Characters! Part 1

Above: General Zillmann (l) and King Phillip I (r)

Hi All
It's been a couple of months since I've been able to add to the blog.
Rest assured, I intend to keep it going.
In the meantime, here are some pictures of three of the characters from the HMKoNW
Below: King Phillip I in his regal robes


Below:General Zillmann

Below: Drummer Kane in the uniform of the Van Demon's Land Legion.

You can read more of Drummer Kane here.

Kane started his military service in the Clairmont Militia, until he transfered to "The Legion" in 1736. Was it better pay, the uniform, or a certain camp follower by the name of "Saucy Sally" that attracted him to "The Legion"?

The miniatures of The King and General Zillmann are from the OLD GLORY "Duelist" set that I received with my OG ARMY CARD membership.

Drummer Kane is from EUREKA MINIATURES.

I called Nic at Eureka and asked if he had in his extensive range of miniatures a negro drummer.

He didn't, but un-daunted he actually made "Kane" for me by using the body from his Provincial Regulars range and a head from one of his "Natives", (not sure on what specific range).

How's that for customer service!

Cheers!

War Clouds On The Horizon?

(Pictured: A repeated scene across the Kingdom. A man takes his wives to his Temple to declare his "Chosen" one)

Grand Duke Colin, General Zillmann and the King dismounted their horses near a small tavern. The mounted escort from Princess Hayley's Hussars moved to their usual positions around the trio; five troopers and one NCO each at the 4 cardinal points. The young officer, second in command dismounted with another five troopers and positioned themselves within close proximity to the King. The Major commanding the escort moved with the King.

They had just left a meeting with the Prophet and the Church Council at The Temple.

Only two days earlier the Prophet and Queen had had a lunch and meeting with the King, and there they had presented a Church Proclamation to the King. At that meeting it was decided that the King and his most trusted advisors would meet at greater length with the Prophet and entire Church Council.

The meeting had lasted for more than two hours, and now the small band were heading back to the Palace.

"The King and his party require some privacy"! barked the Major in command of the Escorting Troop

"Of course. Allow me to clear this table in the corner", stammered the Inn Keeper.

"We are not used to such regal visitors"

Tables were moved, chairs were replaced with better chairs.

"'Tis a great honour M'lard"!

General Zillmann was the first to speak:

"I suspect the proclamation will be readily accepted by most of the lower to middle class, but much of the nobility will not be happy Sire"

"I agree, but the Church will release the proclomation regardless of what I think. Hmmm, time to pick a side".

The King sipped his apple juice.

"I must be seen to support the Church. The noblility can choose between what is right, or what is conveinient. I shall set the example; which won't be too hard. My other wives, Lady Julie and Duchess Rachel are far away already. They are also well cared for".

"But what of the divorced wives, what becomes of them Sire"? General Zillmann's question was a good one.

"My good General, The Prophet said that they would remain the responsibility of their ex husbands"

The Grand Duke replied:

"The laws would and will need to make clear that even though the husband must choose only one wife, he would still be responsible for the divorced wife or wives until they were either re-married; or died".

General Zillmann made an observation:

"I can see that many men are not going to be to happy about supporting a woman that gives nothing in return.

There will be a lot of weddings for the newly divorced;... or a lot of funerals".

A week later the proclomation hit the streets:

The Prophet and King are compeled to make the following Holy Proclomation!

Our Heavenly Father has decreed, no man is to have more than one wife!

Any man with more than one wife is to present to their Shire or Provincial Temple with their wives and declare their chosen one.

The divorced wives will be cared for by their ex husbands until they are re-married.

Their welfare and safety will be the resonsibility of their previous husbands.

Children will remain in the care of their Birth mothers, unless they are voluntarily surrendered to their fathers.

Ex-wives may reside within their ex-husband's lodgings until re-married, but may not engage in "Relations".

Any person failing to comply with the proclomation will be deemed in violating the most holy institution of marriage and face severe punishment in this world, and judgment in the next!

SO SAYTH THE LORD!!!

GOD SAVE THE KING!

More "legal" details were posted with the proclomation, but the thrust of what was now law wasn't lost on the masses.

For many, the news was well received. Many of the lower classes saw the new laws as another un-deserved "privalige" stripped from the "well to do".

For some however, the proclamation was as if the church and their King was declaring war on them,.....

The BRIDE WARS were about to begin!

TO BE CONTINUED!

(PICTURED: The proclomation is well received by many. Here some of the guests at a tavern celebrate the news)

Something's In The Air

King Phillip I, his uncle Grand Duke Colin and General Von Zillmann were bent over the desk, studying a diagram.
"So this thing will, erm; fly"? asked the young king.
The Grand Duke folded his arms and straightened up:
"Apparently so. All to do with "hot air rising" and such, so Dr Tross assures me".
King Phillip looked up:
"And Dr Tross will be able to construct this, what did he call it,..."
"A Balloon Phillip". The Grand Duke was quite informal with the King, his nephew.
"Ah yes; Balloon".
The King directed the next question to the General:
"So Colonel Ann will escort Dr Tross, and the engineers to Wodongatown, build a stockade, and then from within develop all the where-with-all to have this balloon launched so as to provide a "birds eye view" into Alburburg".
General Von Zillmann snapped his heels together:
"That is the plan Sire. We believe that is where the Raiders from the RNS concentrate and launch their raids from. We believe the Raiders are actualy the 4th Dragoons"
The King moved away from the desk and diagram and plans of the strange flying machine. The others followed.
They listened as he began again:
"These cross border raids must stop. I trust this contraption will give us the early warning we need to enable us to intercept any future raids before too much harm can be done. I'm confident the Yarra Militia and a troop from Bree's Battery should be a sufficient force to defend the works"
General Von Zillmann added:
"Ja Sire, and the 4th Foot and the Royal Dragoons can intercept any raids nearby".
The King stopped and turned to face his Uncle and the General.
"Well done Gentlemen! When did Colonel Ann's column depart"?
The Grand Duke answered:
"Last week. They should almost be at Wodongatown now".
King Phillip I smiled:
"And Lady Hugankiss should soon be arriving in the RNS Capital..."

TO BE CONTINUED!

Who's Who in New Wales

To assist the reader, here is a list of "Who is Who" (or Who is Was), in the Holy Mormoan Kingdom of New Wales.
The main "Characters" are as follows:

John Smyth-Clements: Founder of the Mormoan Religion, and "Founding Father" of the colony of New Wales.

Uehorn and Iracow natives (Nth American Indians): American Natives that have been "Mormoanized". Mormoans believed the native Americans to be a long lost Israelite Tribe. Approximately 1000 of these Native Americans landed in New Wales with the First Fleet!

Michael Clements (King): Seized sole power in a coup during a sitting of the Mormoan Parliament, and proclaimed "First Consul". In 1728, after defeating a large Franco-Spanish Army at the Battle of Port Phillip, he was proclaimed the 1st King of New Wales. Abdicated in favour of Prince Phillip, (due to poor health). Still popular, (though behaves rather odd at times). Favorite pastime is Boxing!

Queen Janet of Dudley: 1st, (and most popular wife) of King Michael. Mother of Princess Kim, Prince Peter (Later Grand Duke), and Prince Phillip (Later King). Later became Queen Mother. Loved by the People. Most Popular Royal by far!

Duchess Judith of Campbell, (known as the "Bloody Duchess"): Second wife of King Michael. Became known as "The Bloody Duchess" after she lead a purge of the Royal Court during a 2 month Regency when King Michael was very ill. Unpopular with the people. Cunning as a fox that went to "Cunning College". Mother of Prince Matthew, Prince Simon, Princess Emma. Not at all happy to see King Phillip I on the thrown!

Grand Duke Colin: Elder Brother of King Michael. Grand Duke Colin established a colony on a large Island south of the mainland called Van Demon's Land. This became known as The Grand Duchy of Van Demon's Land. Involved with the Parliament as Minister for The Navy and Science.

KING PHILLIP I of the HOLY MORMOAN KINGDOM of NEW WALES

Born: 29 July 1695. A descendant of John Smyth-Clements, (The House Of Clements).

Proclaimed KING: 13 Nov 1745.

1st Wife: Lady Juliet of Lakelands.

2nd Wife: Duchess Rachel of Raaf.

3rd Wife: Lady, (now Queen and elevated to Prima Wife), Queen Raechel of Harre-Edwards

Children: Princess Amanda, Princess Ashlie (wife1)/ Princess Hayley (wife2) // Princess Mathilda (Prima Wife).

After a very active childhood spent playing much sport he entered the Army. After his 4 years of study at Adfaburg Duntroon Military Academy he entered the Royal Foot Guards Grenadiers as a Company commander at the tender age of 26. He was appointed Commander of the Household Brigade 18 months later. At the Battle of Fort Clairmont he personally led the "Light" Battalion of the Royal Foot Guards as they attacked the French line by charging from the woods on the enemy's left flank. He seized the fallen colour of the "Guard Francis", (decorated with Fleur-de-lys), as the 4th Regiment of Foot put them to flight. Later he led his Brigade with distinction at Launceston in 1734; personally taking the surrender of the Spanish Regiment "Fleur De Lys". Given command of the Army Reserve Brigade at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in1738, his well timed attack secured victory for his father, King Michael. These three actions became known as "Phillip's plucking of the Lilly's of the Field" (or "Fleur De Lys"). A popular King, devoted to his people.

Lady Juliet of Lakelands: 1st wife of King Phillip I. Suffers from bouts of "The Madness". Live in Exile at the Southern tip of Van Demon's Land. Mother of the very popular Princess Amanda. Addicted to the "China drug".

Duchess Rachel of Raaf: 2nd wife of King Phillip I. Mother of the young Princess Hayley. Stays out of the "lime light". Keeps herself busy with shopping for the latest fashions and sitting in Beauty Parlors. Devoted mother to the young Princess.

Queen Raechel of Harre-Edwards (now elevated to Prima Wife) :Renowned for her Beauty. Extremely popular with the people. Her influence allowed "non-converted" (ie: Christians of the Catholic or Protestant denominations), to hold seat within Parliament. Born of Noble birth, from a Saxon family that came to New Wales with the First Fleet. Devoted wife of King Phillip I, and mother of the Infant Princess Mathilda.

Princess Amanda: Eldest daughter of King Phillip. The Royal Dragoon Regiment's Honorary Colonel. Has also been involved in diplomatic missions "Off Shore". A bit of a "Wild Child", she like the excitement of the hunt, accompanying the Royal Dragoons and Constabulary Force on pursuits of renegade natives, criminal elements and "raiders".

Princess Ashlie: Second daughter of the King. Married a Lord Jeremy, Marquise Of Hervey, the Minister for Construction. She is a devoted mother to two young daughters.

Princess Hayley: The third daughter of King Phillip I, (from his 2nd wife). Often seen at the King's side during military parades and inspections, dressed as an Officer of the Maiden Guard, (even though she's not yet in her teens). Quite a character, she often teases General Von Zillmann. A favorite of the Maiden and Royal Guards.

Princess Mathilda: Infant daughter of the King by the Prima Wife, Queen Raechel.

General Von Zillmann: The General is one of only a handful of high ranking officers that had risen from the ranks. Started as a soldier in the 7th Regiment of Foot. Eventually was the RSM of the 7th. Contributed greatly to the Kingdom's victory at the battle of Port Phillip. Currently Minister for War. One of the closest adviser to the King. Very popular with the army.

Grand Duke Peter: King Phillip's older Brother. Compelled to relinquished the thrown to his younger brother due to marriage to a Catholic, The Duchess Margaretta. Consequently he holds the title of Grand Duke of Van Demon's Land. He is very popular with the "demonlanders".

Duchess Margaretta: A Dutch Catholic from a wealthy family, and Wife of Grand Duke Peter. She believes Peter should be King. Openly dislikes Queen Raechel.

Lady Sarah O'Connars: Disgraced former Officer of the King's Maiden Guard. Now Lady In Waiting to Duchess Margaretta. Dismissed from the Maiden Guard for "An Inappropriate Relationship" with one Colonel Eboneza Ann.

Colonel Eboneza Ann: Son of a Sheep Grazier, he started is military career as an officer in the Yarra Militia. Though he is a competent officer, he is currently on "the wrong side" of the King due to an "indiscretion" with an officer of the Maiden Guard, (see notes on Lady Sarah O'Connars above).

Princess Royal, Kim Margret: First born child of old King Michael. Contributes little except for organizing the most outrageous parties in the Kingdom. Very popular at court and with the natives. Unmarried and uninterested in men, (apparently).

I hope this helps the reader.
Cheers!

An Honour Bestowed!

General Zillmann knocked twice and entered the King's study.
"Sire, a messenger from the Embassy of The Reich Duchy of Beerstein has arrived with a dispatch".
"Please be so kind as to open and read it my good General".
"Please Sire, a little less of the good if you don't mind"
The General tore open the leather pouch and began to read:

"Reich Duke Wilhelm von Beerstein is proud to approve the recommendations of the College of Honors to invest the following worthy individuals into our sacred orders:

Ancient and Honorable Order of the Tankard:

Duke Augustus von Lettow, Saxe-Huack
Wilhelm von Starkherz, Elector of Bleiherzen

King Phillip I, The Holy Mormoan Kingdom of New Wales

Augustus II Rex, The Duchy of Alzeim

King Basil I of the Romans
Prinz Kelson von Tisch, Principality of Fleisch-Spatzlestadt"!
The General placed the letter down.

"Well isn't that nice of the fellow"!
"Indeed Sire" agreed the General.
"Puts me in some fine company also I see,.."
"Ja Sire".

The King looked out of the large bay windows towards the distant hills. Smoke from bushfires was billowing up from behind them.
"Fires are a concern"
"Indeed mien King. It is believed some of the fires are the work of arsonists"
The King clenched his fists.
"I've always said there is too much arse-ing around. (heheheh). Warn out the Lord High Executioner. Once we have those responsible our ax man will have his work, let's say; cut out for him"
"Ja mien King".
The General paused, before informing the king:
"Princess Amanda's Dragoons are assisting the constabulary force in tracking down those responsible. The Princess herself rides with them".
"That's my girl".

TO BE CONTINUED

A New King, and New Challanges!

It is the 1st day of February, 1746, and the new King of the Holy Mormoan Kingdom of New Wales has only been on the Throne for only two and a half months. Economically and politically the situation appears stable. The only threats to the Kingdom appear to come from France, (and maybe from the Republic Of Neue Sudland).
"Note to self" thinks the new King, as he strolls through the Palace Gardens; "I must send an emissary to The Republic; and maybe a gift or two. I must find out what their intentions are."
King Phillip turns to General Zillmann, the Minister for War: "I say General, it's rather hot today, don't you think"?
"Ja Mien King, but not as hot as the lead at Port Phillip"!
"Ah yes, Port Phillip! You were the RSM of the 7th Foot at the time I believe".
The General grew another 6 inches, (adding to his already considerable height).
"Ja mien King, I was 37, and in the midst of the best years of my life".
The General was one of only a handfull of high ranking officers that had risen from the ranks.
"I hope your best years are still ahead of you. I feel they will be required,...".
Both men headed back to the palace.

TO BE CONTINUED!

7th Regiment Of Foot "Von Manstien's"

The next Regiment we look at is the 7th Regiment Of Foot, "Von Manstien's"

NAME: 7th Regiment Of Foot "Von Manstien's"
Date Raised: 1 September 1701
MOTTO: "FORWARD "
Unofficial Motto: "Cold Steel Will Triumph"
Nicknames: "Drill Pigs", "The Sour Kruats", "Unlucky 7th"
Battle Honours: "Beaver Ridge", "The Hostile Wars" "Port Philip 1728", "Cadbury Hill 1733"
Brief History:When it was decided that the formation of a standing army was required, it fell to an ex-Prussian Major by the name of Franz Josef Von Manstien to organize, train and raise the the units. He started by raising one unit, and from that he would produce the cadre that would train all other units. He recruited as many ex military men as he could find in the colony. Most were Prussians, Saxons, Hessians and Hanovarians. Many had been Drill Sergeant's in the German armies. Once the Army was formed the cadre returned to their parent unit. Initially they were numbered the 1st Foot Regiment, but when the "Royal" army was formed in 1729, they were renumbered the 7th. Von Manstien became the King's Inspector General of the Royal Army on 6 Dec 1728. He adopted the Regiment (with the King's blessing and insistence) on the 7th of December that same year. The 7th is one of only a few regiments that have Grenadiers, Musketeers, and Fusiliers.
Regimental anecdotes and traditions:
At the Battle of Port Phillip in 1725, the Regiment arrived on the left flank of the Franco-Spanish as they threaten to break the Mormoan line. Firing one ineffective volley the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Robert Zillmann, grasped the Regimental Colour. Crying "Come lads, cold steal will triumph where hot lead failed"! he lead the Regiment in a charge that sent the French "Dillon" Regiment fleeing.
Ever since, in this Regiment the RSM, (not an Ensign) carries the Regimental Colour. This is unique to the 7th.
The Regiment earned the nickname "Unlucky 7th" when at the battle of Cadbury Hill in 1733, they suffered the heaviest casualties of all units engaged. They were accidentally fired upon by Bree's Battery whilst attempting to flank a mercenary Battalion from New Southland; their Grey uniforms looking not to dissimilar to those of the South Lander's.
Every year, on the anniversary of the Battle of Cadbury hill they have dinner with the Officers and Gunners of Bree's Battery in full battle dress, (including weapons).
This is the only time weapons are allowed in both units messes. The Gunner's leave their weapons in barracks.
Grenadiers Uniform, 7th Foot
Fusilier's Uniform, 7th Foot