A conversation betwixt Duchess and Duke....

Perhaps it is for the best - we do not know what this year may bring for the Duchy,dearest.
Yes, Tradgardland is at the centre of things and always must be.Our loyalty to the Holy See is paramount in all we are and do under Heaven.
We have our daughter returned to us,husband dear,the future of our family must be secured .There is much to think about. We are now joint rulers so let me take some of the burden of state from you . We must talk and plan but the night is far gone,tomorrow is soon enough.
You are indeed right as ever my dear. Let us to bed before the dawn breaks . This letter means nothing,nothing at all - you and Tradgardland are everything!

Night Watch

The Tradgardland night watch are gearing up for the Celebrations at Candlemass. By night they are ever vigilant in their patrols of the capital city. All has been quiet but tonight is different......

A Watchman has found a body lying in an alleyway. He checks the papers upon the man and ascertains he is a Stagonian . The watchman unfurls some folded papers and begins to read......................

Ny Tradgardland

The shores of Ny Tradgardland have been rocked by storms this week. The people huddle in their houses and try to keep warm Round the fire the men carve golden herrings from bone as if keeping the memories of the homeland alive. The women make and mend the clothes and fishing nets. Guns are overhauled and prepared for the campaign season ahead. After all we are one more day nearer to Spring......

An invitation to the Ducal Society

The Secretary of the Ducal Society looks up from his reading -The September 23, 1757 issue of The New Hampshire Gazette in which he had just read the following-
"[Last] Tuesday in the afternoon John Childs, who had given public notice of his intention to fly from the steeple of Dr. Cutler's Church, performed it to the satisfaction of a great number of spectators; and Wednesday in the afternoon he again performed it twice; the last time he set off with two pistols loaded, one of which discharged in his descent, the other missing fire, he cocked and snapped again before he reached the place prepared to receive him. It is supposed from the steeple to the place where the rope was fixed was about 700 feet upon a slope, and that he was about 16 & 18 seconds performing it each time. As these performances led many people from their business, he is forbid flying any more in the town. The said Childs says he has flown from the highest steeples in England, and off the Monument, by the Duke of Cumberland's Desire."
On putting the paper down he was struck by the thought that the aforementioned gentleman show be invited to address the learned society this year.His whereabouts having been ascertained a letter was duly dispatched forthwith.

Enthronement..

In the cathedral today a High Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Max for enthronement ceremony of Duke Karl Frederick and Duchess Liv as joint rulers over the Duchy of Tradgardland and Schwartz - Tradgardland.

The packed Cathedral heard a specially composed Mass written by the Court Composer Axel von Lejre-Koge . Castrato singers had been hired from across Europa for this glittering occasion and their unearthly music reached heavenwards.

The Guests retired to the Banqueting Hall where a glittering evening was enjoyed by all into the deep night.

Epiphany

It is Epiphany in the Duchy of Tradgardland. In homes (and in the life sized cribs found on street corners and in the cathedral ) the figures of the Magi are added to the the cribs. On the streets the boy star singers sing carols to raise money for those in need. Around the towns and villages they go, through the snowy streets, their songs floating through the night air and mingling with the snowflakes as they fall.

Families gather to eat together and to follow the story of the journey of the Three Kings. The Duke and Duchess eat amidst the colour and bussel of the court. Star Singers are ushered into the banqueting hall which falls silent as the boys begin to sing. It is a special night for all. The traditional greeting May the wisdom ,joy and steadfastness of the Kings be with you and your Household! is exchanged everywhere. It is the Ducal greeting to you readers everywhere too!

Raid into Tradgardland - a BAR trial game

The imperium Raiding force consisted of a squadron of dragoons and one of cuirssers.They were accompanied by two units of croats ready to plunder and a medium field gun. The Duchy managed to field two infantry battalions and a small unit of Legione Tradgardland Jaeger. The first picture shows the start of the game.

The croats advanced to secure the enclosure but were opposed by the Jaeger. Whilst this occurred the artillery opened up upon the Duchy infantry causing casualties and great concern!

The Imperium cavalry decided to charge the Duchy infantry ,were fired upon in the process. A furious melee ensued!

The melee ended in the cavalry routing off the field the end was nigh for the Raiding party!

An aerial view of the end of the battle! An enjoyable learning experience!