Celebrations In the Duchy of Tradgardland

The crowds had gathered as the petition was handed in to the Ducal Palace . All had been peaceful and in order- yet the intensity of feeling could not be hidden. In essence the people had quietly , with respect and love for the Duke and his family, made their opposition plain. They just could not get their minds and hearts around the new military organisations and subsequent social change. So ,under the direction and leadership of the Duc de Padirac , the petition had been framed,written and signed by thousands. Then they waited for an answer....

They had to wait for only two days - a proclamation was read across the Duchy saying, that with due care and consideration, the Duke had returned to the status quo with regard to the army. Cheering had broken out which led to scenes of dancing and merriment. The Duchy ( and Duke let it be said ) were overjoyed.

Tomorrow was May Day and Ascension Day too. Mass would be offered for the Duchy as a whole and for the True King over the water in Scotland. Duchess Liv 's chaplain would offer Mass for Von Bergmann -who the whole Ducal family commended to God's safe keeping....

A general

Pictured is Graf Ulrich von Valdskog. Primarily one devoted to the sport of hawking , in his leisure hours he is the commander in chief of the army of the Duchy of Skogsmork . A man to reckon with in any situation. His tactical style is built upon the foundation of extensive observations of his hawks ...

I really enjoyed making this figure to command the Duchy army. All I have to do is paint some troops for him to command!!!

At last..

I finally saved some energy after tea tonight to do some modelling /painting. I am working upon a command base . I really enjoyed the work and will finish it over the weekend I hope!

A general

Pictured is Graf Ulrich von Valdskog. Primarily one devoted to the sport of hawking , in his leisure hours he is the commander in chief of the army of the Duchy of Skogsmork . A man to reckon with in any situation. His tactical style is built upon the foundation of extensive observations of his hawks ...

An excerpt.....

From “The Grand Tour of Thomas Wentford Esq., conducted in the year of Our Lord 1751.”
Saturday 14th March: after a hearty breakfast of Herring and Rye Bread accompanied by some inferior ale we caught the mail coach for the Border of the Duchy of Skogsmork.. I noted with alarm that the forest grew wilder and denser. Elk were observed through the trees and I have scarcely seen finer beasts. Our coach driver took delight in pointing out some boar rutting amidst gnarled pines. On finally reaching the Duchy border we were stopped by ruffians who upon further inspection were members of the Duke’s army. Their manner was slovenly in the extreme and furthence of our journey was only accomplished with the help of a coin of small value. This appeared to be a fortune to them and turning around , out the coach window, I observed them fighting over the said coin in the mud.
The next few pages were ripped out and begins again thus;
“ scarcely have I spent a less agreeable night anywhere outside of gaol. The next morning saw us awaken to smells unimaginable and sights plunging the spirit towards the depths like a shot waterfowl ! The capital of the Duchy has little to recommend it although much may be purchased for little outlay….”

A letter

A letter arrived at the Palace in the Duchy of Tradgardland. It bore a seal emblazoned with the the Arms of the Duchy of Skogsmork- an apple tree with 2 rotten apples and four red ones. Duke Karl Frederick took a long look at it prior to opening it - He read as Follows:

To Karl Frederick , Duke of Tradgardland ,Greetings from the Duchy of Skogsmork!

It is with greatest sorrow that I write to inform you of the passing of Duke Albrecht - seventeenth Duke of Skogsmork. His funeral took place last Wednesday and his remains are now interred in the family vault at Schloss Skogsmork. He is succeeded by his son Otto. Long live the Duke!

signed this day of April 1758

Stephen Poliakoph

Secretary to the Duke

The Duke passed the letter to the Duchess who read it with due care and said -

So Cousin Albrecht has died at last- it is years since we heard from him or his Duchy. The last time you saw him he took offence whilst out hunting.You must remember the fuss!

Yes dear, yet these years have been ones of peace- little or no communication betwixt our Duchies but no trouble either!

Young Otto has finally ascended to the title. A rather different man from his father , if the stories are to be believed.

We shall just have to wait and see my dear - time will tell......

Out of character 2

Gentlemen ,
many ,many thanks for your ideas- I value your contributions greatly. I have had much to ponder- including fascinating info ( new to me ) regarding the Austrians. My thoughts have developed thus, so far- I will keep my Austrians for strictly historical wargames against my regular opponent and his forthcoming Prussians. Secondly I will develop an imaginary opponent for the Tradgardlanders - for the sheer joy of creating another army, uniforms. ruling household etc etc and the pleasure it gives me. This will be used for mainly solo gaming using BAR and with not too many units upon the table.
With the "elastic " nature of time and space I can surely find room for some small state which borders with the Duchy to act as opposition to Karl Frederick and his army.
Again your thoughts would be appreciated on my ideas!
best wishes
Alan