Paris, late Summer 1785
It surprised Connor how quickly he had adjusted to his new life in Paris. He still remembered the times back when he was a youth and everything was new, and how the streets of a city had enthralled him. He remembered the days when he could could sit all day on a fence or balcony and simply observe the people passing by. Every interaction, whether it be a street vendor bartering or a town crier shouting the news, was something different, and it greatly stirred the young Mohawk's curiosity.
Now, a full grown man, he found that the initial wonder of the streets had dampened, but was nonetheless replaced by an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of a great city such as Paris.
After his meeting with Arnaud, the Paris Brotherhood had broken off contact again, content to let Connor explore the nook and crannies of the city while they plotted in the shadows, not ready to reveal their full plans to their colonial brother just yet.
While he wasn't exploring, he found himself passing the time doing errands around the city. Whether it was collecting more materials for Doctor Franklin's experiments, or even performing simple deliveries for couriers on the side (any excuse to allow him to gather as much information as possible.) During that time, he had managed to get a feel for the mood and politics of the city. The King's policies were deeply unpopular, as were the nobility, who paid no taxes yet lived in the lap of luxury while ordinary folk starved in the streets. It was something that dug deep against everything Connor believed in, and he found himself intervening in several instances, whether it was stealing food from a cart for orphaned children, or taking on a full platoon of French Regulars who were using their authority to abuse an already suffering family or citizen. It seemed too, that the army had taken notice of his actions, and wanted posters were spreading throughout the city, while the armed patrols had more than doubled in the last month. Although he had torn the majority of the posters down, he would have to remind himself to remain more inconspicuous.
Today however, was not a day for daggers and swords, for Benjamin Franklin had intended to introduce him to his replacement, before he left for America.
It saddened Connor to see the man he had come to view as his friend leave, but he also saw it as an opportunity to have him carry back a bundle of goods and gifts he had bought for his friends back at the homestead.
Franklin however, was not one to leave without saying farewell, and he did so with something Connor had never expected. An invitation to a royal ball.
"It's the most delightful thing in the world Connor. A grand ball!" Doctor Franklin said excitedly. He had led Connor to the tailors, who had fashioned him a dark blue gentlemen's outfit that reminded him much of his late father's.
"I am not sure I will fit in." Connor said uneasily as he walked alongside the Doctor with his stiff suit. Old habits however, die hard, and Connor still found a way to slip his hidden blade within the cuff links of the expensive attire.
"Nonsense my boy! Stick with me, and I will show you the wonders of Parisan society." The old man chuckled, as if recalling a faint memory. "In fact, your friend Lafayette insists you come as well, there was someone he wanted you to meet."
Connor nodded in response. Lafayette had told Connor that he intended to show him what part he would play in helping his homeland, perhaps this ball would be the perfect setting.
"Before we go though," Franklin paused before opening the door into his study. "There's one more person I would like you to meet. I guess it's appropriate after all, seeing as you'll be seeing him for quite some time when I'm gone."
The door opened, and Connor looked to see a thin man dressed in a fine suit and wig, his eyes very pensive and focused, as though he were studying Connor.
"Connor, allow me to introduce you to my replacement, and respected colleague. Thomas Jefferson. You will find him to be quite gifted with intelligence, as well as humility. A rare combination. He can assist you during your stay here should you ever have the need to write home."
"A pleasure." Connor extended a hand, which Jefferson grasped firmly.
"The pleasure is all mine sir." Jefferson replied. "Washington has told me much of your bravery and exploits at Monmouth, you have my thanks for contributing so much to our cause."
The mere mention of the man was enough to send a cold chill into Connor's spine. He and the General parted on less than cordial terms after Connor learned of the man's part in the raids on his tribe, and his mother's death, but he decided not to show it.
Completely unaware of the hostility, Jefferson also gestured towards his desk, where a bundle of packages sat.
"I think you'll also be happy to know that I've brought some letters and gifts from your friends at your homestead. You may open them whenever you wish." Jefferson said.
"Connor will attend to those in due time," Franklin propped a hand on Connor's shoulder and smiled. "After the ball."
As the carriage passed through the gatehouse of the palace, Connor shifted in his seat and looked eagerly outside. The hooves of the horse clattered loudly on the stone road of the courtyard that led to the vast open space of the famous Tuileries Garden. The center of the courtyard was a magnificent display of color and beauty, from the symmetrically laid out gardens of rare flowers and roses, to the various statues and fountains that dotted the landscape. Thousands of people congregated into the garden, aristocrats soldiers, clergy, merchantmen and bankers, disappearing into a mosaic of dresses and fine suits. Connor too, regarded closely several of the soldiers with dark blue uniforms patrolling the grounds. Although he wasn't dressed in his assassin's uniform, he mentally made a note of their numbers and patrol patterns, in case anything went wrong.
Connor too, found himself a little nervous, for this was his first true exposure to a social setting such as a ball. Navigating the terrain back home, with its lush forests, or leaf covered trails seemed like cake walk compared to navigating from one conversation to another or one drink after another in this setting. Doctor Franklin too, seemed to take some delight in his young friend's discomfort.
"Now Connor," Doctor Franklin began helpfully. "Remember what I said, be courteous and observe the protocols, however foolish they may seem. Keep a close eye on your hosts, be mindful that as my guest, you are considered a gentlemen."
The young Mohawk nodded, shifting uneasily in his stiff blue suit, it was easily the most flowery, but constricting thing he ever wore.
"And good god man, relax a little! It isn't a crime to enjoy yourself! Who knows, you may even make some new friends here! I've learned from my time here that a man can use all the contacts he could make in the world!"
Connor smiled, somewhat embarrassed that the doctor had mentioned that. It was true, he never really had any time to settle down or 'have fun', not since he was a child. The days of his care-free youth seemed so distant. Despite the fact that this was meant to be a social setting, Connor had to take it seriously. He was here to meet Lafayette to discuss his plans for the future, and with the French Guards and the nobility (doubtless a few Templars in the mix as well), he would have to watch himself and make sure he did nothing foolish to draw attention to himself. It was the price of living in his secret world, to always keep an eye on one's back, and sometimes, he found himself being weary of it.
As the carriage drew up to the entrance to the party, a footman ran forward with a footstool and opened the door for himself and Doctor Franklin. Connor squeezed out of the carriage with little fanfare, standing guard while the porter stood up on the carriage and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Doctor Benjamin Franklin!"
At that, all the thousands of faces turned as one towards Connor and the Doctor, and they soon burst into applause and shouts. The Doctor was a popular man in France, and many of them were sad to see such a distinguished and honored guest leave, but they nevertheless, celebrated his achievements and time with the people of France with heart.
Connor meanwhile, groaned inwardly as a throng of people rushed them. So much for being inconspicuous.
As Franklin became more and more embroiled in his throng of admiring fans and friends, shaking hands with the men and exchanging kisses with the ladies, Connor felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Quite something isn't it mon ami?" A familiar voice rang in his ears
Connor turned and saw a man with a friendly smile, wearing the uniform of a French General. "Lafayette, good to see you again my friend."
"Oui!" The Frenchman smiled, embracing Connor after shaking his hand. "It has been too long. I'm sorry for not being able to see you the last several months, I had several things I had to take care of at court." The Frenchman jerked his head towards Doctor Franklin, who was still surrounding by his adoring public. "But I hear the good doctor has shown you around our beautiful city?"
"More or less." Connor replied with a smirk.
"I am glad that you accepted my invitation Connor, to be honest, I didn't think you would come." The Frenchman confessed with an amused smile, seeing Connor dressed up as a fine nobleman instead of the battle-scarred Mohawk he came to know back in America.
"Doctor Franklin was most insistent." Connor replied, "Besides, you said you wanted to talk?"
"Of course!" Lafayette exclaimed, as though Connor had just reminded him. "Come, I want to show you some good friends of mine. Some of them have been dying to meet you."
"Then lead the way my friend." The young assassin replied, wondering just who might these people be.
Lafayette indeed, had connections, Connor mused. The French General had taken them away from the palace gardens, where most of the public had congregated around Franklin, instead, he took him inside the Tuileries themselves, passed several checkpoints of guards who raised their muskets in salute as Lafayette passed. The party, he explained, was going to be moved from the gardens to the palace once the initial festivities had concluded, but that didn't stop him from giving Connor a preview, as well as a tour of the interior of the palace.
As they passed the palace dining room, Connor found his own stomach growling as he gazed upon the magnificent banquet being prepared for the guests. There was fish, baked in herbs, beef pastries with brandy, exotic dishes laced with spices from the Far East, along with a mixture of fruits, desserts and puddings. It was another amazing view, assaulting his senses with its very richness, and an utter contrast to the misery he had observed in the Parisian streets all these weeks. This, it seemed, summed up everything that was wrong. Lafayette's words of how his country was sick on the inside weren't far off.
Eventually, Lafayette led Connor into one of the luxurious drawing rooms of the palace. It was an enormous room, colored in ornate blue, with delicate golden leaves trimmed in the designs. A fireplace sat at one end of the room, dominated by an enormous portrait of King Louis. It was an exquisite room, and Connor wondered whether it was designed to purposely make him feel small, to have the image of the King towering over him.
Inside, the pair found a man studying the portrait with an stern look on his face. He was also dressed in the finery of a French Noble, but was slightly more plump than Lafayette, with a roll of fat spilling over his tight collar. He wore a wig as well, a fashion that was popular in the French court, and Connor could not help but stare at the two powdered rolls that sat above his ears. It seemed most peculiar to him.
"A shame really..." The man commented wistfully, giving Connor the impression that he was speaking to him. "A lot of potential in the young man," The nobleman said as he continued staring at the portrait of the king. "But living up to that potential...is a different matter. But I suppose that is why we are here. To aid his majesty." The man finished off as he turned around.
"Connor," Lafayette gave a friendly wave of recognition towards the other man. "Allow me to introduce my friend and associate. Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, the count of Mirabeau."
The older man gazed at Connor, registering slight shock at seeing a native within the king's palace, but he smiled politely, bowing his head. "A pleasure...monsieur?"
"Connor." The Mohawk returned the gesture. "And it is my pleasure as well."
"I am most fascinated in your choice of company Lafayette." Mirabeau said nonchalantly. "I must remember to get out of my estate more often, and travel the world, then I can pick up more interesting friends such as yourself."
Lafayette chuckled in response. "Funny enough, I think it was the other way around. Connor saved our cause, and my life back in America. I owe him at least, the hospitality of a visit to our home country."
Mirabeau turned his gaze towards Connor. "And you young man, has your stay in Paris been to your liking?"
"It is a beautiful city." Connor replied diplomatically. "But I am wondering, why is it that you called me here Lafayette?"
"All in good time Connor, for now, we wait for our final guest, the man who called us all together." Lafayette replied. "He should be here any moment now."
Connor sighed, becoming quite tired of all the months of waiting, and his eyes laid on a rather nice looking chair by an elaborately decorated oak desk. Deciding that it may be a while before they would leave his room, he pulled up the chair and leaned in to sit.
"Wait don't Connor!" Lafayette shouted in horror, as though the seat was a trap, and his instincts kicked in. Connor quickly jumped up, and looked at the chair.
"What? I do not see anything." Connor asked in confusion. Thinking there was something odd with the chair, he lifted up the seat covers to inspect it, but nothing.
"Non mon ami." Lafayette explained, amusement written all over his face. "We're guests here actually, protocol demands we remain standing until the host arrives."
That struck Connor in an odd way, what kind of a host would demand his guests remain standing in wait for him?
It didn't take long before that mystery revealed itself. There was a flurry of noise outside, and the tall glass doors into the drawing room swung open, revealing a small army of servants stepping in quickly, standing to one side. More men appeared, each carrying stacks of paper while another porter announced in a loud voice. "Le Compte de Vergennes."
The Count was an elder man, far older than both Mirabeau and Lafayette, but he carried with him an air of authority, and both men bowed as he entered, and Connor instinctively followed suit. At this point, he began feeling a little uneasy. His conversations with Arnaud had warned him that the Templars were in charge of the government in France, and while he was certain Lafayette was no Templar, there could be no guarantee that one of these men standing in this room was not. He would have to watch them carefully, and be careful in turn.
"So this is the friend that Lafayette speaks volumes of." The Count of Vergennes smiled genially as he bowed his head politely to Connor. That made Connor slightly nervous. How much had his friend told them? The Templars must already know of his presence here, he would have to assume.
"He exaggerates sir, it was nothing." Connor replied carefully.
"See?" Lafayette exclaimed. "Honor and humility. Just the man we need."
"Connor," The Frenchman continued, "This is the Count of Vergennes, he is the minister of Foreign Affairs for my country. He has the ear of the King, and is a personal friend of your Doctor Franklin as well."
The mention of the Doctor's name brought a smile to his face. "Indeed, Doctor Franklin has been most passionate about his support for your country, and I've had the pleasure of working with him over the years, supplying your revolution with the funds and troops they needed." he explained.
"America will honor its credit and alliance with France in due time," Lafayette pressed. "I assure you."
"I have every confidence that in the end, it will." Vergennes smiled thinly. "Sadly, for the present those funds are slow in being repaid. Your new found republic, I find, is very inactive, and very demanding."
The old man chuckled at that last bit, as if at a private joke.
"Never mind the difficulties of my job gentlemen, please, sit so we can discuss matters at hand!"
Vergennes gestured for the three men to sit down. Connor settled comfortably into the chair, easing the tension from his legs even as Vergennes watched him.
"You have picked a most turbulent time to visit Paris my friend." Vergennes began smoothly, "No doubt Lafayette has informed you. I have invited you three here because I believe you can help us resolve this issue."
"The King is going to announce a Parliament soon." The old Count said. "I believe this is our opportunity to restore order, and show the people how the Monarchy will retrieve the country from its dire straights."
Lafayette nodded, explaining to Connor. "Mirabeau and myself, along with the count, believe that we can get the nobles to compromise of a few issues, preserving the monarchy, and relieving the people of their burden."
Connor was skeptical of this claim. "I have seen the streets of your city myself, Lafayette. To be blunt, it is full of suffering and despair. I do not see how a few compromises can resolve what is going on here."
"True reform takes time my friend." Mirabeau countered. "Getting the initial concessions is a huge first step."
Lafayette nodded. "The coalition and the political will is going to take time to build, years even." The Frenchman admitted, "Which is why I've asked for your services. You seem to have a knack for convincing people to your cause, and building alliances."
"Plus," Vergennes continued. "Your friend Lafayette is popular with the people, even if his efforts aren't being well received by the radicals. He will need protection, as will our allies, and your friend tells me that is what you do best."
"The Radicals?" Connor inquired.
"Insurrectionists," Vergennes replied harshly. "Who seek nothing more than to watch the country burn. They thrive in chaos and anarchy and would do nothing to bring about the destruction of the kingdom."
"From what I hear, they only wish for an equal opportunity." Connor said carefully. "Their grievances may have to do with the fact that your leaders are selected by birth, not ability."
The count gave a derisive laugh.
"Equality, yes, but only amongst themselves my friend." Vergennes said. "You would be naive to think they have the best interests of the people at large. Whether by ability, wealth or birth, there will always be some kind of aristocracy ruling the common masses, our duty is to ensure that these radicals aren't in control."
Sensing the conversation was going to become uncomfortable, Lafayette cleared his throat.
"In any case Connor, we both seek the same ends, to save our country, and to relieve the suffering of the people. We hoped you would be in a position to help us with it, in not only offering protection for our allies, but in gathering them as well." Lafayette replied.
At this, Connor turned an eye towards Vergennes. He was suspicious enough of the man already. Was he using him, through Lafayette, to communicate with the French Brotherhood? For what reason?
"You bestow upon me influence which I do not have." Connor replied, "I trust you Lafayette, I will do what I can to protect you and your family. But this...coalition, I will have to think on it."
The Frenchman seemed disappointed, but nodded.
"Of course mon ami, I would not have you do this against your will, take as long as you want." Lafayette smiled.
Mirabeau, who had kept silent for most of the exchange, gruffly spoke. "But know that the time to decide is short, and running out. We could very much use your help Connor, the future of the country could depend on it."
With the meeting adjourned, Connor and Lafayette thanked the Count of Vergennes for his hospitality, and they both left to the central dining hall, where already the party had moved. Now, the banquet table became a new gathering ground for the finely dressed aristocrats and soldiers.
"I am sorry Connor," Lafayette began, "That was a lot to take in. But I don't want you to think of this evening as just work. Come! There is one last prson I wish you to meet."
"Another friend of yours Lafayette?" Connor almost joked, it seemed the Frenchman was friends with everyone in Paris, but perhaps that was not far from the truth.
"Oui, you can say that Connor." The Frenchman grinned as he led the Mohawk through the dining hall.
As the pair negotiated their way through the sea of people, Connor eventually saw his friend Doctor Franklin, this time, he was speaking to another entourage of people, perhaps the most splendedly dressed of them all, and important too, considering the guards the surrounded them. It didn't take long before Connor realized who he was speaking to.
"Ah, Connor!" Franklin's face beamed as he saw his friend with Lafayette, and he wasted no time pulling the pair to his side.
"Votre Majesté" Lafayette did a graceful sweeping bow before the royal couple, and Connor followed suit, remembering what Franklin told him about protocol.
"Your majesties," the Doctor began, "Allow me to introduce to you my friend Connor. He is of the Mohawk tribe, and is my personal assistant during my stay in Paris. He is also a friend of your General Lafayette."
"Charmed." The Queen, a young beautiful woman in a lavishly decorated dress, curtesyed, her eyes gazing over Connor with curiosity. "This is my first time seeing a Native such as yourself, you look as brave as they say."
"He is staying with me while I conclude my duties, and helping with my successor as well." Franklin explained, saving Connor the trouble of replying.
"It saddens me greatly to have you leave doctor, were it possible for you to stay." The Queen said sadly.
"Alas your majesty, greater duties call me back to my country." Franklin replied disappointingly. "Otherwise, I would remain."
The King smiled, turning towards Connor.
"Your country is blessed my young brave, to have such a man in her service." King Louis XVI said genially. This was the man (not much older than himself) who had the responsibilities of an entire nation upon him, and Connor was not sure whether the man was simply tired from the strain of it, or because he had spent most of the day at this lavish party.
"A pleasure of course, Connor." The King said, somewhat uneasily. "A friend of Doctor Franklin is welcome anytime here."
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well." Connor replied politely.
King Louis nodded in response, then turned to Doctor Franklin. "Come Doctor, there are a few more of my cabinet who wishes to pay their last respects to you before you are off. A few words from you would do them wonders."
"I aim to please your majesty." Franklin bowed, then winked at Connor as he followed the Royal couple and their entourage to the next group of conversing nobles.
"Friends in high places indeed." Connor mused. "It seems your King is a busy man."
"He is still young, and has much to learn." Lafayette explained, sensing Connor's sarcasm. "But he is a good man, with his heart in the right place. More than that, I owe him my loyalty and life."
"For a man who has not done much to help his own people, I can't say he's earned it." Connor replied gruffly.
"I know Connor, and this may all seem strange to you, just as your own homeland was to me, but please, be patient with our ways. He will prove it to you in time."
"We'll see." Connor replied flatly.
The party lasted for several more hours, and when it became apparent that Doctor Franklin's attentions would be occupied by the royal couple all evening, Connor decided to head back to the apartment himself. After leaving a note with the carriage driver for Doctor Franklin, and saying his goodbyes to Lafayette, he headed off on foot to the heart of the city. The city was still somewhat busy this time of night, and Connor walked with his guard up along the streets, lest a thief or pickpocket thought he was easy pickings. He wanted so much to climb up one of the buildings and free climb, but the restrictive suit made it hard, if not impossible.
He was close to the end of the street when he saw a slight shape leaning against one of the entrances to the alleyways. It was a small street girl, and she stared at him with recognition. She had a beautiful face, especially bathed in the cold blue light of the moon. Her long hair, black and wavy, hung over the dull grey cloak she sported. She saw him, and smiled, walking towards him with intent. There was something very familiar with her, even if he could not place it...
"Hello handsome." She smiled, "Cold night for a walk by yourself non?"
"Not really." Connor replied rather clumsily, but it was true, after all he grew up in winters harsher than this.
The girl chuckled lightly at his reponse, and Connor found himself flushing a bit as she slipped her hand under his arm and walked next to him, in one smooth motion.
"Are you so surprised?" She teased him softly. "Don't worry. I'm just here to talk, after all I never did get to thank my rescuer."
It was weeks since that incident with the guards, but her voice was clear in his memory now.
"Charlotte," Connor said with a nod of acknowledgment.
"The very same." she smirked. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. Thank you...for saving me monsieur."
"So you are of the order?" He asked
"Oui." She replied in a more serious tone.
"A message to you monsieur." Charlotte said.
"From Arnaud I'm assuming?" Connor replied, eyeing the rooftops unconsciously as they walked together.
"No, from much higher." She whispered. "Citizen Schaefer believes it is time to have a meeting with you. Your actions over the past few months has convinced him of your devotion to the cause.
"Tell him I am ready any time. I would like to speak with him as well." Connor replied briskly.
"In due time monsieur." Her eyes darted between Connor and the surrounding rooftops and alleyways. "For now, the situation is still too delicate to reveal everything. But know that we now consider you a friend and ally, and when the time comes, we will require your for assistance."
"I will wait then." Connor replied, "And please, no need to call me that. My name is Connor."
She nodded, "Of course. It is great to finally put a name to the face, even if the face is very noticeable." she smiled briefly, then let go of his arm and continued walking into the crowd.
"Until we meet again Connor. Au revoir."
Connor nodded as the frenchwoman departed, considering his most recent meetings with Lafayette, that made whatever this Citizen Schaefer was planning, all the more important. Already, he was feeling torn between supporting his friend, who could possibly be unknowingly manipulated by the templars, or his own brothers and sisters, whose plans for France were still unknown to him.
It was a disturbing dilemma, and he hoped that whatever this Schaefer wanted, it was something he could work out with Lafayette.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, the party was dying down, and as Lafayette said his farewells to the King and Queen, along with Doctor Franklin, a group of nobles who had observed the night's festivities gathered.
"It seems gentlemen," One of the noblemen began confidently. "We have found our viper."
The Colonel nodded gruffly. "Then allow me to put him out of our misery."
"Patience, mon ami." A new man, who was known to them as the Count, replied with authority. "You can milk the cow several times, but only kill it once. We leave him for now, he is more useful to us alive." The Count ordered.
"You think he suspects the King?" the nobleman asks.
"He would be a fool not to, but that is fine, his Majesty can serve to detract attention away from us." The Count reasoned. "For now however, bring word of tonight's developments to Le Saint."
The Colonel and the Nobleman eyed each other warily, but consented. "Very well sir."
"Good," the Count replied with a conspiratoral smille. "Now off to your duties, and report back to me when you have something new. May the Father of Understanding guide us."
Animus Database - Tactical Archive by Shaun Hastings - Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was one of the founding fathers, author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. As public official, historian, philosopher, and plantation owner, he served his country for over five decades. (Let's see you top that one!) Although that's yet to come.
After Jefferson left Congress in 1776, he returned to Virginia and served in the legislature. Elected governor from 1779 to 1781, he suffered an inquiry into his conduct during his last year in office that, although finally fully repudiated, left him with a life-long pricklishness in the face of criticism. (Ungrateful buggers, after signing the declaration and all that too!)
At this moment, he's serving as America's trade commissioner for the states, then eventually, as Benjamin Franklin's successor. And yes, like Washington, he too owned slaves. Smug bastard.
Animus Database - Tactical Archive by Shaun Hastings - Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, Count of Mirabeau
A friend and colleague of Lafayette's during this time, the Count of Mirabeau had an interesting life, to say the least. He had been imprisioned several times during his youth under lettres de cachet (sort of an eighteenth century version of your National Security acts ...detaining people in the name of Freedom! er..in this case, the King) obtained by his father to prevent him from becoming involved in compromising love affairs (This guy must have been taking lessons from Franklin!), and had once been injustly sentenced to death for rape (...except for the getting caught part, I guess), but he succeeded in having it reversed. He would eventually become a forceful politican and orator, and elected as a deputy to the Third Estate. (Anyone who can talk his way out of that is bound to be a good politican I suppose!)
Animus Database - Tactical Archive by Shaun Hastings - Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes
Charles Gravier, the count of Vergennes was a prominent diplomat and stateman for the Kingdom of France. Vergennes rose through the ranks of the diplomatic service during postings in Portugal and Germany before receiving the important post of Envoy to the Ottoman Empire in 1755. He was also a prominent player in providing aid to the American rebels during the revolutionary war.
Vergennes hoped that by giving French aid to the American rebels, he would be able to weaken Britain's dominance of the international stage in the wake of their victory in the Seven Years War. This produced mixed results as in spite of securing American independence France was able to extract little material gain from the war, while the costs of fighting damaged French national finances in the run up to the Revolution. He went on to be a dominant figure in French politics during the 1780s.
(So America literally owes much of its existence to this cheese eating surrender monkey, and how do they repay them? Two words...Freedom Fries.)
Animus Database - Tactical Archive by Shaun Hastings - King Louis XVI
Louis XVI, King of the French, became the heir to the throne and the last Bourbon king of France upon his father's death in 1765. In 1770, he married Austrian archduchess Marie-Antoinette, the daughter of Maria Theresa and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I. Louis Auguste grew up strong and healthy, though very shy. He was tutored by French noblemen and studied religion, morality, and humanities. He excelled in Latin, history, geography, and astronomy and achieved fluency in Italian and English. (So he was good at everything...except being a king basically) With his good health, he enjoyed physical activities such as hunting and wrestling and from an early age he enjoyed locksmithing, which became a life-long hobby (wow, lock making as a hobby..ah the French.)
In the early years of his reign, Louis XVI focused on religious uniformity and foreign policy. On the homefront, he invoked an edict that granted French non-Catholics legal status and the right to openly practice their faith. Louis XVI's early foreign policy success was supporting the American colonies' fight for independence from France's archenemy Great Britain. However, the policy of taking out international loans and not raising taxes increased the debt and drove the country to near bankruptcy by the mid-1780s. (That of course, didn't mean cutting the budget for lavish feasting and dressing up like an absurd prick)
Thanks everyone for the reads and reviews! I also ask that if you know a lot of the french revolution, to refrain from revealing too much of the events :) If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and i'll answer as best I can!
Nerdman3000 - I have two new weapons planned for the future to add to Connor's arsenal, both a variation of ones already seen, i may see if i can add more distinct ones as well...
East Coast Captain - thanks for the reviews! glad you liked it :) Yes, i am doing as much research as i can to keep this as 'real' as possible. The Italian brotherhood may or may not show up in the future :) who knows...as for whose memories this is, it's not williams. I'm not planning on making it a central part of the story, but depending on how things go, we'll see!
NinjaxSketcheartx - Glad you love the action :D i was very nervous on how it would work. I haven't played revelations, but i saw enough of Yusuf to see what you mean, I'm flattered! He was awesome. as for Lafayettes fate...we'll see :D To be honest about Aveline, i'd like to, but i dont own liberation nor am I planning on playing it anytime soon and if i'm reading assassin wiki correctly, she's ten years older than him? that would make her a bit older when the revolution hits full bloom. I'll see...if i can make it work, then of course!
will zona you are on the right track :)
QuippyHistorian : Thanks for the review! i'm relieved that Connor's working out for you, as i think that is the hardest part of this story. How exactly would he react being a different setting far from home, and i'm glad its working out so far. He's not exactly the most developed character to write about!
TheScoutAssassin : glad you liked the fight scene, and you want more shaun database entries? Ask and yee shall receive :)
DDk: Sorry, new years and all! I'll try to update as often as I can, but with my committments, i can only do my best :D
Thanks everyone for your support on the story, it really keeps me going!