Fire Warms the Northern Lands -- A Prussian AAR

**Rocketman** · 10-08-2005 05:38

Louis Napoleon - dead?

Damn, I did not see that coming...

Hope the Kaiser feeds France its own ass for this.

**coz1** · 10-08-2005 17:27

Me neither. I was just thinking how difficult it would be for him to get back in the good graces with the Prussians...now it's quite a moot point, isn't it?

I must assume the radicals had it planned this way from the beginning. Try to incite riot using the socialists as a ruse, and then take power. I can't see Wilhelm waiting too terribly long to reverse that position of an uneasy peace.

Great stuff here, Renss. A very vivid moment of the final Nappy's death. (He is the final Nappy isn't he?

)

**Draco Rexus** · 10-08-2005 17:58

I've never been overly fond of the Nappy family, but that was just a nasty way to go... First betrayed and then torn apart by an angry mob. That's just..... so wrong.

I dare say, I believe that der Kaiser is going to be having issues when it comes to the "new" France. Issues that are not going to stay within the boundries of mere diplomacy. The question is not if, but when.

As usual, Renss, awesome!

**dsk** · 10-08-2005 21:37

*de-cloak*
Great AAR!

I didn't read it at first because I thought "Prussian AAR? boring". Glad I read it though .. Took me ages to read it too

Anyhow, back to lurking!

*cloak*

**BBBD** · 11-08-2005 00:15

Enthralling as always Renss.

Perhaps the Kaiser will act to stamp out the Radicals in Europe, a monarch must rule in France again.

**GhostWriter** · 11-08-2005 02:39

Originally Posted by Rensslaer

..Ultimately, a republican government with an unexpectedly authoritarian character reigned over Paris, and eventually the rest of France. Kaiser Wilhelm I decided to cut his losses and accept an uneasy truce with the new Gambetta government. And Louis Napoleon, the last Bonaparte of any consequence, was finally gone. He could cheat fate – and death – no more.

with France free, and with the fifth largest military, it is time to buff up your industry and your military... [hint, hint

]

sorry to see that Louis Napoleon go the way he did. had grown rather fond of him. [ shudder

]

excellent, just excellent ! ! !

**Rensslaer** · 11-08-2005 20:19

Well, I was hoping that this extended scene would prove a jaw-dropper... I guess it worked!

It warms a writer's heart to see readers emotionally involved so.

Originally Posted by Draco Rexus

I've never been overly fond of the Nappy family, but that was just a nasty way to go... First betrayed and then torn apart by an angry mob. That's just..... so wrong.

Great to see you, Draco! In my reading of history, I've found that it's just... so French! The less glowing accounts of the French Revolution (the ones which don't equate it with "the second coming") mention some of the most brutal and savage behavior by the residents of Paris, who in those times were quite anarchistic.

Originally Posted by coz1

Me neither. I was just thinking how difficult it would be for him to get back in the good graces with the Prussians...now it's quite a moot point, isn't it?

I must assume the radicals had it planned this way from the beginning. Try to incite riot using the socialists as a ruse, and then take power. I can't see Wilhelm waiting too terribly long to reverse that position of an uneasy peace.

Great stuff here, Renss. A very vivid moment of the final Nappy's death. (He is the final Nappy isn't he?

)

Thank you for your kindness, Coz. Yes, I think he's the final Nappy. Some others may drift, but not to return.

It was actually the Bourbons who were used as a foil to get the socialists riled up. Not an atypical ruse for revolutionists, and drawn on a Bourbon claim/threat (the Comte) which historically existed in this period.

Louis Napoleon had (during his short, last tenure) become quite close to the Prussians. I just never got to show that.

Mettermrck, Rocketman, BBBD, Ghostwriter, thank you all for your kind attention and comments! Great to see all of you, and I really appreciate your sticking around through such a long and detailed story.

Some of you expressed hope that the Kaiser would seek revenge and/or attempt to take back Europe from the socialists and republicans.

Unfortunately (foreshadowing), Prussia is still recovering from decades of war and debt, etc. and when I looked at doing exactly what you suggest, I realized (and Rensselaer realized) that going into more extended war might raise the possibility of a second bankruptcy

, which was something we weren't willing to risk. The next few years will have quite a bit going on, and there are some attempts to get a handle on the socialist situation in some ways. But war with major powers would not be sought by the Kaiser, who had been warned of the risks.

Do watch for the creative expansions which are to come in the next decade, though... And there will be a reckoning with France... Just not right away!

Originally Posted by dsk

*de-cloak*
Great AAR!

I didn't read it at first because I thought "Prussian AAR? boring". Glad I read it though .. Took me ages to read it too

Anyhow, back to lurking!

*cloak*

DSK! Thank you very much for decloaking and for your kind praise! I know there are quite a few lurkers... I watch the view count go up and up.

I appreciate that you've taken the time to read through such a long story! Please stick around... you've got only half the story, so far.

Rensslaer

**GhostWriter** · 11-08-2005 22:30

Originally Posted by Rensslaer

Please stick around... you've got only half the story, so far.

LOL ! excellent ! as i said in another AAR, "who wants a short AAR?" i certainly don't !

**Rensslaer** · 12-08-2005 01:03

Sorry, I was rushed earlier... I was on a library computer and it kept trying to kick me off!

So to reiterate and expound upon a couple of points...

With both, Russia and France, it was difficult to decide what to do (largely due to strange game mechanics). Both had socialist governments, suddenly, but both retained alliances with Prussia. Did we wish to break the alliance and attack? In the end, I decided that Prussia was not in a position to lose those alliances, far less to then attack countries with major military power!

The next decade will be quite interesting at times, but will mostly be a period of slow recovery and expansion -- building up military, industry, infrastructure and colonies. An exciting time, in many ways.

And there will be some anti-socialist actions. And some revenge to be had. Eventually, France will see the fruits of her treachery.

I will hope to have updates ready soon, but I've got to get my latest edition of the paper out too...

Thanks, everyone!

Rensslaer

**Mettermrck** · 12-08-2005 01:29

Originally Posted by Rensslaer

With both, Russia and France, it was difficult to decide what to do (largely due to strange game mechanics). Both had socialist governments, suddenly, but both retained alliances with Prussia. Did we wish to break the alliance and attack? In the end, I decided that Prussia was not in a position to lose those alliances, far less to then attack countries with major military power!

Nothing wrong with a little caution now and then. Helps you survive longer.

**Draco Rexus** · 12-08-2005 18:18

Exactly. Remember, discreation is the better part of valor!

Can't wait to see what Prussia does to set matters right in the world.

**GhostWriter** · 13-08-2005 07:03

Originally Posted by Draco Rexus

Can't wait to see what Prussia does to set matters right in the world.

i think it is called French toast! hmmm. perhaps i should have said, "toast France."

**Rensslaer** · 14-08-2005 01:12

Originally Posted by GhostWriter

sorry to see that Louis Napoleon go the way he did. had grown rather fond of him. [ shudder

]

Ghostwriter, I too had grown very fond of Louis Napoleon. He's been one of several characters who have taken on a life of their own in this story -- for me, and I think for many of you.

I'm really sorry to see him go, as I will especially miss writing for him (and the odd relationship between him and Rensselaer!). The two of them appeared together, on Page 2 of this 31 page story (which I know because I am attempting to cobble together some kind of index to make navigation of the story easier for readers (and for me!)).

On the other hand, on the planning boards for this AAR, Louis Napoleon had already effected one of his famous "escapes", as I had truly planned for him to die in Madagascar. Instead, the game dealt me certain cards which enabled me to have more use of him. I'm glad for that, as I really enjoyed writing that scene of the revolt in Paris.

I want to take a moment to thank you and every other reader here, whether you've been posting or not. As an author I am both proud and humbled that you have paid so much attention to this story, such that sometime today we have just surpassed 30,000 views!

And to think that this story has gone on for 13 months of real time, and is only half-way done. I have most of the remaining 45 years planned out, and some of it even written, so I have every expectation of finishing this in coming months. Then... On to something else! Not sure exactly what, yet... three or four AARs come to mind (they're already in process, so proposing other suggestions will only confuse the matter!).

I really do appreciate your readership! And, while I typically write this and other stories for fun and my own enjoyment, it is especially edifying to see others enjoying it too!

Rensslaer

p.s... Almost forgot: Mettermrck, I really like that snazzy Chi Rho you have going there!

**prussiablue** · 15-08-2005 04:33

Congrats, Rens 30,000 views, a testament to your great storytelling ability, now how about do yourself proud and take a bow!!

**GhostWriter** · 18-08-2005 02:25

Originally Posted by prussiablue

Congrats, Rens 30,000 views, a testament to your great storytelling ability, now how about do yourself proud and take a bow!!

yes, what he said ! !

of course, an update would OK !

**Rensslaer** · 19-08-2005 07:14

I'm just testing this idea out... I recently saw someone else had designed an index for their AAR, and I thought it was so neat I began compiling one myself.

Please let me know if you think this will be helpful for new readers (or old!) or not. I may leave it, just because it's helpful to me!

Selected Post Index
(selected important posts, now complete through all the Epilogues)

Prussians and Americans Meet in the Pacific Islands

Grzybowski Memoirs on the Peruvian Campaign

Count Van Rensselaer Tells King and Kauperke About Louis Napoleon

Prime Minister Von Kauperke Reflects on Prussia’s Future

King and Cabinet Argue About Danish Provocations

Grzybowski Memoirs on Meeting a Russian Cossack (1847)

Rensselaer Runs Into Louis Napoleon Pt. 1

Rensselaer Runs Into Louis Napoleon Pt. 2

Rensselaer Admits Ruse to Louis Napoleon, Negotiates a Peace

Prof. Herz: “The Rhennish Republic”

Grzybowski Memoirs on Fighting the Rhennish Rebellion

Kauperke Diary Entry on Telling Off Brazil’s Ambassador

KronPrinz Friedrich Wilhelm and Prince Albert at London’s Great Exhibition (1851)

Grzybowski Memoirs on Invading Denmark

A Missionary is Preserved Against a Mohammedan Massacre

Kapitan Detzler Witnesses Death and Devastation in Yebuti

Grzybowski Memoirs on Meeting the Cossack Again, in Madagascar

Grzybowski Memoirs: With the KronPrinz in Sinai

Grzybowski Memoirs: Assaulting the Port of Aqaba From the Desert

Kapitan Detzler Fights the Egyptian Fleet

Rensselaer Calls Upon Louis Napoleon at an Inopportune Time

Prof. Herz: The Dam Breaks in War With France (1858)

Prof. Herz: Impending Doom for Prussia

French Sergeant Denis Chapelle Faces an Unexpected Turn of Events

Emperor Louis Napoleon has a Testy Tete a Tete With Marshal Bazaine

Louis Napoleon Run to Ground – Rensselaer Consoles

King’s Cabinet Considers Pressing Matters – Total Victory, Overwhelming Debt

Friedrich Wilhelm and Maj. Caprivi Reflect On War As They Enter France

Jungle Warfare in the Philippines

Rensselaer’s Diary: The Zollverein and the North and South German Federations

Prof. Herz: Resolution of “The War of the Entente”

Top Ranked Countries of the World in 1863

Louis Napoleon Escapes & Flees Rensselaer’s Estate

“A Perfectly Domestic Scene” – The Crown Prince and Princess Disagree on England

Great Britain Declares War on Prussia and Her Allies (1865)

Prof. Herz: Austria and South Germans Join In War Against Prussia

Lt. Joachim Longanecker and the Stralsund Cavalry in South West Africa

Capitaine Denis Chapelle Leads the French Against British Invaders

American General Philip Sheridan In the Field

The South German Federation Surrenders

Chapelle Defends Paris From the British

A Reflective Letter from the Crown Prince to Crown Princess Victoria

The Crown Prince Receives Unwelcome News of a Peace With Austria

Explaining the Unwelcome Peace (by Event!)

After Bittenfeld’s Death, Gen. Schwedt Leads the Stralsund Cavalry In a Bold Plan Against South Africa

Commodore Detzler Reconnoiters, Discovers Brits Descending On Singapore

Kapitan Joachim Longanecker Overhears Gen. Schwedt’s Desperate Plan

A Somber Tale of the Stralsund Cavalry (w/Joachim Longanecker)

Lt. von Riedesel Views a Distant, Frigid Shore

Joachim Longanecker Escapes from a S. African Prison Camp

Prof. Herz: War in North Prussia & the Defense of Berlin (1868)

It’s a Fine Day for a Betrayal, N’est Ce Pas?

Prussian Cabinet Discusses French Separate Peace… Then There’s a Twist!

”Hello, Old Friend”: Rensselaer, Louis Napoleon and Joachim Longanecker

Prof. Herz: Field Marshall Edwin von Manteuffel Saves the Day

Queen Victoria Envisions Peace With Prussia

Queen Victoria’s Instructions to Prime Minister William Gladstone

Prof. Herz: Final Peace Between Prussia and Britain (1869)

An Invitation: Friedrich Wilhelm Comes Into His Own

Magister Joachim Longanecker at the Ruins of Troy

End of An Era, Part I: Louis Napoleon and Joachim Longanecker

End of An Era, Part II: Louis Napoleon and Joachim Longanecker

End of An Era, Part III: Louis Napoleon and Joachim Longanecker

The Garden Party: Prince Pietr van Rensselaer Speaks with General Leo von Caprivi

Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm Sets Foreign Minister Rensselaer Straight On Policy

Rensselaer’s Diary: Uncertainties Over His Future

Longanecker and Riedesel Scout the Streets of Ghazzah

Young Prince Wilhelm Yearns for Combat in Egypt

The Kaiser Is Dead! – Long Live the Kaiser!

Prof. Herz: A Look Back At Kaiser Wilhelm I, and A Look Forward (1881)

Prof. Herz: The Scramble For Africa: An 1870s – 1880s Colonial Update

Prof. Herz: HIST 3420 – Prussia Survey II (A Special, Sexy Guest Appearance!)

**GhostWriter** · 19-08-2005 22:25

Originally Posted by Rensslaer

...an index for (the) AAR..helpful for new readers (or old!) or not. I may leave it, just because it's helpful to me!..

very neat ! however, for new readers a separate thread (or, links?) with only the updates of the AAR would be much easier to read. just a thought...

personally, i would like to see both. but that may take up too much time.

**Alamgir** · 24-08-2005 05:50

Great job! I've been reading for the past "few" hours and have loved every minute if it. Has this AAR really gone on for a year?

**GhostWriter** · 25-08-2005 04:32

Originally Posted by Alamgir

Great job! I've been reading for the past "few" hours and have loved every minute if it. Has this AAR really gone on for a year?

yes, truely a Great job !

in the tradition of Spock, this AAR has gone on for one year, 9 days, 8 hours, and 47 minutes.

**Rensslaer** · 25-08-2005 05:24

Originally Posted by GhostWriter

in the tradition of Spock, this AAR has gone on for one year, 9 days, 8 hours, and 47 minutes.

...and 34 seconds...

Please, peace and long life (so you may finish reading this AAR!)

Coincidentally, I just saw the TNG rerun the other day with Spock and Sarek guest-starring. Spock may rank up there with Asimov as one of the most enduring icons of sci-fi.

I love that Leonard Nimoy played in the original Twilight Zone (or was it Outer Limits?) screenplay of "I, Robot" and then was asked to guest-star in the 1990s version when they started the TV show up again.

Anyway... update coming within a few hours. I promise!

Not my best work, and not terribly critical to the story, but I'll give you a status update on postwar Prussia at the same time as I give you some insight into the personalities of two Wihelms.

Thank you again, everybody, for your readership and comments! And welcome Alamgir! I truly appreciate your commitment in reading so much at once. I take that as the highest of compliments for you to have honored me so!

Rensslaer

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