Do we even know if he has a western neighbor? You might be thinking in squares a bit too much. Nothing suggests that just because we have a western nation means that there is anything but more frozen tundra out to his west.
The QM already confirmed that Sombra has neighbors surrounding him. That is why we don't have a map because it would show the borders to those neighbors that we haven't met yet. Also his Empire is only frozen due to magic. Before that, it was a warmed more hospitable land.
The QM already confirmed that Sombra has neighbors surrounding him. That is why we don't have a map because it would show the borders to those neighbors that we haven't met yet.
Hmm then it may be prudent to at least have eyes in these nations. As stated many times concerning our own population, I wouldn't put it past Sombra to invade a relatively weaker kingdom to replenish his forces and launch an attack on us early.
Hmm then it may be prudent to at least have eyes in these nations. As stated many times concerning our own population, I wouldn't put it past Sombra to invade a relatively weaker kingdom to replenish his forces and launch an attack on us early.
We haven't met them and if he tried to invade we could notice and invade him. They would have to be stupid not to notice the evil overlord and not prepare nothing exists in a vacuum after all. Sombra took massive losses in our war and the action to destroy is war economy he is in no position to risk others finding out about his weakened state. Also, he is not a military planner or leader at all. He is ruled by his emotions which means he is going to concentrate on us instead. Before us he has never lost, we killed his army and cut off his horn destroying his current body and reducing him to mist. He is pissed even more so after our bombing run.
It is interesting to note the reduced usefulness of spies in the traditional sense when it comes to segregated, multiracial nations. While humans can basically go wherever on our dustball, we as the Holy Gryphon Empire need to be either in positive enough relations with a nation for Gryphon spies not to seem out of place, or we need to be able to turn members of the Nation we want to spy on.
If weren't at war and the only way to find them wasn't through Sombra's Empire it probably would be an action. If it came up it would have to be an extremely low chance. But it might be higher due to all the damage we have done to him so maybe possible.
It is interesting to note the reduced usefulness of spies in the traditional sense when it comes to segregated, multiracial nations. While humans can basically go wherever on our dustball, we as the Holy Gryphon Empire need to be either in positive enough relations with a nation for Gryphon spies not to seem out of place, or we need to be able to turn members of the Nation we want to spy on.
That is how most spying works. You don't go around snooping you turn natives and people already there into giving you information. Spy movies are noting but lies to make a nice story not
If weren't at war and the only way to find them wasn't through Sombra's Empire it probably would be an action. If it came up it would have to be an extremely low chance. But it might be higher due to all the damage we have done to him so maybe possible.
As far as I am aware, i see no reason we couldn't go through the yak's land like I said. While that might be a multi-turn action, it seems much less inherently dangerous, at least in regards to first impressions to neighboring countries (which is what got us in this mess in the first place...).
As far as I am aware, i see no reason we couldn't go through the yak's land like I said. While that might be a multi-turn action, it seems much less inherently dangerous, at least in regards to first impressions to neighboring countries (which is what got us in this mess in the first place...).
Well, the reasoning could be that we fear a possibility of invasion from that direction, and sent a scouting/diplomatic party out that way to investigate the yak's border, with diplomats there to ensure no international incident occurs with what might be a friendly or at least neutral nation.
Edit: Of course we could just ask the yak's if they know of anyone out that way.
Titles: Emperor of Gryphus, King of Griffonia, Inheritor of the Imperial House of Gryphus, The Unifier, Great Winged Alpha
Description: Before your wife got her talons on you, you were a fairly typical example of the Griffon species. An unmistakably masculine build, a strong, prominent beak, feathers and fur that seem to be perpetually well-groomed, and a pair of piercing amber eyes hiding a fierce intelligence. Not anymore though. Oh, you still have all those qualities, they're just overshadowed by the massive amount of muscle you've put on since you started your wife's "enhanced training regimen". Your wings can lift dumbbells, and your legs are like tree-trunks supporting a barrel chest rippling with abdominal muscles. In short, you have the build of a person who has been lifting heavy objects his entire life.
Martial: 9+2+1+2=14
Diplomacy: 14+2+2=18
Stewardship: 13+2=15
Learning: 16+2=18
Intrigue: 11+2=13
Trait-Attractive: You are a very handsome fellow. +2 Diplomacy, better spousal relationship
Trait-Genius: Smart doesn't even begin to describe you. +2 all skills
Trait-Strong: Working out with your wife has done great things for your body. +2 Martial
Inventory:
Blade of the King: an ornate and deadly sword you had forged for yourself after being crowned King of Griffonia. +1 Martial
Royal Armor: Serving to protect you as well as display your royal status to onlookers, this armor is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Trait: Strong - Born stronger than most. (+2 Martial)
Trait: Experienced - Has been a mercenary for several years, ranging across the lands of the former Empire. Knows much about the world. (+1 All Stats)
Son: Gawain Golden-Feather
Age: 10
Status: Child-No Stats
Status: Designated Heir. Will become player character in event of Parent's Deaths.
Trait: Strong-Born stronger than most. (+2 Martial)
Trait: Attractive-A cute kid, and eventually a handsome fellow. (+2 Diplomacy, better spousal relationship)
Trait: Genius-Smart doesn't begin to describe him. (+2 All Stats)
Trait: Game Master-Years of playing games of strategy and wits with members of the Imperial Court has honed his sense of strategy and taught him how to read others. (+1 Martial, +2 Diplomacy)
(Adopted) Daughter: Gwyndlyn Golden-Feather
Age: 6
Status: Child-No Stats
Status-Designated Regent: In the event that no heir is capable of taking the throne, or in the event the rightful ruler is otherwise unavailable, she will take control of the kingdom until the situation can be resolved.
Trait: Dragon-A fire breathing reptile. (+4 Martial)
-Army Upkeep: 420
-Navy Upkeep: 100
-Office of Disease Control: 10
-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 10
Military
Imperial Army: Professional soldiers, paid and supplied by you. 500 soldier battalions cost 150 gold each to raise or replace. Additionally, Imperial Army soldiers have an upkeep cost of 200 gold per every ten thousand soldiers.
Imperial Army Morale: 70/100 (Above Average)
Imperial Army Numbers: 21,152
-10,000 Warriors: Armed with a sword or hand-axe and shield, these Griffons make up the bulk of your army.
-5000 Polearms: For keeping your enemy at arms length or taking down opponents larger than a Griffon.
-5000 Archers: Griffons with bows and some arrows. Not much else to say.
-1000 Diamond Dogs: Armed with a variety of swords, war axes, and other weapons suitable for close-quarters, Diamond Dogs are masters of subterranean combat, and are well suited to ambush tactics.
-152 Artillerists: Responsible for the transport, maintenance and operation of heavy weaponry, these Gryphons and Dogs are highly trained in their chosen field of ranged combat.
-5 Mobile Ballistae: Massively oversized mechanical bows that fire bolts big enough to pierce through tree trunks from vast distances.
-4 Cannons: Firing iron balls through the power of explosive black powder, these metal siege engines are one of the most powerful weapons in your arsenal.
-10 Flame Projectors: A product of Archimedes's "liquid fire", these static contraptions can shoot jets of flaming liquid vast distances, burning all in their path.
Knightly Orders (Self Maintained): In the old Empire, Knightly Orders were typically made up of Griffons of noble birth who joined a fraternal militant organization dedicated to martial excellence, honor, and a number of various edicts of moral strength. These great warriors dedicated themselves to the Emperor and the protection of the common Gryph. Tragically, few of these brave souls survived the reign of Discord. But a new breed of Knights now seeks to serve as your sword and shield, and will rally to your banner whenever you may need them.
The Knights Lion
1 Grandmaster Konrad Hardbeak, "The Kingslayer"
40 Knights of the Inner Circle
200 Imperial Knights
150 Squires
500 Griffons-at-Arms
Citadel: The Lion's Den, Griffonia
The Knights Talon
1 Grandmaster Colombroni Pigeonio
30 Knights of the Inner Circle
250 Imperial Knights
115 Squires
400 Griffons-at-Arms
Citadel: The Crow's Nest, Wingbardy
The Knights Panther
1 Grandmaster Adrian Dawnquill
35 Knights of the Inner Circle
300 Imperial Knights
100 Squires
400 Griffons-at-Arms
Citadel: The Black Fortress, Aquileia
Royal Navy: The vessels that guard your coastlines and patrol the oceans. Crewed by career sailors, they have an upkeep of five gold per ship, per year.
20 Cogs (Bolt-Throwers)
Auxiliaries: Auxiliary units are forces not part of a Knightly Order or the Royal Army and Navy that can be brought into battle alongside both of the former groups. They can be made up of allied nation units suborned to you, units drawn up from the militia, and mercenary outfits.
Politics
Nobility Opinion: 9/10 (Long Live the Emperor!).
General Public Opinion: 9/10 (Long Live the Emperor!).
Roll Bonuses
Improved Army Communications: +3 on certain Army Rolls
Naval Navigation Tools: +5 on certain Naval and Exploration Rolls
Gun-Cotton: +5 to all Cannon Rolls
Imperial War Memorial: Army Morale may not fall below 20, Militia count as Regulars when defending Core Territory
Yak Clans
Raw Hides: 7/10
River Walkers: 7/10
Broken Horns: 7/10
Thunder Warriors: 7/10
Persons of Interest
???: A friendly and strangely casual Griffon female you met at your inaugural ball. Despite having a wonderful evening chatting with her, you never got her name.
Garibaldi Talonuelli: Formerly the Duke of Wingbardy, now the Grand Duke of Wingbardy, Talonuelli is a beloved public figure in his home province and an experienced administrator. After saving his city and people from Brochard's attempted invasion and negotiating his province's vassalage over a few drinks, you'd like to think you can count him among your friends.
Federico Montefeathertro: Duke of the (former) City-State of Urbirdo, and your Father-in Law. He might just be the friendliest of the former Feathersians, having agreed to back you and your kingdom without question or condition during the Brochard Crisis, and hiring a mercenary outfit as a belated wedding gift. You're reasonably certain he likes you, as much as In-Laws can like each other anyway.
Koryū Ryuō: The draconic Emperor of the Island Kingdom of Neighpon. Having agreed to assist you in the war against the Shadow King and making fast friends with your adoptive daughter, you consider him a decent fellow who you can trust to keep his word, and a valuable ally against any destructive forces the world can throw at you.
Well, the reasoning could be that we fear a possibility of invasion from that direction, and sent a scouting/diplomatic party out that way to investigate the yak's border, with diplomats there to ensure no international incident occurs with what might be a friendly or at least neutral nation.
Edit: Of course we could just ask the yak's if they know of anyone out that way.
Again we don't know what is out there and the last time we sent an expedition out into the steppes they nearly died because they underestimated the distance. We have no way to know how far away a possible neighbor could be and the Yaks would have mentioned it but when we met them we were the first people they got into contact with.
Also, how are you replying to me for some reason your responses aren't showing up as a reply?
Again we don't know what is out there and the last time we sent an expedition out into the steppes they nearly died because they underestimated the distance. We have no way to know how far away a possible neighbor could be and the Yaks would have mentioned it but when we met them we were the first people they got into contact with.
[X] Plan: Preparing for the Future
-[X] Army Artillery: The cannons have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, and now that you have the foundries up and running, it's time to start cranking out some more of these explosive artillery pieces. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: +10 Cannons added to army
-[X] Asking for Assistance: The Yaks aided you in the fight against the Shadow King once before, at great cost to themselves. Now you face the prospect of launching an invasion into the very heart of the evil itself. You'd feel a lot better about your chances if you could elicit a promise from the Yaks to support you in the endeavor. But that might be a tough sell. The Yaks only moved to support you because the Shadow King's invasion threatened their homeland, and the casualties they took at Redstone have undoubtedly made them weary of another battle so soon after the last. Still, you have to try, as the weight of a Yak charge could decide the fate of a battle. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Promises of Yak Assistance in Invasion of Crystal Empire. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] Permanent Neighponese Ambassador: Rather than sending a party of diplomatic staff across the ocean whenever a deal needs to be negotiated or an issue smoothed over, why not simply have them stay in the host country more or less permanently, taking up residence in the court of the local ruler? You can't do this with the Yaks as their decentralized leadership prevents this, but Neighpon is a different story. See if they'd be agreeable to the idea. Cost: 400. Time: One Year. Reward: Permanent Diplomatic Mission established in Neighpon, Cheaper Neighpon Diplomatic Actions, New Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Imperial Irrigation Program: The weather can be a fickle thing. If rain fails to fall, there goes a farmer's crop. Irrigation networks can fix this, but having every farmer build their own irrigation system is...messy, not to mention inefficient. A government funded public works program could bring a reliable source of water to farms across the Empire. This will of course be an expensive and time consuming program, but the benefits will be worth it. Cost: 800. Time: Two Years. Reward: Standardized Irrigation, Significantly Increased Farming Income.
-[X] The Bank of Gryphus: Nicklas Bones' treatise on paper currency has raised some...unsettling possibilities. Possibilities that are becoming less theoretical with the advent of paper currency in cities across the Empire. If you're going to prevent this whole paper tender craze from getting out of hand, you're going to need to act quickly. You, Frida, and Nicklas have all cobbled together a framework for a new kind of financial institution: a Central Bank. A bank backed by the government while still being distinct from it, an institution with the sole power to print national banknotes and government IOUs. A bank that will loan hard currency (gold and silver) to other banks, acting as the foundational center and rock of stability for the Imperial Economy. A bank intended to stabilize the economy rather than make a profit. It will also be tasked with handling the national debt, should you ever again find yourself in another Fiscal hole. Naturally, this is going to be a complicated endeavor, but it will be necessary to ensure a prosperous national economy in the long-term. Cost: 600. Time: One Year. Reward: Bank of Gryphus established, slight increase to Tax Income from economic growth, reduced chances of Economic Disasters, Lessens damage to approval when going into Debt.
-[X] Machine Tools: Blacksmiths and other artisans of metal are vital to your realm's economy and technical advancement, but as demand for shaped metal products has begun to grow they have become a bottleneck, straining to keep pace with demand. Both Archimedes and Genevieve say they have some ideas to resolve this problem through the introduction of new tools meant to make the precision working of metal easier. Developing, producing and distributing these devices will be expensive, to say nothing of the time and effort that will have to be expended training Gryphons and Dogs in their use, but it is necessary of your Empire is to advance technologically in your lifetime. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Machine Tools Invented and Distributed, Slight Increase to Tax Income, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Rotative Beam Engine: Archimedes and Genevieve have been going over the designs for the Steam Pumps in between other projects for the past couple of years, and they think they've come up with a way to make the devices more versatile. By replacing the piston with something called a flywheel, they can turn the single-use pump into a multi-use engine, allowing for much greater utility. Simple in theory. In practice...well, you'll need to give them some time and funding to see if it's worth it. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Invention of first true Steam Engine, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] It's not Kidnapping, it's Liberation: The Shadow King has enslaved his subjects through some manner of foul sorcery. At Redstone the only means of breaking his hold over their minds and bodies was to kill them. But now you have a basic understanding of magical principles, allies with knowledge of magic, and a miracle metal that disrupts all spells and supernatural energies it comes into contact with. Have Ravenburg's spies infiltrate enemy territory and see if they can't free a few of these poor souls. With any luck, one of them might actually know something of importance they can share with you. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Several Crystal Ponies freed from Sombra's Spell, chance to gain additional intelligence. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] New Swords for Everybody!: Now that you've got a neat new metal, it's time to start forging it into blades. Unfortunately you only have the one deposit of Orichalcum, which, due to the nature of the material, has proven difficult to mine in large quantities. As such, you don't have a lot of the stuff to work with. But that still leaves you with more than enough to forge new blades for yourself, Gabriella, your children, and the Grandmasters of the Knightly Orders. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Orichalcum blades for you, your family, and the Grandmasters.
-[X] Foreign Talent: Kōryū has recently been hiring a number of experts in various fields to come work in Neighpon and teach their skills to his people, or to offer their expertise as advisors in his court. Perhaps you should take a page out of his book and see about hiring some foreign experts on magic? Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Neighponese Magic-Experts hired, New Actions Unlocked. Chance of Success: 60%.
[X] Plan: Preparing for the Future
-[X] Army Artillery: The cannons have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, and now that you have the foundries up and running, it's time to start cranking out some more of these explosive artillery pieces. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: +10 Cannons added to army
-[X] Asking for Assistance: The Yaks aided you in the fight against the Shadow King once before, at great cost to themselves. Now you face the prospect of launching an invasion into the very heart of the evil itself. You'd feel a lot better about your chances if you could elicit a promise from the Yaks to support you in the endeavor. But that might be a tough sell. The Yaks only moved to support you because the Shadow King's invasion threatened their homeland, and the casualties they took at Redstone have undoubtedly made them weary of another battle so soon after the last. Still, you have to try, as the weight of a Yak charge could decide the fate of a battle. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Promises of Yak Assistance in Invasion of Crystal Empire. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] Permanent Neighponese Ambassador: Rather than sending a party of diplomatic staff across the ocean whenever a deal needs to be negotiated or an issue smoothed over, why not simply have them stay in the host country more or less permanently, taking up residence in the court of the local ruler? You can't do this with the Yaks as their decentralized leadership prevents this, but Neighpon is a different story. See if they'd be agreeable to the idea. Cost: 400. Time: One Year. Reward: Permanent Diplomatic Mission established in Neighpon, Cheaper Neighpon Diplomatic Actions, New Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Imperial Irrigation Program: The weather can be a fickle thing. If rain fails to fall, there goes a farmer's crop. Irrigation networks can fix this, but having every farmer build their own irrigation system is...messy, not to mention inefficient. A government funded public works program could bring a reliable source of water to farms across the Empire. This will of course be an expensive and time consuming program, but the benefits will be worth it. Cost: 800. Time: Two Years. Reward: Standardized Irrigation, Significantly Increased Farming Income.
-[X] The Bank of Gryphus: Nicklas Bones' treatise on paper currency has raised some...unsettling possibilities. Possibilities that are becoming less theoretical with the advent of paper currency in cities across the Empire. If you're going to prevent this whole paper tender craze from getting out of hand, you're going to need to act quickly. You, Frida, and Nicklas have all cobbled together a framework for a new kind of financial institution: a Central Bank. A bank backed by the government while still being distinct from it, an institution with the sole power to print national banknotes and government IOUs. A bank that will loan hard currency (gold and silver) to other banks, acting as the foundational center and rock of stability for the Imperial Economy. A bank intended to stabilize the economy rather than make a profit. It will also be tasked with handling the national debt, should you ever again find yourself in another Fiscal hole. Naturally, this is going to be a complicated endeavor, but it will be necessary to ensure a prosperous national economy in the long-term. Cost: 600. Time: One Year. Reward: Bank of Gryphus established, slight increase to Tax Income from economic growth, reduced chances of Economic Disasters, Lessens damage to approval when going into Debt.
-[X] Machine Tools: Blacksmiths and other artisans of metal are vital to your realm's economy and technical advancement, but as demand for shaped metal products has begun to grow they have become a bottleneck, straining to keep pace with demand. Both Archimedes and Genevieve say they have some ideas to resolve this problem through the introduction of new tools meant to make the precision working of metal easier. Developing, producing and distributing these devices will be expensive, to say nothing of the time and effort that will have to be expended training Gryphons and Dogs in their use, but it is necessary of your Empire is to advance technologically in your lifetime. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Machine Tools Invented and Distributed, Slight Increase to Tax Income, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Rotative Beam Engine: Archimedes and Genevieve have been going over the designs for the Steam Pumps in between other projects for the past couple of years, and they think they've come up with a way to make the devices more versatile. By replacing the piston with something called a flywheel, they can turn the single-use pump into a multi-use engine, allowing for much greater utility. Simple in theory. In practice...well, you'll need to give them some time and funding to see if it's worth it. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Invention of first true Steam Engine, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] It's not Kidnapping, it's Liberation: The Shadow King has enslaved his subjects through some manner of foul sorcery. At Redstone the only means of breaking his hold over their minds and bodies was to kill them. But now you have a basic understanding of magical principles, allies with knowledge of magic, and a miracle metal that disrupts all spells and supernatural energies it comes into contact with. Have Ravenburg's spies infiltrate enemy territory and see if they can't free a few of these poor souls. With any luck, one of them might actually know something of importance they can share with you. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Several Crystal Ponies freed from Sombra's Spell, chance to gain additional intelligence. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] New Swords for Everybody!: Now that you've got a neat new metal, it's time to start forging it into blades. Unfortunately you only have the one deposit of Orichalcum, which, due to the nature of the material, has proven difficult to mine in large quantities. As such, you don't have a lot of the stuff to work with. But that still leaves you with more than enough to forge new blades for yourself, Gabriella, your children, and the Grandmasters of the Knightly Orders. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Orichalcum blades for you, your family, and the Grandmasters.
-[X] Foreign Talent: Kōryū has recently been hiring a number of experts in various fields to come work in Neighpon and teach their skills to his people, or to offer their expertise as advisors in his court. Perhaps you should take a page out of his book and see about hiring some foreign experts on magic? Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Neighponese Magic-Experts hired, New Actions Unlocked. Chance of Success: 60%.
[X] Plan: Preparing for the Future
-[X] Army Artillery: The cannons have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, and now that you have the foundries up and running, it's time to start cranking out some more of these explosive artillery pieces. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: +10 Cannons added to army
-[X] Asking for Assistance: The Yaks aided you in the fight against the Shadow King once before, at great cost to themselves. Now you face the prospect of launching an invasion into the very heart of the evil itself. You'd feel a lot better about your chances if you could elicit a promise from the Yaks to support you in the endeavor. But that might be a tough sell. The Yaks only moved to support you because the Shadow King's invasion threatened their homeland, and the casualties they took at Redstone have undoubtedly made them weary of another battle so soon after the last. Still, you have to try, as the weight of a Yak charge could decide the fate of a battle. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Promises of Yak Assistance in Invasion of Crystal Empire. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] Permanent Neighponese Ambassador: Rather than sending a party of diplomatic staff across the ocean whenever a deal needs to be negotiated or an issue smoothed over, why not simply have them stay in the host country more or less permanently, taking up residence in the court of the local ruler? You can't do this with the Yaks as their decentralized leadership prevents this, but Neighpon is a different story. See if they'd be agreeable to the idea. Cost: 400. Time: One Year. Reward: Permanent Diplomatic Mission established in Neighpon, Cheaper Neighpon Diplomatic Actions, New Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Imperial Irrigation Program: The weather can be a fickle thing. If rain fails to fall, there goes a farmer's crop. Irrigation networks can fix this, but having every farmer build their own irrigation system is...messy, not to mention inefficient. A government funded public works program could bring a reliable source of water to farms across the Empire. This will of course be an expensive and time consuming program, but the benefits will be worth it. Cost: 800. Time: Two Years. Reward: Standardized Irrigation, Significantly Increased Farming Income.
-[X] The Bank of Gryphus: Nicklas Bones' treatise on paper currency has raised some...unsettling possibilities. Possibilities that are becoming less theoretical with the advent of paper currency in cities across the Empire. If you're going to prevent this whole paper tender craze from getting out of hand, you're going to need to act quickly. You, Frida, and Nicklas have all cobbled together a framework for a new kind of financial institution: a Central Bank. A bank backed by the government while still being distinct from it, an institution with the sole power to print national banknotes and government IOUs. A bank that will loan hard currency (gold and silver) to other banks, acting as the foundational center and rock of stability for the Imperial Economy. A bank intended to stabilize the economy rather than make a profit. It will also be tasked with handling the national debt, should you ever again find yourself in another Fiscal hole. Naturally, this is going to be a complicated endeavor, but it will be necessary to ensure a prosperous national economy in the long-term. Cost: 600. Time: One Year. Reward: Bank of Gryphus established, slight increase to Tax Income from economic growth, reduced chances of Economic Disasters, Lessens damage to approval when going into Debt.
-[X] Machine Tools: Blacksmiths and other artisans of metal are vital to your realm's economy and technical advancement, but as demand for shaped metal products has begun to grow they have become a bottleneck, straining to keep pace with demand. Both Archimedes and Genevieve say they have some ideas to resolve this problem through the introduction of new tools meant to make the precision working of metal easier. Developing, producing and distributing these devices will be expensive, to say nothing of the time and effort that will have to be expended training Gryphons and Dogs in their use, but it is necessary of your Empire is to advance technologically in your lifetime. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Machine Tools Invented and Distributed, Slight Increase to Tax Income, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Rotative Beam Engine: Archimedes and Genevieve have been going over the designs for the Steam Pumps in between other projects for the past couple of years, and they think they've come up with a way to make the devices more versatile. By replacing the piston with something called a flywheel, they can turn the single-use pump into a multi-use engine, allowing for much greater utility. Simple in theory. In practice...well, you'll need to give them some time and funding to see if it's worth it. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Invention of first true Steam Engine, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] It's not Kidnapping, it's Liberation: The Shadow King has enslaved his subjects through some manner of foul sorcery. At Redstone the only means of breaking his hold over their minds and bodies was to kill them. But now you have a basic understanding of magical principles, allies with knowledge of magic, and a miracle metal that disrupts all spells and supernatural energies it comes into contact with. Have Ravenburg's spies infiltrate enemy territory and see if they can't free a few of these poor souls. With any luck, one of them might actually know something of importance they can share with you. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Several Crystal Ponies freed from Sombra's Spell, chance to gain additional intelligence. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] New Swords for Everybody!: Now that you've got a neat new metal, it's time to start forging it into blades. Unfortunately you only have the one deposit of Orichalcum, which, due to the nature of the material, has proven difficult to mine in large quantities. As such, you don't have a lot of the stuff to work with. But that still leaves you with more than enough to forge new blades for yourself, Gabriella, your children, and the Grandmasters of the Knightly Orders. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Orichalcum blades for you, your family, and the Grandmasters.
-[X] Foreign Talent: Kōryū has recently been hiring a number of experts in various fields to come work in Neighpon and teach their skills to his people, or to offer their expertise as advisors in his court. Perhaps you should take a page out of his book and see about hiring some foreign experts on magic? Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Neighponese Magic-Experts hired, New Actions Unlocked. Chance of Success: 60%.
[X] Plan: Preparing for the Future
-[X] Army Artillery: The cannons have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, and now that you have the foundries up and running, it's time to start cranking out some more of these explosive artillery pieces. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: +10 Cannons added to army
-[X] Asking for Assistance: The Yaks aided you in the fight against the Shadow King once before, at great cost to themselves. Now you face the prospect of launching an invasion into the very heart of the evil itself. You'd feel a lot better about your chances if you could elicit a promise from the Yaks to support you in the endeavor. But that might be a tough sell. The Yaks only moved to support you because the Shadow King's invasion threatened their homeland, and the casualties they took at Redstone have undoubtedly made them weary of another battle so soon after the last. Still, you have to try, as the weight of a Yak charge could decide the fate of a battle. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Promises of Yak Assistance in Invasion of Crystal Empire. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] Permanent Neighponese Ambassador: Rather than sending a party of diplomatic staff across the ocean whenever a deal needs to be negotiated or an issue smoothed over, why not simply have them stay in the host country more or less permanently, taking up residence in the court of the local ruler? You can't do this with the Yaks as their decentralized leadership prevents this, but Neighpon is a different story. See if they'd be agreeable to the idea. Cost: 400. Time: One Year. Reward: Permanent Diplomatic Mission established in Neighpon, Cheaper Neighpon Diplomatic Actions, New Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Imperial Irrigation Program: The weather can be a fickle thing. If rain fails to fall, there goes a farmer's crop. Irrigation networks can fix this, but having every farmer build their own irrigation system is...messy, not to mention inefficient. A government funded public works program could bring a reliable source of water to farms across the Empire. This will of course be an expensive and time consuming program, but the benefits will be worth it. Cost: 800. Time: Two Years. Reward: Standardized Irrigation, Significantly Increased Farming Income.
-[X] The Bank of Gryphus: Nicklas Bones' treatise on paper currency has raised some...unsettling possibilities. Possibilities that are becoming less theoretical with the advent of paper currency in cities across the Empire. If you're going to prevent this whole paper tender craze from getting out of hand, you're going to need to act quickly. You, Frida, and Nicklas have all cobbled together a framework for a new kind of financial institution: a Central Bank. A bank backed by the government while still being distinct from it, an institution with the sole power to print national banknotes and government IOUs. A bank that will loan hard currency (gold and silver) to other banks, acting as the foundational center and rock of stability for the Imperial Economy. A bank intended to stabilize the economy rather than make a profit. It will also be tasked with handling the national debt, should you ever again find yourself in another Fiscal hole. Naturally, this is going to be a complicated endeavor, but it will be necessary to ensure a prosperous national economy in the long-term. Cost: 600. Time: One Year. Reward: Bank of Gryphus established, slight increase to Tax Income from economic growth, reduced chances of Economic Disasters, Lessens damage to approval when going into Debt.
-[X] Machine Tools: Blacksmiths and other artisans of metal are vital to your realm's economy and technical advancement, but as demand for shaped metal products has begun to grow they have become a bottleneck, straining to keep pace with demand. Both Archimedes and Genevieve say they have some ideas to resolve this problem through the introduction of new tools meant to make the precision working of metal easier. Developing, producing and distributing these devices will be expensive, to say nothing of the time and effort that will have to be expended training Gryphons and Dogs in their use, but it is necessary of your Empire is to advance technologically in your lifetime. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Machine Tools Invented and Distributed, Slight Increase to Tax Income, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Rotative Beam Engine: Archimedes and Genevieve have been going over the designs for the Steam Pumps in between other projects for the past couple of years, and they think they've come up with a way to make the devices more versatile. By replacing the piston with something called a flywheel, they can turn the single-use pump into a multi-use engine, allowing for much greater utility. Simple in theory. In practice...well, you'll need to give them some time and funding to see if it's worth it. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Invention of first true Steam Engine, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] It's not Kidnapping, it's Liberation: The Shadow King has enslaved his subjects through some manner of foul sorcery. At Redstone the only means of breaking his hold over their minds and bodies was to kill them. But now you have a basic understanding of magical principles, allies with knowledge of magic, and a miracle metal that disrupts all spells and supernatural energies it comes into contact with. Have Ravenburg's spies infiltrate enemy territory and see if they can't free a few of these poor souls. With any luck, one of them might actually know something of importance they can share with you. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Several Crystal Ponies freed from Sombra's Spell, chance to gain additional intelligence. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] New Swords for Everybody!: Now that you've got a neat new metal, it's time to start forging it into blades. Unfortunately you only have the one deposit of Orichalcum, which, due to the nature of the material, has proven difficult to mine in large quantities. As such, you don't have a lot of the stuff to work with. But that still leaves you with more than enough to forge new blades for yourself, Gabriella, your children, and the Grandmasters of the Knightly Orders. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Orichalcum blades for you, your family, and the Grandmasters.
-[X] Foreign Talent: Kōryū has recently been hiring a number of experts in various fields to come work in Neighpon and teach their skills to his people, or to offer their expertise as advisors in his court. Perhaps you should take a page out of his book and see about hiring some foreign experts on magic? Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Neighponese Magic-Experts hired, New Actions Unlocked. Chance of Success: 60%.
[X] Plan: Preparing for the Future
-[X] Army Artillery: The cannons have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, and now that you have the foundries up and running, it's time to start cranking out some more of these explosive artillery pieces. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: +10 Cannons added to army
-[X] Asking for Assistance: The Yaks aided you in the fight against the Shadow King once before, at great cost to themselves. Now you face the prospect of launching an invasion into the very heart of the evil itself. You'd feel a lot better about your chances if you could elicit a promise from the Yaks to support you in the endeavor. But that might be a tough sell. The Yaks only moved to support you because the Shadow King's invasion threatened their homeland, and the casualties they took at Redstone have undoubtedly made them weary of another battle so soon after the last. Still, you have to try, as the weight of a Yak charge could decide the fate of a battle. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Promises of Yak Assistance in Invasion of Crystal Empire. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] Permanent Neighponese Ambassador: Rather than sending a party of diplomatic staff across the ocean whenever a deal needs to be negotiated or an issue smoothed over, why not simply have them stay in the host country more or less permanently, taking up residence in the court of the local ruler? You can't do this with the Yaks as their decentralized leadership prevents this, but Neighpon is a different story. See if they'd be agreeable to the idea. Cost: 400. Time: One Year. Reward: Permanent Diplomatic Mission established in Neighpon, Cheaper Neighpon Diplomatic Actions, New Diplomacy and Intrigue Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Imperial Irrigation Program: The weather can be a fickle thing. If rain fails to fall, there goes a farmer's crop. Irrigation networks can fix this, but having every farmer build their own irrigation system is...messy, not to mention inefficient. A government funded public works program could bring a reliable source of water to farms across the Empire. This will of course be an expensive and time consuming program, but the benefits will be worth it. Cost: 800. Time: Two Years. Reward: Standardized Irrigation, Significantly Increased Farming Income.
-[X] The Bank of Gryphus: Nicklas Bones' treatise on paper currency has raised some...unsettling possibilities. Possibilities that are becoming less theoretical with the advent of paper currency in cities across the Empire. If you're going to prevent this whole paper tender craze from getting out of hand, you're going to need to act quickly. You, Frida, and Nicklas have all cobbled together a framework for a new kind of financial institution: a Central Bank. A bank backed by the government while still being distinct from it, an institution with the sole power to print national banknotes and government IOUs. A bank that will loan hard currency (gold and silver) to other banks, acting as the foundational center and rock of stability for the Imperial Economy. A bank intended to stabilize the economy rather than make a profit. It will also be tasked with handling the national debt, should you ever again find yourself in another Fiscal hole. Naturally, this is going to be a complicated endeavor, but it will be necessary to ensure a prosperous national economy in the long-term. Cost: 600. Time: One Year. Reward: Bank of Gryphus established, slight increase to Tax Income from economic growth, reduced chances of Economic Disasters, Lessens damage to approval when going into Debt.
-[X] Machine Tools: Blacksmiths and other artisans of metal are vital to your realm's economy and technical advancement, but as demand for shaped metal products has begun to grow they have become a bottleneck, straining to keep pace with demand. Both Archimedes and Genevieve say they have some ideas to resolve this problem through the introduction of new tools meant to make the precision working of metal easier. Developing, producing and distributing these devices will be expensive, to say nothing of the time and effort that will have to be expended training Gryphons and Dogs in their use, but it is necessary of your Empire is to advance technologically in your lifetime. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Machine Tools Invented and Distributed, Slight Increase to Tax Income, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] Rotative Beam Engine: Archimedes and Genevieve have been going over the designs for the Steam Pumps in between other projects for the past couple of years, and they think they've come up with a way to make the devices more versatile. By replacing the piston with something called a flywheel, they can turn the single-use pump into a multi-use engine, allowing for much greater utility. Simple in theory. In practice...well, you'll need to give them some time and funding to see if it's worth it. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Invention of first true Steam Engine, New Actions Unlocked.
-[X] It's not Kidnapping, it's Liberation: The Shadow King has enslaved his subjects through some manner of foul sorcery. At Redstone the only means of breaking his hold over their minds and bodies was to kill them. But now you have a basic understanding of magical principles, allies with knowledge of magic, and a miracle metal that disrupts all spells and supernatural energies it comes into contact with. Have Ravenburg's spies infiltrate enemy territory and see if they can't free a few of these poor souls. With any luck, one of them might actually know something of importance they can share with you. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Several Crystal Ponies freed from Sombra's Spell, chance to gain additional intelligence. Chance of Success: 40%
-[X] New Swords for Everybody!: Now that you've got a neat new metal, it's time to start forging it into blades. Unfortunately you only have the one deposit of Orichalcum, which, due to the nature of the material, has proven difficult to mine in large quantities. As such, you don't have a lot of the stuff to work with. But that still leaves you with more than enough to forge new blades for yourself, Gabriella, your children, and the Grandmasters of the Knightly Orders. Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Orichalcum blades for you, your family, and the Grandmasters.
-[X] Foreign Talent: Kōryū has recently been hiring a number of experts in various fields to come work in Neighpon and teach their skills to his people, or to offer their expertise as advisors in his court. Perhaps you should take a page out of his book and see about hiring some foreign experts on magic? Cost: 300. Time: One Year. Reward: Neighponese Magic-Experts hired, New Actions Unlocked. Chance of Success: 60%.
@Questor Would It be a valid Intrigue action to send out covert scouts beyond the yak land? Not to make contact or anything, but more to locate who there is to contact, and the exact extent of the yak lands, beyond what they say they are.
basicly, use a squad of "stelth" griffons to do the job of a spyplane
I really do think that we must establish a central bank immediately, otherwise we will just get more and more resistance from the former Feathrisian League merchants when we do try and make a Central Bank. Currency Speculation, stocks and bonds are phenomenally powerful forces, and the less regulations we have at the start, the less we will have forever.
Putting it into the easier-to-read format of the Expansion&Groundwork plan:
Martial: 2 actions (1 locked)
-[] The Peregrine Line-The Gates to the North (2) Locked
-[] Army Artillery (1) 500
Personal: 2 action
-[] New Swords for Everybody! (1) 300
-[] Foreign Talent (1) 60% 300
Reserves+Net Income: 330+5610=5940
- Total Cost: 4300
= End Treasury: 1640
This makes it a lot easier to see the difference at a glance. I'm going for this plan because:
1) I think getting the Rotative Beam Engine online ASAP is extremely important, it's one of the primary building blocks of the industrial revolution. Scatter-shot would be nice, but we have plenty of ways to deal with massed weak soldiers and it won't help against the big guys.
2) I think getting the swords made now is also important. While they probably won't be used in combat for a couple more turns, they're likely to be a foundational part of our strategy for any future combat and we thus should be starting to test and refine them now
3) I think that getting the bank set up is far more important than the seeds or settlements. Settlements take a long time to start turning a profit generally, and the Yaks might get wary if we start settling towards them. It's mentioned that the seed drills are already entering use, I don't think we need to subsidize it. They'll naturally spread on their own. The bank on the other hand is something unique and we want to get it in ASAP so that our population gets used to it and doesn't fight against it when we actually need it.
Anyway, I suspect Sombra will be an active threat within a couple turns. Going by the actions we've seen on our own war-torn lands/devastated armies, it should take about 3 turns to recover from our sabotage and the war destruction if he had left a reasonable reserve behind. He might not have, but I wouldn't bet on it. Being able to work your population to death is pretty useful for rapid production.
:origin()/pre11/44a7/th/pre/i/2015/224/7/c/skipping_jade_by_queencold-d95b8oy.png)
