Bienvenue à Paris!
Join Thérèse Auclair, a surveyor for the French Army, in her romp around France during the Napoleonic Era!
Vive la Révolution! Vive la République! Vive la France!
"A revolution can be neither made nor stopped. The only thing that can be done is for one of several of its children to give it a direction by dint of victories."
-Napoléon Bonaparte
||||||La Chanson de la Victoire||||||
Once upon a time, there was a man who rose from nothing to cast a shadow which fell across the world, and the world trembled before it.
In time and history, he would be remembered forevermore, as he shaped the world into his own image.
There are few times in history where one can truly claim, a single man charted the course of history, whose actions led to great change, intolerable death, and the greatest of births. Alexander the Great; Julius Caesar; Octavian Augustus; The Son of God, Jesus Christ; The Prophet Muhammad…
Few men held history in their hands. Fewer yet see the changes in their lifetimes. This man would, by his genius and madness, his brilliance and failures, define history. The world he left behind would forever be changed.
This is not his story.
A man as great as him, whose legend would echo through history, did not rise alone. Others followed him, lesser than he, yet great in their own right. They forged their legends in his shadow. These men, born from common stock, the sons of innkeepers, lawyers, and painters, rose to burn their names into the pages of history.
Some would be traitors… heroes… kings. Some die noble deaths. Others fade to obscurity, their time in the sun brief, yet glorious.
You are one of them. A Marshal of Napoleon… Or soon you will be… in time.
Chief Writer of Updates, Researcher, Character Sheet Maker (and the constant reminder to not destroy yourself in creating any work of fiction): @Magoose
Status:
"The other American." Or "This one guy who writes way too much."
Researcher, Editor, Number Cruncher, Stat Creator: @Plausitivity
Status: Active
Inspired by @Telamon's Victory's Sun (A Napoleonic Marshal Quest)
<[]><[]><[]><[]>Notes<[]><[]><[]><[]>
A/N (Magoose):
Hello Everyone. Welcome to La Chanson de la Victoire (The Song of Victory). You will be joining us in a tale of intrigue, murder, war, love and revenge in the Napoleonic Era of Europe, as your own marshal of France, from the Revolutionary Wars of 1792 to Napoleon's Ascension to Emperor in 1804, and beyond.
This quest will be historical in nature, with the ability to morph into an Alternate History, depending on how the quest takes shape, depending on your actions during your time in the sun as a leader in one of the most turbulent times in human history prior to the World Wars.
Will you be remembered by history as another marshal? Or will you stand side by side with the giant Napoleon, as one of the greatest military leaders in human history?
As said above, this is a quest where you take control of a member of La Grande Armée. Will you rise through the ranks of the army, and become a great Marshal of France?
You definitely won't surpass Napoleon, though. Nope.
Well, just avoid Waterloo.
Speaking of, you will face hardships and setbacks; such is the way of the dice. Such is the climb to the top! Hope to see y'all in the quest, participating and joining us on a romp through Europe and la Révolution!
Name: Thérèse Auclair
Titles: Empress Consort of the French Empire, Marshal of France, Commander of VIII Corps
Age: 26
Height: 6'2/ 187.96 cm
Hometown: Avignon
Birthday: September 21, 1773
Nicknames: La Petite Arpenteuse, La Protectrice de Valmy, Firefighter of France, The Empress, Goddess of Victory (Napoleon), Lady Liberty (France).
Honors and Decorations:
Beliefs: French Patriot
Republican Sentiments: 15 "We must strive for the Liberty of all Mankind. But Failing that, we must strive for Liberty for ourselves."
Monarchist Sentiments: -5 "The Monarchy shows its true face; I don't think I can look at it the same way like when I was a child. Perhaps they have done wrong, but I could say the same for the Republic."
Allies: Brian Auclair, François Kellermann, Napoléon Bonaparte, Adalene Durand, Louis-Charles Capet, Marie-Thérèse Charlotte Capet, Renée Dubois, Joachim Murat, Denis Martin Severin, Antonie Chamans, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle,Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie, Jean-Baptiste Kléber
Enemies: Charles William Ferdinand (Brunswick), Frederick Adolf von Kalckreuth, Friedrich Josias von Sachsen-Coburg-Saalfeld, Willaim-Frederik von Orange-Nassau, Ferdinand the III Bourbon, King of Naples. Many view you as the Gravest Threat to Peace in the World.
Commands: VIII Corps
Public Reputation: 20 (Revered)
Offices Held: Empress Consort of the French Empire.
Past Offices held: Surveyor in Army of the North, Générale de brigade of the Army of the Rhine. Générale de Division of the Army of the Orient
Battles Fought: Battle of Valmy, Battle of Mainz, Battle of Amiens, Battle of Palermo
Battles Commanded: Battle of Valmy, Battle of Mainz, Battle of Amiens, Battle of Palermo
Battles Won: Battle of Valmy, Battle of Mainz, Battle of Amiens, Battle of Palermo
Battles Lost:
Campaigns Led: The Invasion of Sicily, Egypt (Cancelled)
Military: 9+3+4=16 [+8]
"No one in the world expected a young girl from Avignon to be a general, and every day, they are reminded of that fact, by my continued command."
Charisma: 14 [+4]
"I believe in myself, and in that, The world believes in me."
Decorum: 12-2+2+2=14 [+4]
"The World now expects me to be something I am not… An Empress. Lord in Heaven, I merely wish for a comfortable shirt and pants."
Stewardship: 12 [+2]
"I have led armies and have not destitute myself. That's an improvement to my life as a child."
Intelligence: 25 [+20 RR]
"A Glint of Creativity… of Mastery of myself. That is the greatest gift of my intelligence."
Education: 12+2=14 [+4]
"I've learned so much from the records Father and Brian made for maps and other reports."
Subterfuge: 8+2+2=12 [+2]
"I have an ear to the ground due to traveling with Brian, and being among the lower class."
Combat: 10+3=13 [+3]
"General Dumas greatest gift was to give me confidence in Arms, to defend myself and my men."
Oratory: 12 [+2]
"Do not fear my voice. I am just the same as my brother… just worse."
Command: 15 [+6]
"No one expected me to gain a chance at high command… I was forced to improvise my situation and see to it done, without question."
Cavalry Command: 9 [-2]
"God Bless Murat, Adalene, and every person who knows how to use horses in battle better than me."
Infantry Command: 9+3=12 [+2]
"Never doubt a good commander of the infantry… I praise those like Severin who can see Hell, and walk away."
Artillery Command: 16+3=19 [+14]
"I am a Cannonier. Perhaps I have led men for too long… but I am not one who forgets."
Grand Strategy: 13 [+3]
"Even after so many battles and a campaign, my ability to see a far-reaching objective is now better than an average general."
Engineering: 16 [+8]
"Yeah, I can tell you about what places to build as well as avoid."
Logistics: 16+2=18 [+12]
"The landscape is important because you want optimal routes, spacious land, and advantageous terrain. Luckily, I can help."
Manual Labor: 14 [+4]
"I carried my brother's equipment as soon as we left. At least I'm old and strong enough to carry my own equipment now, too."
Law: 8 [-4]
"I know that you shouldn't murder. Or steal."
Administration: 12 [+2]
"Managing a household is similar to running a country. Well, some skills are transferable."
Ideals of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité:
You were not a soldier, at least not until your brother invited you to camp one day.
-2 to Decorum, +2 to Subterfuge +DOUBLE increases and decreases in opinion and reputation. In the army, your men's trust and loyalty will need to be earned, as they do not believe a woman can lead a man into war. If you can prove yourself, however, they may see you as the second coming of Jeanne d'Arc)
La Petite Arpenteuse:
Your father Astor and brother Brian were both surveyors, and you have learned much of the craft both in texts and through your travels with Brian.
+2 to Subterfuge, +2 to Education, +3 to Military
+2 to Logistics +When scouting for positions, you will always be given an option to set up on a favorable terrain before the enemy.
+Bonus to terrain scouting and battlefield familiarization. You receive a scaling bonus of +0 to +30 to all rolls if your army has scouted, and a +10 when another unit from allied armies have scouted. Up to +40 Total Bonus.)
Nous Ne Tombons Pas:
You are the Shield of Valmy, you rose to prominence for your valor in the battle, taking a hill and using it to rain cannon fire on the Duke of Brunswick.
- You are a Military Hero.
- Everyone likes you more.
- Governments around Europe will target you, for better or worse. - When defending, you gain a +20 to the rolls, but have a debuff of -10 to offensive rolls.
+4 to Military
+3 to Infantry command, +3 to Artillery command.
Liberator of Mayence:
Known for staving off an assault from Charles William Ferdinand, Thérèse is seen by some French people as a liberator of those under the oppression of tyrants, and by enemies as a liberator from captivity. Merciless to those who oppose her and merciful to the defenseless, a reputation for setting others free is something you must cultivate and keep up… +Easier time gaining positive reputation if enemies are set free.
+30 to post-battle diplomacy rolls if enemy casualties are higher than yours AND you do not take any prisoners nor slaughter them. (Excludes capturing enemy generals)
-20 to post-battle diplomacy rolls if you do not free enemies after routing them.
-80 to post-battle diplomacy rolls if you slaughter enemies after routing them.
-Heavy reputation penalty if you slaughter enemies in any way.
Masterwork Officer Sword:
You have a masterwork artillery officer's sword, one of the finest weapons in Europe, and an excellent weapon for defense, offense, and giving you a bit of an aura.
+2 to Decorum
+3 to Combat
-You are more recognizable in battle if it is drawn.
General Uniform: A deep blue tailed officer's coat, white blouse, dark-gold jacquard waistcoat, and faint blood-red silken cummerbund, with a pair of long white pantaloons and good quality rider boots. A gift from revolutionary figure Robespierre.
+2 to Decorum
Scarred - You were injured, but survived. You have a wicked scar to show for it. +5 to coolness when showing off your midriff.
Renewed Purpose – Time was not on your side, and neither was luck. The dangers of warfare threaten to claim your life, yet you persevere. You are alive for multiple reasons. Therefore, you cannot allow yourself to fall, as long as you draw breath.
+So long as a close bond is alive, you receive a +50 to surviving injury rolls, and only critically fail injury rolls on a roll of 1.
+Close bonds (List can expand): Brian, Louis, Charlotte, Napoleon.
The Stormrunner!: They claimed it was impossible. But you have a knack for doing the impossible. From Storms to Hurricanes, to the most brutal of weather the world throws at you, you can do battle with little trouble fighting in conditions that should otherwise be impossible for any sane commander. (Suffer no maluses when fighting or commanding in inclement weather like rain, snow, blizzards, sandstorms, etc.)
The Amphibious Frogs: The actions taken at your victory at Palermo and its immediate aftermath have unofficially made you one of the foremost experts on amphibious invasions in all of Europe. The Kings and Emperors of Europe now fear their coastlines having a French Fleet beyond them, with you leading the Vanguard for an invasion that they can only barely predict. (When Amphibiously invading, you will gain a +10 to all rolls when the invasion is known, and an additional +30 if the invasion is unknown by the Enemy defenders.)
Empress of France: You are the Empress of France, perhaps only as a consort, but your words carry the same authority as your husband's in certain circles.
+10 to all personal rolls while in France and Her Allies
Unknown Effect when out in the Rest of Europe
-You may ask a subject of your anything, and they will try to please you.
Agape: You both have a deep, some would say Unnatural bond of undying loyalty and understanding. You may argue, you may despise each other, you could even try to kill each other, but you would both never fail to understand each other.
-When Napoleon is with you (And Napoleon) in Paris, gain a +20 to all rolls.
-if Napoleon is in command and you are not, and you are within his camp, add your stat bonuses to his own for a battle.
-If a tragedy were to happen in the personal life (Such as assassination attempt or death in the family or close family friend) of Thérèse and Napoleon, suffer a massive roll debuff.
Armée d'Orient:
Overall Commander: Therese Auclair.
Total Strength: 102,500 Men Strong.
Army Wealth 20/20
Army Status: Preparing for Invasion
Supplies: Well-Supplied
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
Officer Staff: Colonel Claude de Lisle - Chief of Staff of the Armée d'Orient Colonel Antoine Chamans - Intelligence, Security, Commander of the Reserve Forces
Général de Brigade Jean-Baptiste Kléber: Commander of First Corps, Chief Engineer of Armée d'Orient
Générale de Division Thomas-Alexandre Dumas: Commander of Third Corps
Général de Brigade Louis-Alexandre Berthier: Quartermaster General of the Armée d'Orient. Unofficial commander of Reserves/Garrison. Colonel Denis Severin - Drill Instructor Commander of Republican Guard Colonel Joachim Murat - Cavalry Expert, Commander of the Reserve Cavalry
Traits (Army Spirits):
An Army and It's Stomach (Teir I): De Lisle is a man who has made it his mission to maintain an ample supply line in any territory, whether it be through forging off the land, maintaining a quick supply line that can keep pace with a quick army, or keeping a ship-based supply to sail up impossible rivers, he will keep an army fed, clothed and supplied. (When the campaign begins, your army will have an additional 1 quarter of supplies.)
Coded Messages (Unbroken): You have a code to hide your intelligence and orders. (-40 to enemy Order Detection. +5 to combat rolls)
The Harbingers (Les Présages) (Tier 2): A group of soldiers and scholars, engineers and riders, ready to help you, scout, out and map wherever needed.
Tier 2 – +10 to Survey rolls
I Corps
Commander: Général de Brigade Jean-Baptiste Kléber
Total Strength: 23,550
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
II Corps:
Commander: Général de Brigade Louis-Nicolas Davout
Total Strength: 22,550
Army Wealth: 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
III Corps:
Commander: Général de Division Thomas-Alexandre Dumas
Total Strength: 22,550
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
Republican Guard:
Commander: Colonel Denis Martin Severin
Total Strength: 11,600
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
Cavalry Reserve:
Commander: Colonel Joachim-Napoléon Murat
Total Strength: 5,000
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
Reserve/Garrison
Commander: Colonel Antoine Marie Chamans
Total Strength: 14,250
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1.Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3.Weather and Climate: Chilly.
Disease: 0
[/B]
Napoleon Bonaparte 4 Louis 2 Charlotte 3 Severin 1
Contacts & People of Interest – Les Personnes Intéressantes
Allies
People who don't wanna stab you.
Big Brother
Relationship: Brother
Opinion: MAX "You're my precious sister."
Appearance: More muted colors than Therese, but still a small Tricolor pinned to his Brest. A tailcoat and decent pants with sturdy boots. Birthday: February 12, 1765
Name: Brian Auclair
Gender: Male
Titles: Général de brigade in the Army of Italy, Chief of Staff of the Army of Italy
Age: 29
Height: 6'3/192cm
Nicknames: Le Grand Cerveau
Honors and Decorations: None
Beliefs: Revolutionary Republican
Republican Sentiments: 20 (There is only one thing that I believe in, that is the Rights of Liberty to all mankind.)
Monarchist Sentiments: -10 (France shall never be
Allies: Thérèse Auclair
Enemies: Maximilian Robspierre
Commands: Lieutenant in the X Corps
Public Reputation: 7 (Noteworthy)
Offices Held: None
Past Offices held: Lieutenant in the Army of the North, Colonel in the Army of the North
Battles Fought: Battle of Valmy
Battles Commanded: None
Battles Won: Battle of Valmy, Vendee Campaign
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: None
Traits
Melodious: You were born with a pleasing voice, and can sing well. People are generally more receptive to listen to what you have to say.
+2 Charisma
+2 Oratory
+15 to Social rolls
L'arpenteur de la Victoire : Your great victory at the Battle of The Adige River has etched your name into the annals of military history, and even for all his greatness, Napoleon bows to your wisdom on occasion, when he feels the need to consult his greatest ally. And when you make a request of the man, he will do everything he can to see it done.
-When commanding forces under Napoleon, gain a +10 to all rolls.
-When commanding forces alone, gain a +5 to all rolls.
-Napoleon will listen to you when you feel the need to change his strategy, and may also listen to others if Brian supports their ideas.
-Napoleon has been filled with joy, for another may match him in skill and possibly his ambitions as well.
-+5 to Grand Strategy,
-+4 to Administration,
-+3 to Logistics.
La Confrérie du Soleil: Napoleon Bonaparte considers these men his brothers in all but name. It is something that places them in a position of great trust, friendship, and influence.
-Napoleon will do everything in his power to protect you from what he perceives to be outside, hostile influences.
-You can make a request and Napoleon will grant it even if it seems impossible.
-He expects you to follow him, even doing things that may not suit your personal beliefs.
-Gain Personal Belief Napoleonic. (Note, this does not override previous beliefs)
Horse Girl
Relationship: Friend
Opinion: 7 ("She is an inspiration...")
Name: Adalene Durand
Gender: Female
Titles: None
Age: 20
Nicknames: Ada
Honors and Decorations:
Beliefs: Republicanism
Republican Sentiments: 5 (A new country! Freedom to be what one wishes!)
Monarchist Sentiments: -3 (A country with no place for women is a country I want no part in.)
Allies: Thérèse Auclair
Enemies: None
Commands: None
Public Reputation: 1 (Petit fille d'Antoine - Antoine Durand's legacy flows through you...)
Offices Held: None
Past Offices held: None
Stats
Military: 15 [+6]
"Grand-père's notes taught me a lot, but I haven't put them into practice..." Charisma: 9 [-2]
"I'm pretty good with people, yeah." Decorum: 10 [+0]
"Don't let them know you want to punch them..." Stewardship: 7 [-6]
"I'm okay with money, I guess?" Intelligence: 14 [+4]
"I taught myself most of what I know." Education: 8 [-4]
"I had to teach myself most of what I know… but my parents have a lot of books." Subterfuge: 9 [-2]
"I'll sneak out on my own, if I have to…!" Wealth: 7
"I don't have to worry about money until I leave..."
Skills
Combat: 8 [-4]
"I've never been in an actual battle, but I've practiced a lot!" Oratory: 7 [-6]
"I, ah… don't have the loudest voice." Command: 10 [+0]
"I know how to do it… theoretically." Calvary Command: 19 [+14]
"It just comes naturally, you know? Must be in the blood..." Infantry Command: 10 {+0]
"Grand-père's notes weren't just about Cavalry." Artillery Command: 7 [-6]
"G-Grand-père's journals never mentioned this…!" Grand Strategy: 4 [-12]
"I… didn't see this coming." Engineering: 10 [+0]
"My parents had a lot of books on this. Did you know that catapults can..." Logistic: 9 [-2]
"Oh, don't forget to account for the horses! If they aren't well fed, they won't serve as well!" Manual Labor: 10 [+0]
"I've taken care of Cramoise alone my whole life. I know a few things." Law: 9 [-2]
"Why does papa have so many books on law…?" Administration: 7 [-6]
"I've seen papa deal with people. This can't be too difficult..."
Traits:
Jeune Fille des Chevaux: Your legacy of horse breeding and riding, in addition to your devotion to your grandfather's +10 to anything involving horses.
Husband
Relationship:Soulmate, Husband, Emperor Opinion: 10+ ("You are my Greatest Gift, My Most Treasured Desire. My Other Half") Birthday: August 15, 1769
Name: Napoleon Bonaparte Gender: Male Titles: Emperor of the French, Protector of the French People. Husband to Therese Auclair. Age: 28 Nicknames: The Corsican Ogre, The Consul of France, The Grand Marshal, Emperor, Imperator. Boney (by His Enemies), the Little Corporal. The Eagle (In Correspondence by his spies and Brian), The Savior of the Republic (By Robespierre before the Coup) Honors and Decorations: Sword of Honor Battle of Boulogne. Colors of the Austrian Army of Italy. Order of Saint Remi, The Legion of Honor Beliefs: Napoleon
Republican Sentiments: -100 The Republican's believe this man is a threat to everything Monarchist Sentiments: -100 The Crowns of Europe believe you will destroy them. Allies: There are few you consider friends, confidants and allies: Thérèse Bonaparte, Brian Auclair, André Massena, Jean Lannes, Michel Ney. All of France bow at your feet, for you are their master, and servant. Enemies:Maximilian Robespierre, the man who has destroyed his Republican dream. All the Crowns of Europe see him as their enemy.
Commands: The Old Guard, Empire of the French. Public Reputation: 20: All of Europe knows his name and fears him, and what he can do with men at his beck and call. Past Offices held: Corporal, Major of Artillery, General of the Army of Italy. Grand Marshal of France.
Battles Fought: Battle of La Maddalena, Revolt of Ajaccio, Battle of Toulon, Battle of Adige River Many more.
Battles Commanded: Battle of La Maddalena, Revolt of Ajaccio, Battle of Toulon, Battle of Adige River
Battles Won: Revolt of Ajaccio, Battle of Toulon, Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Lost: Battle of La Maddalena (Called off)
Campaigns Led: The Italian Campaign, The French Restoration.
Stats Military: 25 [+20 RR]
He is Napoleon Bonaparte, wherever he goes, victory follows. Charisma: 24 [+25]
He has always had a way with inspiring others and getting them to do what is considered impossible. Decorum: 14 [+6]
From Humble Backgrounds to the most powerful man in France, you certainly dress for the occasion, even if it is only in a better-looking uniform. Stewardship: 23 [+16]
The Man has both lead a nation, and his armies in the field of battle, able to balance the needs of his people, and the needs of his army in equal mesures. Intelligence: 15 [+6]
His mind is that of one of the great leaders and thinkers of the age, if he had been a poet or Scholar, he would have done great things. Education: 16 [+8]
He has a well-rounded education and is well versed in the works of the great commanders of old. Subterfuge: 19 [+14]
He sees the puppets' strings, and they whisper to him to be their master. Wealth: 20
This man is one of the richest men in France.
Skills Combat: 8 [-4]
He is a young man in the prime of his life, but a little softer due to being of Noble birth. Oratory: 23 [+24]
He is a man whose words are respected, almost capturing them all in a Trance of charisma and wordplay. Command: 20 [+16]
He is Napoleon; his word in war is to be considered nothing less than an order from the French people itself. CavalryCommand: 15 [+5]
He understands the role played by cavalry, and uses it to great effect. InfantryCommand: 20 [+8]
He uses infantry to great effect with a flash of genius seen by few men, now that he has seen it, he will never forget it. ArtilleryCommand: 25 [+20 +RR]
He is the God of war, an artilleryman all aspire to be.
Grand Strategy: 25 [+20 RR]
"My Enemies are many, my equals are none." Engineering: 19 [+14]
"I shall see a field in the winter and leave a city by spring." Logistics: 16 [+8]
An Army marches on its stomach, you are one of many to understand that. Manual Labor: 3 [-14]
He is a soft, noble-born man. Law:25 [+20 RR]
He will shape the laws of a nation, and unlike many men, leave it in a better place than when he found it. Administration: 19 [+14]
He will lead France to Victory, and Greatness.
Traits:
Fate's Interdiction: The threads of fate wind around you. Though they are not physical strands, the effects are quite visible. Your actions are destined to affect the world until hubris ends it all...
+Reroll any failed roll.
-You will be extremely aggressive and ambitious, as there is a higher purpose for you.
-Effective until early 1821.
Fame... or happiness?:
You believed and still do, that the men most people agree as the greatest in history were those who sought their own contentment, yet found glory and fame instead. You were no different until you were given that promise. Something beyond even the brothers you have made in war. A true partner, to be yours until the end of this mortal coil. Satisfaction may elude you... but perhaps a goddess of victory standing at your side can make a convincing illusion.
-Therese Auclair will gain 100 Influence per Quarter, and has special options that will affect how you rule, and, how you can proceed in the concert of Europe.
-When Influence is capped at 1000, Napoleon will change his mind, or come to her for advice.
-You hope and desire a Family, above even a Crown of Eagles.
-Unknown Effect
The Emperor (Tier 2) (The Velvet Hand): You have found a Crown in the Gutter, and placed it upon your head, and have made it your undying duty to protect France, and its people from further harm, Madness, and Death!
-+30 to all Rolls when fighting on French Soil against rebels, invading armies.
-Generals under your direct command gain a +20.
-Can Restructure the State however you feel like, in all areas of life, from The Economy to Public and Private Life.
-Remember Your OATH to France and Her People!
-The Senate controls much of the Governance, same with the Convention. +5 to all personal actions
The Mind And Body: You have taken to a fitness REgime that keeps you active, healthy, and above all else, at least to your wife, virile.
-Unknown Effect.
+10 to all combat rolls.
Agape: You both have a deep, some would say Unnatural bond of undying loyalty and understanding. You may argue, you may despise each other, you could even try to kill each other, but you would both never fail to understand each other.
-When Napoleon is with you (And Napoleon) in Paris, gain a +20 to all rolls.
-if Napoleon is in command and you are not, and you are within his camp, add your stat bonuses to his own for a battle.
-If a tragedy were to happen in the personal life (Such as assassination attempt or death in the family or close family friend) of Thérèse and Napoleon, suffer a massive roll debuff.
Swedish Shooty Guy
B-Day Roll: https://rolz.org/info?X45514804 Relationship: Aide-de-camp (Drill, quartermaster)
Opinion: "A good leader, hopefully she can lead us to victory."
Birthday: May 29, 1766
Name: Denis Martin Severin
Gender: Male
Titles: Captain in Armée du Rhin
Age: 27
Traits
French Fire, Swedish Steel – Your legacy burns within you. The new combined arms strategies meld with your knowledge of Carolean tactics to birth a risky, but highly devastating charge. Instead of charging after the fire, you charge with it, making your approach thunderous and completely morale-shattering to anyone on the receiving end. +d100 to rolls involving charging, attack or defense. Add in your Combat modifier. This increases the casualties the enemy suffers by the roll percentage.
+Bonus to morale upon successful charge, up to +20, depending on above charge roll.
White in Their Eyes – Your ability to hold your line's advancement until you're within spitting range of enemies is commendable, especially as you make a name for your charges directly after firing a volley. This signature move can cause issues with personal and tactical longevity however, so best to use it sparingly… +Combat skill to all Military rolls.
-Critically failing a Charge roll gets you an injury and takes you out of battles for 1d5 days.
Drillmaster: This man was given an impossible task, train the army from the ground up and make them into a fighting force. He did just that. -All Training Rolls with this man in the Army this man is placed in command fo are increased by 10. For infantry, it is +20. Infantry Morale will now begin at 100, regardless of the situation and terrain.
Excommunicated: The Holy Father has stripped you of the Temporal Protections of the Catholic Church, damming your souls to eternal Damnation. (Unknown Effect. -20 to all rolls when interacting with Catholic Rulers or members of the Catholic Church that are not French or members of the French Army. There will be a roll every turn to discover who might desert the army. The lower the better.)
Master of Ceremonies
Relationship: Aide-de-camp (Intelligence, security)
Opinion:
Birthday: October 16, 1769
Name: Antoine Marie Chamans
Gender: Male
Titles: Colonel in Armée du Rhin
Age: 24
Traits
Maraudeur de Mayence – Scorcher of the countryside, bane of enemy supply lines. This man had directed his anger at the forces of Brunswick after they evaded the edge of his saber. The renown and experience he gained from disrupting enemy supplies has also gained him some infamy as a force of nature, the bane of those relying on the countryside for sustenance. +15 to rolls against enemy logistics and hit-and-run tactics.
-10 to rolls for diplomacy with civilians.
-20 to rolls for diplomacy with farmers.
Excommunicated: The Holy Father has stripped you of the Temporal Protections of the Catholic Church, damming your souls to eternal Damnation. (Unknown Effect. -20 to all rolls when interacting with Catholic Rulers or members of the Catholic Church that are not French or members of the French Army. There will be a roll every turn to discover who might desert the army. The lower the better.)
Some Nerd. Also wrote a song.
Relationship: Aide-de-camp (Logistics, scouting)
Opinion:
Birthday: May 10, 1760
Name: Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle
Gender: Male
Titles: Captain in Armée du Rhin
Age: 33
Name: Joachim-Napoléon Murat
Titles: Colonel in the Army of the Rhine
Age: 25
Beliefs: Fashion(™), Republicanism, Napoleon
Republican Sentiments: 10 (You see it not as an idea...but a sort of experiment to indulge in.)
Monarchist Sentiments: 5 ("Citizen Capet...to put it in the bluntest way, fucked up out nation...now better men must fix it)
Allies: Thérèse Auclair, Napoleon Bonaparte
Enemies:
Commands:
Public Reputation: 4/10 You are a noted Colonel of rank and quite flamboyant and dashing man.
Nicknames and Titles: The Dandy Man
Honor's and Decorations: Colonel of France
Stats:
Military: 19 (Live a military man, die a military man... I'd make sure to look good when my time comes, though.)
Charisma: 17 (Despite my many... eccentricities, men follow me; hell, I could wear a DRESS and they would follow me to war!)
Decorum: 25 (The Dandy Man is a title worn with distinction and class, from ballroom dances to barnyard parties to tavern brawls... I will act with courtesy and respect, and dress to impress.)
Stewardship: 15 (I understand economics and running things quite well!)
Intelligence: 17 (I could have been a scholar or a priest, but that would be too drab, too monotonous, too unappealing.)
Education: 16 (Well read, charming and intelligent. I'm the full package of a man, ladies.)
Subterfuge: 17 (What? I couldn't hear you over the sound of me plunging my dagger into your back! Not that I would...)
Skills:
Combat: 12 (Personally, I'm afraid of a scuffle...unlike SOME people I know!)
Oratory: 14 (I am not the best; certainly not the worst.)
Command: 21 (Go and win. My plans, like my garments, are impeccable. Enemies won't know what hit them.)
Calvary Command: 24 (I know I am the greatest cavalry commander in the world. Just.. need a good stage to show it.)
Infantry Command: 17 (The children of France! Infantry are the lifeblood of our armies!)
Artillery Command: 12 (I am no Napoleon - he is Michelangelo; I am but an amateur)
Grand Strategy: 17 (Small question: how does one win a war with under 50,000 casualties? Answer: Hills... ah, I'll explain later.)
Engineering: 15 (I am great at making defenses and ditches! Well, designing them, anyways...)
Logistic: 16 (Only a fool would discount his baggage train and provisions!)
Manual Labor: 13 (I am not a soft man nor a hard one. I work when I need to, and if I am asked.)
Law: 13 (Laws are many things. Practicality is what I want - at least, in legal systems. Just... let a man wear what he wants, okay?)
Administration: 16 (I can manage the military and civilians! I'm a man of many talents, you've surely heard?)
Traits:
Excommunicated: The Holy Father has stripped you of the Temporal Protections of the Catholic Church, damming your souls to eternal Damnation. (Unknown Effect. -20 to all rolls when interacting with Catholic Rulers or members of the Catholic Church that are not French or members of the French Army. There will be a roll every turn to discover who might desert the army. The lower the better.)
The Black Devil
Opinion: You are my superior officer. I pray you are better than the last three I had.
Name: Thomas-Alexandre Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie
Titles: Générale de Division Age: 32 Height: 6'0/182 cm Hometown:Jérémie, Saint-Domingue
Birthday:25 March 1762
Nicknames: The Black Devil Honors and Decorations:
Beliefs: Revolutionary Republican
Republican Sentiments: 10 "When Libery is decreed for all men, of all races, than I will believe in the Republic. Not before."
Monarchist Sentiments: -5 "I had served many years in the King's Army, and saw first hand the power that one man wielded, overall men, not just men like me. I shudder what will happen if another returns, and places me into bondage"
Allies: Brian Auclair, Adam Serre, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges
Enemies: Napoleon (Political Enemy)
Offices Held:
Past Offices held: Lieutenant Colonel in the Armee de Vendee, Commander in Chief of the Army of the Western Pyrenees, Générale de Division of the Army of the Alps. Battles Fought: Champ de Mars massacre, Battle at Little Saint Bernard Pass
Battles Commanded: Battle at Little Saint Bernard Pass
Battles Won: Champ de Mars massacre, Battle at Little Saint Bernard Pass
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: None
STATS Military: 13 "The Various ways command's thinking is something I find very troubling. But I must attempt it anyway to understand it."
Charisma: 14 "I was quite the man in my youth."
Decorum: 14 "A Sharp uniform may not protect you from bullets, but it does catch the eye of several maidens… and that is more protection than I need."
Stewardship: 10 "Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master."
Intelligence: 16 "Never doubt my intelligence… most whites have, and I have never seen a man think any less of me when I prove to be smarter than them."
Education: 20 "I have been educated like a nobleman… and I ensure you, I am no simple general."
Subterfuge: 12 "I can maintain a veneer of secrecy. After all, give me a uniform that has no stripes, and I can just be another servant."
SKILLS Combat: 23 "I needed some real danger and some mortal risk to run, to tranquilize me"
Oratory: 11 "There is nothing I fear more than a poor speech"
Command: 13 "I have become well accustomed to command if in numbers I am still not accustomed to."
Cavalry Command: 19 "A good cavalryman hopes for three things in life. A fine horse, good stirrups, and a saddle to ride it."
Infantry Command: 13 "I can command the infantry, just as well as other commanders."
Artillery Command: 7 "Yet for the life of me, I cannot command cannon."
Grand Strategy: 10 "Give me an order, and I will see it done."
Engineering: 10 "I am not the best at this… detail-oriented skill."
Logistics: 9 "I can maintain supplies but not as well as your other generals."
Manual Labor: 7 "I am the son of a nobleman… my skin color does not make me a slave, or a laborer."
Law: 14 "I am versed in French law. It's why I'm in the army, rather than my father's Chateau."
Administration: 10 "I am capable of acting as a secretary. But not a good one."
Traits Gens de couleur libres: I was born a slave but through my father's efforts, and his kindness, I was freed. I will fight until my last breath to see Slavery Extinguished from this world.
-This man will stand against slavery, no matter it's form, and fight for it's end.
- (-20) to diplomacy rolls when dealing with people who own slaves. He may automatically start duels if the person is revealed to be a slaver, or a political proponent for Slavery.
- (+10) to battle rolls against slavers.
The Man who made the Grand Armee Work
Opinion: Napoleon's Obsession, and that idiot surveyor's younger sister. At least you have proven yourself on the field, and have an eye for talent. Unlike Bonaparte.
Name: Louis-Alexandre Berthier
Titles: Générale de Brigade
Age: 41 Height: 5'8/172 cm Hometown: Versailles, France
Birthday: 20 November 1753
Nicknames: none Honors and Decorations: None
Beliefs: France Centric
Republican Sentiments: 0 "I Fight for France, nothing else matters."
Monarchist Sentiments: 5 "I had served many years in the King's Army, and even helped the young children's aunt escape mob violence into more friendly territory. I did it because it was my duty. Nothing more."
Enemies: Maximilian Robspiere, Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, Brian Auclair.
Offices Held:
Past Offices held: Chief of Staff of The Army of the North, the Army of Vendee, and the Army of Italy (interiumn)
Battles Fought: None
Battles Commanded: None
Battles Won:
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: None
STATS Military: 15 "Do not expect me to be anything less than a man who can wage war."
Charisma: 11 "I am not my superiors equal in speech craft."
Decorum: 15 "A Uniform is an Extension of oneself. Keep it well."
Stewardship: 20 "I have little time or energy to waste the army coffers, or my own. People need to care about the coin they have."
Intelligence: 18 "I never once thought my self lesser to any man… save one."
Education: 17" A man does not become an engineer by being stupid."
Subterfuge: 18 "I hide information only when it helps the operation… and that is all the time."
SKILLS Combat: 8 "I am not a swordsman of note. Only that I can fight."
Oratory: 11 "There is nothing I fear more than a poor speech"
Command: 10 "I am a General in the army. I know my duty."
Cavalry Command: 10 "I am an administrator. Not a commander."
Infantry Command: 8 "The infantry are nothing if not extensions of a general's will."
Artillery Command: 11 "Cannons are something I enjoy working with."
Grand Strategy: 19 "Operational Efficiency is of the utmost importance. You need to have a clear objective or the operation fails."
Engineering: 24 "Why Destroy, when you can outthink your opponent and make him force battle on your terms, when you have the advantage of defense."
Logistics: 24 "To maintain supply is the most vital skill any general can use. I am the best at it. That was why I was named chief of staff for three separate armies."
Manual Labor: 1 "I have men for that."
Law: 18"The Law is the Law for a reason."
Administration: 25 "Do not make me organize the entire army again… it might even get better than the last time."
Traits Irrespectueux: This man has been disrespected by his superior, being passed over being Chief of Staff of his army to an up jumped Surveyor.
-This man does not like your brother or Napoleon that much. He only tolerates you because you are his superior.
-Operational Efficiency (Command rolls) will be decreased by 5, unless given the Chief Staff office in the Army.
-If given, he will provide a +10 to all Operation rolls that you are not directly a part of.
An Old Friend
Opinion: Hello Thérèse. It's good to see you again. Though I'm still a little off, you are a higher rank than I.
Name: Jean-Baptiste Kléber
Titles: Générale de Brigade
Age: 39 Height: 6'3/ 190.5 cm. Hometown: Strasbourg, France
Birthday: 9 March 1753
Nicknames: None Honors and Decorations: None
Beliefs: Revolutionary Republican
Republican Sentiments: 10 "What we have seen today, is the birth of liberty… and it's a violent beginning to bring a better world."
Monarchist Sentiments: -5 "Do not mistake my respect for the old powers as something that should be rivaled… No, it is history that I respect… not the current affairs."
Allies:Thérèse Auclair, Brian Auclair, François Kellermann, Charles-François du Périer Dumouriez
Enemies: Charles William Ferdinand Duke of Brunswick.
Offices Held: Générale de Brigade in the Army of the North
Past Offices held:
Battles Fought: None
Battles Commanded: None
Battles Won:
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: None
STATS Military: 13 "Hah, battle will be fantastic."
Charisma: 15 "A man who cannot speak is not a man at all."
Decorum: 15 "A Uniform is an Extension of oneself. Keep it well."
Stewardship: 13 "Well I haven't ruined myself yet."
Intelligence: 13 "To think you were always smarter than me."
Subterfuge: 15 "I have a feeling things… are going to get worse before they get better."
SKILLS Combat: 14 "En Gaurd!"
Oratory: 14 "I still laugh how you stutter when speaking sometimes."
Command: 14 "Shall we begin?"
Cavalry Command: 14 "I will strike the enemy's rear!"
Infantry Command: 17 "And the Army will keep them down."
Artillery Command: 13 "And Cannon will destroy them."
Grand Strategy: 13 "I will admit, planning ahead has never been my forte."
Engineering: 25 "I will make a monument to last a thousand years."
Logistics: 12 "Kellerman always said that it would bite me in the ass."
Manual Labor: 19 "Let's get our hands dirty."
Law: 11 "The Law is only followed because men with guns enforces it."
Administration: 13 "Well, at least the paperwork will kill me before the enemy does."
Traits Un Vieil Ami: Kléber is an old friend of yours from the Army of the North, and he's quite grateful that you are working together again.
-If you are supervising (fighting with) or commanding over this commander in the army. Certain battle rolls will be increased by 5.
-He's more trusting than the others… at least because he knows you.
-He is more willing to defend you from the more… male dominated circuits of the army if you let, him.
Excommunicated: The Holy Father has stripped you of the Temporal Protections of the Catholic Church, damming your souls to eternal Damnation. (Unknown Effect. -20 to all rolls when interacting with Catholic Rulers or members of the Catholic Church that are not French or members of the French Army. There will be a roll every turn to discover who might desert the army. The lower the better.)
The Iron Marshel
Opinion: Générale. I trust that you will be as brilliant as your reputation proclaims you to be. I for one, with the best of hope, that all of it is True.
Name: Louis-Nicolas Davout Titles: Géneral de Brigade Age: 24 Height: 6'1"/ 185.42 CM Hometown: Annoux, France Birthday: 10 May 1770
Nicknames: None Honors and Decorations: None Beliefs: Revolutionary Republican, French Patriot. Republican Sentiments: 5: "I believe in the Republic because it means one thing. All men are equal to one another." Monarchist Sentiments: 0 "I serve a king. It was simple."
Allies:, François Kellermann, Charles-François du Périer Dumouriez, Louis Charles Antoine Desaix
Enemies: Unknown
Offices Held: Past Offices held: Battles Fought: Battle of Neerwinden, Battle of Amiens Battles Commanded: None Battles Won: Battle of Neerwinden, Battle of Amiens Battles Lost: None Campaigns Led: None
STATS Military: 20 "Perhaps there are things that one cannot understand in the Art of War. Do not mistake what I have said for idle boasts." Charisma: 3 "I do not care what others think of me. Nor do I have any desire to make a fuss about it." Decorum: 10 "A man's uniform was brilliant. But no one cares except for medals." Stewardship: 16 "A man can lead an army like he leads himself." Intelligence: 17 "I do not find the great works boring. Merely something to tide the mind." Subterfuge: 10 "I hate politics, but one must be aware of them."
SKILLS Combat: 14 "En Gaurd!" Oratory: 6 "God Loves, Man Kills… Do not make me try to speak to the men." Command: 21 "Never underestimate a man who dedicates an entire ability to leading men. They might just be good at war." Cavalry Command: 16 "Never waste a good unit of Cavalry. They can save armies" Infantry Command: 16 "I can make men stand and fight in a position of my choosing." Artillery Command: 17 "And Cannon will destroy the Enemy." Grand Strategy: 15 "I believe I can assist with this campaign." Engineering: 10 "I never hate building defenses, but I despise breaching one." Logistics: 14 "Do not think that we do not need a supply line… we are… trapped by the number of supplies." Manual Labor: 13 "Let's get our hands dirty." Law: 11 "The Law is only followed because men with guns enforce it." Administration: 17 "Never underestimate the power of a well-managed bureaucracy."
Traits Le maréchal de fer- You are a man driven by duty and personal convictions. You do not waste time dabbling in high society or making friends using your connections and influence. You will make friends of those you can trust and fight alongside with. -Your Charisma and Oratory skills cannot go above 10. -You have a +40 to rolls making friends with fellow battlefield commanders who have charisma or Decorum under 15, or with military command skills above 20. -+5 to all military roll when a subordinate. +10 when alone.
-When Training Soldiers, they gain a +20 to training rolls until they become Young Guard Rank.
Davout's Destroyers: The Battle at Messina was a bloodbath and a half, with men being slaughtered like cattle. But the battle had proven the command skills of these brave men, and their trust in one another is unshakable. (+10 to all rolls when two of these men are working together. +20 to all rolls when all men are working together.)
Davout's Deceivers: Your ability to confuse, confide and force the enemy into battles they should not fight by way of positioning and deception, have made you near impossible to predict. (Enemies gain a -d100 to all battle rolls if you successfully deceive the enemy before battle.)
Nations and Politics – Les Nations et la Politique
La scène de l'europe
France
France:
Status: Great Power
Leader: Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French People.
Heir Apparent: Alexandre Charlot Bonaparte, Prince of The Empire.
Government: Empire, with Imperial Senate and Lower House. (THough you are still officially a Republic.
Relation with France: You are France!
Army: 10/10: The French Army remains undefeated in War. In battle, they march to the sound of the Drums of War.
Navy: 7/10: Thanks to the healthy… Help from the British Royal Navy, the Navy that had once been… forgotten has been seen and remembered.
Manpower: 8/10 The Wars have ended… Now there will be peace. Men will go home to their wives, and some may even have children.
Sailors: 6/10 There are few great naval heroes of the Sea for France… but with captains like Serre… There is hope for France to rule the waves.
Wealth: 8/10 The Wealth of France is for her People, not just her nobility. All of her people.
National Spirits:
Revolution: Ideals of the Revolution still linger… (For as long as the nation still yearns for Liberty, men will die for their beliefs, no matter what they are.)
The Scars of Civil War: The wars are over, but the wounds still need to heal. So much needs to be fixed. (The Civil war, bloodless as it was, has divided France in a way that it has not been since the English owned portions of it.)
Identity Crisis: The Empire of France wished to be a monarchy with an Emperor, but still hold to the ideas of the Revolution in high regard. (The Empire needs to decide what it wishes to become, now that the Crisis is now over)
Meritocracy: This state only seeks the best of its citizens to rule its government and handle it's administration. (Unknown Effect. France is far more capable of handling crises.)
Industrializing: The French People have seen the power of steam, and of the power of mass production, thanks to the Jacquard-Auclair Machine. (The People of France see the potential of industrialization. And may see it grow.)
Land For Heroes: The Soldiers of France, instead of being scorned, forgotten, and neglected, are now being cared for, getting the help, the money and in some cases, the education they need to move forward into their new lives. (WEalth of France goes down by 2, Certain actions now have a decreased DC. All Soldiers recruited into the Grand Armee from 1797 and prior will not automatically be Young Guard Ranked, and it will only take 1 battle for Experienced Soldiers to gain Vetrancy, 2 battles to Young Guard Rank, and 7 battles to be Old Guard. Disaster Roll for the Rest of the Game has been increased by 10 to show that the French's Handling of soldiers, their wounds, and how they are treated, not as cripples and outcasts, but as men who need help. Perhaps, it may start something new. Something Grand.)
Overburdened Bureaucracy: This… Mess and laws and so much more… have created a strain on the French Bureaucracy. It will take time, experience, and streamlining to stop the burden of Bureaucracy. (Certain Actions now have an increase of +20 to DC and Cost increase by 5.)
The Expectations of the State: The French Citizens, now seeing the French State affecting their lives and taking a great interest in their lives, will not be happy if the state does not continue to answer and help them in their problems. (If Disaster Roll is less than 25… The French people will start to riot and strike and protest the government for any given reason of the day. And if they are not properly dealt with... or struck down... Disaster roll will decrease by 5... every single turn until it is dealt with.)
Prussia
Status: Great Power
Leader: Frederick William II
Heir Apparent: Frederick William II
Government: Monarchy
Relation with France: WAR!
Army: /10
Navy: /10
Manpower: /10
Sailors: /10
Weal
th: /10
National Spirits:
Prussian Discipline: Strong infantry.
Austria
Status: Great Power
Leader: Francis II
Heir Apparent: Ferdinand von Habsburg
Government: Archduchy
Relation with France: WAR!
Army: /10
Navy: /10
Manpower: /10
Sailors: /10
Wealth: /10
National Spirits:
Blood Feud: Austria will not forget the insult the so-called "Republic" of France threw at them through the execution of Marie Antoinette.
Great Britain
Status: Great Power
Leader: George III (King), William Pitt (PM)
Heir Apparent: George Augustus Frederick
Government: Constitutional Monarchy/Unitary Parliament
Relation with France: WAR!
Army: /10
Navy: 8/10
Manpower: /10
Sailors: /10
Wealth: /10
National Spirits:
Britannia Rules the Waves: They shall never, never be slaves.
Russia
Status: Great Power
Leader: Catherine II
Heir Apparent: Paul Petrovich
Government: Absolute Tsardom
Relation with France: Mild
Army: /10
Navy: /10
Manpower: /10
Sailors: /10
Wealth: /10
National Spirits:
Poor Harvest: The poor harvest of 1792 led to thousands of deaths in recent times.
Kingdom of Naples/Sicily
Status: Secondary Power
Leader: Ferdinand de Bourbon (III in Sicily, IV in Naples)
Heir Apparent:
Government: Absolute Monarchy
Relation with France: WAR!
Army: 5/10
Navy: 5/10
Manpower: 5/10
Sailors: 5/10
Wealth: 5/10
National Spirits:
Two Kingdoms, One King: Ferdinand will need to consolidate his rule if he wishes to strike...
The United Provinces
Status: Secondary Power
Leader: Willem V van Oranje
Heir Apparent:
Government: Confederal Republic
Relation with France: WAR!
Army: 5/10
Navy: 6/10
Manpower: 3/10
Sailors: 6/10
Wealth: 6/10
National Spirits:
Enemies On All Sides: The Republic has been choked by the British, shaken by the French Revolution, beaten by Prussia, and eyed by Austria. Maintenance will be costly, but the Republic must hold at all cost! (Exiled republicans are in France preparing an assault to take back the nation)
National Spirits:
A Land Divided: Due to factors such as religion, language, and terrain, the Swiss are not as united as outsiders would believe. The bureaucracy and difference in prosperity between rural and urban areas will cause strife in the years to come...
La nouvelle Monde
United States of America
Status: Secondary Power
Leader: George Washington
Heir Apparent: N/A
Government: Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic
Relation with France: Neutral
Army: /10
Navy: /10
Manpower: /10
Sailors: /10
Wealth: /10
National Spirits:
Haiti (Saint-Domingue)
Status: Colony
Leader: National Convention
Heir Apparent: N/A
Government: Colonial Government
Relation with France: Colony
Army: 5/10
Navy: 2/10
Manpower: 4/10
Sailors: 3/10
Wealth: 4/10
National Spirits:
Slaves No More: Slaves, inspired by the French Revolution and led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, have risen up in revolt against the injustices of the ruling class and cry out for equality. Whether for pragmatism or belief in equality, the Revolutionary Commission of France has granted the slaves emancipation and other benefits to have them help France against the ever-growing Coalition.
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Rules and Mechanics; Des Règles et Mécaniques du Jeu
Rules and Mechanics – Des Règles et Mécaniques du Jeu
Rules
May contain violence, intrigue and manipulation etc. things that may have happened in the Napoleonic Era.
Be excellent with each other, mes amis.
More will be added if y'all are unruly. Pray I do not add any more.
Mechanics
This will be a system run on d100, and turns split into seasons (3 months).
There will be smaller turns for events such as battles and character interactions.
Basic army template is 12,000 infantry, 3,000 cavalry, and 3,000 artillery.
Stats are a representation of how good you are at a general aspect mentally. You can always increase stats by studying and researching. Usually, stats are what you use to interact in person.
Skills are a representation of how good you are at doing something practically. You can gain increases in a skill by using it. You cannot gain skills the same way as stats, since skills are practical. Usually, skills are for interaction outside the personal scope.
If you only read but never lead, then you'll have a rude awakening when going into battle…
Increasing a stat or skill will take time and effort, and the better you are, the harder it is to get better. In this vein, to increase a stat or skill through study or training, you will need to pass a DC of 4x[current skill/stat], so for example: if you are at 10 Military, your DC is 40; for 24 Military, it would be 96. Of course, remember that you do have other bonuses, mainly Intelligence, which can make learning or studying easier!
Stats & Skills Ranks:
Stats
Military: Your military knowledge, in strategy and tactics.
Charisma: Your social charm and personal magnetism.
Decorum: Your knowledge of formal etiquette and dress. Stewardship: Your business and accounting knowledge. Intelligence: Your ability to learn and process new information; useful in on-the-spot situations. Education: Your academic knowledge; helps with reading books and research.
Subterfuge: Your court intrigue and general knowledge of how to sneak around. Skills
Combat: Your ability to fight in single combat, and self-defense. Oratory: Your public speaking skills. Command: Your ability to tell others what to do in a battle. Calvary Command: Your ability to lead cavalry. Infantry Command: Your infantry leadership.
Artillery Command: Your ability to utilize this king of warfare. Grand Strategy: Your ability to make long-term plans, helpful in campaigning. Engineering: Your ability to coordinate and conduct construction of buildings and infrastructure. Logistic: Your ability to manage supply lines and troop upkeep. Manual Labor: Your ability and willingness to get your hands dirty helping your men. Law: Your law-making skills. Administration: Your country-running skills.
I. Abysmal: You have no skill with this whatsoever, and are actively terrible at it. Any attempt by yourself to do this will be met with abject failure unless God himself takes mercy upon you.
(Levels 0-1) (-18-20 Modifier) II. Very Poor: You are incredibly poor at this, one of the worst in Europe. You may succeed in using it if you blunder into success using what little you do know. (Levels 2-4) (-12-16 Modifier) III. Poor: This...is not your strength. Find some other way of solving your problems, if at all possible. (Level 5-9) (-2-10 Modifier) IV. Average: You are markedly average at this. Not amazing, not terrible, just...good. Depending on what occurs, your performance could be remarkable or awful, but you have a fair chance of either. (Levels 10-11) (+0-1 Modifier) V. Proficient: You're okay at this, showing some small skill in your attempts. Your performance is slightly above average. (Levels 12-16) (+2-8 Modifier) VI. Accomplished: You are quite skilled at this, proving to be significantly better than most. (Levels 13-19) (+10-14 Modifier) VII. Renowned: You are famed for your skill in this, and it is likely your strongest and most adept trait. Most generals, leaders, and people of note which you encounter will have at least one renowned stat or skill -- it's necessary to rise high, after all. (Levels 20-21) (+16-17 Modifier) VIII. Epic: You are one of the greatest in France at this, and your exceptional talent for it is spoken of from one corner of the continent to the next. Actions you take with this are incredibly likely to succeed. (Level 22) (+18 Modifier) IX. Legendary: You are legendary, a generational talent whose renown and legend will long outlive you. It is almost impossible for you to fail at any task involving this. (Level 23) (+19 Modifier) X. Mythical: You are on the level of the myths out of old, a talent that has never been seen before and will never be seen again, a new Alexander. (Level 24) (+20 Modifier) XI. Napoleonic: You are beyond even legend and myth -- your very name will redefine this field for all of time.
(Level 25)(+20 Modifier) (Reroll on all failed rolls)
Stat/Skill
Modifier
Title
0
-20
Abysmal
1
-18
Abysmal
2
-16
Very Poor
3
-14
Very Poor
4
-12
Very Poor
5
-10
Poor
6
-8
Poor
7
-6
Poor
8
-4
Poor
9
-2
Poor
10
+0
Average
11
+1
Average
12
+2
Proficient
13
+3
Proficient
14
+4
Proficient
15
+6
Proficient
16
+8
Proficient
17
+10
Accomplished
18
+12
Accomplished
19
+14
Accomplished
20
+16
Renowned
21
+17
Renowned
22
+18
Epic
23
+19
Legendary
24
+20
Mythical
25
+20 RR
Napoleonic
Reputation is how you are seen by people in general. The ranks go from 0 to 20. Reputation can be positive or negative. High positive reputation means everyone loves and reveres you. High negative reputation means everyone hates but fears you. Changing your reputation from positive to negative or vice versa is possible, but will lower the rank. You will be suspected if you were originally wicked but now seem to be "nice". Similarly, being loved but then performing wicked acts would betray peoples' trust, decreasing reputation rank.
Army Wealth:
You can only spend Army Wealth on Army Actions. You replenish 10 Army Wealth, up to 15, every turn while within France. Spending personal money on supplies may endear you to your troops, but may also leave you in debt.
Morale:
Morale is dictated by five key components:
1. Supplies: The rations, clothing, equipment, and other supplies used to keep your army functioning. 2. Training: How skilled and disciplined your soldiers are. 3. Focus: Your army will fight like hell in France, or if you are close to an objective that will mean victory and glory. Always plan out a plan of attack, and always have a goal in mind. Otherwise, an aimless army may fragment and become disillusioned. 4. Manpower: Outnumbering your enemy always helps in keeping morale high. 5. Casualties: In battle, people die. That is a fact of life. However, keeping people alive with field medics, hospitals, and rotating units through the battle will keep them fresh. Tending to the wounded goes a long way.
Morale goes from 0 to 100, with armies routing at 0, causing non-hero soldiers to panic, flee or surrender. Long-term factors (Supplies, Training, and Manpower) will be affected by your strategic choices in Standard Turns. Short-term factors (Focus, Casualties, and Manpower, as well) are affected by battles, and can rapidly lower due to attrition and other factors. D100s will be rolled to determine the losses in morale in combat.
Disease:
Preventing Diseases: Dictated by three things
1. Freshness: Bad food and other problems caused by low supplies are bad for keeping troops healthy. 2. Water: Never ever lose it. Humans don't live long without water. Clean water is even more important. 3. Weather & Climate (W&C): Winter…desert…tropics, even. Extreme conditions will impact your soldiers terribly if not prepared.
Diseasestarts at 0 and increases to 100 by up to 1d15 each turn, affected by the three factors above (Freshness, Water, W&C). Each category that is below ACCEPTABLE increases Disease gain by 5 to the maximum roll. Staying at 70-100 Disease gets you a Disease roll each turn using Disease as the DC. Failing that roll gets you some Bad Stuff.
<More mechanics to come>
Critical Rolls:
Natural Crits occur at 95-100, while Natural Fails are 1-5. You can negate a Nat. Fail if a bonus is applied to the roll, just be reasonable in application of points (don't cheese).
Crits add another d100 to the roll and can explode (add another roll if that d100 results in a 95-100, and so on), so that's fun.
Artificial Crits are rolls that are boosted over 100 with bonuses, and can be rerolled only once more.
Natural Crits can keep exploding if you're lucky.
Crit bonuses are arbitrary and subject to my own machinations, but we'll think of some cool stuff if they occur.
Omakes Omakes are welcome. Each grants a bonus of +10 to +20, depending on how delicious the Dice Gods find them. They will be used on a opt-in basis, with bonuses added to a single action, increasing related rolls on that turn, whether full or mini-turn. Max bonuses on one action: +50
L'Arc de Triomph
@PlazmaStryke - Zilch! More omakes for further development! plazmastryke
Le Cavalier Inébranlable +10
Les Filles Magiques: Arpenteuse et Cavalier +10
Les Filles Magiques: Roi Fou Arthur +10
L'Ange +10
La Vivandière et le Monsieur +10
Les Filles Magiques: Noël Magique +10
Les Filles Magiques: Noël Éthéré +10
Discussions with a friend +10
A Changed impression +10
A rather solemn Christmas +10
some quotes lol +10
A lullaby for Therese +10
After Action Report (Mainz) +10
To General Napoleon +10
Louis-Nicolas Davout (and Stannis) Character Sheet +15
Observations from training +10
Jean-Philippe Laurens Character Sheet +10
The future Marshals of France +10
Massena and Laurens +10
Marie-Sue(tte) +5
My Rather Weird Frozen Fanfiction +10
After-Battle Contemplation +10
That, Macdonald, is a Talking Snowman +10
MacDonald's Advice +10
Intentions with Therese +15
Brian Auclair + Glory Musicals +15
Don't Go Daddy! +15
Enough, both of you! +10
Be like Hercule! +10
Thoughts of the Common Soldier +15
Who Wrote This?! +10
Conversations +10
+5
Defending the Rhine +10
A Last Supper +10
The Whites in Their Eyes +15
The Road to Amiens +10
Rally to the Banner +15
Write Me A Song, de Lisle! +15
Mail Call +15
La Chanson: Generations +15
Official Unofficial Staff Meeting +10
Advice Through the Generations +10
Meeting the Officers of II Corps +10
Orders, Drill, and Training +10
(A) Severin's Caribbean Adventure +10
A Change in Command +10
Hold Until Relieved +10
Severin at the Scene of a Slaughter +10
Reaping From Harvest +10
Bridges and Boots +10
Through the Eyes of a War Orphan +10
La Cabana in Havana +10
Outpacing the Post +10
Earth-Shaking News +10
Spy Games +10
The Imperial Guard Leads the Way+10
THe Italian Decision: +10
A Less Than Restful Recuperation +10
Never say never + 15
Marie-Thérèse Charlotte Capet Character Sheet +10
La Repubblica Moribondo - 1793 Part 1 (April) +20
La Repubblica Moribondo - 1793 Part 2 (May) +20
Summer Morning On the Rhine +15
Writ of Justification +15
Oversimplified-Omake: The Napoleonic Wars - Invasion of Sicily +10
Assaut Amphibie, Part 1, 2 and 3 and 4- +40
Dans les rues de Palerme, Part 1, 2,3, 4,- +40
Napoleon Negaverse- +20
Auidu Palarme- +10 Retour à la maison, Part 1,2 +20
La Chute; Downfall +10
General, Empress, Icon. The Impact of Therese Auclair on POP Culture; Part 1: The Empress and the Amazon +10
Sharpe Series: +50 OSP-Omake - History Summarized: Therese Auclair - From Zero to Hero (and General) +10
Epic Rap Battles of la Révolution +10
Robspierre's Rage +15
The Star Wars Fanfic You Never Asked For +1977
The General's Speed +57
During the battle with Servin +24!
The Death of Empress-Marshal Therese Aulclair (An Alternate Future) +1815
The Emperor Returns (An Alternate Future) +367
Letter to the President +20
The Dwarf and the Giant +90
The Young King +1
The End of the War Part 1: Defeat and Sorrow +1815
A Moment In Life: Brian Auclair +19.95
A Very Merry Christmas +25
Let France Decide: (A Speech By Thérèse Auclair) +69
If La Chanson were basically War and Peace +80085
No, you are not Napoleon Bonaparte, the Great Marshal of France, the Son of Victory, the God of War.
No, you are not the one whose actions shape empires, shatter armies, and shape history.
No, you are but a simple human being who fights with the flow of destiny at your back.
You are one of the lucky few to be in the shadow of the Emperor of France.
You are the Marshal of France, a soldier of renown and valor, cunning and daring. The hero of this new age!
The Blade of the French Empire.
…Or you soon will be.
But the question is, who are you?
[] Write in your name.
[] Place image of what you look like. Or describe yourself.
[] How old are you?
[] If you wish to write a backstory for the PC, you may.
What is your gender?
[] A Man. (No bonus nor malus)
[] A Woman. Gain the Trait: Ideals of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: You were not a soldier, at least not until your brother invited you to camp one day before an enemy force attacked. The officers were cowards, or completely inept, but you barked orders and took command.
(-2 to Decorum, +2 to Subterfuge. DOUBLE increases and decreases in opinionand reputation. In the army, your men's trust and loyalty will need to be earned, as they do not believe a woman can lead a man into war. If you can prove yourself, however, they may see you as the second coming of Jeanne d'Arc)
[] A Woman Pretending to be a Man. Gain Trait: Midsummer's Knight: No one knows you are a woman.
(+2 to Intelligence, +3 to Subterfuge. You must keep your identity a secret, as if you do not have a significant reputation, you will be removed from your position)
Who were you?
[] A Watchman
+1 Military, +1 Intelligence
+5 Combat
+5 Logistics
+5 Manual Labor
+During Campaign, your forces in your army will have a +20 to ambushes, and +20 to detect ambushes.
+5 Administration
+5 Law
+You start with a significant debt owed to you by the French Directory, and an unknown foreign dignitary. You can earn significant income from gambling and debt collecting in occupied territory.
+5 Combat
+5 Command
+5 Infantry and Calvery Command
+5 Grand Strategy
+5 Logistics
+Start off being friends with 2 future marshals of France, who can become your sidekicks.... when all of you are sidekicks of Napoleon.
+5 Logistics
+5 Manual Labor
+Can manage meals for troops, raising morale with your cooking, and have a chance to prevent foodborne illness on campaign.
+5 Oratory
+5 Law
+5 Decorum
+Contacts within many cities and nations. You have a chance to negotiate for the surrender of nations without fighting. May take command of Napoleon's spy network... and expand it.
+5 to Monarchist and Republican Opinion
+5 Administration
+5 Law
+5 Manual Labor
+Medical interactions with the army will break the usual practices of campaign medicine, better army disease resistance. The Medical Community will hate you for that, however.
+1 Grand Strategy
+15 Manual Labor
+4 Administration
+Foraging rolls for supplies outside of France gain a +30 in enemy territory and +50 in friendly territory
+2 Engineering
+3 Logistics
+10 Manual Labor
+5 to Artillery command
+You now have the ability to forge your own cannons in the field out of any metal you take from towns.
+2 to logistics
+3 to Military
+When scouting for positions, you will always be given an option to set up on a favorable terrain before the enemy.
+Bonus to terrain scouting and battlefield familiarization. You receive a scaling bonus of +0 to +30 to all rolls if your army has scouted, and a +10 when another unit from allied armies have scouted. Up to +40 Total Bonus.
[] Plan Young Pioneer
-[] Therese Auclair
-[]
-[] Therese was always following her older brother everywhere he went. With her mother lost in childbirth, and her father too busy trying to make enough money for them to survive, it fell to him to care for her. Though born to a lowly peasant family, Therese never saw her lot in life as anything but a blessing. To have an older brother always willing and able to look out for her, and a father who cares so much for them he'd practically break his back working, and having never been able to know her mother, Therese's world didn't seem too bad at all. It was only when her father died on one of his surveying missions for the crown, that her world started looking dimmer. Now without a stable source of income, nor a farm for food to fall back upon, her brother had to take up a trade, despite his young age. Given that she was still a child, that really meant he had to do something that would keep him around her, and made money. So, he too became a surveyor, and brought her along for his journeys. Not exactly the safest for either of them, it was a plan that they had. As a willful child, Therese often made dealing with others either a excessive in frustration, or in bafflement. Therese often managed to either charm adults she ran into, or made their blood boil with her stubbornness. So, as the years went by with little between them, the siblings grew, and as they did, they both learned how to really survey, with both learning how to properly deal with at least the lowest of all social ladders. But that didn't make things easy for them. With an almost eternal lack of pocket change, and the carefulness required to have enough supplies for their work, neither became adults with anything approaching luxury to their name, no matter how long or hard they worked. When the revolution came, the both of them eagerly joined, hoping for a better future for their small family. (Her brother was also convinced that Therese took to the ideals of the revolution a bit too quickly. Though she had always been stubborn and opinionated, she had long since learned how and when to talk to others properly. But now, she certainly decided to make her voice heard. Even when nobody asked for her opinions. Which is pretty much all the time.)
-[] 19
-[] A Woman.
-[] A Surveyor.
You are Thérèse Auclair, daughter of Astor Auclair and Véronique Auclair, as well as little sister to Brian Auclair.
Your mother passed when you were a child, and your father passed when you were but 10 years old.
Thinking back, you never had much connection to the two, since mother died giving birth to you, and father was always away, surveying for the Crown.
Your brother was the one who spent all the time looking after you, between working to follow Father's footsteps through learning geography and cartography, and making sure the house was in order.
You joined your brother in his travels after he was finally accepted to his new job with the army.
...Then the Revolution came.
The years of chaos destroyed much of your old life.
Your home, once vibrant and full of life, is now a ruin of brick and shattered wood.
You set off with Brian to deal find new purpose, after a period of mourning.
Said chaos did not break your belief in yourself or others.
You watch the world burn and change. You saw the Old get torn down while the New was built on a foundation of the broken Past.
But through that, you lived.
You like to think you survived due to your beliefs.
In fact, your beliefs are one of:
[] The Spirit of Old
Your mindset is that of the Monarchists of the past...and somehow you didn't lose your head.
Gain trait: Monarchist Minded – You believe that only a man with noble or royal blood can rule.
- Bonus to interacting with Reactionaries, penalty to interacting with Revolutionaries.
- Beliefs set to Monarchism
+2 to Education, +2 to Decorum
+3 to Law, +3 to Administration You begin in the Vendée Campaign (1793-1796).
[] The Fire of Revolution
You were a firebrand of the French Revolution; you fought for the Republic and NEVER compromised that idealism... even as things fell apart.
Gain trait: True Revolutionary – Some would call you a fanatic of the Republic. You fervently defend revolutionary ideals if someone challenges them.
- Bonus to relations with Revolutionaries, penalty to Monarchists. - Beliefs set to Revolutionary Republican
+2 to Charisma
+2 to Oratory, +2 to Administration. You begin in the 1st battle of Courtrai (1793).
[] The Eternal Pragmatic
You were a Monarchist, then a Moderate, then a Jacobin, then a supporter of any other government they threw at you. The will of the government, in your opinion, changes like the tide. You just want something concrete, REAL and everlasting.
Gain trait: Pragmatist – Taking to no sides, no one hates you in particular. No one really trusts you, however.
- No penalties to interacting with all factions.
- All factions start with wary opinion due to your flip-flopping past.
- Beliefs set to Pragmatism
- You will still have enemies, as you can't please everyone.
+4 to subterfuge
+3 to Law. Begins at the Second Battle of Boulou (1794).
[] The Hero of the New Age
Now, it was a battle going VERY poorly. Everyone was running away, your general was killed and you were battling a bunch of GOOSE STEPPING, SAUSAGE-LOVING MERCENARIES!
So you found a hill, all your infantry and cannons, marched them up a hill, and killed that army within 2 hours. Sure, you lost all of your men in the melee, ran out of bullets, and are currently recovering from a dozen or so cuts before that Napoleon guy showed up and saved your ass.
Gain trait: The Warrior of Valmy – You are the Shield of Valmy, you rose to prominence for your valor in the battle, taking a hill and using it to rain cannon fire on the Duke of Brunswick.
- Start the story as a Military Hero.
- Everyone likes you more.
- Governments around Europe will target you, for better or worse.
- Napoleon thinks you are okay.
- When defending, you gain a +20 to the rolls, but have a debuff of -10 to offensive rolls.
- Beliefs set to Revolutionary Republican
+4 to military
+3 to Infantry combat, +3 to Artillery combat. Begins in the Aftermath of the Battle of Valmy (1792).
[] The Icon of Loyalty
You were loyal to the France, not the Government, not the people in power, and certainly not the people paying your soldiers. You were loyal. To. France.
You would die for your country and its people! Vive la France!
Gain trait: Pour les Gens! Pour la France! – Your devotion to France and its People are admirable. It can be just as much a burden as it is a boon.
- May not take actions that betray or go against the benefit of France and its People.
+10 to Charisma
+5 to Law, +5 to Administration.
- Beliefs set to France First Begins in 1798 in Paris, at the start of the War of the Second Coalition.
[] The Deserter
You had abandoned your post once, in the early days of the Revolution, to take over a few cities on the coast. You knew how to keep the Barbary Pirates away when things fell apart, and ruled as a dictator for a few months. It was fun to have nearly unlimited power in the name of the people you ruled. Of course, your shenanigans nearly got you the Guillotine, if not for the fact that Robespierre was put on the block before you.
You were let go.
Gain trait: Privateer Past – You were a freelance soldier for a time, fighting the good fight across the Mediterranean. You gained much renown and MANY enemies in your time... but it was time well spent.
- You have a bounty of 50,000 Franks or Regional equivalent in almost every nation in Europe besides France. Don't fuck up.
+3 to Subterfuge.
+3 to all command stats, +3 to manual labor.
- Beliefs set to Revolutionary Republican Begin during the Sardinian Expedition (1792-1793).
[] The Follower
You met a Corsican in your youth. Now you met him again on the field of war. Somehow, you knew he would become greater than even the Sun King himself. Or, at least he seemed to navigate the hell that is your current political system quite adeptly.
Gain trait: In the Shadow of the Sun – You hold Napoleon on a pedestal for he is cut from the same cloth as the warrior kings of old. He will lead us to victory or death!!! Napoleon knows this, and trusts you to do your duty.
- Starting relation with Napoleon set to 100
- Special Actions become available!
+5 to Military skill, +3 to Decorum
+3 to Artillery
- Beliefs set to Revolutionary Republican and Napoleonic Revolutionary Begin as a general in Napoleon's Italian Army in 1799.
A/N: Again, thanks to @Cyberphilosipher and @Magoose for writing the stats and such. Will update the character sheet. Alright, so this is a vote for your beliefs, your starting time, and your place in the world.
Now, I know the backstory vote has Therese being a revolutionary, but we gotta make some adjustments if we're gonna have a different timeline to play in. So, I'll give a bit extra in the revolutionary side if y'all don't pick a revolutionary, to represent her natural tendency towards revolution.
Mother says that I should write down my thoughts, because I am really smart! So she got me this jorunal, and I need to write something every week.This week, I am writing this! Father says it is a lot of responbilty to no how to do something every week. But I can do it! I will not let Mother or Father down.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
January 30, 1775
I find that on this day, I cannot find it in myself to write anything productive…instead, I simply will say this:
I miss Mother. It has almost been two years now, but I still miss her. I miss her hugs, and the way she taught me letters and numbers. I miss talking all about mathematics with her. I miss hearing all of the stories she had. I miss her smile and her eyes. I miss mother.
I miss Father. It has almost been two years now, but I still miss him. I miss when he is home. I miss his warmth and his teasing. I miss his stories of lands far and wide. I miss the people he would always speak of. I miss his guiding hand, and his gentle support. I miss his smile. I miss Father.
But I have Therese. That is all who I really have. Always Therese. No matter that gaining her lost Mother. No matter that as the only one around, I need to teach her myself. No matter that all she smiles for, it is never Father. No matter how stubborn and fussy she can get. No matter that her eyes and face and nose and hair are all Mother. No matter any of it. Because I lost Mother, and in turn lost Father. But, I will always have my sister. And she, her brother. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
August 4, 1778
Father was off again. He had been leaving as much as he can, these days. He cannot stand the sight of Therese it seems. He'd said to her that she looked just like Mother, and after that, immediately went to get another job. Even as intelligent as she is, she is too young to understand the pain he is going through from that. But, he left me with what money and supplies he could, and told me to watch after her again…
I must admit some displeasure at all of this. Though we both love Therese, and miss Mother -- neither of us can blame her for Mother's death -- it is quite aggravating to always be watching over her. We have many problems, some that I cannot solve myself. I need Father's aid to match all of them, yet...some days, I feel more like her Father, than Father is.
This is no way for a young girl to grow up. As well, I cannot seek a job myself, as I am too busy caring for Therese to be able to. A five year old child is not capable of being left alone, no matter how smart. I will simply have to try and make do regardless. As always, I am left with a young girl, and two questions…
It has been five years since Mother died, Father. Where were you for your son and daughter then? Will you be there for us, when we come of age, or will you be gone then, too? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April 17, 1780
Though I cannot be certain, it appears that Therese is as intelligent and insightful as I myself was at her age. Mother would be so proud of her. I have long taken to trying to find material related to the field of engineering, and have found her amidst what books I possess. She might not understand everything in them, but I can clearly see the mind that unravels so many of the mysteries of these books. I am both extremely impressed, and quite worried.
If she had been born a man, she might become the caliber capable of changing the world. At least, that is what Mother and Father used to say about me, and considering how smart she is, I fully believe her to be just as, if not more intelligent than I was back then. Now....I fear for her future. We are not nobles. It might become, that she might be forced to find herself a husband, and any she finds will likely be incapable...or unwilling...to face her sheer will and sharp mind. It is, in its own way, a tragedy.
For Father to face an even more incredible carnation of Mother, and be unable to be there for her -- unable to be her Father -- is painful. For the both of them. Therese has never really known Father, and though she holds some resentment these days, she once did not even recognize him. If Father cannot assure her of a good future, and the likelihood of my future enlistment means that I cannot either…
Who will she turn to, to keep her safe? Who will hold her, and look after her? Who will help her grow into the brightest young woman we know she can be?
That is why I have put off my plans. At least, for now. I need to be there for her. I may be her brother, and only eight years older than her, but to her, I am truly her father. And I will protect her, until I know she will be safe even beyond my own reach.
Besides, with how often Father finds himself a job, I am certain that there is plenty of work to be found as a surveyor. Perhaps, it would be a better path forwards.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AN: Well, congrats to me. I actually went and made my first omake finally. Dunno how good it is or anything, but I thought I'd actually try and do something like this. No guarantees about historical accuracy, quality, nor consistency. But I tired showing off some smarts and different aged thoughts. Kinda started in the middle though, so, yeah. But, hopefully someone enjoyed it, cause I don't think I'm taking it down. Also, I feel like I made her brother a bit creepy at times, but I dunno....(also don't have siblings, so I really dunno). But, thanks for reading!
Edit: my lines got removed, so I added back some new lines!
Now, it was a battle going VERY poorly. Everyone was running away, your general was killed and you were battling a bunch of GOOSE STEPPING, SAUSAGE-LOVING MERCENARIES!
So you found a hill, all your infantry and cannons, marched them up a hill, and killed that army within 2 hours. Sure, you lost all of your men in the melee, ran out of bullets, and are currently recovering from a dozen or so cuts before that Napoleon guy showed up and saved your ass.
Gain trait: The Warrior of Valmy – You are the Shield of Valmy, you rose to prominence for your valor in the battle, taking a hill and using it to rain cannon fire on the Duke of Brunswick.
- Start the story as a Military Hero.
- Everyone likes you more.
- Governments around Europe will target you, for better or worse.
- Napoleon thinks you are okay.
- When defending, you gain a +20 to the rolls, but have a debuff of -10 to offensive rolls.
- Beliefs set to Revolutionary Republican
+4 to military
+3 to Infantry combat, +3 to Artillery combat. Begins in the Aftermath of the Battle of Valmy (1792).
The ringing of gunfire made you scan the field. "Merde." You swear at yourself, and the timing of this damnable situation.
The morning sun was still rising over the hillside. The sleep from your eyes was still there, even as it was replaced by adrenaline and energy.
You, Brian, every surveyor in the army and scouting party asked to take up a defensive position on the hill overlooking the flats. A nice position, it would allow the artillery to fire down onto the enemy at a longer and greater range.
Unfortunately, there was one problem preventing this plan from occurring:
Brunswick had reached the hill first, striking while the French army was moving towards the hill.
You, the generals...well, everyone did not expect the Prussians to come into position a day early, when your army was still on the flats, trying to get cannons into position. You thought the heavy rains of the week prior-- the same rains that slowed your advance, that made the roads muddy and thick, that made moving heavy cannon pieces and men into position tragically difficult-- those rains were going to be your downfall.
The battle began with a volley from the flats, the opposing side ripping with force, sending wave upon wave at your ranks. With the generals ordering the line of infantry to cover the left and right flanks so that the cannons could climb the hill, get into position, and bombard them.
It was quite fortunate that you all weren't dead at that point. The Prussians' powder was sopping wet, and they could not get a bayonet charge in.
Unfortunately, the cannon still managed one volley.
And then they charged, anyways.
<[]><[]><[]><[]><[]><[]><[]><[]>
'Non.'
You ran towards the fallen generals with speed, even as the slick mud, clung to your boots and seemed to tear the soles off of your feet. The generals were down in the mud. They were thankfully facing up, their chests rising and falling.
'N'est pas possible.'
"Slow down Thérèse! For the love of Christ, slow down!" Brian's screams were muted and lost amongst the sound of battle.
You were also ignoring him as well. The officers were dying, and you needed to receive orders.
'Nous ne tombons pas.' We do not fall.
The chaos of combat was completely engulfing the frontline of the infantry. Prussians smashed full force into a line of waiting bayonets and occasional shots of musket fire.
You arrived at the small square of infantry and cavalry. Those remaining were trying desperately to keep the army from shattering.
"Are they dead?" You asked as you grabbed the reins of one of their frightened horses.
There was a pause as another explosion went off in the muddy fields. "They'll live, but we have to get them out of here, or we all die!" One of the infantrymen said as a shot rang out into the distance.
General Kellerman's eyes seemed open, but the blood coming from his head showed how much the fall from his horse did. His hat was down in dank mud. His general's sword, still attached to his side.
The idea rose into your mind, legs carrying you as quickly as Brian screamed. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Someone has to save us!" You immediately handed him the reins of Dumouriez's horse. "Take the calvary, move it to the left flank. Bait their infantry towards you. Buy the artillery time to take positions on the hill!"
Your brother was dumbstruck. "But-" He tried to protest. what you were asking for was mad.
"That is an order!" You screamed before your brother nodded.
You took the general's hat and sword from Kellerman's unconscious body. "Army of the North! Heed my orders!"
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You walk into the courtroom with a heavy heart. You had done the right thing. Those Prussians and their cowardly leader Brunswick were sent running with more than just their tails tucked between their legs.
So now, logically, the high command found it appropriate to give you and Brian a tribunal for your actions.
What gives? They were treating you like a child!
"Silence, s'il vous plaît!" The deep voice of Jacques Pierre Abbatucci boomed across the room.
Everyone stopped muttering to each other. "Merci. The order of business this session is to resolve the conduct of Mademoiselle Thérèse Auclair and her brother Monsieur Brian Auclair in the Battle of Valmy."
You looked to Brian. His gold eyes downcast towards the marbled floor of the court, then turning to you. Seeing your worried expression, and smiles briefly, mouthing 'Bon courage'.
Be brave, good luck.
You beamed back. The matters here were more important, both for him and you. You always thought that--
"So, Mademoiselle Auclair, could you describe your actions in detail for all attending to hear, please?" Jacques, though well in his later years, glances at you with a stern, but not malevolent look. The hairs on his head have long since greyed out, no doubt the result of stress.
"Oui," you begin, "I was on the hill..."
Special vote:
Thérèse has gained a pool of 10 points in types of command! Your votes will determine the ratio that these points are distributed. (e.g. 50-30-20 for infantry-cavalry-artillery means 5, 3, 2 to those respective categories!)
[] ...the infantry held the flanks as the artillery moved up Valmy Hill...
[] ...the cavalry harassed the enemy infantry while our own men retreated to the slope of the hill...
[] ...the artillery leveled the enemy advance...
"Je vois..." Jacques nodded slowly, the surrounding generals, his son Jean Charles among them, also seemingly deep in contemplation. You gulp, Brian's mouth pursed as Jacques opened his. "You know the penalties for impersonating an officer, yes?"
"I do, bu--"
"Do not speak out of order, mademoiselle." Jacques bored his eyes at you like a scolding adult. Well, you were used to that. "And you, aiding your sister in a crime? Pilfering from the treasury? For helping a sergeant?"
General Charles Dumouriez and François Kellermann. The ones in charge of... well, who should have been in charge of the unit at Valmy. They were looking worse for wear, Kellermann with a bandaged head, and Dumouriez stepping with a limp, cast leg.
Despite that, they held both the honor of the corps and personal humiliation in their uniforms, still clearly mud-stained.
"Very well, Generals, go ahead. Please tell the court of how you impersonated." Jacques, staring, seemed to know what would be said.
"This young mademoiselle," Kellermann gestures to you, "was part of our unit since her brother joined, and have been with us ever since. She has shown her knowledge of terrain and artillery, as much as her own brother, who is-- may I be frank-- a genius."
He nods to Doumiriez, who picks up where Kellermann left off.
"But, if we all think about it, the Prussians were going straight to Paris." That was a blatant lie, they turned back! "They would have burned the City to the ground if not for these two! Would a small mistake on their part overshadow the countless lives saved, the thousand years of culture in the City," he opens his hands and arms to address the crowd, "and humiliating the Prussians?"
The room listened quietly, expectedly at his next words.
"...that's why we cannot allow her to be discharged. She was a sword when needed, a light in our moment of darkness." Well, that was flattering.
Kelermann finished for him. "I ask that you consider my orders were to 'Stop the Prussians', before I had fallen. Therefore, they were simply following orders. Neither subordination nor desertion, they stuck with us until the very end. We owe our lives to them, if anything."
The eyes of those attending, including General Jean Charles and François, looked bright, as if the two Generals' words ignited something within.
Jacques murmured back and forth between the other generals beside him before addressing the audience.
"... very well. Seeing as the transgressions of these jeunes have provided their commanding officers with a great victory, and that they had technically been following the words of their commander, they will be sentenced to military leave for three months while we process your... status." He turns to you. Eyes on you. Looking at you.
"Without pay."
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The court was dismissed, and you didn't know whether you should be relieved or distressed. You know how important this job was to Brian, and it would have killed him if either of you were discharged, or worse. 'Status'? You weren't going to get booted out after this, right?
The two generals left after shaking hands with the two of you, promising to send message of the unit's location for when you return. Brian was a little giddy seeing his commanders talk directly to him with such enthusiasm.
When all was said and done, everyone filed out.
As you were walking out, you caught a glimpse of a blue uniformed, handsome... short man. Well, you never really judged a man by his stature, more by his actions. That was rude.
This man was, however, shorter than you.
You had to suppress a chuckle, and opted to smile at him, as he looked at you. Why, you wouldn't know. You couldn't. At that time, at least.
He gave you a nod.
Well, the warm cheers of the rest of the squad standing outside the door brightened your face a little more.
Turn Results:
>Renown Gained! You now have Rank 2 (Notable)!<
>Gain 1 Command!<
You will be taking a vacation leave with no pay for three months, so that will come next. Enjoy the festivities!
New Stat introduction: Wealth!
Wealth represents a character's money. Currently, I'll only be showing your own wealth. The scale goes from 0 to 25, like the stats and skills. You will have barely any, due to being a peasant. Also, your salary is gone for the months, so have fun with that. You'll get the option to buy things based on your Wealth level, while others will be closed to you. You can always acquire items through favors and deals, of course.
If there was a stat that measured time management and prioritization I would get like a 3, so I've made a guide to most of the significant medium powers that will be relevant to us in no particular order. I've not done Great Powers because that would irreparably damage my soul and they're too complex for me to handle right now. The Twin Realms of Denmark-Norway
Population(approx): 2,000,000
Denmark-Norway, is a fairly stable and prosperous land under an absolute monarch. While still legally two separate Kingdoms, the two entities are strongly integrated with one another though Denmark is most certainly the dominant partner. The current monarch, Christian VII however is badly mentally ill. Thankfully, Christian VII has not actually wielded power in decades, with his much more capable heir, Frederick VI, having held actual power since 1784. He is a strong leader, and likely the closest thing to an enlightened despot that the Twin Realms will ever see. The Sound Dues Toll continues to bring riches to the state which has made good strides in recent years towards reform with Serfdom having been abolished in 1788. Militarily, her claim to fame is her proud navy, able to challenge even lesser great powers. While it is difficult to ascertain exact numbers due to the fickle nature of navies in the time period, Denmark-Norway can muster approximately 20 Ships of the Line assuming they aren't set upon in a Pearl Harbor style attack that invents a new word. Her army, though not particularly remarkable, neither can be discounted, as it is a modern and well trained force. Just don't expect miracles. Outside of Europe, some small colonial holdings exist specifically some small portions of the Gold Coast, a quaint port in India, and the Danish Virgin Islands. Also of note, this line of House Oldenburg also controls two duchies within the Holy Roman Empire which neatly stack on top of each other which consist of most of the rest of the Jutland peninsula, Schleswig and Holstein. This, of course, tangentially involves them in the issues of the Holy Roman Empire which are plentiful indeed. At the southern regions of Schleswig is an ancient series of Earthworks known as the Dannevirke. Though it has not been significantly changed for hundreds of years, earthworks are earthworks and it could likely be modernized into a formidable obstacle in fairly short order. Her primary rival and ambition will always be the neighboring Kingdom of Sweden, having fought approximately 14 separate wars in their history.
The Kingdom of Sweden
Population(approx): 2,400,000
The star of Sweden has fallen far in these years. Already decisively defeated in the Great Northern War a century prior by the Russian bear, her prominence has only deteriorated from there. In 1788, King Gustav III attempted to fight a war to reclaim the lands lost in that war against Russia and was forced to accept a white peace as the Kingdom's finances quickly fell out of hand, especially following a not particularly successful intervention on behalf of Russia by Denmark-Norway. Gustav III would be assassinated just 2 years after the end of the war in 1792, leaving Gustav IV to ascend to the throne at age 14. In another life, Gustav may not have been a bad ruler, but upon reaching the age of majority and the end of his regency in 1796, his style of rule proved to be extremely erratic. This was only further complicated by his refusal to cooperate with the Swedish Riksdag in his attempts to rule as an absolute monarch. The days of Charles XII were long gone at this point, and with a long period of relative parliamentary governance following, the attempted return to despotism that had begun with Gustav III had mixed popularity at best. While Swedish lands themselves are prosperous and relatively well, the state itself teeters worryingly on the verge of bankruptcy. Nevertheless, Sweden is able to call up a proportionally large and well trained portion of its populace for its army. Though no longer does it roar with the contempt the Swedish Lion could muster a century ago, it remains a premier force in Europe in terms of quality. The Swedish Navy on the other hand is, while not a joke, bound to the Baltic and essentially incapable of operation outside of it. It is not a seagoing navy as much as it is a swarm of shallow hulled sloops that are meant to maul most forces that enter the Baltic. This is in part what allowed Sweden to exit the 1788 War with Russia, with the Swedish Navy delivering a crucial victory at Svensksund. One of the last holdings of the Swedish monarchy outside of the Kingdom of Sweden itself is the Dominion of Swedish Pomerania, a fairly significant coastal holding. It too remains a part of the Holy Roman Empire, and is something of a mess internally. Regardless, it is a significant foothold on the continent for the Swedes. Sweden's natural enemies are two fold, Denmark-Norway who continues to prowl in hopes of reclaiming territory lost in past wars against Sweden, as well as Russia who will never have dominion over the Baltic while Sweden holds Finland in her grasp.
The United States of America
Population(approx): 5,000,000
An ocean, and for all intents and purposes a world away from the happenings of Europe, the burgeoning American Republic has finally begun to stabilize. They have adopted their second constitution and a strong President has emerged in the form of war hero George Washington. Despite the hopes of some in France, the United States has not been keen to leap to the defense of their fellow republic and has remained, at best, diplomatically aloof, and not entirely without reason. The reality is that these states are not as united as they may seem. The states of New England remain closely tied economically and to a point even politically to the British Empire. The south is deeply conservative and dependent on cash crops as well as slavery not dissimilar to our own deplorable conditions in Haiti. All the states play games behind closed doors in the dash for the western territories. While any immediate threat of collapse has been decisively averted with the election of George Washington and a more centralized constitution, the states remain fairly loosely aligned. Tying themselves to the frankly vicious wars of Europe, could tear their newborn nation asunder. In addition, while the British cession of the Ohio Valley may tide the Americans over for now, they still thirst for lands held by the Spanish Crown in the Americas. Both Florida and Louisiana are looked upon with hungry eyes and pursed lips. On the flip side, a not insignificant number of Americans have yet to lose hope over the potential of adding the remains of British North America to the Union. In almost every direction there is the opportunity for American expansion, yet this babe of a nation must be careful not to choke on what it already has, let alone what it may desire. The United States also has a frankly explosive rate of growth in population, having increased by over 1,000,000 in the span of a decade with no signs of slowing down, and as we know more people can very quickly translate into more soldiers. While America does not really have natural enemies yet given the lack of anything to strongly oppose it yet on the continent, its military is frankly weak and undisciplined. The vast majority of its wartime military is inherently less than reliable politically, being drawn up from the states and of extremely variable quality with a decisive lean towards rabble. It's navy is distinctly more professional, but is also small with incredibly vast amounts of distance to cover if it were ever called upon to defend the coast. Ultimately this young republic is defined by being a fairly large fish in an absolutely minuscule pond. There are few powers indeed that care to or are even able to project the power that would be necessary to decisively defeat it in its own backyard if it came to blows. Yet it would do this child to remember well that it is still a juvenile, and though it may watch from over the fence, the world is still the playground of giants. For now.
The Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily
Population(approx): 6,000,000
A throne of the Bourbons, Ferdinand III or Ferdinand IV depending on how Sicilian or Neapolitan you desire him to be at a given moment, Ferdinand looks with fear beyond Italy. The most powerful Bourbon King has been deposed, and he bears witness to the fall of family. The Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of Sicily are not particularly integrated with each other, though they are both ruled as absolute monarchies. Ferdinand himself is not particularly notable, being neither particularly deficient in any given respect nor is he possessed of any glaring flaws. He has yet to declare war on France, though this is more likely due to the certainty that with such a series of forces arrayed against them the French surely must fold. Both Naples and Sicily are quite poor and impoverished. The land is dominated to a particularly egregious extent by landholding nobles which also pose a significant alternate power base other than the monarchy itself. Despite this both Palermo and Naples itself are fairly significant cities with major maritime connections throughout the Mediterranean. Roughly 1/6 of the population is on Sicily with the remainder on the mainland, and with the large population even in spite of the less than solid economic basis of the Kingdoms, a respectable army can be formed if not a navy. Geopolitically, there is not much to want for as a Neapolitan Bourbon. The north is anchored by the Papal States and the rest of southern Italy is ruled. Thus, impetus for the Kingdoms fall solely on the monarch, and it seems that soon that Ferdinand will desire French blood.
The United Provinces
Population(approx): 1,900,000
The Netherlands is in a state of absolute crisis. Long gone are the days where the Admiralties of the the 7 provinces could challenge the Royal Navy on the high seas. The golden age of the 17th century has slowly bled away, once prosperous and cooperative organs of state calcifying into corrupt and plutocratic fronts for the most powerful patricians with time. Stagnancy was then accompanied by disaster. In 1780, as all of Europe sensed weakness in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands joined France and Spain in a pro-American intervention. While France and Spain held their own, albeit failing to retake Gibraltar in the latter's case, the Netherlands faced catastrophe as the trade routes so crucial to its economic solvency was choked by the Royal Navy. The Dutch navy had badly decayed over the years and despite a moderate revival in the years prior to the outbreak of war, the 20 ships of the line that the Dutch Republic could nominally bring to arms were wholly inadequate and only once attempted to even sally from port for battle. Even the crown of the Dutch Colonial Empire, the East Indies, was pried open and partially plundered. While peace was secured in 1784, the blow to national consciousness coalesced as the Patriot Movement. The Patriot Movement was many things, but broadly its most important features were the desire to remove the hereditary Stadtholder-General, William V of Orange, and a desire for more democratic institutions that would be held responsible to the people. In many ways, what followed was a more moderate version of the French Revolution that has so shaken Europe. Due to the decentralized federal nature of the United Provinces in several key cities such as Utrecht and Amsterdam, mass civil unrest and what could be described as coup d'etats brought democratically elected council governments to power in these cities. The United Provinces seemed to be on the verge of civil war, but such possibilities were brought to a swift end with the intervention of Prussia in 1787. Behind the scenes machinations had seen the French back down from intervention as a result of its own precarious internal state and with British approval, Prussia swiftly occupied the Netherlands and restored William V to his position as Stadtholder-General. Seeing the overwhelming force the Prussian army presented, most Patriot leaders fled to France. Even so, this victory may be short lived. France too now breathes the airs of liberty and William V has proven as incapable as before of remedying the countless issues of the Netherlands. The people yet grumble and are held in silence perhaps only by the threat of Prussia spilling over the border once more. The United Provinces hold an unquestionably valuable piece of land, controlling the Rhine delta as well as having Europe's most economically developed land even in spite of its utter stagnancy. Yet she is also the diplomatic pawn of many, too vital for Britain with her many Channel ports to ever let fall completely, valuable to France as a gateway into Germany, a tool and enemy of Austria as the other power of the Low Countries, and a plaything of Prussia. For the purposes of defense against its many potential opponents the Netherlands has developed a significant line of defense, the infamous Dutch Water Line which floods part of the country to protect its most core areas. The military of the Netherlands is extraordinarily expensive, with the States Army consisting almost entirely out of mercenaries of some stripe or another numbering roughly 40,000. Keeping a large navy in service is also a difficult task with the stressed finances of the Netherlands, and it is divided up awkwardly into what is essentially several different navies particularly the VOC and the numerous Admiralties. Even so the Netherlands can still bring to bear a large, if disorganized, navy to bear on the high seas. Lastly her colonies. Vast and widespread throughout the whole world, they are colonies more in the trading post sense more than they are the settler sense and exist to channel wealth and exotic goods to the homeland.
The Kingdom of Portugal
Population(approx): 3,000,000
It has been many years since Portugal has been serious contender on the European stage. Her lands are somewhat poor, and while Lisbon has been beautifully reconstructed, that does not make up for more than a decade of lost time following its near leveling after a massive earthquake and tsunami in 1755. Her current monarch is the first undisputed Queen Regnant in Portuguese history, Maria I. Yet fortune has been cruel to her, and despite a good initial decade in the rule of Portugal, in 1786 her mental state began to rapidly deteriorate. By 1792 she was essentially incapable of rule and rule of the Kingdom was effectively taken over by a council of nobles as the heir-apparent, John VI, vacillated on becoming regent. While he would officially become regent in 1799, much power continued to lay with the ruling nobles and ministers of Portugal. In addition, there remain significant fears that his Spanish wife, Carlota Joaquina, may through some oddity of inheritance lead to an eventual restoration of the much hated Iberian Union. The Portuguese navy remains respectable, if quite stretched, but its army has fallen on hard times especially as Spain serves as a buffer to the rest of Europe. As for elephants in the room, Brazil. Brazil by this point has a larger population than Portugal at roughly 4,000,000, not even considering the other major Portuguese holdings of Angola and Mozambique. The colony now begins to chafe, even with the fairly hands off approach taken by the Portuguese Crown. Otherwise, the cornerstones of Portuguese foreign policy are the at this point 450 year old alliance with Britain and a perpetual fear of absorbtion by Spain.
The Electorate of Bavaria
Population(approx): 3,500,000
The third most powerful state within the Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria has had a long and complex relationship with both the Holy Roman Empire and France. Deeply Catholic and constantly fearful of Austrian backdoor dealing, more than once Bavaria has seen fit to align itself with France in times of war. Barely more than a decade ago, the Bavarians once again came to blows with Austria as Charles IV of the senior line of House Wittelsbach, Elector Palatine, rose to the Bavarian throne following the extinction of the junior line which ruled Bavaria. This constant clashing is in part due to its unfortunately central location in terms of European affairs, and its status as a gateway into Austria. Charles IV remains monarch to the present, but he is actually quite unpopular in Bavaria. Regardless, Bavaria has a position to play as potential kingmaker in the near future. Her army is competent and experienced, with a respectable economy to draw upon for resources.
The Swiss Confederacy
Population(approx): 1,500,000
The Old Swiss Confederacy is not truly a state, at least not one in the way we would recognize it considering that it doesn't even really have a capital. It is best thought of as a little Holy Roman Empire with 13 core member states and several dozen strange little associates that are in some way tied to the Confederacy. They feud and bicker and even fight infrequent wars against each other. There are three major internal divisions that must be noted to understand the Old Swiss Confederacy. Religion, Language, and Urbanization. Religion and urbanization tend to have an association in Switzerland, with rural areas usually being Catholic and urbanized areas being some flavor of Protestant or another. In terms of language, German is by far the dominant language in terms of population, but most of the western quarter of Switzerland is Francophone, along with a small slice of Italian speakers in the southeastern mountain passes mingling with some Romansh. These issues of course lead to an extreme fear of any form of centralization from the Protestant Germanophone urbanized cities, nowadays typically Bern or Zurich. Even now the Catholic and French Vaud region of the otherwise Protestant and German Bern Canton is on the verge of open revolt. The institution of the Confederacy is weaker now than it has been in several decades, helped little by the byzantine nature of its internal administration and stark contrast in prosperity between its cities and countryside. If Switzerland could be said to have any natural enemies, it would be herself. She is fraying constantly and now more than ever seems to be unraveling at the seams outside of its very core. Regardless, it would be foolish to discount the highly strategic position that Switzerland occupies as the Alpine European crossroads, nor should its political disunity be mistaken for the characteristics of a moribund entity.
The Kingdom of Sardinia
Population(approx): 2,300,000
Victor Amadeus III rules France's southeastern alpine neighbor as a fairly strong absolute monarch. He is a kind and strongly pious man but conservative and thus terrified of what France has become, joining the War of the First Coalition on the side of Prussia and Austria. On the other side of the Ticino river is the fairly benign Duchy of Milan, and to the southern coastal plain is the Genoese Republic, long fallen from grace. Despite the name of the Kingdom, It is not much of a question that the mainland Duchy of Piedmont is the core of the strength of the Savoyard state. Sardinia is in fact a relatively unintegrated and recent addition, having been received in exchange for the Kingdom of Sicily in 1720 from the Aragonese Crown of Spain after the War of the Quadruple Alliance. Regarding its military, the Sardinian navy is perhaps better not spoken of. Its army on the other hand is modern and fairly large though not particularly remarkable. The lands of Piedmont, and of northern Italy in general are rich and prosperous, though Sardinia is quite the opposite. Unfortunately France, due to the relatively friendly relationship the Kingdom of Sardinia has with its neighbors, Victor Amadeus III views revolutionary France as the absolute number 1 threat to the Savoyard realm, no ifs ands or buts about it.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Population(approx): ???
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth is dying. Moribund and boxed in by three great powers that have already torn off the borderlands once, its death is now all but certain. As the tremors of the French Revolution continue to shake Europe, reformers within the Commonwealth have made a desperate gamble at reform in the shape of the May Constitution, yet even this is beset on all sides by the wretched szchlacta that bemoan the loss of many of their privileges, in particular the Liberum Veto. Catherine the Great appears to be once again on the verge of intervening in the Commonwealth, this time to crush it for good. Despite a pact between Prussia and the Commonwealth it appears questionable at best if Prussia will seriously consider intervening on behalf of this ancient enemy. In spite of this, at the very least Polish spirit lives on. Lithuania, always the junior partner of the Commonwealth is unable to stand the storm the way Poland may, and is likely to be completely subsumed by the most formidable of these three powers, Russia. If nothing else, the roughly 5,500,000 Poles will not be subjugated quietly.
The Papal States
Population(approx): 2,500,000
it's the pope
More seriously, at the moment the Pope is Pius VI but he's on track to die in 1799. He seems to have been mildly reformist but also seems to have been somewhat heavy handed. Of course he was also involved in the shenaniganary that one would expect of the still violently corrupt state of the Catholic Church at the time. Oh yeah also he was vehemently against the French Revolution. Aside from that there isn't really much to say about the Papal States. They're a flaming mess internally, violently corrupt, with nonsense overlapping jurisdictions. They technically have a military, but it's essentially whatever Catholic mercenaries could be dragged out of the mystery box. Otherwise, I suppose the only particularly important area they control is Rome. It is important to remember how much weight in terms of legitimacy that the Catholic Church holds even after the revolution. especially among the rural populace.
The Sublime State of Persia
Population(approx): Fuck knows, if I had to hazard a guess 8,000,000
No fancy words here, they're a punching bag for Russia, and maybe a distraction for Britain. Sorry, but this is at the absolute fringe of what we're concerned about and it's hard enough to dig up information on some of the countries that border France in this period. They also might get into a slap fight with the Ottoman Empire or something. Either way, they'll probably get kicked out of the Caucausus one way or another by the time this is done.
The Eyalet of Egypt
Population(approx): 5,000,000
just watch the video
Other notables that I was too lazy to write something for probably because they have weird complicating factors or are right on the threshold:
The Duchy of Württemberg, The Electorate of Hanover, The Kingdom of Ireland, The Electorate of Saxony, The Duchy of Milan, The Most Serene Republic of Venice, The Grand Duchy of Tuscany, The Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and The Romanian Principalities.
