Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest

All Hail King Golden-Feather!: In the immediate aftermath of Discord's disappearance, the former king Geldo suddenly died without an heir. A search through ancient texts and the family trees of numerous noble families led to the discovery of Garrick Golden-Feather, the scion of a middling merchant house, and the only living descendant of the Great Emperors of Old. The largely unknown young Gryph has been installed as King, and appears to be treating his new position with all the gravity and seriousness it deserves. Griffons across the former Empire are watching this new and inexperienced king very intently, wondering how he shall fare as a ruler.


Aquileian Seafarers: King Brochard has been less than subtle about his envious feelings regarding your open access to the Sea, and has made his displeasure known by overseeing the construction of several warships, an action which is trumpeted throughout both his lands and yours. He can't really be thinking about challenging your naval supremacy can he?


Smoky Mountains: There is a cluster of mountains along Griffonia's northern border with Wingbardy. Like many other places in your territory, it's heavily infested with all manner of hostile wildlife. Patrolling soldiers have reported a large column of smoke rising up from the area. It could be a forest fire, or something more sinister.

You've been King for about a year now, and you think you're starting to get the hang of things. You've gotten to know your advisors and most of the castle staff, you've made a decent first impression on your subjects by throwing a massive party, and you're starting to really think of yourself as a king and not a pretender to the throne. Still, a ruler's work is never done, and you've got another busy year ahead of you.


Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them. (One Action Per Turn)

Forest Culling: You don't have the time, numbers, or resources to even think about clearing all your lands of monsters and brigands. But you can try to thin their numbers a bit, and remind them who really rules the mountains and forests of Griffonia. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Dead monsters, reduced chance of raids and attacks.

Investigate the Smoky Mountains: You do not like large plumes of smoke in areas not under your control. Generally you just don't like large plumes of smoke. It usually means that a large number of Diamond Dogs have gathered together, or a Dragon has decided to take up residence. You don't like either possibility. So, as such, put together a few scouting parties to investigate, yes? Cost: 50. Time: 1 Year. Reward: ???

Establish a Navy: The one true advantage you have over Aquileia is your unrestricted access to the Sea. While Aquileia is not landlocked, any of its vessels must pass through your waters if they wish to reach the open ocean. Unfortunately, as of now your "Navy" is just a bunch of hastily re-purposed fishing vessels using civilian docks. This will never do. Build a few actual warships and dedicated military dockyards. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Navy established, first warships constructed,

The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to large-scale battlefield unit.



Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her. (One Action Per Turn)

Extending an Olive Branch: Brochard doesn't like you, and you're not sure if you like him, but the last thing you want right now is a war between your kingdoms. You have enough problems to deal with as it is, and after decades of a unified front against Discord you can't say you're comfortable with the idea of Griffons killing each other. Propose a meeting with your fellow king to try and clear the air and smooth out any issues between the two of you. Cost:100. Time: One Year. Reward: Chance for Relations with Aquileia, meeting with Brochard. Chance of Success: 45%

An Offer They Can't Refuse: Wingbardy has a lot of fertile land and few Griffons to defend it. Were it not for its status as a buffer state, it would have been forcibly annexed by a stronger kingdom long ago. As it is, it has a difficult time handling numerous raids by brigands, hungry trolls, and Diamond Dog raiders seeking an easy and bountiful target. Offer a solution to their security troubles and propose a mutual defense pact against the creatures of the forests, allowing your army to intercede and support theirs if needed. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Closer Relations with Wingbardy, military access to Wingbardy. Chance of Success: 60%

Feathersian Trade Routes: Feathersians are a profit-oriented lot, and their nature as a decentralized group of independent city-states means it shouldn't be too difficult to find someone willing to make a deal with you. Float the idea of trade agreements with some of the neighboring cities and see if any take you up on the offer. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Trade Income, chance of better relations with Feathersian League. Chance of Success: 80%

Throw a Dog a Bone: While none of the Diamond Dogs in your territory could be considered "civilized", not all of them are completely feral. Some have been known to use tools, wear clothes, even speak your language to a certain extent. It might be worth trying to open a dialogue with some of the less aggressive packs, if for no other reason than to tell them that you know where they live and that you'll kill them if they don't stop raiding your territory. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Diplomatic contact made with several Diamond Dog Packs. Chance of Success: 40%


Stewardship: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances. (One Action Per Turn)

Final Food Stretch: Half of Griffonia's farmland has been rebuilt and regrown as best it can be. The other half remains to be repaired and have farms rebuilt there. It will take an entire year to do, but helping your kingdom return to its former levels of food production is probably one of the most important things you need to take care of in the near future. Cost: 100. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Farms return to Pre-Discord numbers. Increased Farming Income.

Mountain Minerals: You know that there is an abundance of minerals and resources buried beneath the mountains you call home. You just need to know exactly where they are so you can start to really harvest them. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Mineral survey throughout your territory.


Learning: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor. (One Action Per Turn) Locked In

Literacy Program: The ability to read and write has become a rarity amongst your people. That's not surprising, intellectual pursuits tend to take a backseat to survival when under the reign of a mad god. But if you're going to make any progress in the long term, this issue has to be dealt with. Build some schools and have some of the few literate Griffons teach the many illiterate ones. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Higher literacy rate, +1 Research Action per Turn. (Will Finish This Turn)

Fungus Farming: In a mountainous, forested land such as yours, arable land is in short supply. That, plus the threat of bandit raids and monster attacks makes the production of a reliable food supply a significant issue. Archimedes claims to have a solution: Mushrooms. They can grow places other foodstuffs can't, don't require sunlight, and are highly nutritious. You're skeptical, but are willing to give him some time and funds to explore the viability of his idea. Time: One Year. Cost: 100. Reward: Viability of Mushrooms as Food Crop investigated.

Battlefield Communications: Your army relies mostly on banners and flags for communication. While this works fine under most conditions, it's not ideal for low-visibility situations like fighting in mist or the forest, to say nothing of when your troops are actually trying to stay hidden. Have your military thinkers come up with some new means of communication for your soldiers in the field. Time: One Year. Cost: 200. Reward: Easier communication between troops, +3 on certain combat rolls. Chance of Success: 90%


Intrigue: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified. (One Action Per Turn)

Spy School: If you're going to unite your people, you're going to need information. And to get information you'll need spies. Good ones. Have Ravenburg set up a recruitment and training program for infiltrators to operate beyond your borders. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Spies trained, can be sent on missions to other nations.

It's not Paranoia: The nobility are sworn to your service, but that doesn't mean none of them will try to cheat you or plot against you. It might be a good idea to look into them and make sure none of them are up to something. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Nobles investigated. Chance of Success: 90%


Personal: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day. (One Action Per Turn)

Marriage…yay?: You hadn't even really thought about marriage before this point. But as a King, you have a responsibility to…well, get married. It's not like you'll want for potential partners. Even as a brand new and untested King, you wield more power and influence than almost any other Griffon alive. Put out the call that you are looking for potential partners and you can be assured that you will receive many an option. You'll have your advisers look through them first to cull the list a bit of course. Cost: 0. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Marriage Options.

I Need a Weapon: You really do. The mountains and forests of Griffonia are filled with potential dangers, and you already know of some people who aren't too excited about your ascension to the Throne. You may have the Knights Lion as bodyguards, but you'd sleep a little easier if you had your own piece of steel to swing around, one that served as both a means of defense and a symbol of your office. Cost:50. Time: One Year. Reward: A weapon fit for a king. +1 Martial