Crosspost from ASB forum.
Napoleons men in Egypt didn´t find only death and glory, victories and defeats on exotic battlefields. They found even something what have to change world much more than any battle or conquest. Mystical arms race began.
Today, France is among the top world powers, if not first of them. Some however could say there is no France anymore. Truth is, that emperor Napoleon, reigning for decades, a long time ago does not reside in Paris but in his grandiloquent palace on the shores of Nile. Ironically, Egypt, once conquered, became head of empire, according to some, just look at the mode or architecture, emulating ancient Kemet (and Rome). Even old beliefs return, Osiris, Horus, Sobek and other deities come back from oblivion!
There is however only little disagreement with it, for secret police is very effective and emperor stay quite popular, despite to not left his palace for years. After all, he is still remember as the one who put end to chaos of revolution, save country from foreign invasion, more than once, and secured prosperity for his people. Famine or epidemic no longer threaten France and there is enough bread and wine for everyone from Brest to Baghdad.
Yet there are those who resist will of the emperor. Bands of chouans, still from time to time disconcerting western departments aren´t longer big thread, despite of help coming to them from behind the sea. Far worse is situation in Hispania, where are many regions in hands of zealous rebels and british agents. Yes, not religious fanatics, jacobin or bourbonist conspirators or bandits in the countryside, true challenge to the empire lies behind its borders. But no fear, there is mighty imperial army, ready to face any enemy. There are not only men who fight for emperor, but even other creatures. Crocodiles big enough to swallow whole man and posing threat even for smaller ships, or raptor birds, especially falcons, incomparable scouts, from their sights nobody can hide.
And even if brave armies would be defeated, there are rumours about many ancient artifacts and weapons to be used...
(I was inspired by this:
https://www.deviantart.com/arthurdrakoni/art/Percy-Jackson-Meets-Captain-Confederacy-485860601)