Realistic or Modern Saoirse (Irish Revolutionary Period Historical Questlog) *COMPLETED*

[AlbaGuBrath]

(In my experience analyzing political science and regimes, WWI would've been the perfect excuse for the British state to conveniently "forget" about Home Rule and prevent its enactment, to keep the Irish people subjugated. One of the keys to a predatory state is creating or using massive events as excuses to divert attention away from things like that to make people forget about it or vent their frustration elsewhere. The Easter Rising definitely reminded the British that they needed to go through with Home Rule or they'd deal with a VERY ANGRY Irish populace, if the uprising didn't happen I bet they wouldn't go through with Home Rule.)

Ironic that, after all the effort that went into making Home Rule happen, when it was finally on the books it was never enacted.

But yeah, I've heard people say something to that effect before and they may be right. I'm personally inclined to offer the benefit of the doubt and assume that the government was honest, but let's face it, how many governments can you actually say that of? I would say it would be better to have held off and waited to see what came after the war, but as far as they knew at the time, this was their only chance, so I suppose it's understandable. And, you know, it may have actually stood a better chance than it's commonly given credit for. Even with all that went wrong, it still survived for a whole week, which is impressive considering the forces involved. So, who knows, maybe it could have worked. But what would have the future been like then? They didn't have the support of most of the civilian population; that came only after the executions. So would they have been able to hold it?
But it makes me wonder whether it actually did more harm than good, weakening credibility and making it less likely for a peaceful post-war future, not to mention the destruction to lives and property. But that's speculation, I suppose.

 

[Historical Storyteller]

(Well I tried waiting a couple of days to see if anyone else wanted to say anything, but it appears no one else has anything, this is definitely a predicament that AlbaGuBrath should know of, where something big is going to happen which will be revealed, and it'd lead to dire consequences, most likely, so after considering the two options I for this tie breaker I choose Option 1, so Option 1 has been chosen through tie-breaker!)

Days pass, and eventually on the 19th of April, you escort Rory O'Connor with the letter. Rory is a tall, dark-haired man, who seems quite cheerful. When you first show up, you quickly learn that as he wraps his arms around you in a bear hug, before stepping back to shake your hand, and then doing the same with Joseph.

"Evening," he says, grinning. "Joseph and Michael, I presume?"

"We are indeed," you say. "This one's Joseph, and I'm Michael. How are you doing?"

"I'm terrific. Ready to serve my country. We're to head to Dr Seamus O'Reilly's house. We're holding the meeting there, alright?"

"Not a bother. Are you ready to go?"

Rory pats the satchel that hangs from his side.

"Got the letter. Let's head out."

You quickly begin walking down the road towards Dr Seamus O'Reilly's house. It's a long walk, but Rory keeps it alive with friendly chatter and jokes the entire way.

However, as you walk through the streets, you quickly become nervous. The weight of doing such an important task quickly gives way to a bit of nervousness, as you stare constantly around, watching for RIC Police or informants. You know fellow Irishmen have began betraying the cause, informing the English about suspicious activity as fear of an Irish uprising. Although their fear is well placed, it's going to make your job a lot harder.

"We're being watched," you say.

"You're paranoid," Rory O'Connor says, grinning. "No one suspects us, do they?"

"They might. Did you tell anyone about this mission, Rory?" you ask.

"Sure," Rory O'Connor nods.

"Who?!" you say, worry flashing across your face.

"I told my mother I've got an important mission today. I told God our father above, but he knew about it already. Oh, and I told Jacob, my local Royal Constable."

"You told the Constabulary?!" you almost yell, as a few faces turn

"You know what? I think you might be right. We are being watched," Rory smirks. "Calm down and stop drawing attention to us."

"But...!" you begin to say, before taking a deep breath to calm yourself down. "Why...?"

"I didn't. It's this old Irish thing from way back before even the Celts. It's called a joke."

"Ha-ha, very fucking funny," you say, your face darkening as you feel embarrassed at your outburst.

"Yeah, I though so," Rory smiles smugly.

You continue walking along the streets, but it's not long before you notice a shawled figure, leaning behind an old bar. The figure's head immediately bounces up as you walk by, and it watches you with interest. The figure slowly creeps out towards the street, remaining in the shadows as it clearly focuses on you alone.

"We're being tailed," you say.

"Take it easy, Michael. Are you sure you're ok?" Joseph asks.

Whilst you might be the boy who cried wolf on this one, you have a duty to protect this letter. If that figure is an informant, it'll take them but a moment to get some constables to search you, and there's a nearby police station nearby, so it wouldn't be long before you were swarmed. It's best you act as soon as possible.

1. Open fire on what might be an informant

2. Investigate the individual who may be an informant

3. Move quickly through the area to your destination

2. Don't shoot the bastard just yet, you'll attract the attention of the constables and soon you'd be surrounded and have to face the wrath of the entire city. Walk up to him, be friendly and engage in casual conversation. Since he's been giving you these odd looks you might as well introduce yourself. It isn't polite to just let him keep himself company.

 

[Pryno]

Sorry, I was kinda caught in my personal life (college. Fun fact, here "college" is not a synonym of university, it means "cégep" which is between high school and university. Moving on)

Anyway, we need to be cautious. Shooting in the streets is completely stupid, especially if we don't know an escape route, while not disposing of a spy is harmful to the Brotherhood. Option 2. Oh, and I didn't knew that much about that revolutionary period. Guess I should look more into it, my curiosity is piqued.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

I don't think opening fire would be a good idea, and moving to our destination will only lead any enemies to the doctor. Best to investigate the individual first.

2.

 

[The Omen of Death]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 3 votes!)

You turn, moving close to the figure as you rush towards them. The figure jumps up in shock, almost collapsing backwards in a fright.

"Who are you?!" you ask with a snarl.

As you grow closer, you realize that you recognize the face.

"Oh. Uh, oops," you say, staring at Ms. Roberts, your old school teacher. "God, I'm sorry!"

"Michael! What on Earth are you doing trying to frighten the life out of me?!" she says, frowning as she smacks you hard on the arm. "I thought I recognized you, but you've gone and done this!"

"Shit, uh, sorry," you say, before turning back to your comrades, who are busy trying to leave. "I have to go. Very sorry about that."

You rush over to Joseph and Rory. Rory's smiling away to himself, while Joseph is struggling to stop giggling like a schoolchild, which seems fitting.

"Was that Ms...?"

"Yeah."

"And you went...?"

"Yeah."

"And then she slapped you?"

"Yeah, Joseph, yeah, that happened."

"You've gone paranoid. The British know nothing."

With that strange thing finished, you continue walking on, moving though before you reach the small but comfortable house of Dr Seamus O'Reilly. Rory O'Connor walks up to the door, and like that, the mission is complete, with no issues whatsoever. Thank Christ.

"And here we are," Rory O'Connor grins. "Simple."

"Well, our mission is done. Should... should we come in?"

"No need. It's... more for leaders only," Rory O'Connor says, frowning. "Not that I don't respect your help in doing all of this."

"It's fine. We're not leaders," Joseph says. "Best of luck."

"Thanks," Rory O'Connor nods, before shaking your hands again, disappearing off into the house.

Meanwhile, you turn and wander off with Rory O'Connor, back down the street.

"Boring mission. Besides your little whine-fest."

"Don't be a dick," you say.

"Oh, I'm only kidding," Joseph replies. "Hopefully, this little bit of deception goes off as well as planned."

"We'll see, Joseph. We'll see."

The following days...
​

Over the following few days, the situation is goes up in flames. Upon seeing the letter and hearing of Casement's involvement and the landing of weapons, MacNeil decides that the Irish Volunteers will take part in the uprising, and everything seems ideal. Then, you return to the city to tell them what's happened. The IRB meant to meet up with you seemed to have gone missing in the night, you don't hear from them again, although they're presumed dead. Roger Casement and two of his Irish allies are arrested, and Casement is sentenced to death by hanging. The German guns, carried here aboard the Aud are caught and destroyed.

Unfortunately, this puts the plans is jeopardy. Although MacNeil makes it clear he's willing to join the uprising when he hears of the guns and Casement's involvement, and the Rising is planned out.

However, as the plans are set for the uprising to occur on Easter Sunday, disaster happens. As soon as MacNeil hears of it, he calls off the rising, sending out messages to the entire Irish Volunteers through messages through the Irish Volunteer newspaper, informing the Volunteers not to show up to fight.

Now, it's Easter Sunday, the day you were supposed to begin the uprising to take over the whole country. The entire plan has gone up in flames. Casement and his Irish POW regiment are off the table, as are those German guns. The majority of the Irish volunteers will no longer fight with you either. That leaves barely enough men to stage an uprising, even, just to take Dublin. It would take a miracle to succeed. In order to decide what the way forward is, the IRB Military Council has decided to meet up to determine the best course of action.

All you can do is wait patiently for your orders, with a handful of your other IRB comrades for the next order, the order that will change the history of Ireland.

You sit inside Liam's house, all around the big kitchen table. You all wait there patiently, wondering what the news will be. All that you can do, drink and argue, is being done already.

"We're going to fight," Joseph says.

"We'll never fight," Liam replies, shaking his head. "Don't have the guns, don't have the weapons. We'd be slaughtered!"

"We'd die for the cause! Bloody martyrs, to inspire Ireland's children to end the tyranny of Britain!"

"We're soldiers in the Irish Republican Brotherhood. We'll do as we're ordered," Seamus says, as that seems to end the discussion.

You continue sitting there, waiting patiently. After a few more minutes, a messenger bursts into the door. He doubles over a cheer, panting with exhaustion with rushing here so quickly. The entire group pays close attention with bated breath, every pair of eyes staring at the messenger nervously.

"Out with it, man!" Joseph says.

"I'm looking... for Seamus Mc... Mc... something," he says, the pauses filled with exhausted breathing.

"For fuck's sake, that's me!" Seamus says. "What's the order?"

"Whats's... the pass... word?"

"The devil's buried in Killarney," Seamus says. "Now out with it!"

"The attack..." the man says, before pausing in exhausted breaths again.

For a brief moment, it's clear that every single man has just went through the same struggle that you have, in deciding not to brutally murder him and smash his head against a wall.

"Go on, boy!" Seamus nearly shouts.

"... is to take place... tomorrow morning," the man finally gets out.

"Then it's settled," Seamus says, nodding.

"No it's not! We can refuse the order!" Liam says, looking around at the silent, grim faces around him. "We'll be slaughtered otherwise! Is no one with me?"

"We'll take a vote, then," Seamus says, seeming to seem the odds are in favor of loyalty. "Raise your hands if you want to disobey our orders."

1. Support and join with the Easter Rising

2. Oppose and don't join in the Easter Rising

 

[ViciousVip3R]

I'm a bit less invested in this one, so I'll go with the most appealing and interesting option:

1.

 

[Historical Storyteller]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 3 votes!)

You turn, moving close to the figure as you rush towards them. The figure jumps up in shock, almost collapsing backwards in a fright.

"Who are you?!" you ask with a snarl.

As you grow closer, you realize that you recognize the face.

"Oh. Uh, oops," you say, staring at Ms. Roberts, your old school teacher. "God, I'm sorry!"

"Michael! What on Earth are you doing trying to frighten the life out of me?!" she says, frowning as she smacks you hard on the arm. "I thought I recognized you, but you've gone and done this!"

"Shit, uh, sorry," you say, before turning back to your comrades, who are busy trying to leave. "I have to go. Very sorry about that."

You rush over to Joseph and Rory. Rory's smiling away to himself, while Joseph is struggling to stop giggling like a schoolchild, which seems fitting.

"Was that Ms...?"

"Yeah."

"And you went...?"

"Yeah."

"And then she slapped you?"

"Yeah, Joseph, yeah, that happened."

"You've gone paranoid. The British know nothing."

With that strange thing finished, you continue walking on, moving though before you reach the small but comfortable house of Dr Seamus O'Reilly. Rory O'Connor walks up to the door, and like that, the mission is complete, with no issues whatsoever. Thank Christ.

"And here we are," Rory O'Connor grins. "Simple."

"Well, our mission is done. Should... should we come in?"

"No need. It's... more for leaders only," Rory O'Connor says, frowning. "Not that I don't respect your help in doing all of this."

"It's fine. We're not leaders," Joseph says. "Best of luck."

"Thanks," Rory O'Connor nods, before shaking your hands again, disappearing off into the house.

Meanwhile, you turn and wander off with Rory O'Connor, back down the street.

"Boring mission. Besides your little whine-fest."

"Don't be a dick," you say.

"Oh, I'm only kidding," Joseph replies. "Hopefully, this little bit of deception goes off as well as planned."

"We'll see, Joseph. We'll see."

The following days...
​

Over the following few days, the situation is goes up in flames. Upon seeing the letter and hearing of Casement's involvement and the landing of weapons, MacNeil decides that the Irish Volunteers will take part in the uprising, and everything seems ideal. Then, you return to the city to tell them what's happened. The IRB meant to meet up with you seemed to have gone missing in the night, you don't hear from them again, although they're presumed dead. Roger Casement and two of his Irish allies are arrested, and Casement is sentenced to death by hanging. The German guns, carried here aboard the Aud are caught and destroyed.

Unfortunately, this puts the plans is jeopardy. Although MacNeil makes it clear he's willing to join the uprising when he hears of the guns and Casement's involvement, and the Rising is planned out.

However, as the plans are set for the uprising to occur on Easter Sunday, disaster happens. As soon as Casement hears of it, he calls off the rising, sending out messages to the entire Irish Volunteers through messages through the Irish Volunteer newspaper, informing the Volunteers not to show up to fight.

Now, it's Easter Sunday, the day you were supposed to begin the uprising to take over the whole country. The entire plan has gone up in flames. Casement and his Irish POW regiment are off the table, as are those German guns. The majority of the Irish volunteers will no longer fight with you either. That leaves barely enough men to stage an uprising, even, just to take Dublin. It would take a miracle to succeed. In order to decide what the way forward is, the IRB Military Council has decided to meet up to determine the best course of action.

All you can do is wait patiently for your orders, with a handful of your other IRB comrades for the next order, the order that will change the history of Ireland.

You sit inside Liam's house, all around the big kitchen table. You all wait there patiently, wondering what the news will be. All that you can do, drink and argue, is being done already.

"We're going to fight," Joseph says.

"We'll never fight," Liam replies, shaking his head. "Don't have the guns, don't have the weapons. We'd be slaughtered!"

"We'd die for the cause! Bloody martyrs, to inspire Ireland's children to end the tyranny of Britain!"

"We're soldiers in the Irish Republican Brotherhood. We'll do as we're ordered," Seamus says, as that seems to end the discussion.

You continue sitting there, waiting patiently. After a few more minutes, a messenger bursts into the door. He doubles over a cheer, panting with exhaustion with rushing here so quickly. The entire group pays close attention with bated breath, every pair of eyes staring at the messenger nervously.

"Out with it, man!" Joseph says.

"I'm looking... for Seamus Mc... Mc... something," he says, the pauses filled with exhausted breathing.

"For fuck's sake, that's me!" Seamus says. "What's the order?"

"Whats's... the pass... word?"

"The devil's buried in Killarney," Seamus says. "Now out with it!"

"The attack..." the man says, before pausing in exhausted breaths again.

For a brief moment, it's clear that every single man has just went through the same struggle that you have, in deciding not to brutally murder him and smash his head against a wall.

"Go on, boy!" Seamus nearly shouts.

"... is to take place... tomorrow morning," the man finally gets out.

"Then it's settled," Seamus says, nodding.

"No it's not! We can refuse the order!" Liam says, looking around at the silent, grim faces around him. "We'll be slaughtered otherwise! Is no one with me?"

"We'll take a vote, then," Seamus says, seeming to seem the odds are in favor of loyalty. "Raise your hands if you want to disobey our orders."

1. Support and join with the Easter Rising

2. Oppose and don't join in the Easter Rising

2. Time and patience are your friends, don't do anything rash and let all your hard work go up in flames in a single day when you can carry on the good fight for the rest of your life. You can die a bloody martyr in the Easter Rising or you can live your entire life resisting the British. You may not have a gun now but you can do much greater damage if you're patient and wreak havoc on the British long-term.

 

[Pryno]

Hum...I need more informations. If we agree, do we have time to go find a little more recruits, find a secret storeroom with some weapons, that kind of thing? Have a chance to increase our odds?

 

[The Omen of Death]

Hum...I need more informations. If we agree, do we have time to go find a little more recruits, find a secret storeroom with some weapons, that kind of thing? Have a chance to increase our odds?

Considering this realistically, there's not much you could do alone to increase your odds. And finding a secret storeroom in the middle of Dublin is as unlikely as finding a leprechaun. It's your call whether you wish to go with your fellow IRB members to join up in the Easter Rising.

For a deeper analysis, here's what you got. You got the IRB who is going to start the uprising. Eoin MacNeil has decided to call off the Irish Volunteers, however some are going to take part in it, but as I said before it's not a lot. You will also have members of the Irish Citizen Army joining in. But that's it, and obviously there are weapons shortages since the Casement plan with the Germans and Irish POW's failed.

Obviously it's up to you. You should be the tie breaker should no one else vote.

 

[Pryno]

After a long time of reflexion and some research on Wikipedia...

Considering the desastreous consequences for the IRB of the Easter Rising, it would be pretty stupid to go on with the plan. We're gonna delay history a little bit.

Option 2.

 

[The Omen of Death]

After a long time of reflexion and some research on Wikipedia...

Considering the desastreous consequences for the IRB of the Easter Rising, it would be pretty stupid to go on with the plan. We're gonna delay history a little bit.

Option 2.

(Gg researching on Wikipedia to find out what happens... Well it's still a response... So I will be working on the next post.)

 

[The Omen of Death]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 2 votes! Also last chance to make a decision, since the last vote was whether you're group would actually go out to fight.)

You raise your hand, as does Liam. However, every other IRB member keeps there hand lowered. Liam looks around, realizing how unpopular he's made himself, and looks at the floor in shame.

"Michael!" Joseph says, his voice dripping with disappointment.

You pause, lowering your hand, ashamed.

"Well then," Seamus says. "The issue's been put to a vote, and we're going to war."

Seamus stares at you for a second, frowning.

"The only question left is if there's any men who are still unwilling to fight," Seamus says.

The question is left hanging in the air, as you stare at Seamus. You're under-supplied, you have far less soldiers than you'd have hoped for, and even with both of those a successful rebellion would've been hard to pull off. Are you willing to risk your life just for this?

1. Join the Rising with the rest of your IRB comrades

2. Refuse to fight

 

[Historical Storyteller]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 2 votes! Also last chance to make a decision, since the last vote was whether you're group would actually go out to fight.)

You raise your hand, as does Liam. However, every other IRB member keeps there hand lowered. Liam looks around, realizing how unpopular he's made himself, and looks at the floor in shame.

"Michael!" Joseph says, his voice dripping with disappointment.

You pause, lowering your hand, ashamed.

"Well then," Seamus says. "The issue's been put to a vote, and we're going to war."

Seamus stares at you for a second, frowning.

"The only question left is if there's any men who are still unwilling to fight," Seamus says.

The question is left hanging in the air, as you stare at Seamus. You're under-supplied, you have far less soldiers than you'd have hoped for, and even with both of those a successful rebellion would've been hard to pull off. Are you willing to risk your life just for this?

1. Join the Rising with the rest of your IRB comrades

2. Refuse to fight

2. It's hopeless.

 

[Pryno]

Hey, I was informing myself. And even if it is based on historical facts, it's a story that our choices can change. A proof of that, we could choose which of the missions of the IRB would be successful sooner (and we choosed to escort Rory). It was a tie and an important decision. What was I supposed to do?

Well, the easter rising will go on. If we want it to have at least a chance to provoke a miracle (and maybe to regain our reputation damaged by our vote), then we have to fight. What could go wrong? Option 1.

 

[AlbaGuBrath]

That is an interesting point. The historical rising was a long shot and was unsuccessful (though you could argue it was ultimately a success, even if it was a military defeat. Depends on what you call a success.), but different choices may lead to different results. Better organisation and communication, for example. But those arms are still an issue. But, assuming that it is successful, what would be the results? It would have to be held, but would the men be in a condition to do so? And the leadership are hardly military men. Arguably, that may be a good thing, but idealists may have a hard time leading in a less-than-ideal world. So that would be something to keep in mind.

Also, not to give anything away, but a different post-Rising response could also make a world of difference.

 

[The Omen of Death]

(Considering it's been a while since anyone has said anything, looks like I'll have to act as a tie breaker, so while there's very little chance of actually making a difference, especially considering how low you are in the IRB, this RP seems to be in a bit of a slog, it feels like there should be some action considering this has been moving a bit slowly. So on that basis, I will say it is now time to take some action, therefore Option 1 has been chosen by tie breaker!)

"I'm still loyal to my comrades," you say. "I'll fight."

"Good to know, McCarthy, that your loyalty still lies with your comrades," Seamus nods. "Liam?"

Liam shakes his head sadly.

"I'm not going to give my life for this. I have a pregnant wife and two sisters to take care of."

"So be it," Seamus says. "Well then, we have planning to do, and it's best done in the company of soldiers. I'm sure you understand."

Liam nods, going pale. He turns, walking out of the house as the door slams behind him, leaving all of you alone. Joseph wraps an arm around you, pulling you close to him.

"Had me worried for a bit there, buddy," he says with a laugh. "Glad to know you're still loyal."

"I am," you say.

"Well, now that we're in the company of true Fenians ('Brave young warriors', term for those of the IRB and other nationalist groups), let's get to planning," Seamus says. "Messenger, do you have our specific instructions?"

The messenger nods eagerly, as Seamus smiles.

"Good," Seamus grins. "Today, we plan. Tomorrow, we make war."

Monday Morning...
​

You march with Joseph, rifle in hand, down the empty streets of early morn. It's not long before you reach a huge amassing of people from the Irish Volunteers, the female branch Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army. You quickly find Seamus, who is attempting to organize this whole affair.

"Ah, McCarthy brothers!" Seamus says, turning with a grin.

"Seamus," you say. "Are we ready?"

"Of course, boys. Do ye' have ammo?"

"I do," you nod eagerly.

"Good. You'll need it," he says. "Best of luck, boys. For Eireann. (Ireland)"

You're handed a black brimmer hat, as well as a yellow Volunteer armband and a bandolier. You're also handed a spare grenade, which you slide into your satchel. The groups break away, splitting off into the various designated group.

The plan is simple. Take Dublin City center. There's a large, oval-shaped area between the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal, with the River Liffy running through the middle. You're to set up, barricade and prepare to force back any British assaults until... Well, that seems to be the unanswered question on everyone's mind.

You're left with the largest group, made up of 400 Irish Volunteers and men of the Irish Citizen Army. You watch as the leaders of this group assemble in front of you, standing up on some old city steps as they stare at their group.

Tom Clarke, an elderly, bespectacled man with a thick grey mustache stands on the far left. The man's been a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood for 38 years, and despite his age, the man's possibly the most powerful man in the IRB.

To Clarke's right is Seán Mac Diarmada. The man beams at the men assembled before him, an ecstatic look on his face. He nods to those around him. He leans heavily on a cane, which at his young age can only be from a bout of polio. As one of the most prominent promoters of the Irish language and culture, as well as a national organizer for Sinn Féin and the manager of the Irish Freedom newspaper, he's well known by everyone there.

Next is Joseph Mary Plunkett. The young, timid, bespectacled man is an affluent poet, although his loyalty to the cause is well known. Plunket was the man who traveled secretly to Germany, making plans with Roger Casement and the German government to secure arms and POWs. Although his plans have gone up in flames due to Casement's capture, the man seems more unnerved by the attention than the actual idea of fighting. You know his family, despite being more than rich enough to turn their head at the plight of the common man, have pledged their loyalty to the cause, with two of his brothers fighting today and his father having turned some of his property into a training camp for IRB soldiers.

Next is Pádraig Pearse, who stands proud and determined. He's the most powerful figure in the Volunteers here, which for a simple teacher is impressive. The man's been the mastermind of the entire Easter Rising, and seems to look out at the crowd with a fierce spirit. His brother, Willie Pearse, is also fighting today. There's not a man in the crowd who isn't familiar with Pearse's contributions to the cause of Irish nationalism.

Finally, there's James Connolly, the commander of this unit. He's a middle-aged, balding man with a great thick mustache, who almost seems unassuming. However, as an ex-British soldier, a militant socialist who founded the Irish Citizen Army and fought hard for the rights of the downtrodden and the poor, he's a hero to the common man. As a huge supporter of the rights of women, saying "the female is the slave of the slave", he's even gotten quite a great deal of support from the women here, noted when they cheer the loudest as he steps forward.

Your attention temporarily switches to the women of Cumann na mBan, the woman's equivalent of the Irish volunteers. They've come today to help with the organization of the rebellion, to work as couriers, medics and procure arms and rations.

Of course, not all of them are so content to "help out" in the rising. The Irish Citizen Army allows female soldiers, and there's a few there, armed with rifles.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Would you be so kind as to give me a moment's attention?" James Connolly booms.

Immediately, over 400 people go silent, staring at the figure in front of them.

"We're here today for one reason: freedom! The Irish people have been stepped on, downtrodden, and abused for centuries. The British will not give us our language, they will not give us our culture, they will not give us our parliament. Thus, we are here today to take what is rightfully ours."

James Connolly pauses for a moment, surveying the crowd.

"The Irish cause is one dear to my heart. It's dear to all of our hearts. Together, we have a duty to do what's best for the nation of Ireland. We do not fight for ourselves, but for our children, and our children's children. Every Irish child, here and abroad, will remember the tale of the men who fought today, for freedom, for independence, for Eireann! (Ireland)"

James Connolly sticks his chin up, looking proudly at the group.

"Now, we don't have a moment to waste. All across the city, our forces prepare for the takeover. Let's do our part, and secure the GPO for the Irish Republic!"

There's a reply of thunderous applause, before you quickly take up marching. It's not long before you reach the GPO, marching proudly up the steps as you head toward the building, passersbys realizing what's going on and frantically rushing home.

"Come on, inside!" Connolly yells.

1. Take the GPO aggressively

2. Attempt to keep this peaceful

 

[Historical Storyteller]

(Considering it's been a while since anyone has said anything, looks like I'll have to act as a tie breaker, so while there's very little chance of actually making a difference, especially considering how low you are in the IRB, this RP seems to be in a bit of a slog, it feels like there should be some action considering this has been moving a bit slowly. So on that basis, I will say it is now time to take some action, therefore Option 1 has been chosen by tie breaker!)

"I'm still loyal to my comrades," you say. "I'll fight."

"Good to know, McCarthy, that your loyalty still lies with your comrades," Seamus nods. "Liam?"

Liam shakes his head sadly.

"I'm not going to give my life for this. I have a pregnant wife and two sisters to take care of."

"So be it," Seamus says. "Well then, we have planning to do, and it's best done in the company of soldiers. I'm sure you understand."

Liam nods, going pale. He turns, walking out of the house as the door slams behind him, leaving all of you alone. Joseph wraps an arm around you, pulling you close to him.

"Had me worried for a bit there, buddy," he says with a laugh. "Glad to know you're still loyal."

"I am," you say.

"Well, now that we're in the company of true Fenians ('Brave young warriors', term for those of the IRB and other nationalist groups), let's get to planning," Seamus says. "Messenger, do you have our specific instructions?"

The messenger nods eagerly, as Seamus smiles.

"Good," Seamus grins. "Today, we plan. Tomorrow, we make war."

Monday Morning...
​

You march with Joseph, rifle in hand, down the empty streets of early morn. It's not long before you reach a huge amassing of people from the Irish Volunteers, the female branch Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army. You quickly find Seamus, who is attempting to organize this whole affair.

"Ah, McCarthy brothers!" Seamus says, turning with a grin.

"Seamus," you say. "Are we ready?"

"Of course, boys. Do ye' have ammo?"

"I do," you nod eagerly.

"Good. You'll need it," he says. "Best of luck, boys. For Eireann. (Ireland)"

You're handed a black brimmer hat, as well as a yellow Volunteer armband and a bandolier. You're also handed a spare grenade, which you slide into your satchel. The groups break away, splitting off into the various designated group.

The plan is simple. Take Dublin City center. There's a large, oval-shaped area between the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal, with the River Liffy running through the middle. You're to set up, barricade and prepare to force back any British assaults until... Well, that seems to be the unanswered question on everyone's mind.

You're left with the largest group, made up of 400 Irish Volunteers and men of the Irish Citizen Army. You watch as the leaders of this group assemble in front of you, standing up on some old city steps as they stare at their group.

Tom Clarke, an elderly, bespectacled man with a thick grey mustache stands on the far left. The man's been a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood for 38 years, and despite his age, the man's possibly the most powerful man in the IRB.

To Clarke's right is Seán Mac Diarmada. The man beams at the men assembled before him, an ecstatic look on his face. He nods to those around him. He leans heavily on a cane, which at his young age can only be from a bout of polio. As one of the most prominent promoters of the Irish language and culture, as well as a national organizer for Sinn Féin and the manager of the Irish Freedom newspaper, he's well known by everyone there.

Next is Joseph Mary Plunkett. The young, timid, bespectacled man is an affluent poet, although his loyalty to the cause is well known. Plunket was the man who traveled secretly to Germany, making plans with Roger Casement and the German government to secure arms and POWs. Although his plans have gone up in flames due to Casement's capture, the man seems more unnerved by the attention than the actual idea of fighting. You know his family, despite being more than rich enough to turn their head at the plight of the common man, have pledged their loyalty to the cause, with two of his brothers fighting today and his father having turned some of his property into a training camp for IRB soldiers.

Next is Pádraig Pearse, who stands proud and determined. He's the most powerful figure in the Volunteers here, which for a simple teacher is impressive. The man's been the mastermind of the entire Easter Rising, and seems to look out at the crowd with a fierce spirit. His brother, Willie Pearse, is also fighting today. There's not a man in the crowd who isn't familiar with Pearse's contributions to the cause of Irish nationalism.

Finally, there's James Connolly, the commander of this unit. He's a middle-aged, balding man with a great thick mustache, who almost seems unassuming. However, as an ex-British soldier, a militant socialist who founded the Irish Citizen Army and fought hard for the rights of the downtrodden and the poor, he's a hero to the common man. As a huge supporter of the rights of women, saying "the female is the slave of the slave", he's even gotten quite a great deal of support from the women here, noted when they cheer the loudest as he steps forward.

Your attention temporarily switches to the women of Cumann na mBan, the woman's equivalent of the Irish volunteers. They've come today to help with the organization of the rebellion, to work as couriers, medics and procure arms and rations.

Of course, not all of them are so content to "help out" in the rising. The Irish Citizen Army allows female soldiers, and there's a few there, armed with rifles.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! Would you be so kind as to give me a moment's attention?" James Connolly booms.

Immediately, over 400 people go silent, staring at the figure in front of them.

"We're here today for one reason: freedom! The Irish people have been stepped on, downtrodden, and abused for centuries. The British will not give us our language, they will not give us our culture, they will not give us our parliament. Thus, we are here today to take what is rightfully ours."

James Connolly pauses for a moment, surveying the crowd.

"The Irish cause is one dear to my heart. It's dear to all of our hearts. Together, we have a duty to do what's best for the nation of Ireland. We do not fight for ourselves, but for our children, and our children's children. Every Irish child, here and abroad, will remember the tale of the men who fought today, for freedom, for independence, for Eireann! (Ireland)"

James Connolly sticks his chin up, looking proudly at the group.

"Now, we don't have a moment to waste. All across the city, our forces prepare for the takeover. Let's do our part, and secure the GPO for the Irish Republic!"

There's a reply of thunderous applause, before you quickly take up marching. It's not long before you reach the GPO, marching proudly up the steps as you head toward the building, passersbys realizing what's going on and frantically rushing home.

"Come on, inside!" Connolly yells.

1. Take the GPO aggressively

2. Attempt to keep this peaceful

2. Meh, no need to start shooting wildly now. Keep the violence to a minimum.

 

[Pryno]

I agree. Considering our number, excessive violence would be extremely risky. There are probably civilians that need to also be taken into consideration, for the sake of moral values and public opinion. Option 2.

 

[The Omen of Death]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 2 votes!)

You move up the steps of the massive, columned building of the General Post Office, pushing the doors open. You see about a dozen people, mostly staff and women. They all turn to you, as your presence grabs the room. James Connolly strolls into the room, smiling calmly.

"We're sorry to disturb you, but this is a takeover. Please, return to your homes and stay there. Your letters can wait."

You quickly begin rounding up the staff and customers of the place, leading them out of the GPO. It's a fairly casual, peaceful action, as you just kindly show them out as you quickly take over the place. You quickly get to work clearing out the civilians from the GPO, as you begin to set it up as the headquarters of the Easter Rising. You tear down the Union Flags perched high, replacing them with a pair of emerald green flags, with the words "IRISH REPUBLIC" embroidered on them in gold.



As they fly high and proud in the air for the first time in Irish history, you feel proud.

"For Eireann (Ireland)!" Padraic Pearse barks at the top of his lungs. "Whilst we speak, a morse code message is being sent out from a captured wireless telegraph station, proclaiming the Irish Republic! It's the very first radio broadcast in Ireland!"

There's a group of cheers.

"Is it time, Padraic?" Joseph Plunkett asks.

"Sure is," Padraic Pearse says. "Men! Rally around me!"

The group, soldier and civilian alike, quickly assembles around Padraic Pearse, joined by a passersby not yet retreating from the armored group. Padraic Pearse and the other leaders stand tall and proud, ready to begin the speech. Copies of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic begin being handed out, as Pearse begins speaking.

"Poblacht na hÉireann! (The Proclaimed Irish name for the newly established Irish Republic)" Pearse barks at the top of his lungs. "The Provisional Government of the Irish Republic to the People of Ireland!"

There's a long pause, as Pearse makes sure he's secured most of your attention. Then, he continues.

"Irishmen and Irishwomen! In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom," Pearse reads. "Having organised and trained her manhood through her secret revolutionary organisation, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and through her open military organisations, the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army, having patiently perfected her discipline, having resolutely waited for the right moment to reveal itself, she now seizes that moment, and supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory."

"Damn right!" a voice cries, as a cheer raises up from the crowd. Padraic Pearse smiles happily, before continuing.

"We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible. The long usurpation of that right by a foreign people and government has not extinguished the right, nor can it ever be extinguished except by the destruction of the Irish people. In every generation the Irish people have asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty; six times during the past three hundred years they have asserted it in arms. Standing on that fundamental right and again asserting it in arms in the face of the world, we hereby proclaim the Irish Republic as a Sovereign Independent State, and we pledge our lives and the lives of our comrades in arms to the cause of its freedom, of its welfare, and of its exaltation among the nations."

"Long live Wolfe Tone!" a voice cries, in praise of the long dead rebellion leader.

"The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien Government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past."

This raises a cheer. The idea that Catholics and Protestants will stand side by side is a near alien one. Although, there are quite a few Protestants among you. Perhaps there are Protestants and Catholics can be at peace under the Republic.

"Until our arms have brought the opportune moment for the establishment of a permanent National Government, representative of the whole people of Ireland and elected by the suffrage's of all her men and women, the Provisional Government, hereby constituted, will administer the civil and military affairs of the Republic in trust for the people."

Padraic Pearse pauses again, as every pair of eyes on the street is on him.

"We place the cause of the Irish Republic under the protection of the Most High God, Whose blessing we invoke upon our arms, and we pray that no one who serves that cause will dishonour it by cowardice, inhumanity, or rapine. In this supreme hour the Irish nation must, by its valour and discipline, and by the readiness of its children to sacrifice themselves for the common good, prove itself worthy of the august destiny to which it is called."

As he finishes, there's a thundering of applause, as the entire street celebrates. Padraic Pearse is grins for a moment, savoring the joy again, before letting out a yell as he turns back to stern.

"Now, men! To arms!" Padraic Pearse shouts. "We've declared the republic! Now, let's protect it!"

The Next Day...
​

Over the next day, the rising is generally non-violent, as the police are pushed out of the city. The British military are caught completely by surprise and aren't able to repel your forces, simply retreating and preparing for an attack. Besides the GPO, the Four Courts, St Stephen's Green, Dublin City Hall and South Dublin Union. Within the first day, the British forces had been crushed, with little actual fighting taking place. The police are withdrawn from the street, and the rebels have seized the city.

You stand inside the GPO, with the Irish Volunteers Director of Arms walking alongside you as you lead him to a recently captured British soldier. The man, known mainly as The O'Rahilly, wasn't a member of the IRB, and thus wasn't told about the Rising until a day later. He drove here in his motorcar, showing him with a grin and a fervor to do his patriotic duty.

"Did you really need to come here?" one of the other soldiers escorting them says. "You didn't support an armed action, did you?"

"Well, I've helped to wind up the clock -- I might as well hear it strike!" he says, grinning. "I'll do my duty to this new republic happily."

He's quickly led to the British soldier, who is tied up in telephone wire in a telephone box. Outside, the soldier who caught him stands, looking at the two of you.

"Good evening, boy. I don't believe I've met you," the O'Rahilly says.

"It's Michael, sir. Michael Collins," the guard says.

"Well done capturing this man. You're a credit to the nation."

"Thank you, sir," Michael Collins says.

Michael Collins leaves the O'Rahilly and you in, to look at the tied up, captured soldier.

He looks at him, shaking his head.

"Jesus, are you alright, man?" he asks.

The soldier only nods in response.

"Can I get you anything? Food, water? I'm really sorry about this whole situation, but you know how armed combat is. Hopefully, we can be gentlemen about this."

The O'Rahilly turns to the soldier to his left, nodding vigorously.

"I want this officer to watch the safe to see that nothing is touched. You will see that no harm comes to him."

The soldier nods, as the O'Rahilly turns to you.

"Alright, thanks for showing me the way. Go return to your post, soldier, a pleasure meeting you. What did you say your name was?"

"Michael, sir. Michael McCarthy," he says.

"Pleasure to meet you, Michael," he says, shaking your hand. "God bless you and your service."

You nod, before you begin walking down back to the streets, as you hurry to a nearby barricade set up in the streets to repel a British attack. You take your post there, lined up with Joseph and a few other soldiers.

Over the next few hours, you're left guarding there, with no attacks. As you're the headquarters in the center of the Rebel-controlled territory, the British aren't able to directly attack.

After a few hours, late in the evening, you're left smoking a cigarette, staring out across the barricade of chairs, barrels and bricks tossed haphazardly into a wall. Joseph walks back and forth, clearly bored.

"God, this freedom fighting can get boring, can't it?" Joseph says.

"Shut up and do your duty, you dopey fool!" Liam, another soldier, shouts from across the duty, as there's a few laughs.

"Jesus, Liam, that's not what your...!" Joseph replies with a laugh,

"Shut up!" you say suddenly, pausing as you hear a faint whistling in the air. "Shit, get...!"

The ground explodes, as an explosive shell smashes into the barricade, exploding it in a shower of shrapnel. You're knocked off your feet, sent flying through the air as you smack into the ground. Shells begin slamming into the barricade, the street and the room around you, as explosions tear through the city. There's a terrified scream, as a Volunteer is showered with wooden shrapnel from a destroyed table, killing him instantly shredding into him as blood pours out from the wounds. Another shell hits a man directly, setting him off in a red mist of gore, blood and viscera.

"Fuck, shelling!" someone screams.

"What's going on?!" you yell.

"The British have sailed a gunboat up the River Liffey!" someone yells.

You swear, keeping low as you wonder what to do.

1. Stand your ground.

2. Retreat back to the cover of nearby buildings.

 

[Historical Storyteller]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 2 votes!)

You move up the steps of the massive, columned building of the General Post Office, pushing the doors open. You see about a dozen people, mostly staff and women. They all turn to you, as your presence grabs the room. James Connolly strolls into the room, smiling calmly.

"We're sorry to disturb you, but this is a takeover. Please, return to your homes and stay there. Your letters can wait."

You quickly begin rounding up the staff and customers of the place, leading them out of the GPO. It's a fairly casual, peaceful action, as you just kindly show them out as you quickly take over the place. You quickly get to work clearing out the civilians from the GPO, as you begin to set it up as the headquarters of the Easter Rising. You tear down the Union Flags perched high, replacing them with a pair of emerald green flags, with the words "IRISH REPUBLIC" embroidered on them in gold.

View attachment 418702

As they fly high and proud in the air for the first time in Irish history, you feel proud.

"For Eireann (Ireland)!" Padraic Pearse barks at the top of his lungs. "Whilst we speak, a morse code message is being sent out from a captured wireless telegraph station, proclaiming the Irish Republic! It's the very first radio broadcast in Ireland!"

There's a group of cheers.

"Is it time, Padraic?" Joseph Plunkett asks.

"Sure is," Padraic Pearse says. "Men! Rally around me!"

The group, soldier and civilian alike, quickly assembles around Padraic Pearse, joined by a passersby not yet retreating from the armored group. Padraic Pearse and the other leaders stand tall and proud, ready to begin the speech. Copies of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic begin being handed out, as Pearse begins speaking.

"Poblacht na hÉireann! (The Proclaimed Irish name for the newly established Irish Republic)" Pearse barks at the top of his lungs. "The Provisional Government of the Irish Republic to the People of Ireland!"

There's a long pause, as Pearse makes sure he's secured most of your attention. Then, he continues.

"Irishmen and Irishwomen! In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom," Pearse reads. "Having organised and trained her manhood through her secret revolutionary organisation, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and through her open military organisations, the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Citizen Army, having patiently perfected her discipline, having resolutely waited for the right moment to reveal itself, she now seizes that moment, and supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe, but relying in the first on her own strength, she strikes in full confidence of victory."

"Damn right!" a voice cries, as a cheer raises up from the crowd. Padraic Pearse smiles happily, before continuing.

"We declare the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies, to be sovereign and indefeasible. The long usurpation of that right by a foreign people and government has not extinguished the right, nor can it ever be extinguished except by the destruction of the Irish people. In every generation the Irish people have asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty; six times during the past three hundred years they have asserted it in arms. Standing on that fundamental right and again asserting it in arms in the face of the world, we hereby proclaim the Irish Republic as a Sovereign Independent State, and we pledge our lives and the lives of our comrades in arms to the cause of its freedom, of its welfare, and of its exaltation among the nations."

"Long live Wolfe Tone!" a voice cries, in praise of the long dead rebellion leader.

"The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally, and oblivious of the differences carefully fostered by an alien Government, which have divided a minority from the majority in the past."

This raises a cheer. The idea that Catholics and Protestants will stand side by side is a near alien one. Although, there are quite a few Protestants among you. Perhaps there are Protestants and Catholics can be at peace under the Republic.

"Until our arms have brought the opportune moment for the establishment of a permanent National Government, representative of the whole people of Ireland and elected by the suffrage's of all her men and women, the Provisional Government, hereby constituted, will administer the civil and military affairs of the Republic in trust for the people."

Padraic Pearse pauses again, as every pair of eyes on the street is on him.

"We place the cause of the Irish Republic under the protection of the Most High God, Whose blessing we invoke upon our arms, and we pray that no one who serves that cause will dishonour it by cowardice, inhumanity, or rapine. In this supreme hour the Irish nation must, by its valour and discipline, and by the readiness of its children to sacrifice themselves for the common good, prove itself worthy of the august destiny to which it is called."

As he finishes, there's a thundering of applause, as the entire street celebrates. Padraic Pearse is grins for a moment, savoring the joy again, before letting out a yell as he turns back to stern.

"Now, men! To arms!" Padraic Pearse shouts. "We've declared the republic! Now, let's protect it!"

The Next Day...
​

Over the next day, the rising is generally non-violent, as the police are pushed out of the city. The British military are caught completely by surprise and aren't able to repel your forces, simply retreating and preparing for an attack. Besides the GPO, the Four Courts, St Stephen's Green, Dublin City Hall and South Dublin Union. Within the first day, the British forces had been crushed, with little actual fighting taking place. The police are withdrawn from the street, and the rebels have seized the city.

You stand inside the GPO, with the Irish Volunteers Director of Arms walking alongside you as you lead him to a recently captured British soldier. The man, known mainly as The O'Rahilly, wasn't a member of the IRB, and thus wasn't told about the Rising until a day later. He drove here in his motorcar, showing him with a grin and a fervor to do his patriotic duty.

"Did you really need to come here?" one of the other soldiers escorting them says. "You didn't support an armed action, did you?"

"Well, I've helped to wind up the clock -- I might as well hear it strike!" he says, grinning. "I'll do my duty to this new republic happily."

He's quickly led to the British soldier, who is tied up in telephone wire in a telephone box. Outside, the soldier who caught him stands, looking at the two of you.

"Good evening, boy. I don't believe I've met you," the O'Rahilly says.

"It's Michael, sir. Michael Collins," the guard says.

"Well done capturing this man. You're a credit to the nation."

"Thank you, sir," Michael Collins says.

Michael Collins leaves the O'Rahilly and you in, to look at the tied up, captured soldier.

He looks at him, shaking his head.

"Jesus, are you alright, man?" he asks.

The soldier only nods in response.

"Can I get you anything? Food, water? I'm really sorry about this whole situation, but you know how armed combat is. Hopefully, we can be gentlemen about this."

The O'Rahilly turns to the soldier to his left, nodding vigorously.

"I want this officer to watch the safe to see that nothing is touched. You will see that no harm comes to him."

The soldier nods, as the O'Rahilly turns to you.

"Alright, thanks for showing me the way. Go return to your post, soldier, a pleasure meeting you. What did you say your name was?"

"Michael, sir. Michael McCarthy," he says.

"Pleasure to meet you, Michael," he says, shaking your hand. "God bless you and your service."

You nod, before you begin walking down back to the streets, as you hurry to a nearby barricade set up in the streets to repel a British attack. You take your post there, lined up with Joseph and a few other soldiers.

Over the next few hours, you're left guarding there, with no attacks. As you're the headquarters in the center of the Rebel-controlled territory, the British aren't able to directly attack.

After a few hours, late in the evening, you're left smoking a cigarette, staring out across the barricade of chairs, barrels and bricks tossed haphazardly into a wall. Joseph walks back and forth, clearly bored.

"God, this freedom fighting can get boring, can't it?" Joseph says.

"Shut up and do your duty, you dopey fool!" Liam, another soldier, shouts from across the duty, as there's a few laughs.

"Jesus, Liam, that's not what your...!" Joseph replies with a laugh,

"Shut up!" you say suddenly, pausing as you hear a faint whistling in the air. "Shit, get...!"

The ground explodes, as an explosive shell smashes into the barricade, exploding it in a shower of shrapnel. You're knocked off your feet, sent flying through the air as you smack into the ground. Shells begin slamming into the barricade, the street and the room around you, as explosions tear through the city. There's a terrified scream, as a Volunteer is showered with wooden shrapnel from a destroyed table, killing him instantly shredding into him as blood pours out from the wounds. Another shell hits a man directly, setting him off in a red mist of gore, blood and viscera.

"Fuck, shelling!" someone screams.

"What's going on?!" you yell.

"The British have sailed a gunboat up the River Liffey!" someone yells.

You swear, keeping low as you wonder what to do.

1. Stand your ground.

2. Retreat back to the cover of nearby buildings.

1. Don't let them get any closer, beat them back if possible or hold them down.

 

[ViciousVip3R]

What are we supposed to do against a gunboat? Retreat back to cover and live to fight another day. (Plus, British soldiers are probaly going to flood in once the barrage is over.)

 

[Pryno]

Break the formation! Go to cover and take these dirty Britishs down! They will have to go on land sooner or later! For Eireann!

 

[Historical Storyteller]

Break the formation! Go to cover and take these dirty Britishs down! They will have to go on land sooner or later! For Eireann!

That's the spirit!

 

[The Omen of Death]

(Option 2 has been chosen with 2 votes!)

You turn, bursting towards the nearest building as shells land around you, rushing inside a building as your comrades do the same. You drive your shoulder to open the door, finding yourself in an office building, no doubt one that was abandoned when the fighting started. You're left waiting there inside, hoping that the violence ends soon as shells explode outside.

The shelling continues until nightfall, as the sky darkens on the second day of the newly proclaimed Republic. As the shelling ends, you're left clutching at your rifle, praying to God it doesn't start up again, as tiles from the roof drop down, breaking open with crashes around you. For the next few minutes, or hours, perhaps, you're just left desperately hoping it doesn't start again, terrified out of your mind. Your allies are equally terrified. You're not soldiers; you're children, sent out to take back your country from an impossibly large Empire.

"God our father, almighty Jesus, Holy Spirit, please grant me the strength and power to last through the night. Please help me break away from the..." you begin to mutter before Joseph angrily grasps your arm.

"They can't take away our fighting spirit that easily!" Joseph says desperately. "They just can't! It's not fair!"

"Joseph, just quiet down. No one wants to hear you breaking the silence. They're content with it. Just leave them to appreciate the fact that shells aren't raining down now."

Joseph falls silent, but this time, the silence isn't as still. You can hear whimpering from the other buildings, crying from the wounded and the scared, desperate muttered prayers from the others. You close your eyes, desperately hoping for a way out. Joseph looks around, seeing the same group of terrified boys hiding that you see. He closes his eyes tightly, before opening them with a fierce look of determination. Slowly, he begins to sing one of the new Irish patriot tunes, his voice rising above the terrified mutterings of the rest of the poor souls hiding out there.

"We'll sing a song, a soldier's song, with cheering rousing chorus, As round our blazing fires we throng, The starry heavens o'er us!"

Joseph's never been a good singer by any degree, but something about the emotion, the determination, the spirit in his voice, it awakens the same feelings in you. Slowly, a few voices, yours included, join in.

"Impatient for the coming fight, And as we await the morning's light...!"

More voices join the singing, as the voices grow louder and more fierce.

"Here in the silence of the night, We'll chant a soldier's song!" the voices sing out into the night,

The song continues as your voices get louder, the song breaking through the cold, dark silence and filling you with inspiration.

"Soldiers are we whose lives are pledged to Ireland. Some have come from a land beyond the wave! Sworn to be free. No more our ancient sireland shall shelter the despot or the slave. Tonight we man the gap of danger. In Erin's cause, come woe or weal!"

At this point, not a voice is silent or passionless, dozens of voices roaring without pause, without regard for the enemy at the throat of the deathly rain of shrapnel and flames that landed minutes ago.

"'Mid cannons' roar and rifles peal We will chant a soldier's song!" you roar.

The group continues singing into the endless darkness. It's clear to you, as your voice is added to dozens of others, that the Irish spirit hasn't been broken tonight.

Days Later...
​

The next few days, you're not attacked, but the shelling, that goddamned shelling, continues on. Every day is a horror as you pray shells won't destroy the building, just hoping to survive as shells smash around you, tearing great holes in the buildings and blowing chunks of stone and mortar.

By Wednesday, hundreds of British troops attacked twenty-six volunteers in the Mendicity Institute, and they became the first of the rebels to surrender. Impressively, these men had been placed as a diversion to hold the area for a few hours to slow down the British but had lasted three days. Meanwhile, in the assault on Mount Street, seventeen Irish rebels managed to hold off over a thousand British soldiers, taking out 240 British soldiers with only 4 of their own casualties. God, they're impressive allies.

Of course, after that, the British hit hard. Over the next few days, there was endless brutality, As the British forces push in, they take heavy losses, but do push your forces back. It's going to be a hard fight to win this battle and push them back out of the city.

Now, on Thursday, a British force of soldiers have pushed up an advance force to the GPO, and you're forced to defend it. With a handful of other soldiers, James Connolly included, you're left defending an upper floor.

You stand by the window of the GPO, rushing to reload rifles. The single-shot nature of your rifles means you've set it up so while two men reload

"Christ, I need a better stance," Connolly says, putting his foot up on the windowsill.

James Connolly aims down his rifle, taking another shot. Suddenly, a bullet thuds into his leg, as he's sent toppling over with a scream. He lies on the ground, clutching his heavily bleeding leg. You drop the rifle you're holding, looking around for something to do. You can't see outside, but you know it's not going to take much to overrun your position.

1. Help Connolly

2. Take Connolly's spot on the window

 

[ViciousVip3R]

It's a combat scenario, and we are not trained in first med. Let's leave Connolly's wound for a medic or at least later. Our main priority should be to hold our position: if we are overrun it will be more people than Connolly that are in trouble.

2.
(It just occurred to me that taking his spot will also expose ourselves to the shooter, but in absence of a better option, this will have to do.)