La Chanson de la Victoire (The Song of Victory): La Petite Arpenteuse (Non, SV, you are a General of France in the Napoleonic War!)

Parlez-vous français?

  • Oui, je parle très bien français!

    Votes: 162 14.3%
  • Un peu.

    Votes: 188 16.6%
  • What? Francis? Nope.

    Votes: 330 29.1%
  • What? Oh, don't be silly, my dear!

    Votes: 161 14.2%
  • ¿El español es lo suficientemente bueno?

    Votes: 86 7.6%
  • Ich verstehe dich irgendwie.

    Votes: 64 5.6%
  • Я очень хорошо говорю по-русски.

    Votes: 64 5.6%
  • 我听不懂。

    Votes: 35 3.1%
  • 何を言っているのですか?

    Votes: 28 2.5%
  • nuqneH pa'!

    Votes: 10 0.9%
  • فرانسه بلدنستم

    Votes: 7 0.6%

  • Total voters
    1,135
Anyway, we haven't invaded Spain yet have we? As long as we don't mess with them, I think they can keep the lid on their colonies for a couple more decades at the very least.
Well...

Lets just say, if you want that to happen... Well you might need to start a Spanish War.

After all, a powerful Spain threatens French Dominece
 
Nah, is better to wait a few years until the colonies start to declare independence in force, then strike when they have their eyes in the new world. Weakens Spain and lets the colonies become independent, 2 birds with 1 stone.
 
Well...

Lets just say, if you want that to happen... Well you might need to start a Spanish War.

After all, a powerful Spain threatens French Dominece
Didn't turn out too well for the French OTL. To be honest, unless Ferdinand takes control of the country we shouldn't mess with them. Charles IV and Goya were perfectly happy to work with Napoleon when France was doing well. With our victories over Prussia, they should be aiming for a rapprochement. In any case, unless we personally appeal to the Directorate for war or peace, it is out of out hands.
 
I am definitely on the side of things that says, "leave Spain alone for the moment".

And hopefully moment in this situation means as long as is possible.

Spain is a very conservative place, and while I think we could do a lot better than the OTL peninsular campaign. Invading the place would be like the Vendee on crack.
 
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I am definitely on the side of things that says, "leave Spain alone for the moment".

And hopefully moment in this situation means as long as is possible.

Spain is a very conservative place, and while I think we could do a lot better than the OTL peninsular campaign. Invading the place would be like the Vendee on crack.
Hell we could always you know... influence Spain with our political Will... if we have a stable government.
 
Like soft power is one of the easiest to maintain influence and control what are you on about?
It's easy when your (read France) position is stable and it's less dangerous to align with our interests than against them.

France is anything but stable.
And even outside of our domestic politics, we're a massive wild card on almost every front.

Soft power is for established powers with predictable interests and a respected sphere of influence.
No such thing exists at the moment.

The best we could hope for is trade relations and avoiding active antagonism. But that's not soft power, that's diplomacy.

We're not going to influence the Spanish in any way that a moment of weakness or a new coalition wouldn't immediately undermine.

Maybe if there's a solid peace that lets things normalize with the rest of Europe, maybe then we can pursue "soft power' but I don't really see it.
So are you we should invade Spain after all?
No, but thinking that we can control them in any fashion is going to get us nowhere.

All the French can do is disincentivise the Spanish from war. And that's it.

Not unless they want to cater to monarchists anyway.
 
It's easy when your (read France) position is stable and it's less dangerous to align with our interests than against them
Even with France being in a state of chaos and war, power can be found, maintained and capitalized.

Spain decided to not fight France after a string of absolutely stunning victories on its borders, and beyond.

even when it had every advantage to do so.
France is anything but stable
Laughs in Consuler system/ monarchist mobs.
Soft power is for established powers with predictable interests and a respected sphere of influence.
No such thing exists at the moment
... I mean kinda... France has some soft power. Kinda.
The best we could hope for is trade relations and avoiding active antagonism. But that's not soft power, that's diplomacy
Diplomacy is in fact the most vital skill we did not include for a reason. Charisma, decorum and reputation take that role.
We're not going to influence the Spanish in any way that a moment of weakness or a new coalition wouldn't immediately undermine
... no comment.
Maybe if there's a solid peace that lets things normalize with the rest of Europe, maybe then we can pursue "soft power' but I don't really see it.
Well the peace we may achieve with the prussians and Austrians is a might fine way to start gaining that legitimacy... and soft power.
All the French can do is disincentivise the Spanish from war. And that's it.

Not unless they want to cater to monarchists anyway
Since we already did that by Spain not joining the wars... well you can already see the affects of that.
 
Well the peace we may achieve with the prussians and Austrians is a might fine way to start gaining that legitimacy... and soft power.
Well, that depends on how much they like that peace. There are going to be some very disturbing changes to the map after this war is done.

Or at least I should hope there are. I'd like to think that Italy is going to stay under French supervision after the war, but who knows.
 
Well, that depends on how much they like that peace. There are going to be some very disturbing changes to the map after this war is done.

Or at least I should hope there are. I'd like to think that Italy is going to stay under French supervision after the war, but who knows.
... oh... about that.

Well that's for the rumor mill.

Also, I have to say, that America is speedrunning its history.... in a good and bad way.
 
8.1: A New World Begins;Un nouveau monde commence
8.1: A New World Begins;Un nouveau monde commence




Septiembre 1st, 1794




The door was half closed when Chamans knocked, standing at attention before the door. " Générale, can I speak to you?"

"Yes." You replied as you poured a glass of water. The Colonel entered his hat underneath his left arm. "I take it that studying with masters of the field has been a very enlightening experience."

"My expectations of such education, from tutors, professors, and my officers were rather quite muted because I had no real formal education to base it off of." You replied with a small shrug. "My father and Brian were the ones who taught me everything I know, so lacking that familiar element was a bit disorienting. It just turns out that, like him, I'm a quick study. Though I can assuredly say that my penmanship could use work, most of my letters and reports still contain many errors that will need to be improved."

Competent Colonel Chamans gave a small chuckle. "Indeed it does, but I'm not one to critique my Générale's penmanship, for there are more pressing and concerning matters to be brought forth to her attention."

He pulled out a letter. "Amiral d'Aigalliers has scraped together 60 ships, 15 of the line, 3 of the second rates however are in dire need of repair."

"Is it possible we can gather more ships for our expedition?" You asked. "And where is Captain Serre, why is he not bringing me this information?"

"The Captain and the Amiral are in a meeting like we are, though for many different reasons I suppose," Chamans replied wiping the sweat off his brow. "It seems Captain Serre has made another request that the Admiral found… very insulting."

Dear god. "Why the hell was I not informed of this sooner?" Stood up and grabbed your saber, remaining remarkably calm. Even though you wished to make some very… choice words known to the world.

But anger was not going to make things better.

"General, this is a navy matter, it would be best if you not get involved." Chamans stated, his words leaving his mouth, but the wisdom in it, hollow.

"If the Amiral wishes to remove someone I have chosen for a job then he can tell me in person." You replied. "Now, do you wish to join me, or would you like to make sure De Lisle and Berthier try not to kill each other."

The thought of once again stopping the two egos from trying to kill each other, made Chamans give a small sigh. He did not want to deal with them again, so he followed you.
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Amiral d'Aigalliers was a man of greying hair, a noble stance, and of course, a sailor's tongue, underneath all the posture and pomp that his former noble rank afforded him, especially to his subordinate, who had angered him so greatly.

"Captain." He was calm, but his great anger was hidden beneath the veneer of civility. "Once again, you have questioned the command of your superiors, and officers."

You walked up the gangplank and allowed yourself to be known. "Questioned your command for what reason?" You stated.

The admiral frowned as he saw you. " Générale, this is a navy matter, I will see this done swiftly, so we may continue such plans-"

You stepped forward. "Captain Adam Serre was chosen by myself for his ability to think more abstractly in the face of organized naval warfare, his record in the American War says all that I needed to see."

Amiral d'Aigalliers frowned, and Captain Serre spoke. " Générale, I only protested amassed fleet offensive for transportation of the Army." He then pointed to the map on the table. "May I?"

You nodded, following him to the map, and saw the Admiral's disapproval rise.

He showed the map to you and showed several lines of colored string that were connected by a few sewing needles.




"The route that the admiral proposed would take the entire fleet to Corsica for resupply, before passing through Sardinian and Sicilian waters, before sailing down the Italian coast and launching an invasion of Northern Sicily. A Route, that if we were fighting Sicily or the Italian states alone, I would commend using the advantages of our positions in Northern Italy, and of the Pope's Neutrality for our advantage. This is not the case."

Serre moved a small figure, before placing it by the Balearic Islands. "The Royal Navy has thirty-five ships at the Balearic right now. There are 40 more on patrol across the Mediterranean, and five on Sardinia currently, a scouting force for any moves on Corsica. Almost a hundred ships, not counting any deals with the Corsairs from Tunisia that may bolster their numbers."

He placed a tricolor flag piece at Toulon and Marseille. "We have 60 ships, though a few are still in repair, plus transports we've hired to ferry troops. We requested more ships from the Defense Fleet at Toulon, but the Directory wants continued patrols to prevent another invasion from the British, so they are not willing to spare any more ships for the convoy's defense."
Admiral d'Aigalliers nodded. "My reasoning for such low numbers of ships is time and speed, and security. We cannot allow ourselves to be caught in the Mediterranean on open water. With Corsica on our side, and Northern Italy in a week or two's time away, we have every advantage to fall back to the allied territory, until we have a new plan of action. Risking it all on other routes would be pointless."

"And what of that?" You asked, with the line going towards the Balearic Islands.

Serre sighed. "A diversion, with myself and ten other ships diverting attention away from Sardinia and Sicily."

"And stopping off in Sardinia?" You asked.

That led the Admiral to look down for a moment. "There is another objective that the Directory is preparing for… one they wished to keep out of your knowledge. But that might have compromised your… ability to continue the campaign."

"And?" You asked. "Why are we stopping in Sardinia?"

"We don't know," Serre stated. "All we know is that they want us there in case something happens."

You looked to the Admiral. "Why."

"Orders from a mutual friend of ours, Maximilian Robespierre. We are negotiating a ceasefire with the Sardinians and naval basing rights."

Oh. "They expect us to just… sail an army to Sardinia and just… wait there, not completing any sort of objective? Except what, a show of force for our diplomats?"

Wait a minute? "Who's leading this diplomatique expedition?"

"Minister Tallyrand, and Robspierre." The Admiral stated. "It seems that factions within our government want their best man in Sardinia, and another wants Robespierre to accompany him, presumably to avoid any more trouble in Paris."

This was madness. "Our objective is Sicily, not Sardinia."

"And we have looked at your proposals and that of General Dumas. They hold Merit, but put us in a dangerous position of being intercepted, by the Royal Navy." d'Aigalliers replied.

"Not if you allow me to strike the diversion that I had planned."

" Générale… what is your insight on this?" d'Aigalliers asked.

What route/orders do you attempt to take

[]Route A (Yellow): d'Aigalliers plan of hugging Corsica and the Italian coastline. It was simple, but it left you vulnerable to interception from the Royal Navy near Sicily. But it allowed you the most options in terms of support, landing zones, and even the element of surprise. It may also allow you to lay Siege to Naples immediately, and potentially, capture the King himself. Louis and Charlotte's relatives…Ferdinand the First, the King of Sicily.

[]Route B (Red): Serre's Plan to run the Gauntlet between Sardinia and Corsica, for the most disruptive for the Royal Navy. He plans to start false flag attacks, and raid all over Sardinia, firing cannon and generally making a mess with his marines… However, this is all planned to draw the British to Sardinia, allowing you to land on the Island of Sicily, giving you free reign to run wild on the island.

[]Route C (Purple): You don't like it, but the possibility of depriving the Royal Navy of a base in Sardinia and making allies in Sardinia, while also having a chance to resupply and meet several national leaders… perhaps you are looking at this far to Harshly.

Adam Serre wishes to start another diversionary Campaign in the Balearic Islands to hold the British there as well. (Green Route). Do you allow him to take his Raiders to disrupt Royal Navy Operations in the Mediterranean?
[]Yes: Go with your Blessing and the Admirals (much to his chagrin)
[]No: You think his plan involves too much risk for not enough rewards.


Army Actions: Choose 5
NOTE: Recruiting is disable for your Army, you have to get (Fully) supplied.

You have 20 Army Wealth, and 10 Personal Wealth.

You need to Leave in Three Turns.

[]Leave: You are ready to begin your campaign (You will leave on Campaign)

[]Two Ego's From Hell: Berthier… De Lisle. Those two men are more likely to kill each other than get along with each other. You will put an end to this. NOW! DC 50

[]Request Supplies: You are in need of supplies for this expedition. And by god, if they screw you over again, you will raise hell with letters and very strongly worded protests. Cost 5 Wealth DC: 25


[]True Sights, True Ships: Our Intelligence around the Royal Navies' numbers are... Skewed at best. You need concrete details on their operational capacity, and who is leading this force DC: 40

[]Request Writ of Justification: You are changing the plans of your orders to invade a belligerent power. You are in need of official support, if you do not want to get sent to prison for mutiny. DC: 40 (Note: You must write in your reasons for changing your orders. the longer and more detailed the better.)

[]Hide Your Movements: Your officers and Attache have agreed to hide your movements, now you need to forge many reports about your preparations towards Egypt, and make matters… difficult for your government to discover without certain… precautions taken. Cost 3 Wealth DC: ???

[]Create System of Cipher's: You have had an idea since the Battle at Mainez, and before, about finding a way to secure your communications, through code, ciphers and of hidden messages. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 35


[] Training (Infantry): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:30

[] Training (Calvary): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:???

[] Training (Artillery): You will need to turn this poor excuse of a unit into a fighting force. Costs 1 wealth. DC:30

[]To Fly: General Kellerman has released a report on the Use of Hot Air Balloons for scouting and surveying the Area before a battle. Now as a surveyor yourself, you would like to test this equipment and see how it operates in the field...You wonder if Brian actually read this report. Cost 2 Wealth DC: 55


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Personal Actions: (Choose 5)

[]An Unthinkable Sight: Louis Capet never struck you as reckless. Yet he came to you with a piece of paper. Requesting to join the French Army. DC: 10

[]A Birthday Celebration: Your Birthday is coming up, and you want to celebrate with your impromptu family. Cost 1 Wealth, DC:10

[]To Unwind and Destress: You want to find out what you truly enjoy to do in your free time. DC??? Note: Linetail what type of Hobby you want to Try.

[] A Small Gamble: God doesn't play dice, but you could. You're smart, so making money this way shouldn't be hard... right? (Gamble 1 wealth to potential to gain up to 5 wealth. If you fail, potentially lose 4) DC ???

[]The Officers And the Gentlewoman: Your Officers are a group of men that you do not know as well as you wish. But now, with time on your side, you will learn of them DC: 25

[]A Novel idea: You want to take up writing... perhaps it's a good thing for you to do. DC:20

[] Correspond with Napoleon: Napoleon Bonaparte… Wait, he's your brother-in-law now!? DC: 5

[] Correspond with Brian: Brian is married to Napoleon's Sister… you need details… copious details. Like who the lucky girl is DC: 10

[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look as the hero that France needs in her time of need... Hopefully without making yourself look stupid. DC 65

[] Study & Read: There are books to read and things to learn. DC: Depends on chosen stat level
-[] Write-in Stat to increase

[] Study & Practice: Practice makes perfect. DC: Depends on chosen skill level
-[] Write-in Skill to increase

[] Swordswomanship: You are not a great swordswoman; you are only decent and lucky. That needs to change. (+1 to 2 to combat, another possible new weapon?) DC: 40



AN: Hello Everyone...

I hope you all enjoy this next update.

Also, Enjoy my shitty attempt at mapping. I tried, I really did.


Edit: There is a Moratorium for 12 hours.
 
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And once again, Politicians be meddling in Military Matters instead of just letting them do their damn Job.

Although, granted, I CAN see the Directories reasoning here. I just don't agree with it.
 
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