Grosse Katzick, the Final!

For the Zentans, it's time for the lavish application of more clerical inspiration. The Zentan irregular infantry fall back, rallying as they go under the supervision of their religious auxiliaries. This cannot, however, save another unit of irregular cavalry. The cavalry, engaged in that popular Zentan past time of standing in a marsh doing bugger all, are shot out of their saddles and then decide it's time, as a Russian autocrat might say, to 'strategically reposition' to the rear by routing vigorously. 

With his infantry now in a safer position, Captain-General Pasha Bulbous decides to reinvigorate his cavalry offensive. The lead unit of palace sipahi are thrown forwards again in a hell-for-leather charge! (Above) But not before Imam Fatih has been given the opportunity to really rile them up!

'Win victory, my fine fellows!' cries the imam, 'or you'll be forced to have a bath'.

Slavering with anger, the Zentans crash into the lead unit of Nabstrian cavalry and ride them down! These casualties also seem to be very popular with their comrades.

After a break by both sides for some rallying, Rumpfler decides to commit his elite cavalry against the sipahi. Alas for Bulbous, his clerics are now spent and lie in an exhausted, sweaty heap. They can no longer be called upon. In the ensuing combat, the Zentans are worsted, though not routed, and (above) the Nabstrians regroup, no doubt contemplating another go.

There is, however, to be no more time for such martial manliness! Looking at the position of the sun in the sky, Bulbous announces that he must leave. His staff officers, or at least those Zentans that, by their slack-jawed aristocratic insouciance, could be credibly identified as such, protest.

'No, no, I have to go - it will be dinner time soon', says Bulbous determinedly. 'I'm sure that the Hospodar will be sympathetic'.

His staff officers shrug in an ambivalent fashion, weighing up the small measure of genuine fondness for their commander (who has never worked them that hard) against the likely emergence of a promotion slot.

'Are you absolutely sure about that, my lord', says one.

And so (above) the Battle of Grosse Katzick is over. Having failed to storm the hill that forms the critical objective in this battle, the Zentans have lost! Since Rumpfler has not broken the attacking forces, his has won a Minor Victory!

In the end, the Zentans have lost two units of irregular cavalry. One of their Janissary regiments becomes elite through the tried and tested training method of hanging around daydreaming. The Nabstrians lose one unit of trained cavalry and one unit of trained infantry. On the balance of casualties, the Zentans succeed in meeting the criteria for Carnage! Two units of Nabstrian trained infantry have now acquired sufficient experience to class themselves as elite. Paul, Duke of Clarkeshire leaves Nabstrian service, tired of the poor quality of the breakfasts and cavalry charges (in that order). Sir James Chaffie arrives to pledge his undying loyalty to the burgrave.