Pro Patria (Valkyria Chronicles)

Anyone care to speculate on the dynamics of Rudolf's personal life? In case anyone hasn't noticed, Rudolf isn't very rational towards anything concerning his stepmother. Unfortunately some factors continue to fuel this, the clues are all still there though. No ones seemed to have found them, or at least commented on them.
I'll take the plunge.
Let's start with who Rudolf's parents are, it is plausible that his father is the reigning Emperor(we aren't ever given a last name of the Emperor iirc), and his mother was the latest noble(it is possible his mother was a Hapsburg, and he retained that surname because he loathes all of his half siblings) whom the Emperor married before divorcing to marry someone else, simply to insure whichever of his children succeeded him would be competent by virtue of needing to eliminate all of the other princes, and princesses the Empire is overflowing with, this is also why the Emperor makes sure to father a few bastards with his mistresses like a certain antagonist in VC1.

Rudolf's dislike of bastard would presumably originate from the divorce, or because he met aforementioned antagonist, and didn't get along with him, the latter would be the case if Rudolf's father is merely the ruler of whatever the equivalent of Austria-Hungary is in this world, but then it sounded like Rudolf's mother was still alive so when he was noting whom the four letter were from so why the divorce?

Speaking of which Surena's older sister being the mistress whom the Emperor currently favours would explain how she was able to acquire her rank despite being a commoner, or she is a bastard child of the Emperor through one of his mistress.

Either way Surena's goal is to demonstrate her talent to Rudolf, and rise through the ranks with him. It is plausible that she wants to become the #2 of the Hapsburg faction, or whatever it ends up being called.

All of this is for the sake of acquiring the necessary influence to ascend the throne, or put someone she has sway with on it when the Emperor dies, and civil war(potentially avoidable, but sheer size of the royal families makes it unlikely) happens, possible with the aim of reforming the Empire into something which isn't so unfavourable to the commoners.

Alternatively she simply to acquire power for its own sake, and is using him to do so faster but that seems like a little too simple of motivation.
So how off is my speculation?
 
[X] Go and train your artillery crews so they're not inept. (removes the penalty from artillery rolls)
[X] Go to the logistics corp and request more advanced equipment and supplies (low difficulty roll).

An army is nothing without the proper logistical support.
 
I'll take the plunge.
Let's start with who Rudolf's parents are, it is plausible that his father is the reigning Emperor(we aren't ever given a last name of the Emperor iirc), and his mother was the latest noble(it is possible his mother was a Hapsburg, and he retained that surname because he loathes all of his half siblings) whom the Emperor married before divorcing to marry someone else, simply to insure whichever of his children succeeded him would be competent by virtue of needing to eliminate all of the other princes, and princesses the Empire is overflowing with, this is also why the Emperor makes sure to father a few bastards with his mistresses like a certain antagonist in VC1.

Rudolf's dislike of bastard would presumably originate from the divorce, or because he met aforementioned antagonist, and didn't get along with him, the latter would be the case if Rudolf's father is merely the ruler of whatever the equivalent of Austria-Hungary is in this world, but then it sounded like Rudolf's mother was still alive so when he was noting whom the four letter were from so why the divorce?

Speaking of which Surena's older sister being the mistress whom the Emperor currently favours would explain how she was able to acquire her rank despite being a commoner, or she is a bastard child of the Emperor through one of his mistress.

Either way Surena's goal is to demonstrate her talent to Rudolf, and rise through the ranks with him. It is plausible that she wants to become the #2 of the Hapsburg faction, or whatever it ends up being called.

All of this is for the sake of acquiring the necessary influence to ascend the throne, or put someone she has sway with on it when the Emperor dies, and civil war(potentially avoidable, but sheer size of the royal families makes it unlikely) happens, possible with the aim of reforming the Empire into something which isn't so unfavourable to the commoners.

Alternatively she simply to acquire power for its own sake, and is using him to do so faster but that seems like a little too simple of motivation.
So how off is my speculation?

Some of its quite close but a lot is pretty off.
I will conclusively state that Rudolf's father is not the emperor. If he was someone that important he would be getting a lot more respect and deference from the people around him, and probably get something a lot more important than a mid-ranking military rank. The Hapsburgs are not the imperial family. The dynasty does rule Wien - alt-Austria - which is why Frenzel recognised the last name. Take from it what you will.

I'm not really a fan of cliche that the MC is some big-wig doing stuff. Rudolf isn't someone terribly important in the grand scheme of things. Which is why he's allowed be in the military in a relatively dangerous role close to front.

The stuff on Surena is a little too quick to happen. She's only known him for 4 days and had no idea he'd be assigned as a superior. No comment on the rest of it.
The way I imagine the structure of the Empire is a little like a CK2 empire. There the emperor at the top, and then kings and dukes under him in a semi-feudal hierarchy. Theres been a lot of centralisation of power over the last few centuries but theres still quite some autonomy left.

Vote locked.

Train artillery: 11
Go to logistics: 7

Go to artillery corp: 4
See the troops: 1
See Vorbeck: 1
 
Last edited:
1.13
[X] Go and train your artillery crews so they're not inept. (removes the penalty from artillery rolls)

The first order of business is training your new artillery crews so they are not so inexperienced. Using some dummy shells that came with the field pieces you have the novices train with the experienced loaders, firing the shells into no mans land. Though you have nothing similar for the rockets you still have them practice loading the carts. After a few hours you leave them to it and move on to other things.

Penalty to artillery rolls has been removed.

[X] Go to the logistics corp and request more advanced equipment and supplies (low difficulty roll).

You eventually decide more supplies can never be a bad thing. So you pay a visit to the logistics corp and see what they have available.

Roll = 55 — Success

Greeted by some harried looking clerks you demand more equipment and supplies using your authority. After some pestering you get them to agree to send more of pretty much everything a brigade requires. Mueller and Vorbeck are delighted by the extra spare parts and fuel. Nivelle is no longer complaining about real or imagined shortages. This seems like a wise decision.

***​

The fifth day comes and goes with no announcement. But around mid-morning on the sixth day the long awaited orders to assemble finally arrive. Breakthrough has been achieved. Soldiers rush around the encampment to prepare moving out, tanks are started, tents are packed up, among a variety of other things that couldn't be done beforehand.

In different news, you've heard nothing out of the ordinary from Vorbeck. The modifications to the tanks are complete. You are not sure what to think. Was the pyromaniac major talked down by Surena and come to accept your order? Or did Surena fabricate the whole affair to make herself look good and Vorbeck look bad? Vorbeck may have never intended to do anything to go against your order in the first place. You just don't know since you're not familiar with the woman. Then again you remind yourself, this could just be your dislike of Surena acting up and influencing your judgement.

How do you mainly feel towards Surena for this?

[] Grateful
[] Suspicious
[] Write-in

There is no fanfare as the formation slowly moves to the fore. Yours is the 7th brigade to go through the breach and you've been assigned a specific part of the country to clear, sector 7. Walking over the bumps of recently cleared minefields the troops trudge onward.

You march with your black armoured honour guard among the various soldiers. Giving impromptu speeches to help morale and describe some of the orders you gave to the majors to make things clear.

"I want no civilian deaths if they are not resisting. Remember we are here to liberate them from the tyrannical revolutionaries and restore the legitimate government, not slaughter them", you assertively state to a group of nearby troopers. They respond with salutes and nods. You move on.

Eventually you are through and inside official federation territory for the first time. The countryside expands on into the distance. The terrain is relatively flat plains and farmland, with some local rises like ridges and hills.

How do you deploy your brigade?

Deployment Options:

[] Tip of the Spear - Put your armoured battalion at the front, a fast moving prong. The heavy infantry follow behind them as a solid centre. The light infantry will cover your flanks.

[] Relentless Tide - The heavy infantry act as a vanguard with the armoured battalion acting as a reserve. The light infantry guard the flanks.

[] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.

[] Write-in

Whose battalion do you attach yourself to?

[] Nivelle's 17th Jaegers (light infantry)
[] Giraud's 33rd Chasseur's (light infantry)
[] Raeder's 82nd Line (heavy infantry)
[] Surena's 24th Fusiliers (heavy infantry)
[] Vorbeck's 11th Grenadiers (heavy infantry)
[] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)

Mostly a style question, you ponder what sort of uniform you should wear into combat. Since you're relatively high ranked you could go for either the formal one or field uniform like the rank and file are wearing. The formal uniform looks more stylish and would differentiate you from the troops while being easier to move in. Though you're a little uneasy about not wearing a helmet or body armour. The red armoured field uniform would give you more protection and make you familiar with the troops but could inconvenience you. You also don't like how the helmet restricts your vision. Either way you still look pretty conspicuous.

What uniform do you wear?
[] Formal uniform
[] Field uniform
 
[X] Grateful

This grudge against Surena is petty, undeserved, and stupid.

[X] Vigilant Advance

Scouting is pretty much what light infantry are there for.

[X] Surena's 24th Fusiliers (heavy infantry)

We can't be shown showing favoritism to Raeder and Vorbeck is sort of a loon. Guess that leaves Surena's unit for our Heavy Foot Leader thing. And if we insist on keeping that inane grudge well keep your enemies closer and all that.

[X] Field Uniform

Body armor and not sticking out like a bloody sore thumb to snipers sound pretty good to me. Also, having the troops like you more is never a bad thing.
 
Last edited:
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Formal uniform

We don't know much about Surena's motivations. It was assassin's under the guise of the Logistical corp, that aimed to assassinate us.
Our scouts are to form the first part of our offensive, providing our forces with much needed intel.
Armored units are perfect for a Blitzkrieg strategy, and provide the most defense. Plus, we would be this world Erwin Rommel, only much more stuck up, and royalty.
The field uniform makes us easy to move in, and since we will spend most of the time in a tank, won't give the enemy preferential treatment. Plus, it would help on the battlefield, don't want to be mistaken for the common red armored units, after all.
 
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform
 
Last edited:
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform

I would rather keep an eye Surena, after all the Empire is based on politics.
 
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform
 
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform
 
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform
 
[X] Grateful
[X] Vigilant Advance
[X] Surena's 24th Fusiliers (heavy infantry)
[X] Field Uniform

Rudolf was explicitly stated to be a very flawed character whose flaws could be improved if we selected the correct options during the prologue.
 
We don't know much about Surena's motivations. It was assassin's under the guise of the Logistical corp, that aimed to assassinate us.
Continuing on that logic, we should also be suspecting Nivelle, Giruad, Raeder, Vorbeck, and Mueller because we have the same level of intelligence pointing to them aiming to assassinate us as Surena, ie none. Our suspicions of Surena weren't born of rationality, they were born because he is hissy at his bastard stepsisters and decided to extend his grudge to a woman who never did anything to earn our scorn. Continuing this against her is going to affect the runnings of the brigade at best and cause problems we could've entirely avoided at worst. This one-sided feud is simply not worth it.
 
Last edited:
[X] Grateful
[X] Vigilant Advance
[X] Surena's 24th Fusiliers (heavy infantry)
[X] Field Uniform

Vigilant Advance certainly fits with Rudolph's character as established by our prior choices, and is probably by far the smartest option given that the enemy will rely heavily on ambushes, hidden minefields, and other tricks to even up the disparity in numbers and firepower. I'd also go with the 24th Fusiliers for the Headquarters since we do not want to appear to be favoring either of the feuding Majors by selecting their commands and we want them fighting together to overwhelm strong points the light infantry bypass so as to help work out their issues. The armored battalion would also be a good choice, but it is the most logical reserve for the brigade and should be used to launch immediate counterattacks on enemy formations that overwhelm the light infantry vanguard. Surena's battalion can thus be kept back as the last reserve and, as such is a good choice for the headquarters to coordinate everything.
 
Last edited:
Continuing on that logic, we should also be suspecting Nivelle, Giruad, Raeder, Vorbeck, and Mueller because we have the same level of intelligence pointing to them aiming to assassinate us as Surena, ie none. Our suspicions of Surena weren't born of rationality, they were born because he is hissy at his bastard stepsisters and decided to extend his grudge to a woman who never did anything to earn our scorn. Continuing this against her is going to affect the runnings of the brigade at best and cause problems we could've entirely avoided at worst. This one-sided feud is simply not worth it.

I'd like to point out that all people could be equally guilty, and all could be equally innocent. Sure, the stepsisters have a part of it, but being cautious and suspicious is part of our traits. Besides, you have to see this from someone of higher blood, they would be weary of any potential attempts on their life, which has just happened. Call it paranoia, but we can't just call it a bit of jealousy. That, and the fact that we aren't avoiding her at all. We can keep on eye on here affairs, whether in her brigade or not. And if it does evolve into a potential feud, it would be est to not be within her brigade.
 
I'd like to point out that all people could be equally guilty, and all could be equally innocent.
Then why are we arbitrarily trusting Nivelle and the others over Surena? How does this statement address that? Hell we have more reason to distrust Raeder and Giraud after that little spat of theirs, and yet our attitude does not reflect that.
Sure, the stepsisters have a part of it, but being cautious and suspicious is part of our traits.
Absolutely untrue considering we already see Nivelle as trustworthy, or at least reliable. Our grudge is more or less originating from our stepsisters.
Besides, you have to see this from someone of higher blood, they would be weary of any potential attempts on their life, which has just happened. Call it paranoia, but we can't just call it a bit of jealousy. That, and the fact that we aren't avoiding her at all. We can keep on eye on here affairs, whether in her brigade or not. And if it does evolve into a potential feud, it would be est to not be within her brigade.
There is caution and then there is pointless paranoia, of the latter we are currently indulging in. If you have a good reason to which why we are singling her out for no good reason whatsoever, then go ahead, enlighten me. And no, our feud with our stepsisters does not count as a good reason. The fact that we are suspecting one of our senior officers of plotting to assassinate us is while we are proceeding to the middle of a warzone is, frankly, insane without even a speck of evidence to support it.
 
Last edited:
[X] Suspicious
[X] Vigilant Advance - Screen your approach with a vanguard of light infantry, so you will know what the enemy has in advance and where they are. Have the heavy infantry and armour follow behind them to crush points of resistance.
[X] Mueller's 7th Cuirassiers (armoured)
[X] Field uniform

The armored regiment is a quick and flexible regiment. Plus, since we are in the field we will have to coordinate effectively. Plus, it would enable us to coordinate a rapid response to potential attacks. And, it will hopefully give us an idea of the armored regiments.
 
Then why are we arbitrarily trusting Nivelle and the others over Surena? How does this statement address that? Hell we have more reason to distrust Raeder and Giraud after that little spat of theirs, and yet our attitude does not reflect that.

We aren't actively watching them, but we did look into their regiments and backgrounds, in order to figure out what caused the feud in the first place. And I am fairly certain that we still have some reservations about those two.

Absolutely untrue considering we already see Nivelle as trustworthy, or at least reliable. Our grudge is more or less originating from our stepsisters.
I would like to point out that we have taken note that Nivelle doesn't seem quite happy with us taking command from him. And that resentment could turn into something later, if we aren't careful.

There is caution and then there is pointless paranoia, of the latter we are currently indulging in. If you have a good reason to which why we are singling her out for no good reason whatsoever, then go ahead, enlighten me. And no, our feud with our stepsisters does not count as a good reason. The fact that we are suspecting one of our senior officers of plotting to assassinate us is frankly, insane without even a speck of evidence to support it.

I'd lkike to point out that we know very little of our senior officers, and we likewise must understand our position. We are one of the potential heirs to alt-Austria, and that would bring all the benefits and drawbacks that would include. Some assassination attempts may be from the Federation, but some may be from political rivals. And since most men have a price, I'd call that paranoia justified. Likewise, that paranoia might be sated with some detective work, when we have the time to do so.
 
We aren't actively watching them, but we did look into their regiments and backgrounds, in order to figure out what caused the feud in the first place. And I am fairly certain that we still have some reservations about those two.
Not nearly to the very personal loathing we reserve for Surena.
I would like to point out that we have taken note that Nivelle doesn't seem quite happy with us taking command from him. And that resentment could turn into something later, if we aren't careful.
"Good afternoon colonel, I have to apologise in advance for the sorry state of the records. I am not suited for that position and its been a while since I put on the uniform", Nivelle says regretfully. He's humble to boot. He seems relieved to not have that much responsibility anymore.
I see.
I'd lkike to point out that we know very little of our senior officers, and we likewise must understand our position. We are one of the potential heirs to alt-Austria, and that would bring all the benefits and drawbacks that would include. Some assassination attempts may be from the Federation, but some may be from political rivals. And since most men have a price, I'd call that paranoia justified. Likewise, that paranoia might be sated with some detective work, when we have the time to do so.
So let me get this straight, we are suspecting one of our senior officers, a person who has done nothing but try to be helpful, of plotting to assassinate us as we march to the middle of a warzone, and you do this on the basis of no hard evidence at all?

If our situation was as insanely precarious as you described, we wouldn't function to the point where we'd even have friends, let alone have a mistress we implicitly trust.
 
Last edited:
We don't know much about Surena's motivations. It was assassin's under the guise of the Logistical corp, that aimed to assassinate us.
Er saying those menial labourers were assassins who infiltrated the Logistical corp to eliminate a newly promoted colonel is paranoia, like seriously they even used the phrase "a nice present that the cat dropped in our lap".

Seriously being suspicious of Surena at this point has the potential to grow into a feud which would alienate the majority our subordinates since she already has a rapport with Giraud, and Raeder, while our latest request has insured that Vorbeck has a similar relationship, this is even ignoring the fact that Surena supposedly learned the problem while the two of them were sharing a drink.
We aren't actively watching them, but we did look into their regiments and backgrounds, in order to figure out what caused the feud in the first place. And I am fairly certain that we still have some reservations about those two.
No Rudolf told them that if it occurred again we'd have both of their head. Also given Rudolf took issue with their personal issues influencing the Brigades performance it is kind of hypocritical to allow his personal issues to do the same.
"Okay, but I want this to stop now. Whatever issues you have with him will be left out of my brigade. Pursue it in your private time, I do not care. If there are any more incidents I will have your head. Now, I want you to go to Major Raeder and organise some exercises between your battalions. I do not want this brainless rivalry flaring up on the battlefield and costing lives".
"Thats enough on that, this a personal affair that I will not have disrupting my brigade. Take your dispute out of the military, while you are under my command you two will act like professionals. Is that understood?" you demand authoritatively. It feels a little strange ordering about man a decade your senior.
I would like to point out that we have taken note that Nivelle doesn't seem quite happy with us taking command from him. And that resentment could turn into something later, if we aren't careful.
Sigh.
"I'm not sure on the specifics myself but Giraud and Raeder have a history. It only exacerbates tensions between their men, it only got worse when the old colonel departed, I couldn't rein them in. I've seen it before; either they end up killing each other or battle resolves the problem one way or another. I was angling towards the latter option when I was in charge", says Nivelle. He doesn't seem to resent losing the position to you despite being obviously younger. Maurice is a dependable man.
I'd lkike to point out that we know very little of our senior officers, and we likewise must understand our position. We are one of the potential heirs to alt-Austria, and that would bring all the benefits and drawbacks that would include. Some assassination attempts may be from the Federation, but some may be from political rivals. And since most men have a price, I'd call that paranoia justified. Likewise, that paranoia might be sated with some detective work, when we have the time to do so.
Perhaps we should take the time to get to know them instead of suspecting their motivation without any evidence whatsoever? You're over-estimating Rudolf's importance in the grand scheme of thing, just look at the QM response to my speculation a few posts above this one.
 
Last edited:
[X] Grateful but remain vigilant.
[X] Vigilant Advance
[X] Vorbeck's 11th Grenadiers (heavy infantry)
[X] Field uniform
 
Last edited:
[X] Grateful but remain vigilant.
[X] Vigilant Advance
[X] Vorbeck's 11th Grenadiers (heavy infantry)
[X] Field uniform
 
Back
Top