Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Ohh... Yeah, about that... That's why we are taking so long.
Grand Strategy, and his stats may get boosted later.
La Chanson de la Victoire (The Song of Victory): La Petite Arpenteuse (Non, SV, you are a General of France in the Napoleonic War!)
- Thread starter Plausbius
- Start date
- Mature Alt. History
- Location
- Somewhere
Ah, so Laurens still has the opportunity to fall in love with Napoleon.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Not just Laurens...
Hey Napoleon needs to build his Fanclub somehow.
- Location
- Somewhere
Imagine in the future, where Laurens is totally devoted to Napoleon and all that, there could be accusations of them sodomizing each other (i.e being in a relationship).
4.1 - Cold Hearts, Fiery Souls; Coeurs Froids, Âmes Ardentes
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
[] Plan Go Big Or Go To The Guillotine
-[] The Prince and a Promise: You have heard rumors about the heir to house Capet, young Louis-Charles. Rumors that he is being abused by his caretakers... and worse. You do not hold any love for the Capet and the Monarchy, but... he is but a child, innocent in this entire mess. You are going to visit and examine his condition, and do something about it, lest harm befalls anyone undeserving.
DC:
Rolled: d100 = 86 + 40 (@CGTM, @Tjakari, @AvidFicReader) = 126 (Crit!) + 66 = 192
-[] To Bring Unity (Newspaper): You are going to visit a friend of one of the generals, Jean-Paul Marat. He's quite an odd fellow, and his… skin condition is a little off-putting, but you have a message for the people of France... hopefully, it will be enough.
DC: 10
Rolled: d100 = 68 + 10 (@Tjakari) = 78, Marat Survival Roll: d100 = 60 + 10 (@Tjakari) = 57
-[] Women of the Revolution: You have received a message from one Pauline Léon, requesting for you to come to a meeting of her society: Société des Républicaines-Révolutionnaires. You're a woman, and a revolutionary. Why not?
DC:
Rolled: d100 = 21 + 10 (@Random Member) = 31
-[] Napoleon Visits: Napoleon Bonaparte, the man of your dre—your acquaintance, has requested an audience with you. The letter he sent was clearly directed to you, of that, you are certain.
DC: 5
Rolled: d100 = 45 + 20 (@CGTM, @Astra Myst) = 65
-[] The Prince and a Promise: You have heard rumors about the heir to house Capet, young Louis-Charles. Rumors that he is being abused by his caretakers... and worse. You do not hold any love for the Capet and the Monarchy, but... he is but a child, innocent in this entire mess. You are going to visit and examine his condition, and do something about it, lest harm befalls anyone undeserving.
DC:
Rolled: d100 = 86 + 40 (@CGTM, @Tjakari, @AvidFicReader) = 126 (Crit!) + 66 = 192
-[] To Bring Unity (Newspaper): You are going to visit a friend of one of the generals, Jean-Paul Marat. He's quite an odd fellow, and his… skin condition is a little off-putting, but you have a message for the people of France... hopefully, it will be enough.
DC: 10
Rolled: d100 = 68 + 10 (@Tjakari) = 78, Marat Survival Roll: d100 = 60 + 10 (@Tjakari) = 57
-[] Women of the Revolution: You have received a message from one Pauline Léon, requesting for you to come to a meeting of her society: Société des Républicaines-Révolutionnaires. You're a woman, and a revolutionary. Why not?
DC:
Rolled: d100 = 21 + 10 (@Random Member) = 31
-[] Napoleon Visits: Napoleon Bonaparte, the man of your dre—your acquaintance, has requested an audience with you. The letter he sent was clearly directed to you, of that, you are certain.
DC: 5
Rolled: d100 = 45 + 20 (@CGTM, @Astra Myst) = 65
7 Juin, 1793
The meeting you had with Pauline and the society was... short, and very uneventful, to say the least.
You were introduced to the society, and provided a short speech to the women gathered in the café, a quiet location near the outskirts of the city.
It wasn't a very good speech, but the women were more interested in you than your words. They met you, exchanged pleasantries, and your presence there definitely gave some legitimacy to their cause.
Of course, this was legitimacy that only a general of France could provide, and they were certainly eager to add you into the fold, though other matters caused you to delay your official membership.
Reward: The Société des Républicaines-Révolutionnaires has increased their public recognition, and the women in the society hope to make you a member when the time comes.
The society now has significantly more political clout due to rumors and hearsay being spread, with your name being tossed around as a member, even though you are not. The meeting was overall uneventful, considering your other obligations this period…
<><><><>
9 Juin, 1793
You walk towards the home of Antoine Simon and his wife through the cobbled arcades of Paris. The streets are filled with almost eerie, reverend respect and awe as some children stop playing to watch you walk, whispering words within their friends' ears, mingled with failed attempts to hide their staring.
A few women curtsy at you, and men step aside to walk past you. A few retired soldiers, cripples or men too old to fight salute you; some of them hesitantly, as they saw your uniform and the woman within, seemingly bewildered by the fact that a woman commands an army of France.
A few of them, however, greeted with joy and eagerness on their faces, happy to see the face of France's glory.
All allowed you to pass unmolested, lest they disturb the sword to your side, or the pistol on your waist, holstered and ready to use a moment's notice.
All recognized you for who you were: The Heroine of Valmy, the Liberator of Mayence… the "Woman General", La Générale.
The city feels so peaceful, so happy, not gripped by the chaos that seemed to choke all of France. A world in and of itself. A garden in the desert.
You arrive at the Simon residence to see the man working his trade, cleaning leather to make a pair of shoes. "Good morning." You say, as the bell announces your arrival.
"Madame Rey, I apologize, but the boots-" Antonie Simon stopped speaking the moment he saw you. "Pardonnez-moi! Who in the blazes are you?"
You look down upon the short man, swooping your head a pinch to get through the doorway. The man's face then flashes a look of recognition. "Oh, my apologies, General?" He shoots a quick salute, one which was practiced, but also sloppy and undisciplined in execution. A sign he likely served in the National Guard for perhaps a year as a younger man, but had long since let himself go, in more ways than one.
You notice the symbol of the Cordelier, of which he was a member. That constituted only part of the information you had gathered on this family. That meant little to you, however, as you were here for a specific reason.
"There are no apologies needed, Monsieur Simon." You say sweetly. "I am here on behalf of the Girondins, to check on the boy and his sister." You spewed half-truths that easily seeped into the man's ears, and you see the change in his demeanor immediately.
There was slight anger. Resentment, even a little fear, before he plastered a smile onto his face. "Of course, General." He replies as he waves his hand. "Would you follow me please." A pause as he wipes his brow. "Marie! We have a guest!" He shouts into the long hallway.
"Who is it this time, Antonie? If it's another one of your Cordelier friends, I'm kicking them out!" She shouts back, matching his tone before you appear in the dining room. "Oh my… Thérèse Auclair." She then takes a deep, sharp breath, her demeanor changing in an instant. "Welcome to our humble home." She curtsies to you. "We hope to accommodate you to the best of our abilities."
You give a smile, but feel an odd chill creep up your spine. "Thank you."
Antonie sighed. "They're simply a nuisance, the boy and his sister. The garçon refuses to obey my orders and he still insists on calling himself a 'Prince'!" The man spat. "A fat lot it does to him, all he does is cry and weep and sob for his mother or sister. Oh, whenever I try to teach him to be a man and do honest work, he refuses to follow any of my instructions!" You narrow your eyes at the venom present in the man's voice.
Antonie huffs and storms up the stairs, his feet stomping as he roars. "BOY! GIRL! Get down here, we have a guest!"
You heard weeping accompanying the booming of feet. "GET UP, BOY!" A yelp of pain cuts the air. "Oh I'm sorry, Your Highness, you expect me to carry you?"
There are no other sounds after that before you heard footsteps come down from the stairs above.
Antonie walks in the front, the two children dragging their feet behind him.
Marie-Thérèse Charlotte Capet looks just like her mother, if you had to go off the few portraits that you saw of her in your youth. Her red hair is tied back into a bun, and the dress she wears is plain, dyed blue and brown. You remember a similar dress you wore as a child before your father died, before you rapidly grew out of it. Marie's mouth stretches into a smile, but you can see the distress in her eyes. You've seen soldiers with the same pupils before battle. This was the same emotion that gripped them all. Terror, and the fear of death.
Louis-Charles Capet. The boy is… you can barely see the boy as he hides behind his sister, clutching the hem of her skirt and barely showing his face. His hair is as red as hers, but darker, as if it has not been washed in a considerable amount of time. What little you saw of his eyes contained the same desperation as those of his sibling.
"Both of those royals are as useless as cripples, let me tell you. Nay, less than useless; at least cripples can still work hard in honest jobs. All these two want to do is pray to their god." Antonie stated, pulling out a pipe and placing it into his mouth.
"They both just lost their parents." You said quietly, feeling both anger and confusion in your veins. "Give them time." Why would someone treat another so young like this?
"I don't have time!" Antonie replied, exasperated. "I was tasked with turning them into model citizens of France, and all I get in return is two brats who cannot even follow the simplest of instructions. I feed them, I clothe them, I even let them go to church on Sunday… but they do nothing else. Little leeches that they are… just like their parents." He glowers at the two before turning in your direction more mildly.
While you hold no love for the late Louis Capet nor for his wife, what you are seeing here is… abhorrent. This is the man whom the Assembly and Girondins chose to teach these children the joys and wonders of the Republic? How to be good citizens? From a man such as this? The very thought sickens you, and makes you question what led to this.
They would learn to hate, not love. To destroy, not build. Rather than integrate, they would be ostracized, and in turn become what the nation tried to steer them away from...
You retain your composure, however, not showing an ounce of weakness or disgust. Even while a voice in your ear whispered to unload your weapon into the wretched being in before you, the pistol remained by your side.
Children are innocent!
They are not guilty of their father's crimes, nor their mother's! Their shame should have been taken with their titles!
"May I speak with the little ones… alone?" You request with a strained smile.
"General, I cannot see the point of-" Antonie says, furrowing his brows.
You turn conspicuously but purposefully to show off your armaments. "I insist. Monsieur Simon. Please wait outside, if you can… I want to speak to them. Alone."
The man nods, gulping as he just notices your sword. He and his wife both leave the room after a brief exchange of looks and nervous chuckles. Marie Capet sits on a chair, allowing her brother to sit on her lap. The boy continues to cling to his sister, barely even looking at you as he buries his head into his sister's shoulder.
"Hello." You start off, speaking softly to them, in as kind of a tone as you are able. "My name is Thérèse. Thérèse Auclair."
"We know who you are!" The girl says with a hushed tone but wide eyes. "The Heroine of Valmy, the Liberator of Mayence!" She said quietly. "You're all the Madame can speak about when her friends are here… you are a very... inspiring... figure to us."
She sounds pained saying those words, as if she rehearsed them to sound more believable.
"I appreciate the praise, but what do you think of me personally, Madame Royale?" You ask partly playfully, partly gauging her reactions, referencing her nickname.
The girl looked shocked as you touched a nerve. "I don't hate you... not for fighting for France… because you fight for... them." She nearly whispers the last few words, hugging her brother closer.
You nod, giving the two a bit of space as you reached for a seat across from them. "I can understand that. You probably have a low opinion of the Republic right now… for all they've done to you and your brother."
There was a pause. Marie said nothing for a moment. "They killed our father for treason. They murdered our mother because they said she... molested my brother and me!" She puts her hands on the table and makes a fist with each. "And they make us live here, in this destitute, squalor-ridden hell, with people who hate us, and see us as nothing more than worthless!"
You did not show any emotion as the girl vented, only allowing her to speak her mind. So much so that the ensuing silence is more unnerving than her tirade. It soon becomes too uncomfortable to bear for the both of you, and Marie looks up into you.
"They are hurting my brother." She finally says, as if she is lifting a great weight off her chest. "They are hurting my brother and I can't do anything to stop them."
Those words made you narrow your eyes. You looked at the boy. "Where have they hurt you?" You inquire politely, walking across the room to stand next to both of them.
They shy away silently as you crouch to level your vision of them both. "Where? Please…" You asked, quieter.
"She looks like Auntie." Louis says quietly, finally taking his face out of his sister's arms.
Not knowing whether to take it as a compliment or as a desperate, scared little boy recognizing someone who might save them, you smile faintly at him. "I'm not your aunt, Louis… just someone who wants to help you… and I can't help you if you don't want to be helped, so let's help each other, okay?"
The boy nodded, rolling up his sleeves and revealing several bruises on his arms. You gasp in horror as you see many of the spots on his body were purple and blue, likely fresh. The contrast in coloration makes your stomach turn.
Dread sets in as you vocalize the next question. "Has he done anything else to you?"
Marie looks to her brother with concern. There is fear in his face, as if thinking about anything is causing him great pain.
"He has…" He paused. "Touched me… I didn't want to be… but he did it anyways."
You and Marie both gasped in shock.
"Am I a bad boy, Marie?" He asked his sister.
"No. No, you are not." His sister replied, gripping him in her arms. "In fact, I'm relieved that you told me…"
You stood up with rage in your eyes. "I know you both have been through hell here, but I ask you to stay for just a few more days… hide yourselves in the church if need be, but whatever you do, do not breathe a word of what you have said to anyone… not until I return. Please, I need to resolve this, but it may take time." You ordered.
"But what about… wait, what?" Marie asks. "You are going to help us…? I thought you were a servant of the Republic."
"I am… that also means I am a servant to her citizens… no matter who they are." You hold back thoughts of violence against the cobbler. "… and I promise, I will be back."
Taking note of the brief moment of tranquility in this city you've had so far, you brace yourself to depart from the premises. After getting confirmation from the children, you leave out the back with a shout of "I must depart now, Monsieur, Madame! It is urgent state business!" All the while gritting your teeth, not wanting to face the filth that had stained the estate.
<>
Three days later, you arrive with a company of a hundred soldiers, holding a written order from the Girondins.
You had pled the children's case to them. After their disbelief and accusations of being a royalist, you told them exactly what Antonie said to your face, and that you were not surprised that a man so stupid and ignorant had nearly killed the boy.
All he was doing, you explained, was driving the boy and his sister to want revenge on the Republic. They would not be good citizens that continue to serve France, but would seek to kill harm those who had harmed them in return.
You told them that even they would question the custody situation if they had seen it with their own eyes. Something broke through to them, and here you are now, ready to dispense justice to those that truly deserved it.
"Antonie Simon. Marie-Jeanne Simon. By the authority of the Committee of Public Safety, you are under arrest." You stated as the two answered the door. "For the crimes of abusing, molesting, and exploiting a child." There is a sickening feeling of enjoyment inside you, seeing the man crumble both inside and out, his expression contorting in the light of revelation. "Get them out of my sight." You growled to your men as you walked away from the entrance.
Not long after the cobbler and his wife are led to the carts by your men, the two children shuffle out of the door, looking at you with awe and amazement as you kneel down to their height. "I kept my promise, children."
You aren't sure how to continue that sentence, and there is a long silence.
"What will happen to us now?" Marie asks, breaking the silence as Louis held her hand, standing at her side.
A sigh escapes your mouth as you take in the situation fully. "Unfortunately, you can't go to your aunt. She is currently being held in prison… but the Girondins have granted my request."
"What is that?" Marie asked.
"You shall both be under my guardianship."
The words cause them to turn from shock to joy, the first few smiles you had seen in them since you first met. In a way, they had been freed.
Escorting them away from the now-vacant house, you hope to never see such a place again.
Reward: You are now the guardian of Marie-Thérèse Charlotte Capet and Louis-Charles Capet. -1 wealth per payment period due to needing to pay for supplies to allow them to live comfortably. The Girondins are watching you with great interest and fear.
Louis needs all the love and care to nurture him from the scared little boy that he is currently.
-10 to Republican sentiment due to the vile actions, incompetence, and even the outright approval of Simon's guardianship with no screening. Monarchist sentiment set to -10.
New Actions Available.
<><><><>
13 Juin, 1793
Napoleon negotiated with you to see the Jacobin club's main headquarters after hearing of your presence in Paris. Apparently, he had been in correspondence with Brian, and you all came to a mutual agreement to have you more knowledgeable of the political scene of the nation.
The entire building was less of a headquarters and more of a noble's retreat, with all the finery fit for a wealthy merchant… or a king. Fancy portraits of landscapes, smokey mahogany tables, crisp glassware gleaming in the sun's light, and wine bottles placed next to neatly stacked books, all adorned the room which was larger than what you imagined.
The men here are finely dressed in colorful but muted suits and a wide array of hats, as befitting of members of the Assembly. Some look to you and then to Napoleon.
"What is the meaning of this Napoleon?" One of the members asks, his voice carrying a pinch of irritation. "We do not allow women in the club, I'm sure you know this, what with your own views on the matter."
"This woman is Thérèse Auclair, General in the Army of the Rhine." Napoleon states, his eyes shifting among the crowd now gravitating towards the new arrivals.
Eyebrows are raised as more men look up from their seats and break from their conversations.
"I thought she was… shorter than you, Napoleon?" Another voice pipes in, causing chuckles to ripple through the room. You recognized the new speaker as Georges Danton. "I'm sure you insinuated such a fact from your lengthy descriptions of her."
"What can I say; his vision lies more in military matters." You quip and watch as Napoleon squirms a little. He makes no effort to hide his embarrassment, opting for a glass of wine at a table.
"I… you would refuse a general of the Republic to enter our ranks?" Smoothly as the drink is being poured from the bottle, he deflects the situation perfectly away from himself.
"We know about rumors circulating around this lady, Bonaparte." Georges says, getting closer to Napoleon as he gestures at you with a smoky pipe. "No offense to the mademoiselle, but she has already gone behind the back of the Assembly, visiting the citizen Capet and his sister, subsequently taking them by force from the home that our government provided for them." He holds his free hand to his breast, whether genuinely or in mocking facsimile.
Your eyes narrow and growl at the man. "Have you seen the boy? Or his sister for that matter? Have any of you bothered to send a man to check on the boy or his sister?"
There is a tense silence. "We assumed that-" A member starts, but you cut him off with a fist to the wall.
"You assumed…" Gathering what discipline you have, you control your breathing. "Need I remind you all, that your assumptions are easily proven wrong?" A pregnant pause can be heard as all eyes are on you and Napoleon desperately tries to fill his cup again. "All of you assumed that our republic would be accepted by the other Europeans, same as you assumed that there would be no backlash from the execution of the late Capet and his wife! It's safe to say that those assumptions went with their heads, no?"
You pause and look around, waiting for a response. Napoleon had every excuse in being distant from this situation, being in Corsica and Toulon for the past few months, but you are focused on the men here, in Paris. These men had no excuse for their blatantly abhorrent decision-making.
Some coughs echo out, none knowing how to react to the woman currently firing a tirade in the club room. "How dare you all claim to be the representatives of the people, yet cannot provide for a boy? You focus on your grand strategy in the world of politics, but not on the people of France who are suffering! It matters not how many wars we win, nor how many kings and queens of Europe are dethroned, when the people would view us as nothing more than tyrants, no better than the one we replaced!"
"She is right." A voice from behind you rings out, as if continuing your sentence. You turn to face the man you had previously only heard about in letters: "Maximilien Robespierre. At your service." He bows slightly, his white hair and ruffled vest dipping slightly at you. "We have… unconsciously permitted such actions to transpire amongst the government for far too long." Napoleon takes this as his cue to walk over. "Mademoiselle – or would you prefer General Auclair?" He reaches for your hand and kisses it, social manners suddenly coming back into your mind. "I apologize if the other gentlemen here have not greeted you as… warmly as Monsieur Bonaparte and I have. France is dire need of heroes and leaders, and I cannot imagine why they would not see you as that deserving of the title, merely because of us being men and you a woman."
The Jacobins all seem to tense up as Robespierre takes up the space before you. "For too long, our brothers in the republic have not dealt with the needs of the common people. General Auclair is right, we are in need of the kind of mind that she has, and it would be an honor, if I may suggest, for her to join our organization."
This seems like a joke, with how the others were acting before he joined in. You look on Robespierre's face, but there is no discernible hint of malevolence in his eyes. "Unfortunately, I cannot. I am not ready to put myself into the political game, not when I know so little, and not when France still requires my services in other matters." You give a small curtsy, as awkward as it was in uniform. "I thank you for the offer nonetheless."
Robespierre winces, though the slight smile doesn't leave his face. "It is unfortunate to hear that, as our meetings are for members only. Napoleon, would you kindly escort the brave general out? I hope you understand, as we wouldn't dare trespass on a confidential generals' meeting..."
Napoleon deflates a little, reluctantly motioning for you to come with him. You both give firm nods to the others while walking out of the wide, oaken doors. "Therese." Napoleon's voice is soft.
"Yes?" You answer and ask while taking in the dimly lit, grey stone halls of the headquarters.
"I hope we can have a more… private conversation in the future, when the world is not… how to put it? Falling apart." He laughs a little, which you reciprocate, smiling.
"I wish for the same, Napoleon."
Reward: You are acquainted with the Jacobin club. Your words have caused musings within the others' and Robespierre's minds. Mostly Robespierre's.
You are now the object of Napoleon's affections, and potentially his obsession. He might want to meet with you when the situation in the Vendée simmers down.
<><><><>
23 Juin, 1793
A few weeks of rest and entertaining the children with stories of military life as well as trips around town carried some pressure and stares, but you tried to make the wait for orders from the Committee as non-monotonous as possible. The two were quite well-behaved, though you do wonder what kind of future you could help them towards...
Then again, before Napoleon left, he let slip the name of a friend of a friend who was instrumental to the recent downfall of the Girondins, claiming that just because you weren't on the "right side of history", didn't mean you couldn't get your message to the people in other ways. It is always a new maneuver with that man, whether it was him detailing his military or political ideas.
Marat is a man many accomplishments as a researcher and politician, noted by his papers on the study of light as well as the support for the more radical position in the Revolution. You can see that clearly from the volumes of books and written parchments stacked and strewn about the study. There's a more homely feel to the room as you get more used to the rash-covered face of the man in front of you.
By all accounts, his appearance was much more dignified than rumors would lead you to believe. With his masterpiece in toppling the grip the Girondins had on the Convention complete, he vented a great deal about "those pragmatic rats" as he stumbled around the room flinging papers around trying to find something that wasn't there.
Simonne, his wife, presented some tea for you to imbibe as she chided him, going off on "another rant". Hefting a large wooden bucket which you were told contained scented herbs for his condition, she left to the bathroom.
"I'll confide with you Thérèse, that this state will be the death of me, with their backstabbing and intrigue." Marat moved a hand to scratch his face, but held back at the last second. "I mean, those moderates had it coming. I support the fall of the crown, and they hold me as prisoner? I spent years in the sewers while they ate and drank from the teat of the monarchy. I fought for the people while those conniving bastards look for my downfall! Honestly, they are monarchist sympathizers, from my observations."
He gulps down a cup of tea before pouring himself another. You shift in your seat on the chair, sipping your cup and asking: "I've heard of your published works, and your newspaper, Le Journal de la République française, yes?"
"Just changed it a year ago, someone has to keep the truth out there." He glares at you, though with no ill intent, as he softens and turns to the window to your right. "To sacrifice a few for the benefit of many; is that not what we did with the royalty? Funny to think if the Griondin criminals are looking to use that same logic to hunt me down, wouldn't be surprised if any of them target a man as ugly and talented as me…"
You ask while he chugs down another cup, as though it would exfoliate him. "Would you be willing to, if possible, to include an article on the condition of the nation, and how we need to be united more than ever? The war is looking to become more intense in the coming months, and we will need all the support we can get."
"Short answer, yes." He breathes deeply. "Long answer, it's not going to have the same reach as your would imagine, with my publications limited to Paris and its environs. You're thinking of rallying the entire nation, when in reality the people in charge are still the ones running the nation, so you'd have better chance asking Robespierre or Danton, I'm sure you're acquainted with them, from what you've told me."
"Indeed." You furrow your brows. "So you'll write it, then? Even if it might not reach to everyone, Paris is still the center of our nation, and the information can spread quickly in this new age."
"I did just say that, didn't I? Don't doubt my skills; I did help topple an entire regime from the stinking gutters, so I know my way around garbage like the political side." He reaches for his desk and jots down something in a notebook. "Let me tell you, General… stay away from politicians. They only speak what you want to hear. Real power is when you have others at your mercy; everything else is just a farce that they put up until they get more powerful than you. A military person such as yourself would know about that better than me."
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." You begin getting up and patting your uniform down.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have a bath to take. My condition is just the most inconvenient issue right now…" He grabs a pile of books and writing utensils with him towards the bath, which his wife is just exiting.
"The bath's ready. I just wish you'd just relax in it for once, rather than stressing yourself out so much." Simonne says, chiding the man as he wobbles into the room with a small library in his arms. "Baths are supposed to be medicinal and helpful! …I love him, but some days I can't tell if he loves the republic more than me…"
"Je t'aime, ma chérie!" Murat's voice carries out from the bath.
She shakes her head. "That man…"
A curious look spread over your face, imagining how these two would live together. It isn't long before you excuse yourself and depart the flat to ruminate on this partial success. A young woman in a long white dress bumps into you just as you turn the corner on the bottom floor. Your brief exchange of apologies would had would have been nothing out of the ordinary if not for the fact that you noticed a solid, bumpy shape inside her dress when you collided.
"What is that, if I may ask?" You point towards your ribs, a misshapen corset being a possible reason for the now-noticeable look of slight pain she had on her face. "I understand corsets are still in vogue, but you seem to be in pain…"
Her eyes widen as she realizes who you are, and she takes your moment of surprise to turn and dash as quick as her legs could carry.
Fortunately, you were faster than her, and easily caught up within a minute of chasing, eventually cornering her in an alleyway. "Why are you running? I don't mean harm, but the way you're acting is a little suspicious, comrade!" You hold out a hand at the panting woman.
She turns to you, trying to catch her breath. "I… I didn't realize it was you! You were the one who helped the Girondins, no? The woman of the revolution, you…"
"I'm not sure what you've heard, but I do work for the government, as a general, but I believe the Girondins had experienced a defeat not long ago?" You raise an eyebrow at the suspicious nature of the woman who was likely not much older than you, currently clutching the sides of her abdomen.
"Just let me through, I don't mean any trouble, General, I'm just a citizen of Paris…" She holds a hand out, trying to avoid your form, but you block the streets from her, narrowing your eyes on the side of her dress that now is obviously hiding something.
You block her path as she continuously tries to get by while hunched over, but she eventually lets out a grunt as she slams into you and the two of you struggle on the ground. This must have been in desperation, as your meager military training allowed you to overpower and affix her hands behind her head, laying her face-down in the ground.
"I don't you to be hurt, so please explain yourself!" You try to keep your voice as quiet as possible while trying to sound both intimidating and comforting. "What are you hiding that you'd need to tackle an officer?"
"Arrest me if you want; I guess you're one of Marat's friends! I'll never tell you, you're just another puppet of those radicals! The public only knows the Girondins as being defeated politically, but you don't know the truth, do you? Do you truly think they'd keep the people's interests in mind when they take power? Do you…" She continues this ramble for a time, and you can gather enough that she may be a member of the Girondin's opposition, or a crazy lady.
"I don't know how to deal with this, to be honest. I'm going to take you to the authorities, but I'll make sure you're not hurt, so please cooperate." You lift her up and guide her through the streets to the nearest constabulary, her energy spent.
<>
After a lengthy questioning session, the woman is known to be Charlotte Corday, and she planned an interview with Marat, covering her true motives of murder, indicated by the knife she hid within her corset.
"You would make a good detective, General Auclair." The chief says to you, a face of frustration giving way to some relief. "With how young you are, your talents will take you far! We'll take care of this one here, these troublemakers are everywhere nowadays with the whole ruckus those politicians are making."
Reward: Marat will publish a story detailing the victory and struggle of a hero figure in the revolution to stir as many people as possible together against the invading armies of Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, etc.
Charlotte Corday, Marat's potential assassin, has been apprehended by your sharp eye, but not without causing more tension in the city as is, with things heating up everywhere…
<><><>
It's a new day, as you walk the streets of Paris with both apprehension and anticipation. The letter arrived just a few days ago, with the seal of the Committee and the clear writing of Robespierre himself on the envelope. Brian had gone with Napoleon a few weeks ago to quell the rebellion, God bless them, and there were reports of enemies closing in from the north, south-east, and west. You've sent messages to your officers to meet up with you soon with the unit. All your own and the young Capets' needs are met for the foreseeable future.
Still, you have no idea if bringing the two along is a good idea, but it seems fate has plans for you, as the letter affirmed your reassignment to…
(Pick ONE)
[] The Vendée, with Brian and Napoleon: The Committee needs more commanding presence. With the Rhine secured and Jourdan's recruits fully trained, your army will be sent to the Vendée.
[] The Netherlands: The direst need is in the North, you will join the Army of the North, fighting back against the Austrian and Prussians to restore the republicans in the United Provinces.
[] Italy: There have been scouts reporting of Austrian armies marching through the lands of Sardinia-Piedmont, poised to attack southern France through the Alps. An army has been hastily assembled to head off the invasion, but they are little better than militias. You have been tasked to train the army, and turn it into a force to be reckoned with. Thankfully, with navel support, the Austrian army is severely hampered in terms of supplies and reinforcements, relying on overland routes and passes between the chilling peaks of the Alps.
[] Egypt: The British have vested interests in Ottoman lands, and there are several strategic advantages with starting another front in the far-flung outposts of the world. If the show of strength is great enough, maybe the Ottomans will be more willing to join our cause against their rivals.
Notifying your unit is of importance, as taking too many will hamper French efforts near the Rhine, and taking too few troops will be ineffective in whichever front you go. You can't expect others to provide all the support, after all.
What troops did you order to bring with you?
(Choose the combination of troops for all three categories)
[] Infantry: Write-in amount, and special units (rifles) if applicable.
[] Cavalry: Write-in amount, and special units (dragoons) if applicable.
[] Artillery: Write-in amount
Plan votes, ~14 hour moratorium! Hold yer votes until 10am EST!
A/N: Yes, you have two kids to take care of, please be nice. Not going into too much detail on stuff on the abuse of Louis, so don't ask, I'm not comfortable with writing that.
Thanks to @Magoose for most of the update, I just did some editor stuff.
Welcome to Qua`rter 3 of 1793! More soldiers are on their way, if you know what I mean.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
I'm just glad it is over.
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
Ham On? Macr On? Both are not pens.
Coincidence? I think not!
Not really analogous to modern stuff that I know of, though keep modern politics in N&P, as I'm sure that's where it belongs.
This comment didn't age well
Mostly Grand Strategy if he's gonna be going into the campaign as a whole. GS mostly applies to macro scenarios, basically auto-resolve, if you're familiar with the Total War series.
Military and Command apply to individual battles, as we see in the Battle of Mainz.
Yeah sure why not, rerolls are basically plot armor anyways.
Sure, dice willing. Josephine is still together with de Beauharnais, so Napoleon hasn't met her, and Laurens therefore has a chance with the Corporal in this timeline.
- Location
- Somewhere
Oh, and a thought on the Jacobins dressing up like fancy idiots, or dandies in this case, I've actually read that it was the at the time's version of crossdressing or going around in goth clothing, esentially it was a radical thing at the time, and was them giving society the middle finger and saying, "Fuck you, we dress how we want."
Kicker
A perfectionist with an inferiority complex.
- Location
- Malaysia
Whew. Glad they're safe now. Regarding the reassignment, I'd choose either Italy or Netherlands. I'm leaning towards Italy. The Vendee has Napoleon so it's in competent hands while the North has our two general friends. And this is really not the time for Egypt. I don't know who's in charge of Italy so that has me concerned.
If we could pressure the Austrians in Italy, they would be more focused there instead of in Netherlands similiar to OTL.
If we could pressure the Austrians in Italy, they would be more focused there instead of in Netherlands similiar to OTL.
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Mother Nyx
Mother of Elpis
- Location
- The Kei Klub
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Ugh. I mean, Marat is a monster that needs to be stopped at all costs, but, I suppose saving him prevents him from becoming a martyr.
- Location
- Midwest
Let's go to egypt friends.
- Location
- Somewhere
Seems a bit simplistic, he was, like Robespierre, a flawed man. He was a radical of the truest kind, but was honest about his love of the Republic and its ideals, he had great empathy for the opressed and downtrodden, and of lots of things you can say against him, he wasn't corrupt. But he was also somewhat selectively empathetic, he loved the common people a lot, but despised anyone that wasn't those, he called for 500 aristocratic heads, and there is definite truth that his calls for violence against the nobles at the beginning of the revolution legitimized violence and had responsibility for the French government collapsing into a mess of violence and paranoia.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Oh boy... This is going to be a painful thing to say... but I think he along with Georges Danton were the only people who could save the republic from the Terror. But only if they follow a certain path, and act quickly at this moment.
I mean, with him alive, he may still be a radical... but he ain't a martyr for Robespierre to use to start executing tens of thousands of people.
We are at a crossroads within the history of France and the Republic... where Great men, can rise and fall, and the will of a single man, can, in fact, change the world.
Now who that man is, and what he does with that power in those single moments... that will remain to be seen.
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- Location
- Somewhere
I think its a bit inaccurate to say that it was directly Robespierre's fault for starting the Terror, there was actually significant support for it, and Robespierre was just one of the 12 members of the Committee of Public Safety, the loudest one, sure, but its a lie to say he was a dictator.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Then I shall reiterate my statement:
Marat is still alive, and therefore, the Terror can "Potentially" be prevented.
Not by us of course, oh no, we're just fighting to stay alive right now and defeat the enemies of France
The ball is not in our court... its In Danton's, The Gridirons and other assemblymen, along with Marat himself.
- Location
- New York
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I think we should try to raise and immerse the kids in the military. They're very young yes, but that's not so uncommon at the time. They could be kept in the back, given initial light duties and be trained as officers in time.
I think keeping them among the men, buoyed by fighting for France against her many enemies, would do much to ingratiate themselves. There's a lot to be said for camaraderie.
I think Napoleon can handle the Vendee, but I'm not sure where our defensive talents are best applied. Does anyone know which events were most crucial?
I think keeping them among the men, buoyed by fighting for France against her many enemies, would do much to ingratiate themselves. There's a lot to be said for camaraderie.
I think Napoleon can handle the Vendee, but I'm not sure where our defensive talents are best applied. Does anyone know which events were most crucial?
We don't need to go where Napoleon is he should have the area on lock especially with how much the dice love him. The Netherlands also seems kind of redundant but someone with more knowledge might disagree. Don't think we should touch Egypt at all. I'm leaning towards Italy but would like some clarification.
Would we be the chief commander down there? How critical are our approximately 22,000 to the army of the Rhine?
Would we be the chief commander down there? How critical are our approximately 22,000 to the army of the Rhine?
- Location
- Somewhere
With how angry Therese is at the government for harming the children, I think this might be an indication that if Napoleon decides to coup the government, Therese is gonna be with him on that end, but I think she's just disgusted with the current leaders, not hating the Republic, so I think she'd be fine with Napoleon declaring himself First Consul, but would definetly not be fine with him declaring himself Emperor.
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
Thanks! That's the vibe we're going for, with their fancy hats and all.
Just a note that the Girondins are ousted out of power from the Convention by the Montagnards (opposition to the Girondins), after the Insurrection of May 31, so the government is mostly held by more radical minds currently, and Marat is being ghosted by the Montagnards, with his purpose to the party fulfilled (he's technically not a member either). Snake-like politicians, no wonder the man hates them.
To be honest, they're all perceived as big threats, and history's starting to shift a bit with the butterflies (the events are being moved up in advance due to the changing political climate) being in effect.
You're talking mad shit for someone within rolling distance.
Technically not, since Kellermann is in charge of most of the forces, but in actuality you'll be the de facto chief in Italy and Egypt due to being the highest ranking member not being chased by Germans. I'll prepare a separate reasoning and objective for each target.
Your forces will be the spearhead into Egypt before any reinforcements, while sizeable militias will join you in Italy. Of course, you'll be glad to know that there are rumors of a conscription law being passed around to boost wartime efforts...
Egypt: The fertile lands of the Nile are known to some as the Breadbasket of the Mediterranean, and controlling such a vast territory has been a troublesome issue for the weakened Ottoman Empire, currently under threat from a coup by Janissaries who are attempting to seize power. Our allies in the Ottoman Empire may be convinced to join our efforts if a person of talent and ambition can wrestle the historically rebellious region into Turkish hands, the Empire would be in our debt. This can help open another front with the Coalition, not to mention eliminating a potential rival. It pains us to consider a deal with an absolutist state, but times of desperation and allies of convenience exist for a reason.
The other regions mainly have the objective of "Fight those monarchists and push them back to their borders." Further pushing into their territory will come to your own discretion, but they must not be allowed on French soil!
- Location
- Somewhere
Think Austria is a good choice, I think that Massena is still gonna be assigned to Italy, and he's one of the greatest military minds around, so Italy should be safe in his hands, Egypt seems like a bad idea, too far from home, plus we probably aren't gonna be too willing to help out the Turks, and the Vendee has Napoleon, so I think the Netherlands is a good chance for us to make an impact, its the most vulnerable spot we have.
Are we actually allied with the Ottomans or is this like Napoleon's campaign?
If France could finagle the rights to build and manage an early Suez Canal, that would be pretty sweet.
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
This is like doing Napoleon's thing before he does, but with the prompt of the Committee doing their politicking. It's a crapshoot, but due to the British navy being busy in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean is open and provides an opportunity.
Ok, so more like "helping" an "ally" to "regain control" of a "rebellious area."
Honestly, I like this option. We get to rack up achievements and annoy the British while staying a safe distance from the knife fighting in the capital. Traveling to Egypt also seems like a good way to keep the kids not-murdered.
And, who knows, enough crits and we can hook up with France's allies in India and really cause a ruckus.
- Location
- Somewhere
I'm thinking of writing an omake of Therese and Laurens meeting for the first time, thinking either in the Netherlands or Italy, anyone loan some ideas?