Condividi
Storia MidReal
Whispers of Nouvelle Rochelle
Scenario:The King's Daughters' Colony
Starting Location: La Rochelle, France
Journey Location: Atlantic Ocean
Arrival Location: Nouvelle Rochelle, New France (North America)
Setting Description: Nouvelle Rochelle is a burgeoning settlement nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in New France during the late 17th century. The settlement is a mix of French architecture and rugged wilderness, with timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and the towering forest looming just beyond. The river is both a lifeline and a boundary, separating the colonists from the unknown dangers of the untamed land. The settlement is alive with the sounds of merchants trading, children playing, and the constant hum of construction as the new French colony expands.
Key Features:
The Manor House: A grand, though modest, building in Nouvelle Rochelle where the local governor resides. It serves as the administrative heart of the French colony and the first stop for the "Filles du Roi" (aka "Daughters of the King") upon their arrival of their journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
The Church of Saint-Pierre: A small, wooden church in Novelle Rochelle that is the spiritual center of the colony. It is also where many of the "Filles du Roi" are married soon after their arrival.
The Forest's Edge: The dense and mysterious forest that surrounds the colony, filled with the sounds of wildlife and legendary tales of native tribes and mystical beings. It is both a resource and a source of fear for the Nouvelle Rochelle settlers.
The Market Square: A bustling hub of activity where traders, both European and Indigenous, come to exchange goods. The market in Nouvelle Rochelle is a melting pot of cultures and a place where stories, rumors, and news spread quickly.
Local Lore: The "Filles du Roi", or “Daughters of the King,” were young women sent by King Louis XIV to help populate the colony. Many of these women came from impoverished backgrounds, but they carried with them hopes of a better life in the New World. They were promised dowries and a fresh start, but the reality of life in the colony was often harsh and unforgiving.
Strange Sightings: Some settlers speak of seeing ghostly figures in the early morning mist near the riverbank, believed to be the spirits of those who perished during the perilous journey from France.
Unique Artifact: The Heirloom Locket – A small, silver locket passed down through generations, said to bring good fortune and protection to the women who wear it. It is rumored that the locket contains a hidden map or clue to a treasure left behind by a wealthy noblewoman who perished en route to the colony. Some say it was the "Sant Graal" (the "Holy Grail"), or proof of the existence of the "Sang Real" (the Royal Bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdelene).
Theme: Hope and Resilience
Character Card 10: Geneviève, The King's Daughter
Background: Geneviève is one of the Filles du Roi, sent to Nouvelle Rochelle in hopes of finding a husband and starting a new life. She is a smart, strong-willed and resourceful woman, determined to build a better future for herself despite the hardships of colonial life.
Motivation: Geneviève seeks to honor her family's legacy and make a life for herself in the New World. She is driven by a deep sense of duty to her fellow Filles du Roi and the belief that she can help build a strong and prosperous colony.
Special Trait: Survivor's Instinct – Geneviève has an uncanny ability to adapt to her surroundings and make the most of limited resources. She quickly learns the skills necessary to thrive in the harsh environment of the colony.
Connection to Setting: Geneviève carries the Heirloom Locket, a family treasure that her mother gave her before she left France. The locket is not only a connection to her past but may also hold the key to unlocking secrets that could change her future.
Emotion Card 10: Determination in the Face of Adversity
Description: An unwavering resolve to overcome obstacles and persevere, even when the odds are stacked against you. This emotion can drive a character to push through hardship or inspire others to join their cause.
Effects:
On the MC: The MC's determination gives her the strength to face the challenges of colonial life head-on, inspiring those around her and driving her to achieve her goals.
On a Side Character: A side character may draw strength from the MC’s determination, becoming a loyal ally, or they may become envious and attempt to undermine the MC's efforts.
Story Hook: How does the MC's determination shape their journey in the New World? Will they build the life they've dreamed of, or will the harsh realities of the colony test their resolve to the breaking point?
Crea la mia versione di questa storia
Geneviève
a "Fille du Roi" seeking a new life, relationships with other colonists and her past family, determined and resourceful.
Marie Laforest
fellow "Fille du Roi" and friend to Geneviève, relationships with Geneviève and other colonists, kindhearted and curious.
Pierre Dupont
local governor's son and potential suitor to Geneviève, relationships with Geneviève and his father, charming yet conflicted.
I am Geneviève, one of the Filles du Roi, King's Daughters, sent to Nouvelle Rochelle, New France, in the year 1669.
I am here because I was chosen for my hearty constitution and resilient nature by King Louis, XIV to make the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to marry a colonist and begin populating the New France colony.
I am not an orphan, but I left my parents back in Burgoes, Spain where I was born, then sent at the behest of the King of France (my parents were French and connected to Isle de Paris by the monks at the cathedral in Burgoes to the monks at the Cathedral in Isle de Paris).
I am here because the King of France wanted more colonists in this New World and he offered a dowry for each girl who would travel across the ocean and start a new life in the wilderness of Canada.
The King wanted to populate his colony in Nouvelle-France and he was willing to pay for it.
So here I am.
With a group of other girls in similar circumstances as mine.
The ship that carried us across the Atlantic was called La Belle Marie, and it was anything but beautiful.
The journey was long and treacherous, with storms that tossed us about like rag dolls and days where the sun beat down mercilessly on the deck.
We huddled together below deck, sharing stories of home and dreams of the future.
"Do you think they'll be kind to us?" Marie Laforest asked one night, her voice barely a whisper above the creaking of the ship.
She was a petite girl with fiery red hair and a spirit to match.
"I hope so," I replied, squeezing her hand.
"We have to believe they will be."
After what felt like an eternity, we finally saw land.
Quebec
It was nothing like Burgoes or Paris.
It was wild and untamed, surrounded by dense forests that seemed to stretch on forever and a river that glistened under the sun.
As we disembarked, we were greeted by the local governor, Monsieur Dupont, and his son, Pierre.
Monsieur Dupont was a tall man with a stern face, but his eyes softened as he welcomed us.
"Welcome to Quebec," he said in French, his voice carrying authority.
"We are grateful for your courage and sacrifice."
Pierre stood beside him, a handsome young man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.
He smiled at us, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than the others.
"Welcome," he echoed, his voice warm and inviting.
We were led to a small wooden building that would serve as our temporary home until we were matched with our future husbands.
The other girls and I settled in quickly, eager to start our new lives.
Marie and I shared a room, our beds close enough that we could talk late into the night without disturbing the others.
"I wonder who we'll marry," she mused one evening as we lay in our beds.
"Whoever it is," I said with determination, "we'll make the best of it."
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity as we adjusted to our new surroundings.
We met other Filles du Roi who had arrived before us and learned about life in the colony.
It was hard work, but there was a sense of camaraderie among us that made it bearable.
One afternoon, as I was helping Marie wash clothes by the river, Pierre approached us.
"Geneviève," he called out, waving me over.
I wiped my hands on my apron and walked over to him.
"Yes?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fluttering in my chest.
"My father would like to speak with you," he said, his expression serious.
I nodded and followed him back to the governor's house.
Monsieur Dupont was waiting for me in his study, a large room filled with books and maps of the New World.
"Geneviève," he began, "I have been observing you since your arrival. You seem strong-willed and capable. Qualities we need here in Quebec."
"Thank you, Monsieur," I replied, unsure of where this conversation was leading.
"I believe you would make a good match for my son," he continued. "Pierre has also expressed interest in you."
My heart skipped a beat at his words. Pierre? Interested in me?
Before I could respond, there was a loud crash from outside. The ground shook beneath our feet.
Monsieur Dupont's face turned pale.
"What was that?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Pierre burst into the room.
"The Iroquois are attacking!" he shouted, his face flushed with urgency.
I felt a surge of fear but quickly pushed it aside.
"We need to defend the settlement," I said firmly.
Pierre nodded, grabbing a musket from the wall.
"Follow me."
We rushed outside to find chaos.
Colonists were scrambling, some grabbing weapons, others running for cover.
The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of gunpowder.
"Geneviève!" Marie's voice called out from behind me.
She looked terrified, clutching a small dagger.
"Marie, find somewhere safe to hide," I urged her.
"We'll handle this."
She hesitated but then nodded, disappearing into the crowd.
Pierre and I joined a group of men and women who were forming a defensive line near the edge of the settlement.
The Iroquois warriors were advancing, their war cries echoing through the trees.
"Take aim!" Monsieur Dupont commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos.
I raised my musket, my hands shaking slightly.
Beside me, Pierre took a deep breath and fired.
The sound was deafening, but it spurred me into action.
I pulled the trigger, feeling the recoil jolt through my body.
The first wave of attackers fell, but more were coming.
We reloaded as quickly as we could, firing again and again.
"Hold the line!" someone shouted.
I glanced around at my fellow colonists.
Their faces were grim but determined.
We were fighting for our survival, our future.
An Iroquois warrior broke through our line, charging straight at me with a tomahawk raised high.
I barely had time to react before Pierre stepped in front of me, blocking the attack with his musket.
"Get back!" he yelled, shoving me aside.
I stumbled but regained my footing quickly.
Grabbing a nearby pitchfork, I lunged at the warrior, catching him off guard.
He fell to the ground with a grunt of pain.
"Nice move," Pierre said breathlessly, giving me a quick nod of approval.
There was no time to celebrate.
More warriors were closing in.
"Form up!" Monsieur Dupont ordered. "Don't let them break through!"
We tightened our formation, fighting with everything we had.
In the midst of the battle, I saw Marie darting between buildings, helping those who were injured or unable to fight.
Her bravery inspired me to push harder.
A sudden explosion rocked the settlement as one of our cannons fired into the advancing enemy.
The blast sent debris flying everywhere, momentarily halting the Iroquois advance.
"Now's our chance!" Pierre shouted over the noise. "Push them back!"
With renewed determination, we surged forward together as one force.
I swung my pitchfork with all my strength while Pierre fired his musket beside me.
Slowly but surely we began to drive them back towards the forest edge.
But just when it seemed like victory was within reach an arrow whizzed past narrowly missing my head.
I turned just in time to see another wave of warriors emerging from behind trees.
My heart sank realizing how outnumbered we still were.
But there was no turning back now.
We had come too far and fought too hard.
With gritted teeth I prepared myself for what lay ahead.
Suddenly Pierre grabbed my arm pulling me down behind cover.
“Look!” he pointed urgently towards something in distance.
Through smoke haze I saw the movement of figures approaching rapidly from the opposite direction.
Reinforcements!
Our allies had arrived!
Hope surged through my veins giving me the strength needed for the final push.
Together, side-by-side, we rose ready to face whatever came next, determined to protect our homes, family and friends - no matter what the cost.
