Temes1066
To Defy Gravity you must Let It Go
- Location
- Coleraine
This sounds fine.
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
This sounds fine.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Here is our spoiled child of victory!
Edit: This is Massena in 1797.
Opinion: I only know you through reputation.
Name: André Masséna
Titles: Général de Division, Governor of Italy.
Age: 37
Height: 6'2"
Hometown: Nice, Sardinia
Birthday: 16 May 1758
Nicknames: The Spoiled Child of Victory
Honors and Decorations: None
Beliefs: Napoleonic Revolutionary, French Patriot, Napoleon.
Republican Sentiments: 10: "I have been able to rise because of a republic, and the situation we find ourselves in. I would gladly do it again."
Monarchist Sentiments: -5 "I never wish to be seen as a man who supports a monarchist regime, not again."
Alliés: Brian Auclair, Jean Lannes, Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Claude Victor.
Enemies: Napoléon Bonaparte (Political)
Offices Held: Général of the Italian Garrisons.
Past Offices held: Général de Division of the Army of Italy.
Battles Fought: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Commanded: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Won: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: Occupation of Italy.
STATS
Military: 22 "Victory smiles on me, for I believe in nothing, but victory."
Charisma: 14 "There is a time and place for words to win out, over battles."
Decorum: 10 "A man's uniform was brilliant. But no one cares except for medals."
Stewardship: 15 "When most men decide to feel the world, they must first feel their pockets."
Intelligence: 13 "I have a great sense of my cleverness, but do not care for expanding the mind… not until i am old, and free from battle"
Subterfuge: 12 "Do not take me for a fool of political machinations."
SKILLS
Combat: 13: "My blade is sharp, and my pistols prepared."
Oratory: 14 "Victory is music… and I sing songs of it."
Command: 24 "War is simple. Victory… Now that is the difficult part."
Cavalry Command: 15 "Do not waste a good moment for the cavalry to the flanks"
Infantry Command: 19 "I can make men stand and fight in a position of my choosing."
Artillery Command: 18 "Napoleon is the master… I am merely a student."
Grand Strategy: 18 "Campaigns are won by strategy, just as maneuver."
Engineering: 10 "I never hate building defenses, but I despise breaching one."
Logistics: 17 "An army needs to be great and supplied. The land cannot feed us forever."
Manual Labor: 9 "Let's get our hands dirty."
Law: 11 "The Law is only followed because men with guns enforce it."
Administration: 13 "I can manage things well enough, but nothing is truly easy"
Traits
On Land, Sea, and...
Your life as a man began at sea. Whether legitimate trade or 'filling needs', you've known the life of a sailor. Even fighting in the revolution, your career never seems to go far from the salty smell of a coast. Maybe it's a sign. (You may command Naval Assets, and gain a significant bonus when conducting naval operations, amphibious invasions or naval supply)
That is not a loss, for I shall be back for another go!
Surrender is a word you'd rather die than utter. Loss is an attribute for lesser men from lesser nations. But you know that winning shall never be delivered to you on a silver platter, much less kept there. But so long as you have a hold in the end, a momentary slip shall not be remembered much. (When this man is defeated, he will suffer a -5 to all his rolls until he wins another battle. If he surrenders, he will suffer a -5 to all rolls for the remainder of the campaign. If he does so twice, he will suffer a permanent -5 to all his rolls)
The Spoiled Child of Victory: Nike, the Goddess of victory smiles upon you like a favored child, brimming with pride to a child who had the capability to surpass ever her most favored child: Napoleon Bonaparte (This man will not suffer debuffs when placed in independent command. +5 to military, artillery, infantry and +3 to logistics)
Speaking the language of Rome.
You acutely understand that a war must not only be won, but a peace as well. You occupy a land filled with religious people where the center of the Christian World is but a comparatively short distance away. So, you have familiarized yourself with the farmer, the mountain man, the fisher-woman, and all the other folk in these lands. And all the wealth there is to be had. (As the Governor of Italy, you have gained actions that will increase support to the French state. +10 to all rolls involving the governing of Italy. But if he fails those rolls, there is a chance for Italy to revolt against the French occupation. You will gain an additional 4 personal wealth per turn due to your embezzlement.)
Of Cash and Plunder:
You are a man who would rather steal from the loot of cities and camps, then see yourself come home with a clean conscious... and debts that will follow you for the rest of your life (This man will need to be controlled, else he will loot the countryside for plunder. a -10 to all relation rolls when dealing with nobility in territory he has looted.)
Name: André Masséna
Titles: Général de Division, Governor of Italy.
Age: 37
Height: 6'2"
Hometown: Nice, Sardinia
Birthday: 16 May 1758
Nicknames: The Spoiled Child of Victory
Honors and Decorations: None
Beliefs: Napoleonic Revolutionary, French Patriot, Napoleon.
Republican Sentiments: 10: "I have been able to rise because of a republic, and the situation we find ourselves in. I would gladly do it again."
Monarchist Sentiments: -5 "I never wish to be seen as a man who supports a monarchist regime, not again."
Alliés: Brian Auclair, Jean Lannes, Jean-de-Dieu Soult, Claude Victor.
Enemies: Napoléon Bonaparte (Political)
Offices Held: Général of the Italian Garrisons.
Past Offices held: Général de Division of the Army of Italy.
Battles Fought: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Commanded: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Won: Battle of Bologna, Battle of Adige River
Battles Lost: None
Campaigns Led: Occupation of Italy.
STATS
Military: 22 "Victory smiles on me, for I believe in nothing, but victory."
Charisma: 14 "There is a time and place for words to win out, over battles."
Decorum: 10 "A man's uniform was brilliant. But no one cares except for medals."
Stewardship: 15 "When most men decide to feel the world, they must first feel their pockets."
Intelligence: 13 "I have a great sense of my cleverness, but do not care for expanding the mind… not until i am old, and free from battle"
Subterfuge: 12 "Do not take me for a fool of political machinations."
SKILLS
Combat: 13: "My blade is sharp, and my pistols prepared."
Oratory: 14 "Victory is music… and I sing songs of it."
Command: 24 "War is simple. Victory… Now that is the difficult part."
Cavalry Command: 15 "Do not waste a good moment for the cavalry to the flanks"
Infantry Command: 19 "I can make men stand and fight in a position of my choosing."
Artillery Command: 18 "Napoleon is the master… I am merely a student."
Grand Strategy: 18 "Campaigns are won by strategy, just as maneuver."
Engineering: 10 "I never hate building defenses, but I despise breaching one."
Logistics: 17 "An army needs to be great and supplied. The land cannot feed us forever."
Manual Labor: 9 "Let's get our hands dirty."
Law: 11 "The Law is only followed because men with guns enforce it."
Administration: 13 "I can manage things well enough, but nothing is truly easy"
Traits
On Land, Sea, and...
Your life as a man began at sea. Whether legitimate trade or 'filling needs', you've known the life of a sailor. Even fighting in the revolution, your career never seems to go far from the salty smell of a coast. Maybe it's a sign. (You may command Naval Assets, and gain a significant bonus when conducting naval operations, amphibious invasions or naval supply)
That is not a loss, for I shall be back for another go!
Surrender is a word you'd rather die than utter. Loss is an attribute for lesser men from lesser nations. But you know that winning shall never be delivered to you on a silver platter, much less kept there. But so long as you have a hold in the end, a momentary slip shall not be remembered much. (When this man is defeated, he will suffer a -5 to all his rolls until he wins another battle. If he surrenders, he will suffer a -5 to all rolls for the remainder of the campaign. If he does so twice, he will suffer a permanent -5 to all his rolls)
The Spoiled Child of Victory: Nike, the Goddess of victory smiles upon you like a favored child, brimming with pride to a child who had the capability to surpass ever her most favored child: Napoleon Bonaparte (This man will not suffer debuffs when placed in independent command. +5 to military, artillery, infantry and +3 to logistics)
Speaking the language of Rome.
You acutely understand that a war must not only be won, but a peace as well. You occupy a land filled with religious people where the center of the Christian World is but a comparatively short distance away. So, you have familiarized yourself with the farmer, the mountain man, the fisher-woman, and all the other folk in these lands. And all the wealth there is to be had. (As the Governor of Italy, you have gained actions that will increase support to the French state. +10 to all rolls involving the governing of Italy. But if he fails those rolls, there is a chance for Italy to revolt against the French occupation. You will gain an additional 4 personal wealth per turn due to your embezzlement.)
Of Cash and Plunder:
You are a man who would rather steal from the loot of cities and camps, then see yourself come home with a clean conscious... and debts that will follow you for the rest of your life (This man will need to be controlled, else he will loot the countryside for plunder. a -10 to all relation rolls when dealing with nobility in territory he has looted.)
Edit: This is Massena in 1797.
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- Location
- Somewhere
I'd say you should lower the monarchist sentiment and heighten the republican one. Massena was apparently one of the few people who voted no to Napoleon's Consul for Life referendum, which got him into a fair bit of trouble, alongside the fact that he was quite anti-clerical himself. Also, just because he disliked the chaos of the republic doesn't necessarily mean he's gonna be a monarchist. Jourdan hated the Directory after their constant blunders but he sure as hell weren't no Monarchist.
You probably should have mentioned him being quite the looter, hell, the man was infamous for it, and his habit of embezzling funds.
Also, he didn't really like Napoleon all that much, and according to Philip Dwyer "Masséna was one of them. He disliked Bonaparte intensely and referred to him in private as 'that bugger there' From his house in Reuil he was known to have stood on a hill overlooking Malmaison and said to the great amusement of his friends, 'From here, I can piss on him whenever I want.' "
You probably should have mentioned him being quite the looter, hell, the man was infamous for it, and his habit of embezzling funds.
Also, he didn't really like Napoleon all that much, and according to Philip Dwyer "Masséna was one of them. He disliked Bonaparte intensely and referred to him in private as 'that bugger there' From his house in Reuil he was known to have stood on a hill overlooking Malmaison and said to the great amusement of his friends, 'From here, I can piss on him whenever I want.' "
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Updated.
Updated. there should be a trait that now gives him a relationship penalty and roll malus to anyone whose nation he has looted against, along with updating his trait to to make it seem like he's out for profit.
Changed, I turned him into an enemy of Nappy B. However, despite the animosity against looting, he remains a distant friend to Brian.
A Change of Command (AvidFicReader)
- Location
- Hawaii
A Change of Command
7 February, 1795
As Chamans, Davout and Severin depart Therese's office, they engage in some brief conversation.
"Severin, since you're taking command of the Reserve Corps, I've issued the orders and completed the preparations you requested. Is that not a bit cruel and unusual for you?"
"Ah, Chamans, you can make a sergeant an officer, but you can never take the sergeant out of the man. If what I've heard is true, then our veterans have been slacking, resting on their laurels as they have. I'll not have that from the 'Republican Guard' on my watch!"
"Really, man, what is with this 'garde du corps' nonsense? The monarchy has been abolished, why keep such trappings? Officially, according to the government, regiments are now 'demi-brigades,' since the former had too many royalist connotations."
"It seems you two gentlemen have quite the... rapport, in spite of the sting of your words."
"Not to worry, Davout, it's just old habits from when we and de Lisle were the only staff officers in L'armee du Rhin. Not to worry, Nicky, I've had the boy of II Corps running drills constantly. They've gotten rather good at marching, firing, and formation drills."
"... Nicky?"
"Aye, Nicky! We have entirely too many Louis' around, what with the old king, the new no-longer-a-king, my brother, the idiot king-"
"But Nicky? Could it not be something more dignified?"
"It's your name, isn't it? Besides, I'm no gentleman. In fact, I happen to be allergic to manners and decorum!"
Davout emits a quiet snort that is quickly stifled, but audible enough for the pair of Colonels to hear.
"Hear that Chamans? It counts! I got him to laugh! Pony up!"
"Damn it, Severin, that could have just been disgust, you can't prove it was a laugh! I'll not wear that godforsaken hat de Lisle forced upon you!"
"Ahem, beyond rank and surname, informally, if you must, Colonel Severin, then you may call me Nicholas. But not... that."
"Aye, Nick! Let's go for a walk, I'll introduce you to the lads of II Corps, get you acquainted with your new command."
"Very well, General, Severin, I'll make my own way from here. Work to be done, things to do." As Chamans makes his departure, Davout and Severin continue to II Corps commandeered headquarters.
"Nick, let me give you a quick run-down of your new subordinates. Granted, I've only known two for the last six months, but they came highly recommended and they've done good work so far. Starting with those, there's Leclerc. Came recommended by Murat and Chamans. Say what you will about that fancypants dandy, the man knows cavalry, and his pride wouldn't let him offer a bad cavalry officer. Leclerc's a no-nonsense type, doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit, and he's blunt to the point of rudeness. He'll own up to his own idiocy and he's got Division 'Strasbourg,' er, 26e Division, running smoothly."
"A man after my own heart. An officer has no need for florid language or silver tongues."
"Agreed. Estienne was recommended by de Lisle, and he's quite good at supporting an infantry attack. Tends to deploy his guns aggressively as a single large battery so he can shove grapeshot down the enemy's throats."
The two officers repress a shiver, having both seen the gruesome work grapeshot does on infantry formations.
"A good battery commander can work wonders on both the attack and defense."
"Aye. For the infantry divisions, Florentin Perrot leads 22e Division, you can always count on him to hold the line. He can press the attack as well, but some of the others are better at that. His division overall has the fastest times for firing, marching and formation drills in II Corps."
"High praise from a former sergeant. I'll expect much from this Perrot."
"Maxime Mathieu heads 23e Division, and he can be impetuous, always wanting to attack and come to grips with the enemy. He's prone to exposing his flank, but the others have gotten better at compensating and exploiting his disruption of the enemy line."
"Someone to keep an eye on. I'll keep him on a tight leash until the time is right."
"Clement Abel commands 24e Division. He's not as aggressive as Mathieu and not as stalwart as Perrot, but he's decent all-round, and a quick study. All he needs is more seasoning. He's probably the best at following up on Mathieu, and he gets along well with everyone else."
"So he's average. Able, but not outstanding."
"Then there's Ignace Joly for 25e Division 'Lorraine.' He can be rather aggressive, though not as much as Mathieu, and he can keep his men in the fight nearly as long as Perrot. He is extremely stubborn, almost fanatical. Also, he has turned his division into something of a cult."
"A... cult?"
"Aye, centered around Jeanne d'Arc, and something about La Generale being the next Maid of Orleans."
"Well, strangeness aside, he seems an able commander. You mentioned intense drilling for II Corps?"
"Aye, Perrot's division has the best overall times, though Mathieu has a few lone companies that have the absolute best times. On average, Every battalion of II Corps can complete a five-mile route march in an hour-and-a-half, and their rate of fire is approaching three rounds per minute. Accuracy suffers at that pace, though. Not too shabby, considering most of them were conscripted naught but a year ago."
"A trained fusilier is expected to fire three rounds per minute. Have you been coddling the men?"
"In a sense, yes. It was decided that we would ease the conscripts into military training. We focused more on discipline and marching than firing. It wouldn't do to lose half the conscripts to desertion were we too liberal with the lash. But we managed to get 25,000 raw conscripts to very near regulars quality in three months' time. Without desertions."
"Apologies for impugning on your honor as a drillmaster. The scale of what you managed is impressive in itself. I've heard of other levee formations that failed to approach regulars quality in double that time."
"Apology accepted, Nick. Ah, we're here. Excuse me a moment." Severin clears his throat before turning to the officer's lounge. "ATTEN-TION! Division officers, report!"
A loud clatter and screeching of chairs and boots sounds from beyond the door as six men scramble into a line before the pair of officers at attention.
"Lads, it was a pleasure serving with you, but as of today, I am no longer in command of II Corps. Before any of you protest, I never wanted the job in the first place, and I only took it for lack of better options. Now, there is a better option. Your new commander is Brigadier Davout, an accomplished officer formerly of the Army of the North. Introduce yourselves."
As the officers rattle off their introductions, Severin steps aside, no longer a part of the corps he helped to establish. Nick would be fine. He was a skilled officer, by all reports, and by his own observation, the general was a man of few words, but had a core of iron.
Once introductions finished, Severin closed his address.
"Lads, I may not have wanted the job, but I am proud to have been the first commander of II Corps. But now, I have to deal with some slackers among the old hands. Fare well, and don't give Davout a hard time, lest he kick your asses!"
---------
It had been bittersweet, Severin mused. He wasn't offended that he'd been replaced. Davout was better suited, and he hadn't wanted the job in the first place. It had still been an honor to be given the job, and he'd done the best he could. But maybe a smaller command would suit him better. After all, 33e and 34e Divisions were barely more than brigade-strength, each, and he could always ask his darling wife how best to employ riflemen. But first...
---------
The men of the Reserve Corps were ill at ease. Colonel Chamans had ordered them to assemble at the training field, only to not show up. Instead, there were those horribly familiar things present in large numbers. They had thought they'd be shot of them over a year ago. Then, a horrifyingly loud and familiar voice rang out: "Well lads, guess who's back! I've heard you lot have been slacking! So I arranged to have our old friends rejoin us for a lovely scenic march. The brisk winter air should keep you refreshed!"
--------
The lads looked mighty surprised to see him, thought Severin. They should have known that if they were caught slacking, he would appear to provide remedial training.
"Republican Guard, you know the drill! Everyone lift those logs! Over your heads! Dress- Right! Column- Advance!"
He'd have to see about changing up the names for 33e and 34e Divisions. Hmm... perhaps Garde du Nord and Garde du Sud? A callback to their battles at the Rhine bridges at Mayence for these veterans. He'd have to whip them back into shape. If they were to be the garde du corps of the republic, they would have to be the best of the best. Next, to have them practice wheeling the formation with those hated logs...
7 February, 1795
As Chamans, Davout and Severin depart Therese's office, they engage in some brief conversation.
"Severin, since you're taking command of the Reserve Corps, I've issued the orders and completed the preparations you requested. Is that not a bit cruel and unusual for you?"
"Ah, Chamans, you can make a sergeant an officer, but you can never take the sergeant out of the man. If what I've heard is true, then our veterans have been slacking, resting on their laurels as they have. I'll not have that from the 'Republican Guard' on my watch!"
"Really, man, what is with this 'garde du corps' nonsense? The monarchy has been abolished, why keep such trappings? Officially, according to the government, regiments are now 'demi-brigades,' since the former had too many royalist connotations."
"It seems you two gentlemen have quite the... rapport, in spite of the sting of your words."
"Not to worry, Davout, it's just old habits from when we and de Lisle were the only staff officers in L'armee du Rhin. Not to worry, Nicky, I've had the boy of II Corps running drills constantly. They've gotten rather good at marching, firing, and formation drills."
"... Nicky?"
"Aye, Nicky! We have entirely too many Louis' around, what with the old king, the new no-longer-a-king, my brother, the idiot king-"
"But Nicky? Could it not be something more dignified?"
"It's your name, isn't it? Besides, I'm no gentleman. In fact, I happen to be allergic to manners and decorum!"
Davout emits a quiet snort that is quickly stifled, but audible enough for the pair of Colonels to hear.
"Hear that Chamans? It counts! I got him to laugh! Pony up!"
"Damn it, Severin, that could have just been disgust, you can't prove it was a laugh! I'll not wear that godforsaken hat de Lisle forced upon you!"
"Ahem, beyond rank and surname, informally, if you must, Colonel Severin, then you may call me Nicholas. But not... that."
"Aye, Nick! Let's go for a walk, I'll introduce you to the lads of II Corps, get you acquainted with your new command."
"Very well, General, Severin, I'll make my own way from here. Work to be done, things to do." As Chamans makes his departure, Davout and Severin continue to II Corps commandeered headquarters.
"Nick, let me give you a quick run-down of your new subordinates. Granted, I've only known two for the last six months, but they came highly recommended and they've done good work so far. Starting with those, there's Leclerc. Came recommended by Murat and Chamans. Say what you will about that fancypants dandy, the man knows cavalry, and his pride wouldn't let him offer a bad cavalry officer. Leclerc's a no-nonsense type, doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit, and he's blunt to the point of rudeness. He'll own up to his own idiocy and he's got Division 'Strasbourg,' er, 26e Division, running smoothly."
"A man after my own heart. An officer has no need for florid language or silver tongues."
"Agreed. Estienne was recommended by de Lisle, and he's quite good at supporting an infantry attack. Tends to deploy his guns aggressively as a single large battery so he can shove grapeshot down the enemy's throats."
The two officers repress a shiver, having both seen the gruesome work grapeshot does on infantry formations.
"A good battery commander can work wonders on both the attack and defense."
"Aye. For the infantry divisions, Florentin Perrot leads 22e Division, you can always count on him to hold the line. He can press the attack as well, but some of the others are better at that. His division overall has the fastest times for firing, marching and formation drills in II Corps."
"High praise from a former sergeant. I'll expect much from this Perrot."
"Maxime Mathieu heads 23e Division, and he can be impetuous, always wanting to attack and come to grips with the enemy. He's prone to exposing his flank, but the others have gotten better at compensating and exploiting his disruption of the enemy line."
"Someone to keep an eye on. I'll keep him on a tight leash until the time is right."
"Clement Abel commands 24e Division. He's not as aggressive as Mathieu and not as stalwart as Perrot, but he's decent all-round, and a quick study. All he needs is more seasoning. He's probably the best at following up on Mathieu, and he gets along well with everyone else."
"So he's average. Able, but not outstanding."
"Then there's Ignace Joly for 25e Division 'Lorraine.' He can be rather aggressive, though not as much as Mathieu, and he can keep his men in the fight nearly as long as Perrot. He is extremely stubborn, almost fanatical. Also, he has turned his division into something of a cult."
"A... cult?"
"Aye, centered around Jeanne d'Arc, and something about La Generale being the next Maid of Orleans."
"Well, strangeness aside, he seems an able commander. You mentioned intense drilling for II Corps?"
"Aye, Perrot's division has the best overall times, though Mathieu has a few lone companies that have the absolute best times. On average, Every battalion of II Corps can complete a five-mile route march in an hour-and-a-half, and their rate of fire is approaching three rounds per minute. Accuracy suffers at that pace, though. Not too shabby, considering most of them were conscripted naught but a year ago."
"A trained fusilier is expected to fire three rounds per minute. Have you been coddling the men?"
"In a sense, yes. It was decided that we would ease the conscripts into military training. We focused more on discipline and marching than firing. It wouldn't do to lose half the conscripts to desertion were we too liberal with the lash. But we managed to get 25,000 raw conscripts to very near regulars quality in three months' time. Without desertions."
"Apologies for impugning on your honor as a drillmaster. The scale of what you managed is impressive in itself. I've heard of other levee formations that failed to approach regulars quality in double that time."
"Apology accepted, Nick. Ah, we're here. Excuse me a moment." Severin clears his throat before turning to the officer's lounge. "ATTEN-TION! Division officers, report!"
A loud clatter and screeching of chairs and boots sounds from beyond the door as six men scramble into a line before the pair of officers at attention.
"Lads, it was a pleasure serving with you, but as of today, I am no longer in command of II Corps. Before any of you protest, I never wanted the job in the first place, and I only took it for lack of better options. Now, there is a better option. Your new commander is Brigadier Davout, an accomplished officer formerly of the Army of the North. Introduce yourselves."
As the officers rattle off their introductions, Severin steps aside, no longer a part of the corps he helped to establish. Nick would be fine. He was a skilled officer, by all reports, and by his own observation, the general was a man of few words, but had a core of iron.
Once introductions finished, Severin closed his address.
"Lads, I may not have wanted the job, but I am proud to have been the first commander of II Corps. But now, I have to deal with some slackers among the old hands. Fare well, and don't give Davout a hard time, lest he kick your asses!"
---------
It had been bittersweet, Severin mused. He wasn't offended that he'd been replaced. Davout was better suited, and he hadn't wanted the job in the first place. It had still been an honor to be given the job, and he'd done the best he could. But maybe a smaller command would suit him better. After all, 33e and 34e Divisions were barely more than brigade-strength, each, and he could always ask his darling wife how best to employ riflemen. But first...
---------
The men of the Reserve Corps were ill at ease. Colonel Chamans had ordered them to assemble at the training field, only to not show up. Instead, there were those horribly familiar things present in large numbers. They had thought they'd be shot of them over a year ago. Then, a horrifyingly loud and familiar voice rang out: "Well lads, guess who's back! I've heard you lot have been slacking! So I arranged to have our old friends rejoin us for a lovely scenic march. The brisk winter air should keep you refreshed!"
--------
The lads looked mighty surprised to see him, thought Severin. They should have known that if they were caught slacking, he would appear to provide remedial training.
"Republican Guard, you know the drill! Everyone lift those logs! Over your heads! Dress- Right! Column- Advance!"
He'd have to see about changing up the names for 33e and 34e Divisions. Hmm... perhaps Garde du Nord and Garde du Sud? A callback to their battles at the Rhine bridges at Mayence for these veterans. He'd have to whip them back into shape. If they were to be the garde du corps of the republic, they would have to be the best of the best. Next, to have them practice wheeling the formation with those hated logs...
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Got you another +10 to the vote.
[X]Plan Decapitating the snake, cautious approach
Sir_Travelsalot
Never wakes up tired.
- Location
- At Home
Two crossed dead Prussians, emblazoned on a mound of dead Prussians.
More seriously, a golden sextant on a field of red would denote a journey that provokes significant change (sextant) for a worthy ambition (gold) amid military fortitude and magnanimity in heraldic terms and symbology (red). Seems fitting, no?
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Needs more dead Prussians.Two crossed dead Prussians, emblazoned on a mound of dead Prussians.
You know, speaking of... if we continue to bull the Prussians into oblivion... we should gain a trait or two giving us a bonus.
You know what, I'll try to make that tonight after I finish all the rolls.
CALLING THE VOTE: Plan Decapitating the snake, cautious approach wins
--------------------------------------------------
So I''ve Begun the Update:
Surveying Roll: 6+30+5 (The Harbingers)=41(Failure) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv29op
Surveying Rerolls: 89+30+5=124 https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv2ddd
I'd say the rolls are off to a great start.
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- Location
- Somewhere
One thing I do find annoying in historical quests are characters who only know as much as everyone else suddenly having the opinions of people with the benefit of hindsight. It does feel very bizarre and somewhat abusing future knowledge. I'd prefer if some of the characters are enthusiastic supporters of the VERY GOOD IDEAS of the time which they think are actually decent but are in fact terrible. It'd make them seem more human, more like a person who lived in the time and not some displaced time traveler.
- Location
- Moscow
- Pronouns
- He
There is such a problem. It seems to me that it is not even the actions of the players that play a big role here, but a simple reluctance to play a "bad person", given that it is difficult for the reader/player to associate themselves with someone who thinks that miasma causes diseases or that different races of people are descended from different species. In addition, there is a problem of obtaining information, because finding a large number of misconceptions is actually not so easy, since they have not survived the test of time. I don't see any way to easily fix this, other than giving the players a false path in advance, or giving some kind of "original", such as a unique magic or story system, in which the researcher's mistakes will be on their own, for the players/readers will also have no after-knowledge.
9.4: Headwinds; Les vents contraires
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
9.4: Headwinds; Les vents contraires
The Sea air was not making you feel any better as you looked deeply into the map of Northern Sicily, particularly of Palermo and the surrounding countryside. Kléber had taken a position on your left, Dumas, your right. Both men were on edge, but they were not the men you were focusing on. You could deal with their worries later when you had time to think.
The men across from you did not have the luxury of time… or the ability to communicate with you once the entire plan began.
Across the table, Davout, iron-faced with his spectacles on his nose, had his normal, but still unpleasant look of displeasure on his face. Not for the orders that you had given, but from the sea travel that he had been subjected to, where he was still… adjusting. He had been about as well as Charlotte had when it came to sea travel.
He had not liked it that well. You knew that once he had been dismissed, he would immediately wish to remain on land.
Chamans and Severin were… well the Viking seemed to be less affected than his two counterparts had, seemingly having been born to the sea as his ancestors had. Chamans however, still looked a little green, even after he excused himself to throw up over the side. "Once you have taken Messina, send a ship to inform us of its fall, or if you believe it is secure enough, send a rider. Time and surprise are our greatest assets for our plans to work gentlemen. Do you have any questions?"
The words echoed through the open air, as the sea and the seagulls drowned them down to an audible dimness. You thought they did not hear the words when Davout nodded. "No." Like always, his words are short and to the point. He had nothing to add, you think?
He was a very hard man to read.
"But I do recommend we send a fake message by horse, and the real message is carried by sea," Davout replied. "So that the enemy will be forced to question the validity if both are captured. And if they capture the fake, they will be forced to choose with faulty intelligence."
You nodded. "See it done, and make sure it is in the cipher Charlotte has provided you and your staff."
You turned to Chamans. "Chamans, you are under Davouts' command. Unless he gives specific orders otherwise, you will refrain from waging a war against the Sicilian countryside and its civilians."
Chamans nodded. "Yes Générale."
Severin just gave a nod and a smile. "Don't worry about us Générale, you should worry about making that king piss his trousers as you parade through his city, and remove him from his throne. I think throne breaker is a good name."
You found yourself shaking your head with a growl. "Merde." You swore. "You are all dismissed, I don't want to hear you anymore Severin."
And the men departed, for paths that were far more uncharted than you dared believed they were.
You didn't know how to feel, yet you gave them the best luck they could have.
A Silent Prayer that only you could hear.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kléber stood near the railing, smelling the sea air. "Something tells me there are things you are worried about, but you could not say it in front of the others?" He stated.
"You know me so well." You folded your arms, the sarcasm dripping. "You don't approve?"
Kléber snorted. "Don't approve, Merde, you must think I have little faith in you Auclair." He spat over the edge. "I only am thinking of the small details, the what next once the battle begins. The Port itself is protected, but once the inner walls of the city are breached, it will be a desperate street battle, where we are at the disadvantage in knowledge."
"We can plan for every eventuality, but once we hit that beach, we will be forced to adapt on the fly." You replied. "We just need to be smarter, faster than our enemy, and react faster than whatever they come up with."
Kléber smiled at those words, perhaps thinking back to something in the past. "I wish your brother could have heard that."
Oh. "What's my brother have to do with this?" You asked.
Kléber shook his head. "Never mind, it's not my place."
Now you were curious. Very curious. "Why?"
"Your brother is very… cautious." He stated. "I think he lacks aggression, and while he may have glimpses of brilliance that show he is not incompetent… he is nowhere near the better commander. You certainly surpass him in that regard."
"How so?" You asked.
"You take risks, and I don't think Brian is willing to take such risks without feeling one hundred percent certain of his ability to succeed. This plan may not work on any level, yet we dive into it because we have every right to believe it will work." He paused
What the hell was he saying… Was he saying you would fail?
Kléber must have seen the confusion on your face, and he ended his awkward silence. "What I mean is… you inspire confidence, and your brother does not, not without Napoleon." He replied. "Or you for that matter."
You snorted, but in a way that was approving. "I'm glad you feel such a way, with my ability and strategies inspiring confidence in you."
"If I felt like you were leading us to our deaths, I would not have chosen to come to the Orient? Who knows. We may even see India at the end of this journey." He said with a smile.
"Perhaps." You replied. But I fear that events in Europe would make that dream an impossibility.
You didn't say the next words and instead gave a small nod. "Get some rest Kléber… I need you fresh."
Kléber nodded. "Yes Générale."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Morning was still young when you saw Dumas stare out at the horizon, towards Palermo. "You know Générale, I thought you had other ways to deal with subordinates when you needed to speak to them. Invite them to wine in your office, act as a superior. But you have a strange habit of talking out in the open, where men can see and gossip."
You frowned, before the smile on Dumas' face rose. "How may I be of assistance?" His statement earlier must have been a setup for some joke, but it was stopped by your confusion, and the dumb look you were giving him.
"You seem quite sure of this plan we have." You stated.
Dumas chuckled. "I only wish to lead the Van, be the first man into the city, destroy the enemy."
That sounded like a terrible idea. "And if you die, or get wounded?" You stated. "I remember leading from the front one time, and I still hold the scars."
"Aye, but battle is like that. Men die and get hurt, but the men appreciate when their commanders put themselves in the same risk they are." Dumas chuckled. "The men have never attempted something like this before. They will need someone to lead them, to keep their morale, and to direct them."
"And that man is you?" You asked.
Dumas nodded. "I've led men over mountains, across rivers, and through hails of gunfire. Into the jaws of death, I've walked, and succeeded."
You nodded. "I will not make promises, but if I see that that is an option and that it requires you, I will see it done."
Dumas smiled. "Thank you, Générale."
------------------------------------------------------------------
De Lisle looked better on land than sea. "You know, if you told me two years ago, that I would still be in the army, instead of releasing my music to the masses? I would have shot you."
You shook your head. "Life has a way to change our course in life. I should know."
That made De Lisle laugh. "Aye, aye that is true. But don't think I am complaining. I think that a general like you is the only one who could have thrived?"
"A General like me?" You asked.
"Someone who is more open to more ideas than others, who choose to train vigorously, but not in a way where cruelty is needed to maintain discipline. The men… love you, respect you… enough to trust your plans and judgments will not kill them, and lead them to victory." De Lisle paused. "That and you promote a lot of men through merit, also helps."
You looked at De Lisle. "Including the man in front of me?" You asked.
"Guilty." He replied.
You snorted. "You never cared much for rank, you only cared that I made that song of yours the army's anthem."
"A fact I am very pleased with." De Lisle said with a smile.
For a moment you looked out into the horizon, with the setting sun. "Are you afraid?"
De Lisle nodded. "Why should I, you're commanding us? If I had lost faith then, I wouldn't have any faith now. I wouldn't be a good chief of staff."
You nodded. "Thank you."
"Stop doubting yourself Générale." De Lisle stated. "If you needed a pep talk from all your officers before every battle, it might send the wrong message."
You nodded. "Thank you."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Event Rolls:
Surveying Roll: 6+30+5 (The Harbingers)=41(Failure) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv29op
Surveying Rerolls: 89+30+5=124 (Art Crit!) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv2ddd
(+15 to all Army Battle rolls)
Weather Roll:49 (Rainey Weather) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3 (-5 to all Global Battle rolls)
Palermo Preparations Roll:10+40 (Defenders' Advantage)+10 (Coastal Defenses)+10 (Active Ships)+5 (King's Division)-5 (Rain)=70
(Palermo Morale will be set at 100)
Is Ferdinand There?: 97 https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:koreoi6g +78 https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:korf7nvv =175
(He is there… along with his entire family, court, and government for both kingdoms)
Reward: The Harbingers (Les Présages) are now Tier 2.
-Tier 2: +10 to Suvaying rolls. Whenever Surveying rolls succeed, gain a +15 to battle rolls for all your own and allied forces.
Palermo was in sight, and you still felt doubtful.
Dammit, all.. .the options are not the greatest, even with every advantage we have.
The enemy ships will either be in the port or about to leave the Harbor, meaning that the chances of our ships being intercepted will be greatly increased, meaning we have a chance to capture the ships in the harbor and turn them against the enemy.
Serre said he wished to capture them, and then use them as fireships. Start an inferno in the city, make them focus their energies on preventing the city from burning to the ground, then stop them.
But that may force the enemy to fight even harder, seeing as we are willing to destroy the city.
Kléber for his part wished to make this a siege, where you had every advantage. You would be forcing the city and the King would have nowhere to run. However, that would break the element of surprise that you had cultivated. And it could give your enemy a chance to escape.
Dumas had the most aggressive of all the plans. An all-out assault on the city's harbor with I corps, while III Corps would land outside the cities defenses to lay siege to the city, to prevent any escape by land.
It was going to be tough. Very Tough.
For All Plans: Do You personally take Command, or leave it to your subordinates?
[]I join the Men in the Front!: You will personally take command. (Morale rolls will have a +10, meaning there is a chance to not lose any morale on morale checks)
[]No, I will command from the Rear: You will plan more in the Rear, and come in on the second wave. (Allied morale will start at 95, instead of 100.)
What is your Plan of Attack:
[]A Siege: Kléber's Plan has Merit. You will need to prepare for a Seige to prevent the Enemy king and his government from escaping. They will not be able to create an active defense of the entire Island and Naples if Davout and Chamans are able to complete their Objectives. This will also buy you valuable time to hear news from them as well, and perhaps, negotiate a surrender from the King. But you have lost the element of Surprise, and now, if there is word of a siege, the Enemy may have a chance to counter-attack. But the heavy rain may delay attacks, and give the enemy opportunity to break the lines.
Main skill(s): Command, Engineering, Artillery, Logistics
Rewards: You will not send thousands of men to die doing a costly amphibious assault on the City's defenses. You will be able to dictate the terms of battle and prepare defensive fortifications.
Risks: Siege begins; Chance for Enemy commanders and king to escape during your landings. Chance for the enemy to launch counterattacks.
[]The Assault!: Dumas is correct, it is time to be bold! Dumas is planning to lead III corps in an assault on the city, while I Corps will cut off Enemy reinforcements in the city. There is but… one problem. The Enemy coastal batteries would destroy them. But with the heavy rains… perhaps he could make it across the harbor, into the port, and street fights his way to the batteries.
Main skill(s): Combat, Infantry, Artillery.
Rewards: The Assault is in a downpour, meaning there will be low visibility for all artillery, meaning there is a chance to slip into the city. But it will be a violent street fight to take over the city.
Risks: This Assault will be Bloody. You will suffer heavy Casualties in this endeavor, but Ferdinand will not be able to escape in the chaos of the street.
[] There is Another: In a spark of genius, you've devised a plan to resolve this tricky situation, and the men seem to agree. You...(Write in, subject to QM approval)
Main skill(s): ???
Rewards: ???
Risks: ???.
----------------------------
Adam wishes to try and capture Enemy Ships, and use them as Fire ships and light the city ablaze:
[]Do it: You will allow him to do that. (Unkown Effect, but be warned, If the city Burns, your enemies will not be the only ones affected.)
[]Capture them: You are in dire need of more ships. He can capture them, but he will not light the city on fire with them. (Adam will attempt to capture the Enemy Fleet.)
[]Sink Them: You do not want them to harm your landings. He will sink them (Adam will destroy the enemy fleet.
[]Focus on Shore Bombardment: You will make Adam Focus on supporting the landings, and keeping the infantry and their artillery safe. (This will make the assault rolls gain a +5)
[]Blokade: The city must not be allowed to maintain supply. They will not escape either. (The Siege will gain an additional +5)
Louis wishes to join the Vanguard. Do you let him:
[]Yes: If he wishes to fight, he will fight.
[]No: You do not want to see him killed. That and he does not have the experience to lead men (-5 to Allied Morale)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forces at the beginning of the Battle:
I Corps: 23,550
III Corps: 22,550
French Navy: 43 Ships
Forces of Palermo: Unkown, 10,000 Known Sicilian Troops.
Sicilian Navy: 15 Ships.
AN: Alright Everyone, The Battle of Palermo will Begin.
Please Vote in Plan Format please, and also...
HERE WE GO!
There is a Moratorium for a few hours, for planning and discussion.
April 25th, 1795
The Sea air was not making you feel any better as you looked deeply into the map of Northern Sicily, particularly of Palermo and the surrounding countryside. Kléber had taken a position on your left, Dumas, your right. Both men were on edge, but they were not the men you were focusing on. You could deal with their worries later when you had time to think.
The men across from you did not have the luxury of time… or the ability to communicate with you once the entire plan began.
Across the table, Davout, iron-faced with his spectacles on his nose, had his normal, but still unpleasant look of displeasure on his face. Not for the orders that you had given, but from the sea travel that he had been subjected to, where he was still… adjusting. He had been about as well as Charlotte had when it came to sea travel.
He had not liked it that well. You knew that once he had been dismissed, he would immediately wish to remain on land.
Chamans and Severin were… well the Viking seemed to be less affected than his two counterparts had, seemingly having been born to the sea as his ancestors had. Chamans however, still looked a little green, even after he excused himself to throw up over the side. "Once you have taken Messina, send a ship to inform us of its fall, or if you believe it is secure enough, send a rider. Time and surprise are our greatest assets for our plans to work gentlemen. Do you have any questions?"
The words echoed through the open air, as the sea and the seagulls drowned them down to an audible dimness. You thought they did not hear the words when Davout nodded. "No." Like always, his words are short and to the point. He had nothing to add, you think?
He was a very hard man to read.
"But I do recommend we send a fake message by horse, and the real message is carried by sea," Davout replied. "So that the enemy will be forced to question the validity if both are captured. And if they capture the fake, they will be forced to choose with faulty intelligence."
You nodded. "See it done, and make sure it is in the cipher Charlotte has provided you and your staff."
You turned to Chamans. "Chamans, you are under Davouts' command. Unless he gives specific orders otherwise, you will refrain from waging a war against the Sicilian countryside and its civilians."
Chamans nodded. "Yes Générale."
Severin just gave a nod and a smile. "Don't worry about us Générale, you should worry about making that king piss his trousers as you parade through his city, and remove him from his throne. I think throne breaker is a good name."
You found yourself shaking your head with a growl. "Merde." You swore. "You are all dismissed, I don't want to hear you anymore Severin."
And the men departed, for paths that were far more uncharted than you dared believed they were.
You didn't know how to feel, yet you gave them the best luck they could have.
A Silent Prayer that only you could hear.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 30th, 1795
Kléber stood near the railing, smelling the sea air. "Something tells me there are things you are worried about, but you could not say it in front of the others?" He stated.
"You know me so well." You folded your arms, the sarcasm dripping. "You don't approve?"
Kléber snorted. "Don't approve, Merde, you must think I have little faith in you Auclair." He spat over the edge. "I only am thinking of the small details, the what next once the battle begins. The Port itself is protected, but once the inner walls of the city are breached, it will be a desperate street battle, where we are at the disadvantage in knowledge."
"We can plan for every eventuality, but once we hit that beach, we will be forced to adapt on the fly." You replied. "We just need to be smarter, faster than our enemy, and react faster than whatever they come up with."
Kléber smiled at those words, perhaps thinking back to something in the past. "I wish your brother could have heard that."
Oh. "What's my brother have to do with this?" You asked.
Kléber shook his head. "Never mind, it's not my place."
Now you were curious. Very curious. "Why?"
"Your brother is very… cautious." He stated. "I think he lacks aggression, and while he may have glimpses of brilliance that show he is not incompetent… he is nowhere near the better commander. You certainly surpass him in that regard."
"How so?" You asked.
"You take risks, and I don't think Brian is willing to take such risks without feeling one hundred percent certain of his ability to succeed. This plan may not work on any level, yet we dive into it because we have every right to believe it will work." He paused
What the hell was he saying… Was he saying you would fail?
Kléber must have seen the confusion on your face, and he ended his awkward silence. "What I mean is… you inspire confidence, and your brother does not, not without Napoleon." He replied. "Or you for that matter."
You snorted, but in a way that was approving. "I'm glad you feel such a way, with my ability and strategies inspiring confidence in you."
"If I felt like you were leading us to our deaths, I would not have chosen to come to the Orient? Who knows. We may even see India at the end of this journey." He said with a smile.
"Perhaps." You replied. But I fear that events in Europe would make that dream an impossibility.
You didn't say the next words and instead gave a small nod. "Get some rest Kléber… I need you fresh."
Kléber nodded. "Yes Générale."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
May 1st, 1795
The Morning was still young when you saw Dumas stare out at the horizon, towards Palermo. "You know Générale, I thought you had other ways to deal with subordinates when you needed to speak to them. Invite them to wine in your office, act as a superior. But you have a strange habit of talking out in the open, where men can see and gossip."
You frowned, before the smile on Dumas' face rose. "How may I be of assistance?" His statement earlier must have been a setup for some joke, but it was stopped by your confusion, and the dumb look you were giving him.
"You seem quite sure of this plan we have." You stated.
Dumas chuckled. "I only wish to lead the Van, be the first man into the city, destroy the enemy."
That sounded like a terrible idea. "And if you die, or get wounded?" You stated. "I remember leading from the front one time, and I still hold the scars."
"Aye, but battle is like that. Men die and get hurt, but the men appreciate when their commanders put themselves in the same risk they are." Dumas chuckled. "The men have never attempted something like this before. They will need someone to lead them, to keep their morale, and to direct them."
"And that man is you?" You asked.
Dumas nodded. "I've led men over mountains, across rivers, and through hails of gunfire. Into the jaws of death, I've walked, and succeeded."
You nodded. "I will not make promises, but if I see that that is an option and that it requires you, I will see it done."
Dumas smiled. "Thank you, Générale."
------------------------------------------------------------------
De Lisle looked better on land than sea. "You know, if you told me two years ago, that I would still be in the army, instead of releasing my music to the masses? I would have shot you."
You shook your head. "Life has a way to change our course in life. I should know."
That made De Lisle laugh. "Aye, aye that is true. But don't think I am complaining. I think that a general like you is the only one who could have thrived?"
"A General like me?" You asked.
"Someone who is more open to more ideas than others, who choose to train vigorously, but not in a way where cruelty is needed to maintain discipline. The men… love you, respect you… enough to trust your plans and judgments will not kill them, and lead them to victory." De Lisle paused. "That and you promote a lot of men through merit, also helps."
You looked at De Lisle. "Including the man in front of me?" You asked.
"Guilty." He replied.
You snorted. "You never cared much for rank, you only cared that I made that song of yours the army's anthem."
"A fact I am very pleased with." De Lisle said with a smile.
For a moment you looked out into the horizon, with the setting sun. "Are you afraid?"
De Lisle nodded. "Why should I, you're commanding us? If I had lost faith then, I wouldn't have any faith now. I wouldn't be a good chief of staff."
You nodded. "Thank you."
"Stop doubting yourself Générale." De Lisle stated. "If you needed a pep talk from all your officers before every battle, it might send the wrong message."
You nodded. "Thank you."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Event Rolls:
Surveying Roll: 6+30+5 (The Harbingers)=41(Failure) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv29op
Surveying Rerolls: 89+30+5=124 (Art Crit!) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:kopv2ddd
(+15 to all Army Battle rolls)
Weather Roll:49 (Rainey Weather) https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3 (-5 to all Global Battle rolls)
Palermo Preparations Roll:10+40 (Defenders' Advantage)+10 (Coastal Defenses)+10 (Active Ships)+5 (King's Division)-5 (Rain)=70
(Palermo Morale will be set at 100)
Is Ferdinand There?: 97 https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:koreoi6g +78 https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:korf7nvv =175
(He is there… along with his entire family, court, and government for both kingdoms)
Reward: The Harbingers (Les Présages) are now Tier 2.
-Tier 2: +10 to Suvaying rolls. Whenever Surveying rolls succeed, gain a +15 to battle rolls for all your own and allied forces.
May 4th 1795
Palermo was in sight, and you still felt doubtful.
Dammit, all.. .the options are not the greatest, even with every advantage we have.
The enemy ships will either be in the port or about to leave the Harbor, meaning that the chances of our ships being intercepted will be greatly increased, meaning we have a chance to capture the ships in the harbor and turn them against the enemy.
Serre said he wished to capture them, and then use them as fireships. Start an inferno in the city, make them focus their energies on preventing the city from burning to the ground, then stop them.
But that may force the enemy to fight even harder, seeing as we are willing to destroy the city.
Kléber for his part wished to make this a siege, where you had every advantage. You would be forcing the city and the King would have nowhere to run. However, that would break the element of surprise that you had cultivated. And it could give your enemy a chance to escape.
Dumas had the most aggressive of all the plans. An all-out assault on the city's harbor with I corps, while III Corps would land outside the cities defenses to lay siege to the city, to prevent any escape by land.
It was going to be tough. Very Tough.
For All Plans: Do You personally take Command, or leave it to your subordinates?
[]I join the Men in the Front!: You will personally take command. (Morale rolls will have a +10, meaning there is a chance to not lose any morale on morale checks)
[]No, I will command from the Rear: You will plan more in the Rear, and come in on the second wave. (Allied morale will start at 95, instead of 100.)
What is your Plan of Attack:
[]A Siege: Kléber's Plan has Merit. You will need to prepare for a Seige to prevent the Enemy king and his government from escaping. They will not be able to create an active defense of the entire Island and Naples if Davout and Chamans are able to complete their Objectives. This will also buy you valuable time to hear news from them as well, and perhaps, negotiate a surrender from the King. But you have lost the element of Surprise, and now, if there is word of a siege, the Enemy may have a chance to counter-attack. But the heavy rain may delay attacks, and give the enemy opportunity to break the lines.
Main skill(s): Command, Engineering, Artillery, Logistics
Rewards: You will not send thousands of men to die doing a costly amphibious assault on the City's defenses. You will be able to dictate the terms of battle and prepare defensive fortifications.
Risks: Siege begins; Chance for Enemy commanders and king to escape during your landings. Chance for the enemy to launch counterattacks.
[]The Assault!: Dumas is correct, it is time to be bold! Dumas is planning to lead III corps in an assault on the city, while I Corps will cut off Enemy reinforcements in the city. There is but… one problem. The Enemy coastal batteries would destroy them. But with the heavy rains… perhaps he could make it across the harbor, into the port, and street fights his way to the batteries.
Main skill(s): Combat, Infantry, Artillery.
Rewards: The Assault is in a downpour, meaning there will be low visibility for all artillery, meaning there is a chance to slip into the city. But it will be a violent street fight to take over the city.
Risks: This Assault will be Bloody. You will suffer heavy Casualties in this endeavor, but Ferdinand will not be able to escape in the chaos of the street.
[] There is Another: In a spark of genius, you've devised a plan to resolve this tricky situation, and the men seem to agree. You...(Write in, subject to QM approval)
Main skill(s): ???
Rewards: ???
Risks: ???.
----------------------------
Adam wishes to try and capture Enemy Ships, and use them as Fire ships and light the city ablaze:
[]Do it: You will allow him to do that. (Unkown Effect, but be warned, If the city Burns, your enemies will not be the only ones affected.)
[]Capture them: You are in dire need of more ships. He can capture them, but he will not light the city on fire with them. (Adam will attempt to capture the Enemy Fleet.)
[]Sink Them: You do not want them to harm your landings. He will sink them (Adam will destroy the enemy fleet.
[]Focus on Shore Bombardment: You will make Adam Focus on supporting the landings, and keeping the infantry and their artillery safe. (This will make the assault rolls gain a +5)
[]Blokade: The city must not be allowed to maintain supply. They will not escape either. (The Siege will gain an additional +5)
Louis wishes to join the Vanguard. Do you let him:
[]Yes: If he wishes to fight, he will fight.
[]No: You do not want to see him killed. That and he does not have the experience to lead men (-5 to Allied Morale)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forces at the beginning of the Battle:
I Corps: 23,550
III Corps: 22,550
French Navy: 43 Ships
Forces of Palermo: Unkown, 10,000 Known Sicilian Troops.
Sicilian Navy: 15 Ships.
AN: Alright Everyone, The Battle of Palermo will Begin.
Please Vote in Plan Format please, and also...
HERE WE GO!
There is a Moratorium for a few hours, for planning and discussion.
Last edited:
ExNihilo
SPACE!
- Location
- USA
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Soon, we'll know more about the terrain than the locals.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
...WOW.
If we do take the City, then this War is OVER. Literally everyone in the two Kingdoms who could lead a serious Opposition against us is in there.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
While that would not be ideal and we should avoid it if we can, it would still take them out of the Equation and effectively decapitate the State.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
I would say Go for broke. Throw everything at the city. Use Dumas' plan, take personal command, have the fleet provide bombardment support. We have a golden opportunity to end the war in one swift strike. This will save lives in the long run. (edit: of course, OOC, it means that we are likely to be already sailing for Egypt by the time our government is calling us back. But IC, we have no way of knowing that and we think our best way to survive and save our men and sponsors is to show we are a Great General)
For Louis. Is there a way to give him his wish while still reducing the risk? Ie assign him to a veteran unit with NCOs under orders not to let him take undue risks, even if it means stunning him and carrying him back to camp if Louis goes overboard (by the NCOs opinion of the risk an officer should take)?
For Louis. Is there a way to give him his wish while still reducing the risk? Ie assign him to a veteran unit with NCOs under orders not to let him take undue risks, even if it means stunning him and carrying him back to camp if Louis goes overboard (by the NCOs opinion of the risk an officer should take)?
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
There is not. Louis is so hell bent on going and leading from the front, it borders on suicidal.
that he believes that so strongly? It's really the fault of his own desire to serve France.
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Can we prioritize the coastal defenses? Like, focus the initial assault in disabling them and then push through? It's my thinking that an aggressive approach is needed here, take the coastal defenses and capture the ships to enhance the blockade and cut the city from outside, no one escapes. Similar to Dumas plan, but instead of an immediate attack on the city is securing the sea. Then take smaller units to fight in the city and take chokepoints replacing the unit that comes attacking every time so they do not suffer attrition. Meaning that as soon as a checkpoint is secured, a small unit other than the one that takes the chokepoint advances to the next one.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
We have a write in for a reason.
- Location
- Moscow
- Pronouns
- He
I don't see a problem if literally EVERYTHING we need to destroy to paralyze the Sicilian resistance is in one city to lead a direct assault. The risk justifies the means, and the presence of rain, although it clearly did not rise here, will clearly help us not to burn the city by bombing and storming.
Plan "Victory or Death ":
[]I join the Men in the Front!: You will personally take command. (Morale rolls will have a +10, meaning there is a chance to not lose any morale on morale checks)
[]The Assault!: Dumas is correct, it is time to be bold! Dumas is planning to lead III corps in an assault on the city, while I Corps will cut off Enemy reinforcements in the city. There is but… one problem. The Enemy coastal batteries would destroy them. But with the heavy rains… perhaps he could make it across the harbor, into the port, and street fights his way to the batteries.
[]Focus on Shore Bombardment: You will make Adam Focus on supporting the landings, and keeping the infantry and their artillery safe. (This will make the assault rolls gain a +5)
[]Yes: If he wishes to fight, he will fight.
Plan "Victory or Death ":
[]I join the Men in the Front!: You will personally take command. (Morale rolls will have a +10, meaning there is a chance to not lose any morale on morale checks)
[]The Assault!: Dumas is correct, it is time to be bold! Dumas is planning to lead III corps in an assault on the city, while I Corps will cut off Enemy reinforcements in the city. There is but… one problem. The Enemy coastal batteries would destroy them. But with the heavy rains… perhaps he could make it across the harbor, into the port, and street fights his way to the batteries.
[]Focus on Shore Bombardment: You will make Adam Focus on supporting the landings, and keeping the infantry and their artillery safe. (This will make the assault rolls gain a +5)
[]Yes: If he wishes to fight, he will fight.