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 Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 9:50 am
Affairs of State
Welcome to the fabulous, elaborate world of Western Aristocracy. It is the start of the nineteenth century and the world is not as glamorous as it may seem in pictures. However. Within the confines of a court there is nothing but a world of glittering jewels and elaborate; of scandalous happenings and gossip all about. Who has married who, who has been to bed with who and what will these imperialistic warmongers take next.
It is late November, 1809
England
King: George III (71)
Queen: Charlotte (65)
Children:
George IV (47)
Frederick, Duke of York (46)
William IV (44)
Charlotte (43)
Edward (42)
Augusta Sophia (41)
Elizabeth (39)
Ernest Augustus I (38 )
Augustus (36)
Adolphus (35)
Mary (33)
Sophia (32)
Octavius (30)
Alfred (29)
Amelia (26)
[Yes, they actually had this many kids.]
France
Emperor Napoleon I (40)
Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais (46)
Children (Joséphine‘s):
Eugène de Beauharnais (28 )
Hortense de Beauharnais (26)
Holland
King Louis Bonaparte (31)
Queen Hortense de Beauharnais (26)
Children: 1 deceased
Napoleon Louis Bonaparte (5)
Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (1)
Spain
King Joseph Bonaparte (41)
Queen Julie Clary Bonaparte (38 )
Children: Zénaide Laetitia Julie Bonaparte (8 )
Charlotte Napoleon Bonaparte (7)
Westphalia
King Jérôme Bonaparte (25)
Queen Catharina Frederica (Bonaparte) (26)
Children: Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte (Not present, thank Napoleon, only Jérôme‘s son) (4)
Austria
King: Francis I (41)
Queen: Maria Ludovika (22) [3rd wife]
Children: Marie Louise (18 )
Ferdinand I (16)
Maria Leopoldina (12)
Maria Clementina (11)
Maria Caroline (8 )
Franz Karl (7)
Maria Anna (5)
Prussia
King: Frederick William III (39)
Queen: Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (33)
Children: Frederick William IV (14)
Wilhelm I (12)
Charlotte (11)
Charles (8 )
Alexandrine (6)
Louise (1)
Albrecht (infant)
Russia
Tsar: Alexander I (32)
Tsarina: Louise of Baden (30)
No Surviving Children
America
President: James Madison
First Lady: Dolley Todd Madison
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:28 am
Character Profiles
(Yes you even have to do one for real people.)
Name:
Played By:
Country: (Preferably of those listed, however, you are not limited to these alone)
Age:
Appearance: (Pictures or descriptions)
Title: (If no standing in high society, then job title)
Concise Biography to 1809:
Personality:
Hobbies:
Characters
Name: Napoleon I of France
Played By: Arrieth
Country: France, Italy
Age: 40
Appearance: 
Title: Emperor of the French
Concise Biography to 1809: Napoleon attended a Military academy in France as a child, and from the beginning was an exceptional military mind. By 1793, he was a hero of the Frnech Military, specifically Toulon, and despite a few setbacks including an arrest during the revolution, by 1795 he was, again, a hero to the French. By 1800 Napoleon was First Consul of the French, and four years later, crowned himself Emperor. In 1796, Napoleon married Josephine de Beauharnais, a widow six years his senior, and adopted her two children from a previous marriage. However, it is 1809, and she has yet to bear him a son of his own.
Personality: If you learn nothing else about Napoleon I, know that he conquered all of the world he did to house his enormous ego. He's subborn, bossy and very, very ambitious. However, he is a romantic, a brilliant man and actually rather charming. He is witty with a sense of humor and a man who, no matter what, remebers his family (hence the Bonaparte kings everywhere).
Hobbies: Obviously anything related to the military, strategy, and, well, he is a man.
Name: Contessa Latizia da Matera
Played By: Arrieth
Country: Italy
Age: 16
Appearance: 
Title: Contessa
Concise Biography to 1809: An orphan that Napoleon took a liking to in Italy. As king of Italy, he granted her the money and the title. She is also often present during big events at Tuileries including house parties and balls.
Personality: Lively and Spirited. She likes anything of color and enjoys the party scene. She is however, as many of the societal girls are, rather innocent in comparison to the modern sixteen year old.
Hobbies: Painting, reading and dancing are her three most favorite activities.
Name: Jérôme Bonaparte
Played By: Son of a Jotun
Country: Kingdom of Westphalia
Age: 25
Appearance: 
Title: King of Westphalia (Proprieter of Nepotism)
Concise Biography to 1809: Jérôme served in the French Navy before going to the United States and meeting the woman of his dreams. He married the merchant's daughter and his (big meanie doo doo head) older brother, Emperor of the French, did not approve. In 1807, Napoleon created the State of Westphalia and gave it to Jérômoe (probably to shut him up about the wife thing). That same year he married Catherina of Wuttenburg and probably has not been faithful for an entire 24 hours of that time.
Personality: Impulsive and commonly thought of as the "wild one" of the Bonaparte family, Jérôme has an awful tendency to fall in and out of his older brother's favor.
Hobbies: Parties and love affairs and naval battles and obviously shopping for awesome hats.
Name: Prince Klemens Von Metternich
Played By: Son of a Jotun
Country: Austria
Age: 36
Appearance: 
Title: Minister of State, Prince
Concise Biography to 1809: As any statesman of the time, up to his beign appointed Minister of state, he studied, married, and was imprisoned during the War with France earlier in 1809. Once released however (and now that France and Austria have settled their differences), Von Metternich is a strong supporter of peace with France and especially with Napoleon. As he is not retarded, and understands they should be friends with the most powerful man in Europe.
Personality: Arrogant as anyone of his class, Von Matternich is, like Napoleon, quite an egoist and is pretty sure that everyone around him is in love with him. Rightly so as, like everyone else this powerful, he's a slut.
Hobbies: Politics, Arranging Marriages and gettin' some.
Name: Kensington
Played By: Naughtygrl144
Country: England
Age: 25
Appearance:
Title: Duke of Verdale
Concise Biography to 1809: Kensington had grown up in the wealthy home of his parents. His mother died at child birth when he was no more then ten years of age. He was sent away to school when he was of the right age, and soon as he was old enough to join the war against Napoleon, he joined in. No more then a month later he received word his father had also passed away. Through a series of unfortunate events during the War of the Fifth Coalition he found himself captured and forced into Napoleon's personal guard.
Personality: A serious man and well educated. He takes on all jobs and puts forth his best effort. He is best with sly cutting words and being a little vulgar are times. He's a proud man who isn't super pleased being forced in servitude to the very man he had been trying to take down.
Hobbies: Attempting to learn French, half-heartedly.
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 10:38 am
Western Europe, 1809-1810
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Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
It was not going to be a quiet night, Napoleon had known that since he had first made up his mind about this that it was bound to end in disaster. However, his wife's feelings were the last thing on his mind at the moment. Besides the fact that she had made a cuckold out of him (not that he had been necessarily faithful himself) and had spent his money like it was going out of style, she had yet to give him a child, and he needed an heir.
He was standing before his valet and allowing the man to take his coat, "I won't be needing anything else tonight."
The man gave him a half-nod and took a step back, draping the emperor's coat over his arm. He was aware, as was most of the staff and then men who socialized at all with the emperor, of what was happening that night.
"Then I bid you good night monsieur l'empereur, and good luck." He bowed and stepped out, careful to not turn his back on the emperor.
Napoleon loosened his cravat and tossed it aside. He ran both hands through his hair, obviously in distress, and stripped off his shirt and breeches. He sat on the side of the bed and could do nothing more than wait.
Josephine entered, a bit suspicious as her husband had seemed a bit off all night, but she suspected nothing along the lines of what was coming. The night went as every night of their marriage had gone before.
Later into the evening however, Napoleon sat up, freeing himself from his wife's hold and sighing, "Josephine. I have to speak with you."
The woman's scream could be heard throughout most of the house. But her pleas could only be heard at the most, by the occupants of the adjacent room.
---
Letizia heard the empress's scream from her guest room down the hall. She felt bad, truly, but she had known, just like everyone else really. She knew that Napoleon was already in the process of finding a second wife. As a matter of fact, she was almost certain she had overheard him telling Franceschi Cipriani, his major domo and a prominent servant, that he had already secured the daughter of Francis II of Austria.
While Letizia herself had no particular feelings toward the empress, she knew this probably was not going to be a fun week at Tuileries.
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Son of a Jotun Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:41 pm
Jérôme arrived late to Tuileries. Just another reason for Napoleon to be cross with him? He could really not care less. He stepped out of the carriage and paid the driver, offering his hand to his wife as she stepped out behind him. He took his wife by the arm and walked her toward the door. He knocked on the door and stepped in upon its answer, only to hear the ear-shattering cacophony erupting from the floor above them. His eyes widened a bit and he glanced to his wife, "Well, I suppose we came in on a fine night for fun."
He allowed a servant to see them to their guest rooms and he began undressing, "I suppose I should not inquire until tomorrow, but I can't help being curious."
His wife gave a small shrug, "Understandable." As they had both left their valets behind, she assisted her husband in undressing. It was not quite the first time. But they did need privacy, after all, the King of Westphalia, too, needed an heir.
Klemons von Metternich reviewed his letter once more before he began folding it and sealing it away. He reached for a candle and burned a small stick of wax to seal the envelope. He turned it around to double check the front. The envelope had already been addressed, and it was for the Emperor of the French.
He stood and handed the letter to a servant, "Make sure it is delivered immediately."
He stepped out and down the dark hallways with only his candle lighting the way. It was late, too late really to be up and about, but the matter was urgent, and a secured alliance with the man who ruled most of Western Europe needed to be an ally.
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Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 12:15 pm
Kensington Turner, the once Duke of Verdale, had been sleeping soundly in his room for most of the night. He had been in the room, unfortunately next to the Emperor's, since he had been brought back to France. And had grown rather used to the late night noises.
No matter how used to the noise he was, he couldn't be ready for the scream that erupted from the walls. Sitting up quickly he jumped from bed expecting to hear guards yelling a break in, but it didn't happen. Walking over to the wall he shared with the Emperor he pressed his ear to it. Not like he understood most of it. But he could still discern a few choice words here and there.
Kensington stepped back and shook his head. So what he had heard from the translator was right. Napoleon was calling it quits with his wife. It was not going to be a fun next few days.
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Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 1:33 pm
It was a few days before Napoleon received the prince's letter, and by that time Josephine had become a bit more rational and even more reasonable, and was moving out. Of course she did not want to, but she knew she would lose in the end, and it was best to go out with what dignity she had left.
Napoleon was in his study with the young contessa when Cipriani brought him the letter. He gave the man a small nod, suppressing a smile, and excused himself from their conversation to look over the prince's words.
Napoleon handed the opened letter back to Cipriani and waved him off, returning his attention to the contessa. "My humblest apologies, signorina," -he honored the young woman's first language in conversation- "Just official business."
"One worthy of canceling that ball tonight?" Letizia tried. No such luck, she saw, as Napoleon shook his head, "Really?"
"Enough to stop the ball? Sure. But why bother? I get to entertain some of my most favorite statesmen." His smile assured her of the general irony of his statement. He continued, "Besides, we'll find you a husband soon enough. Tonight you'll see pleny of young, eligible-"
"Bachelorettes." Letizia finished for him, "And all of them want to be the next empress. Or at least their insane mothers want that for them. Many of them are just fine cavorting in the shrubbery with strange men."
Napoleon chuckled, "Yes, well. It seems someone is adapting quite well to the ways of high society."
"It's not something to be proud of, signore l'imperatore." Letizia stood and smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go get ready for tonight's affairs."
Napoleon watched her walk out with a small smile, "And affairs there shall be." He stood and exited only moments after, making his way toward his brother's room. On the way, he found Cipriani and sent him to fetch Kensington. "Jérôme! Open the door."
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Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:26 pm
Jérôme was just dressing when his brother demanded him at the door. "He really lets this power thing get to his head," He muttered to his wife, who was smoothing out his waistcoat for him. "Just a moment." He called toward the door. He looked down at his wife and nodded toward the door, "Shall we go see what his greatness needs?" She nodded and he took her arm, walked her to the door and found himself face to face with his older brother, "What, majesty, do you need?"
The Prince was having an awful time waiting for his response. He knew by now the letter was probably only arriving in Paris but he was antsy, if only to be the one to establish ties with the French Empire. That man was a monster, and, they proved they couldn't beat him, joining him was not just the only option- it was a brilliant one.
Of course, the archduchess was not being as cooperative as Metternich would have hoped. She was likely and hopefully to be married within the next few months. Likely married, and hopefully to the emperor of the French.
He had spoken with all of the Hapsburgs in the house about the arrangement, and the only one that was unhappy was, of course, the bride. Actually, he had not seen her in days. That was a bad sign. He quickly lept up from the chair in the study and decided it was best he find the archduchess and keep an eye on her until he received word from Napoleon.
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Son of a Jotun Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 1:54 pm
Kensington had just been about to leave his room when Cipriani came to his door. He was dressed in his French best and ready for the ball. Plenty of witch he had been to back home. They were always either outstandingly boring, or mildly entertaining. Not like that it was likely he would have any fun. He could hardly speak more then a few words of french with out the aid on the translator. "Hello, let me guess his greatness needs me for some things silly again, eh? Well I guess it wont be a problem seeing as I was ready to go." He knew full well the man couldn't understand him. But that fact didn't stop him, if not just to hear his own language.
~ ~ ~ ~
Marie Louise, as any passing person could see, was not happy. She had been moping about ever since she had been informed of her fate. If Marie could find away out of it, she was likely to take it. If it meant her marrying and running away, she had seriously entertained the thought. The only real reason she hadn't was her love for her family. There was no way she could disgrace them in such a way.
It had been a good idea to come out into the gardens, the sun was warm and the sky clear. Sitting on a small stone bench to just think had been a wonderful idea indeed. She felt a little less worried, and possibly a little less upset.
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 5:05 pm
The major domo lead the Englishman to the emperor, obviously disregarding what the man was saying. He spoke in Italian when he asked Napoleon if there was more for him to do, and when the man dismissed him, he bowed out without another word. Of course there was no one around to translate when he needed them. Napoleon opted for Italian, "Don't do anything stupid tonight, you work for me, you know." He sighed. It may be hopeless, but the man certainly was not making it any easier. He switched to French, hoping the instructor had at least covered one word: "Behave."
---
Once fully dressed, Letizia sighed while examining herself in the mirror. She really did not want to be here. But Napoleon had given her everything from land, money and power to a name- all of which she was grateful for. She assumed her skirts could be no more smooth than they were and turned to a ladies maid to walk her out. Although she said she wanted no part of this, in truth she just wanted to find a husband so that she would no longer be forced to dance with all of the eligible men. Because frankly there were no appealing eligible men at the last ball. Of course, since that time, even Napoleon himself had become a bachelor, so, perhaps there was hope. She drew in a let out a long breath and left her room, making her way toward the ballroom. Soon enough Napoleon would be announced and the festivities would begin. Upon entering, she took a look around. The ball was full of young women and their insane mothers who were probably reminding them what to say to the emperor, how to behave before the emperor and most importantly how to make him choose them as his bride. Tough luck. Letizia and Cipriani may have been the only ones to know it, but they knew it alright, Napoleon had already chosen a bride. And it was none of these women. She took another calming breath and looked up in time to see the Emperor's major domo announcing him as well as the emperor's entrance.
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Son of a Jotun Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:10 am
"Now big brother I am shocked that you would think that I, of all your ill-behaved siblings, would be the troublemaker." Jérôme feigned shock, but he turned it around into a sly smile, he pat his brother on the face, "Fear not, Nappy, I'm in good hands." He nodded to his wife, "She'll be watching me."
"Ah Your Majesty." Von Metternich smiled upon seeing Maire, "How delightful to see you." He bowed and approached her, taking a seat at her side, "I hope you are well." He took her hand up, with intent to kiss it.
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Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 5:24 pm
Kensington stood rode straight with his hands folded behind his back. He knew what had been said. After all he had opted to learn Italian when he was in school. But he didn't need that secret slipping out just yet. He knew Napoleon spoke in it and he hoped to maybe over hear some thing the Emperor didn't want other French speaking court members to hear. Smiling he nodded his head a few times. "But of course!"
~ ~ ~ ~
Marie snatched her hand out of his hold before he could give it more then a barest of touch with his lips. "Hello Metternich." She chose to be rude, he was the reason for the discomfort she was experiencing. "I am well, and eagerly awaiting Emperor Napoleon's reply, as I am quite sure you are to." She said holding herself up and trying her best to look down on the man.
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 10:18 am
"But of course." Napoleon mocked turning and waving him along, "Allez," he called back, "Go." He turned back to his younger brother, "I'm not sure anything could actually contain you, little brother." He looked past Jérôme to his wife, "But I'm counting on you, Madame, okay?" He looked back to his brother and locked eyes with him, "You're a king, I expect you will act like one tonight. As you know, if you're not going to behave like a proper monarch, I'll take that kingdom back faster than you can say "Botte Piccola Fa Vino Buono, Napoleone!"
Cipriani stifled a laugh and cleared is throat. As Napoleon turned away he followed him, hurrying to get before him so he could announce the emperor to the patient guests.
---
Letizia was among the large crowd of mostly eligible women and, quite frankly, she was trying to get out of it. She knew the palace well enough now, at least to know a good place to hide. As soon as she was sure the emperor ha seen her, she would spend the night hiding away for long periods of time.= until everyone was gone. A good plan. She wanted to get closer to the stairs so that Napoleon would see her quickly, and she could get away that much faster, but these women were not eager to let her through. But it was crowded and she had no idea why these women wanted to hold her back so badly, and her focus was the stairs, not her poor feet beneath her so, of course, she didn't see the large foot held out before her, and fell over it, landing face-first on the ballroom floor. She glanced up at the woman whose foot it must have been and glared through pained eyes. She was not really going to cry here was she? She had only been embarrassed in front of these barely-human creatures and she did not care what they thought. She felt a warm hand grip hers and help her to her feet and, of course, found herself face to face with the emperor. Did he see that? She opened her mouth to speak but he started.
"Before you escape this nasty scene, grant me a first dance and I promise I won't notice if you happen to run off at any other time tonight, hm?" He had leaned in to speak, but he spoke Italian to her anyhow, so no one understood either way.
Letizia could only nod and accompany the emperor to the dance floor. And share the first set with him. Not that she minded, but she could feel the hatred of almost everyone in the room as they glared at her. If looks could kill, well, the dance would have not even begun. When the long ended she smiled up at the emperor and gave him a small nod.
When Letizia let go of his hand, Napoleon sighed, "In Bocca al Lupo." He winked and gave her a small smile then began to turn and make his way toward the title-hungry women of the courts.
"Crepi il lupo!" Letizia called after him. She sighed and quickly slipped out of sight. After all, she did not need to face the wrath of any of these awful women.
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 7:31 pm
Jérôme rolled his eyes and turned back into the room to take his wife by the arm, "Let us go." He stepped out, following behind Napoleon and descending the stairs after him. He saw the girl fall and stifled a small laugh, but immediately took his wife to the dance floor.
"I hope you're not cross with me, Archduchess." Metternich gave the girl a sly smirk, "After all, I simply replied affirmatively to the Emperor's request. It's for the good of our nation you know." He sighed and gazed off as he spoke to her, "I don't want you to be upset, of course, but I have a feeling you'll both get along."
((Ha. I looked it up you were right. May that wolf die!))
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Son of a Jotun Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:07 pm
Kensington followed Napoleon and his brother down the stares. He saw the young women fall and as the others he did his best not to laugh. Walking off he soon found himself in the center of a small group of even younger girls. All of witch he guessed were not even in their twenties. They all spoke to him in French. He was forced to repeat "Je ne vous comprends pas. Désolé." many times. Before one girl realized he was a foreigner and took him by the hand and led him off to the dance floor.
Some thing he had done enough at home to be able to complete with out making himself a total failure. Once the song was done he nodded his head to the girl and made a break for it.
~ ~ ~ ~
Marie laughed at the man. "I am well aware what it will do for our nation." She knew but still didn't like it. "And I can assure you I will do my best to get along with him. I mean after all I wouldn't want to ruin your plans for me." Marie suddenly stood, no longer was she comfortable to be outside. "If you don't mind, the atmosphere out here is suddenly less comforting."
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