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Thread: Fleur de Lis

  1. #1

    Default Fleur de Lis

    This is my attempt at an AAR. I tried to post this in the AAR forum, and it didn't work. Here's hoping it works now. Thanks to Afternoon and Ineptcmdr for inspiring me. They write killer AARs! Check them out.
    SORRY ABOUT ALL THE DELAYS! HERE IT IS WITH PICS.


    Chapter 1- The Hordes

    France Summer 1700- It is a glorious dawn for the French Empire. King Louis XIV leads the nation, a monarch to be envied. France’s armies are the strongest in Europe and their overseas colonies are only matched by the colonies of Britain and Spain. Spain, France’s old enemy has in recent times become an ally. The two Catholic nations worry about the growing power and empires of the British and the Dutch. In June, Admiral Francois Louis de Rousselet, Grand Admiral of the French Royal Navy boarded the Northern French army under Camille d’Huston, and set sail for an unknown destination. The people of Paris rioted over the act, feeling vulnerable to attack, but King Louis promised to have 3 new regiments of line, and one of horse trained within half a year. To divert his people, Louis told them of new trade agreements with the two Empires of India, the Mughals, and the Marathas. All thought of the fleet disappeared as the French became infatuated with the far off land and its riches. Fictional and speculative books are written, and Dutch and Portuguese travel logs are translated and sold en masse. Eventually as they get used to foreign goods, the French peasants go back to their lives, as they know they will never see the continent, so it is about as useful to them as unicorns. The Southern French army begins patrolling the Savoy border as hostilities grew between the two nations. Government buildings are built up in the Americas.

    France Fall 1700- In September of 1700, the Dutch declare war on the French Empire. While Britain does not join them in war, they do provide funds for the treacherous Dutch, infusing thousands a year for the Dutch fleets to attack the sugar isles in the Caribbean. The Iriquois also declare war on France. They represented the biggest threat to the French Empire, a well-funded, European-armed Native American Nation with an agenda and a massive army. They don’t waste time, and in November the Iriquois attack Montreal.

    THE FIRST BATTLE OF MONTREAL (November 22, 1700):
    Forces: 60 Coureur de Bois, an artillery battery (18 men, 4 cannon), a regiment of pike (120 men), general’s bodyguard (24 men), the First Regiment of Militia (120 men), 2 regiments of firelock armed citizenry (120 men total)

    The Battle of Montreal should have been a wakeup call for the French Empire. The dreams of the domination of the North American continent was nearly ended that day; Yet, if you ask any French man today, the Battle of Montreal was a turning point in the Empire’s history! Only those veterans who fought at the battle know the truth, yet only a few remain alive today.
    - Boniface Travere; veteran, explorer, amateur historian, governor
    Excerpt from a letter of Boniface’s to Philip de Vaudreuil, dated May 26, 1733

    Snow dusted the frozen ground. It was a cold, cold day. As preparations began for the upcoming battle, the native Coureur de Bois mocked the artillery regiment from France for being underdressed. The artillery shot back that the Coureur de Bois were just “white savages.” A scuffle broke out, and two Coureur de Bois and an artillery man went to the sick tent for broken limbs. Those with minor injuries were put at the front of the line. The two groups swore to outdo the other in the coming battle, despite attempts by General Philip to promote solidarity among his troops.
    At 5:00 AM Iriquois troops could be seen approaching the French position.
    The French led by General Philip de Vaudreuil and the Iriquois led by Chief Pontiac would face off in the first of many bloody battles.

    As soon as the Iriquois enter the range of the cannon, the French fire a salvo. None of the shots hit an Iriquois but one passed two feet by Chief Pontiac. Seeing it as an omen, he turned his bodyguard away.

    Suddenly out of the woods appeared more Indian savages. Terror filled French hearts as unearthly wailing and screeching came from the charging native warriors.
    Stand firm, Said Lt. Travere to his militia regiment, They will be screaming for a different reason soon. Shoot the savages in their open mouths.
    Many were shot down, but the natives that reached the line crashed violently into the French right flank. The pike and militia drew their swords.

    Soon even the artillery were embroiled in the vicious melee.

    As the right flank is embroiled in a melee, the left flank, consisting of the two citizenry regiments comes under fire from the native bowmen. The obese mayor sat shocked as the miller fell onto him impaled by an arrow. The mayor squealed like a pig (an animal he bore a strange resemblance to), then ran towards the town. Soon the rest of the citizenry followed.
    It fell on the Coureur De Bois to engage the bowmen. After minutes of back and forth fire, the smoke cleared, and the natives were fleeing. Miraculously, not a single Coureur de Bois fell. Veterans of the Coureur De Bois unit saw their fortune as a gift from god. In future battles, each would carry a Bible and a statue of the Virgin Mary into battle.
    On the right flank, the savagery with which the natives had attacked at the beginning dwindled. Faced with with the pikes and swords of the French army they quickly routed.
    Pontiac, seeing his men fall, and filled with a bitter anger charged the French line. Too many of his people had died and he would try to insure General Philip died with them. Half his men fell to the cool and steady fire of the cannon. But soon his bodyguard clashed with General Philip’s.

    For nearly two minutes the generals fought. Then the French pike rallied to the aid of their general. Many die on both sides. Then Pontiac falls not to the blade of a cavalryman, but to that of a lowly pikeman. His capture ends the battle, a French victory.

    The Iriquois are pushed back, but the French have a 40% casualty rate, losing 202 of their 462 men. 286 of the 345 Iriquois die with them. The French are shocked that savages, uncultured, unchristian, savages managed to inflict 40% casualties on the highly trained French army. Other than the wake up call, the most important aspect of the battle for the French was the capture of the Iriquois Chief Pontiac, whose fall makes the other armies of the Iriquois hesitate to attack the weakened Montreal garrison. A month later Pontiac is put on a boat to France. After being awed by French culture, Pontiac pleads King Louis for his life. Moved, Louis grants him not only this, but gives him a post, Vice-Minister of Trade. Despite losing almost half his men, General Philip de Vaudreuil is lauded in the French newspapers. They proclaim the Battle of Montreal an overwhelming French victory. Philip’s men do not blame him for the death of their comrades, mainly because Philip’s sword was bloodied on four Iriquois. The French gain a wary respect of the savages and worryingly, two more armies of Iriquois are on the way under Chief Ogemaw, Pontiac’s childhood friend. Reports come that he swears to clean the soil of North America with French blood. There is talk of abandoning Montreal and retreating to Quebec to regroup. The Huron Wyandot, seeing the French as easy pickings decide to declare war as well, and now the French are facing a war on two sides. In Quebec a new army is being trained... The North American Legion, an army of both French citizens and Native American warriors recruited from warrior tribes. Back in Montreal the General Philip makes a controversial decision. They will sit just outside Montreal, on the road to Quebec. If the Iriquois assault before a army sufficiently large enough is raised, the veterans of the First Battle of Montreal will reinforce Quebec. Everyone hates the decision, believing it to be indecisive.
    Fall 1701- Philips decision is validated. The Iriquois burn all the land to the west of Montreal then besiege the city. This gives enough time for reinforcements to begin to arrive from Quebec. On a worse note, reports say Montreal will not last another three months.
    Meanwhile in Europe, Prussia conquers Saxony, breaking its alliance with Poland. France looks on concerned as more and more Catholic territories fall to the heathen Prussians.

    Winter 1701- Bolstered by 240 men from Quebec, Philips assaults the army besieging Montreal.
    THE SECOND BATTLE OF MONTREAL: (January 28, 1701)

    What a day, what a day!
    -King Louis on hearing of the Second Battle of Montreal

    Forces: 1 Regiment of Coureur de Bois (60 men), 1 regiment of pike (81 men), 1 battery of artillery (4 cannon, 14 men), the 1rst Regiment of Militia (1 experience, 43 men), the 6th Regiment of Militia (120 men), the 7th Regiment of Militia (120 men), and two units of firelock armed citizenry (120 men total), 1 Regiment of Foot, Native Warrior Auxillary (120 men total), General’s bodyguard (14 men)
    Natives/ Militia on right entrance, Coureur de Bois and pike on the left entrance, artillery on hill in middle
    The Second Battle of Montreal began much like the first; on a frozen, clear day, with the French being led by Philip de Vaudreuil. The North American Legion arrived to this view of the city....

    Ogemaw swore to avenge Pontiac, believing his friend dead as he rides at the front of his army.

    However, the French have the better position by far. They command the hill southwest of the town, and the French artillery can fire almost completely across Montreal.
    Impatient, Ogemaw will not retreat or wait. Rather, he attacks. But to get to the French position first he needs to fight through Montreal. The cities’ citizens are armed and will not let the feet of savages touch the cobbles of their city without a fight. Ogemaw, seeing the French peasants standing just before the city thinks they will be easy victims and charges. 10 of his men die in the first volley, and another 15 in the melee that ensues. As one group fights Ogemaw with their hands and fists, the other fires at him from behind. Not a foolish man, he retreats.

    These men are led by a new mayor. The old leader of Montreal was shot by his own men, and the new mayor John Kerrot, a Virginian, has whipped the locals into shape.

    But soon the bulk of the Iriquois army could be seen by John. His men were almost in range of their bows. John gave the order to fall back to the cliffs the town of Montreal sits on. When the Iriquois came within twenty feet of their position John yelled:
    Frenchmen, this is your town and your land! Your children should wear good leather shoes, not moccasins! CHARGE!
    Inspired, the people of Montreal jumped from their position and charged the long Iriquois line. They knew they would not survive, but their swords would be bloodied!

    After minutes of fighting, John Kerrot lay on the snowy ground, along with eighty of his 120 men.
    For Frenchmen, you are good men. He said to the last of his men, You’ve done what you could.Run back to your cheries.
    They fired one last salvo for John’s memory, then, tears running down their faces, retreated. They left exactly a hundred Iriquois corpses with him. Due to John’s efforts, not a single citizen remains in the city when the Iriquois enter. The success of the citizenry embarrasses and enrages Ogemaw further. Before personally entering the city, he chops John’s head off his corpse, then allows his men to defile the headless body. The battle enters its second stage, as Ogemaw orders his bowmen to approach the French right.

    What looked like it would be a long back and forth fire is shortened when natives loyal to France charge down the hill to slaughter Ogemaw’s men.

    The bowmen are routed, and the natives loyal to France move to engage Ogemaw’s men approaching the French position from the left. Seeing eachother at the same time, the two groups charge.

    Meanwhile back on the right, hordes of natives are climbing the hill, but the militia cooly pick them off one by one. Eventually, the lines do crash.

    The 6th performs especially admirably. Like a wall they stand firm against the assault. Every Iriquois soon retreats, on the left and right. Consumed by rage and going mad, Ogemaw charges the natives loyal to the French, and is cut down.

    The Iriquois army is routed. This was the battle the French had expected at the First Battle of Montreal. Only 67 of the 572 professional French soldiers die, compared to 481 of the 525 Iriquois. A two day memorial and funeral is held for John Kerrot, whose sacrifice allowed Ogemaw to be defeated. His head and body are sent back to Virginia and his wife, but his heart is buried outside of Montreal. General Philip personally throws the first shovel of dirt on the box. For his brilliant but quiet leadership in the battle, Philip is given another star, but more importantly regains his reputation among his men. Back in France many Frenchmen become angry as plates of Philips image are made. Their wives sigh over them to much. After this battle the Iriquois lands are ripe for plucking, and Philip swears they will be conquered. Seeing the growing power of the Empire, Württemberg and Westphalia agree to a trade agreement that is much more beneficial for the French than the Germans. With Iriquois power waning, hundreds of native tribes decide to wear the Fleur de Lise. It is a good time to be French.
    Last edited by Merchant of Venice; November 28, 2015 at 07:19 AM. Reason: At author's request

  2. #2

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Sorry the pics aren't working? How do you fix that?

  3. #3

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    You'll have to upload the pictures to a image hosting site such as Photobucket and then wrap the link to each photo in the [IMG] tags that you have already done. Basically upload all the photos to whatever site you choose, each photo will have a link, copy that link and then wrap it in the [IMG] tags. PM me if you need anymore help.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Thanks Merch!

  5. #5

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    A really good start King Frost, how apt that the first battles in the AAR be winter battles on snowy battlefields. I like how you've started this AAR. Some of the pics are pretty cool as well as your battle descriptions. Hope to see more chapters.

  6. #6
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    As Merchant said, this is a great start. You tell the stories of these battles well, with good images. The attitudes of the Europeans towards the native Americans sound authentic for the 1700s. The contrast between the two mayors worked well for me. I wonder if this success will encourage General Philip de Vaudreuil to lead his men to more victories, or if his fame will cause him to become overconfident - either way, I look forward to seeing how your story will develop.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Thanks for your feedback Alwyn. The next chapter should be ready within a few days.

  8. #8

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Here it is!

  9. #9

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis- The Dance of War

    CHAPTER 2: The Dance of War

    In the summer of 1702 a French newspaper published breaking news: reports had come in that the fleet under Francois Louis de Rousselet, the one that had disappeared with the Northern French army had been spotted off the coast of India. The French people’s infatuation with the continent is rekindled, although none know the purpose of the expedition. Two days later, the Dutch port of Rotterdam is burned down, supposedly by a French rake.
    Glorious news! A new heir is born; Sophie, who will one day reign over the Empire. Some believe her to be an angel, such is her power of persuasion and her beauty. One French folktale says a Dutch assassin made it into her chambers, but after a four-year-old Sophie began speaking to him in Dutch, he left her chambers and requested he be able to join her bodyguard. While the tale is unconfirmed, it is well known that she has a Dutch guard, and not a person knows where he came from. As Sophie wraps King Louis and the people around her finger, France’s economy booms as new resources accessed and trading posts are built.
    In July, a Native tribe loyal to the French attacks Dutch Guyana, easily taking the undefended colony and putting the whole region under French control.
    Then a real war comes. The skilled Grand Imperial General, Claude de Villars invades Italy without royal approval, attacking the Italian Alliance (Savoy, and the Italian States). Despite Claude’s reassurances to the king that he is invading to protect the Pope from the armies of heretics and Muslims, Louis doubts Claude’s good intentions.

    Perhaps the people the Pope should worry after aren’t the Saracens but his own 'protector'.
    -Excerpt from a letter from King Louis to Claude de Villars

    But despite his concerns, Louis cannot stop Claude’s invasion before it begins, and tensions rise between the two most powerful men of the Empire.
    In August of 1702 Claude besieged Savoy after his scouts determined that the defenders had roughly the same numbers of men and quality of arms that his own army had. However, as soon as his army begins to strangle the city, his scouts report that over five hundred Savoy citizens have taken up arms after their new leader, a man called Vittori Saccheri, gave the (now famous) Speech of God's Army:

    My beloved Savoyans, long have we feared the French. And now we have justification for our fears! The French would declare war on the Pope, the man closest to God. They are church-burners, desecraters of the Holy, and their war with the Italian Alliance is a war against God Himself! The French may be better armed, have more men, and have the Devil’s support. They seem invincible. But we are not alone. God is with us! This is why I implore you to take up arms against the heathens. If you die, you will go to Heaven and sit among the saints and angels. And if you live, all the more glory to you. Italians hve always conquered, and we will destroy the armies of the heathen French. So take up the banners of your ancestors and follow me! Citizens of Savoy, this is your nation, your home! Like your Roman ancestors, overcome and destroy the barbarian interlopers!
    - Vittori Saccheri, Speech of God's Army, given August 12, 1702

    Every Savoyan citizen capable of carrying a weapon picks up arms, and a less confident Claude ends the siege and retreats to the hill country north of the city where he waits for reinforcements from Paris. Angry at being defied, King Louis leaves Claude with the army he has.


    THE NORTHERN ITALIAN WAR
    The Pope may be on his side, but I have bigger cannons.
    -Claude de Villars, speaking of Vittori Saccheri

    For weeks armies had been dancing, a strange dance where the two performers never contact eachother. The audience in the European Theatre watched the dance, captivated by two of the best performers ever seen. Vittori Saccheri, the Savoy general was not comparable to Claude in skill on the battlefield; But so far in maneauvering he had been the most wily. He knew his army was no match for the French army as of yet. But as weeks without shelter or adequate food wore down the French army, Vittori knew a point would come when the Savoyans would have the edge. The day was drawing near and the music of war was speeding up, ready for a climax.

    THE FOX ESCAPES
    It is for my people I weep.
    -Vittorio Saccheri

    Saccheri had cornered him. Claude knew it. “Damn it!” Claude yelled out throwing a vase at the wall of his tent, forgetting it was a tent, not a room. He heard a muffled yelp from outside as the vase struck something leaning against the side of the sturdy cloth. He did not know how he, the “Fox of the Alps” would escape this one. Anger filled his heart. Then, he felt a drop of moisture through a hole in his tent cealing. Like an angel it woke him from his cloud of confusion, and gave him a message of joy. He knew what he could do. He could still take Savoy.


    Vittorio Saccheri trotted back and forth just out of reach of the French cannons as water ran down his face. What was Claude doing? Why was the Fox not trying to retreat? Vittorio had Claude surrounded on three sides, and his army was much more than a match for the French army now. His men urged him to attack, but this, this was too easy. Claude had something planned for him.
    It was dark by the time one of his scouts got back to him with a dreadful message: The French army wasn’t at the French camp... It hadn’t ever been at the camp, it had been at a camp fifteen miles away... And now it was in the city of Savoy.
    Marching quickly, he arrived to see the French army outside and on the city walls, the French flag flying from the Palace. Filled with rage, General Saccheri began planning for battle.



    THE MASSACRE OF SAVOY
    I hate him more than any other. He is not French.
    -King Louis of France, of Claude de Villars

    Vittori lined up his men. They numbered twice that of the French army, but they were inexperienced. Victory or defeat, many would die. The clouds of depression covered his mind, but he put a brave face on for his men, giving them words of encouragement as he rode past. When he had walked the whole line, his men looked at him expectantly, hoping for another rousing speech.
    “Pray to your Dear Lord. Remember, it is for him and our families we fight.” It was simple and short, but if anything it was more inspiring than the Speech of the Honorable Dictator. The toughest Savoyans broke down in tears as Vittori retreated to his tent to prepare. He himself would not be granted the time to plead to the lord for mercy on his men.
    Meanwhile, the French linemen also prayed. They prayed for mercy from God and the Pope, prayed for forgiveness for the war they were taking part of. Claude would cross whatever boundaries needed to win the battle. Victory might be as melancholy as defeat for the French.
    Vittori poised his quill over the map of the city and the surrounding countryside. He looked at the captains sitting around him, knowing that they despised him, a common born man leading the Savoyan armies. They smiled, but they plotted. Oh how he wished each of them could have had the childhood he had. Begging for scraps, being beaten and left for dead, starving most days and freezing at night. All he had for comfort as a child were the words of the local priest, a honest, devout man. These Lords had been fed with silver spoons.
    He grimaced at the spoiled rats as they tried to attack his every idea. If anyone else had put forth better ideas it would be a different matter. But they had not even attempted to think strategy. Vittori cut off one man's dry and nonsensical speech. “It’s the damned best idea we have! If we attack from that direction....”
    He was interrupted suddenly by a ruddy faced boy. “Sir!” The boy saluted him.
    “I’m busy at the moment kid,” He sighed turning his head to adress the child. Then he saw the tears pouring from the boy’s face, and heard the distant wailing. Shoving the ink towards one of the captains he raced out of his war tent.

    Outside the walls of Savoy at least a hundred children, women, and old men were lined up in front of the 1rst Regiment of Etrangers. The Etrangers were a group of rapists and murderers from other nations who had sought refuge in France, and had been drafted into the military. They felt no remorse as they stood at attention before the line of innocents. Then they raised their weapons and fired. Silently the men and women dropped, sagging to the ground. One baby which had survived began to cry, and the captain of the 1rst dashed it on the ground. The linemen, semi-honest French soldiers tried to stop them, but the Etrangers turned their weapons on the unarmed linemen, who backed away. Then another group of civilians was brought out and the process repeated. Within minutes Vittori presented himself to the French army, and had his men lay down their arms.



    In the Savoyan throne room, Claude de Villars sat on the throne of the Savoyan monarch. Two regiments of Etrangers lined the hall, his personal guard. The other two regiments of Etrangers kept an eye on the French Linemen, who were whispering of mutiny after witnessing Claude’s vicious order carried out. Then the doors to the palace burst open and a handsome man of forty years walked in, dressed in the Savoyan colors. He emanated power, and kept his head high as he walked down the carpet of the royal hall. He seemed an army unto himself. Vittori Saccheri.
    “Vittori,” Claude spoke the name of his old enemy softly.
    Vittori stayed silent, glaring darkly at the Frenchman. The men closest to Vittori fidgeted, their hands drifting to their weapons, as the two men battled eachother with their stares.
    “I’m not here to gloat over you,” Claude said, breaking the silent contest first.
    “What are you here to do then?” Vittori hissed quietly, venom in his tone.
    “I want you in my army,” Claude said simply.
    Vittori started in shock for a second. Then he lunged for Claude. “I would rather serve the Devil!”
    Claude’s guards shot him in the legs before he reached Claude and the Savoyan general collapsed.
    “I expected as much,” Claude sighed. “But if you won’t serve me, I can still find a use for you.” He snapped his fingers. “Guards, cut out his tongue then parade him around the city. He will never be able to give a pretty speech again.”
    Even as he was dragged out of the room, Vittori remained calm.




    Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Francois Louis de Rousselet attacked Ceylon. Even his own men hadn’t known where they were going, but now, now they did. The French army would not let a year of travel on confined boats go to waste. The Dutch, not expecting the attack, barely could put up a defense, and they were slaughtered by the French troops.
    Ceylon, 1702

    Francois Louis de Rousselet sucked in smoke from his pipe, as he sat across from his right-hand man, Arden, captain of the 5th regiment of foot.
    “Do you know what this is?” Francois asked him, holding out the pipe.
    “Fine Dutch tobbacco,” Arden replied slowly, his eyebrows arching in confusion.
    A smile lit up Francois’ face. “It’s French now,” Francois chuckled jollily, his chins wobbling. Arden smiled back at the affable old general. Then a frown creased his face. He paused in silence for a second, then spoke.
    “The men are asking what's next?”
    Francois inhaled again, and for once his face took on a more grim look, “Something big.” He looked out his window to the sea, “Something very big.”

  10. #10

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    The next chapter I will have ready within two days. It has a lot of action.

  11. #11
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Good chapter! The quotes, dialogue and dramatic events create a dramatic story. I wonder what Francois' big idea involves and I look forward to finding out.

  12. #12
    waveman's Avatar Decanus
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    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    THE NORTHERN ITALIAN WAR
    The Pope may be on his side, but I have bigger cannons.
    -Claude de Villars, speaking of Vittori Saccheri

    Love this quote. Is it historically inspired?

    My AARs/writing: Link
    Letters for writing: þ, ð æ Æ

  13. #13

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Quote Originally Posted by waveman View Post
    -Claude de Villars, speaking of Vittori Saccheri

    Love this quote. Is it historically inspired?
    Thanks! I actually came up with this myself.

  14. #14

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    Schools kept me busy, so its been hard to work on this AAR but the next update I think is really awesome, and I hope to post it tomorrow.

  15. #15

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    aaha .a great aar .i like it how the iroquis fight .
    100% mobile poster so pls forgive grammer

  16. #16

    Default Re: Fleur de Lis

    when will you post the next 2 chapters .or are they edited within .
    100% mobile poster so pls forgive grammer

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