loyal subjects of the Duke ( a staunch Lutheran by conviction as well by family tradition) have brought to his notice the Pietist tracts handed out left,right and centre by hussars as they cross the Duchy. Duke Peter is an ardent admirer of the late KarlXII of Sweden and cannot abide the propaganda put about by the pietists here in Saschen-Vindow and in Sweden. No doubt a stern word will be needed in season when Wilhelm arrives...

Out of character...

2008-11-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

I am awaiting some hussars from Will. They will form two squadrons of the first unit of the Saschen-Vindow army. I am looking forward to seeing the figures and deciding upon uniform colours. Hopefully they will arrive over the weekend and I can get started. I am still undecided upon the best undercoating for these gallant plastic chaps...

Contents of a despatch...

2008-11-11T23:36:00.000-08:00

"Wilhelm,brother of Duke Peter, will be bringing two squadrons of his Huzzar regiment to camp in the castle grounds within the next few days. It is hoped that they will take the opportunity for exercise of body, mind and spirit..."

An accident?

2008-11-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

Duke Peter was in the habit of taking a morning walk around the lakeside at dawn. He ,as ever ,was accompanied by his two faithful deer hounds. The walk had started in the usual fashion when a calamity struck! A stone gargoyle in the shape of a griffin ( an heraldic beast that features in the Coat of Arms of the Duchy) plunged from the castle roof and narrowly missed Duke Peter! After calming his dogs, the Duke carefully removed the gargoyle dust from his coat and carried on with the walk. Surely an unfortunate accident had occurred?

Welcome ...

2008-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Duchy of Saschen-Vindow! Follow the ongoing story of Duke Peter and his small Duchy adjacent to the Duchy of Tradgardland. Visitors are most welcome and ambassadors are urged to present their credentials to the Duke at his lakeside palace...