Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest

[jwolfe_beta]

In regards to mushroom cultivation, I think the biggest shift for the griffins would be not so much finding which are good to eat but how to farm them. Assuming that MLP griffins are omnivores (though no doubt preferring meat) and that the setting is medieval, mushrooms would be part of the normal diet.

Kept in the dark and fed on...​

While King Golden-Feather made sure to limit the amount of time Archimedes was allowed to present his research findings (to retain his and now his wife's sanity/not put the entire court asleep) in council, that just meant the under-sized academic had gotten very good at delivering large amount of information quickly.

"...still examining other potential sources, but currently we have finalized the farm design and completed test growth run of both Portobeako and Ovumtreatus fungi and can...."

There were also running bets among the councilors on the longest period of time he could continue talking on a subject before he had to inhale. Ravenburg had been making a mint off it.

"All this is....very nice, very through, councilor Archimedes." Interrupted Claus Rosewing, apparently trying to hide a headache from the sheer information overload that the researcher had been pouring out. "But how can any of this improve Griffonia? You've demonstrated that you can grow rot. What more?"

This blunt statement actually made the academic stop for a moment with a rather odd expression on his face. It seemed like he considered Rosewing to be saying the rough equivalent of 'what is the point of the written word' or something equally nonsensical.

"My good griffin, we eat them of course. As clearly outlined in my treatise 'Common Agaricomycetes species of Griff-' "

"On which I must remind you Archimedes, it is highly likely that none of the griffins present have ever seen this treatise, let alone read in full." interjected the king, bringing up an oft-repeated point. While Archimedes was one of (if not the) greatest minds in Griffin lands, he constantly overestimated how popular his various publications actually were among the laybirds.

"I-never-well, of course your majesty. If everyone may recall the hearty soup the kitchens served to us earlier today?" Seeing the nods he continued. "The nut-like flavor along with the strips of 'meat' present were in fact Ovumtreatus used in the recipe. Though uneducated griffins call them tree oysters. The two species I have grown have often been served as part of our meals, it is just until now they have been semi-rare additions gathered by claw from the wild."

Rosehip began to look more interested as he quickly flipped through his notes. "...So that's what you were up to. And I know for a fact that herd beasts will eat some of those things and others are used for treatments along with herbs. You said your 'farm' can produce mushrooms all year round?"

Archimedes puffed up his (admittedly small) chest in mild indignation. "Of course! Who do you take me for? While we are still ironing out small issues with growing the less commonly used species, producing food and animal fodder is child's play."

"Good. Meet me after the meeting so we can go over the details." As he said this, Rosehip turn to the king with a wide grin on his beak (and Garrick would swear he saw dancing gold coins in his advisor's eyes). "I'll have a report with the costs and benefits of building Archimedes's new creation written up for you by tomorrow, your Majesty."

AN: The two mushrooms Archimedes grew were the MLP versions (named by griffins here) of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster) and the Pleurotus ostreatus (common/portobello). Both of these are dead simple to cultivate as long as you get the growing medium right (pasturized/cooked straw, the right logs etc). A constant and assured supply of fresh (albeit limited in type) foodstuffs during winter? That is huge in a medieval society.

 

[Questor]

Feathers Ruffled Across the League: King Brochard of Aquillea has reportedly sent letters to the rulers of several Feathersian League member-states urging them against engaging in trade or diplomacy with Griffonia, and has apparently managed to inadvertently insult and intentionally threaten most of them. While this has generated outrage amongst the leaders of the League, it has not been enough to convince them to break their neutrality. After all, Brochard's threats are not baseless; were he to go to war with them, or they him, there is not a doubt in anyone's mind that he would triumph. Still, the incident has again raised the question of whether the city-states can hope to avoid being caught up in the brewing conflict between Aquillea and Griffonia.


Civilized Diamond Dogs?: Several Diamond Dog packs living within the borders of Griffonia have shocked Griffons everywhere by sending representatives to pay tribute to King Golden-Feather, a gesture of submission and an acknowledgement of his authority over them. Responses to these events have been mixed. King Brochard of Aquillea dismisses the news as "utterly ridiculous nonsense", while Wingbardy and the Feathersian City-States wonder why the packs have decided to seek a sort of truce with their neighbors. Feelings amongst the general public of Griffonia are also mixed, with some relieved by the prospect of fewer raids on their farms and villages, and others shocked that the Dogs are even capable of communication with Griffons at all.


Brochard in the Market for Mercenaries: In a turn of events raising eyebrows and concerns across the former Empire, King Brochard of Aquillea has begun seeking out bands of mercenaries and offering them vast sums of gold to serve alongside his already existing army and navy. While many have hesitated to take him up on his offer, preferring to serve the merchant caravans and city-states of Feathersia, others have not, and even now begin to stream over the borders into Aquillea. Some have begun to whisper that this is a prelude to war with Aquillea's rival of Griffonia, and that war will soon stain the lands of Gryphus with blood.

 

[Questor]

You sit in your personal quarters, nursing a mug of ale as you worryingly contemplate the latest intelligence reports Ravenburg had delivered to you only a few hours ago. Mercenaries. Brochard was hiring mercenaries. And not just a few companies, that wouldn't have been too unusual, no, he was offering to hire any and all mercenaries that were willing to fight for him, sight unseen. There was no explicit target given, but that was telling by itself. Either he was facing the largest Diamond Dog uprising in history (which you definitely would have heard about), or he was planning to go to war.

And he wouldn't need those mercenaries to take on Wingbardy or the Feathersian League.

It seems he's finally had enough of your perceived threat to his kingdom, and is readying himself for the first true war since the dissolution of the Empire.

"Hey, I thought we agreed, if I can't drink then neither can you!"

Gabriella hasn't been enjoying her pregnancy-enforced sobriety. She's been an involuntary teetotaler for the past couple of months, and is just starting to really show around the middle. You still can't really believe you're going to be a father. The reminder of impending parenthood only makes the news you've received even worse. To bring a child into the world in the midst of war....

You wordlessly gesture to the documents upon your table. Your wife looks over the documents and snorts disdainfully.

"So? We all knew something like this was coming, ever since that idiot tried to challenge you on the seas. You thought he would just give up his crown without a fight?"

She slaps the papers down on the table and grabs the mug. At your withering glare and glances towards her occupied womb, she rolls her eyes and puts it back down.

"And if you actually read the reports in full, you'd know that many of the mercs he's trying to hire refuse to take him up on his offer. That's what happens when you insult the rulers of the city-states they're based out of. Now put down the drink, pull your balls out of your purse, and start thinking up ways to beat him!"

You sigh. She's right as always. Not for the first time, you're glad you married such a strong and straightforward Griffoness. If you're going to survive the coming conflict, you're going to need to buckle down and get to work.



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

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

Expand the Army: If Brochard is hiring mercenaries, that can only mean one thing: he's spoiling for a fight, and wants every advantage he can get for when things finally come to a head. Your army has been sufficient to patrol your borders and fight off raiders and monsters, but you're not sure if they're going to be enough to defend your kingdom against a full-on invasion by an actual army. If you're going to fight a war, you're going to need more soldiers. Cost: 1000. Time: One Year. Reward: Warriors recruited, army expanded.

Quality over Quantity: It's one thing to have a large army, quite another to have a well-equipped one. With all the ore your mines have started to churn out, you can start equipping your troops with high-quality armor and weapons usually reserved for elite units. This will be expensive however, both to purchase, and to maintain. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Equipment issued to Royal Army, Upkeep Costs Doubled.

Mountain Militia: As a result of living in such a dangerous region, many Griffons possess their own personal weapons to defend themselves, and will rally together to defend their homes should the creatures of the forests threaten them. Wouldn't it be nice if they did the same when the kingdom was faced with invasion by less beastly foes? Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Village and town militias incorporated into military.

Dog Fighters: Diamond Dogs may not be capable of flight, but they can dig like nothing else, and their numerous raids against your territory in the past have proven their martial capabilities. Now that you have the loyalty of several packs, it might be a good idea to gather some volunteers willing to join your army and fight on your behalf. Though it should be noted that this might not go over well with the rest of the army, or the general public. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Diamond Dog Soldiers Recruited

More Boats? More Boats: You now have a navy to defend your coasts and to serve as a counter to Aquileia's maritime ambitions, but as of now you're simply maintaining parity. If you want to truly ensure your control of the seas, you'll need to construct more ships. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: 10 Cogs added to Navy

Big Sticks: The mobile Ballistae show promise as new weapons, good for fighting larger monsters and breaking up masses of smaller enemies. They also have a significant range advantage over traditional bows. Build a few more. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: +5 mobile Ballistae added to army.


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

Extending an Olive Branch: Brochard doesn't like you, and you don't like him, but the last thing you want right now is a war between your kingdoms. You have enough problems to deal with as it is, and after decades of a unified front against Discord you can't say you're comfortable with the idea of Griffons fighting and killing each other. Propose a meeting with your fellow king to try and clear the air and smooth out any issues between the two of you. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Chance for Relations with Aquileia, meeting with Brochard. Chance of Success: 20%

Just Say No: Brochard is trying to hire large numbers of mercenaries in the hopes of supplementing his own military. Many have turned him down, but some have already signed contracts with him. You can't just bribe them, that would risk ruining their reputations. However, many of the mercenary outfits he's hired originate from the Feathersian City-States. And the rulers of those city-states have the authority to declare those contracts null and void if they are judged to "endanger the security and prosperity" of their home-cities. Send a few letters and see if you can't convince a few Griffons that it's in their best interest not to let their citizens sign on with your rival. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Fewer Mercenaries employed by Brochard. Chance of Success: 40%

Calling on Old Friends: Gabriella has numerous contacts throughout the Feathersian League, from nobles and scholars to mercenaries and merchants. You should try to leverage these connections for better relations and additional trade deals with the League. It might also get you some mercenary contacts, which you could use right about now. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Feathersian relations and additional trade income, chance for Mercenary Contacts. Chance of Success: 60%


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

Tariff Time: Now that you've started trade with the Feathersians, you can institute a tax on any goods crossing your borders. This may give you some extra revenue, but your people might not like it, and the Feathersians definitely won't. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Tariff Revenue, Risk of Decreased Noble/Feathersian Opinion.

Fungus Farming for Fun and Profit: Archimedes' theories were sound, now it's time to put them into practice. Fund the construction of several mushroom farms and start harvesting your new foodstuff! Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Mushroom Farms Constructed, Increased Farming Income.

The Diggingest Dogs: You need good miners. Griffons are not good miners. Diamond Dogs are excellent miners. You've recently acquired the loyalty of several packs of Diamond Dogs. The solution seems obvious. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased Mining Income.

I'm a Lumberjack and I'm OK: Where it not for the fact that they were infested with monsters, the forests of your kingdom would provide a nearly inexhaustible supply of lumber. That's not to say that your people don't cut down trees, it's just that they've never really done it on a large scale for fear of angering the things living in the woods. If your kingdom is going to grow and prosper, you'll need that timber. Gather some soldiers and have them assist with the construction of water-powered sawmills and woodcutting camps. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Logging income. Chance of Success: 70%


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

Aquaculture: One of Archimedes' assistants has proposed a strange new idea. Why don't we just farm fish the same way we farm other foodstuffs? After being accused of Discordian sympathies he hastily clarifies that he did not mean to invoke the memory of the horrific squid-plant hybrids created by the mad trickster god, but something much more mundane: "corralling" fish in artificial lakes and ponds, feeding and harvesting them in a similar manner to other livestock. Well…you've heard of crazier ideas. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Fish Farms established.

Mushroom Moonshine: During his research on fungal growth and nutrition, Archimedes discovered that a few particular species of mushroom could potentially be used to produce alcohol. It's...ok, it's a weird idea, but so was mushroom farming, and that turned out pretty well. Grant him some funds to investigate these...alcoholic mushrooms...further. Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: New Source of Alcohol?

Noxious Nitrates: Archimedes has been experimenting with some of the minerals your miners have started digging up, seeing how they react chemically with other elements. He's found a way to make a sort of...explosive powder out of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. You're...kind of concerned about that last one, seeing as how it's extracted from feces of all things, but his practical demonstrations cannot be denied or ignored. But Archimedes has an issue: the difficulty in acquiring large amounts of the components needed to make this Fire-powder. He's going to need funds to construct sulfur mines and...saltpeter distilleries. Ewww. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Supply of Fire-Powder Acquired. Chance of Success: 75%

Selective Breeding: By carefully controlling the reproductive processes of crops and food animals, desirable traits such as pest resistance, stronger immune systems, and greater size can become widespread across farm populations. At least, that's what Archimedes tells you. The difficulty lies in getting farmers to go along with the plan. Cost: 100. Time: Two Years. Reward: Increased Farming Income due to greater yields. Chance of Success: 80%


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

What's up with Wingbardy?: Despite your proximity, you actually know surprisingly little about your smaller neighbor. You know the land is fertile and poorly defended, and you know a bit about it's ruler, but apart from that, not much else. Send a few infiltrators over the border and see if they can't paint you a clearer picture of the goings-on in the Duchy. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain additional intel on Wingbardy. Chance of Success: 75%

Spying on the League: Despite Brochard's recent actions and Montefeathertro's influence, the Feathersian League remains divided on how to handle the brewing conflict. Have your spies identify your detractors and the loudest voices advocating neutrality, that you may take action to change their minds and gain their support (or at least their silence) on the Council. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Feathersian Council. Chance of Success: 65%

Aquileian Espionage: King Brochard has been making some waves over the past few years. He's tried (unsuccessfully) to challenge your naval supremacy, he's been not-so-subtly discouraging your neighbors from pursuing trade and diplomatic relations with you, and he seems almost personally offended by your very existence. You need eyes and ears on the ground in Aquileia as soon as possible. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Aquileia. Chance of Success: 55%

Lord Ravenburg's Big Book of Blackmail: That earlier issue with the barons served to highlight what a headache they can be at times. Oh sure, you have their loyalty and support now, but at some point in the future you're going to want or need something that they won't want to give you or let you do. Being a member of the nobility himself, Ravenburg has a solution: blackmail. What with all the scheming and backstabbing that the nobility get up to, almost all of them have secrets that they wouldn't want being made public knowledge. It might be a good idea to learn a few of those secrets, just in case some uppity count needs to be "convinced" not to oppose you politically. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Blackmail on Griffonian nobility acquired.


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

Shut up and Take my Money!: Brochard is trying to pay some mercenaries a lot of gold to fight his battles for him. Try offering them slightly less gold to not fight for him and just stay home. Cost: 700. Time: One Year. Reward: Mercenaries persuaded not to fight for Brochard. Chance of Success: 65%

Painting the Forest Red: You need to make a statement. Despite how well things have been going under your rule there are still some who question your ability to lead. You may have once been a simple merchant, you may not have been raised to take the throne, but you are of the House of Gryphus! You are King! And now, with a blade worthy of your station, you shall silence your critics and prove it! Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Dead Trolls, Timberwolves, Manticores, Boost to Public Opinion (Combat Interlude)

The King In Iron: With war seeming increasingly like an inevitability, it might be a good idea to invest in some proper armor for yourself. Your wife knows a good smith that made her own armor plate, perhaps you should pay him a visit? Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Suit of Personal Armor.

Who let the Dogs Out?: Several packs of Diamond Dogs have sworn their fealty to you. This isn't necessarily a good thing. Most Griffons only know Diamond Dogs as subterranean creatures that occasionally raid, plunder, and pillage their farms and towns. It would come as a surprise to a great many of your subjects that the canines are even capable of intelligent thought beyond the use of simple tools. If you are to have any hope of integrating these packs into your population, you'll need to clear up more than a few misconceptions. Cost: 100. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Griffon public learns Diamond Dogs are people too. Chance of success: 70%

Cracking an Egg: The dragon egg you've acquired is currently stored in a specialized room of your castle, designed to ensure it is kept at the proper temperature. Archimedes, ever the problem-solver, claims he has a way to encourage the egg to hatch, or to prevent it from hatching, should you wish it. Honestly, you're not too sure what to do. Your people know little about dragons beyond the obvious; the closest thing to an expert you have is your wife, who only knows how to kill them. Still, it seems a waste to just leave it sitting in your palace as a glorified paper-weight. Fully grown dragons are forces of nature, capable of taking on entire battalions of Griffon warriors and burning whole villages to the ground in minutes. Then again, those also seem like good reasons not to allow the egg to hatch, now that you think of it. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Hatched Dragon Egg.

 

[Coshiua]

Who Needs Harmony?: Fan Art
Garrick Golden-Feather

 

[Adventwolf]

The Best Laid Plans Of Mice and Griffons​

You are the Lord Ravenburg spymaster of the Kingdom of Griffonia. You have been charged by your liege to prepare for the war that seems destined to come. You are saddened by this as you know the King is as well. While the new King Is no master of intrigue he is intelligent and has funded the expansion of Griffonia's espionage services. With these new assets and a decree from the King it is up to you to acquire the battle plans of King Cyril Brochard of Aquileia.

You have known this war was coming. During the establishment of the new spy schools you kept your eye on several of the most promising students. These were the natural smooth talker, the ones that slipped into the background without notice, the forgettable. You needed the best ready for what was obviously going to be your first and most dangerous assignment. Despite this you were worried it would not be enough.

So you took personal control of training these assets. They did not receive the general training of the rest of the students. No these ones would be sent into Aquileia itself so that is what you focused on. They were taught everything there was to know about Aquileia culture and society. The students were drilled in the language and accents by the diplomatic core relentlessly to help hide their Griffonia origins. The military drilled into the minds of the spies every little detail about Aquileia's own military doctrine and structure. The merchant guilds was brought in to aid in the creation of numerous covers needed to get around the enemy kingdom unmolested.

By the time the training was over this class was nearly indistinguishable from native born Griffons of Aquileia. When the time came to deploy them each was given several missions. Many of the missions were duplicates because even with all the training and preparation not all would survive. There needed to be enough sent that some would live to return with the bounty. The spies were informed that this was vital to the security and prosperous future of Griffonia. While this was true and they understood they did not realize just what it would fully entail. Each operative was give a fast acting poison that was to be taken in the chance that capture was inevitable.

The operatives took the poison and their assignments and left the capital in every direction. They would travel through distance areas and enter Aquileia from every side. They would scout out every camp of mercenaries, every large supply point, the mustering points for the army and navy, and the movement of the King. If Griffonia was to weather the storm to come it would need every advantage it could acquire, and like they say "Knowledge is Power, Guard it Well".

You are the Lord Ravenburg spymaster of the Kingdom of Griffonia. You have trained the greatest crop of spies and operatives of a generation. You have created the foundation for a powerful espionage order for your King and Country. And, you have sent most of them all to die. You hope it is worth it for this will weigh heavily on your soul for evermore.

@Questor Here is my omake for the spies. Please add any bonus to the Espionage actions against Aquileia.

 

[Neathbow]

A Dog's Purpose​

Spot looked over the dogs feasting, the last raid had been the most successful yet, seven whole farms had been stripped bare, their livestock slaughtered, vegetables taken, and farming tools taken to be used as crude weapons. He should have been jubilant, he should have been reveling with the others, but he couldn't, all he felt was dread. Every dog he saw was a warrior, a strong and proud fighter, some were members of Spot's original tribe, but many others were new, drawn to the tribe by tales of their recent success and the promise of plentiful food. This was an army, and like any army they marched on their stomach serving whoever could promise them food, and right now that was the savage warrior that was Buddy. Buddy had led the tribe for years now and had reaped a great tally in griffon lives as his necklace of beaks showed, leading them to victory after victory against the flyers. With all that in mind he should have been confident in the future, but he knew it was unsustainable. The last raid had been the exception not the norm, with the griffons recovered from Discord's reign villages and towns were becoming more and more fortified, militia better armed, and when the actual military showed up they had to flee in the face of the better equipped and organized forces. There was a way out, but it was one Buddy would never take, he couldn't see that sometimes to win you had to surrender, and so Spot steeled himself, the groundwork had already been lain, there could be no going back now.

Stepping in front of the feasting Buddy he drew his Griffon forged short sword and shouted out his challenge. "Buddy, Lord Fang of the Dust Fur Tribe, Hundred Gryph Slayer, and vanquisher of the Discorian Fleas, I Spot challenge you for leadership of the tribe on the grounds that you have become to weak to do what needs to be done to make the tribe prosper. Do you accept the challenge, or will you concede your position to me in acknowledgement of you faults?" A hush fell over the tribe all at once, the sheer absurdity of what was happening stunning them into silence, here was a young dog, having been a pup less than five years prior challenging a warrior with two decades of combat experience and more than double his mass in muscle, it was lunacy, but here it was. Buddy stood, grabbing his stone maul and looking at Spot with an expression of fury on his face. "You come here and dare to accuse me of being to weak to lead while acknowledging my triumphs while you have none to your name? If you weren't challenging me I would have to commend you audacity pup, but you've gone to far in challenging me, I will see you dead by my paw. With that Buddy leapt over the table he'd been using and swung his maul at Spot, but the younger dog was already moving out of the way, overturning a table in his bid to put some space between himself and the larger dog.
'No more than a few minutes now before it takes effect, I just have to wait for him to slow down enough for it to take effect.' He thought to himself as Buddy once more charged him, this time doing his best to deflect the maul to the side with a makeshift shield made from a small bedside table taken during the raid. It shattered of course and Spot winced as numerous splinters embedded themselves in his flesh but bore it without making a sound, he had challenged his leader by calling out weakness, it would not do to show any now. The next few minutes were a blur, sometimes it seemed that time was passing by in slow motion, at others he could barely keep track of his own movements everything was moving so fast. Eventually though Buddy began to slow down and Spot tried not to smirk, right now Buddy's vision would be starting to blur, his guts would be screaming, and his muscles would be feeling like lead. His confidence started to wane however when Buddy didn't seem to slow down anymore, Spot cursed himself for not realizing that he should have upped the dosage, the prisoners he'd tested the poison on had all been far smaller that Buddy, there was no guarantee that the amount he'd had slipped into Buddy's food would do anymore than it already had. His momentary distraction cost him however when Buddy managed to clip his left side, even the small blow sending him sprawling, this was bad, he'd need to start getting reckless.

He climbed back to his feet, hastily raising his sword in a defensive position, Buddy slowly stalked towards him and almost lazily raised his maul up to strike him down, and in this Spot saw his chance, it would cost him, but such a small sacrifice was no price at all. Buddy swung down and instead of dodging out of the way he blocked it with his hand, pushing it to the side even as the bones in his arm shattered pushing their way out of his arm. Taking advantage of Buddy's shock at his actions he drove his sword through the chieftain's throat, blood spayed over Spot as Buddy slumped to the ground. He had done it, he'd plotted meticulously, preparing for months, and now that he was here, he could barely even believe it, what was supposed to come after this again?

He couldn't quite remember, and he stood there for a whole minute before the other dogs hoisted him up shouting his praises, proclaiming him their new lord. Right this was why, the unsustainable nature of their culture and ways, ensuring that his people had a future, the methods would be unpalatable to many of the dogs, many would be unwilling to bow to the griffons even if it was to ensure that they had food even during the winter months. He would need to remove them, but he'd already taken steps to remove some of the elements in this tribe that would prove troublesome, a blade in the back during a raid here, ensuring a tunnel collapse there, but there would be more. But he would kill as many as he needed to, to ensure his peoples prosperity, paving the path forward with skulls if need be, still that was a ways off, for now he would need to keep up the raids, attract more dogs before he moved to attacking other tribes to absorb their populations, get enough people that it would be worth it to the griffons to take them in. He winced as his arm was jostled, but smiled through the pain, not long now, not long at all.

---

Okay this didn't come out as fast and I'm not totally happy with it but I promised an Omake and I shall deliver.

 

[Thedudeman400]

Here my attempt at an Omake a little over 1k words.

(V)(;,,;(V)
King Cyril Brochard
​

You are Cyril Brochard, King of Aquileia. A serving maid pours you a glass of red wine, one of the few luxuries you allow yourself to have. From your balcony you watch clouds drift by as the blue skies serve as serene backdrop. You take a sip of your wine, your mind drifting back to dark times. It was not long ago when the skies were with blotted by pink clouds and the land was left in the shadows of floating mountains and flying fishes.

Before the plague of Discord, the Empire of Gryphus stood tall and mighty, the beacon of the northern mountains. Your eyes dipped below watching your people drudge about around broken ruins of what were once great monuments, oh how the mighty were brought so low.

This would not stand, one day the Empire will rise again, and it will do so under your leadership. However right now, standing in your way of united empire is some upstart merchant persisting on being a thorn in your backside.

A knock rapped against my door a large gray colored griffon entered, he had scars littering his body everywhere but his back and prominent one across his neck, it was Ghiraheim your Military Advisor, "My King, your councils have all gathered in the throne room, we await your arrival."

"I will be out momentarily" You replied.

You placed down your glass of wine and snapped your talons and the servants begin to fit you in your armor and hand you your blade. You have long day ahead of you.

You entered the throne room and sat upon your throne, your advisors stood at the ready bowing their heads.

"Report" You commanded your advisors assembled before you.

"Mercenary recruitment is going well tens of mercenaries have already arrived, I expect we'll have hundreds at our disposal by years end." Ghiraheim reported stoically, but you knew him enough to know when he was holding something back.

"Were there any complications?" You asked.

"No, it is nothing but the stubbornness of mercenaries. One would think they would leap at the opportunity for employment now that the era of discord has ended, yet they remain steadfast in their steep prices."

"Not unexpected from low lives such as them, the treasury will supply coin as needed so long as they spill the blood of our enemies." You huffed.

Then a sleek Griffon strutted up, he was handsome, beautiful even as he could easily be mistaken for a female from afar and maybe even up close. This was Wilhelm Silvermane of house Silvermane, your Diplomatic advisor.

"Your highness," he bowed.

I take the scowl on your face means those merchants refused to cooperate"

"Indeed my king, the responses from the Feathersian League have been less than favorable. All of them have refused your demand to embargo Griffonia and are steadfast in their neutrality. It seems they have taken the letters as an insult. We are fortunate that their neutrality means they will not directly oppose us in the upcoming conflict."

"Unfortunate, I should have expected the merchant king to be in good terms with merchant cities" You grit your beak, an oversight you will not make in the future. "Will they still be willing to sell arms and armor to us?"

Wilhelm raised a brow and smirked, "I don't see why not, they are merchants after all, profiting off war is what they do" he chuffed. "In fact, I believe a few merchants have already trickled in."

Next was plain look griffon, his only notable feature was his handlebar mustache, this was your Steward Wulfred.

"We will not have to worry about feeding the army, your highness, the farmers may grumble about the 80% tax on their harvest but will do their duty."

You nod in acknowledgement. Fairly standard.

After Wulfred gave his report, a thin red griffon stepped up bowed and then adjusted her half-rimmed glasses. This was Headmistress Karlia your Research Advisor.

"The development siege engines are going well, some have already begun their testing phase. As long as the crown continue it funding you will your siege engines ready by the end of next year."

"You will have your funding; those siege engines may be the key to our victory." You said.

Your last advisor approaches you, she was dressed in dark navy robe with a hood obscuring all noticeable details showing nothing but her beak from under the hood. This was Nightingale, your Spy Mistress.

"My spies have reported that Golden-Feather is preparing for war, he has begun restoring the Knights Lion's order and procured himself a dragon egg."

Your brow raised at this news. You stroke your chin feathers in contemplation. Dragons are a force to be reckoned with, however it is common knowledge that they're maturity rates are notoriously slow, unless they are fed and exorbitant amount of treasure but in doing so it would lead to an uncontrollable rampage by the dragon.

"So, the merchant king thinks he can raise dragon against me? A foolish endeavor from foolish king. Even if he desires to accelerate the dragons growth all he would accomplish would be emptying his coffers and his own dragon laying waste to his own Kingdom in want of more." You scoff at the idea. "As for his knights they will drown in a sea of our forces."

Wulfred then spoke up, "Your Majesty, the people have been gathered in front of the castle, awaiting your speech."

You nod and followed him out front to the elevated steps of your castle. Standing before you are the people of Aquileia.

"People of Aquileia, I am your King! A scant few years ago we were a broken people under the terror of Discord! When his reign of terror ended, I rebuilt our nation! I have brought us Wealth! I have brought us Prosperity! And I have brought us Might!" You exclaimed to the crowd.

"But, it is not enough! Look at the ruins around you! Look at how mighty we were! When Discord invaded us, we fought back! But the other nobility turned tailed and fled, fracturing our armies! If it was cowardice then it is one thing, but they turned against emperor! Turning what was once a Mighty Empire a few Mewling Fiefdoms! We could have repelled the like of Discord if it were not for them! The great beacon of the northern mountains TARNISHED by their TREASON!" You spat.

"It is the likes of the Feathersian League, Wingbardy, and Griffonia, that lead to our downfall! They get their due, I promise you this! I am King Cyril Brochard! And I will unite the Griffons! And reclaim the Empire's glory!" You reach your talons up to the sky as if to grasp the very sun itself.

Your people chant your name as you deliver your passionate speech. No merchants, dukes, or kings will stop you. You will make the Empire great once more.

(V)(;,,;(V)​

I tried to make this Omake as canon compliant as possible the only really issue I have with this is the Siege Engines with Brochards Learning Adviser.
@Questor are siege engines something Brochard would have his learning adviser research? If not I could change it to something else. How about the rest of the Omake? Is it canon compliant?

Edit: minor edits and spelling mistakes
Edit2: fixed contitnuity mistake, ponies changed to treason.
Edit3: changed Wilhelm demeanor when delivering bad news, cleared up dragon egg issue.

 

[Questor]

Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them.
-The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to battlefield unit.

Walls of granite. Floors of polished marble. Doors carved of the finest and sturdiest oak. Stained glass windows depicting the legends and glories of the knights of the Imperial Age. And at the very heart of the new citadel, a Hall of Ancestors to rival any in the lands of the Griffons. Statues of stone, gilded in gold, depict great heroes of the past, serving as a reminder to the knights of the modern age that they are the inheritors of a great legacy.


You personally oversee the official dedication of "The Lion's Den" as it has come to be known, with all of the Knights Lion in attendance. Among the warriors that have been your bodyguards for years stand many new knights recruited from amongst the nobility, as well as numerous squires and Griffons-at-Arms from drawn up from the peasantry and middle-class. Together, they serve as the sword of Griffonia. And eventually, ancestors-willing, the guardians of the re-forged Empire.

Knights Lion reformed into battlefield unit, Citadel "The Lion's Den" constructed in Griffonia.


-More Boats? More Boats: You now have a navy to defend your coasts and to serve as a counter to Aquileia's maritime ambitions, but as of now you're simply maintaining parity. If you want to truly ensure your control of the seas, you'll need to construct more ships. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: 10 Cogs added to Navy

The maritime infrastructure you'd had built not long ago is put to use once again as the hulls of ten new vessels are assembled in your ports. Keels and decks are laid down, sails are stitched and rigged to masts, heavy anchors and chains are forged, bolt throwers are…bolted to the decks, and by the end of the year crews of newly recruited sailors board the brand new vessels to begin their sea-trails. Despite Brochard's attempts to usurp the position, you maintain your status as masters of the sea. +10 Cogs, Naval Supremacy over Aquileia established.



Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her.
-Calling on Old Friends: Gabriella has numerous contacts throughout the Feathersian League, from nobles and scholars to mercenaries and merchants. You should try to leverage these connections for better relations and additional trade deals with the League. It might also get you some mercenary contacts, which you could use right about now. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Feathersian relations and additional trade income, chance for Mercenary Contacts. Chance of Success: 60%

Required: 40. Rolled: 28+15(Daily struggles of Aquileian Diplomats Omake)+12(Gabriella Diplomacy)=55

Gabriella sends out letter after letter to acquaintances, drinking buddies, former employers, and friends-of-friends, calling in favors and old debts and extolling the virtues of Griffonia. Despite her warlike appearance and bearing, she has a way with the written word, and responses start begin to reach you in the form of actions. A reduced tariff here, a discount on a shipment of goods there, a few letters whispered in the ears of a few nobles, and the Feathersian League suddenly becomes a good deal friendlier towards you as your trade deals become more profitable. Amazing how a few small things can make all the difference. +50 Trade Income, +1 Feathersian relations.



Stewardship: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances.
-The Diggingest Dogs: You need good miners. Griffons are not good miners. Diamond Dogs are excellent miners. You've recently acquired the loyalty of several packs of Diamond Dogs. The solution seems obvious. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased Mining Income.

Overseen by Griffon miners and your own soldiers (who are there more for the sake of the dogs than anything else), the "domesticated" Diamond Dogs begin to move into the mines you'd already established. Unsurprisingly, despite their often brutish and primitive appearance, they know a lot more about mining and subterranean living than any Griffon. Improved ventilation tunnels are built, and support pillars and carefully carved walls of stone replace their wooden equivalents, allowing for deeper excavation. This, combined with the incomparable digging abilities of your new subjects, allows for a massive uptick in productivity, to the point that new, larger smelters have to be built to process all the surplus ore now being extracted from the mountains on a daily basis. +200 Mining Income



Learning: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor.
-Aquaculture: One of Archimedes' assistants has proposed a strange new idea. Why don't we just farm fish the same way we farm other foodstuffs? After being accused of Discordian sympathies he hastily clarifies that he did not mean to invoke the memory of the horrific squid-plant hybrids created by the mad trickster god, but something much more mundane: "corralling" fish in artificial lakes and ponds, feeding and harvesting them in a similar manner to other livestock. Well…you've heard of crazier ideas. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Fish Farms established.

Rivers are diverted, dams and levees are constructed, and several species of freshwater fish are caught in sufficient quantities and transported to their new environment. The aquatic corrals now established, the difficult work of acclimating the fish to their new lives in captivity begins. It will be some time before a reliable and consistent harvest can be guaranteed. Still, the work is at least partially done. Will Finish Next Turn


-Noxious Nitrates: Archimedes has been experimenting with some of the minerals your miners have started digging up, seeing how they react chemically with other elements. He's found a way to make a sort of...explosive powder out of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. You're...kind of concerned about that last one, seeing as how it's extracted from feces of all things, but his practical demonstrations cannot be denied or ignored. But Archimedes has an issue: the difficulty in acquiring large amounts of the components needed to make this Fire-powder. He's going to need funds to construct sulfur mines and...saltpeter distilleries. Ewww. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Supply of Fire-Powder Acquired. Chance of Success: 75%

Required: 25. Rolled: 12+18(Personal Learning)=30

Work nearly stalled on the "saltpeter production plant" that Archimedes was spearheading, but thankfully you found the time in your schedule to go down there personally and impress upon the workers the necessity for the program, despite the filth and terrible odor. The sulfur mines nearly hit a snag as well, but the Diamond Dogs' sense of smell allowed them to locate a sizeable deposit of the pungent substance, though it did prevent them from mining it themselves. Those issues dealt with, all that remains is the actual construction of the facilities in question. Hopefully you won't have to intervene again, you swear the stench seeps into your clothes. Will Finish Next Turn



Intrigue: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified.
-Aquileian Espionage: King Brochard has been making some waves over the past few years. He's tried (unsuccessfully) to challenge your naval supremacy, he's been not-so-subtly discouraging your neighbors from pursuing trade and diplomatic relations with you, and he seems almost personally offended by your very existence. You need eyes and ears on the ground in Aquileia as soon as possible. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Aquileia. Chance of Success: 55%

Required: 45. Rolled: 63+10(King Brochard Omake)+10(Best Laid Plans Omake)+10(Kept in the Dark Omake)+13(Personal Intrigue)=106(Art. Crit!)

Sneaking over the Aquileian border as Feathersian merchants or mercenaries seeking employment, your spies send back a wealth of information at next to no cost to themselves. Ravenburg practically beams when he reports that none of your spies have been captured, and that Brochard has no idea of their presence. He is uncharacteristically joyous that his agents have done so well, despite the sobering nature of much of the news they have brought back.

First of all, Brochard is most definitely preparing for war. Creating a navy was just the start. He's expanded his army, recruiting thousands more griffons to fight under his banner, and has crafted several siege engines reminiscent of your bolt-throwers, though these ones lob stones through the air rather than launch giant arrows. Your spies are led to believe that the purpose of these engines is twofold: to bombard static targets from a distance, and to fill the air with projectiles so as to discourage an airborne assault.

Then of course there is the matter of the mercenaries Brochard has hired. While many of the renowned and highly-skilled Feathersian outfits have refused to sign on with Aquileia for political and financial reasons, Brochard has evidently decided that quantity has a quality all its own, and has shown no hesitation in his acquiring the services of some…less than reputable sell-swords. He's even gone so far as to hire actual pirates and bands of brigands, offering looting rights and pardons in exchange for their fighting on the frontlines! All told, your spies estimate he has over seventeen thousand fighters and a dozen warships.

It's not all bad news however. Well, not all bad news for you, anyway. Brochard's military expansion has proven expensive, and he has passed that cost onto his people in the form of taxes, and onto his neighbors in the form of tariffs. Needless to say, this has not sat well with the Aquileian public, and there are grumblings amongst both the peasantry and the nobility. When their tongues are loosened with alcohol, some are even bold enough to say that if Brochard doesn't win a great victory, he'll lose his crown, even if you don't invade. Useful information. Intel on Aquileian military gained, Whispers of potential rebellion in Aquileia, Spies remain undiscovered.



Personal: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day.
-The King In Iron: With war seeming increasingly like an inevitability, it might be a good idea to invest in some proper armor for yourself. Your wife knows a good smith that made her own armor plate, perhaps you should pay him a visit? Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Suit of Personal Armor.

Gabriella accompanies you on a journey to the southern reaches of your lands to meet the smith that made her armor. The smith in question, one Reinhold Thundertail, is renowned for his ability to produce armor that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. After getting your measurements he sets to work with a fervor, crafting you a chest piece, helmet, vambraces, greaves, and gauntlets, all crafted from the finest steel and adorned with the symbols of Griffonia and the imperial crest. You compensate Thundertail well for his work. With the fine quality and fit of the armor, he's more than earned it. Armor Acquired, Character Survivability Improved.


-Who let the Dogs Out?: Several packs of Diamond Dogs have sworn their fealty to you. This isn't necessarily a good thing. Most Griffons only know Diamond Dogs as subterranean creatures that occasionally raid, plunder, and pillage their farms and towns. It would come as a surprise to a great many of your subjects that the canines are even capable of intelligent thought beyond the use of simple tools. If you are to have any hope of integrating these packs into your population, you'll need to clear up more than a few misconceptions. Cost: 100. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Griffon public learns Diamond Dogs are people too. Chance of success: 70%

Required: 30. Rolled: 85+5(Garrick Golden-Feather Fanart)+10(A Dog's Purpose Omake)=100 (Art. Crit!)

You honestly weren't expecting things to go this well. You thought you'd have to spend years getting Griffons to accept the idea of civilized Diamond Dogs. You'd expected pushback and lingering resentment. You'd expected, and feared, riots and racial tensions that would take generations to overcome. Instead you got…calm, empathetic acceptance.

Just as Griffons are different from one another, as the reasoning goes, so too are Diamond Dogs different from one another. Some Diamond Dogs are barbaric savages that raid and loot, others are decent people just trying to get by, same as any Griffon. This type of thinking rapidly becomes the norm amongst your people, and combined with their assistance in mining, construction and excavation, your people have really begun to warm up to their new flightless neighbors. Dogs and Griffons walk side by side on the streets, share drinks in the taverns, and work alongside each other in the mines, quarries, and farms. You even hear rumors of a few romantic relationships between Dogs and Griffons!
You're surprised, but relieved and pleased that you rule over such a reasonable and tolerant people.

Diamond Dogs fully integrated into Griffonian Society, Risk of Racial Tensions (mostly) Eradicated

 

[Questor]

You hold your wife's talons in your own as she grunts and gasps in exertion, all while squeezing you so hard you're fearful she might break something. The long-awaited day is finally upon you: delivery day, and with it, the dawn of parenthood. Gabriella's Father stands on the other side of the bed, holding her other talon in his own. By the sympathetic look on his face you can tell he's also receiving the same rough treatment you are. Of course, you aren't the only ones in the room. Numerous healers, physicians, herbalists, and midwives crowd your bedchamber, all scurrying about in a sort of vaguely organized chaos.

Finally, after what feels like hours, your wife relaxes as the hushed silence is broken by a soft cooing. The midwife at the foot of the bed raises her head with a relieved smile. "Congratulations your Highness, it's a boy." She very carefully passes you a bundle of cloth containing the youngling…your son. You have a son. The realization almost staggers you, but you maintain your composure long enough to look down into the face of the newest addition to your family.



…Well thank the ancestors there are so many healers in the room right now because you're pretty sure your heart stopped for a moment there. You pass your child to your wife in a daze, who looks down with a tired but immensely satisfied smile. Your Father-in-Law, who just became a grandfather, simply grins with a tearful expression. As you stand beside your wife and newborn son, the kingdom, your crown, Brochard, all of that fades away. In this singular instant, there is nothing else in the universe but you and your family.

You now have a son, an heir to the throne, and yet another thing worth fighting for.

[ ] Name?

 

[Questor]

All Hail Prince Gawain!: Bells ring throughout the kingdom as the birth of Prince Gawain, son of King Golden-Feather, is announced. Though Queen Gabriella Golden-Feather was reportedly greatly weakened by the exertion, by all reports her health was not negatively affected. The young prince is reportedly in good health, and the inhabitants of the kingdom breathe a bit easier at the knowledge that, should their current king pass on, there will not be another succession crisis.


Aquileia Invades Wingbardy!: After years of brewing tensions, the day so many have feared finally comes. Messengers from King Brochard send Duke Talonuelli an ultimatum: submit or be destroyed. Less than an hour after the couriers arrive at the Wingbardian Capital, the armies of Aquileia cross the border. Duke Talonuelli hastily orders his own army to rally around the Capital in preparations for a siege. The war to reunite the Empire has finally begun.


Feathersians Remain Divided: Though the City-States are universally concerned by Brochard's aggression, they remain divided over what to do about it. Some enact harsh diplomatic sanctions against Aquileia, others remain strictly neutral, awaiting a victor to negotiate with. Duke Montefeathertro heads the interventionist faction arguing for direct military action in support of Wingbardy, but he and his supporters are merely a vocal minority on the Feathersian Council. It appears it will take a significant change in circumstances to convince the League to take a more aggressive stance against Aquileian aggression.