The Dawn of Revolution
On January 1, 1774, in the Royal International Calendar, Frankfurt stood at the center of history. Snow blanketed the cobblestone streets as thousands gathered in the city square to witness Aron's momentous speech. He stood on a wooden platform in front of the great cathedral, flanked by his banners displaying the sigil of the Shadow Legion—a black eagle in flight, clutching a sword in one talon and a broken chain in the other.
The crowd, a mixture of townsfolk, soldiers, and minor nobles, waited in tense silence as Aron stepped forward. His fur-lined cloak billowed in the icy wind, and his steel-gray eyes swept over the gathered masses.
The Speech
"People of Frankfurt, loyal soldiers of the Shadow Legion, and all who dare to dream of freedom!" Aron began, his voice commanding and clear. "Today is not just the start of a new year—it is the birth of a new era."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, but Aron raised his hand, demanding their full attention.
"For centuries, the German Empire has been chained by tyranny. Kings and nobles live in luxury while the people toil and starve. They call it divine right—I call it theft. They call it order—I call it oppression."
Cheers began to rise, but Aron silenced them with a piercing gaze.
"I have seen firsthand the cruelty of kings. My own father, Emperor Charles III of Russia, murdered my mother and exiled me from his kingdom. I have walked in your shoes, felt your pain, and suffered your losses. But no more!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Aron's name.
"Today, I declare war—not just on the emperor of Germany, but on the very idea of monarchy. No king has the right to rule over free men and women. From this day forward, let it be known that we fight for a Free Germany, where the people govern themselves and tyranny is cast into the abyss!"
The roar from the crowd was deafening.
"To the nobles of this land," Aron continued, his voice turning cold, "you have a choice: join us in building this new Germany, or perish with the old. You have until the end of this month to decide. Make your choice wisely."
He turned to his soldiers, his voice booming. "Shadow Legion, today we march to Berlin, Munich, and every stronghold of the German Empire! We will capture the royal family, topple the throne, and forge a future where no man is born into chains. Let the world know that the revolution has begun!"
The square erupted in chants of "Free Germany!" as Aron descended from the platform, his face calm but resolute.
Behind the Scenes
While Aron roused the masses, Erwin executed a more sinister task. In the dead of night, he summoned the leadership of the opposition party to a meeting in a dimly lit hall. The excuse was to strategize for the coming revolution. In reality, it was a carefully laid trap.
The leaders, many of whom opposed Aron's bold declaration of war, voiced their concerns. Gustav Rhein, one of the most influential figures in the party, stood and pointed at Erwin.
"This is madness! Declaring war on the empire will bring destruction upon us all. Aron's vision is noble, but it's too soon."
Erwin gave a thin smile. "Too soon, you say? No. The time is perfect."
Before Rhein could reply, Erwin gave a subtle signal. Soldiers loyal to the brothers burst into the room, blades drawn. Chaos erupted as the dissenters were cut down. By morning, every potential rival or obstacle within the party had been eliminated.
Erwin reported to Aron with grim satisfaction. "The council is united now."
"Good," Aron replied. "Unity is strength. The revolution must be unyielding."
The March Begins
By January 3, columns of Shadow Legion soldiers began their march toward Berlin, Munich, and other key cities. Armed with swords, shields, and longbows, they advanced with discipline and purpose. Villages along their path welcomed them as liberators, offering supplies and volunteers to swell their ranks.
Aron and Erwin knew the empire's forces would respond swiftly, but they were prepared. Spies infiltrated the royal courts, spreading false reports to confuse imperial generals. Garrisons along the roads found their supplies mysteriously sabotaged.
The Shadow Legion wasn't just an army—it was a movement, and it carried the hope of a people tired of oppression.
The First Confrontation
Near Würzburg, the Shadow Legion faced its first major test. A force of imperial knights, led by Duke Heinrich of Bavaria, sought to block their advance. The knights were heavily armored and outnumbered the Shadow Legion two to one.
Aron and Erwin met with their commanders under the cover of darkness. "We can't win a head-on battle," Aron said, studying the map. "But we can outthink them."
They devised a cunning plan. At dawn, Erwin led a small force to feign an attack on the knights' flank, drawing them into the forest. Meanwhile, Aron positioned the main force on a hill overlooking the battlefield.
As the knights pursued Erwin's men into the woods, they found themselves bogged down in narrow trails and ambushes. At the same time, Aron's archers rained arrows down on the remaining knights, creating chaos in their ranks. By nightfall, the knights were defeated, and Duke Heinrich was captured.
The Revolution Gains Momentum
The victory at Würzburg was a turning point. Towns and cities along the route to Berlin threw open their gates to the Shadow Legion. The nobles who hesitated to join the revolution now pledged their allegiance, fearing they would be next.
In Frankfurt, Erwin began organizing supply lines to support the growing army, while Aron issued proclamations to the people, solidifying their vision of a Free Germany.
The revolution was no longer just a dream—it was a reality.
International Reactions to the German Revolution
The revolutionary wave that swept through Germany did not go unnoticed by neighboring nations. Monarchies across Europe, particularly those with close ties to the German Empire, viewed the developments with a mix of fear, intrigue, and opportunism. Here's how key nations reacted:
Russia (Under Emperor Charles III)
Russia, under the rule of Emperor Charles III, had a deeply personal stake in the conflict. While the rebellion unfolded in Germany, Charles III's concern went beyond geopolitics—his exiled sons, Aron and Erwin, were the architects of the chaos.
Charles III held an emergency council in the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg, where his advisors debated the course of action.
The Emperor's Perspective:
Charles III saw the revolution as an affront to monarchy itself, a direct challenge to the divine right of kings that could inspire unrest within his own borders.
"These traitors were my blood," Charles III thundered. "Their rebellion is a stain on my legacy. If this flame of revolution spreads, it will consume all of Europe."
Russia's Plan:
The emperor ordered his spies to infiltrate the Shadow Legion and report on their strategies and weaknesses. Simultaneously, he began mobilizing a portion of the Russian army along the eastern borders of Germany, ready to intervene if necessary. However, he hesitated to commit fully, wary of spreading his forces too thin while still managing internal dissent in Russia.
France
France, Germany's western neighbor, found itself in a complicated position. Although the French monarchy sympathized with the German emperor, there was also an undercurrent of interest in weakening the German Empire to expand French influence.
The King's Reaction:
The French king, Louis XV, convened his court at Versailles. While his advisors urged caution, the king saw an opportunity.
"If Germany crumbles, we can extend our influence into the Rhineland," Louis declared. "But we must tread carefully. Support for the monarchy must remain unshaken here."
France's Actions:
French emissaries were dispatched to both the emperor's court in Berlin and to Aron's forces in Frankfurt, posing as neutral diplomats while subtly gauging the strength of each side. Meanwhile, French merchants began discreetly funneling weapons to sympathetic nobles in the Rhineland, hedging their bets in case the revolution succeeded.
England
England, across the Channel, took a cautious approach. The English monarchy, wary of revolutionary ideals, was firmly opposed to Aron's uprising. However, with Germany being a rival power, some factions in England saw the potential for strategic advantage.
Parliament's Debate:
In London, Parliament was divided. The ruling monarch pushed for support of the German emperor, fearing the spread of revolution to England's shores. However, several members of Parliament advocated for neutrality, arguing that the conflict could weaken Germany and open trade opportunities for England.
England's Actions:
England officially declared neutrality but quietly supported the German emperor by sending advisors to help fortify Berlin. At the same time, English traders sold arms and supplies to both sides, profiting from the chaos.
The Papal States
The Pope in Rome condemned the revolution outright, declaring it a "rebellion against divine authority." He issued a bull excommunicating Aron and Erwin, labeling their movement as heretical.
The Church's Role:
The Church called upon loyal Catholic nobles in Germany to resist the revolution and remain steadfast in their support of the monarchy. Priests in German villages preached against the revolution, portraying Aron and Erwin as agents of chaos and sin.
Despite the Church's efforts, some regions with strong anti-monarchical sentiment ignored the Pope's decree and continued to support the Shadow Legion.
The Ottoman Empire
The Ottomans viewed the German revolution as an internal European conflict that could work to their advantage. The Sultan saw the weakening of Christian monarchies as an opportunity to strengthen Ottoman influence in southeastern Europe.
The Sultan's Strategy:
The Ottoman Empire did not involve itself directly in the conflict but increased its military presence along its borders with the Holy Roman Empire. Ottoman diplomats also reached out to rebellious factions within the Balkans, encouraging dissent against their own overlords while Germany's focus was diverted.Poland-Lithuania
Poland-Lithuania, situated between Germany and Russia, found itself in a precarious position. The Polish king feared that the revolution might inspire similar uprisings among his own nobles.
Poland's Response:
Poland mobilized its forces along the German border to prevent any spillover of conflict and declared its intent to support the German emperor. Polish nobles sympathetic to Aron's cause were quietly arrested, and spies were sent to infiltrate the Shadow Legion.Scandinavia
The Scandinavian kingdoms took a neutral stance, viewing the conflict as a distant issue. However, they closely monitored developments, aware that a prolonged war could destabilize trade routes and alliances.
Summary
The German Revolution quickly became more than a local uprising—it became a flashpoint in European geopolitics. While some nations sought to contain the conflict, others saw it as an opportunity to shift the balance of power. Aron and Erwin's rebellion, born of personal vengeance, now threatened to reshape the political map of Europe.
The March to Overthrow the Monarchy
As the Shadow Legion advanced on Berlin and Munich, the heart of the German Empire trembled under the weight of revolution. Aron and Erwin, now commanding thousands of loyal followers, faced a path riddled with challenges—strategic, logistical, and moral.
Challenges on the Road to Berlin
Noble Resistance
Not all nobles capitulated to Aron's ultimatum. Many rallied their private armies to defend their holdings and the monarchy. These skirmishes slowed the Shadow Legion's march, forcing Aron and Erwin to adapt.
Example: In Saxony, the Duke of Meissen fortified his castle and mobilized his knights. Aron devised a siege, employing local villagers to cut off supply lines while Erwin led a surprise raid through an unguarded sally port. The victory was costly but decisive.
Supply Shortages
Feeding and arming a growing army stretched their resources thin. Erwin, ever the strategist, implemented strict rationing and negotiated with sympathetic merchants to provide supplies in exchange for promises of tax-free trade in the future Free Germany.
Betrayals Within
Despite Erwin's earlier purges, dissent lingered within their ranks. A group of minor officers plotted to defect to the emperor, fearing the revolution's failure.
Resolution: Erwin uncovered the plot through spies and executed the conspirators publicly, sending a chilling message to others who might consider betrayal.
Religious Opposition
The Church condemned the revolution, branding Aron and Erwin as heretics. Clergy in several towns incited the population against the Shadow Legion, leading to small uprisings. Aron countered this by spreading his own propaganda, emphasizing freedom of belief under the new government.
The Siege of Berlin
By March 1774, the Shadow Legion arrived at the gates of Berlin. The city, heavily fortified and guarded by the imperial army, posed the brothers' greatest challenge yet. Aron and Erwin set up camp outside the walls, their banners flying high.
PreparationsSpies and Saboteurs: Erwin sent agents into the city to sow discord, bribe guards, and sabotage key defenses. Fires erupted in supply depots, and morale among the defenders plummeted.Allies Within: Some citizens, tired of imperial rule, secretly supported the revolution. They smuggled food to the Shadow Legion and provided intelligence on weak points in the city's defenses.
The Assault
After weeks of preparation, Aron ordered the assault on Berlin. Using siege towers and battering rams, the Shadow Legion launched a coordinated attack.
Aron personally led the charge on the city's eastern gate, inspiring his soldiers with his courage.Erwin commanded a secondary force that breached the western walls using tunnels dug in secret.
Victory and Consequences
The city fell after three days of intense fighting. The imperial army, demoralized and outmaneuvered, surrendered. Aron declared Berlin the new capital of Free Germany, and the royal palace was repurposed as the headquarters of the revolution.
The Capture of the Royal Family
The German emperor and his family had fled Berlin before the siege, seeking refuge in Munich. Aron and Erwin wasted no time, leading a detachment of elite soldiers in pursuit.
The ChaseThe brothers pursued the emperor across Bavaria, encountering resistance from loyalist forces along the way.In a dramatic confrontation near Regensburg, Aron's forces surrounded the emperor's convoy.The Ultimatum
Aron personally confronted the emperor, offering him two choices:Abdicate the throne and face exile.Refuse and be executed.
The emperor, defiant to the end, refused to surrender his crown. Aron carried out the execution himself, symbolizing the end of the monarchy.
The Proclamation of Free Germany
In April 1774, Aron stood before a massive crowd in Munich, the former seat of the empire, and proclaimed the establishment of Free Germany.
Key Reforms Announced:The abolition of all noble titles and privileges.Redistribution of lands to the people.A council of elected representatives to govern the nation.Lingering ChallengesForeign InterventionRussia, under Emperor Charles III, began mobilizing its forces to crush the revolution. French and English emissaries also hinted at potential intervention, fearing the spread of revolutionary ideals.Internal StrugglesMany nobles and former loyalists remained in hiding, planning to retake power.Some of Aron's supporters began questioning the brothers' methods, leading to potential fractures within the movement.Erwin's AmbitionsErwin's ruthless tactics and growing power made some allies wary. Whispers of his desire to rule Free Germany alone began to circulate.The Path Forward
While Aron's revolution succeeded in toppling the monarchy, the true battle for Free Germany had just begun. The brothers faced the daunting task of uniting a fractured nation, defending it from external threats, and ensuring their vision of freedom didn't devolve into tyranny.