Campaign Kick Off - the Bier War Begins.

Last night saw the first battle of the Bier Wars - a stiff and murderous action between the armies of the effete and dissolute Duke of Campari and Count Massey of Crabbei - a wild and bearded fellow, of Scots-Hungarian extraction

Both armies, eager to snatch territory from defenceless Staropramen, marched from their respective depots. From Kaltenberg in the south, Campari's men, it seemed, had the longer legs. Elements of that army advanced, and upon encountering word of the enemy approach, took up position on high ground, overlooking the road.

Crabbie's army arriving from Veltin and deploying from the road had the greater numbers to begin with. Seeing the high ground and wood at its foot, they decided march round this to attack the position from the flank.

However by the time that they had arrived and deployed in position, the bulk of the Duke's of Campari's army, led by the ruthless and efficient General Soda and accompanied by the Duke in person, had arrived on the field and deployed on what was, effectively the flank of the Count's army.

Caught between the small force on the hill and the now active reinforcements from Campari, Crabbei was unable to manoeuvre his army to full advantage, and came under fire from both artillery and infantry muskets.

Only in the south, where his cavalry were screening his opposite flank, was the Count able to achieve much.

As the shadows began to lengthen, Crabbei's men began to draw off. In the gloom and smoke they were able to break off and retreat. Campari, satisfied with the results, and perhaps giving rather more thought to the evening's victory celebration and his personal involvement in it, did not pursue and Soda was forced to make arrangements for the advance to continue. In the morning, and nursing many a sore head, and other parts, the Duke's army was able to take possession of Massey's depot at Veltin. The Count, stung by his losses and the need to rescue his army had moved away from the enemy rather than back on his depot. Gradually through the night, stragglers made it to his encampment but his losses had been heavy. Few units had escaped without serious loss.

But what of the other states?

To the east, Hoegaarden sat and waited. The Archbishops forces had not fully mustered and one unit had not received its uniform coats. Knowing that an encounter was likely between two if not more of the other states it suited his grace to sit and then perhaps fall upon a weakened foe.

In the west, in high hilly Tuoberg, Marshall Guinness and his band of mercenaries also sat tight, waiting for the snow to clear from the passes. Further north in Gelbehandtasche, the army marched on Lowenbrau whilst Feldschlossen's forces occupied Urquell. Already much of Staropramen was occupied and its Capitol, Pilsner, under threat.