"But remember from here on in... History has its eyes on you."
–George Washington, Hamilton: An American Musical
1775.
The year that the tension between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain, which had been stretched and taut so tightly it could have been cut with a knife, finally snapped. In this year, the Shot Heard Round the World was fired at Lexington, leading to eight Americans dead and many more wounded. In this year, Ethan Allan and Benedict Arnold led the Green Mountain Boys in the daring capture of Fort Ticonderoga, securing its many artillery which would prove crucial in the years to come. In this year, the British bled and sold their lives dearly to capture Breed's Hill, this crucial engagement erroneously known later on as the Battle of Bunker Hill. In this year, two American expeditions would invade Quebec, then in the hands of the British, but meet with only disaster and failure. In this year, the struggle between the British sun that never set and American flame that wouldn't be put out commenced.
In this year... History, and the world, have turned their eyes upon you.
This is your story. And like all stories–the good ones, anyway–let's start from the very beginning.
What is your name?
[] Write in your name.
How old are you?
[] Write in your age. (Preferably 17-24.)
What is your gender?
[] You are a boy.
[] You are a girl.
What do you look like?
[] Describe your appearance. (Or just put in an image, either works.)
Where were you born?
[] Write in the city and state you were born in. (This just adds a +1 to all Relations to anyone also from your state. States were more like their own nations back then; most Pennsylvanians cared only about Pennsylvania and most Virginians cared only about Virginia.)
Who are you?
[] You came from a long line of respected doctors, with your father having been an early advocate for inoculation. (+3 Learning, +2 Stewardship, +15 to all Learning rolls involving medicine, +10 to rolls when resisting and recovering from diseases, and +1 Relations with all.)
[] You came from a military family, with your father having served, and still serving, as the captain of a militia company during the French and Indian War. (+3 Martial, +2 Prowess, +10 to all rolls when in combat, and +2 Relations with those in the military.)
[] You came from a simple hunting family, with your father teaching you everything he knew about hunting wild animals. (+3 Prowess, +1 Martial and Intrigue, +10 to all rolls when using any ranged weapon, and +10 to all rolls when in an ambush.)
[] You came from a respectable and well-off merchant family, with your father having made much profit trading overseas. (+3 Stewardship, +2 Diplomacy, +10 to all Stewardship rolls when purchasing or selling items, and +1 Relations with merchants.)
[] You came from a humble family of innkeepers, with your father teaching you how to talk to and listen to clients. (+3 Diplomacy, +2 Intrigue, +10 to all Diplomacy and Intrigue Rolls targeted toward people on your side, and +2 Relations with all.)
[] Write in who you are. (Subject to QM approval.)
And what is your backstory? (This is optional)
[] Write in your backstory.
Author's Notes:
So, here comes my muse again with the chair. This time, I've gained this idea after rewatching a lot of Liberty's Kids and rereading historical quests. I like Magoose's old American Revolution quest, but if I'll be honest, I wasn't really enamored with the whole magic thing. So, this quest will be as historically accurate/authentic as possible.
Jonathan "Mad John" Halbert The Rational Abolitionist
Birthplace: Richmond, Virginia
Birthdate: February 12, 1751
Current Age: 25 years old
Appearance: A man of Scottish descent, tall and lanky but with a wiry strength behind it all. Light-brown hair made up in the popular style of the time, and piercing green eyes that have intimidated many a rival that thought to underestimate him.
Origin: You came from a respectable and well-off merchant family, with your father having made much profit trading overseas. (+3 Stewardship, +2 Diplomacy, +10 to all Stewardship rolls when purchasing or selling items, and +1 Relations with merchants.)
The "Rational" Abolitionist – You are an abolitionist through and through, no compromises made on the matter. However, while other abolitionist focus on the moral, or rather immoral, aspects of slavery, you expound on the economic downsides of slavery and how untenable it is as an economic system. In the eyes of most slave-owners, this makes you more agreeable with than your colleagues. (+10 to all Actions that involve abolitionism and freeing slaves, with Stewardship Actions gaining +15 instead, +4 Relations with other abolitionists, and -4 Relations with all slaveowners instead of the usual -8.)
Carpe Diem – Your audacious raid on the HMS Lively and your daring Noble Train have confirmed that above all else, audacity breeds victory. (+3 Martial, -2 Intrigue, and a stacking +10 Bonus to Battle Rolls for every Roll you win beforehand–capping at +40–but -10 to Battle Rolls for every Roll you lose beforehand–capping at -40.)
Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn)
Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning)
Deceitful – No one can ever accuse you of being honest. (+3 Intrigue, +1 Prowess, -3 Diplomacy)
Skills:
Micro-Economics – You are well-trained in the smaller-scale aspects that run a business's economic health and success. (+10 to all Stewardship rolls that involve personal business and profit.)
Macro-Economics – You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health. (When working on mass-scale economics, Policy and predicting Large Scale economic trends gain a +10 to stewardship rolls, When using it for business, gain a +15 instead.)
Social Manipulation – You are skilled at convincing people, be they single persons or multiple masses, to your point of view. Be it through honest means or deceitful half-truths. (+10 to all rolls when speaking to anyone with a write-in speech.)
Political Theory (Liberalism) – You believe in liberal policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit. (When working to convince someone of Liberal Merit, gain +5 to all rolls, When attempting to work on policy on Liberal Principles, gain a +10 to all rolls. If you are ever elected in a public office in the United States and have the ability to shape policy, you will lower the DC needed to pass policy.)
Moderate Feat: By a Thousand Cuts
Jonathan Halbert helped turn the Army of Observation from an ill-trained and undisciplined rabble of militiamen from across America to a well-trained and relatively disciplined rabble of militiamen from across America. Halbert also helped organize a tight guard and watchtower system that has destroyed British attempts to forage for and acquire supplies.
Moderate Victory: Battle of Bunker Hill
Jonathan Halbert participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill and were one of the four main heroes lauded by the Patriots. Halbert wasn't really in charge during the battle, though, so he's earned less credit than he could have.
Moderate Victory: Sinking of the HMS Lively
With a hastily assembled ten man group of saboteurs and no rehearsals or intricate planning, Halbert led a daring nighttime raid that saw the HMS Lively blown to smithereens with no casualties on both side. This daring feat earned him the sobriquet "Mad John".
–1,600 Continental Dollars
–100 British Pounds
–A wagon that holds your personal belongings.
–An officer's sword and uniform, as well as a pistol.
–An officer's winter coat and other assorted fancy wear.
–A silver pocket watch.
–Military History Books: A small collection of books on military history, the most detailed being one focused on the Second Punic War. (+5 to all Martial rolls.)
|==================================|
Aides-De-Camp
1st Lieutenant Thomas "Tommy" Navarre
Name: Thomas Navarre
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts
Birthdate: July 4, 1759
Current Age: 16 years old
Appearance: A tall and strapping young lad for his age, Tommy has thick blonde hair and blue eyes that promise both violence and tomfoolery. His most prized possession is a sword he stole from a British officer.
Short Biography: Orphaned from birth and cast to the streets, Thomas was determined to scrape his way out of the dirt no matter how long it took or whatever it took. During the Siege of Boston, he orchestrated an escape from the city, bringing ten women and children with him. He then decided to join up with the local soldiers in order to give the British some more kicks to the groin. He is noted for his reckless bravery and skill in combat.
The Street Urchin – You are a dreg abandoned by society, a child forced to do anything he could to survive on the streets of Boston. And by God, did you survive. (1/3 of your Martial is added to both Intrigue and Prowess. +15 to Battle and Prowess Rolls when using unconventional or dirty tactics.)
Brave – You are utterly fearless on most occasions; and even when you aren't, you soldier on anyway. (+2 Martial and Prowess, +1 Diplomacy)
Kind – You always find it in your heart to help out your fellow man. (+3 Diplomacy, -2 Intrigue and Prowess)
Wrathful – You are quick to anger and slow to calm down. (+4 Prowess, -4 Diplomacy and Intrigue)
Coarse Tongue: You have the mouth of a sailor, and you alienate most people with it. (-2 Diplomacy)
Skills:
Swordsmanship – You know how to use a sword and various fighting styles. (+10 to Prowess Rolls when using a sword.)
Criminal Networking – You are adept in forging ties with the criminal underworld. (+10 to Intrigue Rolls when doing anything criminal.)
Spycraft: You are skilled in the matter of spying and spycraft. You... hey, where did you go? (+10 to Intrigue Actions that involve espionage and scouting.)
Unarmed – You know how to fight without any weapons at all, using only your body to fight. (+10 to Prowess Rolls when using no weapons.)
Sergeant Thomas "Tommy" Navarre: (46/50) Halbert is one of the best officers Tommy has ever met, in his perfectly unbiased opinions. Brave as a lion, cunning as a fox, and not a non-arrogant bastard who could punch his way through piss soaked paper: what more could Tommy ask for?
Lt. Colonel Ezekiel Hubbard: (37/50)
Colonel David Wooster: (37/50)
Colonel Benjamin Tupper: (37/50)
Colonel John Brown: (37/50)
Lieutenant Colonel William Maxwell: (37/50)
Lieutenant Colonel James Easton: (37/50)
Major Samuel McClellan: (37/50)
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rogers: (37/50)
Lieutenant Cornelius Doxtator: (32/50) He's a bit wary of Halbert, having wanted to stay with General Lee instead. However, he is willing to trust Lee's judgment and stick with Halbert for now.
Lt. Colonel Aaron Hawkins: (42/50) While a little annoyed about a younger and less experienced officer taking charge of the regiment, Hawkins respects Halbert's skill and bravery and believes that he is a good man for the job.
Major Harlan Warrington: (42/50) Knowing he is not that experienced in war, Warrington is more than content to follow along with Halbert's plans and carry them out accordingly.
Major Saunders Millett: (37/50) The most conservative of Halbert's subordinates, Millett can sometimes be disturbed by Halbert's disregard for conventional tactics and reckless streak. However, he respects Halbert's authority and is a consumate professional in how he speaks with Halbert.
Major Nathaniel Wheeler: (43/50) To the younger man, Halbert is one of the best Patriots fighting for the American cause and wishes to become more like him.
Commander-in-Chief George Washington: (31/50) Halbert vexes the Commander-in-Chief sorely due to his reckless antics, brash personality, and recent disrespect. Yet, the general also sees a talented young officer with initiative and courage the army needs. And due to the young general having proven himself over the past few months, the iniial rift between the two is slowly reconnecting.
Major General Charles Lee: (31/50) He is not too fond of Halbert, viewing him as reckless and glory-seeking. However, Lee acknowledges that the lad has some military skill and thinks he will be able to work with Halbert.
General Artemas Ward: (36/50) Though initially put off by Jonathan's rather... memorable introduction, General Ward is impressed with his handling of the foraging problem and more impressed with his drilling of the men. With his continued successes, General Ward is pleased that his investment in Halbert has born fruit (he was even the one who insisted the man were promoted to Lt. Colonel).
General Philip Schuyler: (37/50) A bit wary of Halbert due to the man's quiet reputation for bending the rules, Schuyler nonetheless respects his capabilities.
Major General Israel Putnam: (37/50) Putnam still views Jonathan as an arrogant and slightly pompous man, his opinion not improved by Jonathan's abolitionist views. Putnam does, however, begrudgingly respects the younger man and acknowledges that he has both performed well in combat and masterfully thrown himself into whatever task he has been assigned to do.
Brigadier General William Prescott: (50/50) Initially mildly amused by their first meeting, Prescott now respects Jonathan as someone with a natural talent for organizing and training, which has only increased as the months have gone by. The two have bled and fought for the same cause, and for that, he has Halbert's back. So much so, that he wanted only Halbert to lead his regiment. He's also impressed with Halbert's abolitionism, and even more so by the fact that he's an abolitionist who doesn't own slaves himself. +10 to all Actions involving this character.
Colonel Henry Knox: (45/50) Knox considers Halbert a good friend whom he can trust and depend on, as well as a good person to converse with regarding Poor Richard's Almanac and other pieces of literature.
Colonel Daniel Morgan: (35/50) Though perturbed by Halbert's abolitionism and readiness to disregard authority, he respects Halbert's talent for organization and bravery.
Colonel John Stark: (42/50) He's impressed that a man as young as Jonathan has accomplished something like this. And with no military experience to boot.
Colonel Ebenezer Bridge: (36/50) He was pleased with Halbert's performance at Breed's Hill and appreciated your advice.
Colonel Benedict Arnold: (50/50) Arnold feels that Halbert is one of the only men in the Continental Army to understand him and vice versa. +10 to all Actions involving this character.
Lt. Colonel John Glover: (41/50) Though they had a rough first meeting, Glover has been impressed by Halbert's audacious ideas and personal bravery. In his words, "You're one clever son of a bitch."
Captain Elizabeth O'Conner: (36/50) While not particularly impressed by Halbert, O'Conner considers him a decent man and a fellow Redcoat killer.
Major General/Dr. Joseph Warren: (43/50) He has been impressed with Halbert ever since he first met him at Breed's Hill, finding you a diligent worker and good soldier. He also appreciates that he advised Colonel Bridge to not pursue the British, as well as the help you supplied with the field hospitals.
Captain Arthur Smith: (40/50) Captain Smith respects Halbert's bravery, initiative, and ingenuity. As such, he hopes that Halbert will come out of this war in one piece, both mentally and physically.
To Be Written
Halbert's Family: (43/50) They love Halbert unconditionally and are happy to see him succeed, although him mother grumbles a little about him being so reckless in joining the army.
James Hiller: (42/50) He thinks that Halbert is one of the best and bravest Patriots fighting for the cause, and he especially appreciates the advice Halbert gave him and Sarah.
Sarah Phillips: (34/50) While she doesn't agree with Halbert being a rebel, she does appreciate his taking of the HMS Lively and his words of encouragement to her and James.
Henri LeFevbre: (36/50) He thinks Halbert is awesome.
Moses: (39/50) He appreciates a hero as much as everyone else, and he especially appreciates that Halbert is an abolitionist.
Anthony Benezet: (38/50) Benezet, impressed with Halbert, hopes that with Halbert's enthusiasm and newfound fame, he'll be able to help grow the abolitionist cause even more than ever.
|==================================|
British (Your Opponents)
Major General William Howe: (9/50) Not only is Halbert rebel scum, he's a treacherous rebel scum with his dishonorable trickery involving the HMS Lively.
Major General Henry Clinton: (1/50) Halbert is just under Prescott and Bridge in the list of rebels that Clinton thoroughly despises.
Governor Thomas Gage: (9/50) Good men died at Breed's Hill, and Gage naturally disdains any rebel who fought there, including Halbert.
You won't be able to fully eradicate it. Or at least, it will take a long and very concerted effort to do so. You could most certainly be able to get it eradicated it in a few states, but the entirety of the union? That will be, to put it mildly, an effort and a ton. And even if you don't manage to abolish slavery, you can lay the foundations for it to be peacefully abolished by your descendants.
Also, there are also the issues of suffrage for men without property as well as women, so you could also help there. The world is your oyster, and you must take the pearl(within reason)!
Alright, that's voting done! Industry and Abolition wins, though I am a little disappointed that I didn't get to use the fancy trait that a woman PC would get.
Adhoc vote count started by Duke William of on May 10, 2024 at 7:34 AM, finished with 62 posts and 31 votes.
[X] Plan: Industry and Abolitionism
-[X] Jonathan Halbert
-[X] Write in your age.
--[X] 24
-[X] You are a boy.
-[X] Describe your appearance. (Or just put in an image, either works.)
--[X] A man of Scottish descent, tall and lanky but with a wiry strength behind it all. Light-brown hair made up in the popular style of the time, and piercing green eyes that have intimidated many a rival that thought to underestimate him.
-[X] Virginia (Richmond)
-[X] You came from a respectable and well-off merchant family, with your father having made much profit trading overseas. (+3 Stewardship, +2 Diplomacy, +10 to all Stewardship rolls when purchasing or selling items, and +1 Relations with merchants.)
-[X] Write in your backstory.
--[X] Jonathan was born into a merchant family of Scottish descent in Richmond, Virginia, his father having fled the exploitation of his native land by the British and set up a profitable business through trading and shipping. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he found slavery to be both distasteful and hypocritical considering what he and his fellow Scots were fleeing from, and he would impart these views, as well as a strong sense of patriotism, onto his son. During his education, Jonathan would become a known figure among his university's admittedly small abolitionism society, arguing against slavery not just on moral grounds, but providing evidence of it being less economically efficient then other systems, hoping to appeal to people's greed if appealing to their morals didn't work. With unrest against the British growing, and fed up with their controlling ways, he has decided to put his financial skills to use for the revolution, and hopefully beyond to help repay the country that has given him so much.
[X]Plan: An angry, angry Irish-American Huntress
-[X]Elizabeth 'Liza' O'Conner.
-[X]Age: 22
-[X]You are a Girl
-[X]Appearance: An Irish-American Woman with fiery red hair and blue eyes, lithe and muscular from years of working outdoors, often dressed in Hunters clothing.
-[X]Place of Birth: New York (State, not City, on the Frontier near the Iroquois Territory)
-[X]You came from a simple hunting family, with your father teaching you everything he knew about hunting wild animals. (+3 Prowess, +1 Martial and Intrigue, +10 to all rolls when using any ranged weapon, and +10 to all rolls when in an ambush.)
-[X]Write in your Backstory: Elizabeth is the daughter of an Irish Immigrant Family that was driven out of their Home on the Emerald Isle by the oppressive British Policies, especially after her Father was implicated in a plot to assassinate several local Landlords who were planning to jack up rents so they could evict Catholic Tenants and sell their land at a higher price.
To all those who are disappointed their voted plan didn't win, don't fret. Every character who lost will still be in the quest as a recruitable npc. Usually, this wouldn't be a good idea, but we only have two extra characters so I'm willing to throw a bone here.
"Everybody's got the right to be happy! Don't be mad,
Life's not as bad as it seems!" –John Wilkes Booth, Assassins
[X] Plan: Industry and Abolitionism
-[X] Jonathan Halbert
-[X] Write in your age.
--[X] 24
-[X] You are a boy.
-[X] Describe your appearance. (Or just put in an image, either works.)
--[X] A man of Scottish descent, tall and lanky but with a wiry strength behind it all. Light-brown hair made up in the popular style of the time, and piercing green eyes that have intimidated many a rival that thought to underestimate him.
-[X] Virginia (Richmond)
-[X] You came from a respectable and well-off merchant family, with your father having made much profit trading overseas. (+3 Stewardship, +2 Diplomacy, +10 to all Stewardship rolls when purchasing or selling items, and +1 Relations with merchants.)
-[X] Write in your backstory.
--[X] Jonathan was born into a merchant family of Scottish descent in Richmond, Virginia, his father having fled the exploitation of his native land by the British and set up a profitable business through trading and shipping. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he found slavery to be both distasteful and hypocritical considering what he and his fellow Scots were fleeing from, and he would impart these views, as well as a strong sense of patriotism, onto his son. During his education, Jonathan would become a known figure among his university's admittedly small abolitionism society, arguing against slavery not just on moral grounds, but providing evidence of it being less economically efficient then other systems, hoping to appeal to people's greed if appealing to their morals didn't work. With unrest against the British growing, and fed up with their controlling ways, he has decided to put his financial skills to use for the revolution, and hopefully beyond to help repay the country that has given him so much.
Trait Revealed:
The "Rational" Abolitionist – You are an abolitionist through and through, no compromises made on the matter. However, while other abolitionist focus on the moral, or rather immoral, aspects of slavery, you expound on the economic downsides of slavery and how untenable it is as an economic system. In the eyes of most slave-owners, this makes you more agreeable with than your colleagues. (+10 to all Actions that involve abolitionism and freeing slaves, with Stewardship Actions gaining +15 instead, and -4 Relations with all slaveowners instead of the usual -8.)
Skill Revealed:
Micro-Economics – You are well-trained in the smaller-scale aspects that run a business's economic health and success. (+10 to all Stewardship rolls that involve personal business and profit.)
The Life and Times of Jonathan Halbert
Humble Beginnings
Jonathan Barclay Halbert was born on February 12, 1751 in Richmond, Virginia as the third of five children to Roger and Mary Halbert, Scottish immigrants who had fled from Scotland due to the exploitation of its people by the British. His father, a hard worker and fueled by sheer determination, managed to carve out a thriving business enterprise of shipping and trading goods from the Thirteen Colonies to Great Britain and back.
Unlike the majority of his fellow Virginians, however, Roger had a profound distaste for the institution of slavery, which was in part due to the hardships he and his fellow Scots had endured from the British. To him, owning slaves wouldn't just be immoral, but hypocritical to the highest degree. To this end, he would often purchase the freedom of slaves before offering them a job at his businesss. The former slaves would gain a job with steady income and infinitelt more workers' rights, and Roger would gain a cadre of loyal workers. The elder Halbert imparted his abolitionist beliefs, as well as a strong sense of patriotism, to all of his family, including his second son: Jonathan Halbert.
Judging by his future actions Jonathan Halbert evidently took his father's lessons to heart. When he, at thirteen years old, was sent to be educated at Yale–Roger was worried that his son would be ostracized for his anti-slavery views if he were sent to the more local William and Mary College–he became the leader of the admittedly small group of abolitionists in it, as well as a member of Crotonia, Yale's first literary society. However, though other abolitionists often preached about the moral repugnancy of slavery, Jonathan took a different approach to the issue. He knew that humans are sinful things, and as such, moral exhortations would do little to turn the hearts of slaveowners. So, he instead attacked slavery through materialistic avenues, arguing that slavery was an inherently deficient economic system and that it would not be sustainable in the long run.
At Yale, he would rub shoulders with other patriots of the era such as Timothy Dwight IV, Benjamin Tallmadge, and Nathan Hale. The last two would prove much more relevant than the former in the years to come. Jonathan would graduate from Yale with a Bachelor of the Arts, and he would return to his home in Virginia to help run the family business.
In 1775, however, history changed when the British shut down Boston as a commercial harbor and stationed troops in the city to bring order to it. Thousands all acrosd the Thirteen Colonies came together to raise funds in support of Boston. Not one to do anything by half, Roger would task his son with delivering an entire convoy of supplies and money up to Boston, a task his son would take to with aplomb. On March 30, 1775, the last of the supplies would be loaded onto wagons, and the convoy would set out for Boston as snow began to slowly melt and spring would slowly creep around the corner.
The Base Stats of Jonathan Halbert (Not his Skills or Traits):
What would you consider to be your best virtues?(Pick two.)
[] Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning)
[] Brave – You are utterly fearless on most occasions; and even when you aren't, you soldier on anyway. (+2 Martial and Prowess, +1 Diplomacy)
[] Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn)
[] Gregarious – You live and breathe to socialize. (+3 Diplomacy, +1 Intrigue)
[] Honest – You are a paragon of truth. (+3 Diplomacy, -3 Intrigue)
[] Kind – You always find it in your heart to help out your fellow man. (+3 Diplomacy, -2 Intrigue and Prowess)
[] Just – You know what is right and wrong and are stalwart in your convictions. (+3 Stewardship, +2 Learning and Diplomacy, -4 Intrigue)
What would you consider to be your worst vice? (Pick one.)
[] Wrathful – You are quick to anger and slow to calm down. (+4 Prowess, -4 Diplomacy and Intrigue)
[] Craven – You run screaming at the first sign of danger. (-2 Martial and Prowess, -1 Diplomacy)
[] Slothful – You cannot seem to find the time to do anything productive. (-1 for all Stats, -1 Action per turn)
[] Shy – You'd rather curl up inside a little shell than talk to others. (-3 Diplomacy, -2 Intrigue)
[] Deceitful – No one can ever accuse you of being honest. (+3 Intrigue, +1 Prowess, -3 Diplomacy)
[] Callous – You can't seem to find a place in your heart to care for others or find your heart at all. ( +2 Intrigue, -1 Martial, -3 Diplomacy)
[] Arbitrary – You don't care about what's right or wrong, only that you do what you like. And even that changes every other day. (+2 Intrigue, -2 Diplomacy and Stewardship)
What do you consider yourself skillful at? (Due to previous choices, you can choose up to three Skills. Try to have them make sense regarding your character, though.)
[] Horseback Riding: You are skilled at riding a horse.
[] Advanced Polyglot: You are skilled in various languages that are not English. In the eyes of most Europeans, this is quite remarkable for a colonial bum.
[] Riflemanship: You understand the use and maintenance of a rifle.
[] Artillery: You understand the use of artillery and its value in battle.
[] Swordsmanship: You know how to use a sword and various fighting styles.
[] Cavalry: You are trained in commanding cavalry and how best to use them.
[] Infantry Command: You are trained in commanding infantry and how best to use them.
[] Logistics: You are trained in military and state logistics. While strategies win campaigns, logistics win wars.
[]Grand Strategy: You are trained in military grand strategic thinking. While tactics win battles, strategies win campaigns.
[] Survival: You know your way around the American frontier and are able to survive out there with only your grit and determination.
[] Poetry: You have a mind for poetry and beauty.
[] Rhetoric: You are skilled in rhetoric and debate.
[] Hunting: You are a hunter and a damn good one.
[] Chemistry: You are a fully trained chemist.
[] Engineering: You are an expert engineer.
[] Medicine: You are a fully trained and licensed doctor.
[] Geology: You are skilled in geology.
[] Geography: You are skilled in geography.
[] Cartography: You are skilled in cartography.
[] Political Theory (Liberalism): You believe in liberal policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit.
[] Political Theory (Enlightened Monarchy): You believe in constitutional, enlightened monarchist policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit. [] Micro-Economics: You are well trained in the smaller-scale aspects that run a business's economic health and success. Due to previous choices made, you already have this skill.
[] Macro-Economics: You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health.
[] Metalworking: You are skilled in metalworking.
[] Weapon Smithing: You are skilled in crafting guns, artillery, and other tools of war.
[] Writing: You are skilled in the art of writing, your words seemingly written with silver ink.
[] Propaganda: You are skilled in the art of creating and disseminating propaganda.
[] Spycraft: You are skilled in the matter of spying and spycraft. You... hey, where did you go?
[] Law: You have a deep understanding of the law and its many intricacies.
[] Criminal Networking: You are adept in forging ties with the criminal underworld.
[] Social Manipulation: You are skilled at convincing people, be they single persons or multiple masses, to your point of view. Be it through honest means or deceitful half-truths.
[] Mathematics: You are skilled in mathematics and adept at applying it to everyday life.
[] Astronomy: You are skilled in astronomy and the study of the night sky with all its stars.
[] Investigation: You know how to conduct an investigation.
[] Sailing: You are skilled at sailing.
[] Write-in. (Subject to QM Approval.)
And finally, when exactly does your story start?
[] Lexington and Concord – An expedition of Redcoats have secretly set out from Boston in order to destroy colonial munitions and weapons and to arrest notable Revolutionaries. But because of William Dawes and Paul Revere, the local militia are ready and waiting for them in the town of Lexington. Flintlock in hand, you stood with them.
[] Fort Ticonderoga – Fort Ticonderoga is the wall that stands between the American Revolutionaries and Canada; if it were to be seized by the Revolutionaries, the heart of Canada would be exposed. Under Major General Ethan Allen and Colonel Benedict Arnold, the Green Mountain Boys prepared to swipe the fort from under the British nose. Counting down the days until the attack, you prepared with them.
[] Bunker Hill – Boston is under siege by the British navy, with thousands of Redcoats landing on the Charlestown Peninsula. A thousand-strong American force under Colonel William Prescott moved to counter this by fortifying Breed's Hill just a short distance from Bunker Hill. An attack was inevitable, and both sides prepared for the fight ahead. Behind a hastily-crafted earthwork, you waited with them.
[] Invasion of Quebec – As the Siege of Boston rages on, the Continental Congress and George Washington have both been convinced of the need to invade Quebec and the ease of such a maneuver. To that end, they have tasked Major General Philip Schuyler and Colonel Benedict Arnold to each lead an expedition to liberate Quebec from the British. Though the winds would be rough and the journey rougher, you marched with them.
-[] You were part of Schuyler's Expedition, which would strike at Fort St. Johns from Fort Ticonderoga before marching onto Montreal.
-[] You were part of Arnold's Expedition, which would strike from Fort Western in Maine–which was part of Massachusetts at the time–and cross the Chaudière River into Quebec.
Author's Notes:
And that should be it for character creation. Let me just say, your dump stat is gonna be a dump stat, but that's about as far as the bad stuff goes because not a single roll after that went below ten.
Here's how stats will work in this quest. More points in a certain stat will unlock more actions for its particular category, such as more Prowess unlocking more actions that involve personal combat like duels and such. For every point you have in a stat above twenty-five, you gain +1 to rolls for actions that pertain to that category. This bonus caps at +25. For example, if you have an Intrigue of 39, you gain +14 to all Intrigue Actions.
I've decided to close the vote early, given the lack of new votes. Expect the next update tomorrow morning on CST time.
Adhoc vote count started by Duke William of on May 11, 2024 at 8:35 PM, finished with 21 posts and 17 votes.
[X] Plan: Merchant Roots
- [X] Arrangement of Stats
-- [X] Martial: 10
-- [X] Diplomacy: 17
-- [X] Stewardship: 18
--[X] Intrigue: 12
--[X] Learning: 13
-- [X] Prowess: 2
- [X] Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn)
- [X] Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning)
-[X] Deceitful – No one can ever accuse you of being honest. (+3 Intrigue, +1 Prowess, -3 Diplomacy)
-[X] Social Manipulation: You are skilled at convincing people, be they single persons or multiple masses, to your point of view. Be it through honest means or deceitful half-truths.
- [X] Political Theory (Liberalism): You believe in liberal policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit.
- [X] Macro-Economics: You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health.
- [X] Bunker Hill – Boston is under siege by the British navy, with thousands of Redcoats landing on the Charlestown Peninsula. A thousand-strong American force under Colonel William Prescott moved to counter this by fortifying Breed's Hill just a short distance from Bunker Hill. An attack was inevitable, and both sides prepared for the fight ahead. Behind a hastily-crafted earthwork, you waited with them.
[x] plan merchants nightmare
- [X] Arrangement of Stats
-- [X] Martial: 10
-- [X] Diplomacy: 17
-- [X] Stewardship: 18
--[X] Intrigue: 12
--[X] Learning: 13
-- [X] Prowess: 2 - [x] virtues
-- [x] Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning)
-- [x] Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn) - [x] vice
-- [x] Deceitful – No one can ever accuse you of being honest. (+3 Intrigue, +1 Prowess, -3 Diplomacy) - [x] skills (Due to previous choices, you can choose up to three Skills.
-- [x] Advanced Polyglot: You are skilled in various languages that are not English. In the eyes of most Europeans, this is quite remarkable for a colonial bum.
-- [x] Macro-Economics: You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health.
-- [x] Social Manipulation: You are skilled at convincing people, be they single persons or multiple masses, to your point of view. Be it through honest means or deceitful half-truths. - [x] story start
-- [x] Bunker Hill – Boston is under siege by the British navy, with thousands of Redcoats landing on the Charlestown Peninsula. A thousand-strong American force under Colonel William Prescott moved to counter this by fortifying Breed's Hill just a short distance from Bunker Hill. An attack was inevitable, and both sides prepared for the fight ahead. Behind a hastily-crafted earthwork, you waited with them.
[X] Plan: Stonks Man
- [X] Arrangement of Stats
-- [X] Martial: 10
-- [X] Diplomacy: 17
-- [X] Stewardship: 18
-- [X] Intrigue: 13
-- [X] Learning: 12
-- [X] Prowess: 2
- [X] Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn)
- [X] Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning)
- [X] Craven – You run screaming at the first sign of danger. (-2 Martial and Prowess, -1 Diplomacy)
- [X] Engineering: You are an expert engineer.
- [X] Political Theory (Liberalism): You believe in liberal policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit.
- [X] Macro-Economics: You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health.
- [X] Bunker Hill – Boston is under siege by the British navy, with thousands of Redcoats landing on the Charlestown Peninsula. A thousand-strong American force under Colonel William Prescott moved to counter this by fortifying Breed's Hill just a short distance from Bunker Hill. An attack was inevitable, and both sides prepared for the fight ahead. Behind a hastily-crafted earthwork, you waited with them.
"... but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."
–John Parker, Battle of Lexington
[X] Plan: Merchant Roots
-[X] Arrangement of Stats
--[X] Martial: 10
--[X] Diplomacy: 17
--[X] Stewardship: 18
--[X] Intrigue: 12
--[X] Learning: 13
--[X] Prowess: 2 Virtues
-[X] Diligent – You are a hard worker and make what work you do count. (+1 for all Stats, +1 Action per turn)
-[X] Calm – You are slow to anger and able to keep your cool. (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Learning) Vice
-[X] Deceitful – No one can ever accuse you of being honest. (+3 Intrigue, +1 Prowess, -3 Diplomacy) Skills
-[X] Social Manipulation: You are skilled at convincing people, be they single persons or multiple masses, to your point of view. Be it through honest means or deceitful half-truths.
-[X] Political Theory (Liberalism): You believe in liberal policies and are able and willing to argue for and convince others of their Merit.
-[X] Macro-Economics: You are well-trained in the large-scale aspects of a nation's economy and economic health. Start
-[X] Bunker Hill – Boston is under siege by the British navy, with thousands of Redcoats landing on the Charlestown Peninsula. A thousand-strong American force under Colonel William Prescott moved to counter this by fortifying Breed's Hill just a short distance from Bunker Hill. An attack was inevitable, and both sides prepared for the fight ahead. Behind a hastily-crafted earthwork, you waited with them.
May 5, 1775
Boston, Massachusetts
An excited wind of jubilee blew in the air as the convoy trod its way through the American encampment, wagons creaking and cattle braying. Militia and civilians, men and women cheered and hollered as the convoy members waved back at them, basking in slight awe and pride at the hero's welcome they were receiving. While the supplies they had brought wouldn't realistically last all that long, their arrival made the soldiers feel like they could besiege the Redcoats until hell froze over.
And at the front of that convoy was their stalwart leader: Jonathan halbert. Sat atop a snow white stallion, he raised his hat and waved it at the cheering crowd, his face unemotionally stoic yet prideful all the same. A calm and dignified aura seemed to emanate from his countenance as he made his way to the center of the camp, where the commander of the American forces awaited him and his convoy. His grace and stature seemed more fit for a man twice his age and hair far grayer in color.
General Artemas Ward, a quiet and thoughtful expression on his face, watched as the young man brought his steed to a halt a few yards from him. Flanked on his left by Major General Israel Putnam, the gruff old soldier smoking a cigar for the fifth time that day, and flanked on his right by Colonel William Prescott, who watched the procession with a small grin, Ward turned to face Putnam and remarked, "Our young friend certainly does not lack gravitas."
"Nor' does he lack ego." Dour Old Put scoffed back as he let out a puff of cigar smoke. "The hell is this nonsense supposed to be, a Roman triumph?"
"He certainly seems as regal as Caesar from this angle." Colonel Prescott chuckled quietly, but Ward paid no heed to it as he stepped toward the young man, who had dismounted at this point and handed his stallion over to a nearby soldier.
"The Army of Observation has your dearest thanks for your patriotic actions and the supplies you bring." Ward bowed his head slightly in respect to the convoy leader, who returned the gesture. "We would wish to have your name, Mister...?"
"Jonathan Halbert, sir." The now-named young man announced in reply, his posture straightening and his eyes twinkling. "A son of Virginia and, if you would have me, the newest volunteer to join the Army of Observation. Preferably an officer."
A whirlwind of excited discussion blew through those watching nearby, hands hiding mouths as they whispered about and guessed what would happen next.
"What a goddamn peacock." Putnam muttered from behind Ward, and despite himself, the general couldn't help but agree a little with his coarse subordinate. Mr. Halbert certainly loved the attention, no matter how much he wished to seem unaffected by it.
But then again...
"I would be honored to discuss such a possibility." Ward politely smiled before gesturing to the young man to follow him. "Come, let us discuss matters over a cup of tea."
It is May 11, 1775. Jonathan is currently on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, which is currently being besieged by the Army of Observation.
Jonathan is a captain in the Army of Observation and is paid twenty dollars per month, the standard wage of his rank.
His current assets are as follows...
–1,500 Continental Dollars
–A wagon that holds your personal belongings. Whatever those might be.
–An officer's sword and uniform, as well as a pistol.
You have six Actions this Turn. Use them wisely.
Special Actions
[] Fending Off Foraging Forays: The Redcoats have been sending out foraging parties in order to retrieve supplies. We should head out to greet these parties... with the barrel ends of muskets.
[] Press Release: There are some young journalists from the Pennsylvania Gazette who seek to interview you. A good chance to regale them of your deeds and life, if you say so yourself.
Martial
[] Request Command of a Battalion: While you are an officer, it doesn't really mean much if you're not in charge of anything. See if you can convince General Ward to give you a battalion to lead.
[] Read Up on Military Stratagy: While you are competent at military affairs, it wouldn't hurt to sharpen your skills.
[] Drill with the Men: While you aren't in charge of any men, you can still march with them during training exercises.
Diplomacy
[] Trench Talk: If you're going to lead men into battle, it would be best for you to gain their trust.
[] Social Slithering: You want to talk with your fellow officers and get into their good graces.
[] Head into Boston... Not in Disguise: The American and British leadership have come to an unofficial agreement regarding entry into Boston. While it would require you to leave your weapons behind, there shouldn't be any real risk to the endeavor, and you might even found out some useful information. Probably.
[] Here Comes the General: General Ward wishes to get a better measure of you and your character, as well as discuss the matter of your joining the army.
[] Try to Write Something: You want to write something for the world to read. Whether it be for yourself or to help your cause, you just wish to write it.
-[] Write in what you would like to write.
Stewardship
[] Requisition Ammunition and Weapons: The men are enthusiastic and eager to get at the Redcoats, but they'll need more than guts in order to beat them back. See if you can get them some tools of death to use.
-[] Write in how much money you wish to spend.
-[] Write in what kind of weapons and requisite ammunition you wish to purchase.
[] Requisition Supplies: Though the supply situation has been helped thanks to your arrival, you can always do more to improve it.
-[] Write in how much money you wish to spend.
[] Write in what kind of supplies you wish to purchase.
[] Ask to Look Over the Supplies: A man of trade and money, you know the importance of proper storage of goods and that things must be made accountable and proper.
[] A Way of Payment: The militiamen are only here for two reasons; money and righteous anger. Righteous anger will fade soon enough, and soon their desire for some form of wealth will take hold.
-[] Write in how much money you wish to spend.
[] Check your Stocks: A good merchant, even one that is joining a battle, always travels with his stores of whatever he wants to sell. Maybe there's something in the carts that could help. Hopefully.
[] Check your Ledgers: If you're going to be in this revolution for a long haul, you might as well try to get your finances in order.
Intrigue
[] Head into Boston... in Disguise: You want to know more about the situation in Boston, as well as possibly find out out what the Redcoats are up to. You'll sneak into the city yourself.
[] Send Men into Boston... in Disguise: You want to know more about the situation in Boston, as well as possibly find out out what the Redcoats are up to. You'll send a few men to sneak into the city.
[] Scout Out British Positions: The British have set up forts on the hills just around Boston. Perhaps you could head out and... appreciate the magnificent architecture.
Learning
[] An Issue to Resolve: There is always something that the faculty needs to resolve. But you… have the power to potentially resolve that something. So saddle forth and do something about it. (This will lead to the creation of other options.)
[] Learn a New Skill: You want to expand your skillset amd broaden your knowledge.
-[] Write in what skill you wish to learn. (Subject to QM Approval.)
Prowess
[] Exercise: If you're going to fight in this Revolution, you are going to need to shape up and work your body. Right now.
[] Train with Weapons: If you're going to fight in this Revolution, it would be wise for you to learn how to actually use a weapon.
-[] Write in which weapon you want to train with.
Personal
[] Focus on an Action: You want to make sure you accomplish this task well. (Applies a +10 Bonus to any action of your choice.)
-[] Write in which Action you wish to apply the bonus to.
[] Pray: You're not the most religious man, but a talk with God wouldn't hurt.
[] Write to your Family: Perhaps it would be best to inform your family about your inpromptu activities, lest they find out some other way.
Author's Notes:
And here comes the first Turn of the quest. Have a thirty minute moratorium to discuss what you should vote for.
Revolutionary Fun Fact–Israel Putnam is purported to have introduced Cuban tobacco to the United States. Specifically, to Connecticut. When the British launched a disastrous expedition to take over the Spanish-controlled island of Cuba, Israel, a soldier of the expeditoon and one of the few survivors of a shipwreck off the coast of Cuba, supposedly brought back with him Cuban tobacco seeds.
Also, big thanks to @Cyberphilosipher for helping me with this quest.
As dawn scatters the remains of darkness upon the Continental Army's camp, awakens one volunteer Officer. The sound of birds echoing their calls and cries from the skies and from what Johnathan can conclude to be from the nearby trees. This bout of awareness allows him to squint his eyes open, with the sudden feel of a feather at his left hand making him raise his head forwards.
A wooden desk, one that was brought along his convoy on his eastern trek from his home in Virginia, writing equipment and a few books strewn in attempts to be clean and tidy stacks.
He yawns, straightening his back while placing a cap on the ink bottle. It wouldn't do him good to take another nap. For a man that seems to enjoy quite the extravagance on the outside, he wouldn't be seen caught dead not working the best he can on any given project he chose. Not to mention a great procession between the Home Country and the Colonies putting a fire in his eyes that would've lasted away in the ordinary aspects of life.
Life is a challenge to undertake, whether that be against the evils of lows to the good intentions of high. A life with differing solutions and problems that arise every time they're found. All in all, prospects to reach onwards like opportunities to not just see yourself prosper, for that is an aspect of merchants, but to bring forth prosperity to those around you.
Not to mention, with entire lives on the line, he couldn't help but be the best prepared out of all the Officers of the Continental Army. He is not a fool, he can see plenty of doubts in the commander's eyes when he only made a simple request to become an Officer of the Army. If he ever wants to prove himself capable of meeting the challenges ahead, he has to prepare with great vigor to overshadow those around him – in the style of one's self.
Stretching his arms and back, he rises from the chair and would go through a series of motions and minor activities to freshen himself for the day at camp.
He looks at himself in the mirror, he gives himself a determined smile as he walks away towards the tent entrance, and exits.
He returns from the day out into the tent in a striding fashion, of course he had to make sure to appease the good general to meet up with him on the next time he's available. It wouldn't do well for the command of the army to be held up at a crucial moment in favor of interrogating good old Johnathan.
Rolling his shoulders to release the stress and soreness of the day, he walks to his desk to take a seat, a new activity on his mind as he settles on taking a hold of a history book of the times of the Roman Empire.
If there's anything that a decent commander would study, it'd be the good old past of the Roman Armies and the battles they've faced.
He smirks to himself as he finds the comparison funny, under equipped (he'd be a fool to not see that when he first entered the camp) but with plenty of troops with a bickering delegated-based government against a professionalized and impressive army with their own bickering delegates from a land away from the main battles.
He opens the book and quickly turns the page to a chapter dedicated to the Second Punic War, with his sights to a specific portion of the chapter about the Battle of Cannae. He turns his attention to the notes he was writing a night ago, with details spread over the course of many nights on a wagon towards the encampment. There were even some images drawn that helped visualize a rough idea of the terrain, the formations that each army was supposedly in.
Looking at them again, he read through his notes that took note of what seems to be important actions performed by the commanders of the fight, their failures and moments of victory against one another. The placement and deception of the Carthaginian Libyan Soldiers allowed for the already expected collapse of the army lines to be used to great effect and advantage.
He continues for another hour of studying the notes he's accumulated on the Battle of Cannae, taking every pinch of detail he can find, examining its importance and unimportance and how it shaped into the battle, writing them down in his notes, think of its connections with both or one of the armies on field. Everything he can study to learn its basic essentials.
After Cannae, he moved towards the rest of the battles and movements of the 2nd Punic War, which contains notes of information, personal analysis he wrote, and some rough visuals he made to try and understand. Although, they are noticeably lighter than the ones dedicated to the Battle of Cannae, as he was focused primarily on it.
Noticing this, he focuses on rectifying this minor loose end on his quest to understand what makes these military figures deserve their reputation in the annals of history, and essential principles that he can learn to apply in future situations.
N/A: A Martial-related Omake towards Diligence and Military History Studying, Analyzation/Examination, and Noting down of Principle Ideas/Points towards Conducting Warfare.
