An Announcement....

The medieval clock has just struck Midday, the crowd is gathered and the Heralds open the tower door and gingerly climb the external staircase to the top.After a florid fanfare the assembled people hear the Herald as follows-" Good people of Tradgardland Duke Karl greets you one and all. He is ever aware of your loyalty at times such as these.Following the tragic demise of his son Georg the Duke has cogitated upon the future of the Duchy. He has made contact,after many silent sorrowful years, with Max Voivde of the Banat. As we are gathered the Voivde is on his stately way across Europa to meet with the Duke in conference. Await further announcements upon the morrow. This message is being repeated across the Land.God save the Duke!"The Heralds carefully retrace their steps and go to the vespers of herring and ale which await them.The crowd remain locked in discussions pertaining to the future of their beloved Duchy.

A map - A beginning!

I have been scribbling away for weeks combining ideas with mapping. This is the first coming together of the map for Tradgardland. North is to the right and the European mainland is on the left.
I am looking for a way to convert this to graphics on the computer, to take my scribbling and transfer to a better format.
The most important part however is to get my thoughts together and to get a greater sense of geography in the country. This I feel I have begun to do.

Out of character.............

I am just back from my hols in a cottage in Yorkshire with the family. I have had goodish weather and seen some very interesting places. I hope to use some of them as inspiration for Tradgardland. My desire is to map the country and I would be grateful if my fellow bloggers could suggest ideas to aid the process.
I intend to also post uniform and background to the tradgardian forces soon. It is good to be back in the 18th century!

A proclamation to be read across the Duchy...

A proclamation from his regalness Duke Karl Frederick to the Duchy and beyond. Let it be known that the period of mourning for Georg has ceased. The Duke extends his greatful thanks to all fellow rulers who have supported the duchy in this terrible week horribalis.The Duke extends a welcome to all who wish to recommence trade and negotiations or offer their allegiance to him.The occasion is also hereby taken to reveal the official uniform and hair ornamentation of the Duchy's official messengers.All other messengers not so attired are impostors and loyal subjects are encouraged to report them to the authorities. Failure to do so will end in breaking upon the wheel.Long live the Duke!

A Ducal proclamation..................

Loyal subjects of the DukeI am afforded permission by his grace Karl Frederick to tell of the tradegdy that has befallen his majesty and the whole land of Tradgardland. The heir to the throne Georg is dead. He met his death heroically whilst hunting the wild Tradgardlandian boar. He met his end bravely and remained loyal to his honour.The Duke's Son , the Cardinal will celebrate a state requimn for Georg two days hence, after which ,a period of a Week's mouring will ensue across the land so that all Tragardlanders may remember and mourn.

Midsommer Murders.......................

Georg and friends have taken time away from the dreary task of commanding the Midsommer regiment. Armed with only Karlberg Ale, recklessness and a mixture of flintlock and air

rifled pieces they head for the Heath.

Hours into the day, when the sun is at its zenith and fortified with a good lunch they enter an area of stunted oaks and bushes.

A sound is heard, a tusked shape hurtles from the undergrowth. "Mine!" cries Georg as he attempts to fire.A misfire occurs and the beast is upon him.His brother officers flee the scene in terror.....................

18th Century Films

A combination of holiday and sore foot has seen me watching "Last of the Mohicans" and Barry Lyndon" - two excellent films as I am sure you are all aware. It has got me thinking as to what other superb 18th century films are out there. I would be delighted to hear from fellow bloggers with regard to this matter.Many thanks!