Ruritania, Graustark and history

[Red Orc]

Not sure to be honest whether this should be here or in Gothic Horror, as I suspect such luminaries as Transylvanian Counts and possibly London Detectives to turn up, but I'm trying to get a handle on fitting Ruritania into some sort of late C19th narrative.

We've kicked around a lot of ideas on this thread here, after an intrigiung idea from Argsilverson was picked up by former user and myself (ably monitored by Captain Blood) and we went crazy with it.

So, I still haven't read 'Rupert of Hentzau' or the prequel to 'Prisoner of Zenda', nor have I read the Graustark novels, but in gerneral, I'm still up for the idea of incorporating Ruritania, Molvania, Graustark and Grand Fenwick (and the Flashman book if possible) into some plausible VSF Alternate Mittel-Europa timeline and setting.

Anyone else still up for it?

[jamesmanto]

Keep the map vague and the countries small so they can scrap with each other and keep under the Great Power's notice, otherwise Bismarck will be sending in the troops to 'restore order'.

Or just ignore the historical map altogether. You have your countries. They have armies. They fight. You play games.

I have vague thoughts on the armies of "The Duchy of Mantovia" from the 11th century, through the 18th century and into the 19th! But it's all pretty vague.

[The_Beast]

I've never thought about trying to 'fit it in'; borders were fluid and in dispute for much of the time, right? The exact sovereignty of a principality might, shift as well, right? I assumed I could just apply handwavium for any scenario.

Maybe not as much as I'd play it, but I'll try not to research a good game plot line out of existence. There, you see? I probably am not rigorous enough in separating VSF/'punk/CA/Edwardian/... 

As others argue the points, I'll probably not have a lot of good ideas, but you know I'll be paying rapt attention, as well as my simple, stunted folk, for room to squeeze in.

Doug

[Red Orc]

Jamesmanto: I'd say go for it, what can possibly go wrong?

Where is Mantovia to be (even vaguely )? It sounds like an Italian ducal city-state to me; I'd certainly be interested in hearing about any alternative history you do develop.

The Beast: well, it depends what we want to with it all I suppose; if it's more a narrative thing, then we don't really need a map (there's no map of Ruritania in the books after all) but if we have a Risk-style game, then maybe we do.

[Ricco]

Mantovia is run by a meglo maniac king who is married to a saintly queen with two wonderfull princesses who are being educated in foreign lands. The family crest is a rampant bunny theme.

[jamesmanto]

  Rico is fairly accurate in his assesment! Various Dukes have been rather meglomaniacal. The current incumbent is rather bookish.

some of the Medieval backstory of the beginnings of the Duchy of Mantovia can be found here: http://rabbitsinmybasement.blogspot.com/2010/09/some-early-medieval-figures.html

Mantovia is sort of Medieval Provence meets 18th century Bavaria and Piedmont with a bit of Austria thrown in for good measure. The Duke is an Imperial Elector by the 18th century and staunch supporter of the Hapsburgs. The nobility are (mostly) cultured and quite literate. The peasants are happy and industrious. Good food and drink are highly valued.

Lack of funds has been keeping the 19th and 18th century versions of the Mantovian armed forces from becoming reality. although I may have a line on some cheap tricorne era minis...

[Red Orc]

That sounds immensely cool. I'd be interested in seeing it devlop towards the 19th century, you never know, maybe there's a possible link-up somewhere...

In the meantime, for a bit of fun, I thought I'd post this excerpt from Ruritania's only English-language paper in the 1800s, the Streslau English Gazette...

[argsilverson]

Very good Red Orc!

Is this a challenge to make a "newspaper" campaign?

I got some alarming information. During my recent visit in Paris (as a correspondent of the weekly "Strelsau Kurrier" -the only bilingual -german and english- newspaper in town) I overheard some rumours.
Sorry, I cannot expose my source but believe me  is a well   informed attache posted in embassy of one of the  major powers. here in Paris. Usually mixes upper class gossip with diplomatic secrets, a lethal  combination.
The first clue is that Count Maximillian's mistress is heading to Streslau.
The second is that Princess Flavia is raising troops to form a new hussar regiment (or I dare say Hussarette regiment?).

Why?

Sorry, Red Orc, my editor promised to find the funds (i.e. link) to print the next issue of "Streslau Kurrier" with these and other alarming stories.
(After my recent computer crash I lost most of my data and achives and had no time to refind the link for the newspaper you used. It is a shame that the software does not allow to design a full front page of a vintage newspaper)  

[Red Orc]

Not a challenge at all, unless you want it to be! Really just testing a few ideas out. I'm thinking that fleshing out a few details of people that don't appear in the source novels, but could, might be fun.

Interesting, that Count (I suppose we should call him 'Graf' really) Maximillian's mistress is going to Streslau is indeed very interesting... I can't recall her name but I'm sure she'll be important to future developments 

If your editor doesn't help you out, , perhaps clicking here will be of use.

[The_Beast]

Whether a challenge or a joint effort, I, for one, do hope you continue!

As I said, I shall follow with rapt attention, mainly for 'cracks' into which other powers will step to attempt to influence, by whatever means, these strange and foreboding incidents...

OOooooooo....

Doug

PS I think we can leave out the extra-terrestrials and Atlantians for the moment, okay?

As I said before, wouldn't say no to a wee shadow of the Bavarian Illuminati, though.

[Red Orc]

As far as I know, there is no extra-terrestrial involvement in Ruritania, Graustark, Grand Fenwick, or Molvania.

Secret and sinsiter cults however I'm quite certain are involved in something or other...

[argsilverson]

Thanks Red Orc

I prefer the title of Herzog (=duke) while Graf (=Count). But I will keep the the title grag Maximilian.
I am trying to find the lady's (real) name. One name that comes in mind is Lily L' Amour but this sounds like an alias!

[Red Orc]

Is there any other information yet on the (slightly suspicious?) Lily L'Amour, Argsilverson?

As for Maximillian's title, I need a minor nobleman to be a plot device - nobody very important, certainly not as important as Duke Michael of Streslau, or even Rupert of Hentzau. More of an evil Fritz von Tarlenheim type. I'm sure there are other more senior figures in (and out) of Ruritania who may be manipulating these events for their own ends...

[Red Orc]

Replying to my own posts again...

anyway, I spent a fun evening obliterating countries and re-naming cities in Central/Eastern Europe, and came up with this:



It's based on a 1911 map that I found in a US government archive (on the web, not in a secret bunker or anything), and I've fiddled around to add Ruritania (with Streslau, Zenda and Hentzau); Graustark (with Edelweiss and Ganlook) and Axphain; Molvania (with Lutenblag); Barschiett, Doppelkin and Hohenwald; Leutha; Samavia (with Melzarr), Carnolitz and Jardasia; Wallaria; and Evallonia.

I dunno; going to far? Just about right? Not enough messing about? Does anyone still care?

[former user]

I do

excellent!
sorry, unfortunately I am not able to contribute a lot for the time being, as I have to prepare my trip to Sudan and will be gone till March
keep up the spirit, I like what You are doing

btw, du You a have a continuation of the map to the east? got the feeling there has to be some border to the Ottoman Empire....
I'll fill in some Molvania Details as soon as I am back