Tradgardland updates...

Sunday, October 31, 2010


This week end marks Halloween (we have already had guisers at the door who were willing to sing - a rare occurrence these days) and the clocks have gone back last night. It is a time to take stock...
I tried ganeesh games "Songs of blades and heroes " with a Ny Tradgardland scenario ( see piccies) and they worked well. I will certainly use them again.
I intend to continue to use my Imagination Campaign this winter too and build upon the Disputed valley map. I have already painted one unit and will post piccies soon...
I hope also to do something with a VBCW - I have enough figures to game and have some interesting rules in the shape of "When officers rode"
Jan didn't get her third chemo last Tuesday. Her platelets were way too low. She was given a platelet transfusion instead. Bloods were taken on Friday and all being well ( depending upon blood test results) Chemo number 3 will be on Tuesday 2nd Nov...Week back for me after half term hectic, girls go back to school on tomorrow.
Will post again soon.

A new blog.....

I have succumbed to doing a DM Cornish Project- do pop by:
http://lamplightershaven.blogspot.com/

A campaign Map or Plans Changed...

A change of plan here has led to the game being postponed. However, whilst taking advantage of the cold yet sunny weather to do some garden tidying, I have come up with a cunning plan to take my imagination wargaming forward this autumn/winter...

I have prepared a campaign map (please click on it for a closer look) of Umstrittental (The Disputed Valley) which lies between the Duchy of Tradgardland and the Imperium. Although independent the valley is claimed by both Tradgardland and the Imperium. The diplomatic and military struggles over sovereignty have dragged on for centuries and influence over Umsttittental waxes and wanes between the two major contending powers.
Umsttittental raises her own troops which are allied at different times to either Tradgardland or the Imperium or maintain a headstrong independendence in the face of invasions military and economic.For years trade and peace reigns before another battle or invasion intervenes briefly before the status quo returns.

The Campaign gives me a chance to use both my Tradgardland and Imperium forces. It also allows me to raise units for Umsttittental as and when I like. Coupled with the rules and table size mentioned in the previous post I can use the valley in a variety of ways: for 1866 gaming not to mention later or early time periods. As ever I am interested in what you think of my idea...

Von Fripp in command...

"And so gentlemen here are the accounts for Smaaland Manor relating to the guilds of Topiary and Bee Keeping..."

Suddenly a horse could be heard outwith the Manor Estate office and the sound of a man's feet running across the gravel.

Minutes later the Militia officers, who had gathered to discuss the business of agriculture and commerce, had sent the aforementioned messenger off to summon Von Fripp and the Smaaland Manor militia. The forces of the Imperium had crossed the border...

Dear Reader it is my intention to play out this encounter upon the dining room table on Wednesday using the Old Wormley Creek Wargames Society Rules kindly sent to me by Joe Saur. They are written with such a playing area in mind. I will add the Duke of Stollen's event cards also and some ideas about how to control an 18th century opponent in a solo game. I will of course post an account and photos afterwards.

A broadsheet tells all...

Recent writings in that gentleman's newsheet "Ye Classix Kreigspieler's Journal" has besmirched the name of that redoubtable fellow Major Von Fripp , lately of the Court of the Crimson Duke, who most gallantly played his part in the so -called "debacle" at Spurlash Down.

General Schwarz (whose current whereabouts is uncertain) has instructed me to commend to one and all the enclosed painting as a true and accurate representation of the recent action...

Dear Reader you are advised to click upon the enclosed painting to see it all it's glorie!

Pictures

I often find I am inspired by evocative images- here is one such engraving after the school of Durer...
It depicts the city of Zeitgeist- Dunkelsten. Now what might happen in a city such as this I wonder...

updates again...

I t was Zoe's first Portfolio Class in Edinburgh yesterday. I accompanied her so she would know where to go for future occasions. Whilst waiting for her ( with an infected knee causing me to hirple around and take antibiotics the size of zeppelins) I went to see the exhibition of Lewis Chessmen at the NMS- it had sadly finished. However I did buy a copy of the exhibition book which looks interesting. I did manage to resist( only just) a Noggin the Nog book and dvd!

I have downloaded " Terrible Sharp Sword" the toofat lardies acw supplement for Sharp Practice. On first perusal it looks full of potentiality ...

I have been interested in Renaissance wargaming for more years than I care to remember. Of late it has lain in abeyance due to rules probs- didn't like DBR at all or WAB ECW really either for example. I am tempted by FOG Renaissance as just the thing I need to dust off old armies- does anyone know the rules at all yet?

Jan's chemo number two went as well as could be expected this week. This is the "dip" weekend but she will bounce back in a day or too...

A letter from across the ocean...

"... it is now four days since my ship made landfall here in Ny Tradgardland. Fr Lefebrve ,from the garrison at St Louisberg has just said Mass for my intention of thanksgiving- for my delivery from the September seas, at the small chapel which shelters under the curtain walls that lie between us and the sea.

As you know,my dear, the Duke has charged me with the onerous task of leading the militia here in this furthest outpost of the Duchy ,far from your arms and those of our dear children. This is strange place full of mystery and a strange kind of beauty.We are supplied well by God's bounty of the sea and assisted by the local peoples whose ways I have yet to master yet am keen to know. This land offers unfathomable joys yet holds so much for me to do and accomplish. The English and their Mohawk allies are on the move- we have but weeks to bring our forces up to scratch. Yet,by God's grace we shall prevail.
Kiss the children for me and I shall write again soon- the ship to carry this missive will not wait long .
Your ever loving husband
Ulrich