I can now see why Tsar Vladimir the III was so awesome in the Metal Gear A New Order: The Last Days of Europe Rebooted quest... he inherited most (if not all) of his good qualities from Tsar Alexander...
With how well Napoleon rolled, and taking the other rolls into consideration... I think we have managed to reach a solution that benefits France the most (after some concessions were given to Russia and, to a lesser extent, Austria).
I can now see why Tsar Vladimir the III was so awesome in the Metal Gear A New Order: The Last Days of Europe Rebooted quest... he inherited most (if not all) of his good qualities from Tsar Alexander...
In another timeline where Nazi's win perhaps... but this is neither the time, nor place.
Here's hoping Alexander lives up to his act of being a reformer and actually reforms Russia into something that vaguely resembles a western parliamentary monarchy.
With how well Napoleon rolled, and taking the other rolls into consideration... I think we have managed to reach a solution that benefits France the most (after some concessions were given to Russia and, to a lesser extent, Austria).
A line out of context from my planned omake that I came up with during my lunch break:
"How was I to know the man had a glass jaw and was abandoned by his guardian angel? My punch knocked him flat and he bashed his head on an unfortunately placed cobblestone. I did help myself to his purse, though. No sense letting good coin go to waste when the man wasn't breathing no more to appreciate it."
With how well Napoleon rolled, and taking the other rolls into consideration... I think we have managed to reach a solution that benefits France the most (after some concessions were given to Russia and, to a lesser extent, Austria).
The way i see it Napoleon teamed up with Russia to get everything he wants in exchange for letting Russia get what they want with some minor concessions to Austria regarding their war debt to keep them on board.
Louis was loved by his subjects and defended their interests to the point that Napoleon got fed up with it, deposed his own brother and annexed his kingdom.
EDIT: I'm living in the Netherlands and the dutch still have good things to say about him to this day.
Louis was loved by his subjects and defended their interests to the point that Napoleon got fed up with it, deposed his own brother and annexed his kingdom.
I'm getting ready to reorganize the entire French Army coming up.
Yes, you can reorganize the army coming soon.
The Army of France (The Professional Army of the Emperor and the men who wished to remain after the War)
Overall Commander: Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French People.
(Defacto Commander: None, the generals are in council and with the Army demobilization, they are mostly left to themselves.)
Total Strength: 150,000
Army Wealth: 20/20
Army Status: Reorganizing. Security of the French Border
Supplies: Over Abundant
Training: Veteran Forces
Focus: Defense of France, Preparing for Spanish incursion.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Excellent
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3. Weather and Climate: Winter Quarters, and Warm
Disease: 10
Officer Staff:
General Thomas Alexandre Dumas (Commander of II Corp)
General Claude Victor (General of Three Divisions)
General Franquos Domouritz (Commander of 15th Division)
General Michel Nay (Commander of 5th Infantry Division)
--------------------------
II Corps:
Commander: Général de Division Thomas-Alexandre Dumas
Total Strength: 22,550
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: The Invasion of Sicily and Egypt.
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3. Weather and Climate: Winter Quarters
Disease: 10
----------------
34th, 25th, 16th Divisions
Commander: General Claude Victor
Total Strength: 11,500
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: Defending France
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3. Weather and Climate: Winter.
-------------------------------------------------
15th Divison
Commander: General Franquos Domouritz
Total Strength: 11,500
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: Defending France
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3. Weather and Climate: Winter.
------------------------------------------------
5th Divison
Commander: General Michel Nay
Total Strength: 11,500
Army Wealth 5/15
Army Status: Awaiting Orders
Supplies: Full
Training: Trained
Focus: Defending France
Manpower: Full
Casualties: None.
Morale: 100
1. Freshness: Good
2. Water Supply: Abundant
3. Weather and Climate: Winter.
[X]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.
[X]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.
We now know he's somewhere in this city. We've already gained something from this meeting. Just have to do the last stretch of the legwork ourselves. Including the doorkicking. Especially the doorkicking.
We now know he's somewhere in this city. We've already gained something from this meeting. Just have to do the last stretch of the legwork ourselves. Including the doorkicking. Especially the doorkicking.
I doubt that what you are describing is in the cards. If it was that easy, I don't think that Rothschild would have told us he was in the city. Remember, this is a city that we were at war with not too long ago. I can't see them just letting us do as we please.
I doubt that what you are describing is in the cards. If it was that easy, I don't think that Rothschild would have told us he was in the city. Remember, this is a city that we were at war with not too long ago. I can't see them just letting us do as we please.
Oh, most definitely. For example, I can't imagine that the local government would be happy to learn such a notorious firebrand is within their jurisdiction, especially given how it was already stated that this place is on the verge of revolution.
Some European Great Powers would also desire the death and\or imprisonment of former Consul Maximilien Robespierre... even against the wishes of the bankers who may seek to use him.
We should arrange for the information we've learned now leak to, say... Britain. They would likely be tripping over themselves at the chance of dealing a blow to France by taking care of Robespierre (and we could entice them by claiming that he's in the city in the hopes of assassinating the British delegation).
Matteo Anselme Severin smiled broadly as he bounced his darling granddaughter Jeanne on his knee. His work for the Empress kept him extraordinarily busy, so time spent with his slowly growing family was precious indeed.
Especially with all the pests loitering around the factories and work sites he was responsible for overseeing. It was a good thing that his workers liked to patrol their towns and work sites in their off hours. It seems that military discipline stuck, and it helped keep their homes and jobs safe from crime and foreign provocateurs. Truth be told, these persistent spies reminded Matteo of a time in his life that he had hoped was past him. In any case, they hadn't been much of an issue, mostly diagrams and sketches of the machinery rather than weapons or bombs. Nothing that warranted a report to his boss, at any rate.
But back to his treasured family time. Little Jeanne, like most children, and especially those of Severin blood, possessed an abundance of energy. Once she was able to walk, she would surely be running all over the house and the woods. She had been awake for quite a while now, and she was due to lie down for her afternoon nap soon. She certainly took after both her parents in that respect.
The sound of the door opening drew Matteo's attention, though he did not so much as shift his head. It would seem the hinges needed some oil soon.
"Pops, I'm back from the market! I was able to get a lot of those blackberries you're so fond of, since old man Laurent's twins found an untouched thicket outside of town. Has Jeanne behaved while I was out?"
"Ah, Evelyn Amber, darling Jeanne Therese has been naught but an angel since you left. Isn't that right, dear?"
Adorable gurgles and giggles are his reply as Matteo bounces his knee in double time.
"You spoil her so much, it'll be a wonder when she will fall asleep at her bed time."
"Well, I certainly remember a rambunctious youngster that refused to listen when she came into my care. You were always bickering and wrestling with Denis Martin, as I recall. It's wasn't until you both grew up that you two started "wrestling" with one another. Or did you think a father wouldn't notice?"
"Pops! Why must you be so damned embarrassing?"
"It's my duty as a father, dear. And I'm all about duty."
"Of course, of course. Since you've gotten Jeanne all riled up, why not do storytime to calm her down? I remember your voice being soothing, and Charlie would often nod off."
"Certainly my daughter. How about a tale from my youthful adventures?"
-----------
February, 1756, Stralsund, Swedish Pomerania
Twenty-three year-old Sergeant Matteo Anselme Severin stepped into the shady Straslund back alley to meet with his contact about a job offer.
"All right, enough of this cloak-and-dagger bullshit. You've led me on a merry chase all though the city, so let's get right to it. Your note mentioned something about a job?"
"Ah, Herr Severin, thank you for coming. Your, rather impressive, if I may add, records crossed the desk of one of our people, and it came to our attention that your term of enlistment is soon to expire. It is well acknowledged by those knowledgeable of military matters that your company is among the best line companies in the Straslund garrison. Indeed, a memo from your captain mentioned, and I quote: "I would be lost without that Frenchman. He has drilled the men into excellent form. Only the grenadiers can truthfully claim to be better." High praise from your commanding officer, Herr Severin. In fact, he was willing to recommend your transfer to the grenadiers, should you reenlist. However, I have a much better offer for you.
I am here on behalf of an individual who is interested in founding a mercenary company, and based on your proven excellence, he is will to pay premium coin to hire your services to lead it as its captain. The various princes of the Empire are constantly embroiled in border squabbles with their neighbors, and mercenaries are always in demand. I imagine a free company trained to your exacting standards would be among the best, and could charge top thaler for your services. What do you say, a surfeit of excitement, adventure, and coin? My employer offers a generous stipend, an exorbitant budget for arms and supplies, and a free hand in recruitment and training. All he requires in exchange is that you train your men to be the equal of any country's regulars, give preferential treatment to contracts bearing a certain seal, and to not ask too many questions. It's need-to-know, don't you know? Besides, knowing too much is bad for business. So, what do you think Herr Severin? A rather generous offer, wouldn't you agree?"
"It's quite generous indeed. Sounds almost too good to be true. And to be an officer? Pah, I'm a sergeant, I work for a living! Besides, being in charge sounds like a lot of paperwork and a lot less time in the field. And if me and my lads were to be in such high demand, that'd mean having to rub elbows with those hoity-toity nobles all the time. My mother raised to be honest, and kissing their asses sounds like a shit ton of lying, pun intended."
"Well, Herr Severin, I have been authorized to offer you a 300 Reichsthaler signing bonus, I believe that is about a month's pay for you? Quite the windfall, straight into your pocket. And with the latest news out of Britain, they've abandoned their traditional alliance with Austria for Prussia. With tensions in Europe this high, there's sure to be a major war, and soon! Business will be booming, I'm sure. You'd make a killing! No pun intended, of course."
"Hah, coward. You should always intend your puns! Always! Anyway, all I'm hearing is big promises about money and having to deal with people I don't like. The fortunes of war can turn against you at the drop of a hat. Your boss got plans for that?"
"But of course! With Prussia lured to Britain's side, France stands alone. Their rival Austria looms to the East, Britain lurks across the channel, and Prussia strains at its master's leash. Why, one might say the whole of Europe stands against France. What is one more free company to take its pound of flesh, or gold, in this case? So, what say you, Herr-"
-----------------
September 30, 1796
"Now I will admit, I lost my temper at that moment. But to be fair, how was I to know the man had a glass jaw? Or that he had been abandoned wholesale by his guardian angel. My punch knocked him flat, and he bashed his head on an unfortunately placed cobblestone. I did help myself to his purse, though. No sense letting good coin go to waste when the man wasn't breathing no more to enjoy it."
"So you killed the man who offered you a job and robbed his corpse?"
"He was shit talking France! You know I'm all about duty to king and country! Well, Empress and Nation, nowadays."
"Not the Emperor?"
"It's not like his father saved my life as well as Denis Martin's and all of my company's lives at Yorktown!"
"What? I don't think I've heard this one before. But back to the story, what happened after that?"
"Well, my contract was up a few days later. I went to say my goodbyes to my Swedish Severin family. Did you know, one of them had managed to join the Livgardet? Quite the feat for a commoner of foreign ancestry! Apparently, that mystery employer took offence at my rejection and sent killers after me. One actually caught me at the docks as I was about to board my ship. I only had my belt knife on me, and he had a sword and a pistol. Then an act of divine providence showed me that my guardian angel was hard at work, as a piano of all things fell from a crane and quite literally flattened my attacker. Helped myself to his purse as well. Most I was able to fend off myself, others by acts of divine providence. One idiot broke into my family's house and shouted "Death comes for you Severin!" and got killed by a bunch of my military cousins, home on furlough. Only found out he was after me by the seal on his purse, same as all the others. After a month or so of failures, a messenger showed up all professional-like, handed me a fat purse with that same seal and a note that said to get out and never return to the Holy Roman Empire. So I left. Returned to France. That recruiter had mentioned that France stood against all of Europe, so I went to enlist in the French army. I joined Regiment Touraine just in time for the war to kick off. Wasn't my fault I ended up heading straight back into the Holy Roman Empire with the French Army."
"Wow, pops, you do have the best tales. Has Darling heard this one?"
"Actually, no. I only thought to bring it up what with all those overly persistent snoops hanging around the factories. Heavy coin purses with that same damned seal on it. Not that I know enough heraldry to know what that means, or who that is."
"Well, a mystery for another day. Looks like Jeanne is finally asleep. I would like to hear more of your war stories. Don't think I forgot about you knowing the Empress' father!"
"A story for a story, then? I'm sure you've spoken with Denis Martin about your war against the British between your "wrestling," my daughter. I would be glad to hear the tale of another veteran."
"Sure pops, let me just lay Jeanne down. I picked up some cider at the market, so we can swap stories over some alcohol."
"Right, I'll fire up the stove to warm it up, help chase off the autumn chill."
So this omake is based on something @Magoose mentioned (a few sentences) in response to my "What the hell did you do, Matteo?" post a few pages back. After about 10-15 minutes of napkin math and looking up a few details, I did this:
I think I can work out a timeline for this. Let's say Matteo was born in 1733. That would make him 26 when he was at Minden (1759), and 33 when Denis was born in 1766. Assuming between 2-5 years between kids to work around deployments and not having multiple infants at the same time; maybe 1764 for Louis (born after the end of the Seven Years' War) and 1769 for Jules. At present in the quest, that makes him 63. He's getting old, but still fit and active. Able to run militia and work crews (and unfortunate corporals) into the ground.
If Matteo wasn't the eldest and wasn't expected to carry the family obligations, he could have gone abroad and enlisted in a foreign military. Possibly Sweden, to return to his roots, or a Baltic German state (definitely not Prussia or Denmark) Assuming he returned to France to enlist in Regiment Touraine in 1756 at the outbreak of the Seven Years' War at age 23, that leaves between 5-7 years' worth of military experience that would make him an attractive recruitment target (whether he left home at 16 or 18). If Matteo had a track record of good training, decent leadership, and a tendency not to ask too many questions, that makes him a better pick. Willingness to enlist in a foreign military signals (true or not) that he's not overly fussed with loyalty to king and country, and that he seeks excitement and adventure (and coin). No one will miss a foreign NCO, and he has all the right qualifications, so why not?
So, the recruiter gives him the sales pitch, but tensions are ratcheting up across Europe, so Matteo says no, intending to fight for France. Recruiter gets a bit pushy, he tries the 'war can be a profitable business, and it looks like a major war is in the offing' angle, then says something about dogpiling France. Matteo, who is (unbeknownst to the recruiter) driven by duty and loyalty to king and country, takes it as an insult, and strikes the recruiter, possibly killing him in a rage. That gets the Rothschilds angry enough to put out a hit on him, but between luck (Divine Providence, according to Matteo) and his own combat prowess, he is able to survive, returning to France to enlist in time for the Seven Years' War. What do you think?
Regarding Matteo not taking industrial espionage seriously, while he may have a wisdom born from experience, he's not well educated, and it shows in this case. "It's only sketches and drawings, they weren't planning on sabotage, so it's fine. No need to tell the boss lady."
The currency the recruiter is offering is the North German Thaler (12 to a Cologne Mark of silver), also called the Reichsthaler (not to be confused with the other Reichsthaler, at 9 to a Cologne Mark of silver). As for the amount, I kinda pulled it out of thin air, though I based it on the expenses listed here at the bottom of the page.
A bit of background on the diplomatic situation leading up to the Seven Years' War:
Austria and France were longtime rivals over who got to be king of the hill in Europe, especially Catholic Europe. Britain and France were also longtime rivals, and fought the Hundred Years' War over who was the rightful king of France. Prussia was an emergent state that was gobbling up bits and pieces of the HRE, and saw Austria as it's biggest obstacle to great power status. Traditionally, Britain would bankroll Austria when they went to war with France, and Prussia would peck at Austrian territory to get swole. Britain would occupy France's colonies and style on the French navy, then France would win hard in Europe and get their colonies back at the peace settlement. By the 1750s, things are starting to change. France and Britain's North American colonies were squabbling over who owned the Ohio River Valley, then this militia colonel named George Washington started some shit in 1754. Britain was getting tired of paying Austria to lose to France, and they wanted a better way to protect Hanover (King George II was also the Elector of Hanover and very invested in protecting it) from France. Meanwhile, Austria was gearing up to take Silesia back from Prussia, and were willing to team up with Russia to do it. Britain tosses a bunch of money to Russia to station troops on the Prussian border, so Russia is getting ready to throw down with Prussia too. Britain then turns around and says: "Hey Prussia, have a bunch of cash, and protect Hanover for us the next time we throw hands at France." Prussia says "make it rain!" France is now diplomatically isolated (January 1756, just a month before Matteo gets the offer he can't refuse). Austria is going all in to get Silesia back and offers to give the Austrian Netherlands to France if France helps Austria get Silesia. France says oui. Negotiations to deescalate the conflict in North America fall through, war were declared. Prussia looks at their strategic situation and realizes they have Austria to the South, Russia to the East, France to the West, and Sweden has been saber rattling to get Pomerania back. Prussia launches a preemptive attack on Saxony to protect Hanover. Everyone is angry at Prussia, because Saxony is still neutral (Austria hasn't put forth the motion to call the member states of the HRE to war in the Imperial Diet yet). HRE member states pile in against Prussia. It's only 1756. The war continues until 1763.
Whew, that's just the brief overview, and the war only just started.
After making an offer you can't refuse the mafia says: "God forbid, a piano should fall on his head."
Matteo Severin's guardian angel: "Uno reverse card"
Expect more story time in the future. Got Matteo's Seven Years' War tale and Evelyn's Revolutionary War stories, and each deserves its own omake, just by virtue of who they served with/under and the battles they fought. Also have an idea for what happened with Matteo's company of Swedes. But now it's 2:30 am, time for sleep.
