Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest
- Thread starter Questor
- Start date
Very polite interest.
- Location
- USA
One kingdom, one empire, three races. Maybe four depending on who we neighbor to the south.
If we cannot peacefully bring them into our empire like with what we did with the diamond dogs, then we should try to keep them divided. I don't want no mongol horde coming down on our empire like a sack of bricks.
hmmm
Play them against each other? Though how is a little hard to answer.
1. We try to keep any blood feuds alive or make new ones.
2.We make it so some like us and would rather be with us.
3.This doesn't really deal with keeping them divided and more we have so big of a stick that they go after someone else.
These might work...or they might fail so horribly that no matter who's around them, we are the first target
Play them against each other? Though how is a little hard to answer.
1. We try to keep any blood feuds alive or make new ones.
2.We make it so some like us and would rather be with us.
3.This doesn't really deal with keeping them divided and more we have so big of a stick that they go after someone else.
These might work...or they might fail so horribly that no matter who's around them, we are the first target
well, we can also bring one clan under our banner and use them half as propaganda, half as buffer state.
That said... I don't think its much in character for our current ruler to actually cultivate blood feuds between them, we have a empathic ruler after all. Would be akin to spread war when you can try to win through peace.
That said... I don't think its much in character for our current ruler to actually cultivate blood feuds between them, we have a empathic ruler after all. Would be akin to spread war when you can try to win through peace.
Yeah, i don't think he'd do that either. put it in their because i don't really know how we can keep them divided. Only that it's a good idea.
- Location
- Canada
If you want to have the yaks keep yaks down and not a danger by limiting them and causing them to focus on war or something, then we gotta have the best infiltrators in the empire capable of hiding or at least remain unseen by the yaks, to assassinate those who would try and reunite the yaks, or keep down warlords by pitting them against other yaks but never allow them to reach ahead.
- Location
- Space
That was Chinese strategy with the Mongols before the invasion .
- Location
- Somewhere
Can we not keep saying the Yaks and Mongals are the same, and should be treated the same way?
Can't we culturaly assimilate the yaks?
- Location
- Back in Cali
And we all know how that turned out for them.
They are and expy not the same. As for assimilating them that depends on just what their culture is like and whether it can mix with our own. As for not treating them like the mongols the thing is that physically they have all the advantages that the mongols had due to biology. That alone make them a possible future threat just because they are not a threat right now does not mean we should let our guard down. I am hoping to peacefully co-exist with them and do think it is possible to do so. There is no reason to think they will become a giant horde and attack us or other. We can help shape them by trying to get them to settle down in an area and drop their nomadic lifestyle. If we offer good trade with lumber, food, and materials we can get some of the clans to settle near us and become a settled civilization.
- Location
- Canada
The Chinese didnt have the ability to fly, flight must be amazing method of stealth in the cover of night to a ground pound species.
- Location
- Hell
Yeah well we do not have night vision either, so means nothing.
An alternative is just to pay them off. Bow our heads and let them run off somewhere else.
- Location
- Back in Cali
They are not a horde right now. Nor are they guaranteed to become one. We can deal with them in many ways.
one of the reason why the Mongals where successful was there use of bows on horse back and these Yaks only seems to be able to use there heads to attack and they have hooves so they wont be able to build anything complex like siege weapons so unless there magic can make up for these negatives i think people are overblow there threat rating to us
Turn 10 Results
- Location
- Maryland
Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is still a wild gryphon, never caught dead without his flask, though the increased workload brought about by the unification means he's had to curb his wilder tendencies in the interest of keeping up with his subordinates. Still, he's more than up for the job of Imperial Martial, especially with Gabriella around to provide her own military experience when needed.
-The Imperial Army: You've got a lot more territory to guard now, and a larger treasury to dip into. It might be a good idea to take a page out of Brochard's book and expand your army so that it's worthy of the moniker "Imperial". Cost: 2000. Time: One Year. Reward: Warriors recruited, Army Expanded.
Once again, the word goes out that you're seeking to recruit new blood for the Imperial Army. But this time you have a much larger population to draw from, and it shows in the results as thousands of Griffons flood the recruitment centers and mustering grounds, undergoing the mandatory health checks and basic training that all new recruits are now required to undergo. Blacksmiths and smelters work overtime to produce the mountains of steel armor and weapons needed to outfit the new soldiers, and the Imperial bureaucracy is also expanded to properly coordinate and supply so many.
Surprisingly (or not, considering their newfound patriotism), hundreds of Diamond Dogs also answer the call to serve and protect their home, seeking to prove their worth and loyalty to their nation. They are of course accepted into the ranks of your army, which is now of such size and quality that it can truly be considered deserving of its name. Army Expanded. +2500 Warriors, 1250 Archers, 1250 Polearms, 500 Diamond Dogs.
-Expeditious Exploration: You have no real idea what lies beyond your borders. Discord altered the geography of the planet itself, and most records from before his arrival and reign of terror were lost amidst the madness of his reign. You know the world is bigger than your Empire though, and you're almost certain that other races, tribes and kingdoms managed to survive the era of chaos. Such potential neighbors could be allies and trade partners...or a threat to you and your people. Either way, it's better if you find them before they find you. Cost: 200. Time: Variable. Reward: Info on lands beyond your borders.
—South: The Peregrine Mountains form a natural border to your South, preventing easy travel for Dogs and Griffons alike. Pre-Discord records indicate that the climate is warmer the further south one goes. You suppose there is only one way to find out for sure.
Another band of scouts and explorers are gathered for another trek beyond your borders. This time their destination is the land beyond the Peregrines, to the South. Having learned from the previous expedition, they make sure to pack as much supplies and provisions as possible before setting out. Some are optimistic that they'll find warmer lands with fewer monsters. Others wonder if they'll encounter another civilization like the Yaks. All remain cautious, prepared for anything they might encounter in the unexplored wilderness. To Be Continued in Exploration Interlude
Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef remains your head diplomat, despite her advancing age. With contact finally having been made with people beyond your borders, she's back to work once again, managing diplomats, linguists, and a growing number of merchants seeking to market their wares to foreign cultures.
-My Hovercraft is Full of Eels, Yak Edition: Your scouts, specifically the diplomats among them, managed to communicate with the Yaks through the use of pictographs, body language, and the handful of Yakyakistani words and phrases they managed to pick up. But if you're going to have any kind of meaningful diplomatic relationship you'll need to know how to actually speak their language. Gather a few interpreters and linguists, give them some gold and simple trade goods, and send them off to learn from the natives. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Diplomats learn Yakyakistani language, removes chance of mistranslation mishaps. Chance of Success: 80%.
Required: 20. Rolled: 75+18=93 (Art. Crit!)
The linguists you sent over the border did more than just translate the Yak language. Apparently, after managing to interpret Yakyakistani in full, the team of scholars decided to ask some questions and keep their ears open in hopes of learning more from their hosts.
And learn they did. By the end of the year, they'd collected detailed notes on Yak culture, politics, and economic activity. The information they gathered allowed for a much clearer picture of Yakyakistan to be gained.
While there are dozens of Yak clans, most are relatively small, and pledge their allegiance to one of the "big four" clans that form the major factions in Yak politics: the Broken Horns, the Thunder Warriors, the River Walkers, and the Raw Hides.
Yakyakistan Clans
An approximation of the territory of the four largest Yak clans
While the clans frequently quarrel and occasionally come to blows over land ownership and control of strategic resources, relations between the four clans are relatively cordial, and skirmishes are infrequent and rarely result in significant numbers of deaths. Their idea of war is a much more limited thing, an alternative to diplomacy rather than a means of wiping out an enemy. Still, after watching a single Yak break a boulder in half with his bare hooves, your translators can understand why they seem hesitant to truly go to war with each other.
Your translators have also noticed that, while many transactions are handled via a barter system, the Yaks possess coinage minted from gold and silver, suggesting that they have at least some mineral deposits in their lands.
You commend the interpreters on their accomplishments and thank them for all their hard work in service to the Empire. What was previously thought to be the work of two years has been shortened to one, and now your people can negotiate with the Yaks with a full grasp of their political situation, as well as their language. Yakyakistani language translated, Information on Yak Politics, Economy gained.
Stewardship: Claus Rosewing remains as your Steward, though most know this is likely a temporary arrangement. Claus has served you admirably since your rise to the throne of Griffonia, but he's not really equipped to handle the finances and infrastructure of an entire Empire. He intends to stay on for as long as you need him, but he's made it clear you'd probably be better off with someone else in his position.
-New Management: Rosewing has been asking for a replacement. The Lady Bronzeclaw seems agreeable to taking his position. Fill out the necessary paperwork, replace any outgoing staff, arrange a generous severance package, and have Frida throw Claus a retirement party. After all his hard work on your behalf, it's the least you can do for him. Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Frida Bronzeclaw becomes Imperial Steward, +1 Stewardship Action per Turn
Claus is honored for his service in a tasteful formal ceremony before he is quickly whisked away by his replacement to a party in his honor at the nearest tavern. Two hours and countless drinks later, a passed-out Rosewing is carried home by a pair of his former employees, leaving a triumphant Frida nursing a sizable hangover on her first day on the job. You said you'd miss Claus, and you were being truthful. But he's more than earned his retirement, and you're sure the Lady Bronzeclaw will bring some much-needed energy to the position. Frida Bronzeclaw becomes Imperial Steward, +1 Stewardship Action per Turn
Learning: Archimedes now has to juggle his duties as the Imperial Science Advisor with his task of tutoring and mentoring your son. He can hardly complain, as he volunteered for the latter task completely unsolicited, claiming that it was his responsibility to ensure Gawain received an "exhaustive education fit for a future Emperor". You're not sure how he does it all. You suspect stimulants are involved.
-Quarantine Standards: You now know how the Feral Disease that affects the Diamond Dogs spreads, and by association, how to prevent it from spreading should an outbreak occur. Have Archimedes put together official, detailed contingency plans for local government and military units, and distribute them throughout the Empire. Should the worst come to pass, these plans should assist in the containment of any disease outbreaks. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Quarantine Plans, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
Archimedes and his staff are totally dedicated to the issue of communicable disease this year. Starting with official contingency plans for an outbreak of "Feral Disease", should the worst come to pass. No detail is unaddressed in the plan, from terrain and population distribution to the observed capabilities of the infected and military tactics that may prove effective in containing and eliminating an outbreak. These plans can also be easily adapted to the containment of other, more mundane diseases. Copies of the finalized quarantine protocols are sent to local leaders and military commanders across the Empire, ensuring that you and your people are as prepared as they can conceivably be for a future pandemic. Quarantine Plans written, published and distributed. Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
-Office of Disease Control: All his work on the Feral Disease has made Archimedes realize just how dangerous diseases can be to the Empire as a whole, and not just diseases that only affect Diamond Dogs. Talon-Rot, Feather-Flu, Bird-Pox, these are all sicknesses that have ravaged segments of your population in the past. Thus far you've managed to avoid a serious outbreak, but it's only a matter of time until some new strain appears, especially with your people going beyond your borders and mixing with new peoples who are likely to have their own diseases. Archimedes proposes creating a permanent government office tasked with the monitoring, containment, and treatment of communicable diseases. It'll be expensive, but the public's health is too valuable to risk. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: Office of Disease Control established, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
Of course, Archimedes isn't simply drawing up plans. He's gathering together some of the finest minds in the areas of biology, anatomy, and medicine to form the foundation of a new government institution: the Office of Disease Control. A suitable headquarters is constructed just outside the capital, part bureaucratic office and part medical laboratory. Lines of communication are established with clinics and houses of healing across the Empire, ensuring that the experts will be informed of any new outbreaks as soon as they begin to manifest.
Wagonloads of glassware, surgical implements, and experimental medicines are ordered and stored, and by the end of the year, you have a fully-functional medical institution dedicated to the eradication of communicable disease. Of course, as a government sponsored entity it will require consistent funding from the crown, but it's a small price to pay for a healthy population. Office of Disease Control Established, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls, Upkeep of 10 Gold per Year.
Intrigue: As the Imperial Spymaster, Ravenburg now has access to more resources, but he also has greater responsibilities, and must gather and analyze information on a much larger scale. Despite the added workload, he seems unperturbed, and maintains his appearance and attitude of a stoic professional.
-Foreign Intelligence: Spying on fellow Griffons was one thing. Spying on other races is something else entirely. You can't just send a Griffon into potentially hostile territory where they'll stick out like a sore thumb amongst the locals. You'll have to get Ravenburg to come up with alternative methods of intelligence gathering for this sort of thing. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: New Intrigue Options, Ability to Spy on Non-Griffons
Ravenburg gathers his best and brightest, forming a committee to brainstorm solutions to this latest problem, perhaps the greatest yet faced in the realm of espionage. After the obvious idea of dressing Griffons up as Yaks is discarded for equally obvious reasons, some more practical techniques of information gathering are suggested. Archimedes is brought in to consult and add his technical knowledge to the conversation, and by the end of the year your spy corps has a wider range of tools and techniques available to it.
The primary solution involves the recruitment of informants from the target population, which naturally required a change of doctrine and training for your own agents. Another new method involves leveraging your race's natural propensity for flight, having specially trained and equipped Griffons perform high-altitude reconnaissance flights. Another method involves the use of new Diamond Dog recruits who will use their digging skills to infiltrate foreign territory from below.
These methods aren't exactly ideal, but they're better than nothing, and Ravenburg assures you that his agents can perform any assignments you give them regardless of what obstacles they may face. You intend to hold him to that. New Intelligence Gathering Methods Developed, Can Now Spy on Foreign Powers
Personal: You refuse to let your duties as Emperor take up every moment of your day.
-Royal Hobbies: Your son is beginning to reach the age where simple "playing" isn't enough to keep his attention. He needs a hobby. You could wait for him to develop his own interests, but there's no reason you can't try to introduce him to some activities that could expand his horizons a bit. Who knows, he might even develop some skills that could aid him in ruling. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Choice of activities for Gawain, chance for him to develop new traits and increase stats.
Archimedes tells you that Gawain has been doing excellently in his studies, and has been absorbing all the knowledge and academic information he's been presented with. He's clearly inherited your sharp mind. Gawain has Genius Trait (+2 to all stats)
But books can only take him so far. Now that he's older, he can start to apply some of his lessons "in the field" as it were. The fact that he might take an interest in activities that could teach him new skills is only a bonus. The only question is: what activity should he be introduced to?
[ ] Board Games: He will learn patience, strategy, and how to read people by playing numerous board and card games with you and members of the Imperial court.
[ ] Hunting: He shall be given a spear and a bow and be taught how to hunt the beasts of the untamed forests.
[ ] Gardening: He shall apply his understanding of botany and plant biology to the palace gardens, tending to the decorative flowers as well as the herbs and vegetables bound for the Imperial kitchens.
-The Royal Dragon: Gwyndlyn, the young Dragoness you've more or less adopted, has been unusually docile. Despite being a fire-breathing reptile, she has acted almost exactly like a Griffon of similar age and development. You, your wife, and the castle staff entrusted to help you care for her have been very careful about not overfeeding her or letting her enter the infamous "greed growth" that the ancient records speak of. Still, while you've made the decision to adopt and care for her, there are many things you have not yet decided. How will you raise her? Will she be in line for the Throne? These are only some of the decisions you need to make about the newest addition to your family. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Plans made for Gwyndlyn's Future.
Gwyndlyn remains an adorable bundle of scales that melts the heart of anyone who sees her. Though she is still young, by your standards and especially by dragon standards, there's no reason you can't make some plans for her future.
While she has been officially adopted into your family, the obvious question of royal succession has yet to be addressed. The idea of a dragon being named Empress of the Griffonlands would certainly ruffle some feathers, especially as she wouldn't be dying of old age for centuries, perhaps even millennia! On the other talon, should anything (ancestors forbid) happen to Gawain, it would be beneficial to at least have someone to take over and avoid plunging the realm into anarchy. There are numerous options available, and while some may be better than others, none are simply right or wrong.
[ ] In Line: Gwyndlyn will be treated like any other child of royalty, and will become second in line for the throne after her big brother Gawain. This will likely upset some of the more conservative members of the nobility, to say nothing of any other children you may wind up having.
[ ] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[ ] Bottom Rung: The latter of the compromise options. Gwyndlyn will be in line for the throne, but she will perpetually be the last in line. The only way she will be named Empress is if every other potential heir is dead or otherwise unavailable. The nobility aren't likely to protest this, as, if every other heir is dead at the same time, they'll likely have much bigger problems to worry about.
[ ] Out of Line: The simplest option. Though she will be your child in all other respects, Gwyndlyn will not be in line for the throne. While this will placate the nobility, it means you have one less backup heir, to say nothing of what message this might send to Gwyndlyn, or the precedent this would set concerning non-Griffon rulers.
Of course, once that's sorted out, you still need to worry about how to raise your new draconic daughter. Dragon or not, she deserves an education as much as her brother! But what to teach her?
[ ] Mistress of None: She will receive instruction in all subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. +None, -None
[ ] Like Mother like Daughter: She shall spend time amongst knights, soldiers, and hunters who shall mold her into the legendary warrior this realm needs. +Martial, +Intrigue, -Learning
[ ] The Scaled Scholar: She shall follow in her brother's footsteps, spending her days amidst the tomes and scrolls of the Royal library, familiarizing herself with the sciences and the arts, and imbuing her with a head for numbers. +Learning, +Stewardship, -Intrigue
[ ] Golden-Scales: Your daughter shall learn the intricate and complicated laws of the market, tutored by bankers, burghers, merchants, and other industrious fortune-builders in the art of accumulating wealth, something her draconic ancestry should give her a natural motivation towards. +Diplomacy, +Stewardship, -Martial
Hazard/Random Event Rolls
18(Pass)
35(Pass)
27(Bare Failure) To Be Continued in Rumor Mill
-The Imperial Army: You've got a lot more territory to guard now, and a larger treasury to dip into. It might be a good idea to take a page out of Brochard's book and expand your army so that it's worthy of the moniker "Imperial". Cost: 2000. Time: One Year. Reward: Warriors recruited, Army Expanded.
Once again, the word goes out that you're seeking to recruit new blood for the Imperial Army. But this time you have a much larger population to draw from, and it shows in the results as thousands of Griffons flood the recruitment centers and mustering grounds, undergoing the mandatory health checks and basic training that all new recruits are now required to undergo. Blacksmiths and smelters work overtime to produce the mountains of steel armor and weapons needed to outfit the new soldiers, and the Imperial bureaucracy is also expanded to properly coordinate and supply so many.
Surprisingly (or not, considering their newfound patriotism), hundreds of Diamond Dogs also answer the call to serve and protect their home, seeking to prove their worth and loyalty to their nation. They are of course accepted into the ranks of your army, which is now of such size and quality that it can truly be considered deserving of its name. Army Expanded. +2500 Warriors, 1250 Archers, 1250 Polearms, 500 Diamond Dogs.
-Expeditious Exploration: You have no real idea what lies beyond your borders. Discord altered the geography of the planet itself, and most records from before his arrival and reign of terror were lost amidst the madness of his reign. You know the world is bigger than your Empire though, and you're almost certain that other races, tribes and kingdoms managed to survive the era of chaos. Such potential neighbors could be allies and trade partners...or a threat to you and your people. Either way, it's better if you find them before they find you. Cost: 200. Time: Variable. Reward: Info on lands beyond your borders.
—South: The Peregrine Mountains form a natural border to your South, preventing easy travel for Dogs and Griffons alike. Pre-Discord records indicate that the climate is warmer the further south one goes. You suppose there is only one way to find out for sure.
Another band of scouts and explorers are gathered for another trek beyond your borders. This time their destination is the land beyond the Peregrines, to the South. Having learned from the previous expedition, they make sure to pack as much supplies and provisions as possible before setting out. Some are optimistic that they'll find warmer lands with fewer monsters. Others wonder if they'll encounter another civilization like the Yaks. All remain cautious, prepared for anything they might encounter in the unexplored wilderness. To Be Continued in Exploration Interlude
Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef remains your head diplomat, despite her advancing age. With contact finally having been made with people beyond your borders, she's back to work once again, managing diplomats, linguists, and a growing number of merchants seeking to market their wares to foreign cultures.
-My Hovercraft is Full of Eels, Yak Edition: Your scouts, specifically the diplomats among them, managed to communicate with the Yaks through the use of pictographs, body language, and the handful of Yakyakistani words and phrases they managed to pick up. But if you're going to have any kind of meaningful diplomatic relationship you'll need to know how to actually speak their language. Gather a few interpreters and linguists, give them some gold and simple trade goods, and send them off to learn from the natives. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Diplomats learn Yakyakistani language, removes chance of mistranslation mishaps. Chance of Success: 80%.
Required: 20. Rolled: 75+18=93 (Art. Crit!)
The linguists you sent over the border did more than just translate the Yak language. Apparently, after managing to interpret Yakyakistani in full, the team of scholars decided to ask some questions and keep their ears open in hopes of learning more from their hosts.
And learn they did. By the end of the year, they'd collected detailed notes on Yak culture, politics, and economic activity. The information they gathered allowed for a much clearer picture of Yakyakistan to be gained.
While there are dozens of Yak clans, most are relatively small, and pledge their allegiance to one of the "big four" clans that form the major factions in Yak politics: the Broken Horns, the Thunder Warriors, the River Walkers, and the Raw Hides.
Yakyakistan Clans
An approximation of the territory of the four largest Yak clans
While the clans frequently quarrel and occasionally come to blows over land ownership and control of strategic resources, relations between the four clans are relatively cordial, and skirmishes are infrequent and rarely result in significant numbers of deaths. Their idea of war is a much more limited thing, an alternative to diplomacy rather than a means of wiping out an enemy. Still, after watching a single Yak break a boulder in half with his bare hooves, your translators can understand why they seem hesitant to truly go to war with each other.
Your translators have also noticed that, while many transactions are handled via a barter system, the Yaks possess coinage minted from gold and silver, suggesting that they have at least some mineral deposits in their lands.
You commend the interpreters on their accomplishments and thank them for all their hard work in service to the Empire. What was previously thought to be the work of two years has been shortened to one, and now your people can negotiate with the Yaks with a full grasp of their political situation, as well as their language. Yakyakistani language translated, Information on Yak Politics, Economy gained.
Stewardship: Claus Rosewing remains as your Steward, though most know this is likely a temporary arrangement. Claus has served you admirably since your rise to the throne of Griffonia, but he's not really equipped to handle the finances and infrastructure of an entire Empire. He intends to stay on for as long as you need him, but he's made it clear you'd probably be better off with someone else in his position.
-New Management: Rosewing has been asking for a replacement. The Lady Bronzeclaw seems agreeable to taking his position. Fill out the necessary paperwork, replace any outgoing staff, arrange a generous severance package, and have Frida throw Claus a retirement party. After all his hard work on your behalf, it's the least you can do for him. Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Frida Bronzeclaw becomes Imperial Steward, +1 Stewardship Action per Turn
Claus is honored for his service in a tasteful formal ceremony before he is quickly whisked away by his replacement to a party in his honor at the nearest tavern. Two hours and countless drinks later, a passed-out Rosewing is carried home by a pair of his former employees, leaving a triumphant Frida nursing a sizable hangover on her first day on the job. You said you'd miss Claus, and you were being truthful. But he's more than earned his retirement, and you're sure the Lady Bronzeclaw will bring some much-needed energy to the position. Frida Bronzeclaw becomes Imperial Steward, +1 Stewardship Action per Turn
Learning: Archimedes now has to juggle his duties as the Imperial Science Advisor with his task of tutoring and mentoring your son. He can hardly complain, as he volunteered for the latter task completely unsolicited, claiming that it was his responsibility to ensure Gawain received an "exhaustive education fit for a future Emperor". You're not sure how he does it all. You suspect stimulants are involved.
-Quarantine Standards: You now know how the Feral Disease that affects the Diamond Dogs spreads, and by association, how to prevent it from spreading should an outbreak occur. Have Archimedes put together official, detailed contingency plans for local government and military units, and distribute them throughout the Empire. Should the worst come to pass, these plans should assist in the containment of any disease outbreaks. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Quarantine Plans, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
Archimedes and his staff are totally dedicated to the issue of communicable disease this year. Starting with official contingency plans for an outbreak of "Feral Disease", should the worst come to pass. No detail is unaddressed in the plan, from terrain and population distribution to the observed capabilities of the infected and military tactics that may prove effective in containing and eliminating an outbreak. These plans can also be easily adapted to the containment of other, more mundane diseases. Copies of the finalized quarantine protocols are sent to local leaders and military commanders across the Empire, ensuring that you and your people are as prepared as they can conceivably be for a future pandemic. Quarantine Plans written, published and distributed. Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
-Office of Disease Control: All his work on the Feral Disease has made Archimedes realize just how dangerous diseases can be to the Empire as a whole, and not just diseases that only affect Diamond Dogs. Talon-Rot, Feather-Flu, Bird-Pox, these are all sicknesses that have ravaged segments of your population in the past. Thus far you've managed to avoid a serious outbreak, but it's only a matter of time until some new strain appears, especially with your people going beyond your borders and mixing with new peoples who are likely to have their own diseases. Archimedes proposes creating a permanent government office tasked with the monitoring, containment, and treatment of communicable diseases. It'll be expensive, but the public's health is too valuable to risk. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: Office of Disease Control established, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls.
Of course, Archimedes isn't simply drawing up plans. He's gathering together some of the finest minds in the areas of biology, anatomy, and medicine to form the foundation of a new government institution: the Office of Disease Control. A suitable headquarters is constructed just outside the capital, part bureaucratic office and part medical laboratory. Lines of communication are established with clinics and houses of healing across the Empire, ensuring that the experts will be informed of any new outbreaks as soon as they begin to manifest.
Wagonloads of glassware, surgical implements, and experimental medicines are ordered and stored, and by the end of the year, you have a fully-functional medical institution dedicated to the eradication of communicable disease. Of course, as a government sponsored entity it will require consistent funding from the crown, but it's a small price to pay for a healthy population. Office of Disease Control Established, Bonus to Disease Outbreak Rolls, Upkeep of 10 Gold per Year.
Intrigue: As the Imperial Spymaster, Ravenburg now has access to more resources, but he also has greater responsibilities, and must gather and analyze information on a much larger scale. Despite the added workload, he seems unperturbed, and maintains his appearance and attitude of a stoic professional.
-Foreign Intelligence: Spying on fellow Griffons was one thing. Spying on other races is something else entirely. You can't just send a Griffon into potentially hostile territory where they'll stick out like a sore thumb amongst the locals. You'll have to get Ravenburg to come up with alternative methods of intelligence gathering for this sort of thing. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: New Intrigue Options, Ability to Spy on Non-Griffons
Ravenburg gathers his best and brightest, forming a committee to brainstorm solutions to this latest problem, perhaps the greatest yet faced in the realm of espionage. After the obvious idea of dressing Griffons up as Yaks is discarded for equally obvious reasons, some more practical techniques of information gathering are suggested. Archimedes is brought in to consult and add his technical knowledge to the conversation, and by the end of the year your spy corps has a wider range of tools and techniques available to it.
The primary solution involves the recruitment of informants from the target population, which naturally required a change of doctrine and training for your own agents. Another new method involves leveraging your race's natural propensity for flight, having specially trained and equipped Griffons perform high-altitude reconnaissance flights. Another method involves the use of new Diamond Dog recruits who will use their digging skills to infiltrate foreign territory from below.
These methods aren't exactly ideal, but they're better than nothing, and Ravenburg assures you that his agents can perform any assignments you give them regardless of what obstacles they may face. You intend to hold him to that. New Intelligence Gathering Methods Developed, Can Now Spy on Foreign Powers
Personal: You refuse to let your duties as Emperor take up every moment of your day.
-Royal Hobbies: Your son is beginning to reach the age where simple "playing" isn't enough to keep his attention. He needs a hobby. You could wait for him to develop his own interests, but there's no reason you can't try to introduce him to some activities that could expand his horizons a bit. Who knows, he might even develop some skills that could aid him in ruling. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Choice of activities for Gawain, chance for him to develop new traits and increase stats.
Archimedes tells you that Gawain has been doing excellently in his studies, and has been absorbing all the knowledge and academic information he's been presented with. He's clearly inherited your sharp mind. Gawain has Genius Trait (+2 to all stats)
But books can only take him so far. Now that he's older, he can start to apply some of his lessons "in the field" as it were. The fact that he might take an interest in activities that could teach him new skills is only a bonus. The only question is: what activity should he be introduced to?
[ ] Board Games: He will learn patience, strategy, and how to read people by playing numerous board and card games with you and members of the Imperial court.
[ ] Hunting: He shall be given a spear and a bow and be taught how to hunt the beasts of the untamed forests.
[ ] Gardening: He shall apply his understanding of botany and plant biology to the palace gardens, tending to the decorative flowers as well as the herbs and vegetables bound for the Imperial kitchens.
-The Royal Dragon: Gwyndlyn, the young Dragoness you've more or less adopted, has been unusually docile. Despite being a fire-breathing reptile, she has acted almost exactly like a Griffon of similar age and development. You, your wife, and the castle staff entrusted to help you care for her have been very careful about not overfeeding her or letting her enter the infamous "greed growth" that the ancient records speak of. Still, while you've made the decision to adopt and care for her, there are many things you have not yet decided. How will you raise her? Will she be in line for the Throne? These are only some of the decisions you need to make about the newest addition to your family. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Plans made for Gwyndlyn's Future.
Gwyndlyn remains an adorable bundle of scales that melts the heart of anyone who sees her. Though she is still young, by your standards and especially by dragon standards, there's no reason you can't make some plans for her future.
While she has been officially adopted into your family, the obvious question of royal succession has yet to be addressed. The idea of a dragon being named Empress of the Griffonlands would certainly ruffle some feathers, especially as she wouldn't be dying of old age for centuries, perhaps even millennia! On the other talon, should anything (ancestors forbid) happen to Gawain, it would be beneficial to at least have someone to take over and avoid plunging the realm into anarchy. There are numerous options available, and while some may be better than others, none are simply right or wrong.
[ ] In Line: Gwyndlyn will be treated like any other child of royalty, and will become second in line for the throne after her big brother Gawain. This will likely upset some of the more conservative members of the nobility, to say nothing of any other children you may wind up having.
[ ] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[ ] Bottom Rung: The latter of the compromise options. Gwyndlyn will be in line for the throne, but she will perpetually be the last in line. The only way she will be named Empress is if every other potential heir is dead or otherwise unavailable. The nobility aren't likely to protest this, as, if every other heir is dead at the same time, they'll likely have much bigger problems to worry about.
[ ] Out of Line: The simplest option. Though she will be your child in all other respects, Gwyndlyn will not be in line for the throne. While this will placate the nobility, it means you have one less backup heir, to say nothing of what message this might send to Gwyndlyn, or the precedent this would set concerning non-Griffon rulers.
Of course, once that's sorted out, you still need to worry about how to raise your new draconic daughter. Dragon or not, she deserves an education as much as her brother! But what to teach her?
[ ] Mistress of None: She will receive instruction in all subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. +None, -None
[ ] Like Mother like Daughter: She shall spend time amongst knights, soldiers, and hunters who shall mold her into the legendary warrior this realm needs. +Martial, +Intrigue, -Learning
[ ] The Scaled Scholar: She shall follow in her brother's footsteps, spending her days amidst the tomes and scrolls of the Royal library, familiarizing herself with the sciences and the arts, and imbuing her with a head for numbers. +Learning, +Stewardship, -Intrigue
[ ] Golden-Scales: Your daughter shall learn the intricate and complicated laws of the market, tutored by bankers, burghers, merchants, and other industrious fortune-builders in the art of accumulating wealth, something her draconic ancestry should give her a natural motivation towards. +Diplomacy, +Stewardship, -Martial
Hazard/Random Event Rolls
18(Pass)
35(Pass)
27(Bare Failure) To Be Continued in Rumor Mill
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Theunderbolt
"Prepare for trouble..."
- Location
- USoA
Regent or second in line has a certain appeal to it tbh.
- Location
- USA
[x] Board Games: He will learn patience, strategy, and how to read people by playing numerous board and card games with you and members of the Imperial court.
[x] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[x] Like Mother like Daughter: She shall spend time amongst knights, soldiers, and hunters who shall mold her into the legendary warrior this realm needs. +Martial, +Intrigue
[x] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[x] Like Mother like Daughter: She shall spend time amongst knights, soldiers, and hunters who shall mold her into the legendary warrior this realm needs. +Martial, +Intrigue
- Location
- Anchorage, Alaska
Regent I would say at worst if it comes to pass...second in line just in case as the lesser idea, don't want our son feeling bad about his dragon sister outliving him!
so we better make sure she understands she is loved.
also:
[X] Board Games: He will learn patience, strategy, and how to read people by playing numerous board and card games with you and members of the Imperial court.
he has to make sure he cant play the court games if needed but also since he is strong AND genius...well...I think we got a super version of Lelouch on the way here, especially if he becomes a bit of a sis-con.
[X] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[X] Bottom Rung: The latter of the compromise options. Gwyndlyn will be in line for the throne, but she will perpetually be the last in line. The only way she will be named Empress is if every other potential heir is dead or otherwise unavailable. The nobility aren't likely to protest this, as if every other heir is dead at the same time they'll likely have much bigger problems to worry about.
these two options work for me, especially if we can insure that we do love her, its just if something REALLY goes wrong she can keep the nation together. Plus dragon will live for a damn long time...and if she learns how to wear armor? Damn near forever....
[X] Mistress of None: She will receive instruction in all subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. +None, -None
she has time and will to do so...we can insure it.
so we better make sure she understands she is loved.
also:
[X] Board Games: He will learn patience, strategy, and how to read people by playing numerous board and card games with you and members of the Imperial court.
he has to make sure he cant play the court games if needed but also since he is strong AND genius...well...I think we got a super version of Lelouch on the way here, especially if he becomes a bit of a sis-con.
[X] Designated Regent: The first of two compromise positions. Once she is of age, Gwyndlyn will be named the designated Regent. In the event that the rightful ruler cannot take up the crown or is otherwise unavailable, Gwyndlyn will assume the role of ruler until the situation can be resolved satisfactorily. While not as controversial as directly placing her in line for the throne, some may still protest this decision.
[X] Bottom Rung: The latter of the compromise options. Gwyndlyn will be in line for the throne, but she will perpetually be the last in line. The only way she will be named Empress is if every other potential heir is dead or otherwise unavailable. The nobility aren't likely to protest this, as if every other heir is dead at the same time they'll likely have much bigger problems to worry about.
these two options work for me, especially if we can insure that we do love her, its just if something REALLY goes wrong she can keep the nation together. Plus dragon will live for a damn long time...and if she learns how to wear armor? Damn near forever....
[X] Mistress of None: She will receive instruction in all subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education. +None, -None
she has time and will to do so...we can insure it.
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
[X] Board Games:
[X] Designated Regent:
[X] Golden-Scales:
A King needs to be able to actually lead.
If we're going to have a super-long lived member of our Court, then lets make the best of it. We'll train her to be the best possible administrator and give her that job.
[X] Designated Regent:
[X] Golden-Scales:
A King needs to be able to actually lead.
If we're going to have a super-long lived member of our Court, then lets make the best of it. We'll train her to be the best possible administrator and give her that job.
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