Thursday, November 28, 2013

Not acceptable

"Simply put, this situation is not acceptable."  Said the western region Minister for Munitions.

"The forces were deployed so as to obtain victory for the Tsarina, and not the personal ambitions of this Boyar lordling."  The Minister was most displeased, though he did not want to place this out into the hands of the Imperial courier.

"I shall draft a letter regarding this to the Tsarina this evening, for now you may stay here with us.   Have the steward see to the Prince's needs and we will dine together tonight."  The last part for his own secretary to carry to the Steward.

"I retire now to contemplate how to properly phrase this note for her majesty."  as he turned and left the salon.

Monday, June 24, 2013

What happens when a greater power crosses over a lesser power

Coming from a discussion on Emperor vs. Elector:


"What happens when a 'greater power' seeks to cross the territory of a 'lesser power', such as Mieczyslaw?

Some answers:

on a scale of 1-5 where 1 is you are friends and 5 you are on the other side ...

1) obvious, your army is absorbed with good effect into the larger one.

2) your army is absorbed, with suitable compensations (or promises thereof) such as lands and or titles perhaps cash payouts.

3) some 'negotiations' may be taking place just before the crossing, ambassadors will be sent with the gifts and other promises for the safe passage ... though the threat of crossing without warning will be ever present. If negotiations go well, then your little place may be spared conscription - possibly even make out with some good booty. If they go poorly, then the fate #4 will be the result.

4) Forced crossing, with little warning and conscription along the route. If any forces are assembled to stop them they will be harshly dealt with. Most likely your forces will have to fall-back out of the travel route or, if your only fortifications are on the route, then into the fortifications to politely await their passage.

5) best bet is to flee with your mobile army into the opposing camp, get your little force out of harm's way and fortify your hard points, if you have any fortifications, garrison them and flee. Any attempt to stand against such a large force that considers you the enemy will only result in your destruction. IF you have a fortification far from the most likely route then you may consider holing up there ... however you will likely be fore fitting your alliance with the other 'allied' nation (empire etc.)

What are your thoughts?

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Report from the front ...

Russian Court minister of interior reads his son's letter
Anton read slowly again the report from the front line, written by his middle son:

"We have been pushed back from crossing the river.  Losses were heavy with many battalions now at less than one-quarter effective.  There are no hospitals and no succor for the wounded.  This situation is even worse that uncle Boris told me.  The Boyars are intent on killing us all for their own gain here in Mieczyslaw.  They will not be satisfied until every one of us is dead and the general does not hear any entreaties to use our force more effectively.  It is as if he will only hear Count Borisov and no others."

The letter was stained with mud.

The Boyars appear to have put personal ambition ahead of the plans that were presented at court to the Tsarina ...