The Historian

This roleplay is set during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, which ravaged Europe from 1792 to 1815. This period saw not only the brilliant military mind of Napoleon, who would come to rule France as its Emperor and dominate mainland Europe for a long period of time. But also the spread of new ideals, such as republicanism, voting, the abolishment of serfdom and more. That said, it should not be seen as a wholly good or evil thing. The wars brought immense suffering as well as change. Radical republicans in France caused the Terror which claimed many lives. And atrocities were committed by both France as well as her enemies. The situation is complex.

That said, the social elite of the period follow the general sense of chivalry and honor. This takes many forms, and while not universal in its implementation. It is not uncommon for officers on opposing sides of the conflict to have respect for their rivals and even become friends if one is captured and spends time with the other.

Socially, this is a period where certain things are the norm. Women do not have many (if any) rights. And while they can hold large amounts of informal power. They are limited in what direct power they can hold in many of the states of Europe. The same is true for men born of lower classes, and though the wars do present an opportunity for those who display enough skill to rise in rank. Such is rare outside of France, where the revolution has removed the old social order.

<French Military Ranks & Culture>

In both revolutionary France and later Napoleon's Empire. The French military system has become more meritocratic. Seeing men of low birth but high talent rise in rank. Especially during the early revolution, it was not uncommon to hear of a man being elected to lead his battalion, and within a year or two rising to become a general.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Sous-Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Adjudant-Commandant, General of Brigade, General of Division.

Later, during Napoleon's Empire, the Rank of Marshal, or Marshal of the Empire would be created. Though it was more a distinction than rank. It was representative of a senior commander, greater than Genera of Division.

Enlisted ranks are (In order of increasing authority): Private, Corporal, Quartermaster Corporal, Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Adjudant-Sous-Officer.

<Austrian Military Ranks& Culture>

The Empire fields a large and formidable army, but it's officer corps is largely limited to the aristocratic elite and wealthy. That said, such officers are not necessarily stupid or incompetent, many are trained and know well the business of war. That said, it is possible for men of lower birth to become officers, and if they prove exceptional in their service, may rise to higher command under patronage.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Ensign, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Major General, Lieutenant Field Marshal, General of Cavalry/General of Infantry/General of Artillery, Field Marshal.

Enlisted ranks are (In order of increasing authority): Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant.

<Prussian Military Ranks & Culture>

On paper, Prussia has a very well disciplined and formidable army. Indeed, not long ago it was considered the best in Europe. Yet the years since Frederick the Great have not been good. The army has stagnated and while on paper they are highly professional, there are many officers who are more concerned with the appearance of discipline and harsh punishment, than actual drill or preparation for war. Though it is still a formidable power, and after some internal reforms, recaptures the old glory of the Prussian Army under Old Frtiz.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Junior Captain, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, Field Marshal

Enlisted ranks are (In order of increasing authority): Private, Corporal, Sergeant Sergeant Major

<Great Britain's Military Ranks & Culture>

Compared to the rest of Europe (aside from Revolutionary France), is more liberal. Given that at this point, Parliament has gained more power while the monarch is a potent, but restrained head of state. That isn't to say they are open to those of low birth always rising. But they are not exactly opposed either. Though men of wealth and higher social class are the ones who find themselves with commissions, while those of lower class often find themselves relegated to the enlisted ranks. As well, in general terms, the British army is well equipped and very well drilled. Though is not as large as its mainland counterparts.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Ensign (For the Infantry)/Cornet (For the Cavalry), Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, Field Marshal

Enlisted ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal, Color Sergeant, Regimental Sergeant Major

<Russian Military Ranks & Culture>

One of, if not the largest army in Europe. The Imperial Army of Russia boasts a force that can easily outnumber it's opponents if allowed to bring its full weight to bear. However, while it does field some brilliant officers and well drilled regiments. It is the army most bound by tradition, with ranks limited to those of high social class. And many of its troops poorly drilled and poorly equipped. That said, it is a threat, and should be treated as such.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Ensign, Sub-Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Staff Captain, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Major General, Lieutenant General, General of the Infantry/Cavalry/Artillery, General Field Marshal

Enlisted ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Private, Corporal, Senior Sergeant, Sergeant Major

<Dutch Military Ranks & Culture>

After it's conquest by the French Republic and later reformation into the Kingdom of Holland under Napoleon's brother. The Dutch army largely follows the French model of warfare.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Major General, Lieutenant General, General

Enlisted ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Private, Corporal, Quartermaster, Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Adjutant

<Spanish Military Ranks & Culture>

Spain was once the dominant military power of Europe. One feared and respected for its prowess and with a mythical near invincibility on the battlefield. Unfortunatly, that is now a distant memory, and Spain has lost its military prowess. That said, it does have some able commanders and men, and while not as powerful as it once was, it can put up a fight.

Officer ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Ensign, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, Field Marshal

Enlisted ranks are (in order of increasing authority): Private, Corporal, Sergeant, Quartermaster Sergeant, Sergeant Major