BTW about our lack of magic, i think that we should set relationships with Crystal Empire because if this follows Equestria at war the crystals can be used to store magic and thus giving non magical beings ability to use it, even opening possibility of mixing tech with magic.
Maybe even snatching some crystal ponies to come and live in Griffonia, I'm assuming that they would have quite a knowledge about crystals.
BTW about our lack of magic, i think that we should set relationships with Crystal Empire because if this follows Equestria at war the crystals can be used to store magic and thus giving non magical beings ability to use it, even opening possibility of mixing tech with magic.
Maybe even snatching some crystal ponies to come and live in Griffonia, I'm assuming that they would have quite a knowledge about crystals.
Note that I only used Equestria at war for inspiration, mostly for names and such. There may be similarities, but this is its own universe with its own rules.
[ ] The Gilded Gryphon: Your son shall follow in your footsteps, learning the intricate and complicated laws of the market, tutored by bankers, burghers, merchants, and other industrious fortune-builders. +Diplomacy, +Stewardship, -Martial
Griffonstone. Despite its storied history, it is the poorest, least populated, and least influential of all the Independent Griffon City-States. This humble status makes it the closest thing to neutral ground available to you and the other leaders attending this diplomatic summit. Unfortunately, it also means that such a historic event must be held in...less than ostentatious surroundings. You can only imagine how future generations will react to the knowledge that the Empire was reforged by five Griffons sitting in a private room of the Griffonstone tavern usually reserved for high stakes poker games.
Few of the attendants seem bothered by the choice of venue though. Either that or they just choose not to show it. Duke Talonuelli just seems happy for a chance to get away from work and have a drink in a semi-casual situation, while Federico Montefeathertro, as one of the three representatives of the Feathersian League and a former mercenary, seems all too at home here. The other representatives, the Duchess Griffelda Diamond-Gleam and Doge Griffesco Foscari, seem a bit stiffer and more formal than the surroundings really call for, though you suppose they're simply trying to treat the negotiations with the gravitas they deserve. You can respect that at least.
Once you are all somewhat settled in, Duke Talonuelli addresses the gathering.
"Alright, we all know why we're here. And, while I mean no offense Garrick, we also all know it's going to happen whether we really want it to or not. The people are calling for unification, and they aren't going to quiet down anytime soon. My lands in particular are still recovering from Brochard's invasion, and we need all the assistance we can possibly get."
The Duke's face briefly twitches into a smile.
"The fact that many of my people practically worship you for coming to their rescue during the invasion also plays a bit of a role there. I am a servant of my people if nothing else, so yes, Wingbardy will be joining your new Empire. As for me..."
The Duke rubs his head, graying head-feathers ruffled by a passing talon.
"I'll stay on in my current duties as long as you'd be willing to have me, though I wouldn't say no to a nice retirement or a career change. As I'm sure you know by now, rulership is a stressful occupation. The choice is yours, I trust whatever decisions you make will have my people's best interests at heart."
His piece said, he Duke yields the the "floor" to the Feathersian delegation. The Doge stands, looking every bit the image of a ruler making an important decision.
"The Feathersian League has sought to maintain its independence since the collapse of the old Empire, but it is now clear that the prior status quo is no longer tenable. We know not what threats lurk beyond our borders, and if we are to stand any chance of surviving another threat like the dreaded Discord, we must all stand together as a united people."
It's a fine speech, one you would have applauded had it been given before a larger audience, but Foscari isn't done.
"That being said, the cities of the Feathersian League have become...accustomed to independence and the ability to control their own policy, particularly economic policy. We must therefore insist upon several...concessions before can accept vassalage in the new Empire."
Montefeathertro chooses that moment to add his own two cents.
"Translation: you've got the biggest stick, but we've got the bigger purse, and while you could just beat us into submission, it'd be a long and costly fight that no one really wants. So we'll bend the knee so long as you let us keep our gold and treat us like the special little snowflakes we are."
The Doge looks like he's about to leap across the table and strangle your father-in-law. Federico, for his part, simply smiles and takes a swig from his fourth mug of ale before giving you an apologetic look.
"Sorry Son, I was all for a regular integration, but sadly I was outvoted. In fairness, they're not asking for much, just a few tax exemptions and the right to control their own trade policy."
He gives the seething Foscari a half-lidded glare.
"Doesn't mean I don't think they're acting like a bunch of chicks who throw a tantrum when they're told playtime's over though."
Duke Talonuelli speaks up before anyone has a chance to do something they might regret.
"Be that as it may, whether you choose to accept these requests for concessions or negotiate further is your own decision. You are the regional hegemon."
Wingbardy will pledge fealty to you in exchange for reconstruction support. The only question is: what to do with the Duke?
[ ] Promotion: The Duke knows Wingbardy and it's people better than anyone else. It would be a waste to remove him from his position. More than that, his willingness to cooperate and go along with the integration should be rewarded. Name him the Archduke of Wingbardy and leave him in an administrative position. He'll run the place better than any of his subordinates would anyway.
[ ] Experienced Steward: Claus Rosewing has served you admirably as Steward for years, but he has been wearing under the strain as of late, and he has expressed doubts that he would be capable of handling the increased workload of a reborn Empire. You could find a suitable replacement from amongst your own population, but the Duke is a masterful administrator and has experience managing a large territory. He would make a good replacement for Rosewing, provided you can find someone to administer Wingbardy in his stead.
[ ] Retirement: Talonuelli is a major figure to the people of Wingbardy, a beloved leader whose word would hold a great deal of sway in the new Empire. He supports you now, but a day may come when he doesn't, and his significant clout and influence could spell trouble for you down the line. He's already expressed an interest in retirement. His people may be disappointed, and you'd be down an experienced administrator, but it might be worth it to avoid a potential political conflict later on.
How will you address the Feathersians?
[ ] Accept Demands: Give them what they want. They're not asking for that much in the big scheme of things, and it'll be worth it to get them integrated with minimal fuss and resistance from the ruling class. The reduced tax revenue might sting, and the lack of control over trade policy could be a bit of a headache down the line, but if it keeps the Doge and Duchess and others like them happy, it'll be worth it.
[ ] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
[ ] An Offer they Can't Refuse: How about no? If it weren't for you, Brochard would be battering down the League's walls and looting their cities. Your soldiers bled so theirs wouldn't have to. And now you are the most powerful Griffon in the world, an army of over fifteen thousand at your command, larger than any other in the known world by several orders of magnitude. You've got the League backed against the wall, and they know it. They'll get no tax exemptions, no independent trade policy, no special place in the new Empire. You'll drag them to glory whether they like it or not.
Yeah that is a no for me on independent trade policy, they are not forming a state within a state that way just lies trouble.
As for the Duke, who can we tap for Wingbary if we move him to steward and if we keep him at archduke can we later bump him to steward?
Edit- also what would they do if they stay it alone? They are surrounded by us so would have to trade with us and pay transit tolls and what not, if they push too much, we can take the ones that would accept and let the rest slowly lose relevance.
I'm leaning towards these two - particularly for the Feathersians, we have two provinces, we have integrated Diamond Dogs for pete's sake. We're building a nation, here. And we don't just want unity, we want authority. I'm not sure about the Duke though.
[X] Promotion: The Duke knows Wingbardy and it's people better than anyone else. It would be a waste to remove him from his position. More than that, his willingness to cooperate and go along with the integration should be rewarded. Name him the Archduke of Wingbardy and leave him in an administrative position. He'll run the place better than any of his subordinates would anyway.
[X] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
[X] An Offer they Can't Refuse: How about no? If it weren't for you, Brochard would be battering down the League's walls and looting their cities. Your soldiers bled so theirs wouldn't have to. And now you are the most powerful Griffon in the world, an army of over fifteen thousand at your command, larger than any other in the known world by several orders of magnitude. You've got the League backed against the wall, and they know it. They'll get no tax exemptions, no independent trade policy, no special place in the new Empire. You'll drag them to glory whether they like it or not.
@Questor who would the Duke recommend for his replacement (like would his daughter be up to handling it?) if we bump him to steward, or do we have someone else that could fill in as arch duke.
[X] Experienced Steward: Claus Rosewing has served you admirably as Steward for years, but he has been wearing under the strain as of late, and he has expressed doubts that he would be capable of handling the increased workload of a reborn Empire. You could find a suitable replacement from amongst your own population, but the Duke is a masterful administrator and has experience managing a large territory. He would make a good replacement for Rosewing, provided you can find someone to administer Wingbardy in his stead.
[X] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
[X] Experienced Steward: Claus Rosewing has served you admirably as Steward for years, but he has been wearing under the strain as of late, and he has expressed doubts that he would be capable of handling the increased workload of a reborn Empire. You could find a suitable replacement from amongst your own population, but the Duke is a masterful administrator and has experience managing a large territory. He would make a good replacement for Rosewing, provided you can find someone to administer Wingbardy in his stead.
[X] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
I'm leaning toward Experienced Steward because we might be able to avoid having Wingbardy ruled as a hereditary position, and we can instead just appoint successors. If so, then we can weaken the nobility's power so that the central government has more control rather than local lords.
Put a timer on the tax exemptions and offer the formation of an Imperial Senate which will give them a voice in when it comes to trade agreements with forgin states and supply them with a venue for the arbitration of conflicts and the addressing of greviances.
I'm leaning towards Archduke, but having expirienced stevard might give us extra action.
For the League I'm willing to accept Limited Concessions just so we can have both commoners and ruling class on our side, but trade policy is to much
@Questor who would the Duke recommend for his replacement (like would his daughter be up to handling it?) if we bump him to steward, or do we have someone else that could fill in as arch duke.
[X] Promotion: The Duke knows Wingbardy and it's people better than anyone else. It would be a waste to remove him from his position. More than that, his willingness to cooperate and go along with the integration should be rewarded. Name him the Archduke of Wingbardy and leave him in an administrative position. He'll run the place better than any of his subordinates would anyway.
[X] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
[X] Promotion: The Duke knows Wingbardy and it's people better than anyone else. It would be a waste to remove him from his position. More than that, his willingness to cooperate and go along with the integration should be rewarded. Name him the Archduke of Wingbardy and leave him in an administrative position. He'll run the place better than any of his subordinates would anyway.
[X] An Offer they Can't Refuse: How about no? If it weren't for you, Brochard would be battering down the League's walls and looting their cities. Your soldiers bled so theirs wouldn't have to. And now you are the most powerful Griffon in the world, an army of over fifteen thousand at your command, larger than any other in the known world by several orders of magnitude. You've got the League backed against the wall, and they know it. They'll get no tax exemptions, no independent trade policy, no special place in the new Empire. You'll drag them to glory whether they like it or not.
[X] Experienced Steward: Claus Rosewing has served you admirably as Steward for years, but he has been wearing under the strain as of late, and he has expressed doubts that he would be capable of handling the increased workload of a reborn Empire. You could find a suitable replacement from amongst your own population, but the Duke is a masterful administrator and has experience managing a large territory. He would make a good replacement for Rosewing, provided you can find someone to administer Wingbardy in his stead.
[X] Limited Concessions: The tax reductions are acceptable, but the independent trade policies are a step too far. The central government must have final say on what products pass in and out of the empire and whether they will be subject to taxes, tariffs or embargoes. Allowing the cities of the League to trade on their own terms would undermine Imperial authority and could even pose a potential security hazard should they try to sell restricted goods to other nations. You cannot accept such a risk.
I like these two. The Duke is on our side and we haven't had any indication that he's bad at the job. Also we'll have to put somebody in charge because there is a limit to the degree you can centralize power before an Empire starts to become too slow to react to outside forces.
As for the concessions, there have to the lines drawn.
I like the duke, we shouldn't have much objectionable actions for him. Archduke or Steward.
As for the League, we cannot allow them to dictate what they sell without regards for our laws. I'd accept if it was just 'you can trade with people we are otherwise embargoing' or the like but this leaves them open to dealing in things like evil or stolen holy artifacts or slavery if they feel like it.
It's more we want to avoid a war and get on to more dangerous enemies rather than be totally unwilling to compromise for convenience's sake.
If we had any idea at all of our neighbors, but we don't. We know exactly nothing about what's out there and depleting manpower where money would do is a bad idea when we're likely to need that manpower.
[X] Promotion: The Duke knows Wingbardy and it's people better than anyone else. It would be a waste to remove him from his position. More than that, his willingness to cooperate and go along with the integration should be rewarded. Name him the Archduke of Wingbardy and leave him in an administrative position. He'll run the place better than any of his subordinates would anyway.
[X] An Offer they Can't Refuse: How about no? If it weren't for you, Brochard would be battering down the League's walls and looting their cities. Your soldiers bled so theirs wouldn't have to. And now you are the most powerful Griffon in the world, an army of over fifteen thousand at your command, larger than any other in the known world by several orders of magnitude. You've got the League backed against the wall, and they know it. They'll get no tax exemptions, no independent trade policy, no special place in the new Empire. You'll drag them to glory whether they like it or not.
Unless we can do limited time tax breaks and no trade policy concessions then I do not want to create unequeal states within the Empire, that is just asking for trouble. And in the end keeping the Duke and his line in charge of the province of Wingbary (probably expanded with bits of Aqualia) should help.
