| March, 1633 | Issue # 34 | Still Only One Sou |
| Section A: Headline News | Court Appointments |
by Hugh de Pudsey, PARIS -- In a surprise move this month, His Majesty Louis XIII dismissed one minster and accepted the resignation of another. Sources in the Palace indicated that His Royal Highness was distressed at the continuing rise in tensions between France and the Holy Roman Empire. The Field Marshal and Minister of Foreign Affairs were both summoned to the Palace early Thursday for a meeting, following a conversation between the German Amabassador, His Most Catholic Majesty and His Grace, the Cardinal.
His Majesty was reportedly frustrated with his Minister of Foreign Affairs, when, after handing down orders to settle matters on the German Frontier, the Minister imperiously ordered the German Court to "cease your hostilities in this region," an act which outraged the High Command of the Holy Roman Empire and served to stiffen their resolve.
The minister was summarily stripped of his office and retired in disgrace. The Field Marshal agreed with His Majesty, and offered his resignation for his own inability to secure the Lorraine region militarily. The King, apparently mollified by his contrition, accepted the resignation without threat of displeasure.
Following this interview, His Majesty retired to his private chapel, where His Grace the Cardinal was in attendance. After some discussion, Cardinal Richelieu sent for one Edouard Grimaud, a man who for some years worked in the Cardinal's service with some distinction. His Majesty interviewed the man closely, and finally agreed Grimaud would make a fine Minister of Foreign Affairs, and granted him that office. Grimaud was charged by His Highness to reduce tensions on the German Frontier during the discussions in April.
Cardinal Richelieu offered numerous times to recommend applicants for the post of Field Marshal, but King Louis waved them all away, explaining that he had already had just the right man. He sent for one Gilbert d'Armagnac, a retired Colonel of the Royal North Highland Border regiment and known supporter of the Crown. Shortly after his arrival, the King ordered for a luncheon and asked D'Armagnac and the Cardinal to attend. Forty minutes later, the retired Colonel accepted the post of Field Marshal and the Cardinal left the palace for pressing business elsewhere. More on the new Field Marshal's activities may be found under Military News.
by Louis Brissac, PARIS -- The Foreign Office is abuzz with activity, ever since His Majesty appointed Edouard Grimaud to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. The new Minister has wasted little time, marshalling scribes and clerks into an efficient unit, not unlike a military operation. They have been dispatching emissaries and couriers across Europe bearing secret communiqués and orders to various ambassadors to foreign courts.
His Majesty has tasked M. Grimaud to make some substantial changes in the approach toward diplomacy in the court of the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand II. With the growing unrest in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine, and the rise of military actions therein, the new Minister has his work cut out for him, it seems. Habsburg diplomats have portrayed the French as "aggressors in a region which has ancient cultural and political ties to the German state," an assertion that French statesmen hotly deny.
With a personal journey to the Habsburg capital next month, Minister Grimaud realizes that time is of the essence if meaningful changes toward peace are to be made. With the current military actions stalled in the contested region (read the Military News for details), it would seem that the French position is hardly one of strength. However, both French and German officials have learned never to underestimate the resolve of our military -- even the gloomy winter campaign for the city of Nancy was won by the sheer determination of the French forces and their capable commanders. More news as it develops.
The offices of His Majesty's scribes have been put to hard work in embellishing elaborate Patents of Nobility for some of the French luminaries this month. Chief among these was Lieutenant General Sir Jean la Batt-Bleu, whose brilliant tactics won the Siege of Nancy and wrested the Lorraine from the grip of its Habsburg oppressors. Chevalier JBB was awarded the title of Baron of the Realm, with all the rights and posessions appurtaining therteto. In short, a fine Large House in the Provinces on an excellent bit of vinyard is his to enjoy.
Likewise, Lieutenant Colonel Saint-Saens Bleu was elevated to the rank of Chevalier, albeit in absentia, by His Gracious Majesty. True to form, the deeds of valor this genetleman has performed in the name of King and Country were principally on the Fields of Mars, and it is there he shall hear of his newly-earned nobility. In his absence, the King presented letters patent to his paramour, Mlle. Ess Enem.
Two outstanding gentlemen on note, MdG and AHdG, both Chevaliers, were considered for the Baronage this month, but neither man was so appointed. However, as Fate would have it, both men distinguished themselves further this month -- Chevalier de Guise, for his heroics on the battlefield, and Sir Augustin, for his appointment to Court Minstrel and successful acceptance of his scientific treatise. Therefore, both men are to be considered for the baronage in April.
Finally, PKVA, Fencing Master at Le Chat, has by skill at arms, earned the King's attention. His Majesty is contemplating bestowing a Knighthood on this worthy gentleman in April.
Once again the offices of His Majesty's Government were busy processing and filing the vast amounts of paperwork required for applications for governmental posts. March marks the appointments of two posts in the civil government, namely the Royal Confessor and Court Minstrel. The post of Confessor was bestowed upon a Dominican priest of some repute. For Court Minstrel, three notable gentlemen made applications: JPdA (the current holder of this post), AHdG and PLT. Before a decision was announced, JPdA withdrew his application. After careful consideration, the Crown Prince selected AHdG as the new Court Minstrel.
The postions open for application this month are Chancellor (chosen by the Minister of State) and the Playwright in Residence, who is selected by Queen Anne. JPdA created a sensation by making his application for Playwright in Residence. It seems many in the Royal bureaucracy remember all too well the débacle at the opening night of Sir Jean-Paul's most recent theatrical enterprise.
Applications will be accepted next month for the posts of Minister of War, Minister of Justice and Regimental Chaplains. Interested parties are asked to make their applications in writing to the Office of Submissions.
by Rene Descartes, PARIS -- It was a slow month by all accounts at the Royal Academy, due to the majority of Fellows being called to service at the Front. Perhaps it is fitting, then, that the chief activity before the Academy this month was the acceptance of a paper by Sir Augustin Honore de Gascogne, entitled, "The Mathematical Concepts of Trajectory, together with an Amusing Corollary." Surely, for a warlike time, one could not fault the timeliness of such a topic?
To the credit of the gentlemen of the Academy, and to the delight of the King, this paper was unanimously accepted. This has earned the author a Mention in the Royal Lists this month. No submissions of note were received, although there is some discussion of an upcoming paper by Chevalier De Guise, purportedly titled, "The Benefits of Standardization to the Military Establishment", a topic of intense interest to His Most Catholic Majesty.
CARDS & CUPS: Back, but Without Luster
Gentlemen throughout Paris surely remember Cards and Cups as it once was: sparkling crystal chandeliers, bright music behind the witty banter of the élite of Parisian society. Fine wines glittered in crystal goblets, reflecting the brilliant colors of stunning ball gowns and dashing regimental uniforms. Were those not the days?
Sadly, the return of such a venerable and civilized institutions was, shall one say, less than elevated. Chevalier AHdG was the first to arrive at the Horse Guards, with his newest amour Natasha Fatale on his arm. The staff seemed somewhat nonplussed at the gentleman's arrival, until the host, the celebrated Argante de Berry arrived with his mistress BB. He quickly took the club manager aside and joined the club before asking the staff to arrange for the event. Indeed, Dear Reader, no actual "event" was planned. It was more a small gathering of gentlemen with a few attendant ladies.
Sir Augustin suggested drinks, to which ArdB begged off. While the four of them chatted the famed JBB of last season's military campaign arrived, much to the delight and admiration of the staff and patrons. Kindly suffering a round of applause, somewhat apologetically, he found the gathering and joined the discussions. Chevalier JdA was the last to arrive, and, while he jovially ordered a drink, he seemed rather crestfallen at both the common wine and poor organization of the affair. His conversation was limited to Lt. General Sir JBB.
While there were other gentlemen and ladies in attendance, none were of especial note. The conversation was lively, it is true, but the event ended on a somewhat subdued note. This author cannot help but hope that the return of C&C, should it do so, be a return to its former brilliance.
With so many gentlemen of note being sent to the Front this season, the Club owners and patrons left in Paris look forward to some slow times. Fortunately, for as sedate as things are now, all these establishments look forward with some anticipation to the drunken revelry that is inevitable upon the return of the French heroes from their task.
Despite the relative slowness of activities this month, all was not lost. Several gentlemen remained to do good service by attempting to drain the winecasks dry, and even soldiers at the Front sent their servants to secure applications to choice Gentlemen's Clubs in their masters' absence.
Here are the Club Events for March, 1633:
Week 1: AHdG's Muscovite dogsbody, Boris, made application for his master at Hunter's
Week 2: No activities.
Week 3: Calvin Hobbs, the manservant of PKVA, formally requested admission for his master to Bothwell's. He briefly spies JBB, drinking merrily at his favorite table.
Week 4: JPdA's man Michael Zest makes his application to the Fleur de Lys, and Cards and Cups (see above) is held at the Horse Guards. See the article above for details of this event.
Senior churchmen were pleased with the initial turnout of the cream of Parisian society during the first week of March, saying, "It is indeed portentious that so many devout souls seek solace in Holy Mother Church at this time, when our young gentlemen fight valiantly against the Protestant aggressors."
During the first week of this month, AdA's lackey Laissez escorted CB to hear Mass. She was met there by RlD on the arm of Calvin Hobbs, the manservant of PKVA who had come to pray for the safety of here lover. While the two were about their prayers, they were joined by Baron JBB, who tithed generously and gallantly assured the ladies that their loved ones were valiant and capable soldiers. The ladies seemed much more at ease upon their departure.
By Donna d'Everlurn, Romantic Correspondent, PARIS -- Springtime, or so they tell us, is the Season of Love, eh? Perhaps it is so, but to Donna it seems as bleak as drear January. Ah, but why, you ask? It seems certain gentlemen of Paris have no faith in the constancy of their paramours, and feel they must keep them under house arrest. Ah, you think Donna exaggerates, eh? Well, read on!
As if this news were not chilling enough, wait until you hear this, darling! Ah, but Donna has some juicy tidbits for you this month, for certain! Listen closely, for I have a tale of a Knight, a Lady and a Spider. It's ending may shock you, so if you are of delicate constitution, read no further.
It seems there is one Knight, a dashing fellow of many noble accomplishments. As Fate often has it so, this gallant gentleman is paired with a fair Lady who has been smitten with the gifts bestowed upon him by the offices of Heaven itself -- shall I tell you, this Lady was besotted with Love for this man? Well, anyway -- this Knight happens to be about his business one day, when all of a sudden he spies a Spider, hanging from a wicked web. This creature is as ghastly as it is treacherous. It whispers to the Knight, "You have no use for your Lady. Leave her, and you and I can be alone together." She hypnotizes him, I am sure, for who would desire such a thing?
Would you like to know how it ends? The Knight falls under the evil spell of the wicked Spider, and dumps his good and kind Lady! Yes! It's true! The woman I falsely identified as Natasha Badenov last month is really Natasha Fatale, and a more fitting name could not be conceived. She has somehow enchanted Chevalier De Gascogne to leave his constant love, Stacy Lancaster, without even letting her know she was dumped! It's all true; Stacy herself told me.
Here are the events of the romantic exploits in Paris this month:
Week 1: Chevalier AHdG courts Natasha Fatale at her apartments, but she snubs his attentions (Hah, she is whetting his appetite, the heartless witch!). SSB's man Jacques Spade is seen in the neighborhood of EE's home, just as JPdA's man Michael Zest encamps upon LC's doorstep.
Week 2: AdA's lackey Laissez is seen loitering around CB's townhouse, just as Jacques Spade seems to have taken up residence upon EE's doorstep and JPdA's man watches over LC. Perhaps the gentlemen should consider investing in hounds, too. AHdG renews his suit for NF, this time with success. He is dragged into her lair for the duration of the week.
Week 3: Jacques Spade seems to have been posted as a guard outside EE's door. Likewise, JPdA's dogsbody Michael Zest seems to be attached to LC's doorstep. What is next, bars on the windows?
Week 4: Jacques Spade is still currently acting as EE's second shadow. Perhaps SSB is a touch paranoid? Stacy Lancaster awaits her lover outside The Horse Guards for Cards & Cups, only to spy him stroll within with Natasha Fatale on his arm! Oh, the poor woman!
The Salles des Armes across Paris are making expansion plans this month due to rumors that the new Field Marshal will be closing down the regimental gyms. This means that gentlemen at arms, in order to whet their skills, must seek out a professional gym for their training needs. Monsieur Thibault, Rapier Master at Le Tigre, explains, "We of the Fencing Schools have always catered to a more exclusive clientele. The average man of arms generally would not seek out our services until they became more advanced in the skills of bladesmanship. However, there is some concern in the community that, as the gentlemen of regiments compete for limited spaces within the Salles, problems may well arise."
In order to forestall such concerns, many Salles are hiring more Masters, even if it means doing so from foreign countries. One such Master, a crippled Scot named MacPherson, specializes in teaching swordplay in disadvantaged terrain and other advanced studies. Others, while not as specialized, teach a variety of forms: Bonetti, Capo Ferro, Agrippa... the list goes on.
Here are the events in the various Salles throughout Paris this month:
Week 1: No activity.
Week 2: No activity.
Week 3: AHdG trains with sabre in regimental gym and increases his skill.
Week 4: No activity.
A petition was received at the Ministry of War this week, a petition to sue for peace on the eastern borderlands. The petition itself was not all that remarkable; after all, ranking members of the Clergy and key members of Parisian society have expressed similar sentiments. What marks this document as unique are the signatures at the foot of the page. It reads as a catalogue of Madames and ladies of sophistication, all workers in the infamous Red Light District.
But what could have rallied these ladies of uneasy virtue to enter the murky realm of politics? Perhaps Fifi le Dumpling, owner and operator of The Soiled Boot, says it best. "Oh, la! With all ze well-heeled and fun-loving gentlemen fighting wars, we are left with only a few callers, and most of zem are clergymen. And we have so few clean habits left!"
Here are some of the amatory highlights from March:
Week 1: JdA delights the ladies with a lavish visit. He was seen later, strolling away with a contented air about him.
Week 2: JBB, fresh from Church, raises Hell! He was spotted with a charming (if temporary) companion on his arm, drinking to the success of the French army in the field.
Week 3: CPV, fresh from the Provinces, impresses the ladies with his appetites for women and strong drink. Reports have it that they look forward to a return visit from this gentleman.
Week 4: No activity.
By Yves M. d'Egmann, Military Correspondent, PARIS -- His Majesty's new appointee to the post of Field Marshal, M. D'Armagnac, wasted no time in beginning a comprehensive restructuring of the French military. No sooner than the ink on his commission had dried, it seems, he began a series of surprise inspections at various regimental hôtels throughout Paris. The scribes who accompanied him required the aid of several stout soldiers to bear the weight of foolscap and inkwells, in order that they jot down the Marshal's impressions.
Those impressions were none too glowing, it seems. Seemingly upset with the sloth of the soldiers on duty, and the poor repair of equipment present within the storehouses, the Field Marshal reprimanded one poor Colonel with his observation that, "Today's soldier is a disgrace to the uniform." He pointed out numerous cases of muskets "too dusty to be fired, too rusted to be safe, too moldy to be presentable." One of the Frontier Regiments, he said, "... had used wheat to fill a barrel, poured a layer of black powder atop it, presumably to appear a full keg of powder."
The first official writ presented to the members of the General Staff abolishes the regimental gymnasiums, with the attached note that read, "More time polishing cannon, less time at play." A reliable source who chose to remain anonymous indicated that the Field Marshal seems to think that sword practice is wasted upon cannon-fodder. "If a soldier is to spend time in barracks, it is more profitable to the State to see some decent work from him," the Marshal was quoted as saying.
The second, and potentially more far-reaching edict was published just two days ago. The Field Marshal has reinstated the old standing brigades, and, in the next month, will name the Brigadiers General who will command them. A secretary to the general staff (who declined to be identified), told this reporter that, "His Lordship [the Field Marshal] cracked a joke about there being enough Brigadiers to populate a small town." More details as they are released.
Stalemate on the Frontier
by Aramis de Burgoigne, War Correspondent, NANCY -- After two weeks of desperately-fought battles in the rain and mud, the French forces have managed to maintain their grip on the newly-won city of Nancy. This is, alas, the closest they have come to securing French hegemony in the region. Some have suggested that ther recent unrest in the upper échelons of the Military have caused the ranking officers in the field to hesitate. Others (particularly those in the field) suggest that the current state of affairs has more to do with the general staff itself.
Whatever the case, the futures of French diplomacy and strength depend upon the outcome of this effort in the Lorraine region. The commanding officer of Field Force 1 (Spring), General Follie, has dispatched III Brigade, under the capable command of Brigadier General Gilroy Solieri. The Brigadier saved a few reputations in the upper ranks when he wisely volunteered the Grand Duke Max's Dragoons for this engagement, as this brigade was short of cavalry (a real liability in a field operation). III Brigade's task was to secure the city of Nancy itself and deny the enemy this pivotal location. And, truly, "pivot" appears to be the operative word for the operation underway.
Under the command of Lieutenant General Didiot, the 1st Division, comprised of I and II Brigades, has been instructed to commence a sweep, not unlike the hand of some gargantuan timepiece. Of these, II Brigade was assigned the outer edge of this maneuver while I Brigade remained closer to the central base of operations. The figure at right shows the opening positions of the forces, prior to the commencement of the operation.
Early on, with their backs to the Étang de Bellefontaine, the first two Brigades faced heavier opposition than expected. General Follie's initial plan depended largely upon momentum, an idea which was unfortunately derailed at an early stage of the operation. I Brigade was halted in its tracks when a small unit of what was believed to be German soldiers were spotted toiling in a turnip field outside Heillecourt. While Brigadier General Légume argued with his Colonels, a large force of what appeared to be peasants arrived in good order on fresh mounts. It was a matter of great confusion when the "peasants" opened fire, disordering the squabbling French forces. One of the opening shots killed Vonmeier d'Lionest, Captain of C Company of the RM.
Despite having to quit the field, notable valor was shown by Jean-Louis Burdett, who was breveted to the command of the RM in Brigadier d'Atonville's absence (the Brigadier serving as General Follie's adjutant in Nancy). The Lieutenant Colonel earned a Mention in the Royal Lists for his reversing the tide of battle in his area, effectively covering the retreat of the Royal Foot Guards, Dragoon Guard and Princess Louisa Light Dragoons.
Not to be outdone, I Brigade ran into its own troubles. Just outside the town of Golbey, Brigadier General H. Sympsonne ordered his advance halted when advance scouts spotted an encampment of German forces some ten miles east of their position. The Brigadier issued orders for the men to make camp immediately, while he retired to his command tent. Apparently, the Germans had their own scouts, for the French troops were attacked that very evening, before receiving orders for advance.
The fighting in this engagement was intense, and several notable acts of bravery and heroism were in evidence. Private FR earned a Mention in Dispatches for his quick thinking and alerting the men to the threat, and Major Lorenzo de Benedictis was awarded the Knight's Cross and a Mention in the Royal Lists for his rapid response. Both men are of the Cardinal's Guard. While the other regiments struggled to recover their stowed gear, Colonel Montfort de Guise and the Queen's Own Cuirassiers proved themselves as valiant on foot as in the saddle. His men were assembled quickly and in good order, firing volleys into the teeth of the enemy. This allowed the Brigade to quit the field in relative safety, and with most of their gear intact. De Guise earned the Medaille Militaire and two Mentions in the Royal Lists for his gallantry.
Meanwhile, near the city of Nancy itself, III Brigade encountered some notable resistance of its own. Unlike its brother brigades, however, III Brigade held the field successfully. Perhaps the most dramatic event near Nancy was the discovery of a supply cache of German armaments stored at a farmstead a short distance from the walls of Nancy. Upon hearing the report, Brigadier Solieri commanded a detachment of King's Musketeers be sent to investigate. Major Alfredo d'Arc volunteered his men for the mission, and elected to lead them personally.
While the intelligence report was indeed accurate, it made no mention of the fact that roughly a company of enemy troops were hiding nearby, a fact ferreted out by the wily Major D'Arc. He commanded Captain le Bret and his C Company to swagger loudly and arrogantly in the open, approaching the farmstead from the encampment to the west. He took D Company on a roundabout course to situate them half a mile east of the farmhouse. When he heard the report of weapons, he and D Company charged the enemy's rear, completely disordering them and allowing the seizure of the German supplies and earning the Major a Mention in Dispatches.
Reliable sources indicate that the seized supplies consisted in the main of German sausages. Perhaps this is a fitting epitaph for the opening moves of this campaign, such as it has been.
With the shakeups to the military structure, French forces in the field and remaining in Paris have continued jockeying positions. Perhaps the major regimental news is the re-formation of the old, standing Brigade structure. While the Brigadiers have yet to be selected (see accompanying article, below), the Brigades themselves will be formally established following the end of the Spring Campaign.
Here are the Brigade structures as dictated by the Ministry of War and ratified by His Royal Highness:
| Brigade of Guards | Royal Foot Guards (RFG) King's Musketeers (KM) Cardinal's Guard (CG) |
| Horse Guards Brigade | Dragoon Guards (DG) Queen's Own Carabiniers (QOC) |
| Heavy Brigade | Crown Prince Cuirassiers (CPC) Archduke Leopold Cuirassiers (ALC) |
| Dragoon Brigade | Grand Duke Max' Dragoons (GDMD) Princess Louisa Light Dragoons (PLLD) |
| 1st Brigade of Foot | Royal Marines (RM) Picardy Musketeers |
| 2nd Brigade of Foot | 13th Fusiliers (13th) 53rd Fusiliers (53rd) |
| 3rd Brigade of Foot | 27th Musketeers (27th) 4th Arquebusiers (4th) |
| 4th Brigade of Foot | 69th Arquebusiers (69th) Gascon Regiment (GR) |
Among the regiments, the CPC has a new Colonel this month. AHdG has stepped up to fill the vacancy left by former Colonel Jacques Roussel. In the Royal Marines, Brigadier JPdA promotes PdG to Major and JdM to Captain. Unfortunately, neither man was available for comment. PKVA's man, Calvin Hobbs, was seen nosing around the Hôtel of the Dragoon Guard in Week Two, but left upon finding that regiment to be at the Front. M. Hobbs later came to the headquarters of the Queen's Own Cuirassiers with a purse of monies for the widows and orphans of the regiment, a gift of PKVA. Newcomer to Paris CPV joins the Frontier Regiment as a Private.
The process of applications continues much the same at the Ministry of War, but two major changes will soon be enacted. These changes may dramatically affect some of the officers of the army. The first change is that, "Appointments may only be held by a man of the appropriate rank. Should this man receive a promotion to a higher rank, he must quit his appointment at once." The Field Marshal had this to say, "I have seen numerous incidents where a Major holds a Captain's post as Regimental Adjutant. This is ridiculous, for it leaves the Colonel with a quandary: to go without advice (in which case, why appoint an adjutnat to begin with?), or to keep the Major's battalion attached to HQ. Damned wasteful of manpower."
The second major change is that, with the advent of standing brigades, all Brigadier Generals will be placed as Brigade commanders. Insiders say there have been no decisions made as to whom will command which Brigade, but the final decisions may be influenced. This will not occur until the conclusion of the Spring Campaign.
The appointments filled this month were Academy Principal, Bastille Major and Ensigns of the King's and Cardinal's Escorts. Originally, Brigadier JPdA had the only application of note for the Academy Principal's post, but it was withdrawn prior to a decision having been made. All posts were filled, but to no one of name.
Applications were being received for the following posts this month: Divisional Adjutants, the Advocate de Militaire and Aides to the Inspectors General. No gentlemen of name assayed any of these posts. On the other hand, JBB did apply for the command of the First Division, but was informed that the post was filled back in February.
Formal applications for the posts of Academy Instructors, Aide to the Crown Prince and Regimental Adjutants will be due in April. All applicants are asked to contact the offices of the Ministry of War.
Even with all the changes to the military, there are two things to calm an officer's mind. First, there have been (and shall be, for the foreseeable future) no changes to the venerable institution of the Military Academy. Second, no matter what happens, the French command will always have need of skilled commanders, strategists and tacticians.
Here are the events occurring within the halls of the Academy this month:
Week 1: JdA and ArdB both begin their Academy studies.
Week 2: JdA and ArdB continue for a second week of study.
Week 3: ArdB advances to his third week of tactical training.
Week 4: No activity.
Section E: About
the Town
Two men have recently arrived in Paris from the Provinces, namely Ses l'Grande (SG) and Clotaire Ponceludon de Vaudreuil (CPV). While neither man had much to say about themselves, CPV began at once to make his mark in Paris by joining the Frontier Regiment. Sadly, little has been seen of SG since his arrival.
AdA's lackey Laissez was seen spitting off the Pont des Artes in the third week. A local constable asked him the meaning of this activity, but the man shrugged and said, "My Master bade it of me." Is there some sinister force at work here? Has Major D'Arc an enemy somewhere?
Those gentlemen paying more attention to their appearance and apparel are "in" with the ladies in '33. Last season's Royal Marines look are no match for the crushed velvet and rich colors of this season! Have you ever wondered who among the gentlemen of Paris measure up? Look no further! The Mistresses of Paris have been polled regarding the snappiest dressers, and here is their verdict:
Let's not even mention, shall we?: Anyone not listed below.
Jean, stop the coach!: ArdB and JBB.
Retiring to the provinces of note are the following gentlemen: EdG, HLP, JR, OF, RadM, RdS, and TvS. Good luck to all of these gentlemen in their new provincial lives.
AaG, AdB, CLF, FR, GAdA, GaS, GdR, GlS, GSt, GVM, HdC, JaT, JdM, JF, MdR, PdG, PdLS, PLT, RoM, SdG, SdS, SK, SLR, TlC, XDP and XSC.
I got your back
You got mine,
I'll help you out
Anytime.
~*~*~
To see you hurt
To see you cry,
Makes me weep
And wanna die.
~*~*~
And if you agree
To never fight,
It wouldn't matter
Who's wrong or right.
~*~*~
If a broken heart
Needs a mend,
I'll be right there
To the end.
~*~*~
If your cheeks are wet
From drops of tears,
Don't you worry,
Let go of your fears.
~*~*~
Hand in hand
Love is sent,
We'll be friends
Till the end.
~*~*~
Dear Sir;
It is with the gravest disquiet that I write this missive, for this day we have seen nobility cheapened and manliness mocked by the caperings of a man who, by the grace of His Majesty himself is not cast out in Disgrace. Sadly, I cannot conceal this titled hooligan's name, for he must surely be known throughout all of Paris, if not all of France.
What gentleman worthy of the title would shake hands on an agreement, then literally attempt to skewer he with whom he sealed his word? For shame! That this titled and oft-appointed cad is no slouch with a blade is well known; however, what bully is not? No, I say, if this travesty remains unchallenged, what man among us all aspires to call himself this man's equal?
Had I the power, you may rest assured that I would bring this matter to the Crown Prince, the Cardinal of His Gracious Majesty himself. Since that is not within my compass, I cast his sins here befory you all, you nobles and gentlemen of France. Will you call this man brother and seek his company? Or will you, with righteous anger, cast him out from the warm circle of your friendship and show others that the line is drawn here? The choice is yours, my friends.
A Concerned Nobleman
Jean-Pierre d'Atonville
Brevet Brigadier General, Royal Marines
Army Adjutant 1st Army
WANTED: Actors, Singers, Lunatics!
Art thou a Thespian? Canst thou Take a Hit well?
Seeking masters of Comedic Timing, Baritones and Sopranos, Fiddlers, Diddlers and Ne'er-do-Wells for the newest
Commedia del'Arte
Troupe in Paris!
Contact: M. Scaramouche
The Back Room at Red Phillips
And Bring your Wit!
This turn marks several rules changes. These changes are effective beginning this turn, and will be changed on the website during the roleplaying period. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please contact me.
Here are the changes made thus far:
Rules that are deleted will be changed to red type, whereas additions will be in green type. Changes will also be in green, but also (parenthesized). Here are the changes made to the rules for the March, 1633 turn:
| Social Level | IP | |
| PC | Mistress | |
| 8-9 | 8 | 1 |
| 10-11 | 9 | 4 |
| 12-13 | 10 | 9 |
| 14-15 | 11-12 | 16 |
| 16-17 | 13 | 25 |
| 18-19 | 14-15 | 36 |
| 20-21 | 16 | 49 |
| 22-23 | 17 | 64 |
| 24+ | 18 | 81 |
Under certain circumstances, a player's promotion will be to brevet rank. These circumstances are:
Example: The colonel of a regiment is promoted to Brevet Brigadier General during the summer campaign. After the campaign he applies for the post of Brigadier (brigade commander) but is unsuccessful. His brevet rank lasts for one year, until the end of the next summer campaign, at which time he again applies for the post of Brigadier, this time successfully. Thus his brevet rank is extended for another year. In the next year's campaign, he receives another promotion. His permanent rank is now Brigadier General, and he assumes the brevet rank of Lieutenant General.
No player may ever attain the permanent rank of Field Marshal. Since Field Marshals do not go on campaign, there is no opportunity for promotion. Since a player cannot become a Field Marshal except by promotion, no player will ever be Field Marshal for more than one year in a row.
Several observations are necessary in conjunction with brevet ranks. In terms of openings for ranks in a regiment, players occuy both their brevet and permanent ranks. In other words, a captain serving as brevet major occupies both a major's and a captain's slot. A colonel brevetted to brigadier general still occupies the colonel's slot in the regiment and will continue to do so until his permanent rank is brigadier general.
Players holding brevet rank receive all pay, status and privileges associated with that rank.
A player who holds brevet rank due to an insufficient social level may not be brevetted to a higher rank with a minimum socila level higher than his. Should such a player receive a promotion on campaign, he instead converts his present brevet rank to his permanent rank, even though he still does not have a sufficiently high social level to hold that rank normally.
Example: The character is a brevet Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Foot Guards with a SL of 10. He receives a promotion, but the minimum social level for the next higher rank, Colonel of the RFG, is 12. The character does not meet the requirements so, instead of becoming a colonel or brevet colonel, he is made full Lieutenant Colonel (no brevet rank) despite his not having the minimum social level normally needed for this position.
No changes.
No changes.
New sections will be added in the next few turns, and reorganization will commence during the summer season.
Orders Deadline for April, 1633:
May 5, 2002