Napoleonic Wargame Club (NWC)

The Hanoverian Brigadier sat quietly at his table staring pensively at the large stack of orders, reports, and requisitions he had yet to complete for the Anglo-Allied Army. His right arm rested on the table, his hand gripping the small shot glass filled with Jager. In addition to his administrative duties, he was pondering the fact that his sword had become a bit dulled through use in his recent flurry of victories. Knowing that he must draw it again very soon, and against the redoubtable French Marechal Bardon, he recognized the wisdom that he should probably replace the edge on his fine, German blade. He would be no doubt taken to task by his commanding officer, Generaal Bijl, if he failed to complete all of the paperwork before him. He would doubtless also be taken to task should he lose the pending engagement. Therein lay his dilemma; finish the paperwork or sharpen his sword.

Coming to his decision, he emptied the shot glass in one gulp, pushed the papers aside, drew his blade, and began to restore its edge. All things are forgiven in victory, he thought to himself as he proceeded with the most important work at hand.

The Brigadier made a wise decision because the French Liberators are marching towards his little army! The Tirailleurs et Dragons have put a bounty on the Brigadiers Sword and each plans to possess it!

But fortunately for the Hanoverian Brigadier his company is enjoyed by all in the Tavern, so only his sword will be taken and his head will stay in place.

Battle on!

A bounty? On my sword?"

The Brigadier grins as he continues to sharpen his blade. "As I have already explained once to your fine companions, the blade carried by a Dragoon Guardsman of our beloved King is a very fine weapon indeed, but it is much too heavy to be lifted by most soldiers of France, much less wielded."

"You are, of course, always welcome to try."

"I do also appreciate the kindness of retaining my head in its proper place. I rather prefer it in that position actually. Grown rather accustomed to it in fact."

A very fine signature you have there, Colonel Kling. Most excellent indeed!

Mon Ami this will be mind if you meet me on the battle field 1812 or 1815 game most be over 50 turns do you have balls????? Always wanted to beat a Stonewall Jackson want -a- be.

My dear Colonel Dumas, you have already had your chance at procuring my sword for your trophy case in the last Austerlitz tournament hosted by Marechal Jensen and my own beloved Generaal Bijl. I very well remember the turn exchanges, or more precisely the lack thereof, before Marechal Jensen chose to replace you as my opponent with Colonel Russo. Poor Pete lost two more swords to me in those engagements.

Besides which, Capitaine Boffi and you are going to have your wits fully engaged in your quest to drag two fine Anglo-Allied Field Marshalls to the ground, whoever they may actually be.

A bounty on my sword now, eh? Who wants to bet it is a chocolate chip cookie.....with sprinkles on top!

Excuses, excuses that all I get my sweet Georgia peach come on let me bite you! I want this also

Good sir, bureaucratic nonsense dulls a warrior's skills. You should be disciplined for having allowed such a fine piece of steel to grow dull.

But then again vainly hacking at trees and pretending to defeat us, is always a safer course than an actual battle and no doubt accounts for the majority of the wear upon your blade. Perhaps I was too lenient in our abbreviated conflict at Waterloo, but make no doubt, my partner and I will ensure that this lesson is one you and Mssr. Bell will not soon forget.

More jager, sir? I'd see to it that your senses are dulled as much as the oversized butterknife you parade about with. Or if it's paperwork you prefer, this "requisition form" en Francais is always available to you.

_________________
Marechal Jeff Bardon
Duc de Castiglione et Prince de Wagram
Commandant de la Garde Imperiale

Marechal Bardon, you cavalrymen are all so alike! Focused solely on the blade, you overlook the lethality of my carbine which, in fact, does have much the greater range. The unique perspective of a Jager officer I admit.

I fear that I must forego the Jagermeister for the moment, as our contest now appears imminent. I have consumed just enough to steady my aim.

Please do remember to bring your sword to the conflict. Also your BBBM as well. Captain Bell and I intend to be taking both of them home with us once the conflict is concluded.

And regarding your 'French Paperwork', would such an enlistment qualify me for a place under your illustrious command? I believe I do have the victories to qualify, even if I am shy a few of the required OBD points. Not my fault really. I just defeated too many of your countrymen too quickly it would seem.

Well boys I am giving the battle of words to General Knox! It has nothing to with the fact I a member to the greatest military force in the world and fighting for my country! Just the opinion of an impartial observer!

Oh, nothing at all to be sure.

General Knox, eh? And what would the "Peacock of France" have to do with this particular conversation? I think perhaps the wine has gone to your head, mein herr. I believe you are confusing the Commander of the Vieille Garde, Marechal Bardon, with his most colorful subordinate.

Yes I did, and my apologies to Marechal Bardon! I think it has something to with up too late and gettting old! And I am sorry to say I just loaded that carbine of yours and let you shoot me! I well, I will rise again and bring a few friends.

I look forward to our next engagement, sir. There is no shame in defeat when you stand your ground and face your enemy. The only shame to be had is when you fling your sword at him before turning to run and shouting cowardly obscenities as you make a most hasty, and undignified, withdrawal. You are an officer of honor, sir, and I would gladly engage you any day. The same is true for the fine gentlemen associated with your most special unit. {Salute}

And I am certain that Marechal Bardon took no offense at your comparison to his most talented subordinate. In truth, both of them are most honorable and talented warriors. It would be an honor for anyone to be compared to either of the two.

Brigadier, when your brave jagers tremble in fear and misfire, then cower in terror behind a square of bayonets knowing that their friends on horseback offer no hope of aid, I would be happy to treat them to a sampling from a cavalryman's best friend, the artillerie a cheval. To ensure that none are shown any favoritism, I will be sure to bring the guns in to close enough range so that all may have their share.

Colonel Kling, I appreciate your support and no issue is taken. General Knox is an outstanding officer and one I have had the pleasure of learnign from over the years. Anyway, always good to see a fellow stouthearted defender of la patrie roaming about this establishment. Mine is the table near the fire, consider yourself welcome to a seat any time.

Cheers!

_________________
Marechal Jeff Bardon
Duc de Castiglione et Prince de Wagram
Commandant de la Garde Imperiale

Marechal Bardon I would be honored to seat at your table. I always march to the sound of the guns and the glow of the fire, But never to Sweden!

Mon ami I love a Saturday night fight , may the Art Commandant III Corps set with you garcon of France and look with pride at them shopkeepers hirelings? Moi guns are ready to do as you please Sire!