- Location
- The Colored Room
- Pronouns
- TheOne
This one. Put my junk on this one.
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
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Only thanks to the Bonuses? God, just how low were our Base Rolls?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Two were below 25. One was a crit fail.
Seriously!?
Man I'm glad we can do these Omakes otherwise we would be screwed even more.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
But hey… you passed them all
Well, making the Korps-System widespread, if it isn't already, for one thing.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Well we are the inspector general.
and we will have new actions and you have write ins ahead
- Location
- Hawaii
Perhaps moving from square organization (units subdivided into 2) to triangle (units subdivided into threes) for greater flexibility. Another reform would be to reduce the number of companies per battalion (from 10 to 6) to ease the strain on issuing orders. Taken together, they increase flexibility and responsiveness for line units.
I think I will keep my bonus in reserve, for a time when it shall be needed
Magoose's opinion (unfinished due to exhaustion)
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Magoose's Personal Opinion on: The Grand Armee
The Grand Armee, the mighty instrument of Napoleon, and the force that, for nearly a decade, brought the great powers of Europe to their knees, with brilliant campaigns, masterful commanders and quite frankly one of the most colorful officers corps to have ever led such an army.
And in saying that, I will say this.
Napoleon stifled it's potential by being such a masterful commander and being blinded by big personalities within his army, and promoted men who had talent for command, but not for high command.
And placing his trust in the wrong people… We just need to look at Murat who placed his own crown ahead of Loyalty to Napoleon.
Don't get me wrong, Napoleon using the Grand Armee was a sight to behold, as Austerlitz and Jena showed, and his masterful staff, and organizational skills, and the development and implementation of the Corps system. His choice of officers, fantastic, and were he able to win it all, every single man amongst his marshals would be hailed as the great commanders and captains of history.
But my hot take is: He had very few independent commanders that were capable without him to supervise. I think that was partly because he did not want his marshals to try and overthrow him, or just his own ego telling him to take command personally every time.
And it cost him.
Davout, Soult, Suchet, Masenna among others. They were outliers from the Marshals who held high command. Berither was not suited for command over the Grande Armee and that disaster in Bavaria, along with nearly losing Davouts III Corps amplified that.. and Ney…
Well the less said about Ney, the Better, if we don't need to be reminded… Waterloo… and the build-up to Leipzig.
Napoleon's Marshals were brilliant. Some were capable of high command, and some that were given such commands were not.
And what napoleon needs and needed the most… is Officers skilled to act independently of him.
Which at least in this timeline, has already started to be mitigated.
This little blurb was about 1,000 words long, but I wanted to go to bed.
Good night.
The Grand Armee, the mighty instrument of Napoleon, and the force that, for nearly a decade, brought the great powers of Europe to their knees, with brilliant campaigns, masterful commanders and quite frankly one of the most colorful officers corps to have ever led such an army.
And in saying that, I will say this.
Napoleon stifled it's potential by being such a masterful commander and being blinded by big personalities within his army, and promoted men who had talent for command, but not for high command.
And placing his trust in the wrong people… We just need to look at Murat who placed his own crown ahead of Loyalty to Napoleon.
Don't get me wrong, Napoleon using the Grand Armee was a sight to behold, as Austerlitz and Jena showed, and his masterful staff, and organizational skills, and the development and implementation of the Corps system. His choice of officers, fantastic, and were he able to win it all, every single man amongst his marshals would be hailed as the great commanders and captains of history.
But my hot take is: He had very few independent commanders that were capable without him to supervise. I think that was partly because he did not want his marshals to try and overthrow him, or just his own ego telling him to take command personally every time.
And it cost him.
Davout, Soult, Suchet, Masenna among others. They were outliers from the Marshals who held high command. Berither was not suited for command over the Grande Armee and that disaster in Bavaria, along with nearly losing Davouts III Corps amplified that.. and Ney…
Well the less said about Ney, the Better, if we don't need to be reminded… Waterloo… and the build-up to Leipzig.
Napoleon's Marshals were brilliant. Some were capable of high command, and some that were given such commands were not.
And what napoleon needs and needed the most… is Officers skilled to act independently of him.
Which at least in this timeline, has already started to be mitigated.
This little blurb was about 1,000 words long, but I wanted to go to bed.
Good night.
So if we take the above opinion as fact, we need some reforms in organizational structure rather than taking the OTL corps wholesale.
I suggest that a council of high command be instituted with each corps commander having a vote and if a tie happens, Napoleon gets an extra vote as Emperor. The corps commander would be decided by vote of the division commanders. This idea though may have flaws that I haven't spotted yet.
I suggest that a council of high command be instituted with each corps commander having a vote and if a tie happens, Napoleon gets an extra vote as Emperor. The corps commander would be decided by vote of the division commanders. This idea though may have flaws that I haven't spotted yet.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
AGreed. WHat we need to install, iMO, are 2 things, both copied (I think) from OTL late XIXth century prussian army (both already in the air way earlier, so plausible to get in)
1) staff officer track (ie headquarter officiers who are dedicated to planning, preparing plans in advance and presenting them to the general) separate from command track. These are 2 very different set of talents (except at the very highest level, which need both)
2) Systematic Kriegspiel, so that a) Officers can get experience for their own level and higher ones and b) Officers strength and short coming can be identified for advencement and remedial training (note: for that double blind and impartial umpires are needed, as well as hard-hitting post-game critics; idea: the umpires report to the inspector general and not to anyone else in the army)
and obviously, we need to to keep the 'a marshall's baton in every havresack' meme going. ie the idea that promotion is possible for everyone as long as you have the talent for it.
Edit: and of course, Systematic kriegspielen to test the plans coming from the staff officiers, keep them grounded in reality and let command officers criticise the REMF pie in the sky dream... (edit2: that means no teleporting 3 armies from the belgian border to Paris without using the roads inbetween)
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BritishGrenadier
Summon The Elector Counts!
- Location
- Nova Scotia Halifax
Dont forget about Grouchy who failed at keeping the prussians out of Waterloo and then didn't march to the sound of the guns.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Absolutely not.
The Corps system that Napoleon adopted for the Grand Armee greatly expanded his tactical and strategic options on the battlefield and was so wildly successful, that it has been adopted by every major state military force on the planet.
I was talking about the particulars of the Officers that were in high command with the Grand Armee itseld, and how Napoleon did not have many independent commanders who could do great things without him.
I would actually argue against that. electing low officers to company command when they have no training because many of the junior officers have been promoted is one thing.
Doing it for your high command is another thing.
Prussia is not doing their Kriegspiel just yet, if only because they are launching investigations and commissions to find out what exactly went wrong in their campaigns into France.
Lets just say that Freddies officers who are still in service will not be around for much longer if they get one good roll in.
I think we also need to emphasize just how important staff work is to a military force and make it look like a career an officer should go for, and be willing to dedicate their lives and careers to. Sure it may not be glorious or action-packed, but it is arguably more important to maintain.
We just have to sell it and keep a balance between our commanders and staff officers... and prevent any blood feuds that may spring up between them.
Oh boy the story potential of the two officer branches jockying for control.
It would be like the IJA and IJN... only with the same branches.
There is... a problem with that.
A) I don't think our senior or more battle hardened officers would accept such a thing. They would think they would be considered incompatent So we would need to sell them on that.
B) It's going to be very hard to find impartial umpires when Napoleon loves to give out titles for competence or personality. Rather than loyalty and competence. But the Inspector General should absolutly be the only one who should see the plans. We do not want Nappy to get involved unless he submits his own plans to be critiqued.
Just look at Severin: Man went from Sargent to General in almost 4 Years.
If that does not motivate our ranks, I don't know what will.
Grouchy i don't blame as much as others. His orders were rather... vauge.
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Well this shows I have no idea what I'm talking about though I would still argue for a high command council to reign in Napoleon if he gets too ambitious.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
THat is impossible, unless you can somehow convince Napoleon to step down as Emperor, and make the entire nation a military dictator ship.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
Yes, but there are already some preliminaries been done publicly, since 1780. IIRC, just not adopted widespread in their military.
ANd there is some actual inspiration within France. The french Kings used to be shown how some of the (successfull) battle played out with miniatures. And underage kings (and dauphins, I think) were taught historical battles also using miniatures. Develop that and ....
Of the fights between St-Cyr and Polytechnique in OTL France. SOme of the consequences were devastating for France, like the Elan doctrine... and the Dreyfus affair.
A) Indeed we need to be delicate on how we introduce this. SHow it as a chance to shine in hypothetical battles, show their brillance to awed juniors or show how they deserve a higher rank or more glory and accolades. Maybe restrict it to General de division and lower at first, with senior officers as umpire and observers, providing critics after the simulation (anyway, you would want the senior umpire or observer to be higher in rank than the people exercising)?
B) That's why we need to be the one introducing - and ultimately supervising - that. Napoleon will not want to trash OUR project to show favor to his current pet (or he will sleep on the couch!).
It's definitely currently a thing. We need to make it an institution and ensure it stays in the mind of every capable man in France (and outside if they are willing to be faithful to their oath).
OTOH, if he had not recalled Gerard or if Gerard had disobeyed his recal orders, history would potentially be very different (depends on the repercution of Wellington's defeat in England and whether Blutcher manages to extract his army in fighting shape or not in the following days).
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
So we can turn Nappy B into a modern day Battletech or wargamming enthusist?
Now you are really making me want an omake involving him being a Tabletop nerd.
Oh I know. But one thing I will point out...
That the French Millitary's record in the 19th century was not good.
Not disastrous... but not good.
I mean Napoleon might if he dosen't see results in a manner that he considers satisfacory. Even if its from us.
What, just because he's treating you as an equal, does not mean he thinks that all the ideas will be great.
That is a good idea, and is kinda how they do war games here in the US (sometimes, I know there are war plans for every eventuality under the sun that have been created)
We can also come up with other ways to war plan, like joint exercises with the navy.
We should use Severin as a propoganda tool for moving through the ranks!
He'll hate it, but it will be funny.
Doubly so if we make him a marshal.
indeed.
We really need some extra stuff as well, like a clear line of communications and maybe a medical corps.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
I assume you mean a) in Europe (outside it was actually not so bad) and b) after 1815 (19th century starts in 1801, formally speaking).
In that case, I agree. Of course, excepting the -limited - expeditions in Belgium, Spain, Italy and Crimea (as you said, not disastrous but not good when there was actual fighting), the only time the French army went to war in Europe between 1815 and 1900 that I can think of is in 1870, in which I would rate its performances as abyssimal.
Edit: However, the ST-cyr/Polytechnique fight I was refering to is post 1870 war, IIRC.
But that cuts both way, We can also insist that he does not meddle without a good reason (and his current favorite been shown to be incompetent is NOT one)
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Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Correct.
Indeed.
I mean, it spelled the end of the second french empire for fuck sakes.
Indeed.
But we still need to show results.
11.4 A Time Before Chaos;Un temps avant le chaos
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
11.4 A Time Before Chaos;Un temps Avant le chaos
-[X]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? Rolled : 3+20(reputation)+50=73
-[X]Of Democracy, and Liberty: You wish to read through many of the Laws that Napoleon passed before you arrived, and the ones by his ministers. Cost 0 Wealth. DC 10, ??? Reward: You find out what Napoleon has done to the nation and the Revolutionary laws that were needed. Rolled: 26+2+40=68
The Women's society was declared illegal by new laws set out by your… Husbands' measures to protect the still fractured French state.
There were emergency laws set up by Napoleon, his ministers, and other allied and remaining members of the Former French Republic, that granted Napoleon absolute power over many civil authorities while the nation was under existential crisis.
But now that the civil war was over, and the apparatus of the state was now quietly layering back many of the laws that were developed as emergency powers.
Including many of the freedom of assembly laws that had outlawed the gathering of various political organizations, with a few exceptions. Namely the Jacobins.
But as you entered the parlor of the Women's society, you saw Olympe de Gouges, and several other prominent women of the Revolution before it got violent with Robespierre taking the helm as consul.
Those that survived the two months of mass executions and riots still had their courage anyhow.
You knew one of the women at least, had been lashed over a thousand times and survived. Barely.
"Ah, Therese." Pauline Leaon said as she offered her hand, forgetting any regal or decorum as you had been growing accustomed to. It was nice to be treated like a friend, even though you really don't know anyone. "Welcome, I apologize for the rustic shape our meeting place has grown, but between political coups and riots, we haven't had a chance to clean up."
You appreciated the blunt honesty. "I see that you have gathered yourself well?" You replied with a nervous smile.
"Considering many of the laws that were written that banned our gatherings in public, or at very least within the confines of a private building… have been lifted, we have taken the time to gather. We are honored that you have joined us." Pauline said as a cup of coffee was placed in front of you.
"Flattered." You replied, feeling uncomfortable at some of the gazes, and you put the coffee down. Not thirsty. "What is the item of the agenda today?" You asked.
"The desecration of our liberties by the vile tyrant Napoleon." A voice called out. "The destruction of our Republican institutions, and the loss of our rights as citizens."
Well, that was a surprise. Not a great one, but a surprise. You had not been privy to many of the minister's laws and the law-making procedures, as you had been focused on working with the Inspector Generals with modernizing the Army and preparing to give birth to children.
You raised an eyebrow. "In what ways?" You asked.
Instead of an answer, you saw a large stack of papers, edicts that proclaimed many laws. Most of them were minor, emergency measures that were placed on the city of Paris itself to stop bread riots, and distribution of the city's siege stores as emergency rations.
However, two came to light that were… very important to understanding the grievances.
The Senate, the new legislative body that was founded by Napoleon to act as a continuation to the Republic's legislature, was currently in transit, from Lyon, and the National Assembly, the new lower house of this legislature, were still forming, with elections being held by the day all over France.
The number of voters according to the new constitution, at least from the census of any voting age male who had fought in the army, could pay a poll tax, and was a citizen of France, should have meant that there were at least a million potential voters who could vote in an election.
Yet according to election results, less than one hundred thousand men, and only men, were allowed to vote.
That was fine, if a bit saddening, they had done so in the previous constitution, and you had wished for women to be given the liberty to chose their leaders as well.
Then you read the ones involving business and property ownership, along with holding any sort of political office and as you read through them, you could only see the laws that Napoleon made, regarding women… who wished to have liberty, being denied.
And by god, were you furious with them.
"I will bring my displeasure to my husband, and exert any influence I may have, and will have, on seeing many of these… travesties of and miscarriages of justice, of our rights…"
You were not going to become some… trophy. Nor would any of these women to their husbands.
Reward: The Women's Society of Paris have unanimously voted to make you a member of the club, and have made you the "Representative of the Royal Court, and for the Rights of women in France"
You, however, try to just smile, and just offer your help.
Influence Actions Available
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-[X]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. Rolled: 99+88+???-(??? reputation)+10 (Omakes)=210
https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:ks7ltk77
The Bonaparte Family were… Well, you were expecting a noble family, like the many you had met, and protected from death… Okay, you only protected two children, one of whom was now a spy, and one of whom has seen more death than many children his age should.
But the point stood. They were nobles, they were born with different expectations and experiences.
They must hate people like you coming into their lives with your… well less than stellar reception.
However what you didn't expect was… well a rambunctious boy playing with toy soldiers, and a girl wearing a uniform that was very suspiciously a smaller version of the one you have been wearing on your campaigns.
All of them were at a different level of movement, jittery, and anxiety. Though the oldest you could see was certainly the calmest, and the one who was the most annoyed at being there.
Madam Maria looked up from the book she was reading and all the boys and girls stopped what they were doing and looked at you, and the eldest merely looked up from his own book.
It was odd to see so many of their faces and see the resemblance to their brother. Elissa was the only one who was not there, being with Brian, who wished to spend time alone with his Family.
"Hello." You said with a very blunt manner, as you sat down on the empty chair prepared for you, feeling relief from your back as the weight of your pregnant body was now off your feet.
Madam Bonaparte took one glance at you and then gave a small smile. She was… happy to see you? "Well now, I'm glad to finally meet you in person, Therese. And I see my son has wasted little time to produce me, grandchildren."
That was the best way to describe meeting them. They asked you lots of questions but otherwise were impressed.
"I hope you were expecting something else?" You replied.
Madam Bonaparte smiled wider. "I was not expecting a woman who could have earned my respect. That was a grave mistake."
Even Joseph, who gave the coldest reception could only say that your brother was a political liability, and he needed to stay away from politics, Staff work and military matters would be where he would be most useful.
The children, and the younger members of the Bonaparte family… you're in laws now, adored you, and you adored them as well.
The Boys had no real opinion on you, but they were ecstatic to finally meet you, and money seemed to be exchanged when they saw the scar.
Even Joseph was… he was not antagonistic, just skeptical, thinking you were a political liability to his brother, but a brilliant general he can rely on.
Pauline and Caroline were ecstatic that all the stories of you were true. Most of them, and Pauline herself wished to be a soldier like you.
You told her that maybe when she was older.
Reward: The Bonapartes… They really like you. Even Joseph, who was frosty, did not think you were a poor choice made by his brother.
In fact, They adore you, some for your story, others for your courage… or just being a member of the family.
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-[X]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 rolled: 24
Kellerman had requested that he take a small leave of absence for a few weeks to spend time with his wife and children.
Failure.
Birth Roll: 94
https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:ks7lv1tu
Critical Success! Your survival is guaranteed.
There is a bonus of +20 to the children's survival rolls.
Child 1 survival roll: 62+20=82
Gender roll: 1
(Congratulations it's a boy!)
Child 2 survival roll: 88+20=108
Gender roll: 1
(Congratulations it's a boy!)
The birth was… well honestly you didn't know what to really expect when giving birth. There was pain yes, but you had been in worse pain being blown up by cannonfire.
However, there was a…
Satisfaction and gratification when it was over, that a battle wound could never grant.
And you held your sons for the first time.
(Continued in: Interlude Les Aiglons.)
AN: Listen... I actually forgot to roll something.
And uh... turns out you failed a none critical roll.
But hey...
We have kids coming our way.
-[X]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? Rolled : 3+20(reputation)+50=73
-[X]Of Democracy, and Liberty: You wish to read through many of the Laws that Napoleon passed before you arrived, and the ones by his ministers. Cost 0 Wealth. DC 10, ??? Reward: You find out what Napoleon has done to the nation and the Revolutionary laws that were needed. Rolled: 26+2+40=68
The Women's society was declared illegal by new laws set out by your… Husbands' measures to protect the still fractured French state.
There were emergency laws set up by Napoleon, his ministers, and other allied and remaining members of the Former French Republic, that granted Napoleon absolute power over many civil authorities while the nation was under existential crisis.
But now that the civil war was over, and the apparatus of the state was now quietly layering back many of the laws that were developed as emergency powers.
Including many of the freedom of assembly laws that had outlawed the gathering of various political organizations, with a few exceptions. Namely the Jacobins.
But as you entered the parlor of the Women's society, you saw Olympe de Gouges, and several other prominent women of the Revolution before it got violent with Robespierre taking the helm as consul.
Those that survived the two months of mass executions and riots still had their courage anyhow.
You knew one of the women at least, had been lashed over a thousand times and survived. Barely.
"Ah, Therese." Pauline Leaon said as she offered her hand, forgetting any regal or decorum as you had been growing accustomed to. It was nice to be treated like a friend, even though you really don't know anyone. "Welcome, I apologize for the rustic shape our meeting place has grown, but between political coups and riots, we haven't had a chance to clean up."
You appreciated the blunt honesty. "I see that you have gathered yourself well?" You replied with a nervous smile.
"Considering many of the laws that were written that banned our gatherings in public, or at very least within the confines of a private building… have been lifted, we have taken the time to gather. We are honored that you have joined us." Pauline said as a cup of coffee was placed in front of you.
"Flattered." You replied, feeling uncomfortable at some of the gazes, and you put the coffee down. Not thirsty. "What is the item of the agenda today?" You asked.
"The desecration of our liberties by the vile tyrant Napoleon." A voice called out. "The destruction of our Republican institutions, and the loss of our rights as citizens."
Well, that was a surprise. Not a great one, but a surprise. You had not been privy to many of the minister's laws and the law-making procedures, as you had been focused on working with the Inspector Generals with modernizing the Army and preparing to give birth to children.
You raised an eyebrow. "In what ways?" You asked.
Instead of an answer, you saw a large stack of papers, edicts that proclaimed many laws. Most of them were minor, emergency measures that were placed on the city of Paris itself to stop bread riots, and distribution of the city's siege stores as emergency rations.
However, two came to light that were… very important to understanding the grievances.
The Senate, the new legislative body that was founded by Napoleon to act as a continuation to the Republic's legislature, was currently in transit, from Lyon, and the National Assembly, the new lower house of this legislature, were still forming, with elections being held by the day all over France.
The number of voters according to the new constitution, at least from the census of any voting age male who had fought in the army, could pay a poll tax, and was a citizen of France, should have meant that there were at least a million potential voters who could vote in an election.
Yet according to election results, less than one hundred thousand men, and only men, were allowed to vote.
That was fine, if a bit saddening, they had done so in the previous constitution, and you had wished for women to be given the liberty to chose their leaders as well.
Then you read the ones involving business and property ownership, along with holding any sort of political office and as you read through them, you could only see the laws that Napoleon made, regarding women… who wished to have liberty, being denied.
And by god, were you furious with them.
"I will bring my displeasure to my husband, and exert any influence I may have, and will have, on seeing many of these… travesties of and miscarriages of justice, of our rights…"
You were not going to become some… trophy. Nor would any of these women to their husbands.
Reward: The Women's Society of Paris have unanimously voted to make you a member of the club, and have made you the "Representative of the Royal Court, and for the Rights of women in France"
You, however, try to just smile, and just offer your help.
Influence Actions Available
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-[X]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. Rolled: 99+88+???-(??? reputation)+10 (Omakes)=210
https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:ks7ltk77
The Bonaparte Family were… Well, you were expecting a noble family, like the many you had met, and protected from death… Okay, you only protected two children, one of whom was now a spy, and one of whom has seen more death than many children his age should.
But the point stood. They were nobles, they were born with different expectations and experiences.
They must hate people like you coming into their lives with your… well less than stellar reception.
However what you didn't expect was… well a rambunctious boy playing with toy soldiers, and a girl wearing a uniform that was very suspiciously a smaller version of the one you have been wearing on your campaigns.
All of them were at a different level of movement, jittery, and anxiety. Though the oldest you could see was certainly the calmest, and the one who was the most annoyed at being there.
Madam Maria looked up from the book she was reading and all the boys and girls stopped what they were doing and looked at you, and the eldest merely looked up from his own book.
It was odd to see so many of their faces and see the resemblance to their brother. Elissa was the only one who was not there, being with Brian, who wished to spend time alone with his Family.
"Hello." You said with a very blunt manner, as you sat down on the empty chair prepared for you, feeling relief from your back as the weight of your pregnant body was now off your feet.
Madam Bonaparte took one glance at you and then gave a small smile. She was… happy to see you? "Well now, I'm glad to finally meet you in person, Therese. And I see my son has wasted little time to produce me, grandchildren."
That was the best way to describe meeting them. They asked you lots of questions but otherwise were impressed.
"I hope you were expecting something else?" You replied.
Madam Bonaparte smiled wider. "I was not expecting a woman who could have earned my respect. That was a grave mistake."
Even Joseph, who gave the coldest reception could only say that your brother was a political liability, and he needed to stay away from politics, Staff work and military matters would be where he would be most useful.
The children, and the younger members of the Bonaparte family… you're in laws now, adored you, and you adored them as well.
The Boys had no real opinion on you, but they were ecstatic to finally meet you, and money seemed to be exchanged when they saw the scar.
Even Joseph was… he was not antagonistic, just skeptical, thinking you were a political liability to his brother, but a brilliant general he can rely on.
Pauline and Caroline were ecstatic that all the stories of you were true. Most of them, and Pauline herself wished to be a soldier like you.
You told her that maybe when she was older.
Reward: The Bonapartes… They really like you. Even Joseph, who was frosty, did not think you were a poor choice made by his brother.
In fact, They adore you, some for your story, others for your courage… or just being a member of the family.
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-[X]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 rolled: 24
Kellerman had requested that he take a small leave of absence for a few weeks to spend time with his wife and children.
Failure.
Birth Roll: 94
https://rolz.org/embed?jgyx2ov3nq:ks7lv1tu
Critical Success! Your survival is guaranteed.
There is a bonus of +20 to the children's survival rolls.
Child 1 survival roll: 62+20=82
Gender roll: 1
(Congratulations it's a boy!)
Child 2 survival roll: 88+20=108
Gender roll: 1
(Congratulations it's a boy!)
The birth was… well honestly you didn't know what to really expect when giving birth. There was pain yes, but you had been in worse pain being blown up by cannonfire.
However, there was a…
Satisfaction and gratification when it was over, that a battle wound could never grant.
And you held your sons for the first time.
(Continued in: Interlude Les Aiglons.)
AN: Listen... I actually forgot to roll something.
And uh... turns out you failed a none critical roll.
But hey...
We have kids coming our way.