Le Grande Armee
A Complete Overview of the French and German combined armed forces - by Marechal Turenne, Commander of the Cavalry Corps.
Armand Jean du Plesis de Richelieu, Empereur
Commander in Cheif of the Grande Armee and Emperor of France
Richelieu is currently Emperor of France, and was crowned thus after his victory in Germany, which he personally commanded. He is also the distant cousin of Maximillian Wittelsbach and leader of the combined French - German Grande Armee. A man of great intellect and tactical ability, he is the greatest military commander france has seen, although he is also a man of great ego. Some say he is the
most powerful man in Europe.
The Marshallate
Marechal Wittelsbach, King Maximilian I
King of Germany, Leader of the Armee De La Rhine
Maximillian, former elector of Bavaria, and governor of the semi autonomous region under the reign of the Hohenzollerns, the Prussian line of German kings, he was eventually elected King of Germany. Primarily by a French army, and the will of the German lords. He is a distant cousin of Richelieu, and the two share a close bond. Whether this bond is merely political, or if there is actual friendship to be had, remains to be seen. But Richelieu has noted Maximillian's talents as a military commander, and offered him the office of Marshall.
Maximillian now runs the German contingents of the combined Franco - German army, and his official title is Marechall of the Armee de la Rhine.
Marechal Turenne, Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne
Leader of the French Cavalry Corps.
Turenne, a pre revolutionary military leader, was an able cavalry commander under Louis XIII. Eventually, he became unwanted in the court of the king, and was discharged with his honors taken from him. Quickly, Turenne joined the revolution and rallied his former men to defeat the Royalist armies at Toulouse, the last stronghold of the Bourbon monarchs. Turenne is a man of strong will, and great loyalty and intellect, if not a great politican.
He was offered the office of marechal after for his brave actions in the battles of the Rhineland and the battle of Berlin, which he accepted. Now he is the leader of the Cavalry corps.
Marchel Mazarin, Jules
Leader of the Artillery corps, Foriegn Minister of the French Empire, Cheif of Staff of the Grande Armee, and Minister of Logistics
Jules Mazarin, a former cardinal under the tutolage of Richelieu, is quite possibly the most talented of the Marechals, if not the most respected. (as that title goes to Turenne, famed war hero) He is a close confidant of the Emperor, and serves as the Leader of the Artillery corps, among his numerous other duties. A master of strategy and politics, he is also the Foriegn Minister, and used to serve in the court of the Hapsburgs and the Spanish.
He is a man of great knowledge, and knows the workings of every nation in Europe, and even keeps an eye on affairs half way across the world. He is a man to be feared.
Marechal Montmorency, Henri II de
Leader of the Infantry corps and Corporal of the Armee de la Rhine
Montmorency, the least able of the marechals, was chosen because of his staunch loyalty to Richelieu and his ability to gain the respect and love of his men, if nothing else. He is a somewhat able commander, and has shown valor in several battles during the revolution, and also during the english invasion of France. He was put in charge of the infantry due to the fact that the lesser officers are pretty much able to fight a battle by themselves. Montmorency's only real duties are to rally his troops and follow orders from the Emperor. He also holds a small position in the German army.
The Corps of the Grande Armee
The Cuirassier Corps de Elite.
The Cuirassiers, the scum of the earth, the noblest of knights. Call them what you will, but the fact still stands that these men are the most trained and disciplined cavalry corps in Europe. These men have been selected from the best of the cavalry units, and must reach several physical and mental requirements to be recruited into the Cuirassiers. These men are the imperial guards, and they are one of the most, if not the most, essential arm of the French Grande Armee and have decided the fate of whole nations and armies. Considered the elite, they have justified the Emperor's expectations in many battles, and despite their cost, Richelieu continues to raise additional Cuirassier regiments.
The Cavalrie Corps.
These are the regular counterparts to the Cuirassiers, and their ranks mainly consist of Hussars and light lancers, and are used to skirmish and screen the movements of French corps. These horsemen have also proved very effective in hit and run charges, and are trained to charge in large formation and withdraw in large formation, something that most other European cavalry units cannot claim to be able to do.
The Infanterie Corps.
These are the rank and file infantry, the basis of any european army. Most men of the Infantry are conscripts, and most have served since the Revolutionary war, their duties far from over. These men are hardy and experienced, and form the core of any French campaign.
The Grenadier Corps de Elite
Like the Cuirassiers, these men are the elite. They are the best of the Infanterie corps. and must reach a hieght requirement of 5'6''. They must also reach several physical requirements. These men are also trained to work with artillery if the need requires, but mainly serve as an infantry reserve, one that Richelieu is hesitant to commit to battle, seeing as he has just formed the unit upon his coronation as emperor. They serve as the guards of the marshallate, while his Cuirassiers serve as the Imperial Guards.
The Artillerie Corps.
Essential to the French Grande Armee, the artillery holds a special place in Richelieu's heart, as it was essential in crushing the royalist scum. French artillery is the best in the world, and it's corps are well equipped and well supplied with ammuntion. Cannon throw wieght is also at its hieghest, but cannons are still kept light to facilitate mobility in the field of battle. Only skilled soldiers smart in ballistics and trained in special acadmies can enroll in the artillery.
The Preussen Infanterie Corps.
These are the German regiments of the Grande Armee, incorporated after the execution of the Hohenzollern dynasty and the institution of the Wittelsbach dynasty. German infantry are well trained and well disciplined. They would have smashed the French armies in Germany had it not been for poor leadership. These men are just as able, if not better than their French counterparts, albiet less well equipped.
