- Location
- ?????????
We do need to recover after that assassination attempt.
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
Sure, among other things. Recovery comes of course first, but nothing says we can't study and learn a bit while doing so.
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Good thing we can possibly rest… if we choose to not say… remain in our army.
- Location
- Hell
Well we are wounded until December and by then will likely be showing, heck we may already be throwing up. I doubt they will begrudge us sitting it out.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
We have not shown the early signs of pregnancy just yet. It's been in quest less then a month…
though that's probably because they confused it with other things, cause we got shot.
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General, Empress, Icon. The Impact of Therese Auclair on POP Culture; Part 1: The Empress and the Amazon (Alexander Sturnn)
General, Empress, Icon. The Impact of Therese Auclair on POP Culture; Part 1: The Empress and the Amazon
"A Life is only as good as what we leave in our wake."
-Therese Auclair
Words to live by in many regards.
And perhaps no time in History embodied the Spirit of these Words more then the late 18th and early 19th Century. From the Formation of the United States to the French Revolution, the Rise and Fall of the First French Republic and the Ascension of the First French Empire, the World was shaped and changed forever by the Actions of the Men and Women living in this turbulent time. Centuries-old Regimes were toppled, ancient societal Norms overturned and radical new Ideas brought forth.
Yet at the same time, it was an Age of Violence, of War and of ruthless Ambition, with great Armies clashing to decide the Future of the World and single Individuals holding the Fate of Nations in their Hands, changing it forever. It was a time when even those of most humble Origin could seize their chance and rise to unimaginable heights.
One of these Individuals was perhaps the most peculiar and unforeseen out of them all. One single Woman, coming from nothing while living in a deeply patriarchal Society...and who, defying all Norms and Standards of the time, rose to the top of an Empire by nothing but her own Merits.
That Woman was Therese Auclair, later Bonaparte. General of the Republic, Marshal of France and Empress of the French People.
The Mark that this Women left on history and on societal Norms cannot be denied. When she took command of the Battle at Valmy alongside her Brother, the Idea of a Woman acting outside of her designated Roles, even in Revolutionary France, was utterly impossible. The fact that she did it anyway, and with such great Success, left an impact that is felt to this day in many fields...including in POP Culture.
The perhaps earliest example of the POP Culture surrounding Therese Auclair were the Novels about her and her exploits, that were written and published during her Lifetime.
The most popular were French Novels written by Princess Charlotte Capet while she was living with her and during her "London Holiday".
Though reportedly, Therese herself strongly disliked these books. One Anecdote even claims that she once snapped at someone asking her about them that, if she had time for it, she would track every last copy of them down and toss them into a fire. Perhaps unsurprising, given her depiction in most of them as a savage, bloodthirsty Amazon Warrior-Woman.
But these are only some examples of her legacy while alive and in power.
Another is the Empress In Uniform Painting (Created in 1796), which shows the Empress in full military dress and service uniform, made approximently a month after the birth of her first children. In fact, one can see the baby hand grabbing her pinky finger. It must have been difficult to make.
More dramatically we have "The Amazon in Berlin" (Created in Spoiler), which shows her leading her Army in a Victory Parade under the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin.
The Painting was commissioned by her Husband, in honor of her Victory. The resentful, angry glares of the Prussians standing at the side as the victorious French Army parades through their Capital are rather reflective of the bitterness and resentment that this Event created among the Prussians for Therese Auclair.
For one and a half century, this resentment colored Prussian and, to an extent, later German Opinions about Therese. Adolf Hitler even ordered the Painting destroyed after the Fall of Paris during World War Two, though thankfully it was saved by Members of the French Resistance.
"A Nation that can be beaten by Woman is no nation. It is a Gaggle of Tribes pretending to be men. Once this mistake is forgotten, all will be made right."
-Joseph Goebbles, 1940
Her Impact reaches far beyond her own lifetime. Between Military and Cultural successes of her day, she is the modern day archetype of Women of Action and Femininity, inspiring the likes of Major Sarah Edmonds Seelye during the Civil War, and other female American and French Officers in the 19th, 20th and 21st Century. Her Person was the subject and inspiration of countless Films, Novels, Theater Plays and later even Video Games.
Her perhaps most well-known contribution to modern POP Culture however is as the Inspiration for the Detective Comics Super Heroine 'Wonder Woman'.
It's well known that Dr. Marston wanted to create something that could inspire and move people to action, with the myth of the Amazon being the powerful base to use, but lacked an archetype.
Thankfully Empress Bonaparte was there to guide the struggle, with an intelligent mind, commanding presence and a sense of gentleness most comics of the time lacked.
This Inspiration for the Character most clearly shows during the first years of her Comic-Series, which dealt with Wonder Woman, or Princess Diana as she was named in-Universe, working with the CIA and the Resistance to fight the Nazis in occupied France.
The most blatant indicator for this Inspiration is the Comic Scene in Wonder Woman dresses in the Empress's uniform to inspire a resistance uprising.
"Out there, the bloody standards of the greatest Tyrant this World has ever known are raised over your Cities. Out there, in your countryside, his hosts march as they please, to murder and pillage wherever they go! They march beneath a cursed Hooked Cross to grind the very Spirit of France into dust! They march under the Orders of their Führer, who wishes all concepts of Freedom to be eradicated from this World and plunge it into the Darkness of Tartarus! And they march out of fear, because deep in their hearts they know that, if the People of France where to rise up as one, they would not be able to stand against them!
Over a hundred years ago, the Woman who's Uniform I wear saw these very same things. She saw her beloved Homeland invaded and threatened by Tyrants and Madmen. Did she cower? Did she resign herself to her fate? No. She found the Courage to stand up and say "Enough!". She fought to the last breath to preserve this Nation and it's People. She inspired the People of this Nation to follow her. And together, against all odds, they triumphed against Tyranny!
Soldiers, Citizens, Workers of France! The eyes of the World lie upon you! The Princess of Themyscira and the might of the United States of America stand with you! And these Tyrants, no matter how hard they try, can never extinguish the Flame of Freedom that I know burns inside you and your Nation! So harness the Power of this Flame...and strike with the might of Zeus' Thunderbolts!
RISE, PEOPLE OF FRANCE! RISE LIKE YOUR ANCESTORS DID AND RECLAIM YOUR FREEDOM! VIVE LA FRANCE!!!"
-Sensation Comics Issue 25; published in February 1944: Wonder Woman, wearing the Uniform of Empress Therese Auclair, inspires a large Force of French Resistance Fighters to help her in attacking a Nazi-Military Base where the SS is trying to create an Army of genetically modified Super Soldiers
In the first Wonder Woman TV Show (1973), this Scene was one of the stand out moments of the Pilot Episode.
The Character of Wonder Woman would go through many Iterations, Reinventions and Adaptations over the following Decades. However, all of these have one consistent Factor: At some point, a Connection between the Character and either France or the Historical Figure of Empress Therese is established.
It is perhaps unsurprising that Wonder Woman is the most beloved and well-known American Super Hero in France. Even during her first years, she enjoyed great Popularity there, with Louis, Prince Napoleon (the then Head of House Bonaparte, who died in 1997) being an avid Reader of the Comic and an enthusiastic Supporter of the Character.
And while Wonder Woman became more American-centric after the war, the Legacy of the Empress on her Character was felt even in her most recent appearances in the 2020s.
The widespread impact that Therese Auclair had on both societal Norms and popular Culture cannot be denied. Wonder Woman is merely the most well known and most blatant example of a fictional Character taking inspiration from her...but by far not the only one.
Next time on this Documentary: Princess Leia and the balancing act between Stateswoman, General and Princess.
A.N.: Written by @Cyberphilosipher and me. I hope you all like it!
"A Life is only as good as what we leave in our wake."
-Therese Auclair
Words to live by in many regards.
And perhaps no time in History embodied the Spirit of these Words more then the late 18th and early 19th Century. From the Formation of the United States to the French Revolution, the Rise and Fall of the First French Republic and the Ascension of the First French Empire, the World was shaped and changed forever by the Actions of the Men and Women living in this turbulent time. Centuries-old Regimes were toppled, ancient societal Norms overturned and radical new Ideas brought forth.
Yet at the same time, it was an Age of Violence, of War and of ruthless Ambition, with great Armies clashing to decide the Future of the World and single Individuals holding the Fate of Nations in their Hands, changing it forever. It was a time when even those of most humble Origin could seize their chance and rise to unimaginable heights.
One of these Individuals was perhaps the most peculiar and unforeseen out of them all. One single Woman, coming from nothing while living in a deeply patriarchal Society...and who, defying all Norms and Standards of the time, rose to the top of an Empire by nothing but her own Merits.
That Woman was Therese Auclair, later Bonaparte. General of the Republic, Marshal of France and Empress of the French People.
The Mark that this Women left on history and on societal Norms cannot be denied. When she took command of the Battle at Valmy alongside her Brother, the Idea of a Woman acting outside of her designated Roles, even in Revolutionary France, was utterly impossible. The fact that she did it anyway, and with such great Success, left an impact that is felt to this day in many fields...including in POP Culture.
The perhaps earliest example of the POP Culture surrounding Therese Auclair were the Novels about her and her exploits, that were written and published during her Lifetime.
The most popular were French Novels written by Princess Charlotte Capet while she was living with her and during her "London Holiday".
Though reportedly, Therese herself strongly disliked these books. One Anecdote even claims that she once snapped at someone asking her about them that, if she had time for it, she would track every last copy of them down and toss them into a fire. Perhaps unsurprising, given her depiction in most of them as a savage, bloodthirsty Amazon Warrior-Woman.
But these are only some examples of her legacy while alive and in power.
Another is the Empress In Uniform Painting (Created in 1796), which shows the Empress in full military dress and service uniform, made approximently a month after the birth of her first children. In fact, one can see the baby hand grabbing her pinky finger. It must have been difficult to make.
More dramatically we have "The Amazon in Berlin" (Created in Spoiler), which shows her leading her Army in a Victory Parade under the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin.
The Painting was commissioned by her Husband, in honor of her Victory. The resentful, angry glares of the Prussians standing at the side as the victorious French Army parades through their Capital are rather reflective of the bitterness and resentment that this Event created among the Prussians for Therese Auclair.
For one and a half century, this resentment colored Prussian and, to an extent, later German Opinions about Therese. Adolf Hitler even ordered the Painting destroyed after the Fall of Paris during World War Two, though thankfully it was saved by Members of the French Resistance.
"A Nation that can be beaten by Woman is no nation. It is a Gaggle of Tribes pretending to be men. Once this mistake is forgotten, all will be made right."
-Joseph Goebbles, 1940
Her Impact reaches far beyond her own lifetime. Between Military and Cultural successes of her day, she is the modern day archetype of Women of Action and Femininity, inspiring the likes of Major Sarah Edmonds Seelye during the Civil War, and other female American and French Officers in the 19th, 20th and 21st Century. Her Person was the subject and inspiration of countless Films, Novels, Theater Plays and later even Video Games.
Her perhaps most well-known contribution to modern POP Culture however is as the Inspiration for the Detective Comics Super Heroine 'Wonder Woman'.
It's well known that Dr. Marston wanted to create something that could inspire and move people to action, with the myth of the Amazon being the powerful base to use, but lacked an archetype.
Thankfully Empress Bonaparte was there to guide the struggle, with an intelligent mind, commanding presence and a sense of gentleness most comics of the time lacked.
This Inspiration for the Character most clearly shows during the first years of her Comic-Series, which dealt with Wonder Woman, or Princess Diana as she was named in-Universe, working with the CIA and the Resistance to fight the Nazis in occupied France.
The most blatant indicator for this Inspiration is the Comic Scene in Wonder Woman dresses in the Empress's uniform to inspire a resistance uprising.
"Out there, the bloody standards of the greatest Tyrant this World has ever known are raised over your Cities. Out there, in your countryside, his hosts march as they please, to murder and pillage wherever they go! They march beneath a cursed Hooked Cross to grind the very Spirit of France into dust! They march under the Orders of their Führer, who wishes all concepts of Freedom to be eradicated from this World and plunge it into the Darkness of Tartarus! And they march out of fear, because deep in their hearts they know that, if the People of France where to rise up as one, they would not be able to stand against them!
Over a hundred years ago, the Woman who's Uniform I wear saw these very same things. She saw her beloved Homeland invaded and threatened by Tyrants and Madmen. Did she cower? Did she resign herself to her fate? No. She found the Courage to stand up and say "Enough!". She fought to the last breath to preserve this Nation and it's People. She inspired the People of this Nation to follow her. And together, against all odds, they triumphed against Tyranny!
Soldiers, Citizens, Workers of France! The eyes of the World lie upon you! The Princess of Themyscira and the might of the United States of America stand with you! And these Tyrants, no matter how hard they try, can never extinguish the Flame of Freedom that I know burns inside you and your Nation! So harness the Power of this Flame...and strike with the might of Zeus' Thunderbolts!
RISE, PEOPLE OF FRANCE! RISE LIKE YOUR ANCESTORS DID AND RECLAIM YOUR FREEDOM! VIVE LA FRANCE!!!"
-Sensation Comics Issue 25; published in February 1944: Wonder Woman, wearing the Uniform of Empress Therese Auclair, inspires a large Force of French Resistance Fighters to help her in attacking a Nazi-Military Base where the SS is trying to create an Army of genetically modified Super Soldiers
In the first Wonder Woman TV Show (1973), this Scene was one of the stand out moments of the Pilot Episode.
The Character of Wonder Woman would go through many Iterations, Reinventions and Adaptations over the following Decades. However, all of these have one consistent Factor: At some point, a Connection between the Character and either France or the Historical Figure of Empress Therese is established.
It is perhaps unsurprising that Wonder Woman is the most beloved and well-known American Super Hero in France. Even during her first years, she enjoyed great Popularity there, with Louis, Prince Napoleon (the then Head of House Bonaparte, who died in 1997) being an avid Reader of the Comic and an enthusiastic Supporter of the Character.
And while Wonder Woman became more American-centric after the war, the Legacy of the Empress on her Character was felt even in her most recent appearances in the 2020s.
The widespread impact that Therese Auclair had on both societal Norms and popular Culture cannot be denied. Wonder Woman is merely the most well known and most blatant example of a fictional Character taking inspiration from her...but by far not the only one.
Next time on this Documentary: Princess Leia and the balancing act between Stateswoman, General and Princess.
A.N.: Written by @Cyberphilosipher and me. I hope you all like it!
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
I feel like I should offer omake bounties more often.
+10 to the rolls.
Also I wonder how historians are going to see the Capet Duo?
I think it's too early to judge that yet. They'll need to walk their paths a bit further before I could make an educated guess.
NoxOfUmbra
Shadow of the night
- Location
- Colombia, South América
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
True, we don't know how they will develop yet, so if anything we will be forced to do an analysis of their younger days, aka, what we know of until now.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him/They
It would be a good idea to define what you need to do before committing to anything too heavily.
Honestly, I could see Therese doing a training montage whilst being pregnant.
With awesome Music in the background of course!
Incidentally, I am pretty sure that Nappy also listens to this Song on repeat. Especially the Refrain.
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ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
Another way to reduce the threat represented by Robespierre is to tarnish his legacy. Capitalize on the fact that he was rescued by unidentified agents and the fact that, for someone who claimed to fight for the sake of the Republic, he was quick to become a tyrant whose attempts at keeping his power only harmed France, to paint Robespierre not as a misguided man who sought to bring about a Republic through dubious means, but as an agent of foreign powers who sought to weaken France so that it can be conquered and removed as a Great Power and whose claims of ushering in a Republic was nothing more than a pretense to make France weaker. If we were able to somehow pull this off, then Robespierre's threat will be reduced somewhat, as he will have a much harder time formeting a republican revolt if the French people believe he doesn't truly care about bringing in a form of government that would help the people, he just wants to help his foreign masters have an easier time in conquering France.
- Pronouns
- Tul'Mar
That can work honestly, not many people would like him and it would give us a justification to possibly kill him
Spy Games (AvidFicReader)
- Location
- Hawaii
Spy Games
Young Charlotte Capet sat demurely before the generals of the Army of Naples, outwardly composed, but nervously wringing her hands beneath the table. From her observations and what she had gathered from rumor around the camp, General Davout was extremely direct and would brook no obfuscation on her part. He made decisions pragmatically, balancing costs and benefits to achieve his goals. However, as shown at Messina, he was both amenable to and skilled at misdirection and subterfuge if it would benefit him.
General Severin was a man with little in the way of refinement and decorum, but he was trustworthy and loyal to a fault. It was why Therese had entrusted Louis' training to the then colonel. Charlotte did not particularly like Severin, what with his boorish ways and that he had turned her precious little brother into a killer. However, she could respect his skill, commitment and loyalty, and his strange sense of honor. It was his training that had kept Louis alive through the fighting in Palermo. She had no illusions that her brother, wracked by guilt and a warped sense of duty, would have found his way into the fighting regardless. At least this way, Louis was able to emerge from that hell unscathed, even working to turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
General Murat was a refined gentleman, dashing and chivalrous as a chevalier out of the Song of Roland. He could be incredibly charming and rub elbows with anyone in any court in Europe. However, his great sociability made it hard for her to get a good read of his actual thoughts on anything. The man had the frustrating ability to talk about himself a great deal while saying very little at all.
Considering the personalities at the head of this army, it should not have gone as well as it had. Davout was unsociable and standoffish, Severin was boorish and overly familiar, and Murat was posh and gregarious. It was surprising that Severin had leveraged his overly familiar manner to get through Davout's unsociable personality, to the point that they exchanged jokes on the road to Naples. Charlotte couldn't see either of the two getting along with Murat, nor he with them. They were just too different and ran in divergent social circles. Perhaps the only thing keeping them working well together was their mutual respect for the others' military prowess? In any case, that was a matter that was beyond her. She would have to ask Louis what he thought of how the generals got on. Having run through her mental profiles on each officer to distract herself from her anxiety, Charlotte daintily cleared her throat and set forth her proposal.
"Generals, as we have seen, the whole of Europe has declared war upon France, despite many of the belligerents having been soundly defeated and forced to the negotiating table. Even though France is riven with internal strife, few of those powers were in the position to exploit our weakness. Though I might not know the military details, the politics of it are clear enough to me. Few kings would immediately renege upon a treaty they had signed, even if it were on humiliating terms. They would want to shore up their positions domestically and among the family of nations. The only powers who had been defeated, but not crushed in battle, were Prussia and Britain. Prussia has had two years to recover from their defeat at Mayence, yet agreed to terms less than a year ago. Britain agreed to terms recently, but their government was ousted and replaced with a much more bellicose one deeply affronted with the treaty and the weakening of their navy."
"You say their government was ousted, yet George III remains king? Is this some British peculiarity or am I misunderstanding something?"
"The Brits have always been strange, Nick. Comes with being separate from the rest of Europe."
"As crudely as General Severin put it, that is the case. I'll spare you the lesson on history and just say that beneath the auspices of the crown, they have a parliament, their form of the National Assembly, that runs the day to day affairs, while the king remains a ceremonial symbol of authority."
"So the Brits are run by a bunch of owls? No wonder they're so weird."
"Ignore him, he does this sometimes. Continue."
"Ahem, the government that signed the treaty did so against the will of the rest of their assembly, and was ousted. A more bellicose revanchist group now sets their policy. Britain has always relied on their navy to keep them safe, and so long as it exists, they are under no true threat. Therefore, anything that weakens their navy is a dire threat to them. Thus, it is the new British government that is the most likely candidate to have fanned the flames of war against us."
"So Britain is agitating against us, likely with monetary and material aid, rather than men. What does this knowledge give us, operating as we are in Italy?"
"In the immediate sense? Little to nothing. But in knowing that the coalition dances to the pipers in London, if we can set up a spy ring there, we can deliver news of their decisions and movements back to France to counter them as quickly as possible. Furthermore, my royal uncle is in residence in London. Aside from Louis, he is the next claimant to the Bourbon throne, and any power seeking a Bourbon restoration would need his collaboration. Removing him from the board, temporarily or permanently, would take away one such threat and open up additional options."
"And who would you propose found this London spy ring? We have few versed in subterfuge, and not many with such skills join the army."
"Why, myself, of course."
The officers stare at the princess for a moment following her audacious declaration. Charlotte takes a small measure of pride that she can render men speechless with her words. She does wonder why none have yet protested. She knows they all harbor at least some monarchist sentiment, having served in the Royal Army before the revolution. Davout, at least, had been persecuted by the Republican government, at least from what she had gathered from Therese's correspondence.
"Charlotte. Are you certain you want to do this? Therese believes you capable and discreet enough to handle her mail, and I know how capable women can be. Hell, I married one! But have you considered what Louis would say about this? Have you made provisions for your security while in the enemy's capital? I would like to hear you have made plans and preparations."
"This is something I can do to aid France, and there are things only I can do in London. Louis is not the only one who feels a need to prove their loyalty to France, and this is a much less self-destructive manner than he has done! As for a bodyguard, I have no authority to order men to serve me, I am no longer royalty."
"That may be changing pretty damned soon. As for guards, I have a short list, and I can use one of the men from your security detail."
"What? I have a security detail?"
"Of course you do. Princess or not, you and Louis are valuable to our enemies. It's something Antoine set up with men I recommended. It's a measure we put in place after Amiens, when Therese got hurt and we found out she had taken on two wards. We hadn't known who you were at the time, but if you were important to her, then you were worth protecting. Though with you and Louis separating from Therese, the guard detail was halved as well. I hope nothing ill befalls her with a reduced bodyguard."
"Why is it we haven't heard of this, Severin? Given how you, Chamans and de Lisle were thick as thieves, de Lisle must have known as well."
"It wasn't anything done in an official staff meeting. We held working get-togethers after-hours. I know Chamans invited you a couple of time, but you were busy playing with your horsies. Then Nick only showed up after we were in Toulon, and he was busy with II Corps."
"I- all right. Who would you recommend, general?"
"For one, there is Louis Mashengo. Haitian-born freeman that returned to France, joined the Army of the Rhine when the revolution kicked off. Strong and stout, I'd bet on him against a dozen common soldats, let alone street toughs. He's been part of the guard detail since the beginning. For a second, my older brother, Louis Marceau. He's a capitaine in Division Lorraine of II Corps. He's a damned good fighter and he has no love for the Brits, given he was tricked by them in the Vendee. They may not be your brother, but at least you won't need to learn a bunch of new names!"
"Must you jape, Severin? That one wasn't even original, they're all the same."
"Hah! I see what you did there, Nick! Turning the joke around on me! We'll get you to grow a funny bone eventually!"
With the other two generals bickering, Murat continues questioning Charlotte's preparedness.
"So, Your Highness, I assume you have a cover story prepared, or will you sail into London as Charlotte Capet, Princess of France? And do you have a way to explain why both you bodyguards speak French?"
"Indeed I do, General Murat. I shall pose as a handmaiden of Princess Charlotte. If anyone remarks on the resemblance, well, it is not uncommon for royals to have body doubles in the case of assassins. As for the language issue, French is commonly used for both diplomacy and trade, and France has no shortage of former soldiers."
Severin breaks from his banter with Davout to interject.
"My brother can also speak German. always have to know when the Prussians are cursing you in Kraut! As for Mashengo, he can speak a bit of Spanish and English, what with growing up in the Caribbean. He's a quick learner, and I know you taught Therese how to speak Tea and Crumpets."
"I see, thank you general. I can play up the capitaine's Royalist ties; why would a Royalist rebel loyally serve France? If the British truly backed the Vendee rebels as you say, they would see no flaw in this line of thinking. If they question why he was in Italy, well, he was pressed into service there before deserting and coming into the princess' service! As for Monsieur Mashengo, I can say he is a fierce fighter and play on the mercenary angle. Louis XIV was known for his Croat mercenaries and their contribution to high fashion."
"Damned garrotes, is what they are," Severin mutters under his breath.
"Very well, Your Highness. You have satisfied my inquiries to my satisfaction. Both in terms of your preparation and your ability to improvise. Both necessary talents when it comes to subterfuge and intrigue."
"Mademoiselle Capet, so long as you agree to the two bodyguards, I see no reason not to approve your proposal. I shall ensure you receive some funds to start your spy ring, though you will need to procure a source of income while operating in London."
"Not to worry, General Davout, that is one of those issue that I was going to deal with while there anyway."
"Charlotte. At least speak to Louis. Charlie and Julian deserve some goodbyes as well."
"I shall, general. I will have everything ready for my departure soon."
Young Charlotte Capet sat demurely before the generals of the Army of Naples, outwardly composed, but nervously wringing her hands beneath the table. From her observations and what she had gathered from rumor around the camp, General Davout was extremely direct and would brook no obfuscation on her part. He made decisions pragmatically, balancing costs and benefits to achieve his goals. However, as shown at Messina, he was both amenable to and skilled at misdirection and subterfuge if it would benefit him.
General Severin was a man with little in the way of refinement and decorum, but he was trustworthy and loyal to a fault. It was why Therese had entrusted Louis' training to the then colonel. Charlotte did not particularly like Severin, what with his boorish ways and that he had turned her precious little brother into a killer. However, she could respect his skill, commitment and loyalty, and his strange sense of honor. It was his training that had kept Louis alive through the fighting in Palermo. She had no illusions that her brother, wracked by guilt and a warped sense of duty, would have found his way into the fighting regardless. At least this way, Louis was able to emerge from that hell unscathed, even working to turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
General Murat was a refined gentleman, dashing and chivalrous as a chevalier out of the Song of Roland. He could be incredibly charming and rub elbows with anyone in any court in Europe. However, his great sociability made it hard for her to get a good read of his actual thoughts on anything. The man had the frustrating ability to talk about himself a great deal while saying very little at all.
Considering the personalities at the head of this army, it should not have gone as well as it had. Davout was unsociable and standoffish, Severin was boorish and overly familiar, and Murat was posh and gregarious. It was surprising that Severin had leveraged his overly familiar manner to get through Davout's unsociable personality, to the point that they exchanged jokes on the road to Naples. Charlotte couldn't see either of the two getting along with Murat, nor he with them. They were just too different and ran in divergent social circles. Perhaps the only thing keeping them working well together was their mutual respect for the others' military prowess? In any case, that was a matter that was beyond her. She would have to ask Louis what he thought of how the generals got on. Having run through her mental profiles on each officer to distract herself from her anxiety, Charlotte daintily cleared her throat and set forth her proposal.
"Generals, as we have seen, the whole of Europe has declared war upon France, despite many of the belligerents having been soundly defeated and forced to the negotiating table. Even though France is riven with internal strife, few of those powers were in the position to exploit our weakness. Though I might not know the military details, the politics of it are clear enough to me. Few kings would immediately renege upon a treaty they had signed, even if it were on humiliating terms. They would want to shore up their positions domestically and among the family of nations. The only powers who had been defeated, but not crushed in battle, were Prussia and Britain. Prussia has had two years to recover from their defeat at Mayence, yet agreed to terms less than a year ago. Britain agreed to terms recently, but their government was ousted and replaced with a much more bellicose one deeply affronted with the treaty and the weakening of their navy."
"You say their government was ousted, yet George III remains king? Is this some British peculiarity or am I misunderstanding something?"
"The Brits have always been strange, Nick. Comes with being separate from the rest of Europe."
"As crudely as General Severin put it, that is the case. I'll spare you the lesson on history and just say that beneath the auspices of the crown, they have a parliament, their form of the National Assembly, that runs the day to day affairs, while the king remains a ceremonial symbol of authority."
"So the Brits are run by a bunch of owls? No wonder they're so weird."
"Ignore him, he does this sometimes. Continue."
"Ahem, the government that signed the treaty did so against the will of the rest of their assembly, and was ousted. A more bellicose revanchist group now sets their policy. Britain has always relied on their navy to keep them safe, and so long as it exists, they are under no true threat. Therefore, anything that weakens their navy is a dire threat to them. Thus, it is the new British government that is the most likely candidate to have fanned the flames of war against us."
"So Britain is agitating against us, likely with monetary and material aid, rather than men. What does this knowledge give us, operating as we are in Italy?"
"In the immediate sense? Little to nothing. But in knowing that the coalition dances to the pipers in London, if we can set up a spy ring there, we can deliver news of their decisions and movements back to France to counter them as quickly as possible. Furthermore, my royal uncle is in residence in London. Aside from Louis, he is the next claimant to the Bourbon throne, and any power seeking a Bourbon restoration would need his collaboration. Removing him from the board, temporarily or permanently, would take away one such threat and open up additional options."
"And who would you propose found this London spy ring? We have few versed in subterfuge, and not many with such skills join the army."
"Why, myself, of course."
The officers stare at the princess for a moment following her audacious declaration. Charlotte takes a small measure of pride that she can render men speechless with her words. She does wonder why none have yet protested. She knows they all harbor at least some monarchist sentiment, having served in the Royal Army before the revolution. Davout, at least, had been persecuted by the Republican government, at least from what she had gathered from Therese's correspondence.
"Charlotte. Are you certain you want to do this? Therese believes you capable and discreet enough to handle her mail, and I know how capable women can be. Hell, I married one! But have you considered what Louis would say about this? Have you made provisions for your security while in the enemy's capital? I would like to hear you have made plans and preparations."
"This is something I can do to aid France, and there are things only I can do in London. Louis is not the only one who feels a need to prove their loyalty to France, and this is a much less self-destructive manner than he has done! As for a bodyguard, I have no authority to order men to serve me, I am no longer royalty."
"That may be changing pretty damned soon. As for guards, I have a short list, and I can use one of the men from your security detail."
"What? I have a security detail?"
"Of course you do. Princess or not, you and Louis are valuable to our enemies. It's something Antoine set up with men I recommended. It's a measure we put in place after Amiens, when Therese got hurt and we found out she had taken on two wards. We hadn't known who you were at the time, but if you were important to her, then you were worth protecting. Though with you and Louis separating from Therese, the guard detail was halved as well. I hope nothing ill befalls her with a reduced bodyguard."
"Why is it we haven't heard of this, Severin? Given how you, Chamans and de Lisle were thick as thieves, de Lisle must have known as well."
"It wasn't anything done in an official staff meeting. We held working get-togethers after-hours. I know Chamans invited you a couple of time, but you were busy playing with your horsies. Then Nick only showed up after we were in Toulon, and he was busy with II Corps."
"I- all right. Who would you recommend, general?"
"For one, there is Louis Mashengo. Haitian-born freeman that returned to France, joined the Army of the Rhine when the revolution kicked off. Strong and stout, I'd bet on him against a dozen common soldats, let alone street toughs. He's been part of the guard detail since the beginning. For a second, my older brother, Louis Marceau. He's a capitaine in Division Lorraine of II Corps. He's a damned good fighter and he has no love for the Brits, given he was tricked by them in the Vendee. They may not be your brother, but at least you won't need to learn a bunch of new names!"
"Must you jape, Severin? That one wasn't even original, they're all the same."
"Hah! I see what you did there, Nick! Turning the joke around on me! We'll get you to grow a funny bone eventually!"
With the other two generals bickering, Murat continues questioning Charlotte's preparedness.
"So, Your Highness, I assume you have a cover story prepared, or will you sail into London as Charlotte Capet, Princess of France? And do you have a way to explain why both you bodyguards speak French?"
"Indeed I do, General Murat. I shall pose as a handmaiden of Princess Charlotte. If anyone remarks on the resemblance, well, it is not uncommon for royals to have body doubles in the case of assassins. As for the language issue, French is commonly used for both diplomacy and trade, and France has no shortage of former soldiers."
Severin breaks from his banter with Davout to interject.
"My brother can also speak German. always have to know when the Prussians are cursing you in Kraut! As for Mashengo, he can speak a bit of Spanish and English, what with growing up in the Caribbean. He's a quick learner, and I know you taught Therese how to speak Tea and Crumpets."
"I see, thank you general. I can play up the capitaine's Royalist ties; why would a Royalist rebel loyally serve France? If the British truly backed the Vendee rebels as you say, they would see no flaw in this line of thinking. If they question why he was in Italy, well, he was pressed into service there before deserting and coming into the princess' service! As for Monsieur Mashengo, I can say he is a fierce fighter and play on the mercenary angle. Louis XIV was known for his Croat mercenaries and their contribution to high fashion."
"Damned garrotes, is what they are," Severin mutters under his breath.
"Very well, Your Highness. You have satisfied my inquiries to my satisfaction. Both in terms of your preparation and your ability to improvise. Both necessary talents when it comes to subterfuge and intrigue."
"Mademoiselle Capet, so long as you agree to the two bodyguards, I see no reason not to approve your proposal. I shall ensure you receive some funds to start your spy ring, though you will need to procure a source of income while operating in London."
"Not to worry, General Davout, that is one of those issue that I was going to deal with while there anyway."
"Charlotte. At least speak to Louis. Charlie and Julian deserve some goodbyes as well."
"I shall, general. I will have everything ready for my departure soon."
Picks up right where "Earth-Shaking News" left off. That first bit is an example of Charlotte's ability to get a read on people's personalities through limited personal interaction, observation and rumors. She's not perfect, but her political and decorum training is paying off here, though she's biased as anyone is. Davout and Severin are both low charisma/decorum characters, while Murat's decorum is is maxed. She doesn't have a head for military matters, but the two Louis going with her do. If she is asks them for their read on what she finds, they can help explain the military implications of things, to pass on back to Lyon Paris. Also, more obligatory jokes about everyone being named Louis. Louis the sniper-king, Louis the bodyguard, Captain Louis the other bodyguard, General Louis the Davout...
Had Murat deal with the questions about covers, since he's got the best subterfuge at 17 (Severin has 11 and Davout 10). As for the fashion thing, apparently, Louis XIV though the neckerchiefs of his Croat mercenaries were super cool (they were sweat rags to wipe their face easily) and turned them into high fashion, cravats (from the French for Croat), which then became modern neckties. Severin thinks they are choking hazards, for some reason. Also, Louis Mashengo is an expy of... Louis Mashengo from LoGH. He was Julian's bodyguard, assigned by Schönkopf when Julian went to do sneaky squirrel stuff. OMG, Severin is just Schönkopf in a committed relationship! He would hate that comparison, what with Schönkopf's Prussian name.
Had Murat deal with the questions about covers, since he's got the best subterfuge at 17 (Severin has 11 and Davout 10). As for the fashion thing, apparently, Louis XIV though the neckerchiefs of his Croat mercenaries were super cool (they were sweat rags to wipe their face easily) and turned them into high fashion, cravats (from the French for Croat), which then became modern neckties. Severin thinks they are choking hazards, for some reason.
Also, Louis Mashengo is an expy of... Louis Mashengo from LoGH. He was Julian's bodyguard, assigned by Schönkopf when Julian went to do sneaky squirrel stuff. OMG, Severin is just Schönkopf in a committed relationship! He would hate that comparison, what with Schönkopf's Prussian name.
10.5 An Empress Ascent; Une ascension de l'impératrice
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
10.5 An Empress Ascent; Une ascension de l'impératrice
You awoke on a carriage, the bumping on the road and the sturdy, but comfortable bed beneath you. Above you was a man reading a letter, the light from the afternoon sun coming through one of the open tops that were not covered. The man then turned to face you and smiled. "Thank God. The Surgery was successful."
You raised an eyebrow and felt very confused. You wanted to sit up, but a hand softly kept you down. "Careful Empress, that shot missed your heart and your main blood vessels, but you are still weak." The Doctor said as he pulled out a pipe and chewed the tip.
"What happened?" You asked.
"General Dumas has been marching to Paris with the Army of the East for the last two weeks, and your medical camp was… well/ They had perhaps done everything in their power to save your life. They would have failed, had I not ridden all those miles to take over your care." The doctor said with a statement of fact. "They were really doing some very… well, let's just say they made some very wrong conclusions on your health."
"Was there?" You asked, taking a breath as you felt woozy and lightheaded. "And who are you?"
"Well, not to my knowledge, a few believed you were shot in the heart itself, instead of just a few inches above it." The doctor said before he smiled. "My manners Madame… My name is Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, I am a physician brought in to monitor your health until I feel the need to give you my consent to continue your service to France"
"Thank you, Doctor, Truly." You replied.
"Well, in the two weeks you were unconscious, I have been doing my utmost to keep you safe, healthy and well-fed, and hydrated, though that last two was troubling with the supplies on hand, so you may feel a bit weak. That is normal, so do not be alarmed." The Doctor replied.
"Um, Doctor… Why am I in a carriage? Wouldn't it have been safer to allow me to convalesce in a town?" You asked. "Travel is quite dangerous for soldiers on the mend, I should know."
The Doctor nodded. "Perhaps. But your officers felt it would be better for you to be in Paris with the Emperor, and the most modern facilities we can offer."
You nodded. "And what of the shooter?"
The doctor nodded. "The man was torn apart by over two hundred terrified recruits, worried that with you dead, they would all die. General Marmont managed to prevent their deaths, and has surrendered himself to the custody of General Dumas."
You then remembered the young General standing in the front. He had expected many things, and you had of him.
You needed to speak to him and see if anything that you believed was true. "Bring him to me, doctor, if you could at your soonest convenience." You ordered though it was not a forceful one.
"By your order, Empress." He stated.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun was setting, when Marmont finally arrived at your carriage and bowed his head in the most humble of ways. "Empress, I am at your service." He was quivering as if he was going to be destroyed for his actions against you. That anything he said would be used against him for a trial yet to be heard.
"Take a seat." You stated, offering the chair across from you with a wave of your hand. The young man took a seat and you could see the fear in his eyes, somehow mixed with a sense of both admiration… and something else you could not clearly read, as you studied him closer. "What do you think of me?"
His eyebrows raised and his mouth was slightly agape. He had not expected those simple words from you. "Empress? I don't understand?"
He was speaking to you in a formal tone… as if he thought he was in the right to speak to you that way… yet it was… well you didn't really know how to describe it… Adorable. He was absolutely terrified of you, yet it was his courage that you could not read earlier that was now easy to read. The desire to be seen by you as someone who could speak to you informally.
Or maybe to just keep his head. "It is a simple question, what do you think of me? My reputation? Anything, as long as it's about myself."
Marmot took a breath and was in thought. You could see how he bit his lip, and he twiddled his thumbs on his belt. For a moment there was only confusion in his face, as he saw your own… puzzled expression? No, a glare. A bored glare.
One that was very much wishing for knowledge of the man in front of you.
Finally, he spoke. "If I must be completely honest. You are lacking, just like I am, but in things that can be remedied. In training, in formal military education, in the family. But you have experience." He sat straight. "I have the training, the finest education that I could receive. My family still lives, even strained because of my choices. But I have no experience. I have nothing that would make me a man who would be worthy of… trust. Of anything."
You nodded. You felt the urge to slap the man for his pity. He was young, and so were you. And experience came with time… and fortune. "Yet at that moment, before you were shot, I saw something that I could be worthy of."
"A Loyal Servant, for a woman who showed mercy, out of love for her fellow man."
A Moment passed, then a second one, and you allowed yourself to lower your guard. "Are you trying to win me over with words, general?"
"No." He replied, with all the seriousness that he could muster. "I hope my actions will be enough."
"And what actions could you take to prove that?" You asked suspicions in your tone.
Marmot nodded. "If I may… If you say the word, I will surrender myself to your husband. And then, allow him to decide my fate."
That made you think of the seriousness of what he had. He was surrendering his liberty to Napoleon.
Something that you would not allow. "No, you will not." You ordered.
His face morphed from seriousness to confusion… then to sincerity. "I am in need of an aide de camp, and someone to assist me when I am recovering. That is you."
"I am… honored." He said with a steep, terrified breath.
"If I wanted to honor you, you would have to do something worthy of honoring." You replied. "And that does not mean surrendering to me. You are going to work to make sure my will is done. If it is not, you will be removed from this post… am I understood?"
"Yes, Empress." He replied with a small bow.
"Good. You are dismissed." you ordered. You felt tired and needed to sleep.
And than you vomited, and called for a doctor.
It only took a few hours of very… thorough examinations for the Doctor Jean Larrey to say the words you had been both dreading and were waiting to hear.
You were Pregnant.
--------------------------------------------------------
October 12th, 1795
Paris was a jubilant city, not unlike it was all those years ago, after Valmy Hill when the Republic was proclaimed.
But this was on an entirely different level of party and jubilation. As you were carted along the streets, men women, and children were praising the Heroine of Valmy, of Sicily, and of France itself.
They all wished for you to speak to them, but your silence or lack of words only made them even more fanatical in their cheering and chanting.
And you were quite happy to return to a quieter place, like inside the Chamber of the Senate, where Napoleon had made… empty and scarce, with only Generals and Ministers standing near a large map.
"Ah, the Empress is alive, and in good health." General Klebier stated, and as the only one of the men you recognized without a moment's hesitation, you quietly gave him a nod but said nothing.
"We must discuss the Empress' condition. She is in no condition to continue active service, not after she has been shot, and most assuredly not when she is pregnant with the Heirs of the emperor." Another voice, from Minister Barres stated.
"I shall let my wife make the decision for herself." Napoleon stated.
What do you do?:
[]Remain in Command: You will not abandon the men, you will continue to fight. (Cost 100 Influence with Napoleon, Significantly increases the chance to aggravate your injury.)
[]Place one of your Commanders in Command: You are not trusting any man whom Napoleon will place in command of the Army, so you will make one of the men who fought beside you as Commander of the Army of the East.
--[]General Dumas
--[]General Klebier
--[]Colonel De Lisle (Will promote him to General of the Brigade)
--[]Colonel Chamans (Will promote him to General of the Brigade)
--[]General Marmont (Note if not Chosen, he will remain in the City with you and remain as your Aide)
--[]General Berthier (Note Berthier is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
--[]General Davout (Note: This will Recall him to Paris, and place command of Second Corps under General Severin, who will continue to march towards Austrian Forces in Northern Italy)
--[]General Severin (Note Severin is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
--[]General Murat (Note Murat is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
[]Allow Napoleon to Choose a commander: You will allow the Emperor to choose the right man to lead your forces. (Gain 100 Influence)
Reward: The Campaign in Sicily has ended:
Gain +5 to Grand Strategy.
Wealth now Set to 20, as Napoleon has allowed you to take a small income from his very massive fortune.
You will now gain 10 Wealth Per Turn (Your income in Franc's are around 500,000 Franc's)
Napoleon is not in Paris, fighting for France against her Enemies. You will not be able to influence his actions or his reforms until he returns, or you Rejoin him with the Army.
Reminder: You have 1000/1000 Influence with Napoleon.
If you Remain Behind, you have 12 Actions (If Marmont is not chosen to lead the Army of the East, you will gain an additional 2 Actions, having him as your Aide)
Politics Actions: (You are Only allowed to Choose 4 of them)
[]Tour Paris: The City is Jubilant with your arrival, and you wonder how much the city has changed in your absence? But you know that the Ministers want the People to see their Empress, the Hero of Sicily. To make this Regime Change very… official and very… unlike the last three times it happened. Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 20 Reward: You Tour the City and see it's people.
[]Conduct an Interview (Newspaper): Every Gossip monger in the city wishes to speak to you! You might as well give them what they want, and control the Narrative. Or not. DC: 5 Reward: You speak to the Newsmen, and give them your version of the Events.
[]Speak to the People (Women's Society): Long ago, before your life became that of an adventure Heroine, you met a society of women, who wished for suffrage, education and many things that they feel that they deserve just as much as men do. Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 25 Reward: You speak to the women's society, and will gain information of what they want from this new government…Or maybe you just have some coffee, you don't know?
[]Speak to the Ministers: Your husband's ministers are some of the brightest men in Paris when it comes to governing. But you know none of them. DC: 5 Reward: You will meet the Ministers of France.
[]Discredit Robespierre: What the former Consul of France has done was cause needless bloodshed on the French People. History will not be kind to him… and neither will you. Cost 2 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: You spend a significant amount of time and money interviewing survivors, and collaborating their stories of horror for all of France to hear.
[]Hunt Robespierre: He will not escape justice, he will be found, and he will stand trial, and his crimes will be aired for the Public to see. Cost 10 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: Robespierre will make his court date, and stand trial for his crimes.
[]Official Duties… What do I do again?: You have no idea what your official duties actually are? You need to find out. DC: 1 Reward: You find out what exactly an Empress does… hopefully besides siring heirs and looking pretty for the Emperor's Guests?
[]A Home for an Empire: You have heard that Napoleon is setting up his home in the Tuileries Palace. You need to see it for yourself... and hope to not be blown away by... Other things. DC 30 Reward: You go to the Palace and try to... be Regal.
[]The Royalists: There are many Royalists in the city who wish to meet the Heroine who has protected the French King... And by King, they Mean Louis... That is not going to sit very well. You will explain to them... that he does not wish for a crown. Cost 3 Wealth, DC??? Reward: You make your will and Louis Choices known.
Personal Actions:
[]A Most Loyal Knight: Marmont is... Complicated. You want to see how Complicated he actually is, once the Decorumn has left and vanished, and there was only two generals. DC:??? Reward: Who is the man who wishes to be your loyal Knight?
[]Recall Louis to Paris: You are going to send for Louis to come back Home. You have a feeling you may need him here in Paris, then being a Hero in Italy. That he needs to speak to you may also help. Cost 2 Wealth DC 35 Reward: Louis Returns to Paris.
[]Madam Elisabeth: The Former Princess of France, aunt to your Wards... Wishes to speak to you. You have a feeling she is... mad? Relived? You don't know how to read her letter. Cost 1 Wealth DC??? Reward: You meet the Madam, Elisabeth.
[]The Old Man, The Old Friend…: General Kellerman is settling into his role as the New Governor of the Paris Military District, at least the Acting Governor. He is still the same active, friendly teacher you know him as. DC: 40 Reward: You meet with your… Grandfather Figure, and Reminisce… along with maybe getting some wisdom from your old Superior.
[]Conduct an Interview (Biographer): Some Writer wishes to Write a Biography about your early life and wishes to interview you. You'll Humor him. DC 10 Reward: You interview with a Biographer.
[]A Doctor's Appointment: Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, your physician has been monitoring your health, and he wishes to check up on you once again, to check your wounds, to see if the baby is doing well, and to make sure you are properly… eating. DC: 5 Reward: You visit the doctor.
[]Nesting and Mothering for Dummy Military Leaders, a Guide for first-time parents: You are frightened, and you are going to Brian and Elissa to see how they managed to… Well, How to be a parent? Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 15 Reward: You learn at least a little bit from your Family.
[]The In-Laws: You have never met the rest of Napoleon's Family. They are a colorful bunch so you've heard… However, those are just what you have heard. Might as well see if any of them are True. DC 20 Reward: You meet the Rest of the Bonapartes.
[]The Littlest Auclair: You wish to meet your Niece. There is no it's, and or buts. You will meet her now! DC 1 Reward: You meet your Niece.
[] Correspond with Brian: You have not had a chance to write to Brian for so long… Perhaps you can write to him again? DC: 10
[]A Soldier, A Poet, A Queen of Words?: You wished to create a series of poems and publish them. DC: ???
[] Homefront Investment: With a lull in the war, now is a good time as any to invest in the fabrics industry! Or rum? Grains? All are available to invest in, and you're sure that it would earn you the appreciation of locals. DC: ??? Cost 5 (personal) wealth. (Linetail the investment you wish to make below this option)
[]To Unwind and Destress: You want to find out what you truly enjoy doing in your free time. DC??? Note: Linetail what type of Hobby you want to Try.
[]A Novel idea: You want to take up writing... Perhaps it's a good thing for you to do. DC:20
[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look like 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
AN: Holy Shit.
That Happened Much Sooner then I thought... Oh Well, Here is the Update!
Vote in Plan Format, and Remember, there is a Moratorumn for 12 Hours.
October 1st, 1795
You awoke on a carriage, the bumping on the road and the sturdy, but comfortable bed beneath you. Above you was a man reading a letter, the light from the afternoon sun coming through one of the open tops that were not covered. The man then turned to face you and smiled. "Thank God. The Surgery was successful."
You raised an eyebrow and felt very confused. You wanted to sit up, but a hand softly kept you down. "Careful Empress, that shot missed your heart and your main blood vessels, but you are still weak." The Doctor said as he pulled out a pipe and chewed the tip.
"What happened?" You asked.
"General Dumas has been marching to Paris with the Army of the East for the last two weeks, and your medical camp was… well/ They had perhaps done everything in their power to save your life. They would have failed, had I not ridden all those miles to take over your care." The doctor said with a statement of fact. "They were really doing some very… well, let's just say they made some very wrong conclusions on your health."
"Was there?" You asked, taking a breath as you felt woozy and lightheaded. "And who are you?"
"Well, not to my knowledge, a few believed you were shot in the heart itself, instead of just a few inches above it." The doctor said before he smiled. "My manners Madame… My name is Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, I am a physician brought in to monitor your health until I feel the need to give you my consent to continue your service to France"
"Thank you, Doctor, Truly." You replied.
"Well, in the two weeks you were unconscious, I have been doing my utmost to keep you safe, healthy and well-fed, and hydrated, though that last two was troubling with the supplies on hand, so you may feel a bit weak. That is normal, so do not be alarmed." The Doctor replied.
"Um, Doctor… Why am I in a carriage? Wouldn't it have been safer to allow me to convalesce in a town?" You asked. "Travel is quite dangerous for soldiers on the mend, I should know."
The Doctor nodded. "Perhaps. But your officers felt it would be better for you to be in Paris with the Emperor, and the most modern facilities we can offer."
You nodded. "And what of the shooter?"
The doctor nodded. "The man was torn apart by over two hundred terrified recruits, worried that with you dead, they would all die. General Marmont managed to prevent their deaths, and has surrendered himself to the custody of General Dumas."
You then remembered the young General standing in the front. He had expected many things, and you had of him.
You needed to speak to him and see if anything that you believed was true. "Bring him to me, doctor, if you could at your soonest convenience." You ordered though it was not a forceful one.
"By your order, Empress." He stated.
------------------------------------------------------------------
The sun was setting, when Marmont finally arrived at your carriage and bowed his head in the most humble of ways. "Empress, I am at your service." He was quivering as if he was going to be destroyed for his actions against you. That anything he said would be used against him for a trial yet to be heard.
"Take a seat." You stated, offering the chair across from you with a wave of your hand. The young man took a seat and you could see the fear in his eyes, somehow mixed with a sense of both admiration… and something else you could not clearly read, as you studied him closer. "What do you think of me?"
His eyebrows raised and his mouth was slightly agape. He had not expected those simple words from you. "Empress? I don't understand?"
He was speaking to you in a formal tone… as if he thought he was in the right to speak to you that way… yet it was… well you didn't really know how to describe it… Adorable. He was absolutely terrified of you, yet it was his courage that you could not read earlier that was now easy to read. The desire to be seen by you as someone who could speak to you informally.
Or maybe to just keep his head. "It is a simple question, what do you think of me? My reputation? Anything, as long as it's about myself."
Marmot took a breath and was in thought. You could see how he bit his lip, and he twiddled his thumbs on his belt. For a moment there was only confusion in his face, as he saw your own… puzzled expression? No, a glare. A bored glare.
One that was very much wishing for knowledge of the man in front of you.
Finally, he spoke. "If I must be completely honest. You are lacking, just like I am, but in things that can be remedied. In training, in formal military education, in the family. But you have experience." He sat straight. "I have the training, the finest education that I could receive. My family still lives, even strained because of my choices. But I have no experience. I have nothing that would make me a man who would be worthy of… trust. Of anything."
You nodded. You felt the urge to slap the man for his pity. He was young, and so were you. And experience came with time… and fortune. "Yet at that moment, before you were shot, I saw something that I could be worthy of."
"A Loyal Servant, for a woman who showed mercy, out of love for her fellow man."
A Moment passed, then a second one, and you allowed yourself to lower your guard. "Are you trying to win me over with words, general?"
"No." He replied, with all the seriousness that he could muster. "I hope my actions will be enough."
"And what actions could you take to prove that?" You asked suspicions in your tone.
Marmot nodded. "If I may… If you say the word, I will surrender myself to your husband. And then, allow him to decide my fate."
That made you think of the seriousness of what he had. He was surrendering his liberty to Napoleon.
Something that you would not allow. "No, you will not." You ordered.
His face morphed from seriousness to confusion… then to sincerity. "I am in need of an aide de camp, and someone to assist me when I am recovering. That is you."
"I am… honored." He said with a steep, terrified breath.
"If I wanted to honor you, you would have to do something worthy of honoring." You replied. "And that does not mean surrendering to me. You are going to work to make sure my will is done. If it is not, you will be removed from this post… am I understood?"
"Yes, Empress." He replied with a small bow.
"Good. You are dismissed." you ordered. You felt tired and needed to sleep.
And than you vomited, and called for a doctor.
It only took a few hours of very… thorough examinations for the Doctor Jean Larrey to say the words you had been both dreading and were waiting to hear.
You were Pregnant.
--------------------------------------------------------
October 12th, 1795
Paris was a jubilant city, not unlike it was all those years ago, after Valmy Hill when the Republic was proclaimed.
But this was on an entirely different level of party and jubilation. As you were carted along the streets, men women, and children were praising the Heroine of Valmy, of Sicily, and of France itself.
They all wished for you to speak to them, but your silence or lack of words only made them even more fanatical in their cheering and chanting.
And you were quite happy to return to a quieter place, like inside the Chamber of the Senate, where Napoleon had made… empty and scarce, with only Generals and Ministers standing near a large map.
"Ah, the Empress is alive, and in good health." General Klebier stated, and as the only one of the men you recognized without a moment's hesitation, you quietly gave him a nod but said nothing.
"We must discuss the Empress' condition. She is in no condition to continue active service, not after she has been shot, and most assuredly not when she is pregnant with the Heirs of the emperor." Another voice, from Minister Barres stated.
"I shall let my wife make the decision for herself." Napoleon stated.
What do you do?:
[]Remain in Command: You will not abandon the men, you will continue to fight. (Cost 100 Influence with Napoleon, Significantly increases the chance to aggravate your injury.)
[]Place one of your Commanders in Command: You are not trusting any man whom Napoleon will place in command of the Army, so you will make one of the men who fought beside you as Commander of the Army of the East.
--[]General Dumas
--[]General Klebier
--[]Colonel De Lisle (Will promote him to General of the Brigade)
--[]Colonel Chamans (Will promote him to General of the Brigade)
--[]General Marmont (Note if not Chosen, he will remain in the City with you and remain as your Aide)
--[]General Berthier (Note Berthier is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
--[]General Davout (Note: This will Recall him to Paris, and place command of Second Corps under General Severin, who will continue to march towards Austrian Forces in Northern Italy)
--[]General Severin (Note Severin is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
--[]General Murat (Note Murat is in Italy with General Davout, and will not take command until November 1st.)
[]Allow Napoleon to Choose a commander: You will allow the Emperor to choose the right man to lead your forces. (Gain 100 Influence)
Reward: The Campaign in Sicily has ended:
Gain +5 to Grand Strategy.
Wealth now Set to 20, as Napoleon has allowed you to take a small income from his very massive fortune.
You will now gain 10 Wealth Per Turn (Your income in Franc's are around 500,000 Franc's)
Napoleon is not in Paris, fighting for France against her Enemies. You will not be able to influence his actions or his reforms until he returns, or you Rejoin him with the Army.
Reminder: You have 1000/1000 Influence with Napoleon.
If you Remain Behind, you have 12 Actions (If Marmont is not chosen to lead the Army of the East, you will gain an additional 2 Actions, having him as your Aide)
Politics Actions: (You are Only allowed to Choose 4 of them)
[]Tour Paris: The City is Jubilant with your arrival, and you wonder how much the city has changed in your absence? But you know that the Ministers want the People to see their Empress, the Hero of Sicily. To make this Regime Change very… official and very… unlike the last three times it happened. Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 20 Reward: You Tour the City and see it's people.
[]Conduct an Interview (Newspaper): Every Gossip monger in the city wishes to speak to you! You might as well give them what they want, and control the Narrative. Or not. DC: 5 Reward: You speak to the Newsmen, and give them your version of the Events.
[]Speak to the People (Women's Society): Long ago, before your life became that of an adventure Heroine, you met a society of women, who wished for suffrage, education and many things that they feel that they deserve just as much as men do. Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 25 Reward: You speak to the women's society, and will gain information of what they want from this new government…Or maybe you just have some coffee, you don't know?
[]Speak to the Ministers: Your husband's ministers are some of the brightest men in Paris when it comes to governing. But you know none of them. DC: 5 Reward: You will meet the Ministers of France.
[]Discredit Robespierre: What the former Consul of France has done was cause needless bloodshed on the French People. History will not be kind to him… and neither will you. Cost 2 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: You spend a significant amount of time and money interviewing survivors, and collaborating their stories of horror for all of France to hear.
[]Hunt Robespierre: He will not escape justice, he will be found, and he will stand trial, and his crimes will be aired for the Public to see. Cost 10 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: Robespierre will make his court date, and stand trial for his crimes.
[]Official Duties… What do I do again?: You have no idea what your official duties actually are? You need to find out. DC: 1 Reward: You find out what exactly an Empress does… hopefully besides siring heirs and looking pretty for the Emperor's Guests?
[]A Home for an Empire: You have heard that Napoleon is setting up his home in the Tuileries Palace. You need to see it for yourself... and hope to not be blown away by... Other things. DC 30 Reward: You go to the Palace and try to... be Regal.
[]The Royalists: There are many Royalists in the city who wish to meet the Heroine who has protected the French King... And by King, they Mean Louis... That is not going to sit very well. You will explain to them... that he does not wish for a crown. Cost 3 Wealth, DC??? Reward: You make your will and Louis Choices known.
Personal Actions:
[]A Most Loyal Knight: Marmont is... Complicated. You want to see how Complicated he actually is, once the Decorumn has left and vanished, and there was only two generals. DC:??? Reward: Who is the man who wishes to be your loyal Knight?
[]Recall Louis to Paris: You are going to send for Louis to come back Home. You have a feeling you may need him here in Paris, then being a Hero in Italy. That he needs to speak to you may also help. Cost 2 Wealth DC 35 Reward: Louis Returns to Paris.
[]Madam Elisabeth: The Former Princess of France, aunt to your Wards... Wishes to speak to you. You have a feeling she is... mad? Relived? You don't know how to read her letter. Cost 1 Wealth DC??? Reward: You meet the Madam, Elisabeth.
[]The Old Man, The Old Friend…: General Kellerman is settling into his role as the New Governor of the Paris Military District, at least the Acting Governor. He is still the same active, friendly teacher you know him as. DC: 40 Reward: You meet with your… Grandfather Figure, and Reminisce… along with maybe getting some wisdom from your old Superior.
[]Conduct an Interview (Biographer): Some Writer wishes to Write a Biography about your early life and wishes to interview you. You'll Humor him. DC 10 Reward: You interview with a Biographer.
[]A Doctor's Appointment: Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, your physician has been monitoring your health, and he wishes to check up on you once again, to check your wounds, to see if the baby is doing well, and to make sure you are properly… eating. DC: 5 Reward: You visit the doctor.
[]Nesting and Mothering for Dummy Military Leaders, a Guide for first-time parents: You are frightened, and you are going to Brian and Elissa to see how they managed to… Well, How to be a parent? Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 15 Reward: You learn at least a little bit from your Family.
[]The In-Laws: You have never met the rest of Napoleon's Family. They are a colorful bunch so you've heard… However, those are just what you have heard. Might as well see if any of them are True. DC 20 Reward: You meet the Rest of the Bonapartes.
[]The Littlest Auclair: You wish to meet your Niece. There is no it's, and or buts. You will meet her now! DC 1 Reward: You meet your Niece.
[] Correspond with Brian: You have not had a chance to write to Brian for so long… Perhaps you can write to him again? DC: 10
[]A Soldier, A Poet, A Queen of Words?: You wished to create a series of poems and publish them. DC: ???
[] Homefront Investment: With a lull in the war, now is a good time as any to invest in the fabrics industry! Or rum? Grains? All are available to invest in, and you're sure that it would earn you the appreciation of locals. DC: ??? Cost 5 (personal) wealth. (Linetail the investment you wish to make below this option)
[]To Unwind and Destress: You want to find out what you truly enjoy doing in your free time. DC??? Note: Linetail what type of Hobby you want to Try.
[]A Novel idea: You want to take up writing... Perhaps it's a good thing for you to do. DC:20
[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look like 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
AN: Holy Shit.
That Happened Much Sooner then I thought... Oh Well, Here is the Update!
Vote in Plan Format, and Remember, there is a Moratorumn for 12 Hours.
-[]Place one of your Commanders in Command:
—?
Politics
-[]Tour Paris: Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 20 Reward: You Tour the City and see it's people.
-[]Discredit Robespierre: Cost 2 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: You spend a significant amount of time and money interviewing survivors, and collaborating their stories of horror for all of France to hear.
-[]Official Duties… What do I do again?: You have no idea what your official duties actually are? You need to find out. DC: 1 Reward: You find out what exactly an Empress does… hopefully besides siring heirs and looking pretty for the Emperor's Guests?
-[]A Home for an Empire: You have heard that Napoleon is setting up his home in the Tuileries Palace. You need to see it for yourself... and hope to not be blown away by... Other things. DC 30 Reward: You go to the Palace and try to... be Regal.
Personnel
-[]A Most Loyal Knight: Marmont is... Complicated. You want to see how Complicated he actually is, once the Decorumn has left and vanished, and there was only two generals. DC:??? Reward: Who is the man who wishes to be your loyal Knight?
-[]Madam Elisabeth: The Former Princess of France, aunt to your Wards... Wishes to speak to you. You have a feeling she is... mad? Relived? You don't know how to read her letter. Cost 1 Wealth DC??? Reward: You meet the Madam, Elisabeth.
-[]The Old Man, The Old Friend…: General Kellerman is settling into his role as the New Governor of the Paris Military District, at least the Acting Governor. He is still the same active, friendly teacher you know him as. DC: 40 Reward: You meet with your… Grandfather Figure, and Reminisce… along with maybe getting some wisdom from your old Superior.
-[]Conduct an Interview (Biographer): Some Writer wishes to Write a Biography about your early life and wishes to interview you. You'll Humor him. DC 10 Reward: You interview with a Biographer.
-[]A Doctor's Appointment: Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, your physician has been monitoring your health, and he wishes to check up on you once again, to check your wounds, to see if the baby is doing well, and to make sure you are properly… eating. DC: 5 Reward: You visit the doctor.
-[]Nesting and Mothering for Dummy Military Leaders, a Guide for first-time parents: You are frightened, and you are going to Brian and Elissa to see how they managed to… Well, How to be a parent? Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 15 Reward: You learn at least a little bit from your Family.
-[]The In-Laws: You have never met the rest of Napoleon's Family. They are a colorful bunch so you've heard… However, those are just what you have heard. Might as well see if any of them are True. DC 20 Reward: You meet the Rest of the Bonapartes.
-[]The Littlest Auclair: You wish to meet your Niece. There is no it's, and or buts. You will meet her now! DC 1 Reward: You meet your Niece.
-[] Homefront Investment: With a lull in the war, now is a good time as any to invest in the fabrics industry! Or rum? Grains? All are available to invest in, and you're sure that it would earn you the appreciation of locals. DC: ??? Cost 5 (personal) wealth. (Linetail the investment you wish to make below this option)
-[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look like the hero that France needs in her time of need... Hopefully without making yourself look stupid. DC 65
This is my tentative plan, with 12+2 actions we can get a lot done and staying in Paris to help cement our new reign is something we need to do, not sure who should take command just yet so would be thankful for ideas. Political actions for this turn I feel should be about setting up and laying foundation for next turn by touring, further vilifying Robby, and finding what our job and court area will be. Personnel I think it's better to put off summoning Louis till we meet with the royalists in a turn or 2. Also just checking in with doctor and family, plus the old man.
—?
Politics
-[]Tour Paris: Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 20 Reward: You Tour the City and see it's people.
-[]Discredit Robespierre: Cost 2 Wealth. DC: ??? Reward: You spend a significant amount of time and money interviewing survivors, and collaborating their stories of horror for all of France to hear.
-[]Official Duties… What do I do again?: You have no idea what your official duties actually are? You need to find out. DC: 1 Reward: You find out what exactly an Empress does… hopefully besides siring heirs and looking pretty for the Emperor's Guests?
-[]A Home for an Empire: You have heard that Napoleon is setting up his home in the Tuileries Palace. You need to see it for yourself... and hope to not be blown away by... Other things. DC 30 Reward: You go to the Palace and try to... be Regal.
Personnel
-[]A Most Loyal Knight: Marmont is... Complicated. You want to see how Complicated he actually is, once the Decorumn has left and vanished, and there was only two generals. DC:??? Reward: Who is the man who wishes to be your loyal Knight?
-[]Madam Elisabeth: The Former Princess of France, aunt to your Wards... Wishes to speak to you. You have a feeling she is... mad? Relived? You don't know how to read her letter. Cost 1 Wealth DC??? Reward: You meet the Madam, Elisabeth.
-[]The Old Man, The Old Friend…: General Kellerman is settling into his role as the New Governor of the Paris Military District, at least the Acting Governor. He is still the same active, friendly teacher you know him as. DC: 40 Reward: You meet with your… Grandfather Figure, and Reminisce… along with maybe getting some wisdom from your old Superior.
-[]Conduct an Interview (Biographer): Some Writer wishes to Write a Biography about your early life and wishes to interview you. You'll Humor him. DC 10 Reward: You interview with a Biographer.
-[]A Doctor's Appointment: Dr. Dominique Jean Larrey, your physician has been monitoring your health, and he wishes to check up on you once again, to check your wounds, to see if the baby is doing well, and to make sure you are properly… eating. DC: 5 Reward: You visit the doctor.
-[]Nesting and Mothering for Dummy Military Leaders, a Guide for first-time parents: You are frightened, and you are going to Brian and Elissa to see how they managed to… Well, How to be a parent? Cost 1 Wealth. DC: 15 Reward: You learn at least a little bit from your Family.
-[]The In-Laws: You have never met the rest of Napoleon's Family. They are a colorful bunch so you've heard… However, those are just what you have heard. Might as well see if any of them are True. DC 20 Reward: You meet the Rest of the Bonapartes.
-[]The Littlest Auclair: You wish to meet your Niece. There is no it's, and or buts. You will meet her now! DC 1 Reward: You meet your Niece.
-[] Homefront Investment: With a lull in the war, now is a good time as any to invest in the fabrics industry! Or rum? Grains? All are available to invest in, and you're sure that it would earn you the appreciation of locals. DC: ??? Cost 5 (personal) wealth. (Linetail the investment you wish to make below this option)
-[]Propaganda for Dummies: You are going to churn out your own stories, and propaganda, making you look like the hero that France needs in her time of need... Hopefully without making yourself look stupid. DC 65
This is my tentative plan, with 12+2 actions we can get a lot done and staying in Paris to help cement our new reign is something we need to do, not sure who should take command just yet so would be thankful for ideas. Political actions for this turn I feel should be about setting up and laying foundation for next turn by touring, further vilifying Robby, and finding what our job and court area will be. Personnel I think it's better to put off summoning Louis till we meet with the royalists in a turn or 2. Also just checking in with doctor and family, plus the old man.
We can't let Rob escape we must hunt him down
- Pronouns
- He/Him
'Napoleon is not in Paris, fighting for France against her Enemies.'
Did he leave?
Did he leave?
Agreed. We HAVE to take the Hunt Robespierre-Action this turn. If we wait any longer, we will definitely slip out of France before we can catch him.
Other Political Actions we should take this turn is speaking to the Royalists, slandering Robby and touring Paris while the People are in such a jubilant mood.
As for the Army...I agree with Barras. We should resign command for now. As for who we leave in charge of our Army...I'm actually inclined to trust Napoleon on this one. Davout and Klebier are the only one of our Officers I would trust to have all that is needed for the task and Davout is more needed in Italy to help Massena. So it's either giving Kleber command or letting Nappy select someone. Marmont definitely stays with us though.
Personal Actions...time to de-stress and catch up with our Allies and Family, old and new. I just hope Nappy's Family likes us better then they did Josephine in OTL.
Also, @Magoose, two Questions:
1. Do the four political Actions count as part of the overall Actions or are they separate?
2. Whatever happened to that Spy/Saboteur who was planted in our Army when we set off to Sicily?
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I guess he left right after our meeting with him in this Update.
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- Location
- Space
Probably on the battlefield leading an Army, remember there's still coalition to deal with.
Edit:
On other hand we should take tour Paris, Slander/Hunt Rob ( basically settle things at home) and official duties so we are prepared for the start of our rein.
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ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
We really should take at least one action against Robespierre, in order to make sure he won't be a threat to us anymore. (perhaps we should take both anti-Robespierre actions, for vilifying him means that we will have an easier time justfying harsher penalties against him; if we go for just one action, then we preferably go for hunting him down)
- Pronouns
- He/Him
For official actions I say the tour, either meeting the ministers or learning of our duties, and both Robespierre actions.