(Video isn't working on embed, sorry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE05UlmJTFA&feature=player_embedded )
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
- Leo Tolstoy
Europe, 1836.
The flames of Napoleon's upheaval are a lingering spark behind the strength of the Ancien Regime, but the fuel of revolution still yearns for a match to ignite its rage. Overseen by the dominant British Empire, Pax Britannia has ensured that the violence of this century's dawn is utterly stamped out - and yet, the force of no nation of men can truly slay an idea. Though the crowned head of a monarch sits at the fore of the French nation, the ferocious beast of Liberty licks its wounds, as the damage slowly begins to heal.
As this brave new world of science, freedom and philosophy blossoms into its springtime bloom, the romantic theatre of nations and rulers begins to expand its audience. Now more than ever, the peasants and burghers of Europe begin to criticise their rulers - some more violently than others. Though none would care to admit it, the divinely-chosen royals and aristocrats of the greatest states in the world begin to question their own security under the eyes of God, who's power has truly begun to wane. Though Bonaparte may be gone for good, who is to say that his nightmarish dreams and ideals have been vanquished from Europe? Far from it - across the western world, things are changing; for better or worse, it cannot yet be said for certain.
Once-colonial states now declare their sovereignty, staking their claim over unconquered land that yet holds hidden wonders and mysteries. An Empire to rival Genghis Khan rises in the east, striving to emulate its civilised western counterparts to the point of exaggeration. The once-mythic realm of King Arthur has forsaken its isolated roots, and now enjoys its secure position as the mightiest nation to ever grace Gaia Earth, stretching across seas, continents and cultures in-numerous. A dream of unity and strength finds its conception in the warm womb of Prussia, slowly being nurtured into a weapon with which to change the face of the world forever.
Who can say how the great game of Kings and Queens shall come to a close? The rules are changing, as new players and new pieces force their way onto the chess-board of nations. With the ashes of war and the smoke of revolution still smouldering, the many divided people and princes of Europe can all agree on one thing - now is the time for CHANGE.
An Introduction
As our prologue may imply, I want to see if we can change the rules in 'Paris in Spring'. Most people have played a typical Multiplayer Campaign, and more besides have experienced Play-By-Post roleplay (and others besides will have participated in the Forum RP Games, which are mostly similar to this). I have always played this game for the roleplay - for the unique sensation of ruling a nation - and I'm sure many others share my love for Paradox games in this manner. As such, 'Paris in Spring' will not revolve around a "Paint The Map" mindset - instead, I want to encourage a wonderful piece of improvised literature that we can all experience and enjoy.
The principle is quite simple - you are playing a character, born somewhere within the early 19th or late 18th century. Excluding certain circumstances (this would mainly apply to those wanting to play a character in the British Empire), your character should be a European. You may play more than one character, and it is recommended that you place your first somewhere in the ranks of Europe's aristocracy. Through your character, you will influence (and be influenced by) the decisions and the fate of nations and the people that make them. For the purposes of centralisation, only FOUR (4) nations are available for play -
Prussia,
France,
Great Britain,
Russia.
Not everyone who signs up is going to be actually playing Victoria 2.
In fact, there will only be about 3-4 players on each nation (although we may open up observer slots if requested), being the Head of State, the Foreign Secretary, the Treasurer and an Auxilary Advisor. Everyone will be roleplaying their characters, with your roleplay stimulus being provided by the game (in the forms of mini-AARs and in-character newspaper reports). By interacting with the characters who are actually playing the game, you can effect the decisions they make by using the many tools of persuasion - but a good portion of your roleplay should be focused around the progression of -your- character in this world. Harken back to the quote we began with - as Leo Tolstoy suggests, your primary focus should be on the character you are playing rather than trying to get your desires put into place by the players.
As we proceed in this campaign, remember to keep in mind our ultimate goal - a rich and powerful story, NOT neccessarily the victory of your nation. If you are scared about torpedoing your country because your dictator has gone insane, don't go against character because you are afraid of being kicked/banned/etc for self-destruction; you won't be, UNLESS you are behaving in an Out-Of-Character (OOC) fashion. Hopefully you now have a basic gist of what we're about here, so without further ado I present your template of application! You may either post it below, or PM it to me privately.
Application
Name:
Age:
Nationality:
Desired Position:
Appearance (picture is acceptable, otherwise a minimum of 2 paragraphs):
Background (minimum of 4 paragraphs):
Relatives (only necessary if other players are playing family members):
Friends (same as above):
Enemies (same as above):
The Game of Nations:
Prussia
Head of State:
Foreign Secretary:
Treasurer:
Auxilary Advisor: Erwin von Brandenburg (Alpha2518)
Aristocracy (non-player):
Other (non-player):
France
Head of State: Rudzinski (King Louis-Philippe)
Foreign Secretary:
Treasurer:
Auxilary Advisor:
Aristocracy:
Other:
Great Britain
Head of State:
Foreign Secretary:
Treasurer:
Auxilary Advisor:
Auxilary Advisor:
Aristocracy:
Other:
Russia
Head of State:
Foreign Secretary:
Treasurer:
Auxilary Advisor:
Aristocracy:
Other:
This thread is OUT-OF-CHARACTER (OOC). If allowed, I intend to make separate threads for each of the 4 nations which will contain roleplay and newspaper reports. Comments and queries welcome.
We will be using the POP demand mod, on the latest version of Victoria 2 - A House Divided. We will play every Saturday, at 21:00 GMT.
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?631617-Roleplay-Campaign-Forum-RP-Paris-in-Spring-Dawn-of-the-New-Order
http://w11.zetaboards.com/Parisinspring/index/
