Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden

1 Hour....

2010-11-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

....into the room, the cell? Who knows...

the Direktorenschelle entered the cavity, Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz leading, of course....

"Honestly Otto, purred Direktorix Katarin Lahmia, this funny little contraption reminds me so much of the grave - so resrticted - not unlike one's coffin dear..."

"Oh shut up Kat, slurred Direktor de Kavallerie Rupert 'de Poupre' de Perignon - get over it"

The combined Direktors of the greatest and most controlled nation in the known and unkown world visibly blanched...the same old, same old, same old....

The Direktors had entered a booth and with a single turn of the key, Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz had began their descent. The booth was rectangular in shape, closed and confined, sounds, gears(?) something then set the booth in motion, a downward motion; a descent - into what? Where?..

The lurching booth came to a stop, another turn of a key and the Direktors exited the booth. The 'room', if that is what it could be described as, was cut out of granite....in the centre a table....table? Cut into an intimate design, 6 sided - but unequal sides....it was longer than wide, the shorter ends were roughly the same width, yet both long-sides were unequal in length.....angled at 1/3 to 2/3....carved, perfect, exquisite.

The walls were dank, moisture coated, cave-like, but not a cave - the smell: musty, ancient, so old.......

"Herr Blitzenkruz, might I ask, where are we?" Voiced Direktor Heinrich Wurzen.
"A question? Oh, you question ME?"
"This is our place, none may enter, none may breach our security - the Governor has decreed we are to attend here - for what reason I know not - there are, no questions, only answers. There is only one way in and one way out - the same way, we wait Heinrich...."

"AHHH - HHeerr Direktor, stammered Ansbach-Hoffen, wwwhhat iss...."

As one, the Direktors gazed where Walther Ansbach-Hoffen pointed, stupefied - shock? Yes. Horror? No. Amazement? Of course....

The figure standing before them , moved, ever so slightly to reveal itself....man-sized...heavy dragoon-styled black boots, black trousers, blood-red shirt, heavy black storm-coat, black broad-brimmed hat, with silver-belted buckle about the top, cross belts, carrying 13 small cylinders across the chest...a sheathed sword worn on the baldric...stansing perfectly still. The man chewed on an old cheroot, he was also pointing a pair of beautiful black-polished, silver-bound repeating pistols directly at the Direktors....a flinty, steel-eyed gaze bore down on the singular, most powerful gathered group of people in the nation....

...."Hi Guys - long time, no see 'eh?"

GASP!

STEINER!~!

2 hours...

2010-07-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

The moon, not far away now, a full bright silver, perfect disc...Otto SChwarz Von Blitzenkruz, Lietung-Direktor aus Herrschaden stood and straightened his cap, smoothed his winter wolfs-fur cloak and walked to the door of his chamber. Opening it and striding through as only a Direktor can stride, guards from the Schwerstahl Grenadiers lining the tomb-like niches clicked heels, presented arms and stood straighter than they already were, eyes to front, blank - to the point of breaking - tough men, hard as granite, scarred, all had been in hellfire and wounded, disfigured, shot, stabbed - yet when he strode, they were like compliant puppies, no-one sane would want a life sentence in the Liebregt, would they?

At the far end of the corridor, there was a gathering. The Direktors of Herrschaden, all branches. Everyone was early - testimony to the gravitas itself - almost unbelievably even Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen, a martinet for time direktion, amongst a group known by outsiders as martinets for everything - especially time! As Von Blitzenkruz approached, the group fell silent, except for one - Direktorix Katarin Lahmia, with a flourish of plentiful skirt and more plentiful cleavage, she addressed Von Blitzenkruz, "Otto my dear, you look splendid". Von Blitzenkruz seemed to grow 8 inches and replied, "Thanks Katy, you dont scrub up so bad yourself", "Otto, you are such a silver-tounged, smooth talker", the incredibly stunning Direktorix purred in return.

"Hmhmpf", growled the ever stern Direktor Heinrich Wurzen - "I hate to break up the reunion Fraulein Direktorix, we have business to attend to". "Indeed", pronounced Direktor Walther Picklesturm. "Can we get on with it? I've got some other pressing business to attend to at one of my nightclubs", slurred Direktor Rupert 'de Poupre' De Perignon. "He's drunk and jealous again", Direktor Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen whispered to himself - "I'll make a note of that...."

"Direktors, greetings", Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz continued, "we are to sit at the board in just under two hours - the Governor will not be attending. I have been Direkted to issue the new Direktions. The second echelon of the board have been notified to standby, they will not be attending, the situation has changed, details will be revealed at the meeting. Until then, I suggest we have a drink - De Perignon! how many casks did you bring?.....

OIIIIIIIO

Morgenstern...

2010-07-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

There it was again, that sound, scratching....he sat bolt upright, in an instant alert, ready "here they come" he thought. Then once again realized exactly where he was. That dream again - full meeting of all Direktors, a 'Governor of the board', some 'Herr Eye'? The cell was cold as ice, but he had awoken in a lather of sweat. The man was manacled to the wall of a cell 6ft by 6ft, the ceiling too low to stand. The manacle chains ran the length of the wall through unbreakable iron rings and were fixed near the iron door, which was actually a trapdoor in the ceiling.

The jangle of keys, bolts withdrawn and the door thrown back. He expected some food scraps thrown in and a bucket of ice water thrown over him. He looked up at the door and with a grin said "morgen". The grin faded into a snarl...then broadened into a beaming smile...

"Well, well, well....gut morgen Heinrich - come to pay me a visit after all?"

"QUIET IIOOIIIOI!", the loud thwack! sound of leather-bound hardwood marching cane striking on raw skin was audible like an echo, as the Unterdirektor present slashed at the man for his perceived insolence.

"Unterdirektor. You will not strike this man again. You, guard, unlock and remove him from this cell. Have him properly fed, cleaned and presented in uniform to me in the Kommondants office in two hours - I dont care if you need an entire element of the Liebregt to assist".

"Herr Direktor Wurzen, I must protest, under article 469, paragraph K, point (b) and I quote...."

Heinrich Wurzen slowly turned and stared at the Unterdirektor, who immediately stopped talking, ..."and I also alert you Herr Unterdirektor to article 469, paragraph K, point (c), I wont bother to quote - GUARD! replace this prisoner with this ex-Unterdirektor"

"Yawohl Herr Direktor!"

....laughter drifted up from the cell, deep, bass and full of mirth - "now thats what I like aout you Heinrich, I see things haven't changed - did you miss me?"

Direktor of Infantry, Heinrich Wurzen looked down at the man as the now defunct ex-Unterdirektor was dragged screaming into custody and stripped by two massive Liebregt guardsmen. "Otto wants to see you - by moonrise - do we really need that element of guard?"

Again, the laugh, now highly tinged with cynacism - "I'll get there myself Heinrich, I dont need any 'Direktions', with more laughter.

"Guards, release this man, now. He is coming with me. Throw that - pointing to the bound and gagged ex-Unterdirektor - in this cell, 5 years solitary confinement, then 20 years service, Liebregt, effective immediately".

"Yawohl Herr Direktor"

The shackles unlocked and removed, the freed prisioner was able to stand, though required some small assistance to climb out of the cell. He kicked out instantly and smashed in the face of the bound ex-unterdirektor, removing the gag, half a dozen shards of splintered teeth and broken jaw bone fell onto the floor, the nose completely mashed. One swift grip and collar bone shatterd, elbow disjointed, the howl of agony stopped only with a mercifully quick knock-out blow, rendering the mauled ex-unterdirektor unconscious. All in such a split second, no guard could even react....

"Guard! Stand fast! Throw him in the cell, we are leaving...Happy now?"

"I was just warming up Heinrich".

"I told him, I told him you wouldn't change...we meet in three hours - you know where. After all, you dont need 'any Direktions', do you?"

The man smiled, "Nah Heinrich, it's way too much fun without it"...

...Direktor Wurzen turned and walked down the dank corridor to the stairs, relieved to be leaving the cells and determined to return to his office block, well away from the Liebregt barracks. Once outside, he was approached by Direktor Walther Picklesturm.

"Well Heinrich, what did he say?"

"What do you reckon Walther - I told you and I told Otto, he wont change"

"Where is he - Otto expressly direkted..."

"By moonrise, he will be there, he will make his own way - undirekted - lets get out of here, I'm heading straight to Blitzenkruz, there is plenty of time before the meeting"

The two Direktors mounted their horses and rode off, each mulling over their own thoughts. If they could read each others minds, they might even be amused to know those thoughts were the same:

"STEINER"

OIIIIIIIO

Abendstern....

2010-07-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

ACHTUNG!

"Herr Eye has called this meeting of the Direktorenschelle to hear, receive and obey

the conveyed Direktives - Take your places, NOW!"

Silence settles in the solidly enclosed and utterly soundproofed chamber as the full members of the Direktorat of Herrschaden board take their places along the straight edges of the gargantuan-sized pentagram-shaped table. Silently and without demure, each of the Direktors enter the chamber and seat themselves - the incredibly stunning Direktorix, Katarin Lahmia, called 'The Nightrider'; Direktor of Kavalry Rupert 'du poupre' De Perignon, his dress as usual, impeccible; The stern and absolute professional Direktor of Infantry, Heinrich Wurzen; sage-like Walther Picklesturm, Direktor of Science and Technology - a commensurate inventor and an utter rationalist; Direktor Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen - easily the most beauracratic on the board, an excellent administrator and so attentive to minor detail, he is considered by many as suffering from some form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder...

...the second echelon of board members also take their positions: recently appointed Direktor of Military Envoys Josepf Haltermann, recalled from the Schwabian Leauge, alongside his erstwhile collegue, also recently appointed Direktor of Special Operations Hans Wagemueller - both returned with credits from the Lifonlian War and appointed to the board. Direktor of Information, Nelnieh Trebor; Direktor of Inspection Albrecht Stern; Direktor of Investigation Maximillian Weiss; Direktor of Interrogation Bertholt Brecht and of course, the hardest of the hard - Direktor of Instruction Klaus 'Iron-Fist' Von Steuben...

...the 13th member of the board then took his seat at one of the pentagram points of the table - Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz himself, chairing the meeting.

It was uncommon for the entire 13 Direktors on the board to be present at a single meeting. Such a rare and unusual event was only ever convened by the overall Governor of the board, so the messenger bats had flown and such was the case now, Herr Eye himself was coming 'in the flesh', to overseer this meeting of the board. What thoughts went bidden or unbidden through the mind of any board member could never be known, for with deep rumbling and grinding noise, links clashing chain, a reverberating, bellowing howl, the screaming of lost and tortured souls, the crys of the damned, the pleas of the doomed - any and all of these sounds would have been sheer delight compared to the absolute peircing sound emitted as Herr Eye ascended onto the board table. Pulsating phosphorescants, dripping and oozing ozone, turning night into a darkness so absolute, that no sane human mind could possibly comprehend, let alone endure....

HERR EYE!!!!!!!

(to be continued)...OIIIIIIIO

Direktive....

2010-07-05T03:47:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

OSVB: (whispered) "Ansbach-Hoffen".

WAH: (jumps) Jawohl Herr!.....

OSVB: Shut up idiot! I want Direktor Wurzen and Direktor Picklesturm in here, before NOW!

..................some time later (translation continues)...

OSVB: Good gentlemen - sit down - get back in here Wolfgang, your'e in on this too.....

....both Kat and de Perignon are back - reports are in. The EYE has made the decision - you will be instrukted at the board meeting. Dont talk, dont ask, dont even breathe - and make bloody sure you bring Steiner with you....

(all present emit an audible gasp):

..and in unison: STEINER! Are you mistaken Otto....

OSVB: Is this the face of somone who has just made a mistake - just bring Steiner at moonrise, NOW get out - I'm busy till then......

YI: Are they gone Otto?

OSVB: Ah my Princess, of course they are, you are such a lovely thing - now where were me my dear? Tell me about this horrible husband of yours...what was his name again? Jorj?

YI: Otto, your'e so wonderful, but I would much rather talk about US....

OSVB: Of course my dear gorgeous-one....naturally, you are such a blonde.....

OIIIIIO

Konversation....

2010-07-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

(Continual Translation):

KL: Otto, you haven't changed, what an old rouge you are - Yennifa seems to be quite taken - literally, she told me all about your 'speciality'....

OSVB: Kat. Enough for now, this is official - there is a full board meeting tomorrow - whats the report from Monte-Cristo?

KL: Spoilt-sport...very well "Herr Now-Person", hmpf:

The ship from Galatan has arrived and Hermann is taking care of it.

I have raised the first squadron of Light-Horse volunteers, uniforms and training all arranged. I have rigoursly tested the riding skills of each and every man and can personally attest to their manhood, they are very, very robust - with amazing endurance and skill, both individually and in prolonged group sessions - some have been nothing less than utterly incredible in the saddle and I can tell you, the regimental Colonel is magnificent.....

OSVB: I get the picture Kat, spare me the gory details - what of the Ordo?

KL: Well I was getting to that....totally expunged from Monte-Cristo. Definitely confirmed overt operatives in Galatan - we think it's the 13th again.

OSVB: Yennifa told me how you met - that was pure fortune - we have an opening. We have an operation involving many elements - Herr Eye is ready to announce it. Go and hang around somewhere - the board meets at the moonrise.....

KL: Ah Otto - this is fun, I hate being bored, can I go to Langdouc too?

OSVB: We'll see what the Herr Eye says Kat...we will ALL see my dear....

OIIIIIIO

Introduction....

2010-07-05T02:50:00.000-07:00

(Translated from recording documents):

WAH: Herr Lietung-Direktor!

OSVB: What is it Ansbach-Hoffen, dont just stand there with your tounge lolling on the ground - Direkt yourself man!

WAH: It's, she, arrived - here, now!

OSVB: "It's - she" - what - who?

WAH: The Direktorix Katarin Lahmia and a guest Herr L........

OSVB: ANSBACH-HOFFEN!!!!!!!! Dont keep the lady waiting with your dithering sycophantry - allow her in - NOW!

WAH: At once! (withdraws)

KL: Otto, Otto my dear, whats all this fuss about - the shouting and yelling? Sounds like one of the all-male bordellos on the seamy side of downtown Monte-Cristo...how are you?

OSVB: Ah, Kat - great to see you in the flesh - may I ask who your guest is?

KL: Of coursssse Otto, come here my dear, Otto wont bite - just yet - now, Lietung-Direktor otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz, may I introduce you to Princess Yennifa Icaska de Lille, of LANGDOUC - Yennifa my darling, this is Otto.....

OSVB: Oh my dear, what a most lovely surprise, what an absolute honour and pleasure for you to meet me.....

YI: Katy, you never told me how handsome Lietung-Direktor Von.......

OSVB: Please my dear lady, call me Otto - we have so much to talk about, you and I - in private....

OIIIIIIIO

Return...

2010-07-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

...(translation):

W: Rupert, your'e back - have a decent time?

R: Cant complain Wolfgang, is he in?

W: Oh yes and waiting - you know he doesn't like to wait, such a 'now' person....
R: yeah, got it....

ANSBACH-HOFFEN! Send him in....!
W: At once Herr Lietung-Direktor (enjoy yourself Rupert...)

R: Herr Lietung-Direktor, reporting as instructed.

OSVB: Direktor Perignon......what kept you - wings clipped? Now - the lot, the South-East, how did it go?

R: Bit of a lark, few casualities, large cavalry engagement - the Oesterschadeners performed perfectly as direkted. The galloper-gun concept is more than sound, I suggest enabling a complete battery for each cavalry command. The battalion headquaters advisory Unterdirektors committee have advised the newly raised Monte-Criston volunteers battalion be maintained on establishment. We should deploy in brigade strength in the region.....

OSVB: Good. Then the independent reports are reconciled. You will return and maintain command in the distrikt. Two regular battalions will be posted within two moons. The galloper-guns will be raised to a full battery. The Oebel Dragoons order you gave has been recinded - they have another job - another light cavalry regiment will be deployed to brigade with the Oesterschadeners. Direktorix Katarin is flying in tonight - you leave in three days.

R: Very good Herr Lietung-Direktor.

OSVB: I didn't ask for your approval de Perignon - there is a full meeting of the board in two days time. The Herr Eye has listed the new Direktion to be undertaken, that is all, begone...

ANSBACH-HOFFEN! In here NOW!

W: (under his breath)..."such a 'now' person"........

OIIIIIIIO

Greasy Grass

2010-06-25T00:50:00.001-07:00

To all the allies, today was a good day to die, in 1876......

....Die Annalen der Zeit....

2010-05-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

......translation continues......

"......by the middle of the 18th century, the Direktorat of Herrschaden had continued unabated....technology, reason, science and business had flourished for over 5 decades...the so-called 'crowned-heads' had noted the incredible advancements in Herrschaden food production, animal husbandry, industry, commerce and in particular, military capability..."

"......there was no question as to how the original Direktorenschelle had continued in control of the nation...it did not seem to matter, as the regime was obviously benign and non-expansionist. The Direktorats 'War of Reason' against 'Superstition' had never been relinquished. The fact that the Direktors refused to acknowledge any politics or religion, had resulted in huge and unexplained losses of men and material from various forces arrayed against it, evil, pus-soaked, pox-riddled forces..."

"......incredulous observers to many military engagements involving Herrschaden forces, were reduced to a near-catatonic state, by witnessing Herrschaden innovations, innitative and sheer brutal audacity - as one observer wrote: 'the unterdirektor of this regiment simply said: "it's all business".....' (the reporter who had written this comment, later suicided, reason/s unknown)....."

".....by the time of the rise of Fredericks Prussia, Herrschaden inventions and capability had so impressed the new King, he had sent a personal invitation to Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, to attend an engagement in Silesia, against the arrayed Russo-Austrian (or is that Austro-Russian?) forces, threatening Prussia.....naturally, the invitation was replied to by a junior member of the Direktorenschelle, with the comment "we will see what we feel like on the day, we cordially request you dont bother us anymore with your petty war, however, we do hope you enjoy it immensly - as will we"..........."

"as the annals show, some Herrschaden units were dispatched, because, "they had nothing better to do at the time...."

Immer Voran OIIIIIIIO

Achtung! Umschulung begann

2010-05-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

"In accordance with central Direktive Nr. 879b, with due authorization from Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz, Direktor-Kommandant Kavallerie, Rupert de Perignon, announces the following":

"Dragoon Regiment Oebel, will formally be known as Light Dragoon Regiment Oebel. Members will transfer to Oesterschaden and be retrained in similar manner to the Oesterschaden Light Horse Regiment. Members of the regiment, not direkted to retrain in the mounted role, will further their role as foot jaegars, effective immediately".

"More to follow, eventually".........

(Signed):
Rupert de Perignon
Direktor-Kommondant Kavallerie
(Somewhere in Oesterschaden)

Korrekt Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIIO

Achtung! Wichtige Ansage: Truppe-Abbau....

2010-05-19T02:54:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

"In accordance with Direktive Nr. 12,467, Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz Von Blitzenkruz announces orders that the 'Jowetski Brigade', will cease operations in the current Ordo-War, being waged in Lifonlia.
Furthermore, the following orders are issued":

(a) Direktor aus Frontlinieverteidigung Hans Wagemueller is to return to Blitzenkruz for immediate post-operation interview.....
(b) All Herrschadeners from this Brigade, are to return to their original, parent regiments.
(c) With the exception of Monte-Cristons, all foreign nationals on service with this Brigade will volunteer for service in the Liebregt. Any wishing to re-direkt themselves in any other manner, are immediately sentenced to 20 years service in the Liebregt, or may be relocated in another manner...Monte-Cristons are granted an official 3-day Herrschaden-Visa and may then re-direkt themselves in any manner as prescribed in agreements between Der Direktorat and Monte-Cristo...
(d) The Jowetski Brigade colour is to be retired and placed in the 'Hall of the Lost', at Blitzenkruz.

"Additionally, Herrschaden removes all humanitarian aid and hopes the people of Lifonlia continue to enjoy their war.....travel between Herrschaden and Lifonlia is now proscribed".

"That is all, for the moment....."

(Signed):
Nelnieh Trebor, Direktor aus Informationen
Korrekt authorization code ID: OIIIIIIIO

Achtung! Humanitar Hilfsmittel Ansage!

2010-01-10T01:47:00.000-08:00

(Translation):

"Attention! Humanitarian aid announced! Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden, which provides several nations with utterly impartial military-diplomatic assistance observation Direktors, announces the following aid program, to the war-wracked country of Lifonlia, during it's Civil War crisis...

...Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, with determination to end the undue suffering of the people in Lifonlia, as soon as possible, has authorized the immediate dispatch of the following:

- 1000 Herrschaden manufactured, model 1706, pattern Alpha-minus, 'Superior-Musket', with bayonets and all equipment to suit (cleaning kits, ammunition pouches, belts, slings etc).
- 60,000 rounds of ammunition to suit above.
- 500 heavy cavalry sabres, each with sharpening stones, scabbards and belts.
- 500 Dragoon carbines, model 1706, pattern Bravo-plus, complete similar to infantry muskets.
- 8 Medium calibre artillery pieces, complete with a full front-line load of ammunition and all other equipment required to function in the field, including horses and traces etc etc etc
- 400 varied rounds of artillery ammunition to suit the above cannon.

Furthermore, each side in this terrible conflict is to receive 50% each, of the above allocation of this hardware.

This demonstrates Herrschaden's committment to remain impartial in relation to this current foreign war. We say to the people of Lifonlia: "Enjoy your war - it wont last forever".

(signed)
Direktor of Science and Technology
Walther Picklesturm,
Korrekt Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIO

Interview mit Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann auf Lifonlia, again continued...

2010-01-10T00:07:00.000-08:00

(Translation):

"The interview here transcribed demonstrates the severe nature of the fanaticism of The Ordo of The Bloodied Martyr. Herrschaden has incontrovertible evidence, that this sinister organization is active in several nations now current - with particular physical evidence in the case of The Lifonlian War of Succession"...

E: =How far did you ride forward of the village Herr Unterdirektor?=

H: "Herr Eye, well within the limits of my jurisdiction as clearly stated under Article 31, paragraph 16, point (h). It was not necessary to proceed any further, for at this location - a somewhat small piece of raised ground, yet with good view in all direktions - I personally verified the scouts report".

E: =And in summary Herr Unterdirektor?=

H: "I found a huddle of 7 living villagers, who had been forced to commit an act of self-flagellation. Another 12 had been crucified, with one of these still alive; 24 had been impaled, 8 of which were still shreiking in a most undirekted manner and upon investigation of a still smouldering ruin, of a building I can only describe as some place of superstitious worship, the remains of at least 50, who had been immolated alive. One of our forward scouts was at this juncture bought before me Herr Eye".

E: =Now in detail, Herr Unterdirektor=...

H: "Herr Eye, this man was a Lifonlian volunteer, who had been in the party to first discover the scene. In a moment of compassion, he had mercifully shot 2 of the still surviving impaled persons, before he had been direkted to do so. As these survivors had not been korrektly interviewed by myself, in accordance with Article 56, paragraph 13, point (v) and due to the convenience of hot coals from the extermination fire still smouldering, I had the man arrested, branded on the forhead with the Mark of The Eye of Knowledge and placed in custody, pending future service. On the spot I convened a field tribunal. All evidence was presented and I personally sentenced the man to 20 years service in the Liebregt."

E: =Ah, the making of a true Direktor, Herr Unterdirektor, what happened next?=

H: "The articles are quite unambigious, Herr Eye. As the crucified and impaled villagers were of no use in interrogation, I ordered them shot. The 7 survivors were placed in custody with the remaining 40 from our original sweep. The defiant third man from my original interview, immediately replaced the former compassionate trooper and the remainder sent with escort to our relocation and protektion camp facility, some 25 miles distant. The village was then totally destroyed, to deny enemy usage. I am quite pleased to report Herr Eye, that of the 46 expatriated, 22 have survived to serve The Direktorat".

E: =Excellent Herr Unterdirektor, excellent. Your statement and personal actions concur with my own exact independent findings in the investigation of this incident. You are hereby promoted to Direktor forthwith. You will be posted to The Schwabian Leauge, with a company of Oebel Dragoons, I know the Ordo is active down there too. Guards! Remove the blindfold and release the Herr Direktor from the firing squad post - he's got a job to do......=

"This transcript has been released by Direktion of Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, under Article 79, paragraph 28, point (g) and is korrektly authorized with Code ID: OIIIIIIIO........

......that is all, for the moment"...

OIIIIIIIO

Interview mit Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann auf Lifonlia, continued....

2010-01-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

(Translation):

"The Undirekted may well be aware of rumours concerning the atroscious treatment of the Lifonlian citizenry in their current war. Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden provides only impartial military-diplomatic assistance to such peoples, whilst also offering them are far more direkted existence, on humanitarian grounds".....

E: =Herr Unterdirektor, what were your findings regarding the interviews of the prisioners?=

H: "Herr Eye, in brief, the following was determined. Troops matching descriptions of uniform worn only by The Ordo, had descended on this village some two days prior to our arrival. The name of the village was 'Kamaholak', which means 'Broken Ankle'. Of the approximately 250 inhabitants, 42 were coralled on our initial search and a further sweep procured some 93 more, mostly starving and fearful villagers. Once labor gangs had been assigned, a further 28 bodies were recovered from the village well. At this time, the fate of the remainder was unknown, though the survivors stated they had seen the remaining villagers force-marched from the area - along our exact line of march. On hearing of this, an extended patrol was immediately dispatched to follow this axis and investigate for further sign of enemy and, using village labor under immediate Direktion, the village itself was fortified"...

E: =Ah, very good, continue=

H: "Several hours later, a scout from our advanced patrol returned to report. I rode ahead to see in person the veracity of the scouts report Herr Eye"...

(To be continued).....

Interview mit Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann auf Lifonlia

2010-01-09T23:03:00.000-08:00

(Translation):
"The undirekted should note the following interview conducted at Blitzenkruz, with then-Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann, concerning an incident during the Lifonlian Civil War, also known as The War of Lifonlian Succession. This has been published, so all are aware of the grave danger posed by the fanatic Ecclesiarchs, of The Order of the Bloodied Martyr, in Langdouc."

...after the normal judiscious proceeding administration was conducted, in accordance with korrekt procedures, Ud Haltermann, gave the following statement, here transcribed...

E: =Herr Unterdirektor, can you enlighten us somewhat more on the circumstances surrounding your discovery of Ordo activities in Lifonlia?=

H: "Herr Eye, whilst on an advanced search for any military activity of note, my scouts came to report sign of human activity, some miles ahead of our main body. This was along an approach route to a potential watering point and crossing, during the summer. As we crested a minor rise in the ground, I could clearly see what was obviously, the remains of a local village, directly along our axis of advance and so across our front, with the crossing further beyond. There was smoke coming from the village, yet no obvious sign of life".

E: =What were your immediate thoughts?=

H: "To determine sign of any Ordo activity, Herr Eye".

E: =Go on=

H: "Herr Eye, Our artillery was brought forward to cover the main axis, whilst infantry companies moved to cordon the village, our Dragoons circled the village westward, to secure and investigate the water point and crossing. Within a short time another scout informed me, contact with a local civilian population had occurred. These were people who had fled from the village, to avoid some terrible fate".

E: =Ah, I see, your next action?=

H: "There were 42 accounted for civilians, these were immediatley placed in custody, whilst search groups were ordered into the village proper. Yet another scout informed me from the search group, 'No contact, Enemy sign'. At this point, we secured the village and placed it and all therein, under the Direktion of The Direktorat of Herrschaden, according to Article 27, paragraph 4, point (k) Herr Eye".

E: =Unterdirektor, I have read your more than extensive and detailed report on this operation, could you please summarize the more important points of note - including, especially, your own actions=

H: "Herr Eye, a small delegation of 3 leading men of the village, somewhat old and decrepid, asked to speak to myself. I consented to have their manacles removed and the first approached me. Due to our superior learning programs, I was naturally fluent in the local dialect...

.... this man abased himself before me, using such terms as 'My Lord!' and 'Dear God!', as though I was some sort of heredited noble - or a member of a misbegotten clergy. Naturally, I informed this despicable wretch of such prohibition under Article 27, paragraph 5, point (b) and shot him immediatley. The second began weeping uncontrollably - in a clearly undirekted manner no less - and I informed him of provisions under the same article. He stopped his purile public emotive display, then collapsed on his knees before me, beseeching me - as if I was some sort of 'saviour' or even 'divine being'! Without hesitation I drew my sword and decapitated the swine. The third man stood before me with a look of defiance on his face - I direkted he was to be taken back to the temporary shelter and along with the remaining refugees, fed and watered, to await further interview, whilst a complete, korrekt and thorough search of the village was conducted, in accordance with Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIIO".....

(to be continued)...

Achtung! Ansage Nr.5

2010-01-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

(Translation):

"By direktion of Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, the following shall be effected:

Dr. 1: Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann, after extensive and successful service on observation in Lifonlia, will return to Herrschaden, promoted to the board as Direktor aus Sudkonflikt. Direktor Haltermann will travel to The Schwabian League and represent Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden as military-diplomat. A company from the Oebel Dragoon regiment is Direkted to be activated as official escort.

Dr. 2: Unterdirektor Hans Wagemueller, continuing service in Lifonlia, is promoted in the field, to the board, as a Direktor aus Frontlinieverteidigung and will continue in current service.

Dr. 3: Direktor Hans Wagemueller, will now take full direktion of The Jowetski Brigade, which has been formally entered onto the scroll of Herrschaden activated formations.

Dr. 4: Direktor aus Infanterie Heinrich Wurzen is to activate formations from Distrikt Banhalt.

Dr. 5: Unterdirektor Walther Ansbach-Hoffen, is appointed Direktor aus Herrschaden, for excellent service in study at The great Monte-Criston librarius. Direktor Ansbach-Hoffen, will return from Monte-Cristo and fulfill the appointment to manage and direkt Public Health, Occupational Disorders, increased recruitment into Liebregt and the administration of Protektion Camps for displaced persons.

That is all, for the moment..."

(signed)
Nelnieh Trebor, Direktor aus Informationen
Korrektly authorized, Code ID: OIIIIIIIO

Honorific Flags 3

2010-01-05T17:13:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

"The final flag of currently known military formations in Herrschadener service, is of a unit unique in origin and steeped in deep historical significance. Headquartered in the Capital barracks at Blitzenkruz and only ever Direkted in person by Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, it is that of

GUNNINGS GRENADIERS ZU PFERDE

The unit is often referred to as "The Immortals"

Although not a Herrschadener native, the unit was personally raised by it's Kommander Ingst Gunning during the time of the great upheaval. The Kommander had been a personal and close associated friend of Von Blitzenkruz for 32 years. His last and final battle was an epic struggle of Herculean proportions - beyond that anyone, (even the Direktors) - would have imagined any person could have endured. The unit was awarded the honorific KAMPFFREUND, in recognition of an action some 27 years previously, when Gunning and Von Blitzenkruz, isolated on a barren, open hilltop, charged downhill into a seemingly overwhelming number of enemy foot troops. It appeared a doomed and suicidal 'last mission', yet was crowned with success - the enemy utterly broken, routed from the field and run down.

Of all the magnificent flags flown and carried by Herrschadener units, Gunnings Horse Grenadier flag is the most symbologically iconic. There are three variations, as follows:

The original infantry sized flag carried by Gunnings personal troop.

The flag centrepiece shows a gallant Knight of a long-lost era, slaying an ancient and possibly mythical, but at least now extinct beast, some call a 'Dragon'.

The unit title 'GUNNING GRENADIERE ZU PFERDE' is displayed over the top and beneath, the Honorific 'KAMPFFREUND' (Battle-friend), below.

In opposite corners are displayed the Bursting Grenade and Hunting Hawk icons and centrally a blood-red Ritterkreuz.

The Variation Flag, also carried by the original unit shows all the same iconography, but in a reversed colour scheme, as displayed below:

The third flag also often carried by the unit is a latter-day addition, shown in the original, traditional colour pattern, is the cavalry-sized standard, shown below:

Of interest to note, is the golden fringe surrounding this variation, an added honour, which significantly, represents the 'Halo of Immortality', dedicated to the units original, but now deceased commander.

Thus the units unofficial sobriquet 'The Immortals'.

Dedicated to IG 250665 - 010110

R.I.P

The end of the beginning,

Without Limits,

Forever,

IMMER VORAN

OIIIIIIIO

Honorific Flags 2

2010-01-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

"For service in the Lifonlian Civil War, many Herrschadeners enlisted in a special mixed-arms formation, initiated and led by Kevlar Jowetski. As Herrschaden is not formally involved in the conflict, two Unterdirektors - Josepf Haltermann and Hans Wagemueller - were posted to the troubled region to act as observers and of course, assist all persons and protect Herrschaden State interests...

....the unit - principally an humanitarian aid formation - consists of a company of Dragoons, a section of light artillery and several cadre infantry companies. Many foreigners have enlisted in the unit, including dispossessed Lifonlians, themselves preferring Korrekt Direktion, to their anarchic, undirekted and previously miserable, wretched existence. The unit wears a grey uniform, with minor 'branch' colour distinctions - light blue for infantry, red for artillery and yellow for dragoons. The unit has been known as 'The Jowetski Legion', but is now considered 'Jowetski's Brigade', due to the influx of volunteers. It carries only the single colour, displayed below:

JOWETSKI BRIGADE

This flag displays selected iconography, representing many facets of the brigades homogenity.

Currently on independent service in Lifonlia.

R.I.P Kevin

OIIIIIIIO

Honorific Flags 1

2010-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

"Badges, ranks, titles and all forms of awards and honours are bestowed on the so-called great personages amongst the undirekted. Herrschaden reserves honours for the whole - in these cases, special Honorific flags are bestowed on the chosen. One such bestowal recently concerns an incident in the lower reaches of The Eisenberg region, when the Artillerie Regimental Infanterie and gun batteries found themselves isolated by an incursion from elements of the VIth and XIIIth Legions, of The Ecclesiarchy Of the Ordo of the Bloodied Martyr of Langdouc.

Whilst Direktor Picklesturm was in Blitzenkruz, the Ecclesiarchs determined to launch an unprovoked assault against Herrschaden, through the Eisenberg. The Artillerie was being supervised by non other than one of the most hard fighting disciplinarian Direktors at the time - Von Stueben "Iron-Fist".

With many new recruits from the mines in training and a small cadre of Artillerie infantry, lighter and medium gun pieces on the flanks and heavier pieces firing from high ground overhead, Von Stueben led the Herrschadener force in an immediate assault - the first time in military history artillery had been used in such a manner. Guns were handled forward, fired, reloaded and forward again, all the while with the miner-recruits formed under the colours of the Artillerie Infanterie Regiment, counter-attacking to the front.

Von Stueben's assault was so ferocious, that the enemy legionnaries were thrown back in confusion 2 miles and cornered against a sheer cliff face. The enemy commander, wounded and dazed, sort a parley to end the carnage being inflicted on his remaining force, estimated still at over 2000 strong, of all arms.

By this time, the Herrschadeners had assaulted with foot and guns for more than 2 hours, over broken and open-area terrain, had little ammunition remaining and were within 50ft of the enemy. Receiving the parly request, Von Stueben - one of Herrschadens hardest Direktors - responded in the Korrekt manner with the worded commands: "FEURE UND STURM!" In an instant, the enemy were obliterated in a storm of shot and a final close-assault tore the remainder to pieces against the rock face.

A magnificent use of the Herrschadener artillery arm. As a result of this action, on personal request from Direktor Walther Picklesturm and accordingly authorized (Korrekt Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIIO), by Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, the Artillery Regiment was awarded an Honorific Flag.

This flag depicts the field in artillerie trim color blue, with the crossed gun-barrels.

The yellow centre cross is a traditional symbol taken from the region's pre-Direkted history.

The central motif was awarded to the artillery as they fought as an "Iron-Fist", with the figures of miners representing the heritage from the region itself.

Beneath the cannon 'Die Eisen-Berge' battlehonour is displayed and beneath the Eye of Knowledge the honour title 'Eisene Faust'.

This standard is usually carried to an army GHQ and flown alongside the Army flag, but in recent times, the Artillerie Infanterie battalion has been granted the honour of carrying this flag as a third colour within the battalion, when required to assault enemy positions.

Foreign observers have noted that when the 'Iron-Fist' is unfurled, enemy formations have been known to flee in horror, for they know only too well what they are about to receive...

OIIIIIIIO

Non-Regional Flags 1

2010-01-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

Not all formations within Herrschaden are drawn exclusivley from a particular region (ie geographical Distrikt). Such units already displayed include the Liebgarde, Liebregt and Schwerstahl Grenadiers.

Recruited from anywhere within Herrschaden, gun crews are trained to a heightened standard, clearly unequalled anywhere in the known, or indeed, the unknown world. Many such members are drawn from the somewhat recently acquired region known as the Eisenberg. A heavy, tough mountanious region, bordering on the south-west of Erbach and to the west of the Schwerwald. Just like the terrain, just like the people. very tough, very resilient, very strong - in short, the epitomy of all Herrschadeners. They also like things that make big noises - such as cannon.
Such then has been the voluntary influx into the artillery formations, that an overflow of recruits persuaded Direktor Walther Picklesturm to raise an infantry-organized unit to maintain them. The units particular role is to provide on-battlefield protection and replacement crews for casualities amongst the gun crews. Such was the enthusiasm for this experiment, that Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz authorized (code ID: OIIIIIIIO) the official formation of the Artillerie Infanterie Regiment. Shown below are the unit and national-regimental colours carried by this formation.

Of note is the crossed-cannon symbols displayed on the main-field of the battalion colour and also shown in the diagonally opposite corners on the reverse of the same flag. Also note that this unit is uniformed and trained as infantry, with the distinguishing trim colour Blue - the same as artillery crews.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 6

2010-01-02T23:44:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

Directly East from Schellenberg and running north-south along the east bank of the Oesterfluss lies the highly strategic Distrikt of Oesterschaden. A dark and brooding region, with a climate and indigenous population to match. Open, windy, cold and unforgiving, to date this Distrikt has no eastern border. This Distrikt is Direkted by Direktorix Katarin Lahmia and provides a superbly drilled Light Horse Regiment. Naturally brilliant scouts, this regiment exists almost exclusivley on an advanced-warning operational footing and specializes in reconnaissance and raids, most especially under nocturnal conditions. The light-cavalry guidon displayed shows the Distrikt unit colour purple and the motto SCHNELL UND SICHER - SWIFT AND CERTAIN.

Of note are the bone fragment symbols shown at centre, top and bottom of the standard.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 5

2010-01-02T23:30:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

Bordering to the North of Schellenberg and East of Banhalt, wedged along the Oesterfluss and close to the Baltsee is Distrikt Ostbanhalt. Once suitably Direkted this region has provided the Direktorat with full riverine capability and has recently begun maritime operations training. Ostbanhalt also provides two battalions of such trained infantry, with further scope to recruit a ships crew for the Direktorats first ocean-going Battlecruiser (_____+_-_______) - note: name/further information deleted/unavailable at this time, by order of Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, authorization code ID: OIIIIIIIO...

...displayed below are the battalion and national-regimental flags from this Distrikt. The distinguishing colour is Buff and the motto KEIN RUCKZUG - NO RETREAT.

Note the unique Navigators Wheel symbol displayed in diagonally opposite corners of the battalion flags.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 4

2010-01-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

South of Schellenberg and South-East of Erbach, lies Distrikt Oebel. A heavily wooded region, deeply ensconsed within the Schwerwald, Oebel is home to a mark of hardy people, with great tracking and hunting skills. As this Distrikt borders on Schellenberg and the people no strangers to many varieties of domesticated and wild animals, the Direktors authorized the formation of a unit of mounted jaegar, also known in parlance as Dragoons. Not a battlefield cavalry, but a professional hunting infantry, mounted on smaller horses for rapid movement and insertion actions. In keeping with the Distrikts woodland origins combat role, the distinguishing colour is Green and the motto ERGREIFEN UND HALTEN - SEIZE AND HOLD.

Note the bugle-horn symbology displayed in diagonally opposite corners of this units guidon-style standard.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 3

2010-01-02T23:03:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

To the east of Banhalt and Erbach is the open region of Schellenberg. Bordering on the Oesterfluss, Schellenberg is open, prime cavalry country - a fact not overlooked by Direktor Rupert de Perignon, who administers this region and also (somewhat brilliantly) initiated an animal and especially cavalry-horse specific husbandry program. Schellenberg provides the Direktorat with superb numbers of highly experienced heavy cavalry, traditionally a single very large regiment, though there has been support on the board of Direktors, to raise extra cavalry units from this region. Shown below is the standard carried by the Schellenberg Heavy Horse, with the motto IMMER DURCH - ALWAYS THROUGH. The Distrikt distinguishing colour is Golden Yellow.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 2

2010-01-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

Following on from Distrikt Banhalt is Distrikt Erbach. Bordering Banhalt to the strategic south-west and now also incorporating the Eisenberg region, administered direktly by Direktor Walther Picklesturm...

...Erbach, not as geographically large as Banhalt and containing some reasonably open-area terrain, currently deploys 3 infantry battalions and a regiment of heavy cavalry. A region of integrated military traditions, Erbach formations are distinguished with the Distrikt colour Red. These units display the Distrikt motto ROLLENDONNER - ROLLING THUNDER.

Above are shown the flags of the Distrikts 3 infantry battalions and below, the cavalry standard of this Distrikts heavy horse regiment.

OIIIIIIIO

Distrikt Unit Flags 1

2010-01-02T22:40:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

The Directorate of Herrschaden is divided into many districts. For non-Herrschadeners, this concept of division is often difficult to understand. Distrikts are also known as regions (where geographical) or Direktorships (where administrative). A Distrikt can be both a region and a direktorship and to add into the mix, an Uberdirekorenschelle and/or Unterdirektorenschelle. Military formations are drawn from each Distrikt and named by the Distrikt, with additional numerics to differentiate the formations. Each Distrikt is distinguished by it's own trim, or facing/detail colour. This colour is worn on the uniform cuff and is also displayed as the base field colour of a Distrikt unit. As all uniforms material is supplied centrally and of the same dark blue material, each distrikt is responsible only for application of uniform trim-distinction colours.
Regions within Herrschaden have been defined along perfectly determined geography, as organized by Direktor Walther Picklesturm and of course fully authorized by Managing Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz (authority code ID: OIIIIIIIO).
*It is vital to note for the undirected, that ALL distrikts within Herrschaden are of equal status, as are all units recruited from within any one distrikt. Numerics are used purely for administrative purposes and thus a '1st Battalion' does not indicate that such a unit is in any way 'senior' or 'superior' to, for example a '4th Battalion' from the same or any other distrikt...

This series of 'Distrikt Unit Flags', shows the various flags of units formed from within each such region and begins with Distrikt Banhalt....

.....Banhalt, this Distrikt is the most populous and North-Westerly region within Herrschaden. From here are drawn the bulk of infantry. There are currently 4 battalions on service with the Banhalt Regiment. This Distrikt displays a trim colour of Pale Yellow. The following image shows the flags carried by all these battalions - a battalion/unit (or Distrikt) colour carried on the left of facing and each unit national/regimental colour carried on the right of facing, as follows:

The Regimental motto is MARZ ZUM ENDE - MARCH TO THE END.

The distrikt field colour and battalion numeric is also shown in the scroll on one side of the national-regimental flag. Each unit flag also displays the Distrikt name and unit numeric.

OIIIIIIIO

Premier Unit Flags 2

2010-01-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

Unlike most non-direkted military forces, Herrschaden infantry units do not contain integrated specialized elite companies, which are imposed in a clearly undireked and - anathema to any Herrschadener - an ad hoc manner. In Herrschaden, such an elite is concentrated in the formation Schwerstahl Grenadier Regiment. The heavy metal infantry. Entry into this magnificent regiment follows very strict criteria and is of course voluntary. Survivors of close-infantry assaults from any infantry unit may be encouraged to enlist, once, of course their wounds have healed and any prosthetics have been properly amalgamated to them.
Often conducted under dark, or heavily inclement weather conditions and preceded by a storm of hand-thrown or musket-launched bomb-grenades, an attack once launched by the grenadiers is fearsome, brutal, devoid of mercy and utterly effective. Their motto is BIS TOD UNS TRENNT - that is to say,
TILL DEATH US DO PART. There are currently two battalions of Grenadiers. Both wear black trim and facing distinctions, with the first battalion distinguished with gold/yellow metal variations and the second battalion with silver/white metal variations.

The images above show (top) from left, 1st battalion unit and on top right national-regimental.

Bottom left 2nd battalion unit and to the bottom right national-regimental.

Distinction is of course the bursting grenade emblem on the unit flags, which also show the battalion variation colour in the corners and like the national-regimental, the battalion numeric.

OIIIIIIIO

Premier Unit Flags 1

2010-01-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

(Translation continues):

The premium and most directed units in the armed forces of Herrschaden are the Liebgarde Kuirassier and Liebregt Sturminfanterieabteilung. Unlike such similar formations in non-directed military forces, these units are rarely 'husbanded' or 'reserved' to issue a so-called 'coup-de-main'. Such thought is not part of the process in the mind of a Herrschaden Direktor. These assets are used first and foremost and with utter disdain for any such weaknesses in calculation, such as casualities.

The above image on the left shows the front and on the right, the rear, of the vexillum style banner carried by the Liebgarde Kuirassier regiment. The vexillum field shows the unit detail colour - white. They well and truly earn their title motto 'EISEN-SCHUTZ': encased in iron and riding the heaviest and finest cavalry mounts from Herrschaden, they are a greatly feared shock-cavalry formation - they are the IRON PROTECTION of the Direktorat.

The image shown below left is the battalion flag carried by the Shock-Infantry Life Regiment.

They take the motto 'FUR DAS LEBEN' (FOR LIFE) quite literally, to the grave. The image on the right shows this units national-regimental colour. Note that as with all Herrschaden infantry formations, the unit flag is carried on the left of facing, whilst the national-regimental is carried on the right of facing. The field of the unit flag shows the units detail (or trim/facing) colour, which is also duplicated on the scroll on one side of the national-regimental colour, in this case, like the Liebgarde, white.

OIIIIIIIO

Civil and Military National Flags

2010-01-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

(Translation as follows):

"Continuing on with the series of public display of Herrschaden Flags, as duly authorized by Managing Director Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz himself, with korrekt authority code ID: OIIIIIIIO, we show the following":

The National Civil Flag (above)- Direktorat aus Herrschaden flag with Golden Fringe. This flag is flown on all major civil buildings, such as post offices and taverns. It differs from The First Flag, in that there is no pyramid, the letter 'D' for Direktorat is in the centre, the undecipherable codex is presented in the red centre, both sides of the flag are identical and of course is fringed with gold. Only ever carried in the field by units of Volkschaden, as such units do not have battalion or national-regimental flags.
The golden fringe represents the all-encompassing light of Direktorenschelle - an essential ingredient in the life-force of all Herrschadeners.

The National Military Flag (below) - Direktorat aus Herrschaden flag. Also commonly known as 'the army flag'. Used on all military installations and carried into the field with GHQ. Identical to the civil flag shown previously, but obviously, minus the fringe.

OIIIIIIIO

The First Flag

2010-01-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

(Translation as follows):
Non-Direkted readers note - "the following series of flags and their heraldric art display have been authorized for public view by Managing-Director Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz. Information contained is edited where appropriate, as it may contain startling truths, unsavoury to the non-Herrschadener. On behalf of The Directorship, Herrschaden wishes to pass on great thanks, and a lifetime commission into the Liebregt to the following (currently) undirekted enthusiasts:

The Curator of the Great Library in Monte-Cristo, by Lace Wars
David Linienblatt, of NOT BY APPOINTMENT

And now: The First Flag

The flag of Blitzenkruz. Sometimes known as "The Big B" flag. Displays the all encompassing imagery now used universially on Herrschaden National civil and military flags. The main unique difference, is of course the letter 'B' (for Blitzenkruz) in the centre, the year '1706' on the pyramid and undecipherable codex surrounding the edge. Image shows both sides of the flag, with red centre.

This flag is flown at the capital and is only taken into the field, when the Managing Director himself is present in person. It may then be carried by a unit so awarded the honour, or, more usually, carried by a mounted officer of the Direktors staff.

The motto 'Immer Voran', is taken from the last words spoken by original Blitzenkruz family primogenitor Kurt Scharnhorst von Blitzenkruz, who managed to get himself killed in action during a turbulent period dated sometime during the 1300's.

Markierungsfahnen zum Direktorat aus Herrschaden

2009-12-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Translation as follows:

"Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz has declared the flags of the regiments within the Direktorat are to be displayed publicly, for the first time...

...that is all, for the moment."

Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIIO

Good Day

2009-11-06T03:07:00.000-08:00

"Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden has announced an undisclosed period of mourning (for an undetermined period of time) in respect for Kevin Jowett from Battleline Scenics, Australia."

It was a good day...

Authorization code ID: OIIIIIIIO

That is all, for the moment.

Keel laid

2009-09-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden announces the following:

"The free distrikt linking Herrschaden to the Baltsee is now under total direktion. Additionally, the Direktorat wishes to announce that the keel has been laid for a new design, first-class battlecruiser. This innitative has been taken to assist peoples beyond the land-locked nations, in their endeavour for korrekt direktion...
...that is all"
(signed)

authorization code OIIIIIIIO

Letzte Nachrichten!

2009-08-23T04:07:00.000-07:00

(Translation)

Attention! Breaking News!

Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden announces a new international publication. This exposes the myths, legends and many falsehoods attributed to Herrschaden by the enemy!

Updates will be constant and (naturally) 100% accurate.

Der Militarische Streitkraft, Freunde und Feinde aus Herrschaden by Direktor aus Anweisung Klaus von Steuben(copyright Herrschaden circa 1704), explores the regimental uniforms, flags, symbols, anecdotes and histories of all Herrschadener infantry, cavalry and artillery units, PLUS, never before seen specialist units from within the Direktorat! This publication also shows friends and foes of Herrschaden.

Attached, some latest images of a bitter foe: 'Ordo of the Bloodied Martyr', from LANGDOUC. Showing a senior officer from the Ecclesiarchy, and grenade-armed skirmishers, identified as members from Legio VI and Legio XIII.

This publication is authorized (Code ID: OIIIIIIIO).

This announcement by Direktor aus Kontrolle, Albrecht Stern,
authorized (Code ID: OIIIIIIIO).

Pics

2009-08-23T02:28:00.001-07:00

Hope this works - it's a DIREKTIVE...

Direktor Images

2009-08-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings mortals,

If you have been following this adventure into the establishment of Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden, you would have found some 'interesting'(?) deviations from the norm considered in 18thC Imagi-Nations.

Firstly, Der Direktorat: What is it?
A great question needing a great answer. Well, there isn't one. Essentially it's a growing nation of small regions. Geographically, Herrschaden is placed centred on the real-life COLDITZ castle. (Called BLITZENKRUZ). as for 'alignment' or 'position' within the 18thC, it doesn't really have one! Impressionably, the Direktorat is dark, foreboding, Gothic, Transylvanian and possibly 20thC East Germanic - all at once! (If that is even possible...).

Religion and politics do not exist in Herrschaden. The state is somewhat socialistic, nationalistic and a Dictatorship - there are no hereditary 'rulers'. Do not confuse Herrschaden with the 20thC NAZI's - though it is more than possible to label them as such, given some attitudes the Direktors display. Then again, would you label Fredericks Prussia with a NAZI tag?

They are not supremists, nor too much more radical in thought and attitude than many of the 'civilized' crowned heads of real-life 18thC Europe, notwithstanding all the 'gentlemenly' airs and graces, bowing, scraping and tugging forelocks!

We dont do that in Herrschaden. It is in essence, a military-based economy and the country is geared for war - but if it wasn't why would we be playing wargames?

So, for now, on behalf of the Direktorenschelle I would very much like to thank several true-life gentlemen, on two continents, across three countries, who are all helping to produce the Wargames Armed Forces of DER DIREKTORAT.

- Kev, from battleline, doing a load of painting.
- Jean-Louis for imagery and inspiration, editing and allowing the Direktors access to the great library in Monte-Cristo.
- Dave, for reducing his sleeping cycle, while receiving tonnage-weight in e-mailed images and documents and files of overload information and then producing what The Direktors have declared PERFECT and I regard as beautiful produced scale flags for the armies figures to carry.

I'll also mention that Front Rank miniatures have been fantastic for my purchases, in service and punctuality and also answering my enquiries. Yay Angela - have to name another female 'Direktorix' after you babe.

So, now we are up to date. My camera and photographic ability is obviously amateur - but you cant have everything - YET. Here then are a couple of shots of 'prototype' Direktor uniforms and models.

You see Von Stueben (with the sword - 'Old Iron-Fist'); Rupert de Perignon waving his hat around and showing off for the camera (Direktors dont like that); Katarin Lahmia (hope she is obvious!); an Unterdirektor in Field-Dress (could that be Haltermann or Wagemueller in Lifonlia?) and then - is it possible Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz himself?! Who can say? Time will tell...

Their stories are long, their characters are bold, their army frightening, their enemies abound...

OIIIIIIIO

2009-08-13T02:51:00.000-07:00

Order of the Tankard, awarded to Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz

Liebgarde

2009-08-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

They have been started, the first squadron is complete, 2nd squadron underway - 3rd and 4th are being mobilized. More great paintwork from Kev.
http://battlelinescenics.blogspot.com/

Achtung! Ansage Nr.3

2009-08-06T02:21:00.000-07:00

(Translation)

"Der Direktorate aus Herrschaden announces the following:
Article 1.
a. Service in the Liebregt for life, is now reduced to only 20 years. This is not to be retrospective.
b. Any and all current members of this regiment, claiming, with korrekt proof (evidence in writing), to a prior citizenship of The Presipality of Monte-Cristo, are hereby released from service and may themselves become undirekted.
c. The Liebregt will now wear new headress - the cloth mitre cap - and accept volunteers. Volunteers need serve for a mere 10 years.

Article 2.
a. Sturmgrenadierabteilungschwerstahl will be raised to regimental status. This formation is authorised (Code ID: OIIIIIIIO) to raise a second battalion.
b. Grenadiers will now wear new headress - the fur mitre cap.
c. Additionally, Grenadiers will now wear full army uniform coat and trousers, dark blue, with black distinctions.
d. As a result of these fully-Direkted alterations, this regiment will now be known as:
Sturmgrenadierregtschwerstahlblitzenkruz.

(Signed)
Direktor-Infanterie, Heinrich Wurzen (Authorization Code ID: OIIIIIIIO).

More Gunnery...

2009-07-30T04:13:00.001-07:00

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q4pMIjcoxTo/Sm6KmBjOaMI/AAAAAAAAARw/jZM6mkQQ1xs/s1600-h/100_0007.jpg

Picklesturm

2009-07-30T04:12:00.001-07:00

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q4pMIjcoxTo/Sm6KlDQWfwI/AAAAAAAAARg/sPjWIK3sMPs/s1600-h/100_0004.jpg

Achtung! Ansage Nr.2

2009-07-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

(translation)

"Fraulien Katarin Lahmia, of the previously undirekted peoples travelling along, in, around and about the east-bank of the Oester River, has requested (korrektly - in writing) re-direktion".

As a result of this request, Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz, has direkted Herrschaden troops to immediatley assist her in the security of this region, now called District OESTERSCHADEN.

A regiment of light horse is to be raised from this district. Fraulien Lahmia has been awarded Der Abendstern and is now the first female Direktor aus Herrschaden - "Direktor aus der Nachtmitfahrer".

Direktor aus informationen, Nelnieh Trebor (Ansbach-Hoffen is on holidays in Monte-Cristo)

Authorisation Code ID: OIIIIIIIO

Social Life in Herrschaden

2009-07-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kmLmjz_cFs&feature=related

New Direktorship

2009-07-19T00:07:00.001-07:00

(Translation):

Der Direktorate aus Herrschaden announces the formation of a new Directory. This unit will be concerned with the repatriation of dispossessed persons from the War in Lifonlia. All such persons wishing re-direction, in the right direction are welcome to resettle within Herrschaden.

This Directory will also take responsibility for the establishment of public health, occupational disorders and recruitment into Liebregt.

That is all, at this time.
(signed)
Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen
Authorisation Code ID: OIIIIIIO

Political Position

2009-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Several nations have been approached for trades talks and to discuss future relations. Herrschaden diplomats have been authorised (Code ID: OIIIIIIIO) to provide their counterparts with a copy of 'The Book of Information' (copyright Otto von Blitzenkruz).

The leaders of these nations have also been presented with the Herrschaden decoration Morgenstern to recognise the dawn of relations.

Official observers have been sent north-east to the Lifonlian war. Two Unterdirektors are authorised (Code ID: OIIIIIIIO), to report to the highest authority in Lifonlia. This conflict is of interest to the Direktorate, due to the geographical position of Lifonlia.

Herrschaden has no known enemy at this time.

New Military Formations

2009-07-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

The mining district Ostbanhalt has been authorised (ID: OIIIIIIIO) to raise a body of foot troops. These are to be maritime trained. As this district rests along the Oester river, the Direktorate has decided to raise a naval element. Ship-yards are to be constructed along the river itself. Uniform details for this unit are not available at this time. Direktorate officers have been dispatched to various nations, to assess both riverline and sea-going vessels.

The timber-producing district Oebel has been authorised (ID: OIIIIIIIO) to raise a body of jaegar. As this district is an eastern district and also borders on District Schellenberg, this unit is to be provided with horses and will become Oebel Dragoons. Uniform details will be announced at a later time.

As a result of this formation being raised, the unit Hundjaegar will be disbanded. All members will be transferred to the Oebel Dragoons, Liebregt, or shot.

Direktor de Perignon has applied (korrektly - in writing), that a unit of 'Light-Horse' be raised from as-yet 'undirekted' populations living a near nomadic (and therefore direktionless) existence to the east of the Oester river. This is currently under consideration.

Trade Resources

2009-07-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Herrschaden is now a producer of Iron Ore, Coal and Timber products. Agriculture includes the most modern and advanced form of animal-husbandry, producing superior cavalry horse mounts and livestock. Beef, pork and lamb are staple food resources. Additional produce include leather and wool, whilst these industries also provide blood & bone fertilizers, which has increased the yield of potato and vegetable crops. Fodder and natural grazing crops have also increased. Not to mention the superior hops, malt and barley produce.
Trade delegates are even now in talks with their equivalents in Beerstein, Cavenderia and Monte-Cristo with regards to mutual benefits from these Direktorate initatives...

Geographical Disposition

2009-07-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy time in The Direktorate. Walther Picklesturm was directed to send cartographers and survey officers along all points of the compass.

District Schellenberg has increased in size to include the east-bank of the Oester river. Schellenberg is great horse-country and with the added fertility along the east-bank, Rupert de Perignon's horse-breeding programme has expanded. There is some talk of raising a body of light-horse from amongst the more nomadic populations encountered here.

District Banhalt has established a road network, linking a very lucrative mining region to the Direktorate, now known as OSTBANHALT. No doubt an infantry regiment will be raised from there.

The Oebel District is a magnificent resource for the procurement of timber and a very hardy population will provide the backbone for a new body of jaegar.

District Erbach, at the foot of the Iron Mountains and bordering on District Oebel, will expand the size of it's infantry regiment with the addition of an extra battalion, plus increase the Erbach Horse regiment from 2 to 4 squadrons.

Lieb units of foot and armoured horse will remain quatered in Blitzenkruz itself.

New Appointments

2009-07-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

Due to recent international events, Der Direktorat aus Herrschaden has appointed the following directed to the post of Unterdirektor:

Josepf Haltermann
Hans Wagemueller

They have been direkted to attend the state of Lifonlia, in the capacity of Official Observation Officers, to attest to the Direktorenshelle, that a so-called 'War of Succession' is of no threat to Herrschaden and make such recommendations regarding any further involvement.

At this time, the Direktorat makes clear that if there was no 'Succession', there in fact could be no 'War of Succession', only heading in the right direction...

Authorized, directly, (signed)
LD Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz

Oeffentliche Ankuendigung

2009-07-18T01:43:00.000-07:00

(Translation):

"Attention those Directed!

Our near neighbour Lifonlia has lost korrect direction - heading into a dynastic dispute, with regards to the archaich practice of hereditary succession. The Direktorat has appointed two official observers to view the situation in Lifonlia.
Unterdirektor Josepf Haltermann and Unterdirektor Hans Wagemueller.
They will report to the board, directly.

There is no cause for alarm, go to your homes, you are all safe - for the moment".

(signed)
LD Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz

Authorization ID code: OIIIIIIIO

Herrschaden Recruitment

2009-07-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

How do you do...

After years of vacilliation, I decided to put some notes together into some sort of order and come up with an Imagi-national table-top wargaming army. At first it was very simple: choose figures (Front Rank 28's), choose uniform details(easy), then paint.

That of course changed to ultra-complex about 5 seconds later. Real life work commitments being the main offender. Then a visit to a friend in mid-June '09 changed that again. I found a painter. (YAY!).

Enter Kev, from Battleline scenics. I'm sure he wasn't ready for an e-mail from Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen (on behalf of Otto von Blitzenkruz), to paint up an historical WSS Army-Deal as the troops of Imagi-Nation Herrschaden!
But, trooper that Kev is, he got into it - hence Heinrich Wurzen ready as the first character. (He should be too, the mainforce infantry commander at the front). The artillery uniform came up great. The most clever aspect of that I like was the way the cuff-blue was subtly contrasted against the coat-blue. Red guns look spectacular.
At the moment, the 'army' per se, is planned to be based to suit Die Kriegskunst ruleset. I have seen a magnificent Imagi-Nation army based for Might & Reason, but I like my battalions made up of companies and will probably be playing most of my (rare) games solo.

Which leads to the enemy - they are no doubt everywhere! So once the initial battlegroup of Herrschaden is complete and ready, next step will be the enemy. And thats where it gets really interesting. I'm going to have to create another Imagi-Nation to strike at Herrschaden, or conversly, use another set of uniformed troops as allied forces with Herrschaden!

So if any of you have a uniform idea for either an allied/enemy army to take on Herrschaden, drop me a post and I will probably use it - my own 'imagination' is really very limited...

OlllllllO

Direktorate Artillery

2009-07-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

http://battlelinescenics.blogspot.com/2009/07/imagi-nation-gun-crew.html

Wurzen

2009-07-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

http://battlelinescenics.blogspot.com/2009/07/heidrich-wurzen-from-imagin-nation-army.html

Current Military Formations

2009-07-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

Uniforms.
The Direktorat armed forces, with specialist exceptions, wear dark blue.
Known infantry regiments, with distinctions are:
Banhaltregt. Pale Yellow. A large formation, drawn from the bulk of the population.
Total battalions unknown, possibly up to 8.

Erbachregt. Red. Known 2 to 4 battalions.

Liebregt. White. Those requiring further Direction in the right direction are posted to this unit -for life, without discharge - and they like it too.

Known cavalry regiments, with distinctions are:
Liebgarde. Kuirassier Regt. White distinctions. Armour aquired through corrupt Austrian and Imperial quatermasters.

Erbach. Heavy Horse Regt. Red distinctions.

Schellenberg. Heavy Horse Regt. Golden Yellow distinctions.

The Artillery.
Due to the Direktorenstelle of Walther Picklesturm, the Direktorate is able to field pieces of any calibre - most usually 12 pounder guns, but also 24's, 32's, smaller regimental or battalion guns, Howitzers and Mortars. Apparently the Russian Czar has a fit of pique and has somebody shot, whenever the artillery arm of The Direktorate is mentioned...
Uniform is dark blue, with red trim and contrasting blue cuffs. Gun carriages are blood-red, with blackened-bronze barrels and black painted metal.

Specialist Units of the Einsatzkommandokampfgruppenherrschaden.
Sturmgrenadierabteilung Schwerstahl.
Single battalion of selected elite infantry. Highly effective, heavily destructive, known for abject cruelty and single-mindedness; merciless close-infantry shock troops, much favoured for use in assaults. They serve the Lietung-Direktor, directly.
Uniform is black with red distinctions and white trim.

Hundjaegar.
Mounted skirmish-trained infantry. Sometimes known as Dragoons. This unit is a personal favourite of Unterdirektor Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen. Often used in a police-role. Responsible for the control of wardogs. Green uniforms with crimson distinctions.

Kreigshunds.
Massive, slavering, packs of guard dogs. Purpose-bred for hunting, patrolling and combat.

...other formations as yet unidentified...

Current known Directors

2009-07-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

The current externally known Directorship is:

1. Lietung-Direktor Otto Schwarz von Blitzenkruz.
A hard case to judge, after all, he is the judge.
Directs all civil and military affairs.
Origin unknown. Rumoured to be an exiled Duke...

2. Direktor Heinrich Wurzen.
Kommandant Infantry.
Ex-Hessian Colonel. Supposedly on the run for selling fake regimental flags to French noblewomen. Also accused by the British for 'touching-up' the Crown Jewels whilst on a diplomatic visit...

3. Direktor Walther Picklesturm.
Kommandant Science.
An obsessed academic, brilliant artillery kommander, inventor and innovator. Highly influential in the eradication of all religious imagery. Wanted by the Vatican, preferably, mostly alive...

4. Unterdirektor Wolfgang Ansbach-Hoffen.
Minion for von Blitzenkruz.
Totally despised by other Direktors. Has a habit of revealing their shortcomings to the managing-director. Responsible for re-location of dispossessed populations...

5. Direktor Rupert de Perignon "La Poupre".
Kommandant Cavalry.
Brilliant horseman, dashing cavalry commander previously served in the French army and prior to that with The Palatinate. Supposedly the bastard son of an un-named famous cavalry commander from The Palatinate and an English Baroness. Ostracized by small-minded religious freaks for his views on same-sex marriages and couples, polygamy and hosting an international toga-party whilst part of a French envoy escort to Rome. Was also accused of embezzling state supplied regimental funds to host an uncensored mardi-gras outside Berlin for the Prussian army's camp-followers.
An entrepenur, de Perignon is also the owner of several nightclubs - The G-Spot, The Blue Vein and The Club of Thebes.
It was his ability to command cavalry which led to his Directorship - not to mention his knowledge of animal husbandry - which combined, led directly to The Direktorats developement of a high quality cavalry arm...

The Directorate

2009-07-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

An independent haven from the nightmare world of 18th Century madness.
There is no state religion, nor an hereditary head of state.
Herrschaden is run by the Directoship - headed by the Managing Director. Military and civil commands are authorised by the current board of directors. Positions are purely temporary and last whilst successful.

Directors can and often are, replaced, or relocated to 'another position'.

Herrschaden leads in the right direction - that is, anywhere it wants to go. Many are the ex-nobles, clergy and commons, either willingly or forcibly removed/exiled/hunted from the uncountable kingdoms, principalities, bishphorics, margrafs, sultinates, electorates, republics and empires, who reside, serve and thrive within the Directorate.

Yet, to live within the Directorate is to serve within the Directorate...