The House of Hamilton - The AAR of one family's experiences in 100 years

[aronnax]

The story of the
House of Douglas-Hamilton





Chapter I: The Christmas Letter - 14th December 1836

Hamilton Palace is a marvel piece of architecture. Large stretches of open fields and parks surround the Grand manor, who laid as the centerpiece to the mosaic of gardens and winding paths of stone and earth. In the summertime, they bloom in glory of flowers of every colour and kind with huge booming trees that dot the grounds in lushes of dark green. In the winter, they seek to awe and amaze too, for Scottish winter, true to it’s nature, blankets the ground in a sheet of pure white as one lone building of marble and mighty Greek columns stand as the resisting grey stronghold against the sieging colours of white.
A new year has begun. Though 1836 and 1837 are separated by one day, Lady Susan Douglas-Hamilton, wakes up to the feel of a different air. A different path altogether.

“Good morning Lady Susan. The Duke and Duchess are waiting for you in the Green Dining Room. ”

“Thank you Sarah. Will you tell the Duchess that I will be down as soon as I ready myself for breakfast.”

---------------------------

Breakfast routine in the Hamilton house was simple. Alexander, the Duke of Hamilton would read the morning paper tearing himself from it every so often to rant about “those damn Irish” or “those damn Unions” (to which the Duchess would respond with a monotonic ‘Yes dear, the damn Irish.’ ) before returning to his paper and the morning peace. Duchess Susan of Hamilton would somberly drink from her cup of tea, occasionally talking to one of her two children present. Lady Susan and Edward would whisper quietly and giggle to themselves under William’s watchful eye.

Duke: “Looks like Sir Conroy is trying to force Princess Victoria to sign away her powers and install the Duchess of Kent as regent until she is 25”

Duchess: “Why would the Princess do that? She’s almost 18.”

Duke:“Exactly. That Irish hound is clearly trying to gain control of the royal prerogative.”
“Damn Irish”

Duchess: “Yes dear. Those damn Irish. And that poor girl.”

And then silence returned to the morning breakfast.

...
...
...

Andrew: “Sir, the post from Hamilton has arrived. Would you like me to leave it here or p-”

Duke: “Just leave it here Andrew. I’ll look through them now.”

The Duke looked shifted through several of the letters.

Duke: “Susan, there is a letter from Phillip here.”

Duchess: “From India?”
Duke: “No Beirut.”

Duchess: “MY CHILD IS IN A BATTLEFIELD?”

The Duke ignored his wife’s horror and opened the letter calmly.

Dear Father and Mother,

I hope that you two are still healthy. I myself am still in perfect health and sorely miss you all in my travels. Attached with this letter is a Christmas gift from me to all of you.
For Father, I picked up this Egyptian mummy mask when I was in Egypt. I bought it off from a farmer who found it near the Tombs of the Ancient Pharaohs. Perhaps it may quench your passion for these artifacts for just a little while.
For Mother and sister, these beautiful silk scarfs I found on the markets in Baghdad.
For William, I hope this Rice Wine that I tasted in Macau is more to your taste than mine. It will surely give you a powerful kick!
And for Edward, this Kris dagger from my visits to the Port of Malacca.

In my last letter, I left you in my travels at the Goa. I have since than boarded a Portuguese boat under a questionably sober captain who was taking us to the port of Basra. The sea journey was rather uneventful and a few days later I landed to board a carriage to Jerusalem in Egypt. To my surprise, the city garrison refused to let me leave the city! Apparently, when I was in India, the Ottomans declared war one Egypt! For my safety it seems, no one was allowed in or out of the city.





Ottoman Garrison of Baghdad


Yet somehow the news of war flooded in. The Ottomans kept landing victory after victory! And the whole Levant was being systematically overrun with Ottoman troops and Egyptian troops were being repulsed! We even received news that the Tripoli insurgency was finally defeated by the Ottomans.



After three weeks of waiting in Baghdad, the officials allowed me to travel out of the city. It was a joyous moment mostly because the prayer calls were getting annoying and disturbing my sleep. The officials said that with both the Homs and Lebanon provinces under a secure Ottoman control and the Egyptians being pushed back to the Sinai, it was safe for me to travel again. Thomas said we should try to get to Istanbul by the North saying it was safer. But I wanted to see the Levant. The next day, we set off for Damascus.



We reached Damascus by Monday. The streets were empty of any civilians but soldiers patrolled the streets regularly. I was pulled over several times by wandering troops and asked for identification. William’s diplomatic papers from his trip to Germany allowed me to pass through mostly unmolested. Though I did had to pay off some money to bribe off the more attentive ones.

An old portrait of Damascus I found in the remaining stalls opened at the Grand Market.



With nothing much going on, we left for Beirut.My ship to Naples will leave in a few hours. I write this letter with hope that it reaches Hamilton by Christmas.

Your loving son.
Phillip James Douglas-Hamilton
Lord Abernethy
14th December 1836
Beirut, Ottoman Empire

Merry Christmas

[Morrell8]

I'll be following.

[Mr. Santiago]

I'll follow this

[aronnax]

Reserved for later use.

&

Morell8 & Mr Santiago: Yay my first followers! Thanks! There is more to come and any comments, good or bad (but constructive) will be appreciated!

[aronnax]

Chapter 2: The Diplomatic Clock is Ticking – 28th June 1838

The Coronation of Queen Victoria



Saint James's Court

Posonby: “Listen boy, here are the three best ways to gather the diplomats and Princes of Europe into one spot. One, a royal wedding. Two, a royal funeral. And three, a royal coronation. And thanks to God, we have been blessed with the third option where no one has to sign themselves to death, better known as marriage, or sit through a gaudy three hour funeral service.
And when such an opportunity arises, we diplomats milk it for everything we got. Now your father asked me to apprentice you in the ways of diplomacy so you better do yourself a favour and walk faster.”

Phillip began a light jog forward to catch up with John Posonby. Despite Posonby’s old age, Phillip found himself unable to keep up just by walking. Diplomacy is a serious business. The two men quickly cross the square and up the stairs. Outside Saint James's Palace, a bursting crowd rings loudly in cheer and merriment as they wave British flags patriotically.

Phillip: “And what happens when no one gets married, gets crowned or dies for some time? ”
Posonby: “We go to war. ”

No more was said for the time as they navigate the long corridors and winding staircases of Saint James's Palace. After a short while, Posonby reached a massive pair of doors with delicate Georgian gilding and patterns and stopped. He pulled out his finger and pointed it threateningly at Phillip.

Posonby: “Not a single word unless spoken to.”

Phillip nodded nervously and Posonby withdrew his gaze before he opened the massive doors. Two hundred personnel were scattered across a brightly decorated room speaking in a dozen different tongues. Diplomats of every nation and state dispersed themselves in chatter and negotiation as a small brigade of servants supplies them with endless drink and cigars. Squirreling his way through, Phillip caught glimpses of different conversations “The Belgians want Gelderland...” ”Taza is essential to Spain...”…”Mexico signed truce with Texas..” Posonby made his way through the crowd towards a young man in a red military uniform and a fur hat.

Posonby: “Reşid! My friend! ”
Reşid: “Posonby! It has been long hasn’t it?”
Posonby: “Hamilton, this is Mustafa Reşid Pasha, the Ottoman diplomat to Great Britain and her Foreign Minister as well. And this is my associate, Phillip Douglas-Hamiton, Lord Abernethy.”
Phillip: “It’s an honour, your excellency.”

John Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Ponsonby and Mustafa Reşid Paşa discuss European Politics

Reşid: “Now Posonby, I hope I can receive your government’s support for the return of Syria and Palestine to its true owner. Muhammad Ali had undermined the rule of our Sultan and we expect Europe’s powers to put Egypt in her place under Ottoman fold.
Posonby: “My government looks upon favourably on the return of some provinces taken by Egypt in the last war. However, Britain needs a guarantee of Egypt’s traditional liberties in this peace.”
Reşid: “Let’s not play this game Posonby. The French Ambassador has already informed me that his government is ready to accept Ottoman terms on Egypt should we acknowledge all rights in Tunisia to France. What must we promise to Britain to gain her support as well?”

Posonby: “This is what I like about you Reşid! Always to the point. Her Majesty’s government would recognise the transfer of territory east of the Sinai Peninsula to Turkey if Constantinople preserves the autonomous nation of Egypt as her suzerain and master. Britain would also like to secure certain trade privileges in Syria, Palestine and Egypt as well .”
Reşid: “That is acceptable within the Sultan’s wishes. Constantinople thanks you for Britain’s support. We shall further negotiate the details later. My staff shall contact yours.”

The Turk gave a short bow and left Posonby and Phillip.

Phillip: That was fast, sir.
Posonby: Time is key in diplomacy. If you are too late, you will miss out in edging out the best deal. Take the Austrians for example. I for one know that Vienna wanted to force Prussia out of Denmark. But the Austrian plea to the Great Powers came a day too late. Both France and Russia agreed to acknowledge Prussian conquest the day before the coronation after some negotiation. Speed is essential Hamilton. If you lack it, you lose out.
Phillip: Yes sir.

[aronnax]

Meet the Hamiltons

[aronnax]

Chapter 3: The Glory of Democracy - 2nd February 1839

The Parliament House was in session.

A new divisive issue has once again predictably split the House into two opposing and bitter sides. True to British politics, there wasn’t much debate actually going about. Logic and reason surrendered to mockery and stubbornness. Insults crossed the floor, papers wer thrown and torn up and monocles were dropped in a gasp. For after every line when the speaker held the floor, Parliament would either roar in cheers of approval or jeer childishly at their opponents. It is hard to imagine that this mob was Britain’s elected representation.

The Parliament House

Melbourne: “…want us to spend tax payer money on securing German farmland? And they say that Hanover’s countryside would provide material for British Industry?”
Boos and hiss flood the hall. Enraged MPs voice their displeasure.
Melbourne: “The only thing Hanover’s countryside would provide is a new country house for sly Tory adventures further away from their wives!”

Laughter and taunts now replaced the air.

Melbourne: “Britain has no need for Hanover. Anything German farmers can make, Britons can make it cheaper and better quality too! I say, let the Prussians take it. Britain has little time or needs for the backwaters of Europe. If the Tories really need a place for their affairs, I recommend them a manor house in Ireland.”
The crowd bursts into a thunderous applause. MPs banged tables and stomped their feet to drown the noise of the jeering opposition. The speaker of the house had unsuccessfully tried to control the clamour of Parliament and was just about to give up trying to keep the calm.

Speaker: “I NOW! I NOW INVIT- WILL YOU KEEP QUIET!” banging the gavel repeatedly. Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, the Duke of Hamilton approaches the floor amongst the chaos. The crowd, seeing that Alexander is ready to speak, quiets down in anticipation for the Tory whip.

The Duke speaks in front of the House

Alexander: “You think a party of farmers and craftsmen would welcome the introduction of more of their kind. Sadly it seems that Melbourne has been scared off by the mere mention of Prussia 'protecting' Hanoverian farmers. It seems that our honourable Prime Minister believes more in the Army of Prussia than in Britain’s Guards of Honour! Why shy away Lord Melbourne? Britain’s Dragoons have defeated Napoleon. Surely it can handle a tinpot Prussian brigade.”

The jeers and hisses mix with the booms of cheering. Parliament becomes increasingly wound up in emotion and agitation.

Alexander: “But what do you expect from a party of farmers and craftsmen. They clearly don’t appreciate the noble links between Hanover and our monarchy! After all, they don’t seem to have any themselves. Hanover isn’t just a mere plot of land. It has been part of our British heritage and history since George I. I don’t see why that ends just because our Queen is not the Queen of Hanover. British prestige is on the line! The loss of Hanover to Prussia is the loss of respect of Britain’s place in the world! Let the Teutons come! Let Berlin fume! For Prussia will not get Hanover without a fight! Fellow MPs, vote against this Hanoverian Bill! Vote to keep Hanover part of Britain’s Heritage.”
A new round of thunderous applause for the Duke boomed in Parliament.

…
…
…

The Hanoverian Bill succeeds 339 - 274 with 45 Abstaining.

[loki100]

this is a really brilliant idea, be interesting to see how you meld your characters into the in-game events

[Mr. Santiago]

The Parliament behaves like a rather angry mob, in my opinion. I'm waiting to see whether the characters have some sort of weight in history or are mere spectators; I suppose we'll find out as the story unfolds...

[Selzro]

This is very promising - but it will be a great feat to keep this up for 100 years, with an expanding family, marriages and deaths, etc. I'll be following it, in any case.

[Morrell8]

Rabble! Rabble! Rabble!

[aronnax]

@Loki100 - To be fair and honest, I kinda got the idea off this person's EUIII AAR staring a Talena. But I have always wanted to do something like though! Why play one country, when you can play a dozen? Perhaps lead them on a more historic path!

@Mr. Santiago - Yep. Or at least that is the impression I get from the movies of Victorian British Parliament. The Characters will alternate between playing a part and being a spectator. This story is as much as 100 affecting them as it is them affecting the 100 years

@Selzro - I hope I can make the 100 years! Of the 6 characters I introduced so far, four of them are based off real people, so those four will die, marry and have kids along with them. But the other two are up for anything I suppose. Yeah... When the family gets too big, I'm going to have to kill off, or put away some family members. I think I'll let the forum decide who I shall continue the story with. Provided the mods are okay with that part of interactivity.

@Morrell8 - I hope you are commenting on the British Parliament rather than my story =p.

@Thanks for reading so far, I already have another post done, but ill upload it tomorrow after I check for details!

[John Forseti]

@Mr. Santiago - Yep. Or at least that is the impression I get from the movies of Victorian British Parliament.

It's not as if it's any better these days, Prime Minister's Questions is still an embarassment to behold most weeks.

[loki100]

keep the debate on the topic of the AAR

[aronnax]

Chapter 4: Industry and Influence - 15th July 1841

Leopold: But wouldn’t that put the other 15 wineries out of business?
William: Ah! But that is the beauty of capitalism sir! If these 15 wineries want to stay competitive in the market, they will have to upgrade their infrastructure and hire more workers. These wineries are owned by Aristocratic families who have the finances to upgrade their wineries. They will become incentivised to industrialise as well, increasing output altogether! With careful planning, you can extend this to any sector of your country’s economy!
Leopold: That is insightful thinking Marquis Douglas. Your plans are detailed and convincing. You have my approval to enact the Baden Industrialisierung Programm.

The Grand Duke of Baden, Leopold

William: Thank you your Highness. I shall begin at once.
William began to gently bow when the Grand Duke interrupted him.
Leopold: Marquis… Let me ask you something.
William: As you wish your Highness.
The situation seemed different now. The Grand Duke’s tone turned serious. His face became stern and heavy and he beckoned William to take a seat. Nervously, William took to chair carefully, as if he was sitting on a sleeping lion.
William’s thoughts: [Oh God. Have I done something wrong? Was it my plan? Was it my hair? Father did tell me to cut it. I should have listened to him. I should ha-]
Leopold:” Have you heard about the recent assassination attempt of Bernhard von Lindenau?”
William: “Do you mean the Ministerprasidenten von Saxony?”
Leopold: “Precisely. Officially, it was militant liberals who tried to kill him. But my Intelligenz Buros traced a money trail from the assassins back to a Prussian General. “

Attempted assassination of the President-Minister of Saxony

William: “Wh- why are you implying your Highness?”
Leopold: “Saxony had always been a firm ally of Austria and under Von Lindenau leadership. He even convinced the Saxon King Friedrich August to ban the Prussian Ambassador once. It seems like this assassination was aimed at removing Pro-Austrian stances from the Saxon government. In any case… it worked. Von Lindenau was frightened into resignation and his Pro-Austrian kabinett crumbled away for suspiciously pro-Prussian one.”
Leopold stopped talking. In deep thought, he shuffled through his papers hastily. A silent unease had now firmly imposed itself on William’s spine. Cautiously, William dared to ask the Duke…

William: “With all due respect your Highness… Why are you telling me this?”
Leopold: “Prussia and Austria have been engaged in a diplomatic war. Bribery, blackmail, threats, smears, false charges. Anything it seems, to win over the different the courts of Germany. Things have remained relatively stabled. Although this attempted assassination brings this Great Game to a new level. Prinz Carl, the brother of the new Prussian Konig visits me today. And a month before the assassination attempt, Konig Friedich August was paid a similar visit by Prinz Carl as well if you understand me. And I would appreciate your advice Marquis.”

William stumbled, struggling to swallow and speak at the same time.
William: “I am honoured your Highness, but I am trained only to advice in industry and economics, not for the issues of diplomats or politics. Perhaps your advisors are better suited for this”
Leopold: “My advisors are public figures, therefore targets of blackmail, threats and bribery by either the Austrians or Prussians. But you! You were privately commissioned by my crown, no one in Berlin or Vienna knows who you are and what you are here for. And I trust in your knowledge of my country from your state surveys.”
Leopold placed a friendly hand on William’s shoulder. This was the first time that Grand Duke had physically touched him. He contemplated excusing himself from meddling in the realpolitiks of Germany but then again, it would not bode well for him to displease his employer…
Leopold swallowed again, though more successfully this time. He took a step back and recollected his thoughts for a moment. Finally, he sighed and conceded.
William: “My Father is Member of Parliament in Britain. And he campaigned for continued British influence and presence in Hanover after the Personal Union between Great Britain and Hanover ended. He vilified the Prussians. Tried to scare-monger the House to support continued British influence. However, his party lost vote and Britain relinquish her rights to Hanover to Prussia. Father was devastated.
Yet, a month later, my Mother had wrote to me, telling me how Father had invited a Prussian General and his family to Hamilton Palace. It seems that he was working to invest money in Prussia. The point was, why join the losing side? Why not hop onto the winning side while he still could.”
Servant:” Your Highness, the Prinz of Prussia will arrive soon.”
Leopold gave a tidy nod.
Leopold: “Marquis, thank you for your time, why don’t you follow Franz out? And Franz, inform me as soon as the Prussian Prinz arrives.”

[Morrell8]

Are you tag switching from nation to nation or is this multiplayer?

[aronnax]

Tag switching from nation to nation.

[John Forseti]

Tag switching from nation to nation.

Make sure you save and reload after you do so, the AI can get a bit weird after tag switching.

[Mr. Santiago]

Nice to know that the Duke of Baden is an open-minded, progressive man; the thing of allowing the Prussians in is that sooner or later they'll feel they have some sort of right to call the shots... Well, is that or risking to assasination..., oh, the joys of 19th century pollitics!

[Alfredian]

I am liking this very much. I think showing history through a single family is a great idea. It is certainly something I have considered for an AAR. I will be interested to see how you manage with the challenges Selzro points out about coping as the family expands.

***Warning pedantry alert*** Would lords be able to visit the House of Commons, let alone speak in debates? I know the children of peers often served as MPs, but their titles (such as the one William holds in your AAR) are only courtesy titles. They are not actually lords themselves. In modern times actual lords have had to resign their peerage to sit in the House of Commons (e.g. Tony Benn, Alec Douglas-Home).

Anyway pedantry aside this is good stuff. Keep it up.