4.3 - The Scars of War; les Cicatrices de la Guerre
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
[] Plan Random
-[] 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.
-[] Infantry: 13,500 Infantry + 2,000 Riflemen
-[] Cavalry: 750 Lancers + 750 Dragoons
-[] Artillery: 2,250 Artillerymen/40 Cannons
-[] 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.
-[] Infantry: 13,500 Infantry + 2,000 Riflemen
-[] Cavalry: 750 Lancers + 750 Dragoons
-[] Artillery: 2,250 Artillerymen/40 Cannons
27 Juin, 1793
The letter couldn't have arrived sooner. You were getting antsy simply waiting in Paris with your new responsibility weighing over your head each day. Thankfully, M. Roche seemed to not mind the stay of two orphaned children, and even offered much help in supplying accommodations and food for them. He did express concern about the safety issues that a military figure might bring about this family you have seemingly adopted, as you have no stable location yet. Something else to keep in that brilliant head of yours, of course.
Saint-Just. A man of action indeed. Short letter, to the point. Meet in Amiens. You promptly had a messenger send your own orders to gather a majority of your forces near Metz to the meeting location at the Somme river, along with your officers. This would be, as the departing words of Napoleon described, "a time to test the mettle of both a nation and its people."
You've only heard an overview of Saint-Just, along with some hearsay about his prowess, but nothing substantial. You ponder the possible views he may have of you as Louis-Charles and Charlotte climb into the hooded cart alongside bundles of what supplies you decided to bring.
"Where are we going?" Charlotte asks while watching her brother listlessly swinging his legs off the back of the cart.
You tut and shoo them further into the middle. "Legs inside the cart. Charlotte, we are going to Amiens, the city on the Somme... it might be..." You hesitate and think about what to say, and why you're hesitating. "...dangerous. Like an adventure!"
Louis shrinks a little as he hears of the danger, leaning against his sister, whose eyes are wide with fright and enthusiasm. "I'm sure it's like those stories of knights Auntie used to tell us, Louis." Charlotte says. "Right, Thérèse?"
You're not quite used to these children calling you that just yet, though it has been enough time for it to not be jarring. "Yes. But I'll just warn you that it might be more boring than you would expect! The army's most important goal is keeping the men healthy, so lots of moving food and supplies around. Obviously, I'll have to keep you both away from the fighting..." You lecture them a little about how the military is like, so as not to get their hopes up of doing anything reckless. "... and there's Severin. He orders all the food and clothes around the army."
"Did he ever have to fight anyone?" Louis asks in a curious but cautious tone.
"Oh, he did." The whinny of your steed shakes some nearby birds into flight as you climb atop him. "I'll save that story for when we get onto the road. The people need us to protect them, after all."
<><>
"Woah, he did WHAT?!" Charlotte cries in excitement as you described what you were told of Severin's countercharge against Brunswick himself.
"Yep! He saw the bridge, thought of the people across, the people he knew and loved, and in that moment, burned with passion. He let out a cry, 'Ils ne passe pas!'" You punch the sky, to which your steed marks a snort before going back to chew on the grass. "Then turned around! He had his cannons blow up the bridge, and made a rousing yet short speech to remind everyone of what they were fighting for."
"He must be really brave..." Louis looks up from his evening meal, alternating his gaze between you and the small fire.
It's been a while since you've told a story. In fact, the last time you remember was when you told Brian how you stubbed your toe while he was out at work. Always good to train a skill, even if it doesn't have immediate benefits, you remind yourself.
"Of course!" You pick up your flask. "He led from the front, valiantly charging into enemy lines, swinging his sword after shooting and breaking his bayonet! The enemy heard his and his men's ferocious battlecries, and scattered, leaving the city safe and the battle won."
It was a good thing you weren't in any place in particular as you acted out some movements while embellishing Severin's charge. Charlotte seems fairly interested, and Louis finally looked up at you, before turning back down.
He seemed more relaxed, though you could still see a hint of sadness in the boy's face. "That was that. I… don't worry, Louis." You walk over and get down on one knee, petting the boy's head as he looks at you blankly. "We'll teach you all about defending yourselves. You'll probably be better than I am, since I don't train that much!"
<><><>
Over the next one and a half days, you make your way along the old road, cutting a path through the wooded areas and winding with a certain mounting feeling of apprehension for the upcoming meeting in the capital of the Somme department.
With each village you go through, men are curiously absent, women and children being the main people you encountered, excluding old men.
"A conscription", they told you. Everyone was expected to play their part in this conflict. Perhaps the sight of your own wards led them to feel a sense of connection and perspective.
Perhaps it was the maws of war claiming yet more lives in this bloody campaign for the survival of liberty.
Perhaps it was just the wind, billowing through the air, carrying a waft of the leaves near the Somme River, twisting graciously around the military camp set up haphazardly around Amiens.
"There it is. It's quite late; I hope... oh, that might be..." You speak into the empty air while the two children behind you silently snored. A dim light galloped towards you, meeting you halfway to the city in the oddly chilly autumn night.
"Halt! Identify yourself!" A gruff voice calls out less than a hundred yards away.
"General Thérèse, Army of the North. General Saint-Just invited me and my men to the city to conduct a meeting." You wave an oil lamp to illuminate yourself and the surroundings.
The man's voice seemed a bit amused as you felt him measuring you up and down. "Alright, the General is waiting for you..." He peeks left and right with a squint. "…but I don't see the rest of your men?"
"They are on their way from Metz. I came from Paris as soon as I received the good general's letter." You make your way closer, and see his eyes widen as he sees the two figures in the cart.
"Children, Générale? You brought children to a military operation?" He shakes his head. "I guess the higher-ups really meant it when they said 'everyone' needs to contribute to the war... that's the Generals' problem, anyways. Not mine. Welcome to Amiens."
<>
Through the rest of the night, you led the Capets to your assigned quarters to rest. There were obviously no children's quarters in the camp, but you weren't going to let them out of your sight. As hurriedly as you arrived, you quickly lost consciousness as the weariness of the past few days' travel washed over you...
The second day found you groggily arching your back as you awoke on a bench, letting the early morning sun bounce off your pantaloons. Finding the two children soundly asleep on the simple bedframe, you make way to wash up and get ready for the day.
<>
Saint-Just, a man of action indeed. He had the central tent made into a war room, complete with maps, large tables, and numerous instruments which you salivated at the thought of obtaining. Each section of Picardy was divided into fronts, with markings on each map indicating locations of troop placement and where the enemy would attack. The General had obviously done his research.
Three other men are inside the tent as you enter. You see the familiar but partially bandaged face of Dumouriez, whose eye looks terribly tired, but functional.
Kellermann's attitude is undeniable, with that scrunched-up face resembling a bulldog fading as he turns from the table to the newcomer.
Lastly, Saint-Just himself. A lot shorter than you expected, but that wouldn't be the first time you were confused about others' height. He's smiling briefly as he sees you, with that... boyish looking face. You're certain he's older than you by half a decade, but it seemed youth had not yet left him.
"Salut, Auclair! We were just discussing the reassignment of troops, and bidding farewell to General Kellermann for the foreseeable future." Saint-Just is calm as he speaks with his hand waving toward the maps before him. "Please, join us. This could be the largest defense we have performed."
"...that you have performed, you mean." Dumouriez, understandably, says dismissively. "Weeks of locating my men, being chased like a dog through the woods and all I have to show for it is a blind eye..."
His bandages are not new, either. This must be a new set, either for extra treatment or for covering it up. Or both.
Kellermann pats his comrade on the back. "Charles. You have been through much. Just a little longer, and this will all be over. Come, Thérèse. I am to head back to the southeast, as the Austrians have gathered another army to strike at us across the Alps. Hopefully this conscription will be of use to us to hold them off."
"A little longer… right." Dumouriez, much more irritated than you remember, points to a map of the eastern Hauts-de-France region, close to Burgundy. "Anyways. Splitting the army is a dangerous and frankly stupid idea, but it is the only way we're going to catch the Coalition from crossing the river without obstruction. We've discussed holding this area as well as the city of Reims. If that falls, I'll consider my career forfeit."
"That is where our forces come in." Saint-Just adds in. "A large portion of the forces will be going with Dumouriez to the east, since your troops are coming in as a reinforcement, from what I understand, Thérèse?"
You nod. "Just under twenty thousand. They should be here within four days if my message got to them as quickly as I intended."
"That's a lot of conditions." Dumouriez mutters. "The Austrians are coming from the east but have slowed down due to raiding from militia. The Prussians were reported to be crippled in their leadership, but I wouldn't count on that since their primary General is still alive somehow…"
Oops.
"We have approximately one week to prepare until the enemy comes for us, so we best be ready." Saint-Just says, getting back on topic. "If your forces can arrive within the time you say, Thérèse, then we should be ready with a prepared garrison and some fortifications. If they are late, then a siege is inevitable."
You point to the map of the surrounding countryside and river. "A line of fortifications along the riverside should be appropriate. I've some experience in making defenses to ward off enemy advances along rivers thanks to my officers."
Dumouriez trails a fat, scarred finger along a road leading north beyond the river. "A well-placed ambush and raiding party can cut off their supplies. Scouts report troubles plaguing the Austrian army, so that would be one way to kill any chance of a siege." He rolls up another map of the area around Reims. "Of course, that's completely up to the ones who stay here. I wish you luck, and hope you don't end up like me."
You all bid farewells to the man exiting the tent, though whether it registered with him was not evident.
Kellermann takes a timepiece out of his coat. "I must be going as well, friends. The journey to the Alps will be of great importance, though likely not more than the operation you are in charge of. I wish I could be of assistance, but there will be no doubt reinforcements arriving in addition to yours, Thérèse. We all have to play our parts, after all."
He gives a short salute before exiting.
"So, the two of us, in charge of the defense here?" You question, remembering the rest of the North. "What of General Jourdan? I remember he was further northwest of us last I was in Mayence."
Saint-Just begins rolling some unrelated maps. "Us and the thousands of men sworn to protect the republic, of course. I'll be honest, I'm not a career soldier, and am more at home drafting constitutions, but when liberty calls, then there must be no hesitation." He looks into your eyes with expectant intent. "You are a hero to the people, Thérèse. The troops will fight with more vigor if they know what they are fighting for, and who to look up to. We must be exemplars of the ideals of the Revolution, I trust you will be up to the task?"
You feel a little strange being asked this. "Certainly. We are all putting our lives on the line to protect the republic, after all. I just wish that we could have more time…" You help with packing the maps. "I'd better get started with the city fortifications before the enemy reaches us."
"One more thing, general." You pause as he does. "What of the children that you have brought to the camp? I am not one to pry into personal affairs, but I can arrange guards and better accommodations for them if you require."
Oops. "They are…"
How much to tell Saint-Just of the children?
[] Tell him everything.
[] Tell him about their abusive past and adoption, but don't let him know of their identities.
[] Tell him a lie.
[] Write-in.
"I'm glad you told me. Either way, my offer stands. I have direct communications with the Committee, so if you need to request any extra supplies or related items, then do not hesitate to do so. It's harder to get men, due to the reorganization and new conscription laws, but supplies are relatively easy to procure." He puts out a hand for you to shake.
You accept it, of course. "Thank you, I look forward to working with you."
<><>
Event Rolls
Army of the North, GO! Roll d100: 6
Army of the North, DELAY! Roll d3: 2
Josias and William, SIEGE! Roll d100: 11
Over the next few days, you ponder why your army has not arrived on time, and a letter reveals that it is due to maintenance issues, and a large German army is coming from the north, according to scouts. Thankfully, a letter from Chamans reads of his progress, and your forces will arrive to relieve the city within two days.
In addition, the joint Austrian-Dutch army, emboldened by the apparent weakness of the city, lost half of their supplies in raids over the time it took for them to get to the river.
Ally Forces: 30,000 men garrison, 100 cannons. 20,000 incoming from Metz.
Enemy: 50,000 Angry Austrians, led by Prince Josias of Saxe-Coburg-Saafield and 10,000 Determined Dutch, led by William of Orange.
Enemy suffering from Low Supplies, decreasing their ability to siege for protracted periods.
A general map of the surrounding lands has been charted in your time here with help from the existing sources...
What course of action do you take?
[] Attack: It is time to be bold, and even as you are outnumbered, you can see gaps in their lines where cavalry and a few good artillery shots can ravage their supplies and cohesion. (You will take part in a risky attack on key supplies and equipment of the enemy army, which if lost, will lead to the dissolving of the enemy army as an effective fighting force.)
Main skill(s): Cavalry Command, Artillery Command
Rewards: Loss in enemy supplies (in addition to already dwindling supplies), alongside light enemy casualties.
Risks: Personal risk; risks part of the garrison to sortie.
[] Delay: The military has another 20,000 newly-conscripted men marching towards your position, meaning you have a greater fighting chance if you hold on a little longer, or if he decides to reinforce after setting up in Reims to the east. (You will be part of a protracted defensive battle to wait for reinforcements from the rest of the Army of the North. While you fight, other lost contingents of the North may join you alongside conscripts.)
Main skill(s): Command, Engineering, Logistics
Rewards: Influx of men due to defensive stance, in addition to conscripts; defensive stance.
Risks: Siege begins; chance each day for enemy siege progress.
[] Retreat: You are in an unfeasible position of defense, on even ground, with no hill for your artillery... and the river on both sides, funneling the enemy towards you. You need to get out of here or risk being trapped. (You will retreat to a more defensible position, on the ground of your choosing, but you also abandon the river and the city.)
Main skill(s): Command, Logistics
Rewards: Safe for you and your own; can gain bonus in combat due to terrain advantages later; no siege.
Risks: Lose city and position on the river.
[] There is Another: In a spark of genius, you've devised a plan to resolve this tricky situation, and Saint-Just is completely on board. You will… (Write in, subject to QM approval)
Main skill(s): ???
Rewards: ???
Risks: ???
The children, of course, need something to do in the meantime. What will you do?
[] Keep them in the camp with a few trusted guards: You need to be on the front and there is no time to dawdle when it comes to the safety of the nation, and by extension, its people.
[] Keep them with you as you conduct business: A little risky, but no more risk than the ones you take each day (and you're perfectly fine!), and there might be a risk to leaving them in the camp either way.
12 hour moratorium!
Plan voting!
[] planName
-[] Reponse to Saint-Just
-[] Battle stance
-[] Children stance
A/N: Sorry for the horrendous delay! Hope the weekend is treating everyone well! I trust y'all who celebrate Thanksgiving had a good holiday.
No DC for actions because these are opposing dice rolls against the enemy. This will be an interesting fight.
Hope y'all enjoy, I put some more fluff as well. Let me know if you got any suggestions!
