Well. We are going to need to demobilize. I hesitate with telling Ol Nappy to retire so soon, so maybe later? Seeing the senate without nappy there will be a wise move. On another note, once we know that we can go about with a plan for once he does retire. Is the power actually stable without Nappy there? Then we might be able to just give it up. My overall plan for the future is using Nappy as a Dictator (in the original Roman style of the word) We can't just retire from government and expect everything to be hunky-dory now, can we? I mean, just look at Germany post-WW-1 Kaiser abdicated and the government was dragged kicking and screaming to be forced into a democracy that never really worked. Or it's like the British and cold war Colonialism. They just nopped out of there and screwed everyone over by just leaving them without any preparation and expecting them to figure things out by themselves.
I would say any plan we chose should include Women's rights, Frankfuhrt, Demobilise and Dumas presentation (he's an ex-slave, so he should be in at the beginning or he will never be part of proper society)
I think Senate, Royalists, Army (edit: either that or minister of War) and Godfathers would be good to chose also but might be skipped if a better agrgument can be made.
We definitely should not push for abdication at this stage; It would restart the civil war.
BTW: Magoose was right, we definitely are going to be limited with the 8 actions total. Any way to increase that.
[]Plan: Triumphal Family
-[]influence Napoleon: The Laws of Women and Wives: Your Husband has unleashed many cruel laws onto this nation. Laws that, if properly enforced, would make even you an outlaw. That will not stand. Cost: 200 Influence. DC 10 Reward: The Laws are repealed. Something may replace them.
-[]Influence Napoleon: The First Class: Napoleon wishes to revive the old rank from the Ancien Regime. The Rank of Marshal. He wants you, as the Inspector General, to review the list, and offer your opinion... Along with adjusting it, if you see fit. Cost 50 Influence. DC 0 Reward: You assemble the First Class of Marshals, and have the ability to change it. (For a Price)
-[]Influence Napoleon: The Triumph of Paris: You will allow the Armies of France, and their Generals, to have Triumph in Paris. Let all of France see the men and woman who worked together to save her from her enemies, come together in victory. Cost 500 Influence. DC: 1 Reward: Paris sees a Triumph, one where her heroes are paraded through the streets.
-[]New Rewards: You have an idea and one that the other Inspectors will agree to. A new decorations system, that will be based on Merit, bravery, and Talent. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 10 Reward: Begin Decorations Miniturn.
-[]Demobilize (The Beginning): As Inspector General, you are in charge of the Current rate of Mobilization and demobilization. You feel it is required, now that there is peace, for the men to go home. To see their families. But you must do so in such a way that crime won't rise. DC: 40 Reward: The Army begins the demobilization process.
-[]The Eaglets: You will take extra time to care for your boys. DC: 0 Reward: You spend extra time with your sons.
-[]Final Goodbyes: The Lion: You wish to say goodbye to Klebier. Have him buried with the hero's burial he deserves. Cost 3 wealth DC: 0 Reward: You say goodbye to an old friend.
-[]Of Devils and Families: General Dumas has asked that you introduce his family to court. You would be honored. DC: 10 Reward: You introduce the Dumas Family to the court.
Here's a plan.
Some family focus is in order.
I feel we can leave the diplomacy to Talleyrand and Napoleon, I'm a bit concerned about stress, but we can manage for now. Should also choose a godfather, but I don't know who, and there isn't a lot of room. The funeral is the right thing to do.
Edit: Removed the Palace in favor of Dumas.
We should go to the senate at a later time, We can postpone it for now.
[]Plan Prototype
-[]influence Napoleon: The Laws of Women and Wives: Your Husband has unleashed many cruel laws onto this nation. Laws that, if properly enforced, would make even you an outlaw. That will not stand. Cost: 200 Influence. DC 10 Reward: The Laws are repealed. Something may replace them.
-[]Influence Napoleon: The First Class: Napoleon wishes to revive the old rank from the Ancien Regime. The Rank of Marshal. He wants you, as the Inspector General, to review the list, and offer your opinion... Along with adjusting it, if you see fit. Cost 50 Influence. DC 0 Reward: You assemble the First Class of Marshals, and have the ability to change it. (For a Price)
-[]New Rewards: You have an idea and one that the other Inspectors will agree to. A new decorations system, that will be based on Merit, bravery, and Talent. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 10 Reward: Begin Decorations Miniturn.
-[]Demobilize (The Beginning): As Inspector General, you are in charge of the Current rate of Mobilization and demobilization. You feel it is required, now that there is peace, for the men to go home. To see their families. But you must do so in such a way that crime won't rise. DC: 40 Reward: The Army begins the demobilization process
-[]Brothers and Sisters in Arms: You will go and meet members of the Army, and forces that will be under your... nominal command as inspector. DC: 0 Reward: You meet a member of the Army.
-[]Of Devils and Families: General Dumas has asked that you introduce his family to court. You would be honored. DC: 10 Reward: You introduce the Dumas Family to the court.
-[]Final Goodbyes: The Lion: You wish to say goodbye to Klebier. Have him buried with the hero's burial he deserves. Cost 3 wealth DC: 0 Reward: You say goodbye to an old friend.
I feel like these are the things that benefit from being done early. First, Demobilization. Getting people back home and working on ensuring they have jobs to get back to, then meeting our staff as Inspector General as we do plan on enacting more changes before it is given to someone else. Then say Goodbye to Klebier.
After that, I decided that keeping Napoleon with a high opinion of us as vital, thus I am hesitant on talking any of the really pricy options. There is also the fact that I am unaware of how often we will get chances to raise it or as by what amount.
After that are projects that pretty helpful, but not immediately needed. That would be New Rewards to start new Decorations for our soldiers and Of Devils and Families to get Dumas a foot inside the door.
Alternatively, I say we get practice and Training in Decorum and Law, both to fulfill our role as Empress and Ruler. Politics will be the names of the game.
Yeah, A triumph is really expensive and that does give me pause, But we just won, a triumph seems so appropriate. More time with the kids is practically mandatory I feel. That said, we have 8 actions, you missed one.
Honestly, I'm far more inclined to this time join the Congress.
What happens to Spain is vital to the Future of Europe. I think we should at least be present there, see for ourselves what others decide and maybe propose our own Ideas if what is decided is not to our liking.
[]Plan: The Future of Spain. Also Motherhood. And saying Goodbye to a friend...
-[]influence Napoleon: The Laws of Women and Wives: Your Husband has unleashed many cruel laws onto this nation. Laws that, if properly enforced, would make even you an outlaw. That will not stand. Cost: 200 Influence. DC 10 Reward: The Laws are repealed. Something may replace them.
-[]Influence Napoleon: The First Class: Napoleon wishes to revive the old rank from the Ancien Regime. The Rank of Marshal. He wants you, as the Inspector General, to review the list, and offer your opinion... Along with adjusting it, if you see fit. Cost 50 Influence. DC 0 Reward: You assemble the First Class of Marshals, and have the ability to change it. (For a Price)
-[]The Congress of Frankfurt: The Great Powers of Europe have gathered in a Great Diplomatic conference. To discuss the matters of Spain, and how the situation may be resolved. Minister Talleyrand and Napoleon are going there personally to join the discussions. You will join them. Cost 3 Wealth. DC: 0 Reward: You Begin the Congress of Frankfurt Miniturn (Note, if not taken, the Agreement will be made without your input, but under the hands of Talleyrand and Napoleon)
-[]New Rewards: You have an idea and one that the other Inspectors will agree to. A new decorations system, that will be based on Merit, bravery, and Talent. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 10 Reward: Begin Decorations Miniturn.
-[]Demobilize (The Beginning): As Inspector General, you are in charge of the Current rate of Mobilization and demobilization. You feel it is required, now that there is peace, for the men to go home. To see their families. But you must do so in such a way that crime won't rise. DC: 40 Reward: The Army begins the demobilization process.
-[]The Eaglets: You will take extra time to care for your boys. DC: 0 Reward: You spend extra time with your sons.
-[]Of Devils and Families: General Dumas has asked that you introduce his family to court. You would be honored. DC: 10 Reward: You introduce the Dumas Family to the court.
-[]Final Goodbyes: The Lion: You wish to say goodbye to Klebier. Have him buried with the hero's burial he deserves. Cost 3 wealth DC: 0 Reward: You say goodbye to an old friend.
Also, something else to keep in mind: The last Trail we found of our old "Friend" Robbie Rotten lead to Frankfurt.
Who knows, if we go there personally...we might find something...
Honestly, I'm far more inclined to this time join the Congress.
What happens to Spain is vital to the Future of Europe. I think we should at least be present there, see for ourselves what others decide and maybe propose our own Ideas if what is decided is not to our liking.
That's fair, Here's a slightly modified plan without the expensive triumph with Spain instead. I don't really see the point in brothers and sisters in arms.
[]Plan: Frankfurt Family
-[]influence Napoleon: The Laws of Women and Wives: Your Husband has unleashed many cruel laws onto this nation. Laws that, if properly enforced, would make even you an outlaw. That will not stand. Cost: 200 Influence. DC 10 Reward: The Laws are repealed. Something may replace them.
-[]Influence Napoleon: The First Class: Napoleon wishes to revive the old rank from the Ancien Regime. The Rank of Marshal. He wants you, as the Inspector General, to review the list, and offer your opinion... Along with adjusting it, if you see fit. Cost 50 Influence. DC 0 Reward: You assemble the First Class of Marshals, and have the ability to change it. (For a Price)
-[]The Congress of Frankfurt: The Great Powers of Europe have gathered in a Great Diplomatic conference. To discuss the matters of Spain, and how the situation may be resolved. Minister Talleyrand and Napoleon are going there personally to join the discussions. You will join them. Cost 3 Wealth. DC: 0 Reward: You Begin the Congress of Frankfurt Miniturn (Note, if not taken, the Agreement will be made without your input, but under the hands of Talleyrand and Napoleon)
-[]New Rewards: You have an idea and one that the other Inspectors will agree to. A new decorations system, that will be based on Merit, bravery, and Talent. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 10 Reward: Begin Decorations Miniturn.
-[]Demobilize (The Beginning): As Inspector General, you are in charge of the Current rate of Mobilization and demobilization. You feel it is required, now that there is peace, for the men to go home. To see their families. But you must do so in such a way that crime won't rise. DC: 40 Reward: The Army begins the demobilization process.
-[]The Eaglets: You will take extra time to care for your boys. DC: 0 Reward: You spend extra time with your sons.
-[]Final Goodbyes: The Lion: You wish to say goodbye to Klebier. Have him buried with the hero's burial he deserves. Cost 3 wealth DC: 0 Reward: You say goodbye to an old friend.
-[]Of Devils and Families: General Dumas has asked that you introduce his family to court. You would be honored. DC: 10 Reward: You introduce the Dumas Family to the court.
It had been a hard slog, but they had finally met their objectives. The ports and low-lying haciendas had been reclaimed and secured from rebel attacks early on, but it had taken months to retake Cerro de Potosi and reopen for mining operations. The most difficult part was actually getting there. Diego was from a port city, and could only gasp desperately at the thin air of the Andes. Several times on the ascent, his brigade had to halt as whole battalions collapsed from altitude sickness. Still, duty compelled him, and he soldiered on. The men from the highlands did a bit better at the outset, but even the altitude at Mexico City was a mere shadow of that at Potosi. Indeed, so high up was the mining city that there was a constant chill, and some nights saw frost. Much of their work around Potosi was rounding up locals for the mita. Other vital duties included caravan escort up and down the mountains. With banditry on the rise, the crucial food caravans to the mining city required protection, while the valuable silver shipments were a ripe target for brigands.
Thus, Diego was fighting for his life on a treacherous mountain road as the mule train bearing the Imperial quinto had been ambushed. Thankfully, there were few muskets among the brigands, and only a bare handful of his men had been struck by the mercifully inaccurate volley. Fortunately, the company with him were blooded veterans, and they valiantly held back the ambushers with blade and bludgeon. The strangest thing was that the bandits hadn't withdrawn after it was clear their ambush had failed, and his veterans were having trouble putting them down.
The brigand Diego was currently fighting was rather skilled, and with his loose woolen poncho, it was difficult to keep track of his limbs. Not finding an opening, Diego decided to create one. Allowing the bandit to push him back rankled, but it would give him his opening. Seizing upon his perceived advantage, the brigand lunged forward- only for Diego to slash him open from shoulder to hip. At least, that was what should have happened. Rather than a clean cut through cloth, flesh and bone, his sword skittered slightly with the sound of steel on stone. Certainly, the man's poncho had been rent open, but beneath, what appeared to be a cotton vest displayed a gouge near the left collarbone. Curious. The trick had saved him once. Now Diego knew to go for the head. Feigning an overhead strike, the bandit repositions his weapon to parry, only for Diego to twist- and separate his foe's head from his shoulders. Not sparing a moment, Diego darts towards another bandit menacing one of his downed soldiers and relieves him of his head as well. The scene repeats several more times, and as the tide turns decisively against the bandits, what passes for leadership among them calls for a retreat. The soldiers pursue with lead and powder instead of steel- the caravan is the priority, after all- while others see to the dead and wounded.
Inspecting a fallen brigand, Diego makes note of their curious cotton garment. In appearance, it is a quilted cotton vest. Such would offer a modicum of protection against blades or bludgeons. However, it was quite stiff to the touch, and rubbing his fingers together, somewhat gritty. A lick confirms it. Salt. Soaking a cotton vest in brine, then allowing it to dry and reinforce the cloth with salt crystals. Clever, and surprisingly effective. Taking account of the fallen, few had died to bayonet wounds to the torso. As a stabbing weapon, the torso was the obvious target for the bayonet. But unable to find purchase through several layers of cloth and brine, it became all but useless. More and more it seemed that these were rebels, rather than bandits. Disguising themselves as mere brigands was clever. The Viceregal garrison was spread too thin already, so the army was filling much of their patrol duties. And it wasn't the army's job to hunt down bandits, they were there to actually fight rebels, and they had already taken their objectives, so they would move on once the garrison regained their strength.
Diego wondered how many other patrols and caravans had fallen prey to these insurgents, written off as banditry. It seems he would have to order harsher measures. He didn't like it, but his duty was absolute. He was to restore imperial authority in Peru and crush the rebels. He may have to make examples of local populations. He just hoped he would be able to sleep at night.
The first step would be to equip his men with more effective weapons. Perhaps axes or clubs? And this brined cotton armor would be useful, if there would be much more fighting in melee.
The Mita was a form of labor tax that was used to get miners and porters. The Quinto comes from the Imperial policy of allowing mining as a private venture, but taking 20% (a fifth, thus, "quinto"). Cerro de Potosi was a massive source of Spanish silver that opened in 1545 and continue producing into the 19th century. At one point, it made up 80% of the world's silver production. Most of that was sold to China for their currency reform (going to the silver standard), but a lot went to fund churches and cathedrals, as Spain's many, many religious wars. Cerro de Potosi was also known as Cerro Rico (rich mountain) as well as "the mountain made of silver" and "the mountain that ate men." The city of Potosi sits over 4000 meters above sea level, and at its peak, had a population of 200,000. Think a Wild West mining boomtown, but at 4,000 meters elevation. The climate was unsuitable for agriculture, and most of its food had to be imported. Silver was brought out to the Pacific coast by llama or mule (from there to Panama, across the isthmus, then loaded aboard the Treasure Fleet bound for Europe by way of Havana and the Strait of Florida), though some made its way to the Rio Plata.
As for the cotton armor, it was a real thing. Specifically, quilted cotton armor was soaked in brine, then dried. It was used by the Aztecs, and in some accounts, it was effective enough against steel weapons. While not used in the Andes, perhaps the technique was spread among rebel groups in the Spanish Americas. Perhaps some idiot fell into the ocean and discovered it independently. Even without seawater, you can make a brine solution with rock salt and water, so it can be done in the mountains. I wasn't planning on writing out the logistics of an empire-spanning insurgency! Anyway, I had the brined cotton armor be effective against bayonets because it protects the torso from 'pointy side goes in enemy,' which is what bayonets of the era were. They are also under a loose woolen poncho, which is basically a cloak. And there were dozens of literal sword-and-cloak dueling manuals written in Europe (to obscure enemy vision, entangle their blade, or use a hanging cloak as a literal shield). Of course, Diego is using a katana (glorious Nippon steel! Folded a thousand times!), so he can slash off heads and limbs if torso strikes don't cut it (pun intended).
So Barranca's Brigade is shaping up to be a top-notch formation of assault troops, and their most likely first western/European opponent will be Haiti and Jules Severin, who is working with irregular/light infantry tactics.
Influence Napoleon: Request Napoleon to Abdicate: Your Husband swore to you he would be a protector of the Republic. Now the Republic has been saved. Now is the time for him to prove he is a Washington. Or a Cincinatius.. Cost 1000 Influence. DC: ??? Reward: Napoleon abdicates his title as Emperor. All of Europe sees Cincinatius come again. Or another Washington. (Note: If this option fails, you will not be able to ask him again for 15 years, or if he is in a situation where France may be destroyed if he does not) Can we take any actions to increase our chances?
Personally, I think it can wait just one more Turn. Especially since we can only do three political Action per Turn (I think) and I consider the others to be more important right now.
Before really destroying Robespierre's Influence, I wanna make sure that the People of France are really mostly on our side, making them far more likely to believe our claims. Especially since we already failed once and I'm kinda scared of Robby once again getting the Dice Gods on his side.
That's fair, Here's a slightly modified plan without the expensive triumph with Spain instead. I don't really see the point in brothers and sisters in arms.
Personally, I think it can wait just one more Turn. Especially since we can only do three political Action per Turn (I think) and I consider the others to be more important right now.
Also, when making the List of Marshals, you will also decide their roles and who would be best fit for that, including if you wish to make a Grand Marshal.
Yes, that means you can make all of the strategic, independent commanders, capable of acting independently of Napoleon to achieve strategic objectives with a commander that only answers to Napoleon, or use them as Napoleon did, and make many of them supremely talented tactical commanders that needed supervision to be supremely effective.
Really, you are going to have a lot of...
Interesting things are afoot, within the Marshal lists.
Also, when making the List of Marshals, you will also decide their roles and who would be best fit for that, including if you wish to make a Grand Marshal.
Yes, that means you can make all of the strategic, independent commanders, capable of acting independently of Napoleon to achieve strategic objectives with a commander that only answers to Napoleon, or use them as Napoleon did, and make many of them supremely talented tactical commanders that needed supervision to be supremely effective.
Really, you are going to have a lot of...
Interesting things are afoot, within the Marshal lists.
[X]Plan: The Future of Spain. Also Motherhood. And saying Goodbye to a friend...
-[X]influence Napoleon: The Laws of Women and Wives: Your Husband has unleashed many cruel laws onto this nation. Laws that, if properly enforced, would make even you an outlaw. That will not stand. Cost: 200 Influence. DC 10 Reward: The Laws are repealed. Something may replace them.
-[X]Influence Napoleon: The First Class: Napoleon wishes to revive the old rank from the Ancien Regime. The Rank of Marshal. He wants you, as the Inspector General, to review the list, and offer your opinion... Along with adjusting it, if you see fit. Cost 50 Influence. DC 0 Reward: You assemble the First Class of Marshals, and have the ability to change it. (For a Price)
-[X]The Congress of Frankfurt: The Great Powers of Europe have gathered in a Great Diplomatic conference. To discuss the matters of Spain, and how the situation may be resolved. Minister Talleyrand and Napoleon are going there personally to join the discussions. You will join them. Cost 3 Wealth. DC: 0 Reward: You Begin the Congress of Frankfurt Miniturn (Note, if not taken, the Agreement will be made without your input, but under the hands of Talleyrand and Napoleon)
-[X]New Rewards: You have an idea and one that the other Inspectors will agree to. A new decorations system, that will be based on Merit, bravery, and Talent. Cost 1 Wealth DC: 10 Reward: Begin Decorations Miniturn.
-[X]Demobilize (The Beginning): As Inspector General, you are in charge of the Current rate of Mobilization and demobilization. You feel it is required, now that there is peace, for the men to go home. To see their families. But you must do so in such a way that crime won't rise. DC: 40 Reward: The Army begins the demobilization process.
-[X]The Eaglets: You will take extra time to care for your boys. DC: 0 Reward: You spend extra time with your sons.
-[X]Of Devils and Families: General Dumas has asked that you introduce his family to court. You would be honored. DC: 10 Reward: You introduce the Dumas Family to the court.
-[X]Final Goodbyes: The Lion: You wish to say goodbye to Klebier. Have him buried with the hero's burial he deserves. Cost 3 wealth DC: 0 Reward: You say goodbye to an old friend.