HERZOG OF HARZBURG

My site for the Herzog to vent his views on his ongoing efforts to return the breackaway lands [Schwabian League] to Harzburg's control.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Winter plans

Ministers von Reinhard, and von Kortig meet in Minister Gerissenheit's office for an informal coordination meeting.  The Ministers meeting was to confirm plans for winter reshuffling of troops and planning for he spring offensive.

"Gentlemen take a seat and we shall get started." Minister Gerissenheit directed his guest to a table with three chairs and coffee decanter and cups on the table. "Please get your coffee and take a seat.  We have much to accomplish before we meet the Herzog tomorrow at the Baerschloss."  Minister Gerissenheit joined his guest and took a seat with his cup of coffee.

"If you please I will begin," Minister Gerissenheit  paused and received nods of approval.  "My latest information shows that the Schwabial League has gone into winter quarters and a quiet winter is expected."

"Except from that dam Fuchs.  I receive daily reports of their probing our forward base. I swear that man is on a mission to drive us all mad." stated Minister of War von Reinhard.

"His name does appear in my sources reports.  According to their reports he is increasing the size of his command. The reports state that his training exercises will keep our forward base under constant alert. Minister von Reinhard, I would advise you to keep pressure on those officers at our forward base to keep alert for raids from Fuchs Jaegers." Minister Gerissenheit paused to sip his coffee.

Minister of State von Kortig added, "The diplomatic front has stabilized.  The Bishopric of Uber-Gruntshuffen has gone quiet and I feel that troops needed to protect that front can be transferred to reserve units.  Frankszonia is tied to internal problems and we can protect our border there with reservist as well."

"If the information can be trusted, our manpower problems are greatly reduced. Can you confirm any of these diplomatic inquires?" Minister von Reinhard asked Minister Gerissenheit.

"My sources have been sending me the same information.  How does it affect the springs opperations?" asked Minister Gerissenheit.

"Reservist formations can patrol our boarders with Frankszonia and Uber-Gruntshuffen allowing regulars to take to the field. Though we are significantly larger than any state in Schwabia, the League can field as strong a force as we. Zwilling-Hügel showed that a direct assault on steady troops is a risky enterprise. We must have room to manuver to expoit our superior flexibility. My recruiting parties are even now scouring Schwabia for recruits and reports give hope that our forces will be near full strength by spring." said Minister von Reinhard.








 

 

Friday, December 3, 2010

The Council Meets

Carriges began to arrive at the Baerschloss for meeting with the Herzog. Ministers Gerissenheit, von Reinhard, and von Kortig gathered as their secretaries collected the papers for the meeting.  All gathered stood silent as a company of the Herzog's Lieb Grenadiers smartly marched out and formed a three rank line before them. An officer stepped forward and spoke, " I am Hauptman Harzbad, You and your staff shall be escorted to the conference room.  The Hurzogs orders are for you gentlemen have your reports ready for his arrival. Questions?"  Silence followed the Hauptmans words, "Sergeant, attend the ministers party.  Ministers you will follow me."  As the Ministers followed the Hauptman they were aware of being surrounded by a party of Lieb Grenadiers.

The Hauptman led the party to the conference room and directed the Ministers to their seats. " Ministers your staff shall arrive directly. I must leave guards outside per orders, You will have privacy in this room to carry out your duties.  I must leave you now to see to my duties.  Good day Ministers." With that Hauptman Harzbad turned and left the room past two Lieb Grenadiers who then shut the door.

Minister Gerissenheit cleared his throat and began the meeting. " Gentlemen the news from the from must be dire.  The Hurzog would not clamp dawn the security unless the situation warranted it." 
'I wonder what news he has that is different from ours.  I am the Minister of War and if I cannot be accurate on my estimations of our forces effectiveness then why am I here." said an exasperated Minister von Reinhard.

"My department is gathering diplomatic information and making contacts to set up further diplomatic activity. If the information I am receiving is false, how can I give advice to the Hurzog?"

"Have no fears Minister von Kortig, and  von Reinhard, I am sure you each have your departments under control.  My agents regularly send me information that confirms your information.  The battle at Zwilling-Hügel stopped a possible winter campaigns in it's tracks.  My information is that our forces suffered severely and even now are only fifty percent effective." Minister Gerissenheit paused and let the information sink in.

Their meeting was interrupted by the arrival of their staff.  The secretraries prepared their ministers papers and seated themselves to aid their ministers in the meeting. As all the staff settled in Oberest von Hubersen entered followed by the Herzog. "I expect this meeting to lay out the requirements for the replenishment of our forces and plan for the spring operations.  I want this meeting to be short  and then each department will go to their suite and prepare for tomorrows meetings.  Now lets get to work."