Jaycee Woods

One of the problems with the idea of dramatizing a future US civil war is explaining why the Union is not dominating with jets, tanks, and artillery. Also, how do the career military officer corp get sidelined during a civil war in favor of National Guard officers?

Prompt: New idea for Boudica and The Butcher about another reason the Union politicians want to fight the war without its best equipment and most experienced leaders. Due to partisan divisions within the county, the leaders of the party in charge of the Union do not trust the regular military officers as they fear some may have secret loyalty to the Rebels. Therefore, the politicians attempt to mitigate that risk by keeping suspect officers overseas with the weapons that the politicians want to keep away from the rebels. Is that reasonable?

Copilot: That sounds like a very plausible and intriguing plot twist! Political distrust and internal divisions are common themes in wartime narratives, and your idea adds a layer of complexity to the Union’s strategy. Here are a few points to consider to make this scenario even more realistic:

1. Historical Precedents: There are historical examples where political leaders distrusted military officers due to fears of divided loyalties. For instance, during the American Civil War, President Lincoln had to navigate complex relationships with his generals, some of whom had Southern sympathies.
2. Political Maneuvering: Highlight the political maneuvering and backroom deals that lead to this decision. This can add depth to your political characters and show the lengths they are willing to go to maintain control.
3. Impact on Morale: Explore how this decision affects the morale of the Union troops. Knowing that their best equipment and leaders are being kept away could lead to frustration and distrust within the ranks.
4. Character Development: This scenario can be a great way to develop “The Butcher” further. Perhaps he is one of the few trusted officers left, which adds to his burden and sense of isolation. It could also explain some of his ruthless tactics, as he feels he has to compensate for the lack of resources and experienced leaders.

World-Building: Use this plot point to flesh out the political landscape of your story. Show the divisions within the Union and how they impact the war effort. This can make your world feel more lived-in and complex.

Prompt: I thought this gave a good reason for the politicians’ choices that prolonged the war. They were avoiding a problem that led to more deaths by leaving the civil war unresolved. It allows an alternate explanation to the politicians care more about American power overseas than protecting American lives. Both factions probably exist within the Union politicians, so they agree to a common policy but for different reasons as an example of coalition building.

Copilot: That’s a compelling and nuanced explanation! It adds depth to the political landscape of your story and highlights the complexity of wartime decision-making. Here are a few ways to further develop this idea:

1. Faction Dynamics: Delve into the dynamics between the factions within the Union politicians. Show how their differing motivations lead to uneasy alliances and compromises. This can create tension and intrigue within the political scenes of your story.
2. Consequences of Prolonged War: Explore the consequences of the prolonged war on both the Union and the Rebels. This can include economic strain, civilian suffering, and the psychological toll on soldiers. It can also provide a backdrop for your characters’ personal struggles and growth.
3. Character Perspectives: Use different characters to represent the various political viewpoints. For example, one character might be a staunch advocate for American power overseas, while another is deeply concerned about the human cost of the war. This can create rich dialogue and conflict.
4. Historical Parallels: Drawing parallels to real historical events can add realism to your story. For instance, during World War II, there were debates within the Allied powers about prioritizing the European or Pacific theaters. Similar debates can occur within your Union politicians.
5. Impact on The Butcher: This political backdrop can influence The Butcher’s actions and motivations. Perhaps he feels betrayed by the politicians’ decisions, fueling his desire for revenge and his ruthless tactics. It can also add layers to his relationships with other characters, especially if they have differing views on the war.

Prompt: The Butcher is definitely frustrated. After successfully clearing the sector he was assigned, he acted without orders to move his army to Cleveland to besiege it. Further his use of famine and disease as weapons of mass destruction was driven by his lack of access to better weapons.

Copilot: The Butcher’s frustration and drastic actions add a lot of depth to his character and the story. Here are some ways to further develop these elements:

1. Unorthodox Tactics: The Butcher’s use of famine and disease as weapons can be portrayed as both a strength and a moral dilemma. Highlight the internal and external conflicts this causes. How do his soldiers and the civilians perceive these tactics? Does he face any pushback or moral questioning from his own ranks?
2. Consequences of Actions: Show the immediate and long-term consequences of his siege on Cleveland. This can include the suffering of civilians, the strategic impact on the war, and the political fallout. It can also affect his reputation, both among his allies and enemies.
3. Character Development: Use this situation to delve deeper into The Butcher’s psyche. What drives him to take such extreme measures? Is it purely frustration, or are there deeper motivations, such as a desire for revenge or a belief that the ends justify the means?
4. Relationships: Explore how his actions affect his relationships with other characters. Does he have confidants who support him, or does he become increasingly isolated? How do his superiors and subordinates react to his unorthodox methods?
5. Strategic Impact: Detail the strategic reasoning behind his decision to besiege Cleveland. What does he hope to achieve, and how does this fit into the larger war effort? This can add a layer of realism and show his tactical acumen, even if his methods are controversial.

Political Ramifications: The Butcher’s actions can create political ripples. Perhaps some politicians see him as a necessary evil, while others view him as a liability. This can lead to further intrigue and power struggles within the Union leadership.