ne t'en fais pas, mon chou.

[agogemod]

WHO? Everybody!
WHAT? Agoge's second TDM! And welcome to Paris, everybody.
WHEN? Late 1792, Paris.
ANYTHING ELSE? Violence, as always. Please warn in subject lines for anything beyond physical violence, and move to a personal journal if things go beyond PG-13.

IT'LL BE FINE;

Paris, 1792: revolutionary france.

read the France setting infopages

arrival for veterans

For those who broke off from the army that fought at Valmy and returned to Paris, they come to a city bustling with life. Not only that, but they are greeted with nothing short of a hero's welcome. The tricolor is flown from every possible spot that can hold a flag, cockades are everywhere, and people cheer the names of the generals Dumouriez and Kellermann.

Simply saying you fought at Valmy is liable to get someone to buy you a drink, do you a favor, congradulate you, shake your hand. It's a great way to get shopkeepers to lower their prices, to get a low cost room, or just get someone to smile. Children will ask for stories of the fight. Grown men and women will ask to know what the generals were like.

Yes, you are undercover, yes, you are in the wrong time, and possibly the wrong universe, but for today? You are heroes.

arrival for new recruits

If you didn't fight at Valmy, it means you're new to COST. Maybe you agreed to work with them, maybe you don't remember. It doesn't matter. You wake up in a Parisian hotel room with a kind woman standing near the door, waiting for you to awaken.

You have none of your clothing, just black military-issued underwear, and none of your previous possessions beyond the one you chose (if you remember choosing) to bring with you.

The woman by the door speaks French, and if you didn't understand the language before, you do now. If you have questions as to what's going on, she'll answer: you are a member of COST, a paramilitary organization of time travelers fighting against the Regency, a tyrannous kingdom of the future who are trying to stamp out freedom and individuality in the name of peace.

She will provide you with the clothing necessary to fit in at this time, and show you how to use your BCE implant to look up information on this time period and its social and political mores. She won't let you leave until you're properly dressed to fit in, but once you are, she'll wish you luck.



MISSION OBJECTIVE

Unlike the last two missions you may have faced with COST, this one isn't as straight forward as a battle. This is about information-gathering, keeping your ear to the ground, and watching.

Paris during the revolution, even early days like this, is rife with paranoia. Though the heroes of Valmy are treated with huge respect and admiration, that is a huge exception to the rule, one that will fade with time.

As it stands, everyone expects counter-revolutionary spies sent from Prussia and the Holy Roman Empire, or simply French monarchists, to take what freedoms the people of Paris have wrested for themselves. Whispers abound. Suspicions mount.

It's in the midst of this that COST has received information that the Regency has placed its spies within Paris. Their aims are currently unknown, but it's suspected they have some sort of machinations for the King and Queen. Paris has declared itself a republic, free of monarchial control, but the Regency may have other aims. It's imperative that COST operatives keep an eye open for any and all signs of suspicion.

It's just difficult, because so is everyone else in Paris.



CELEBRATE

Paris is in an uproar, excited by the return of some of its great heroes, the fighters at Valmy. Even if you didn't actively participate in the battle, if you were there, if you contributed at all, someone will want to shake your hand.

Of course, there's always rumors, and there's little way to prove one was actually at Valmy in this premodern era. Accusing, or being accused, of lying about this tremendous day is an excellent way to get into a fight. Be careful.

coffee break

At this time, high spirits in Paris are a dangerous thing. So many people on the streets inevitably leads to trouble: a riot breaks out.

You see, the shipment of more coffee from San Domingo is late, and this increases the price of the coffee already on the market. This may not seem like much, but the average citizen in Paris is very poor, and works upwards of twelve hours daily, often doing back-breaking or repetitive labor. Coffee is an essential ingredient to get them through the day, a stimulant to keep them from dropping flat. Price increases are even worse, then, because of certain laws put in place to stop this from happening. In an attempt to aid the poor, the National Convention has put price laws in place, decreeing that goods such as food and coffee cannot rise above a certain price. In view of the shortages, merchants have ignored these laws.

So a riot breaks out. People break shop windows, attack businesses, and fights break out left and right. In the chaos, it's difficult to tell friend from foe, and you may be attacked by someone who, hours ago, was shaking your hand and congratulating you. You may get swept up in the riot without meaning to. Or, hell, maybe you want to cause a little chaos and break some windows yourself.

Regardless, a riot is a calamitous thing; be careful. While it doesn't cease all of Paris-- Paris is a big place, after all-- it certainly takes a fair percentage of the streets, especially near markets.

One thing, though. It's very odd. Often, when these shops are broken into and goods are stolen, money is left behind. Generally, it's not the amount the shopkeeper was asking-- often, it's exactly the lower amount decreed by the National Convention's ignored law.

WITNESS A BEHEADING

But neither the riot nor the celebration overtakes all of Paris. There are other things going on. Like a beheading.

Jacques Cazotte is one of the first victims of the Terror that will sweep France in a couple months, though he didn't know it at the time. He is a monarchist, though, the very definition of the feared 'counter-revolutionaries' everyone believes live in secret throughout France, seeking to undermine the Revolution at any cost. (Convenient, considering the definition of what precisely a 'counter-revolutionary' is constantly shifting).

Many gather to watch his death, and cheer when the guillotine falls. The executioner holds up his head for all to see when the act is completed, and some may notice the eyes still blink and roll in their sockets. The crowd gasps and jostles closer to see more, but after that, there isn't much fanfare. The body and its head are shoved into a cart and taken away to be buried. The event is over.

Still, the people discuss with great excitement, happy the filthy monarchist, the counter-revolutionary, is dead and gone, and France is that much safer.

PLANT A LIBERTY TREE

Liberty trees are popping up all over Paris, and everyone wants to plant one (if only to say they have). They're any kind of tree, and people are plopping them down in any bit of soil they can find. It's a symbol of the revolution, of patriotism, of loyalty, of whatever the planter wants it to be. Join in, or you'll inevitably be invited to the activity. It's a great way to get an ear to the ground for gossip, or just an idea of how things are going in the city.

LISTEN TO A SPEECH

France was just recently declared a republic after literally hundreds of years of unbroken absolutist monarchism. People are a little excited. Attend political clubs to listen to the speeches on the subject, all with their own perspective (but nearly all very much in favor of the republic). Or maybe you'll see someone speechifying on a street corner, throwing their ideas out to the masses. People are forthright about their political opinions, because they feel like, for the first time in history, their political opinions actually matter. It's pretty exciting, if you're into that sort of thing.

If not, feel free to let people know. Giving public speeches is an active process, and the speech makers are expected to be able to keep up with the crowd. Heckle, argue back, debate, start a fight, whatever.

The major things being debated are what, exactly, to do with the king and queen now that France is a republic. Should they be executed? Should they be brought down to normal citizenship? Should they serve as figureheads, like in England, making France a constitutional monarchy? Is that a step backward or forward? Everyone has an opinion, and everyone wants to hear it.

However, if you're lucky, you might catch the rare debate on other subjects: women's suffrage (still unheard of), the correct price for bread and coffee, what to do about the slaves in San Domingo, and which countries to invade in the upcoming war. It's all on the table.

read the France setting infopages

NAV. NETWORK LOGS OOC PLURK DISCORD

Comments

[horsepowered]

[That...was opportunistic. Serves Chiron right. He doesn't balk though, he simply takes the boxes without any sort of grumbling, and unlike Mordred, he can see over the top of them with ease.]

That's quite fine. My own matter of lodgings are taken care of anyway.

[bloodings]

[ Give Mordred an inch and she'll take a mile. Her grin turns into a smirk when he takes them, happily pointing down the street in the direction of the store she was carrying them to. ]

So you've thought that far ahead, huh? [ She's not surprised. ] Well, if this doesn't work out, I'll just go along with you. Servants should stick together.

[ Wasn't she almost picking a fight ten seconds ago... ]

[horsepowered]

I've had a bit of a time advantage. [The street isn't terribly far, and in truth, the boxes are not that heavy either. Chiron pauses to shift them very slightly in his arms, then continues walking.

He is, however, a bit taken aback by her insistence of servants sticking together. There's no small amount of pride, to be sure, but the willingness to cooperate is what gets him.]

Mm. And in that case, allow me to also offer advice: I wouldn't mention any of your own royal based lineage around other people right now.

[bloodings]

[ It's an excuse to get what she wants. And while setting her arrogance aside for anything is a tough sell, she does wince a bit at his warning. ]

No kidding. These people seriously hate the king. [ She sounds surprisingly neutral about it. Her father was perfect, and people still rebelled — why wouldn't they do the same with someone lesser in charge? ] That's what all the boring speeches are about, right? I hope we're not supposed to listen to those.

[ She tried for like, five seconds. ]

[horsepowered]

It's hardly limited to their present ruler. Most of those with titles are not in favor at present.

[Chiron's own opinions on the matter are hardly formed yet. Observing all of this feels like hearing of all of the warring city-states of Greece, but remaining removed and at home in nature, far away from those worlds.]

But yes, that is what the speeches are about.

[bloodings]

Good to know. [ She nods. ] Guess that counts as finding out information. Job done.

[ Now COST can get off her back. "What did you learn?" "These people sure hate whoever's in charge." "Thanks." ]

At least the city's interesting to look at. I think I'll do some sightseeing later.

[horsepowered]

...It's common knowledge, I don't believe that will count.

[Come on Mordred, put some effort in.]

It's very interestingly developed. Hard to navigate at present though, as there has been rioting here and there.

[bloodings]

Common knowledge is still knowledge.

[ She will... maybe. But she shrugs. ]

We could try the rooftops. Who'd look up in a place like this? [ Assassin's Creed 101. ] But it's not like the riots are a problem, either. Sooner or later, they'll learn to stay out of my way.

[horsepowered]

[Chiron's not going to bother to further that particular argument. It's just going to end up in circles, or else flat out annoying Saber.]

Few people, I suspect. It'd also give an idea of where the riots are heading towards.

[As for Saber's boast, Chiron simply lets the comment hang in the air. Whatever she has in mind, he can't imagine it will go well.]

[bloodings]

Right? It's a great idea.

[ Chiron, no, don't agree with her. Grinning, she points to an inn a few doors down. ]

Take the boxes there, and tell the guy behind the desk I'll be back later. You can come if you want.

[ She looks both ways to make sure nobody's watching, and, with the assistance of a quick mana burst, jumps on top of the nearest building, giving him a thumbs up from the roof. ]

[horsepowered]

--You could do me the courtesy of waiting before continuing onward.

[Not that Chiron actually expects it. From what he's been able to gauge of Saber so far, she's the type to happily leave people in the dust. But thankfully it takes little time to deliver the boxes and duck back out to see if Saber is, indeed, even still on the rooftop.

Chiron's eyes go upwards to where he left Saber standing, unsure.]

[bloodings]

[ Damn right she is. She shows back up after a few seconds, crouching down on the edge of the rooftop like a tryhard delinquent. ]

Try and keep up, old man. We've got a lot of ground to cover.

[horsepowered]

[Like?

There's no hesitation as Chiron leaps up to join Mordred. Sure, he's an old man, but being a Heroic Spirit trumps all of that. If he's swifter than she expected, well, that just means he'll have no problems keeping up with her.]

And where is your intended final destination?

[bloodings]

[ She smirks. ]

Somewhere interesting. [ Duh. Do you really think she had a plan, Chiron? ] It's our job to investigate, right?

If a place looks suspicious, we'll sneak in. If there's a fight, we'll beat up anyone stupid enough to get in our way. [ Wait. ]

[horsepowered]

...The second part should be avoided if at all possible.

[Somehow, Chiron suspects, it is not going to be an easy thing to avoid. Not with Saber's personality. But Paris stretches out before the both of them, and Chiron can't help but look at the city in pleasant surprise. It sprawls everywhere, in every direction, as if planning was just a non-issue.

But there are some fancier looking areas with surprisingly dense populations around them.]

I expect the crowds are well infiltrated anyway.

[bloodings]

[ You're not her dad, Chiron!! ]

It's not my fault if someone messes with me.

[ It is if her attitude is what baits them into it... but details. Walking casually across the roof, she sizes up a few of the landmarks, all while eyeing off what she can see of the crowds below. ]

Infiltrated by who, though? If those Regency guys are smart, they'll have spies in every big group. Influencing the common folk is important. [ She sighs a little grumpily. ] Ugh. But I guess that means we really shouldn't make a scene.

[ Since they'll give themselves away if they do. ]

[horsepowered]

[That's right. Because unlike her dad, he's actually here.]

I was going to say by both sides, actually, both within the actual opposing sides within the city, and this...Regency versus COST thing that we've been summoned into.

[But she's figured out not to make a scene. That's the important part. Chiron's eyes move towards the river that snakes through the city, and frowns.]

You'd expect more water traffic.

[bloodings]

[ Harsh... but fair. Chiron's not a deadbeat.

Mordred looks over at the water and shrugs. ]

Maybe people don't want to get wet. [ She grins at her own bad joke. ] It must be easier to get around on land. The river is a good point of reference, though — and maybe we could borrow one of those at some point.

[ "Borrow". She points to a horse-drawn carriage making its way along one of the wider streets. Not knowing Chiron's real name, the irony is lost on her. ]

[horsepowered]

No, it isn't that. Something like a river would bring trade in and out of the city. There are shortages at the moment, to be certain but...

[Mordred's already pointing, and Chiron can't help but smile. His expression makes it clear that this? This is a private joke known only to himself.]

I feel as if you'd just outpace the horse and then complain that it's slow.

[bloodings]

It's not my fault if they can't keep up.

[ Called it. She completely misses how predictable her attitude makes her, and instead takes it as a compliment. Damn right she's fast. ]

And unless the river's blocked, it's probably none of our business. [ Like Mordred cares what is and isn't her business. But talk of trade and the like (read: anything that isn't fighting) quickly turns into blah blah blah in her small mind. ] Seriously, it feels like we're stuck waiting for the other side to make a move. There's way too much crap that might not be important.

[horsepowered]

[It isn't a good thing to be that easy to read and predict.

But there's something else here, and that's something Chiron can actually agree on: this is a much different type of warfare than most Heroic Spirits are used to.]

You're not wrong. Nor is it what so many of us are either suited for [mages usually cover that for Grail Wars, after all] or never were factors in our own fights. It's the kind of war that develops with more politics, I feel.

[bloodings]

Boring. [ Not sounding like much of a king there, Mordred. ] Short of storming the palace, there's not a lot we can do about politics. I could probably rally some of these people....

[ She seems to halfheartedly consider it for a second, but that's definitely not what they're here for. So fortunately for everyone, she lets it go. ]

You know. We're supposed to be looking for anything suspicious, but aren't we the most suspicious of all? Not just you and me, but all of us.

[horsepowered]

[There's something that makes perfect sense about Saber storming the palace. It's the personality she's shown so far, more than anything else, but Chiron's not stupid enough to make any remark to that effect out loud. But then she has...a really damn good point.

But rather than agree, Chiron lifts his eyebrows slightly, curious as to Saber's theory on it.]

Hm. How so?

[bloodings]

For starters... you're too big.

[ She says it as a criticism, like it's something he can help. If she's going to say something serious, she at least has to lead with something stupid first. ]

Servants like us have an easier time than most. We can lose people in an instant, or sneak into places easily. But as a group... we all stand out. None of us react like these people do, and we don't talk like them, either. If we're asked a simple question about this time period, we probably won't know the answer.

We have to be careful, that's all. Any one of us could be caught out easily.

[horsepowered]

[He used to be bigger! Mordred gets a frown at that critique, because...seriously, Mordred, he can't shrink. That might be someone else's noble phantasm, but not his.

But Mordred's explanation is absolutely logical. Chiron nods as she speaks, following her all the way through.]

That is exceedingly true, especially as it accounts for anyone who isn't familiar with any portion of history here, period. There are a few, it seems.