La Chanson de la Victoire (The Song of Victory): La Petite Arpenteuse (Non, SV, you are a General of France in the Napoleonic War!)

Parlez-vous français?

  • Oui, je parle très bien français!

    Votes: 162 14.2%
  • Un peu.

    Votes: 189 16.6%
  • What? Francis? Nope.

    Votes: 331 29.1%
  • What? Oh, don't be silly, my dear!

    Votes: 161 14.2%
  • ¿El español es lo suficientemente bueno?

    Votes: 86 7.6%
  • Ich verstehe dich irgendwie.

    Votes: 64 5.6%
  • Я очень хорошо говорю по-русски.

    Votes: 64 5.6%
  • 我听不懂。

    Votes: 35 3.1%
  • 何を言っているのですか?

    Votes: 28 2.5%
  • nuqneH pa'!

    Votes: 10 0.9%
  • فرانسه بلدنستم

    Votes: 7 0.6%

  • Total voters
    1,137
Adhoc vote count started by Magoose on Mar 13, 2022 at 4:35 PM, finished with 52 posts and 10 votes.

  • [X]Plan: Let's mend the Wound
    -[X]Brian: Your Brother is favored by the Emperor, surely King Carlos will accept him.
    -[X]Remain in Barcelona: They will be the ones who remain in Barcelona for a time, to maintain order, and protect the King.
    --[X]Therese's VII. Korps
    -[X]To the South: This Corps will go to serve as a police force in the Region, and they will do as much as they can, both to stop these guerillas, and to discover what the hell is going on with British equipment.
    --[X]Murat's VIII. Korps
    -[X]To Madrid: This Corps will be sent to Madrid, and secure the city. Hopefully without a siege, or blowing up the city.
    --[X]Davout's IX. Korps
    [x]General Bessiere: A Former Inspector General, and a man you have, at least in your private mutterings, hold a bit of respect for, as he has proven to be competent in staff work, management, and being discreet.
    [X] Plan: Da Plan To Krump'em
    [X]Brian: Your Brother is favored by the Emperor, surly King Carlos will accept him.
    [X]Remain in Barcelona: They will be the ones who remain in Barcelona for a time, to maintain order, and protect the King.
    [X]To the South: This Corps will go to serve as a police force in the Region, and they will do as much as they can, both to stop these guerillas, and to discover what the hell is going on with British equipment.
    [X]To Madrid: This Corps will be sent to Madrid, and secure the city. Hopefully without a siege, or blowing up the city.
 
13.2 The Motions of Defense
13.2 The Motions of Defense

-[X]Brian: Your Brother is favored by the Emperor, surely King Carlos will accept him.

February 15th, 1798​

Brian was reading a report in Spanish when you arrived, his concentration still focusing heavily on his verbal report. "Todos…" He sighed before he set the papers down and rolled his neck, a loud crack is heard from it. "Does learning a new language always sound stupid to you, or is it just my head sounding strange with words translating in my mind, in which i know the meaning, but not the sounds?"

You frowned. "Why are you asking me, I don't know a damn thing about learning another language? The most I know is Pasta from Severin, and that's because dear old Marshal Baguette calls Jullian and the Italian troops that constantly."

Your brother laughed as he cracked a smile and set the report down. "You must really think I'm all cracked up for politics?"

His silence made you speak. "Napoleon may not trust you fully, but I trust you, both to make sure everything does not go to hell, and to make sure Carlos does not do something stupid like demand us to take Madrid when we are not ready. You are smart and can speak well enough to make him think that listening to me, or my subordinates are his own idea."

Brian then sighed. "Are you trying to force me to get out of my comfort zone while also practicing with how there is a great deal I need to learn in politics?"

"I still need to learn about politics, and I think that I can learn better from you, who is much more… conventional a choice." You stated.

Brian facepalmed and he realized what was going on. "I will be asking for my wife to come here. That is nonnegotiable."

"Of course, what am I going to do, deprive you out of your happiness by sending you off to die?" You joked. "You are not Joachim."

Brian then laughed. "I still can't believe Napoleon hasn't shot him yet for his actions against Caroline? The fact he tried to duel one of her bodyguards. If I didn't know better, He could have been sacked."

"I think it's because he knows me, and that he has a reputation for excellence under a skilled commander. And we are not exactly depth with great officers of high command, even with one as inexperienced as Murat. As long as we hold his leash, and he dosen't make a fool of himself, we'll be fine, and he'll be gaining glory by returning order to Spain."

Brian frowned at that before he stood up. "I will continue with maintaining our presence here. And Thérèse." He paused as you gazed towards him, but not at him. "Be careful. There are some Spanish generals who may not like taking orders from a woman."

You smiled. "That's what Brune is for. And if they still don't, the Whip is firm enough to get them to listen."

You did not want to use corporal punishment, but it was an option, and perhaps the threat would be enough.
-------------------------
-[X]To the South: This Corps will go to serve as a police force in the Region, and they will do as much as they can, both to stop these guerillas, and to discover what the hell is going on with British equipment.
--[X]Murat's VIII. Korps
February 17th, 1798​

Murat was prepared with a great deal more somber in his dress as he waited for you. His jacket was a light maroon blue, and his trousers were a black, midnight shade. There were no feathers in his cap, no furs on his saddle, or any more finery than it was expected of him. The only thing, in your mind, that made him stand out, was his large feathered hat that the MArshals wore, his riding crop that was made of leather, and of course, his Baton, that he never seemed to be without, even in the field, seemingly taking it everywhere he went, like another marshal that was his rival.

He was dressed, not as his flamboyant self, but as an officer leading men, and looking more conspicuous than he had to be. And he patted his horse. "Ah, Marshal!" He waved as you approached him. "I see you are greeting me off before I waylay the Bandits in the south!"

Despite his Chavilire and confident attitude, you realized he was scared.

You took a moment to sigh. "Murat. I have learned that Heroes are the bravest when the fear is the strongest."

At that Murat did not seem to budge. In fact, you knew he was not happily accepting you calling him scared. "Marshal! I am-"

You frowned and shook your head. "Do well, Or I'm sacking you and replacing you with Severin."

That should work.

"I shall!" He proclaimed as he rode off.

"Oh for the love of God, he doesn't even stop to get his orders, just rides off like a bloody hero." You said to yourself.

Then you looked to one of the riders who stayed behind, someone who had realized that the orders you gave to him, are not available. "Give these to him. His orders."

There was a silent nod, before you sighed, as he rode to follow his commander. Bloody fool he was, he at least had spirit.

Hopefully, it would not get him killed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-[X]To Madrid: This Corps will be sent to Madrid, and secure the city. Hopefully without a siege, or blowing up the city.
--[X]Davout's IX. Korps

February 19th, 1798​

Davout thankfully was less inclined to just waltz out without his marching orders, as Marmont joined you to brief him.

"What you are asking is to try and take the city bloodlessly? Davout stated though he was a bit frustrated with Marmont being there, despite him being your Aide De Camp. "Perhaps there is something more you wish to discuss General Marmont?"

He was silent, though, in his ideas, he must have turned to face you. "I have nothing at to say, Marshal. Though I would say that the maps of the city are not accurate, I wanted to deliver more accurate maps before you left."

Davout nodded. "Than find it, we are on a schedule."

Marmont saluted before scampering off. "I still don't trust him as your aide."

"He's competent, and his wish to not be straining himself for his failures and folly is well wished. He is Truly wishing for change. Both to his reputation and his attitude."

Davout frowned, chewing on his lip for a moment. "I still think you are letting him have a far lesser leash than he should be allowed. He still betrayed France."

"We betrayed the Republic and everything we stood for, for France. Blaming anyone for doing differently would be hypocritical of us." You replied.

Davout remained quiet for a moment before he nodded. "Perhaps, but that is not something that we can handle. Being different to who we are."

"And what are you Davout?" You asked, curiously.

"A soldier and I will always be one. Be it general, or a man on foot. I'm a man who will do my duty." He replied as he looked away. "I'm not going to ask you what you are Auclair. Not now. Not until you are ready."

You frowned. It didn't seem fair.

Do you say something?:
[]Write in
[]No: Don't say anything, not now.
------------------------------------------------------------
-[X]Remain in Barcelona: They will be the ones who remain in Barcelona for a time, to maintain order, and protect the King.
--[X]Therese's VII. Korps
February 20th, 1798​

You looked at the reports from Brune and Marmont. "Gentlemen, I need a situation report on Barcelona again, I don't care that we got a report yesterday, time is always against us."

Brune snorted. "I doubt our spies have routed out any more spies and traitors from Spain."

"You would be wrong then General." then you saw the man whom Suchet was using as spymaster. Pierre Ducos. "Marshal, I have come bearing more reports from spies around the city and the countryside."

You nodded. "Give the brief notes Mister Ducos. As much as Marshal Suchet may have trusted you, unfortunately, I cannot be so trusting at the moment."

"I understand Empress. Do not take my intrusion to be anything other than a helpful guiding force to stabilize Spain." He responded. "May come closer to the map?"

You nodded and he did. "As of this time, five hundred riflemen of the former Republican army units have gathered near Zaragoza, and they have refused to disarm. Their commander has urged them to scatter into the wind, act as lone or small group attackers on French forces." He handed over to the letter. "A Description of one of his inflammatory shoutings."

"Do we have a name?" You asked as you took the letter. "A description?"

Pierre nodded. "Unfortunately no. As much as my men tried, we are not able to get a description. Or a true name, they merely call him 'Generalisimo'"

"Does he think himself a Washington or a Caeser?" You asked.

"He claims to be Washington but is not acting of him," Pierre stated. "I believe Washington's death has radicalized these men, seeing no hope except for violence."

"Can we negotiate? Avoid any bloodshed?" You asked.

"Not possible," Pierre replied. "They have already put a bounty of a hundred thousand gold pieces on your head."

"I have a bigger bounty from the republicans." You replied. "And I'm sure most bounty hunters in Europe will never collect."

"That is for you alive Empress. It's a million dead." He replied.

That floored you. "There is no way in hell that anyone in Spain has that kind of money? Who would have a million gold pieces?"

"I can name a few names?" Ducos replied. "The King of England for one?"

"I don't think England would push for my head. At least not now." You stated.

"But it is still a threat on your life and you should be wary of your movements," Ducos replied.

"I shall."
--------------------------------------------------------

The King of Spain is making a demand!

He wishes to have his capital in Madrid restored to the hands of his government.

If you choose yes, IX Corps must move onto Madrid immediately and it will begin a siege.

If you choose no, you must offer a reason as to why you will not do as he ordered.

[]Yes

[]No: (You must write in why below)

-------------------------------------------------------

What are your Orders for VII Corps?:
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)


What are your Orders for IX Corps?:
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)
-----------------------------------

Do You Personally Take command of your forces when doing missions?
[]Yes! (Write in which mission you would like to lead.)
[]No: With the bounty on your head, it is far too dangerous at this moment in time.

What are your Orders for VIII Corps?:
(Due to the size and officers, and difficulty of the situation, you can choose 3 actions)

[]Garrison Duty: You are going to send the men out to the countryside and produce and protect the roads of Barcelona. This will bring a much brilliant sense of normality back to the people of the Area.

[]The Raids: You need to dissuade any raiders or bandits, so that means sending out some men and finding their hideouts and destroying them!

[]Humanitarian Aid: there is another mission that Napoleon has proclaimed with your new command. Aiding the Spanish people. Something like making sure supply convoys get to villages safely.

[]Intelligence Report (Barcelona): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (Madrid): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (The South): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (The North): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Status Report: You want to know the current status of all French Units in Spain, a new one, not one from before your arrival.


AN: enjoy and vote in plan format.
 
we should stall on taking Madrid, tell the king that we're going to be stopping the flow of British weapons first.

we should try and endeavor to win the hearts and minds of the Spanish people.

idk what to tell Marat and co.
 
Well I'm going to be extending the vote a week and tonight I'll be adding in some pre written stuff since it seems that the write ins did not work.
 
wow, I completely miss that update, I will work on a plan as soon I get home.
But I think there is a mistake where we can pick our action it read the VIII corp instead of the VII

For my plan, I think

No answer to Davout

No to the king with something like that to explain " The English dogs have poisoned the mind of his loyal subject and now we need to move carefully, there are like children with guns: easily frightened and prone to mistake. A sudden movement will trigger a fight, one that would only serve those who work against their rightful monarch. We need to show them the paternal love of their monarch while slowly disarming them, then we can educate them so they can understand how wrong they were."

To Murat I would like him to apply an early edition de la tache d'huile (two to five camps from where the friend troop can stage raid against the bandit but also work on winning the heart of the population ( by establishing order, public order, distribution of material for farming, etc.........) first focussing on the area near the camp then extant the reach of the operation like oils spread on water.)

For the IX I would ask they take a position near the city and fortify their position, they would have to defend the city against any troop movement (a large group of rebelled etc.......) and try to intimidate the city into surrendering if they don't, I trust Davout judgment, but I ask to not let his guard down (we are not immune to a Spanish version of the Noche triste)

I am not sure about taking command

And I want
[X]Garrison Duty: You are going to send the men out to the countryside and produce and protect the roads of Barcelona. This will bring a much brilliant sense of normality back to the people of the Area.

[X]Intelligence Report (Madrid): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[X]Humanitarian Aid: there is another mission that Napoleon has proclaimed with your new command. Aiding the Spanish people. Something like making sure supply convoys get to villages safely.

Any comment/thought?
 
Last edited:
The Updated Vote for this update.
The Updated Vote:

Do you say something?:
[]Write in
[]No: Don't say anything, not now.

What are your Orders for VII Corps?:
[]Create a Net: They will not go into the City. They will secure the countryside and they will offer much in the way of humanitarian support. Win the hearts and minds
[]Capture the city: There is little time to daly and prepare, Davout, if you can, march to Madrid and take it.
[]Dealing with Bandits: Davout, hunt those bandits down and destroy them.
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)


What are your Orders for IX Corps?:
[]Heroes in a Different Uniform: Murat, you are a dashing, daring hero of old. Go into each town, and offer your help, and do what you can.
[]Guns of the British: Find out what the hell is going on with those guns?
[]Dealing with Bandits: Murat, hunt those bandits down and destroy them.
[]Write in (The Clearer the better, but be warned, going too specific of instructions or on a time frame may cause confusion or lofty Expectations You must be mindful that you do not have a full picture of the situation.)
-----------------------------------

Do You Personally Take command of your forces when doing missions?
[]Yes! (Write in which mission you would like to lead.)
[]No: With the bounty on your head, it is far too dangerous at this moment in time.

What are your Orders for VIII Corps?:
(Due to the size and officers, and difficulty of the situation, you can choose 3 actions)

[]Garrison Duty: You are going to send the men out to the countryside and produce and protect the roads of Barcelona. This will bring a much brilliant sense of normality back to the people of the Area.

[]The Raids: You need to dissuade any raiders or bandits, so that means sending out some men and finding their hideouts and destroying them!

[]Humanitarian Aid: there is another mission that Napoleon has proclaimed with your new command. Aiding the Spanish people. Something like making sure supply convoys get to villages safely.

[]Intelligence Report (Barcelona): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (Madrid): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (The South): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Intelligence Report (The North): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.

[]Status Report: You want to know the current status of all French Units in Spain, a new one, not one from before your arrival.
 
Here goes my plan (i hope the choice i made for mura is allowed if not I will change it for dashing hero )

[x] Plan :I want a nice, safe, clean occupation

-[x]No: Don't say anything, not now.

-[X]Create a Net: They will not go into the City. They will secure the countryside and they will offer much in the way of humanitarian support. Win the hearts and minds

-[x] Murat you must establish two to five camps from where you will stage raid against the bandit. if possible go into each town, and offer your help, and do what you can. But above else preserve your force and do try to establish a friendly relationship with the locals.
Ps if you hear anything from the local about the filthy leaf drinker and their gun deal let me know

-[x]Yes! (Write in which mission you would like to lead.)
--[x]Garrison Duty: You are going to send the men out to the countryside and produce and protect the roads of Barcelona. This will bring a much brilliant sense of normality back to the people of the Area.

--[x]Humanitarian Aid: there is another mission that Napoleon has proclaimed with your new command. Aiding the Spanish people. Something like making sure supply convoys get to villages safely.

--[x]Intelligence Report (Madrid): You need a more in-depth review of the situation. Mister Ducos is happy to help.
 
Asking for a nice, safe clean, occupation?

I mean we may not be in OTL Spain where it was hell on earth, but it's not going to be nice or clean one.

We have legitimate support this time, but do not think that will make things easier.

At all.


Also @Navarque thanks for the amazing plan.
 
Well it my pleasure, I hope that with such an optimistic plan the dice god will not give us chaos and mayhem.
And yes title was mostly ironic.
 
[X] Plan :I want a nice, safe, clean occupation

Well, as clean as possible. I hope we can at least avoid mass-slaughtering innocent Civilians or if nothing else, punish those responsible.
 
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