Post by LIBERTE on Aug 30, 2015 19:23:34 GMT
A kings ransom
Some like those in the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel and many others within the aristocracy feel that a monarchy is the best idea, and, moreover, the only suitable thing for France. Others believe a reign of terror where they can exact revenge on those who guillotined their relatives is best. Particularly, if it means they (ahem Robespierre) can do away with the boy “puppet” king after he’s done slandering his name by doing all that he likes not under his own name but under Henri’s. Some, like Paul Chauvelin, feel a Republic makes more sense, but have questions they wish they didn’t have about its viability. Some like the Sacred Heart are ready to back up Les Amies if they have a chance. While still a small but growing handful of others are starting to see the true potential of the boy King and wish him to assume true command of the country despite his young age of not quite fourteen.
Those close to King Henri D’Artois are seeing more and more clearly that the young King is a thoughtful leader who, though he doesn’t wish to abolish the monarchy or the aristocracy, believes in a world where everyone in France can have a good and fulfilling life — not just the rich. His education has led him as far as Thomas More’s Utopia. Henri feels strongly that as King of France it’s his responsibility to make sure all of his subjects have their needs met. No one should starve, anyone who wants an education should be provided with one, and all people deserve to have a good life no matter their rank, wealth, or any other factor. Henri feels that compromise rather than “one side or the other no matter what!” may be the only thing that can save France now. If a monarchy is to remain in power in France, it must be a different one than has ever been seen before.
There’s only one problem. Actually, there are many problems. But his current biggest one is the Chouannerie. This group of Aristocratic activists threw over the Republic and put Henri on the throne. But it didn’t take him long to realize he’s little more than their puppet. He’s king in name alone; they make all the decisions without consulting him. Their intent is to take revenge no matter the cost — and they’re doing it all under Henri’s name while thinking they’ve kept this a secret from the Boy King. Henri is becoming determined to find a way to emancipate himself and do away with the Chouannerie and Robespierre no matter what. His life is in danger, but currently he cares just as much about his good name and reputation to the people of France whom he wishes to protect as he does his own safety.
How’s a boy to manage this?
Well.. first on his list is already underway — getting Paul Chauvelin to like him. Henri knows Chauvelin wields a great deal of power within the new government even if he’s a Republican at heart. If Henri can get Chauvelin to support his monarchy, he’ll have a fiercesome advocate. But support for a monarchy from Chauvelin won’t come easily — Henri will have to earn it. And he will be tested and tried in all manner of ways along the journey.
The second on the list came when a contraband book (one of many Henri has and hides) about Tsar Peter the Great’s Toy Army fell into Henri’s hands. The tsar formed a play group of the sons of aristocratic courtiers and military officers. These boys grew up with Peter playing war. As they aged, their games became more strategic, more realistic, and by the time the Toy Army were adults they were a full fledged army with extreme loyalty to the young tsar they had grown up with. The first registered soldier in Russia had been a member of Peter’s Toy army.
With this information in hand Henri has decided to form his own version of Peter’s toy army. He’s told the Chouannerie that, unable to see his family, he’s very lonely, and he wishes to handpick some young men with whom he can interact and have enjoyable play times. The Chouannerie have been fooled completely by Henri’s seemingly harmless request. For two years now, Henri has been assembling a small army of boys from as young as twelve to as old as twenty who know his desires to find a way to clear his name, help the people of France, and become King in his own rite — and rather than playing when they meet — they are doing everything they can to help him achieve this goal. This group of aristocratic boys find Henri’s logic stimulating and appealing. They can sneak into the streets of France unnoticed to bring donations to the people who most need them, food and medicines to sick and poor houses, and bring back vital information as well as loyalty to the Boy King on what is really happening within his country. Two years together has cemented the friendship of these boys and as they quietly let the word out that Henri is not the person that the Chouannerie is making him out to be, more and more boys want to secretly join Henri’s “Play army” And considering some of them are upwards of 20 years old now… this group of supporters to the boy king are becoming not so “playful” anymore.
So what about you? Where will your loyalties lie? Will you support King Henri D’Artois in his desire to become King in his own rite and do good for the people of France? To compromise rather than demand one way or the other? As Henri’s toy army is getting larger and more powerful though the Chouannerie has no idea, it’s becoming much easier to expand the group of boys.. grown men with power like Paul Chauvelin are beginning to notice Henri’s budding potential.. so anyone is welcome to help no matter their age. Henri might even take *gasp* a girl! Who would have thought it!?
This forward thinking young monarch wishes to see his country strong and united again.. and he and those loyal to him will stop at nothing to see it happen. And the word on the streets within the city of France is beginning to say in whispers that Henri is not the person the Chouannerie are making him out to be…
Is it too little too late?
Or could the boy king change the future of France permanently and forever?
Do you hear the people sing?
(Plot written by Beck)