The dinner you were eating was quite a sight, roast duck, fresh bread, carrots, even a slice of chocolate cake freshly baked from the baker.
Of course, nothing could possibly ruin this entire evening. Your grip on power would soon be complete, with the Heroine of Valmy quickly and quietly… and forcefully if you had to, join your ranks. It would make you have considerable sway in the Estates General, sway that would allow you to pass more of your… radical reforms.
The short term may be painful for France, but the rewards would be well worth it.
Of course, making sure that the troublesome rebels in the Vendee would have to be dealt with, but with the national guard, and the assured loyalty of the Parisian populous with a hero granting an endorsement to you, you could get as much done as possible.
The knock on your door was quite unexpected. "Yes." You said and a messenger walked in. "What is it?"
The Messenger ran towards you and gave you a letter. "From Master Jaques sir."
You took the letter and the messenger bowed and quickly left you alone.
You tore the letter open and scanned it, your eyes growing larger and your teeth tightening in your jaw as you read it again.
Your plans… that bastard… but who could have sent the girl to the RHINE!
Perhaps it was Kellerman or Dumouriez… No, those were far too obvious, they would have tried to keep her close, make her a staff officer, develop her skills or send her to the Paris Ecole Militaire. She may have been wasted her talents to learn under Alexandre, but she would have been firmly out of your control. The General hated it when the Estates got involved in his academies business, and would not have allowed him to influence or offer any position until her training was completed, and in that time, her fame would wain.
The memories of the peasants were short, and every day they proved how stupid they were, scampering around the city like rats, not caring about anything except foo.
Every possibility played in your mind, from rivals to traitors, to complete and utter buffoons who served as your underlings making a mistake!
Talleyrand, Saint-June... any one of those basterds!
Perhaps it was the king's execution that made her get reassigned so that the army would not lose a heroine… Or the army was planning an offensive into Germany?
Soon you lost count of the scenarios.
And you did something only a cornered animal would do.
You raged.
AN: Because we (Meaning an unknown ally within the Estates *If anyone can guess who it is, you get a +10 bonus to the rolls*) ruined Robespierre's Plans to have us be his lackey, have a little omake.
Also, this is a small request, I do not know what Thérèse Auclair's dress uniform should look like.
Denis Martin Severin was a soldier. Severin had fought at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 as a 15-year-old drummer boy, but had picked up a musket during a British raid. He was certain he killed a man with the bayonet during the melee. Today, it was the new year, and Anno Domini 1793 dawned on the L'armee du Rhin. The now-Captain Severin had been quickly promoted as the high nobility fled the officer corps and sergeants promoted to fill their place. Severin could count back five generations of his forefathers as soldiers. His father had fought the Prussians in the Seven Years' War, and his own father had fought in the War of Polish Succession in the Rhineland. His father had fought in both the Great Northern War (serving Sweden until Fraustadt in 1706) and the War of Spanish Succession (serving France at Malplaquet in 1709). His father was a French Huguenot exile who fled to Sweden to train what would become the Caroleans in the late 1680s.
The vast majority of the men of the Army of the Rhine were barely trained conscripts. While Captain Severin worked his men as best he could, lack of supplies and the looming threat of the Prussians and Austrians on the far bank meant the effect of drill was limited. But with the arrival of La Petit Arpenteuse and her promised supplies, he hoped the Army of the Rhine would have the skill and nerve to hold the line. Regardless, Captain Denis Martin swore he would uphold the soldiering tradition that had been passed down the Severin line through the generations.
Le Nouvel État – 1793 1st Quarter (Jan - March)
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The blade fell. The king followed.
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Napoleon Roll: 1D100 => 95 (Roll Passed, Paoli receives a nasty surprise)
Paoli's End: 1D100 => 88 (Almost every ship has been saved with only minor damage on them.)
Aghast at the execution of the previous king, Pasquale Paoli, governor of Corsica, has thrown his support behind the royalist party. He tried to hide this fact, sending his nephew to lead the Republican expedition into Sardinia with instructions to cause the attack to fail.
Unfortunately for Paoli, he sent Colonel Napoleon, who led the Corsican guard earlier in the year onto the same excursion. Suspicious at reports of growing garrison that the Sardinians had right where the Republic targeted, Napoleon took command of the French forces before the assault on La Maddalena could commence in early February. Furious at the insubordination, Paoli's nephew was questioned by the captain, eventually explaining his and Paoli's involvement in feeding information to the Sardinians and the British.
Napoleon and his family appealed to the National Convention, and arrest warrants were sent out for Paoli's associates and family. After canceling the assault on Sardinia, Napoleon had led the fresh invasion force in a nearly bloodless occupation of Ajaccio together with the rest of the Bonapartes' support. Paoli was arrested and confessed guilty to treason the next day. His family was stripped of their wealth and status.
Pasquale Paoli, once a Corsican nationalist just like Napoleon, took the route of a traitor. He was executed for crimes against the government and people of France.
Republican government on the island started to sweep for royalists, and would continue for numerous months as royalist supporters were flushed out and arrested by Napoleon and local regiments. Royalist and counterrevolutionaries are now tense at this news, and must now be vigilant to keep their positions.
Governer Paoli of Corsica has been found to be guilty of collusion with the enemy and betraying France and its people. Napoleon is heading to Toulon in the following months.
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Generals Roll: 1D100 => 46
No news on the whereabouts of Kellermann or on the Army of the North, though they were last reported to be near the Belgium-Prussian border.
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Thousands of loyalists to the monarchist cause wave the martyrdom of the king—no, Citizen Louis Capet and his wife Marie Antoinette—as their symbolic flag of protest and rebellion. The Bourbon flag is hung and carried by numerous nobles still clutching onto their last footholds of power. Scared at what the destruction of the monarchy would mean for them, they have started to mobilize in a last ditch effort for survival.
The tensions stewing in Vendée have come to a flashpoint. Rebellion and civil strife have spread throughout the region as local leaders have riled up and rallied the civilians to arms against the Republic. Those loyal to the enemies of the republic, those loyal to the old ways, those simply caught in the most unfortunate circumstances, are now coming to a head in the Republic.
The children of France are at war among themselves.
The leaders of the Vendée (western) region, along with nearly a hundred thousand more enemy troops are rallying against the government.
Charles Dumouriez will not change sides to the royalists, as his hope in the French people was renewed due to one woman: Thérèse Auclair.
No huge disaster yet, but violence in Vendée will be inevitable without any outside intervention.
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Prussia Roll: 1D100 => 47
It appears that the enemy is building up their forces, however, their composition, training and equipment status is unknown.
The Prussians are building forces up at the borders. No news on incursions yet.
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Great Britain Roll: 1D100 => 57
Great Britain is reported to have a budget surplus, and three new Ships of the Line are added to the royal navy. This will make them a greater threat in any naval conflict. +1 GB Navy.
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The Netherlands Roll: 1D100 => 45
Rumors circulate of plans to retake the Netherlands from the Orangist government alongside the exiled Dutch republican forces.
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America Roll: 1D100 => 95
American President Washington has been working on the still newly-established United States. Two of his staff members, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, have shown that there is a split in how the nation should be run.
Hamilton supported stronger national government, while Jefferson opposed the national bank, navy, and federal taxes. Washington believes in the unity of America as a whole, though while he too shared views that Hamilton held, the Father of America decided that there was to be reconciliation between these two sides before any rifts form. He took points from both sides, successfully, somehow, and convinced the two ministers to settle their issues with a neutral stance.
Federalist and Republican parties are not formed, for now. Hamilton and Jefferson are mediated, and the leaders of the new nation are compromising for the benefit of the American people.
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Haiti Roll: 1D100 => 99
Sparks of revolution ignited the powder keg in the colony known as Saint-Dominigue (Haiti).
The National Convention, to remedy the situation on the island, sent Civil Commissioners Léger-Félicité Sonthonax and Étienne Polveral to the island with an army 7000 strong and orders to restore order on the island colony, with military force if needed.
Preempting the revolt, the two had granted equal civil and political rights to freed les gens de couleur in an attempt to stabilize the island, but that had not stopped the slaves, led by charismatic leaders, from rising up.
Toussaint L'Ouverture and numerous other people of color were inspired by the ideals of freedom and equality, led thousands of slaves in revolt. They took over the northern third of the colony in a tide of revolutionary fervor. Driven by hatred and desires for vengeance upon their former masters, the former slaves slaughtered whomever they identified as being related to their oppressors. Thousands of plantation owners and their families were slaughtered in their homes despite what preparations they made; their plantations turned to ashes as the rebels lashed out, unleashing the fury of countless generations of oppression.
The conflict threatened to boil over as royalists on the island saw this as an opportunity to reach out for British and Spanish help, their navies potentially turning the tides of this insurgency back.
Sonthonax, reading the situation, sent messengers to negotiate with L'Ouverture and the other leaders of the rebellion. They discussed the dangers royalists posed to both sides, and the abolition of slavery, as free people of color were given rights, while the enslaved population toiled in desperate hope for freedom.
It worked, though not as expected. As the Commission and the leaders of the insurrection met numerous times to negotiate a new deal, Sonthonax declared freedom for all the slaves in the colony. He argued for the rights of man that the Revolution symbolized, and supported emancipation. This caused heavy backlash from the already freed peoples, who preferred maintaining the status quo and were scared of potential retribution. Royalist sympathizers began denouncing the Republic as France declared war on Britain.
Polveral made sure enforcement of the emancipation was carried out, having radical whites of the island exiled by the Commission to never return. This further widened the rift between the Revolutionary Commission and those opposed to emancipation.
A new governor arrived in Le Cap in the north, but was quickly arrested after inciting a revolt of his own, wanting to preserve the slave system. A brief clash between the governor's followers and Polveral's troops, supplemented by some of LOuverture's forces, ended with a fifth of the city damaged and the instigators arrested by the Commission.
Sonthonax, in a stroke of brilliance, had managed to convince L'Ouverture and his associates to turn their guns onto the monarchists, and resist a return to the Ancien Régime which traded people like commodities. Royalist sympathizers were quickly rounded up by combined efforts. The process was brutal but efficient, and numerous dissidents in the northern parts of the colony were found, locked up, or dead by spring.
Slaves, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, are unofficially emancipated by the Republic of France, and the colony remains with France.
Léger-Félicité Sonthonax and the Revolutionary Commission are working with the freed slaves to eliminate royalist forces in the colony and protect against possible British and Spanish incursions.
The Revolutionary Commission in the colony is working on receiving official confirmation on emancipation of the slaves in France's colonies, as the Coalition grows ever larger.
Conflict with Britain and Spain is inevitable for the island.
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Russia Roll: 1D100 => 27
It seems Russia is in another brief time of troubles, with a few thousand peasants dying last winter from starvation, and a few thousand more clawing at the last of their food reserves. Spring cannot come soon enough for Catherine II.
Russia is in a state of temporary famine, which will most likely be alleviated after the next growing season.
A/N: The next update with Thérèse will be up later today. Credits to @Magoose, since he helped greatly!
[] Plan The Mind shall Vanquish the Sword
-[] The Infantry: They are the bulk of your army, and quite ill-trained. You will need to change that if this force is going to be anything resembling a fighting force.
-[] Request Supplies (Equipment): You are in dire need of equipment. (Try to lessen Under-Equipped) Costs 3 Wealth DC: 10
-[] Request Supplies (Basic Supplies): You will have enough supplies to last you a while to change this force into a real army. (Lessen effects of Under-Equipped) Costs 5 Wealth DC: 10
-[] Assemble a Staff: You are in need of a General's staff. Perhaps a few colonels can be persuaded to join you. DC: 20
-[] Change of Uniform: Your uniforms are quite filthy and plain. Normally you wouldn't care. However, you are a general, so this is completely unfitting of your rank. It's best to correct that before going back to your unit. Maybe find some better clothing as well? DC: 10
[] Study & Read: you have books to read and things to learn. DC: Depends on chosen stat level
-[] Intelligence
-[] The Infantry: They are the bulk of your army, and quite ill-trained. You will need to change that if this force is going to be anything resembling a fighting force.
-[] Request Supplies (Basic Supplies): You will have enough supplies to last you a while to change this force into a real army. (Lessen effects of Under-Equipped) Costs 5 Wealth DC: 10
-[] Change of Uniform: Your uniforms are quite filthy and plain. Normally you wouldn't care. However, you are a general, so this is completely unfitting of your rank. It's best to correct that before going back to your unit. Maybe find some better clothing as well? DC: 10
The sun shines on your cheeks as you watch a horse-drawn supply caravan rolling into camp, with guards checking over the contents. The winter frost still stuck around even mid-February, clinging to horses and soldiers alike. Pulling the aged winter coat tighter around your neck, you ponder your farewells with Brian, and how you are separated for the first time in what seemed like forever.
<><><><>
He reassured you. "You'll do great; you're as smart as any academic I've met, and possess much more experience than they do in the military. I'll forgive you if you don't show up for my birthday, of course." he puts both hands on your shoulders and levels his eyes to yours. "We're siblings. We don't need to be side-by-side to know the other is well. I'll promise to meet you when all this mess is finished, okay?"
"Of course. I promise that, too. We're inseparable. Well, there's a first for everything…" You say, leaning into a hug.
<><><><>
Shaking your head, a chill spreads through your body as more snow descends outside. This is fine; Brian's got his own duties and such. We can celebrate events like birthdays when we meet again…
You head out of your room in the officer cabin to check on the incoming supplies.
There's a man wearing an officer's coat inspecting the carts. You call out to him as his details become clearer on approach. "Bonjour! Are all the supplies in order, Severin? I trust that sufficient amounts have arrived, so the men can all work and sleep easy?"
Captain Denis Martin Severin turns to you. "Ah, Générale! Better than expected, actually, there was a surplus of muskets for all our infantry, as well as good quality stirrups for the horsemen. This is in addition to double the amount of gunpowder and maintenance supplies we need for cannons and other guns. There should be more than enough to last us the first half of the year, including drilling. Quel soulagement! I must say, the guys in Paris churned these out very quickly!" He slaps a snow-covered tarp on a cart. "Also, our food stores have increased twofold; rations can be increased to normal levels, at least until the next time we need resupplying."
"They'll need it. No slacking off." You say, eyes glazing over the long line of similarly white-topped carts and horses.
Severin chuckles. "No slacking here, sir. Many soldiers see you as a mother figure of sorts…" he stands up on his toes, whispering conspiratorially in your general direction, "…thanks to your strictness!"
You groan and shake your head. The men were supposed to be disciplined… "Well, men will be men. C'est la vie. Keep up the good work, Captain."
"Affirmative, General!" You and the soldiers salute each other before turning to return to work.
A high-pitched, but clearly womanly voice pierces the air just as you begin to brood.
"GÉNÉRALE?!GÉNÉRALE!!!Une question s'il vous plaît—GET OUT OF MY WAY, LOURDAUDS, I WAS ASSIGNED HERE!" There is a grunting and some swears as you see guards being pushed away by…a girl?
You find yourself looking down at a young woman no older than you were. What stood out was that she is nearly two heads shorter than you. Hunching over and trying to climb over the cart, she glances at the few guards distancing themselves from the red-faced ball of anger and returning to their work. A few horses were startled and a few guards gripped tightly onto the reins to keep them from running.
"Please, wait! I have a package for you—well, it's for you, but I'm the one bringing it…" She's carrying a bundle of cloth on her back, with what looks to be a flat box as large as her torso and head combined.
You stare at the scene unfolding before you. There weren't notices of a woman arriving, though that might have been a small detail, lost in all the records of food and weapons being transported in this frigid climate. She jumps off the cart and lands on her feet with a dull thump.
"Sorry, I just saw you and you were—sorry, where are my manners!" She suddenly tenses up her body and head to look at you, saluting in a stiff pose. "Renée Dubois, infantrywoman, reporting for duty!"
After a few seconds spent staring at each other, you wave at the guards to continue work, and hold out your hand. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am General Thérèse Auclair, current commander of the 15th division. I had expected only a few bodyguards for the caravan to arrive, so I presume you are part of that?"
"I was reassigned here by the higher-ups, and was told to escort the supplies here. There was also an important package from an unnamed official, which I…wanted to personally present to you, apologies for any shock I may have caused." She tilts her head down, and you can see her brown eyebrows furrowing.
"Thank you, I believe those may be items I personally requested, though I did not expect it to arrive so quickly…I'll take that back to my tent to inspect." You reach out for the package. Renée looks a bit disappointed, seizing up briefly, and opening a mouth before pursing her lips. She loops the box over her shoulder, holding it in both hands towards you.
As soon as you receive it, your arms droop from the full weight of the box. "Oof. It is appreciated, Dubois. I trust that you have your own accommodations planned out?" You lean down, quietly sneaking in a quip. "Personally, I theorize that they're putting all the talented women into one area for…morale purposes."
You smile briefly to show that it was a joke, but she seems to grow redder and redder as she processes this thought. Finally, Renée manages to reply properly. "Y-yes, I do, General. I my own assignments and personal supplies stored with the rest of the supplies. I apologize for my conduct; such cold conditions are not so common where I grew up."
Standing straight up again, you speak with a faint grin. "Yes, well, there's a first time for everything. Don't hesitate to report to Captain Severin about any issues that come up. He's in charge of camp organization under my direct command." You salute, and she mimics immediately.
The two of you turn and leave to your devices, but you can't help but feel there were eyes following you…
<><><><><><>
To General Auclair,
We have not had the pleasure of meeting each other in Paris. I have heard of your exploits, and they have been a great inspiration to men and women throughout France. Of course, I am among them.
I will keep this letter simple; I am certain your new position is very demanding. After all, the very life of our Republic is in you and your associates' capable hands. We wish to alleviate any worries you may hold and not easily accomplish in your current location.
In the accompanying container, you will find two items:
The first is a uniform that is more fitting for one of your station. On one hand, it is important to show humbleness and temperance lest we fall victim to the decadence which led to the downfall of the old monarchy. On the other hand, status is also important in the military; the hierarchy inherent in the system should be reflected in clothing to reflect ranks in a simple and effective manner. Discipline is as important to an army as morale. With clothing clearly indicating status, officers can be seen identified and respected by all soldiers. Officers are in turn reminded of their own responsibilities.
You will find a uniform I had commissioned by an excellent clothier friend of mine. Consider this a gift from the Republic to you.
We serve you better so that you may serve France better.
Secondly, there is a set of documents recovered after the Battle of Valmy, which belonged to a fairly famous writer from Frankfurt, whom we know as "von Goethe". These documents include a manuscript which holds many notes on the author's philosophical views on life, though that was less useful than the second item recovered: military observations on Coalition armies, troop movements and schedules.
There had been no reports of the author, as he was likely far from the frontlines and retreating with that rat, Major Karl August, after you routed their forces.
The military papers we are providing you are a copied version, as the originals are important to national efforts to decipher enemy communications. The notes are being translated and verified in Paris by a group of translators, but we believed that a copy for you would be a good idea. It is more relevant to you than us, who sit far from the frontlines, after all.
The people are rallying to the voice of reason, and soon, with people like us, the Revolution becomes punishment for the oppressors of humanity.
Show no mercy to our enemies, for pardoning them is barbarity.
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre
You put the letter down, thinking on the words. The name 'Robespierre' gave you a feeling of déjà vu, but you couldn't quite place your finger on what the issue was. Looking into the box, there is a deep blue tailed officer's coat, two white blouses, a dark-gold jacquard waistcoat, and a faint blood-red silken cummerbund. Shuffling through and taking them out, you see another pair of long white pantaloons, long enough for your legs. At the bottom of the box was a pair of riding boots, the kind you saw many officers wore.
Merde, how much did this cost…? I'm feeling like an aristocrat just looking at this… You think to yourself, as you unfold and hanging the clothing onto your makeshift wooden rack. Though, to be fair, we've been poor most of our lives. At least the colors are muted, so it should be fine. The boots seemed to go up to your knees. Despite the potential expense of the clothing, you feel a bit of relief that there were people in a professional position looking out for you. The fact that you had neither contacted Kellermann nor Brian made you a little anxious, but that was par for the course. Perhaps a letter in the near future…They should be all doing well.
Storing the boots on the floor, you look to the documents you both did and did not initially expect.
There is a thick beige folder, containing all the papers mentioned in the letter. A nearly-completed manuscript about a man named "Faust", from what you could get at a glance. What little bits of the German language you learned was useful, at least in identifying simple words. Dirt and a few specks of blood stained some papers, but most of it was legible. There were two parts, one a bound chunk of text dating back about two decades, and another stack of haphazard notes pertaining to a certain play made for an expansion on the concept. You remember vaguely hearing about this, but decide to put it on the side of your desk to see the real prize.
The last item in the folder was a clean set of copies of the military notes that Robespierre mentioned. The name on the paper was marked with thick ink as "von Goethe", and you start to remember that there was a literary figure from Frankfurt which you faintly recall. You look over the notes, seeing a bunch of schedules and times, with basic paths doodled around the margins in addition to names of places. Those names were familiar, since you had memorized a lot of border towns and areas to quickly recall in case of having to travel with the army into hostile territory.
Seeing as you had no further appointments for the rest of the day, you poured over the military notes and recorded your own insights on a separate pile of papers.
By the end of the day, you managed to stop struggling over the foreign scripts and gotten into a flow of noting down their army's recorded movements. There was one worrying bit of information you managed to glean from the notes: There was a planned movement towards Mainz, in the spring of 1793, which was not far…French revolutionaries had set up a Republic there barely a year ago, you were sure of it.
This was a significant detail to learn of, and you consider whether you want to leave it for another day.
The army needs to be trained before it can be sent into battle, but time is slowly slipping away.
How you wish to deal with the notes?
[][Letter] Send a letter to someone about this.
-[] Write-in receiver name. Up to 3 people.
[][Letter] Don't send a letter, but inform your staff.
[][Letter] Don't tell anyone yet.
What to do about Mainz?
[][Mainz] Prepare to head out to Mainz at the end of this quarter (turn).
[][Mainz] Take another quarter (turn) to prepare.
<><><><><><><><>
The men learned that training was a long and brutal, yet rewarding process. Every morning, as dawn slowly rose over the countryside, you trained.
As the dawn turned to day, you trained.
As night fell, you trained.
You are soldiers of France! The adequate sizes of rations played a big part, but your troops are now much more receptive to drills and following orders. Some minor accidents with abrupt movements caused a few sprained backs, but no equipment-related incidents occurred.
Officers Claude de Lisle, Denis Severin, and Antoine Chamans, were fulfilling their duties around the camp. Severin, true to his family legacy, trained the infantry into a disciplined fighting force using methods you heard the Swedish employed. The men were ready to march and face lines of enemy muzzles.
De Lisle was an engineer, similar to you, but quickly took on roles in overseeing the maintenance of horses and structures, organizing scouting parties, and making reports on the camp's surroundings at your behest.
Chamans coughs a lot, but was eager to manage the camp's other logistical issues, for things arriving in and going out of the camp, as well as making sure security was on alert as often as possible.
These three covered the administrative tasks in your army, their specializations in addition to yours helped greatly in running the camp for the few months leading into late March.
<><>
The story that von Goethe wrote was quite intriguing, and you took time to go over the notes along with whatever German references you could get. The story told of a man shying away from the realities of science to pursue magical means–you scoffed at this notion, but exercise your suspension of disbelief to see this as a work of fiction, with characters representing abstract concepts rather than their literal counterparts. That helped you digest the work better, as the idea of absorbing the ideas of a man who fought against the idea of Revolution was slightly unnerving. You could just barely imagine the possible outrage at this, but you trusted yourself enough to understand the difference between what is mental and what is physical. Besides, if the head of government would provide these notes to you, then it wouldn't be anything damaging to the cause, right?
You read on, about the tale of a man who, in pursuit of ultimate knowledge, binds his soul to the Devil, who does his bidding in the mortal life, taking Faust's soul in the afterlife. It was kind of a bad deal, in your mind; the long-term ramifications of a world in which biblical figures literally exist make Faust seem very short-sighted and foolish.
As you make your way through the story day by day, thoughts form in your head about your role in the conflict and life. Faust, despite being corrupted by the Devil's influence and power, never stopped striving to gain knowledge. It started as simple knowledge about the world, but he gradually revealed his true desire to better understand his fellow humans. Though you were wary of the imagery of God in the story due to the Cult's radical influences in society, you adapted the concepts to your situation.
The pursuit of power and glory was a classic end-goal for numerous leaders, especially those in your position. They led armies to fight and seize the things they wanted, that those whom they fought for wanted. Naturally, there was a drive, an ambition to become more, that you could see in the eyes of Kellermann, of Napoleon…and in the letter from Robespierre. Though you know Robespierre wasn't a military man, he definitely used aggressive rhetoric. You could feel the contemptuous rage in his words towards the invaders, and you could sympathize with that, to an extent.
Thinking long-term was your main takeaway. Humans would never be happy with what they have, it was a natural tendency to do as one wishes. To you, the revolution was about creating a balance between the chaos of nature and the oppression by the Ancien Régime. The Revolution would need to keep the well-being and desires of the people in mind, to not stray from the very ideals it was born from.
For you, personally, the passion to pursue a goal was the driving force behind humanity's advancements. At the same time, you remember to not be blinded by your goals to ignore the pitfalls along the way.
Perhaps you were thinking too much, but it was a good way to help expand your mindset. Newer concepts of life, freedom, and what makes a life worth living start to swirl around your head, and they are molded to help you think more critically…
…you look back to the pile of organized Coalition army notes.
Such as what to do about this looming deadline.
Results:
Your Infantry are now regulars. Morale will start at 100 in the next battle. Morale will start at 90 thereafter.
You are now Fully Supplied. Under-Equipped is no longer affecting you. The troops are content with the food, and accidents from equipment failures are non-existent.
Staff has been selected to help manage the army and report directly to you. There are three officers: Antoine Chamans (military security), Claude de Lisle (logistics and scouting outside camp), and Denis Severin (drill instructor, supply manager).
Splendid and appropriate uniform from Robespierre. He seems to like you, saying something about being a symbol for the French people. Feels nice to have friends in high places. +2 Decorum.
Johann Wolfgang von Roethe's notes and manuscripts. Intelligence is now 25 (MAX), from reading and ruminating upon the greatest piece of fiction you've ever feasted your eyes on.
You've met Renée Dubois! She'll be mostly keeping to herself right now, since this is the army, of course. You may choose to interact with her if you wish to do so.
Roethe's notes on army movements implies an attack on French-held Mainz in the springtime.
on 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.
Votes:
-Send a letter?
-Mainz reaction
A/N: Thanks to @perfectgeneral for inspiring the uniform for Surveyor Girl! Therese is 19.5 years old this year, while Brian turns 28! Ol' Bro had his bday, but he probably got drunk with pals or something, no need to worry. Don't worry about butterflies in literary history; Roethe has backup copies of Faust available. A good writer always keeps a backup. What are you worried about? Don't be. I'll be updating your character sheet with your army soon!
It was a bright, cold day in the camp of the Army of the Rhine. The General had certainly come through with her promise of supplies! Thus, with full rations, warm uniforms, and powder and shot to spare, you had the various companies of the regiments marching in battle lines and completing their drills. Those not of the infantry might think lining men up in blocks and shooting at each other might seem silly and wasteful, it was still best balance of keeping up a unit's morale and leveraging modern small-arms technology. Men standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men they lived and marched beside were better able to keep up morale in the face of shock and fire. While not a doctrinaire like some Prussian staff officer, your family's long history of soldiery gave you some insight on what the high muckety officers thought about how war was waged.
In Sweden, sparse population and limited manpower meant every man serving had to kill or rout many more of the enemy. This was achieved by shock tactics as armies around the world abandoned armor and melee weapons in favor of muskets alone. Powerful as a musket may be, it leaves much to be desired in terms of accuracy, and greater range made it much worse. Thus a massed firing line to concentrate the effect of fire. But during the times of the Caroleans, armies might stand off and trade fire in an indecisive stalemate for several volleys, bleeding men each time. What the Caroleans did was give up on trading volleys at 100 meters. They marched through the first volley, closed to 50 or even 20 meters before firing. Then, rather than reload, they would charge and rout the reeling enemy in melee. If timed right, it would be done before the enemy could get off a second volley.
But the conditions of the present and that of a century ago are somewhat different. Melee is to be expected, and muskets are slightly more refined than they were then. Thus, the true advantage of infantry against infantry is how well they can hold up under fire and how fast they can reload. Muskets have not advanced so much that one can pick out a target at 100 meters and hit it accurately and precisely; you had heard about some of the American militia and their rifled muskets being able to pick off officers, but they were much slower and much longer and heavier. With flintlock-armed soldiers, their ability to keep their heads about them and complete the marching and reloading drills under stress, then they will be better prepared to march and reload under battlefield conditions.
Thus, the men drill, drill, and drill, until the motions of feeding powder, loading, ramming, and priming were second nature, and they can carry out the drill in their sleep (or at least blindfolded). Checking your hand-me-down chronometer, the last group made 23 seconds. "Impressive! Let's see you beat that time. In fact, any platoon that can make three shots a minute gets an extra alcohol ration!"
A chorus of ragged cheers rises from the men, but you make a note to double check the army's alcohol provisions in case the men exceed your expectations. You wouldn't put it past them to excel when properly motivated. Now, if you could only get them to pull off a rotating volley drill without snarling the lines, you might be truly satisfied with their level of drill.
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The Star Wars Fanfic You Never Asked For (Magoose)
The Star Wars Fanfic You Never Asked For: Staring Napoleon as Anakin, France as Padme and Theresa as Obi-Wan.
France looked at Napoleon with confusion in her eyes. All around them the muddy battlefield of the Vendee was littered with the flower of French youth, boys, men and women alike laid face down in the mud and gore that this place had become. Fertile farmlands and quiet villages now completely turned to mud, ruin and fiery hell.
France herself was used to such carnage, for centuries before, the men and kings of the ancien régime had fought to secure their own power, influence and domination in her name.
But now they fought each other here, against the republic, against the ideologies that tore her apart from the seams.
Monarchy or Republicanism… ancien régime or the New Republic…
One man to rule them all, or millions of voices shouting together in unison.
Here before you however, there was no such qualms, no such tear… only complete and utter horror.
"What are you doing out here?" He questions, as he still stood tall on the battlefield.
"Napoleon… what have you done?" She whispered as the canons fell silent and the man… the hero of the nation stood before her. " Thérèse has told me terrible things… what you have done here in Vendee."
"I have done what is necessary to save France… to save you." He stated, his voice was emotionless and still. His eyes showed nothing but contempt, hatred, and exhaustion.
He was tired, oh so tired. Gone was the man who could be up for hours on end and still focus on what needed to be done.
It was like something was broken on the inside.
"They were traitors, all of them… They would rise up again i did not stop them. They would continue to fight for the ancien régime if I did not show them what would happen if they rose against France. Against you!" He shouted, his anger bubbling to the surface.
"I don't understand… She told me that Robespierre is a monarchist, and that you have fallen to the path of the Monarchy." France replied.
"I… have done no such thing." He stated. "I have done everything in my power to protect you." Napoleon than turned and in the corner of his eye, saw the woman in blue. The Tricolor that adorned her generals outfit was plain to see, Red, blue, white.
"What is she doing here!" He growled, and without thinking, France felt Napoleon's hands around her throat. "You brought her here!"
"Let her go, Napoleon!" Thérèse ordered.
Napoleon did, and France fell to the ground. Both generals of France began to circle one another, their eyes never leaving one another.
"Why have you done this." Thérèse asked. "Why have you betrayed the republic?"
"I have seen through the lies of the republic and from you." He continued to circle. "I do not fear the monarchs as you do." Thérèse finally reached France, and knelt down to feel her. She was weak and horribly horribly battered. "I have peace, freedom, and justice to my new Empire!"
"Your new empire?" Thérèse asked.
Napoleon's back was to Theresa. "It is the only way to make she lives."
Thérèse shook her head. "Napoleon my Allegiance is to the Republic, to Democracy and to France!… don't tell me you have forgotten Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité. You swore to uphold them, and you said you would do it with me by your side. There is another way. I am not your enemy. We both servants of France!"
There was a sniffle. "If you are not my friend… than you are my enemy." His sword left its scabbard.
"Only a Tyrant deals in absolutes." Thérèse nodded, understanding precisely what was happening. "I will do what I must to protect France." Both swords were drawn now.
And a battle for the soul of France began.
AN: I did it and I don't care.
Hope you all have a good laugh.
Edit: HAHAHAHA I write the damn thing in ten minutes so gravity.
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2.3 - The Mainz Path Analysis; L'analyse du chemin de Mayence
[][Letter] Send a letter to someone about this.
-[] General Kellermann
-[] The President of Mainz
-[] Jean-Baptiste Jourdan
[][Mainz] Prepare to head out to Mainz at the end of this quarter (turn).
Event rolls: Your general friends: 87
Brian roll: 99
Prussia: 15
14 mars, 1793
The war room was abuzz with activity. Well, more than usual. You, your officer staff, and a few lieutenants are seated and standing around the simple, long wooden table with various maps and notes sprawled out on top of it. Antoine Chamans was sitting in the seat to the left of you, reading through and confirming troop counts with Severin. Claude de Lisle and the other lieutenants were standing and chatting off to your right, making notes on the routes that went in and around the camp. Luxembourg and Trier were not too far away, yet there were no signs of Coalition armies within range in the past few months.
That was worrying.
"So." The others turn to you, while you motion towards the map before addressing the entire room. "We have received responses from other generals this week, including the ones garrisoned in Mayence, as I am sure you are all informed of?"
Severin nods. "Affirmative, General. Generals Jourdan and Kellermann have been notified of the potential attack on Mayence. However, they have joined up forces and have already begun the Army of the North's push into the United Provinces. Their help will not be available in our current plans, but they will keep northern enemy forces distracted from the other fronts." He returned the letters, which you previously gave for them to understand the situation. "I congratulate Lieutenant-General Brian Auclair on his new promotion."
You nod and smile faintly, putting the letters in a pile next to you. "Thank you, it was about time that his abilities were recognized. What about your opinions on Mayence?"
"I do agree that the Republic of Mayence should be protected at all cost, since the area around the camp has been unexpectedly quiet recently., an attack is likely on such a valuable city on the Rhine." Severin turns to de Lisle as he finishes his address. "What of the weather, sir?"
"My scouts have reported that this winter has been harsher than in previous years for this region, and is only recently showing signs of clearing up along the Rhine. I predict that Coalition forces may be suffering more than we are, and our forces could have an advantage, considering our sufficient supply status." De Lisle looks at you, arms waving over the map. "The rough terrain combined with weather could contribute to the enemy's reluctance to press into our borders here."
You scan your officers. "Thank you, it was not easy for our soldiers to get the documents from the aftermath of battle, and I am certain that the enemy is planning an attack within the next two weeks. The general in charge of the Rhine, Alexandre Marie de Beauharnais, had responded in lieu of the still-convening parliament of the new republic. They are currently garrisoning the city walls with General Ignace d'Oyré and sending out scouts to forewarn of armies, with no sightings yet." The corners of your mouth turn downwards. "That does not mean the enemy is not plotting. Time is slipping away, and I propose that we move immediately to help the city in anticipation of a future attack"
Severin raises his hand and speaks after you finish your statement. "General. While it is imperative to go as soon as we can, we must first decide what to do about this camp. It is in a good defensive position outside Metz, and is an important base of operations near the Rhine. It would be wasteful and dangerous to pack up all our men and abandon this site, after all." He pushes a few sheets noting down possible combinations of camp garrisons towards you. "Colonel Chamans and I have complied a list of possible officers to take charge of the current camp, in case you decide to bring the majority of our forces here."
"In addition, the garrison at Mayence number around 20000, so that could be a point of consideration." De Lisle adds in, before you accept the papers.
"Thank you, I will consider this issue." You look at the report, and think of possible combinations of troops to take or leave behind…
Army Status:
1. Supplies: Full
2. Training: Decent
3. Focus: Marching to Mainz
4. Manpower: Full
5. Casualties: None
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Good
2. Water: Good
3. Weather & Climate (W&C): Snowy, decent equipment
Disease: 0
Take either "Take all the troops" or any combination of the compositions of troops: Note: Taking more troops means you take more supplies, adding some travel time as you need to account for those on the march. Logistics, huh.
[] Take all the troops, with a token squad maintaining communications here.
[] Take the infantry.
-[] All
-[] Half
-[] Some other percentage
[] Take the cavalry.
-[] All
-[] Half
-[] Some other percentage
[] Take the artillerymen and cannons.
-[] All
-[] Half
-[] Some other percentage
"Now, even though General de Beauharnais believes our reports," de Lisle piques up, a frown on his face as he looks over the map and back to you, "we cannot forget that the path to Mayence is still debatable."
He points to the area between the camp and Mainz. "The terrain, as I'm sure you know, is much rougher than shown here. There are numerous forests and light hills all along the way, and the roads would be highly likely to contain enemy patrols."
"Each route contains its own potential risk." Chamans says. "There is a high possibility of the Austrian Lowlands, shown in white, containing many patrols. Trier in grey is another part of the so-called Empire, and same goes for Bavaria in blue. These two areas will not have as many people to detect us, since they were dragged into the war by their overlords, but we should take care not to approach urban centers." He leans back into his chair after delivering this information.
"Well, let's see…" Your finger hovers over the simple illustrations over Mainz.
Longer routes and multiple river crossings would be problematic timewise, leaving us little time to scout out the area and confer with locals for terrain advantages…
You trace your hands over the possible routes.
…being detected would likely have the enemy military be alerted. While there likely wouldn't be much of resistance, detection will likely alert any armies approaching Mainz of relief forces…
Staring into the seemingly flat terrain, you consider the actual terrain over these routes.
…rougher terrain will cause problems for cannons and horses, mainly the cannons. Rough terrain is unavoidable for the supplies that we will need to take, but that is to be expected.
Camp is on the left side, right above Metz. Darker Green is France, Lighter Green is HRE, White is Austria, Purple/Grey is Trier, and Blue is Bavaria. Moselle and Saar are the major rivers y'all might cross. Sorry for the shitty quality lol
Choose a route, according to the map: Time to march to Mainz is about 7-11 days, depending on terrain and events, if there are any.
[] Route A, traveling north then east, going across Austrian Luxembourg and the Archbishopric of Trier, crossing the Moselle River once. (High chance of detection; one river crossing; longer route; medium rough terrain)
[] Route B, travel north-east through the Moselle and Saar Rivers, Trier and HRE territory, and finally through Bavarian lands (Low chance of detection; two river crossings; shortest route; high rough terrain)
[] Route C, head east through the Moselle and Saar Rivers, then into HRE territory, before turning north-east towards Mainz (Medium chance of detection; two river crossings, longer route; low rough terrain)
The staff collectively nods, and Severin speaks up: "Now that that's settled, what should our approach towards Mayence be? We could have the troops make camp inside the city to fortify it, though that may cause unnecessary conflict with the locals who are recently pacified." He pushes a few chess pieces around on the board. "Another option is to camp outside the city, though that would have its own problems, with the need to set up our own supply routes to stay in contact with the city itself. I suggest that we stay in or near the city, but that's because I place our men first."
You look at the pawns moving around in Severin's fingers, and make a decision in your mind…
Where to settle your forces when you reach Mainz?
[] We should fortify the city as well as we can. Stay inside the walls. I'm sure we can negotiate something with the locals. (Use your diplomatic and administrative skills to make peace with the locals and other army)
[] We should keep our distance in times of strife. Stay a good distance outside the city to find a good spot. (Use military skills to set up a camp outside the city)
-[] Near the northern bank of the River.
-[] Near the southern bank of the River.
-[] Near the south side of the city.
"That is good. We shall finalize these plans and prepare the men for departure within the week." Severin responds. "Our drilling exercises have resulted in some great results, and I believe our men are ready to fight, wherever we go."
"I will make some final checks around the camp and check over our communications with Captain Severin this week." Chamans gathers his notes.
De Lisle shuffles his papers as well. "Supplies are thankfully full right now, and should allow us to last long into the next month. Getting to Mayence will allow us to hopefully secure our supply situation after the march."
"Thank you, men, that will be all for this session. I will help wherever possible this week, and we will get through this together." You respond, standing up. "Dismissed."
<><><><><><><><>
8 hour Moratorium!
Votes (PLAN FORMAT):
[] Plan Name
-Troop composition
-Route
-New camp location
A/N: Thanks for reading! The rolls for the generals from @Magoose, and we'll be up with a news update for 3.0! Time to plan out how to get to Mainz.
Mayence is French for Mainz.
I'll be abstracting the travel times.
General de Beauharnais and General/Engineer Ignace d'Oyré are in the city of Mainz, fortifying in preparation for enemy attacks.
Yes, Brian is now a lieutenant-general in the army, and might have some other special stuff, though you'll have to see him again to find out. He'll be safe, don't worry. Winter weather has been exceptionally bad for the Rhine region, and could mean enemies are hit by supply shortages. There's a decent garrison in Mainz itself, but the Prussians could come with higher numbers. It is a siege of a key city on the Rhine, after all. Traveling to Mainz in this time means that there should be some time for you to do surveying in the Mainz area before any enemies arrive and wreck those plans. Yes, you need time to survey.
Let me know if there are any inaccuracies or errors! (One cookie to whoever notices a play on words I put in here!)
There were few things that made you burn like the thought of Valmy. Every waking night it seemed, your mind went from other places, back to the mandible muddy hilltop. The cannons rained fire and lead down upon you and that damnable woman… she was always there, taunting you.
Your choices to leave France and head back to regroup after your failed offensive into France was the right one, many of your army's experienced and key officers were still intact, despite the numerous casualties that the Frogs caused to you. Yes examples had to be made, Fuchs was a fine sergeant and the promotion was well deserved, for keeping his men together, and creating such an opportunity for him and his men to get away.
Having to send such a man away to the Italian cities with the Austrian army as an observer would certainly dampen his spirits, but you had your reasons.
Perhaps with time and experience, he would become much calmer, and with his wits about, be able to secure victory without the unnecessary bloodshed.
"When will we catch up to von Kalckreuth?" You asked one of your officers. At the moment your mind was focused on the potential siege ahead. Mainz was going to be a long siege for his men, though the recruits had been whipped into shape, you were not fully trusting their metal.
Not yet at least, this siege would be their baptism by fire. Perhaps they will prove to not have it in them for the soldiering life. Perhaps they will prove to be just as capable as your previous command.
Another good few divisions would rather change the tide of the war quite quickly. Then he can retire, that battle in Valmy a mere hiccup in his very well put together military record.
"Unfortunately sir, heavy snows are delaying our speed. We're a day behind him." The officer replied.
A day was a long time, especially in a siege, when the French Army was still unaware of the plans that was soon about to spring. Mainz would fall, then Yorck would begin his offensive across the river.
Of course, the city had to be taken first, and swiftly, if the plan were to succeed. If the city sent a messenger to the frogs, then the element of surprise would be lost. If the city was not taken Yorck would not attack, for the fear of a French army or the Army of Mainz itself delaying him by several costly days. Days they could ill afford to lose.
Any day not marching towards Paris was a day that the French grew stronger, their generals that much more entrenched in their positions… and wit would be days closer to winter.
This plan would work.
"General, a scout from von Kalckreuth… It's Auclair." The officer said as he handed over a piece of paper.
You narrowed your eyes, and read the message. It seems that… no. "Is this true." You asked.
"Yes sir, from the general himself." The officer replied.
"Gather the men now, we are marching."
"In the snows sir?"
You started at the map. "Mainz will fall, and I will see to it that Thérèse Auclair will burn with it."
AN: So we did a thing with the rolls... and its going to be fun!
Charles Ferdinand: I shouldn't. It's against the rules of war.
Fuchs: Dew it.
Also, I bring a gift. It'll fit under the Christmas tree this time, I swear.
He bumped into the Hungarian man.
Rudolf was fairly certain the big grenadier had placed himself in the Prussian's blind spot on purpose. After righting himself and noting the apathetic look on the grenadier's face, however, he decided to simply ascribe it to listlessness. "Entschuldigung. Could you direct me to General De Vins's quarters?" Rudolf gave the man a few moments to salute him and point out the Austrian commander's location. The Junker was somewhat amused to, instead, be on the business end of the Hungarian's uncomprehending stare. "I suppose that's what I get for expecting a Hungarian ranker to know German." Needless to say, communicating in the big man's native language wasn't an option.
"Ah, Major!" An Austrian accent sounded off to his side. Rudolf turned away from the Hungarian grenadier, who took that opportunity to beat a hasty retreat. The new arrival wore the epaulets of an Hauptmann, appearing to be only a couple of years older than Rudolf. Between the fellow's comparative youth to his peers, the immaculate white uniform of a line officer, and the decorated shako, the Junker pegged him as an aide de camp. The Austrian extended a hand and grabbed Rudolf's, shaking it with enthusiasm. "I'm Hauptmann Peiper, General De Vins asked me to assist you with your... Luggage and help you... Settle in?" Peiper's squirrely energy dissipated as he noted the severe lack of luggage.
Rudolf, for his part, arched a brow in response to Peiper's phlegmatic and physical approach. He allowed the forced handshake to continue for three shakes before retrieving his limb, as was proper. "I took the liberty of preparing my own accommodations." He brusquely stated. The Prussian opted not to mention that his faith in the Austrians was, to put it diplomatically, non-existent, hence the decision to handle his own transportation and lodging. Peiper blinked in surprise before clearing his throat and forging on. "W- well, I offer my assistance in ensuring your place within our army. In fact, the General invites you to a luncheon he intends to hold in two hours among his staff." Major Fuchs stared at the Hauptmann for a few moments, before nodding in assent.
In the intervening hours, Rudolf had settled into his newly and hastily erected quarters and had begun poring over information on the Austrian army under General De Vins. It was clear that, despite the flip-flopping of King Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia, the Austrians would move to check the French advance into Italy at Sardinia's behest. Their expeditionary force was... Small, frankly, especially in comparison to the French army that took Nice. To off-set this, the Sardinians would link up with Austrians and supplement their forces. Considering the favorable terrain for defending forces in northern Italy, Rudolf was initially optimistic about the Coalition's chance of stopping and reversing the French push. Then he went to lunch.
"Gaseous build-up is within the human body is unhealthy, Major. Did you know that? You should consider bleeding." General De Vins spoke with the tone of a man addressing someone of deficient intelligence. Rudolf ascribed this to the small matter of his nationality. If what he knew about the general was still accurate, De Vins had been a combatant in the Seven Years War. The doctor rose from where he had been kneeling by De Vins's leg. "Indeed, sir. I would be happy to-" "That's quite alright, danke schöne." Rudolf cut him off.
The doctor harrumphed, before proceeding to procure a handkerchief to clean De Vins's blood off of his tool. Peiper, eyes shining with mischief, leaned over to Rudolf. "The good general has the gout, hence the bleeding." The Prussian hid a smirk behind his cup, catching the Hauptmann's suggestion, before raising his voice. "Perhaps, mein General, an extra bleeding might be necessary. It is getting to be that time of year where gasses grow particularly numerous in the human body."
De Vins shot Rudolf an arched brow and curious look, before directing his heavy gaze to the doctor at his side. "You heard the man, do you want me to explode?! Bleed me!" The Prussian struggled not to spit out his beverage and laugh at the undignified grunt of pain that escaped the gout-afflicted Austrian. He closed his eyes for a moment and imagined it was Duke Brunswick spluttering at the end of the table as he bled out of two collections of wounds.
"Soon. Soon, I will make good on my promise, brüder."
I decided to keep the scope of this one small since, as far as I know, the Austrians haven't actually entered North Italy in force by 1793. But oh boy, once they do, it turns into such a delicious clusterfuck.
