Ha ha! Nice one dude!
Could we mention something like that in the next OSP omake?
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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
Could we mention something like that in the next OSP omake?
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Brian: Considering the fact we stopped two counter revolutionary coups, stopped the royalists from continuing to be a problem, Napoleon has seceded, ended your civil war, made the rest of Europe at least recognize that we are still in business… and the fact that the prince and princess have renounced their Royal titles because they do not want it… and you say we are the baddies.
Robespierre: but-
Brian: I get it we destroyed the idea of the Jacobian revolution, of equality for all people… that is a shame and I wish it would not have come to that… but it failed because of you and men like you who used it for the sake of power. If we wish for all men to be equal, we can only hope that in the future men are more angels then we are.
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- Pronouns
- It/Its
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Interlude: The Great Game Part 2
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Interlude: The Great Game Part 2
[X]The Trail of Guns and Bankers: You have an inkling of an idea that the group who sold you guns is at least partially based in the city. Too many things add up for you to not try and snoop around.
---------------------------------
The bank was less a bank and more of an accounting office with only a few… workers in it. It was a small building with lots of papers, files. It was like an office that was not really anything but a workplace.
Yet every moment you were in there, you could feel the eyes watching you. Studying you… or worse yet, realizing why you were here. It was a strange thing to feel… being watched without a reason why. Now it was not like a scout or a supporter. You did not know the reason why they watched, why they wanted to do anything… except that their eyes were on you. They wanted you to be among their sights.
And you were pray.
The leader, or at least whom you assumed was the leader, was quietly smoking on a pipe, looking out the window towards the palace, where the conference was taking place. "A marvelous spectacle don't you see? The great powers of Europe quietly deciding how they will manage to do a single thing, and in that end, lead the discussion down the road for a completely different thing as well. How each diplomat and king and even that husband of yours seems to think they can outsmart one another." He turned around. "So tell me, Empress, do you agree?"
You almost drew your pistol then and there, his unnerving stare made you feel completely at his mercy, and you thought to take it back by force. But something deep in your mind told you that this was not going to be a physical battle, no… this would be far more… intellectual. "You must think highly of them if they have any ideas of their nation's interests."
A smile rose. It was as unnerving as the frown. "Perhaps, but that is the problem. A Nation does not have an interest… not a unified nation. There are groups that have them. The farmers pray for peace, good grain prices, land, infrastructure, just as the navy man or the army man requests for their budgets and ideas. You should know, as the Inspector General of the Army?"
You walked forward, trying to gain some type of advantage. "And what interests would you think I have?"
That allowed a laugh. "You are a fickle being, guided by luck, circumstance, and availability. You believe in nothing because, unlike your fellows who truly believe in what they believe, and will die for their causes... you understand what is convenient to make sure you are powerful and alive. Your sail is that of a revolution, yet your heart is thrown to a man who is not revolutionary. Your husband is a tyrant, your two adopted children a potential backup in case you need to secure your own avenue of power, and to save yourself if your husband were to lose. You are nothing more than a parasite that has leeched onto something that you cannot comprehend."
You frowned. "Truly? Is that it?"
You were… not angry, no, you were far beyond that. He seemed to be operating on incomplete information…
But he also revealed something.
He was not truly… the man in charge. "You know when people talk to me, they try to make themselves out to be smarter than me, but you are so dreadfully enthralled by stories that you should know that none of them are true. A true leader would see the falsehoods immediately, and anyone who tries to attack them based on lies, truly either wishes to forget something or wishes to make an enemy."
"That is enough Robert. I think the Madam is quite through with the charade." A voice from behind entered your ears. "Especially one so horribly and quickly put together."
You turned around to see one of the accountants, one of the men you saw working, standing before you. He was… young, thought you imagined that he was closer to Talleyrand's age, and he was very well dressed. Gold was on his fingers, rings… and jewels.
"Amschel von Rothschild." The man stated, as he walked forward, and kissed your hand. "I apologize for my compatriot, but one cannot be too careful, and I wanted to see if you were as bright as the reports say you are." He smiled as the men exchanged places, and gold changed hands. "And do not worry, I will not be acting through an intimidatory. I have no wish to sour this relationship any more than it already has."
"And deceptions are needed because?" You asked.
"I'm a jew. Most of your people cannot stand my people. Even when I am possibly one of the most powerful men in Europe?"
You raised an eyebrow. "Truly?"
He stifled a chuckle. "And you still believe you are not the most powerful woman on Earth?" He sat down. "I had men look at your designs and the factories you invested in… before that dammed man you place in charge arrested them for espionage."
That made you raise an eyebrow. Matteo hadn't written anything to you about any espionage. You would have heard. But you tried your best to hide your surprise. "Tell me then, what interest do you have with me?"
A chuckle escaped the man's lips. "Understanding. Perhaps." He said. "I do not understand you, as much as I want to. World Economics and nations are one thing. But a truly remarkable woman? Now that is something extraordinary."
"I'm pretty sure you know a lot about me?" You replied, not feeling amused. "So why bother?"
"Perhaps, but I believe that one's entire outlook can change with the right words… the right people. Even the right ideas?" Amschel then took off one of his rings. "Tell me, do you know anything about where the British money came from, how they managed to finance so many nations after such a disastrous year in their markets, and the scares they have suffered since then?"
You raised an eyebrow. "No. I presumed they had raised taxes, and otherwise tried to continue with their trade surplus?"
Shortsighted, perhaps, but it was also not far from the truth. "No." He replied. "They borrowed a significant amount of money from banks across Europe, and the creditors believe that it was a surefire way to retrieve their money. They have lost and are in an increasing amount of debt. National prestige is low due to Americans stealing their people and property back, and Spanish ships sailing the Caribbean again."
"Do you know what that means?" He asked.
"No." You replied.
"There is a significant amount of money at stake in these wars." He replied. "And some would say that… France achieving victory, when not in debt to creditors, or men like me would upset the balance of… everything."
"What, you wish for my husband and my nation to just… die, to lose and risk everything that made France slide itself away from old regimes?" You asked.
"Heavens no," he replied. "But I have read some of your husband's new banking laws he has created… and it puts quite a damper on… world financial security?"
You raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand."
"Of course you do not. I can scarcely say I understand it at all. But I am not some… Jew who merely profits off of the misery of others, nor do I have some latent conspiracy-like Robespierre does… or had. I am merely a businessman, wishing to see a return on my investment."
The name set you off. "Where is he?"
"Robespierre?" he smiled as if he caught you in the bait. "He's still in the city… I can give you an exact location if you wish? For a price?"
"And what is your price?" You asked.
A frown rose… "Good heavens, you must think me a fool for not demanding something in return? Not like those cannons, no, I made my profits from it must greatly."
He handed over a contract. "Matteo Severin… replaced, with a man of my choosing. And I wish for rights to invest in your enterprises. Whatever they are."
You frowned. "How-"
"I am not going to steal from you if you must be so afraid and ask… I merely wish to shore up my investments, diversify my assets so to speak. You are most lucky and must talented in the realm of invention, I would be a fool to not consider you a safe investment."
"Why do you ask for Severin gone?" You asked. "Would you have me kill him?"
"I despise men who have no price. I cannot buy him, and he is far too hard to kill."
"You tried to kill him?"
"My father did," He stated bluntly. "it was a long time ago, a different time. When that blasted swede had refused to take an offer that was far better than he deserved… and he ran to France to play soldier." He hummed. "I never knew what drove a man to be so… uncurroptable. So simple in his life."
"What did he offer him?" you asked, curiosity in your voice.
He frowned. "I've said too much… as I said, a different time, with different men."
The pause and silence before the question that came next was deafening. "Do you accept my proposal?" He asked.
--------------------------------------------
Do you accept:
[]Yes: Matteo is a good man and true, but the opportunity here is something that should never be squandered. You would not let Robespierre escape again.
[]No: Something about all this felt off. Especially because all this… hinged upon one man. What did Matteo do to earn this kind of ire… and why were they so insistent on being allowed to join your investments. That was a price too high… you worked far too hard on all this to be left up to another person. Not even Robespierre was worth that.
AN: Enjoy....
Lets just say I had far to much fun writing this, and planting the seeds for... shit to go down.
Moratorumn for Planning and discussion for... 6 hours.
[X]The Trail of Guns and Bankers: You have an inkling of an idea that the group who sold you guns is at least partially based in the city. Too many things add up for you to not try and snoop around.
---------------------------------
The bank was less a bank and more of an accounting office with only a few… workers in it. It was a small building with lots of papers, files. It was like an office that was not really anything but a workplace.
Yet every moment you were in there, you could feel the eyes watching you. Studying you… or worse yet, realizing why you were here. It was a strange thing to feel… being watched without a reason why. Now it was not like a scout or a supporter. You did not know the reason why they watched, why they wanted to do anything… except that their eyes were on you. They wanted you to be among their sights.
And you were pray.
The leader, or at least whom you assumed was the leader, was quietly smoking on a pipe, looking out the window towards the palace, where the conference was taking place. "A marvelous spectacle don't you see? The great powers of Europe quietly deciding how they will manage to do a single thing, and in that end, lead the discussion down the road for a completely different thing as well. How each diplomat and king and even that husband of yours seems to think they can outsmart one another." He turned around. "So tell me, Empress, do you agree?"
You almost drew your pistol then and there, his unnerving stare made you feel completely at his mercy, and you thought to take it back by force. But something deep in your mind told you that this was not going to be a physical battle, no… this would be far more… intellectual. "You must think highly of them if they have any ideas of their nation's interests."
A smile rose. It was as unnerving as the frown. "Perhaps, but that is the problem. A Nation does not have an interest… not a unified nation. There are groups that have them. The farmers pray for peace, good grain prices, land, infrastructure, just as the navy man or the army man requests for their budgets and ideas. You should know, as the Inspector General of the Army?"
You walked forward, trying to gain some type of advantage. "And what interests would you think I have?"
That allowed a laugh. "You are a fickle being, guided by luck, circumstance, and availability. You believe in nothing because, unlike your fellows who truly believe in what they believe, and will die for their causes... you understand what is convenient to make sure you are powerful and alive. Your sail is that of a revolution, yet your heart is thrown to a man who is not revolutionary. Your husband is a tyrant, your two adopted children a potential backup in case you need to secure your own avenue of power, and to save yourself if your husband were to lose. You are nothing more than a parasite that has leeched onto something that you cannot comprehend."
You frowned. "Truly? Is that it?"
You were… not angry, no, you were far beyond that. He seemed to be operating on incomplete information…
But he also revealed something.
He was not truly… the man in charge. "You know when people talk to me, they try to make themselves out to be smarter than me, but you are so dreadfully enthralled by stories that you should know that none of them are true. A true leader would see the falsehoods immediately, and anyone who tries to attack them based on lies, truly either wishes to forget something or wishes to make an enemy."
"That is enough Robert. I think the Madam is quite through with the charade." A voice from behind entered your ears. "Especially one so horribly and quickly put together."
You turned around to see one of the accountants, one of the men you saw working, standing before you. He was… young, thought you imagined that he was closer to Talleyrand's age, and he was very well dressed. Gold was on his fingers, rings… and jewels.
"Amschel von Rothschild." The man stated, as he walked forward, and kissed your hand. "I apologize for my compatriot, but one cannot be too careful, and I wanted to see if you were as bright as the reports say you are." He smiled as the men exchanged places, and gold changed hands. "And do not worry, I will not be acting through an intimidatory. I have no wish to sour this relationship any more than it already has."
"And deceptions are needed because?" You asked.
"I'm a jew. Most of your people cannot stand my people. Even when I am possibly one of the most powerful men in Europe?"
You raised an eyebrow. "Truly?"
He stifled a chuckle. "And you still believe you are not the most powerful woman on Earth?" He sat down. "I had men look at your designs and the factories you invested in… before that dammed man you place in charge arrested them for espionage."
That made you raise an eyebrow. Matteo hadn't written anything to you about any espionage. You would have heard. But you tried your best to hide your surprise. "Tell me then, what interest do you have with me?"
A chuckle escaped the man's lips. "Understanding. Perhaps." He said. "I do not understand you, as much as I want to. World Economics and nations are one thing. But a truly remarkable woman? Now that is something extraordinary."
"I'm pretty sure you know a lot about me?" You replied, not feeling amused. "So why bother?"
"Perhaps, but I believe that one's entire outlook can change with the right words… the right people. Even the right ideas?" Amschel then took off one of his rings. "Tell me, do you know anything about where the British money came from, how they managed to finance so many nations after such a disastrous year in their markets, and the scares they have suffered since then?"
You raised an eyebrow. "No. I presumed they had raised taxes, and otherwise tried to continue with their trade surplus?"
Shortsighted, perhaps, but it was also not far from the truth. "No." He replied. "They borrowed a significant amount of money from banks across Europe, and the creditors believe that it was a surefire way to retrieve their money. They have lost and are in an increasing amount of debt. National prestige is low due to Americans stealing their people and property back, and Spanish ships sailing the Caribbean again."
"Do you know what that means?" He asked.
"No." You replied.
"There is a significant amount of money at stake in these wars." He replied. "And some would say that… France achieving victory, when not in debt to creditors, or men like me would upset the balance of… everything."
"What, you wish for my husband and my nation to just… die, to lose and risk everything that made France slide itself away from old regimes?" You asked.
"Heavens no," he replied. "But I have read some of your husband's new banking laws he has created… and it puts quite a damper on… world financial security?"
You raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand."
"Of course you do not. I can scarcely say I understand it at all. But I am not some… Jew who merely profits off of the misery of others, nor do I have some latent conspiracy-like Robespierre does… or had. I am merely a businessman, wishing to see a return on my investment."
The name set you off. "Where is he?"
"Robespierre?" he smiled as if he caught you in the bait. "He's still in the city… I can give you an exact location if you wish? For a price?"
"And what is your price?" You asked.
A frown rose… "Good heavens, you must think me a fool for not demanding something in return? Not like those cannons, no, I made my profits from it must greatly."
He handed over a contract. "Matteo Severin… replaced, with a man of my choosing. And I wish for rights to invest in your enterprises. Whatever they are."
You frowned. "How-"
"I am not going to steal from you if you must be so afraid and ask… I merely wish to shore up my investments, diversify my assets so to speak. You are most lucky and must talented in the realm of invention, I would be a fool to not consider you a safe investment."
"Why do you ask for Severin gone?" You asked. "Would you have me kill him?"
"I despise men who have no price. I cannot buy him, and he is far too hard to kill."
"You tried to kill him?"
"My father did," He stated bluntly. "it was a long time ago, a different time. When that blasted swede had refused to take an offer that was far better than he deserved… and he ran to France to play soldier." He hummed. "I never knew what drove a man to be so… uncurroptable. So simple in his life."
"What did he offer him?" you asked, curiosity in your voice.
He frowned. "I've said too much… as I said, a different time, with different men."
The pause and silence before the question that came next was deafening. "Do you accept my proposal?" He asked.
--------------------------------------------
Do you accept:
[]Yes: Matteo is a good man and true, but the opportunity here is something that should never be squandered. You would not let Robespierre escape again.
[]No: Something about all this felt off. Especially because all this… hinged upon one man. What did Matteo do to earn this kind of ire… and why were they so insistent on being allowed to join your investments. That was a price too high… you worked far too hard on all this to be left up to another person. Not even Robespierre was worth that.
AN: Enjoy....
Lets just say I had far to much fun writing this, and planting the seeds for... shit to go down.
Moratorumn for Planning and discussion for... 6 hours.
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Can we lie to him and arrest him after he gives us the info?
He is literally helping the nr1 enemy of the state right now and is blatantly attempting bribery.
- Location
- leiden (NL)
CAn we do a write-in?
I would offer a compromise. He gets the right to invest (up to a significant but not controlling level) but Matteo stays where he is.
And we warn him against trying anything against Matteo or trying to bribe anyone working for us.
Also we remind him that France has removed all legal discrimination against Jews. And is the only country to have done so (apart possibly from sister republics).
I would offer a compromise. He gets the right to invest (up to a significant but not controlling level) but Matteo stays where he is.
And we warn him against trying anything against Matteo or trying to bribe anyone working for us.
Also we remind him that France has removed all legal discrimination against Jews. And is the only country to have done so (apart possibly from sister republics).
- Pronouns
- Revan
That would send a very bad precedent and people would start to lose the respect that they have for us.
It is not worthy.
If we were to accept the deal we would be going against some of our own ideals, I think, and betraying a close ally.
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I'm inclined towards saying no. Getting rid of one of our most loyal supporters for a puppet of a man we don't know and can't trust is a non-starter for me.
Plus, this may be yet another trick. A trick to see if we are willing to take revenge against a largely defeated foe (Robespierre's odds of retaking power are rather minimal IMO) at the cost of a bad long-term deal.
Plus, this may be yet another trick. A trick to see if we are willing to take revenge against a largely defeated foe (Robespierre's odds of retaking power are rather minimal IMO) at the cost of a bad long-term deal.
- Location
- Hawaii
Matteo, what the hell did you doooooo?!
But seriously, the man was in the army from the start of the Seven Years' War (he survived the crushing defeat at Minden) and fought at Yorktown where he met his future daughter-in-law. The only reason Matteo isn't famous is because he served with world-class badasses like Jean Thurel.
But seriously, the man was in the army from the start of the Seven Years' War (he survived the crushing defeat at Minden) and fought at Yorktown where he met his future daughter-in-law. The only reason Matteo isn't famous is because he served with world-class badasses like Jean Thurel.
- Location
- alphen aan den rijn
How about no.
This feels like a test.
If the man wants too invest he can do it the legal way like everyone else.
This feels like a test.
If the man wants too invest he can do it the legal way like everyone else.
- Location
- Space
I'm for a compromise, getting right to invest in our ventures till certain measure and maybe listen some of his worries for Banking laws in France. He is a businessman so he should be open to negotiations, plus this way they aren't entirely invested in the British and war against France.
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ThatGuyWithIdeas
Treize died for our sins
- Location
- Romania
If we're going for a compromise, we might want to trick Amschel into thinking that Robespierre is too dangerous of a pawn for the bankers to use against us and that they would stand more to gain if they handed him over to us with no strings attached.
- Location
- Hawaii
We don't have to trick him, we can just point out that for as much as Robes is a power-mad demagogue, he's also extremely charismatic, intelligent, well-educated, and well-versed is law and legal systems. Given time, he will undermine and break down any system used to control him that doesn't actively apply naked violence. Even the threat of violence might break down, if he has enough time to speak with his guards. Whether he befriends them or gets inside their head, he will wear down his guards unless they are rotated frequently. It also helps that Robes is not physically threatening, and so his guards are likely to underestimate him even if they are specifically warned against him.
Basically, Robes is spec'ed for social combat, and he can win a war of words and wits. Any run of the mill guard or thug is basically walking into social combat with Robes unarmed. If needed, point out that Robes convinced his jury to let him walk away from his own execution (getting it reduced to essentially house arrest).
Basically, Robes is spec'ed for social combat, and he can win a war of words and wits. Any run of the mill guard or thug is basically walking into social combat with Robes unarmed. If needed, point out that Robes convinced his jury to let him walk away from his own execution (getting it reduced to essentially house arrest).
- Location
- Space
I mean it goes without saying, cutting of head's without care is bad for economy.
[]No: Something about all this felt off. Especially because all this… hinged upon one man. What did Matteo do to earn this kind of ire… and why were they so insistent on being allowed to join your investments. That was a price too high… you worked far too hard on all this to be left up to another person. Not even Robespierre was worth that.
This is worth it if it actually allows us to capture him, but I am not willing to toss away a loyal man. I'm sure we have something to offer in exchange instead, perhaps some introductions or even offering to convince napoleon to make some economic changes. Perhaps we could exchange letters.
We'd have to be careful of course, he would be a significantly corrupting influence. We should tell our dear husband everything we heard here.
This is worth it if it actually allows us to capture him, but I am not willing to toss away a loyal man. I'm sure we have something to offer in exchange instead, perhaps some introductions or even offering to convince napoleon to make some economic changes. Perhaps we could exchange letters.
We'd have to be careful of course, he would be a significantly corrupting influence. We should tell our dear husband everything we heard here.
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HAHAHAHA...no.
Not only no, but HELL NO.
These Bankers can go to hell. I'm not stabbing Severin in the back just so that this Asshole can have his way and be rid of someone who refuses to be bribed. Not to mention I don't trust this slimeball as far as I can spit.
Not only no, but HELL NO.
These Bankers can go to hell. I'm not stabbing Severin in the back just so that this Asshole can have his way and be rid of someone who refuses to be bribed. Not to mention I don't trust this slimeball as far as I can spit.
Temes1066
To Defy Gravity you must Let It Go
- Location
- Coleraine
[]No: Something about all this felt off. Especially because all this… hinged upon one man. What did Matteo do to earn this kind of ire… and why were they so insistent on being allowed to join your investments. That was a price too high… you worked far too hard on all this to be left up to another person. Not even Robespierre was worth that.
I think this is a test of character.
I think this is a test of character.
Magoose
SV's Questing Fanatic
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Technically he just has the information on where that man is. And while he wishes to gain something, it's not like he wants...
You know France to collapse. He mearly wants his money that he invested back...
By any means nessecery.
Well, he is a businessman, and that usually means something about the person who has hired that person. Perhaps it is because... Well, it says something about you.
No.
Sorry.
He knows that. Fact is, if it were not for the complex financial and legal loopholes and investments that he made all over Europe, he might have just packed his assets and set up shop in Paris.
He might still do that, but there is also a clearly interest that Is here that one must remember. He loaned out millions in silver, and needs to get his money back.
Matteo is not even our most loyal supporter, that belongs to our brother, Brian. He's just the father of a man who literally rose through the ranks of the French Army and a man who takes no shit from anyone.
To put it lightly: The Rothschilds wanted him to join a business venture that Matteo did not like and he backed out, and told them to fuck off, before running to France, joining the Army and becoming a hero in his own life.
They have held a grudge. And really don't like that that man who told them off just up and became successful without their support or money... or is in debt to them.
The Sevrin Family is almost like the Frist Family of the French Army... They are everywhere and have been part of a lot of the French Armies rise to greatness
... Your missing something rather obvious... He is viewing this entirely as a business transaction. You doing something for him... he is doing something for you.
It's up to you whether you consider his deal valid or not.
It might be, it might not be?
Who knows.
Well Matteo is still going to be working in France, so there is always the chance he can work for us elsewhere, even if we fire him.
Besides, Ole Denis Severin is now a marshal... he'll be fine
I think we're forgetting that Matteo leaving is the only way he will work with us...
Even though it's kinda stupid.
But then again, Matteo did piss off the Rothschilds and lived so... there is that.
- Location
- Space
Weird i thought he was a business man, one person that he doesn't like in wrong place doesn't mean much as long as he negotiated business and has contact to the top dog (Therese).
Plus in business world he cannot really blame us for , you know taking a risk and investing. But otherwise , yea i can see certain business logic, he gave up a lot of money to just jump the ship as of now without firm guarantee on his investment. Maybe when our situation is a little more secure (French as well) and his a little more dire he will be willing to jump ship and cut of his financial support to the British/rest of our enemies.
Though i hope to maintain the contact anyway. Having friends in business world and security of world finances do concern us. Therese is talented but i doubt she would be able to navigate financial state of Europe without sacrificing lot of her time at which point this won't be Marshall quest.