"It has been said by a certain general, that the first object in the establishment of an army ought to be making provision for the belly, that being the basis and foundation of all operations."
–Frederick the Great, Military Instructions
June 2, 1775
Boston, Massachusetts
"Grenadiers, keep it up!
Grenadiers be dandy!
Mind your fifes and drums you'll play
We'll stamp your muskets, sweetie."
"God, will they ever stop singing that song?" The newly promoted Major Jonathan Halbert annoyedly grumbled as he walked by some marching soldiers, the men lustily singing that same blasted tune they'd been singing for the past two weeks. It'd been amusing the first few times, but after a while, it became nothing more than sound that signified nothing. Nothing good to him, at least.
"At least Yankee Doodle is patriotic." Jonathan mumbled to himself as he made his way back to his tent. "This is just kicking a horse with a limp."
It is June 2, 1775. Jonathan is currently on the outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts, which is currently being besieged by the Army of Observation.
Jonathan is a major in the Army of Observation and is paid thirty dollars per month, the standard wage of his rank.
His current assets are as follows...
–1,530 Continental Dollars
–A wagon that holds your personal belongings.
–An officer's sword and uniform, as well as a pistol.
–A collection of military history books. (+5 to rolls for all Martial Actions.)
You have six Actions this Turn. Use them wisely.
Special Actions
[] Bunker Hill: General Ward has called an urgent meeting with all his commanding officers, you especially. The reason for this meeting? An informant has give reason to believe that the British are going to invade the Charlestown peninsula and the Dorchester Heights soon. (Leads to a Battle Turn where you fight in a battle. How you fight it is your prerogative.)
[] Press Release: Those young journalists from the Pennsylvania Gazette are still around ready for an interview. With your recent successes, this could be a chance to score an easy propaganda win for the Revolution.
[] Audacity Breeds Victory: You have a bold plan, one which others would consider far too risky. But Hannibal didn't cross the Alps by shying away from danger.
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.
[] Frontline Experience: Despite being a major, you've never experienced any combat or earned any scars. Perhaps you should join some of the skirmishers in order to gain some much-needed experience.
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.
[] The Color of their Eyes: Colonel Prescott is interested in your economic approach to abolitionism, especially since you're an abolitionist who doesn't own slaves himself.
[] 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.
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. (Can be taken two more times.)
[] In for a Pence: You've done the numbers, and if you sell the stock you have in your father's business, the army wouldn't have to worry about supplies for an entire year. Well... in for a pence, in for a pound.
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: You want to keep in touch with your family, make sure that they're doing well.
Author's Notes:
No moratorium this time.
Revolutionary Fun Fact – When Ben Franklin died in 1790, he bequeathed his walking cane to George Washington, his old friend and ally in the American Revolution. Ben Franklin wrote, "If it were a scepter, he has merited it, and would become it."