I prefer upgrading stats/skills twice since it seems very hard to get them otherwise. We've fought in two battles now, and have yet to get an actual stat increase unless I'm confused. We have gotten traits though but they don't bump stats/skills just give modifiers to certain rolls.
-
Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
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
Rally to the Banner (AvidFicReader)
- Location
- Hawaii
Rally to the Banner
All told, Severin was glad to be back in Metz. After the brisk march to Amiens to reinforce the garrison against the Austrian and Dutch armies streaming in from the Netherlands, the regular pace of the return trip was downright placid. Especially after that episode with La Generale. La Petit Arpentuse was a solid defensive commander, and her stubbornness stood her well in that role. It did make a headache for her subordinates when trying to ensure her rest and recovery! She was worse about it than his own little one, given her sense of responsibility. That and trying to rush back to Metz merely aggravated her wounds. Hadn't she learned, an army returning from battle victorious had the luxury of time. Time to restock, tend to the wounded, bury the fallen. A victorious army had no need for haste, with the exception of an army headed once more to battle. A truly victorious army need not leave anyone behind as they returned home. He could somewhat understand her feelings, however, what with that Parisian commissioner flapping about like a vulture. Severin's collar always started to itch whenever that commissioner looked his way, and it would stop when Saint-Just would pin another with his stare. Eugh, politics.
From what Severin understood of the grand picture, the Republic had called up enough conscripts to plug the gaps in the northern front, with fresh corpses, if need be. Severin was skeptical of the idea of conscription. He could see the necessity, and quantity had quality of its own, but there was a certain elan that you could find in volunteers that conscripts typically lacked. Between a farmhand who enlisted and a farmhand plucked from the field, the enlistee would always be more motivated. Driven to learn skills, and more diligent in drill and on the march. Whatever their reason, they wanted something strongly enough that they went out of their way to give years of their life in-service to king and country. Well, best not to say that part aloud, but that drive made for better soldiers, in Severin's experience. This was why Severin was taking an unusual interest in the riders and messangers going out. While they were under Chamans' direct authority, Severin's de facto authority despite his rank had the riders snapping to attention at his approach.
"At ease men, just checking on the progress of your mission. Any sign?"
"Not yet, Capitan, the first group has yet to report in. They're scheduled to arrive within the half hour."
"Good, good, I'll be sure to be present for their return. Any activity on the far bank?"
"No, sir, just the occasional woodsman or hunter who leaves when challenged."
"Good to hear. Normally I'd leave it to Chamans to run perimeter security, but he's been much busier with La Generale recuperating. I'll see to it the Chasseurs establish some watch posts in the trees and on the surrounding hills. Maybe make use of those helioliths that arrived with La Generale. That sound good to you?"
"Aye, that'd be a great help sir. If we can free up more riders, we can range further, maybe pick up more units that would have been beyond our reach."
"Right, you lads, when you run into any of those scattered splinters of broken regiments, they'll be tired and downtrodden. They're what's left of the armies that got chewed up and spit out in the Netherlands. They lost and they know it. Don't ask, and no need to rub it in. But feel free to remind them that they've seen battle and lived. That's no mean feat. Even men who turned coward and ran, especially those men, will feel shame. If they've any moral fiber left in them, it'll be burning them up inside. So tell them that L'armee du Rhin is looking for volunteers. Men who are willing to fight, to defend their homes and loved ones, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their brothers-in-arms. The bonds of blood we shed on the battlefield are thicker than the water of the womb. The ones that want absolution and redemption will join up right away. Those who've seen enough of death and war won't have the will to fight. Just gently remind them that all who come to us are expected to serve, in some capacity. Whether that be in the battle line, the supply train, or the artillery, we'll find a place for them. If they want it enough, they'll follow us to the ends of the Earth."
"Er, have you been reading poetry again, Capitan?"
"And what if I have, Corporal? I've been trying to come up with some songs about the Battle at Mainz, and now Amiens, since SOMEONE hasn't be writing new songs, isn't that right, de Lisle!"
"Oh shut your face, Severin, we're all busy! Don't you have some soldats to teach how to roll in the mud, or something?"
As the two staff officers get into another silly argument, one of the riders quietly asks the Corporal a question.
"Er, Corporal, should we do something?"
"You must be new, Private. They're always doing this. It's just a bit worse than usual with La Generale out of action."
All told, Severin was glad to be back in Metz. After the brisk march to Amiens to reinforce the garrison against the Austrian and Dutch armies streaming in from the Netherlands, the regular pace of the return trip was downright placid. Especially after that episode with La Generale. La Petit Arpentuse was a solid defensive commander, and her stubbornness stood her well in that role. It did make a headache for her subordinates when trying to ensure her rest and recovery! She was worse about it than his own little one, given her sense of responsibility. That and trying to rush back to Metz merely aggravated her wounds. Hadn't she learned, an army returning from battle victorious had the luxury of time. Time to restock, tend to the wounded, bury the fallen. A victorious army had no need for haste, with the exception of an army headed once more to battle. A truly victorious army need not leave anyone behind as they returned home. He could somewhat understand her feelings, however, what with that Parisian commissioner flapping about like a vulture. Severin's collar always started to itch whenever that commissioner looked his way, and it would stop when Saint-Just would pin another with his stare. Eugh, politics.
From what Severin understood of the grand picture, the Republic had called up enough conscripts to plug the gaps in the northern front, with fresh corpses, if need be. Severin was skeptical of the idea of conscription. He could see the necessity, and quantity had quality of its own, but there was a certain elan that you could find in volunteers that conscripts typically lacked. Between a farmhand who enlisted and a farmhand plucked from the field, the enlistee would always be more motivated. Driven to learn skills, and more diligent in drill and on the march. Whatever their reason, they wanted something strongly enough that they went out of their way to give years of their life in-service to king and country. Well, best not to say that part aloud, but that drive made for better soldiers, in Severin's experience. This was why Severin was taking an unusual interest in the riders and messangers going out. While they were under Chamans' direct authority, Severin's de facto authority despite his rank had the riders snapping to attention at his approach.
"At ease men, just checking on the progress of your mission. Any sign?"
"Not yet, Capitan, the first group has yet to report in. They're scheduled to arrive within the half hour."
"Good, good, I'll be sure to be present for their return. Any activity on the far bank?"
"No, sir, just the occasional woodsman or hunter who leaves when challenged."
"Good to hear. Normally I'd leave it to Chamans to run perimeter security, but he's been much busier with La Generale recuperating. I'll see to it the Chasseurs establish some watch posts in the trees and on the surrounding hills. Maybe make use of those helioliths that arrived with La Generale. That sound good to you?"
"Aye, that'd be a great help sir. If we can free up more riders, we can range further, maybe pick up more units that would have been beyond our reach."
"Right, you lads, when you run into any of those scattered splinters of broken regiments, they'll be tired and downtrodden. They're what's left of the armies that got chewed up and spit out in the Netherlands. They lost and they know it. Don't ask, and no need to rub it in. But feel free to remind them that they've seen battle and lived. That's no mean feat. Even men who turned coward and ran, especially those men, will feel shame. If they've any moral fiber left in them, it'll be burning them up inside. So tell them that L'armee du Rhin is looking for volunteers. Men who are willing to fight, to defend their homes and loved ones, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their brothers-in-arms. The bonds of blood we shed on the battlefield are thicker than the water of the womb. The ones that want absolution and redemption will join up right away. Those who've seen enough of death and war won't have the will to fight. Just gently remind them that all who come to us are expected to serve, in some capacity. Whether that be in the battle line, the supply train, or the artillery, we'll find a place for them. If they want it enough, they'll follow us to the ends of the Earth."
"Er, have you been reading poetry again, Capitan?"
"And what if I have, Corporal? I've been trying to come up with some songs about the Battle at Mainz, and now Amiens, since SOMEONE hasn't be writing new songs, isn't that right, de Lisle!"
"Oh shut your face, Severin, we're all busy! Don't you have some soldats to teach how to roll in the mud, or something?"
As the two staff officers get into another silly argument, one of the riders quietly asks the Corporal a question.
"Er, Corporal, should we do something?"
"You must be new, Private. They're always doing this. It's just a bit worse than usual with La Generale out of action."
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
I can answer, and yes you can.
You have gained traits, which, while not a direct stat increase, helps you immensely.
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Rest & Recruitment
-[X] (Use Army Wealth) Levee en Masse: The Government has just passed a law stating that generals of the French Army can and are encouraged to conscript soldiers for the purposes of defending France. You are in prime position to make use of that call to bolster your own forces. All French are citizens of the Republic, and thus all have a duty to defend it. Costs 5 Wealth. DC: 25.
-[X] (Use Army Wealth) Render Unto Auclair: Reports flow in of scattered units within your patrol region, units with lower-ranked officers in charge, answering to authority that was separated somehow. That changes now! Costs 3 wealth. DC: 10/20/50/90.
-[X] (Use Personal Wealth) Request Supplies (Equipment): You are in dire need of equipment. (Gain Supply Surplus) Costs 3 Wealth. DC: 10
-[X] Study and Read: Charisma.
-[X] Care for The Children: The children seemed frightened that you were hurt. Make sure to assuage and help them deal with their concerns. DC: 5.
-[X] Correspond with Napoleon: Napoleon Bonaparte sent you a letter... best give it a reply. If nothing but to warn him that focusing on you while the nation burns is a poor decision. DC: 5
-[X] (Use Army Wealth) Levee en Masse: The Government has just passed a law stating that generals of the French Army can and are encouraged to conscript soldiers for the purposes of defending France. You are in prime position to make use of that call to bolster your own forces. All French are citizens of the Republic, and thus all have a duty to defend it. Costs 5 Wealth. DC: 25.
-[X] (Use Army Wealth) Render Unto Auclair: Reports flow in of scattered units within your patrol region, units with lower-ranked officers in charge, answering to authority that was separated somehow. That changes now! Costs 3 wealth. DC: 10/20/50/90.
-[X] (Use Personal Wealth) Request Supplies (Equipment): You are in dire need of equipment. (Gain Supply Surplus) Costs 3 Wealth. DC: 10
-[X] Study and Read: Charisma.
-[X] Care for The Children: The children seemed frightened that you were hurt. Make sure to assuage and help them deal with their concerns. DC: 5.
-[X] Correspond with Napoleon: Napoleon Bonaparte sent you a letter... best give it a reply. If nothing but to warn him that focusing on you while the nation burns is a poor decision. DC: 5
Front View Thérèse (Astra Myst)
Astra Myst
Do you want a wish?
- Location
- Milky Way Galaxy
- Pronouns
- Femhon/Boymoder
Last edited:
- Location
- Rapidly approaching your location.
- Pronouns
- Any/Morb
A slight decrease in DC, I think.
Also, rest is for the weak
Recuperating isn't really in the books, considering the medicine at the time wasn't good enough to warrant that, and you still got a job to do. The injury should heal itself as long as you don't do anything dumb.
Eyy, I'll give you a collective +15 for both of these!
Yes, as Magoose said. Your troops might appreciate it more if you do, actually.
Nice! +15 for you.
I can't see it here; though it is on the Discord, so I'll give you a +10!
If you're copying over images, remember to use the "insert image" next to the "insert link" button, as shown below, and paste the link into the field that pops up!
- Location
- leiden (NL)
[X] Rest & Recruitment
- Location
- Virginia
[X] Rest & Recruitment
ConfusedCanuck
Where did it all go wrong?
- Location
- Neverland
[X] Rest & Recruitment
- Location
- Hawaii
- Location
- The Colored Room
- Pronouns
- TheOne
[X] Rest and Recruitment
Another +10 from myself @Plausitivity
Do the study actions have a dice check?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
usually it is rather low, unless they are over 15 then it rises gradually.
Kicker
A perfectionist with an inferiority complex.
- Location
- Malaysia
They do.
- Location
- The Colored Room
- Pronouns
- TheOne
As an aside, I would rather we talk to our brother instead of Napoleon, but I waited too long to come to the thread and vote. So I'll try not to split the party.
@Plausitivity then a +10 on that too.
@Plausitivity then a +10 on that too.
- Location
- Somewhere
I wonder, if France does better in the war, maybe they get to keep their natural borders? Certainly, when industrialization comes along, Belgian coal will be useful.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
In which war?
- Location
- Somewhere
The one where a peace lasts for more than a year.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Ah so the war of the third coalition then.
Or was it the fifth? Both had peace treaties and ceasefires that lasted longer then a year. But they never went anywhere because the French were too busy starting other wars.
- Location
- Somewhere
When will we get the Quarterly News? Update after the next one?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Yeah because who wants an independent state of cultural and nationalistic minorities whose land they conquered nearly a century prior, forcing tens of thousands into exile, attempting to destroy their cultural heritage and... generally being dicks about the whole thing.
What could go wrong when that nation could arm, supply and field an army for itself and are very very angry at their former overlords?
Hint lots of blood feuds that make the Austrian one we have look like a petty rivalry.
Tommorow.