- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
Weren't there heavy complaints about those for forcing a fall?
Also, as I said up above, I'd rather play through a decline than skip it and start over at the "new power rising" stage again.
Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest
- Thread starter Questor
- Start date
Also, as I said up above, I'd rather play through a decline than skip it and start over at the "new power rising" stage again.
Playing through a fall would be cool, although I am not certain how you would need to do that to keep people involved despite most everything failing.
And every empire falls, or at least stagnates.
Nervos Belli
Don't think this means you've won!
- Location
- Murica
I'd rather just end this quest on a high note and see what else Questor can come up with than try and force us through a period of stagnation or decline just so there is meaningful challenge when we get more modern. We could try out one of the other starts, or one idea I like would be to take over a small nation in a future dominated by the Griffonian Empire. That way you can have challenges without too much railroading. Plus being a small underdeveloped Zebrican nation in the shadow of Griffonia could be interesting.
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Or maybe end it on a high note then do a quest in the "Modern" version of the modified mlp setting.
Go from a CK2 to a normal quest taking place in the setting we molded in the CK2 portion.
EDIT: As in start in the time of the first episode of MLP in the new modified setting.
Go from a CK2 to a normal quest taking place in the setting we molded in the CK2 portion.
EDIT: As in start in the time of the first episode of MLP in the new modified setting.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
Like I said before, I don't like decline because I want a challenge. I like decline because it is, to me, the most interesting part of any and all civilizations, and one that few tales ever bother to explore.
I do, however, agree with the implication that it would be difficult to make the quest go through a decline without a large measure of railroading. Having a highly active hivemind of voters generally means that voters can take care of and spot most problems, which is why they tend to be stories of relentless climbs without any "true" setbacks.
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Until they get a continuous series of bad rolls that is.
I think part of how you would do a "decline" would be to mislabel the difficulty of actions and how much income and reserve you have due to various forms of corruption and face saving.
Nervos Belli
Don't think this means you've won!
- Location
- Murica
Actively lying to the players would kill a quest like no tomorrow. It's hard to make losing fun in a quest. I don't think I've ever seen it done without losing a good chunk of the players.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
I said "true" setbacks. For 99%* of quests, bad rolls are only temporary because the audience can always figure a way out of it to always be non-permanent or a not in any way debilitating. There is very little consequence in quests unless the QM railroads things in a certain way or the audience intentionally sabotages themselves.
This same problem gets even worse in non-original franchises because then the audience is able to metagame to what they want.
That could work, kinda like how PoC had us having massive structural problems that weren't noticed only because we kept getting amazing rulers allowing us to paper over problems through sheer genius. When we finally got to an average ruler, the duct tape holding together the empire started coming off. That said, having an unreliable narrative tends to get people salty. I find it to be a fun mechanic, but many don't.
*I say 99% because I don't want someone suddenly popping in and saying "well technically [Quest A] had blablabla" despite it being the exception to the rule rather than the rule itself.
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- Location
- The state of Paranoia
Doing a fall could be interesting. I would suggest raising the DCs or removing omake bonuses, having our wife/children/advisors (especially the advisors) plot against us so that we have a constant juggling act of trying to keep them happy and figuring out when to forcibly remove them (and how, whenever an advisor has become too well entrenched), and making each action have a downside (for example, railroads putting some people out of jobs, and them protesting or starting a rebellion).
Edit:
Perhaps have a depression hit, where tax income decreases, unemployment rises, etc.
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it's a terrible idea and almost everyone would leave the quest, with lots of salt explosions. being serious tho, if there gotta be a decline then just end the quest and start another quest in the same verse that has people play as a different faction so people can watch the trainwreck from the outside.
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lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Yup, it would require a long run of bad rolls before we could allow it!
- Location
- Australia
And yet, in the US many harmful fanatics and deceiving con-artists thrive using religion entirely in the legal system.
How many fake "miracles" have they staged to steal money from the poorest and most desperate among us, proclaiming they can preform "faith healings" for someone's life savings, that buying a steady stream of trinkets supposedly helps you or refuse to "heal" them because their illness is actually legitimate as opposed to someone who can be bribed as a plant?
To pay for private jets using church funds like televangelists Jesse Duplantis and Kenneth Copeland, or to convince their followers to waste all of their money and wreck their lives because they believe the end times are approaching like Harold Camping?
Or keep families and children in compounds where they are forced to follow their leader's whims, such as Australia's Anne Hamilton-Byrne?
While they were investigating Jonestown, and it existed outside of US borders, that wasn't enough in the end, was it? And Jones made his followers do some pretty messed up things in America as well.
At their most extreme, we have movements like Japan's Aum Shinrikyo which murdered dissenters, even torturing and conning loyal followers and tried to bring about the apocalypse by developing WMDs and ended by performing 2 chemical weapon attacks which could have killed potentially so many more people if their Sarin was better made. Or for an American example, the Manson Family who tried to bring about a race war - as Charles Manson called it Helter Skelter - through brutal murders. And while these cases were prosecuted, they were free to express views that supported these cases.
Terrorist watchlists and investigative efforts in America have ignored more established/entrenched extremist views such as white nationalism/supremacy.
While often like any other crime we can only react to what has happened, I want at very least State Influence to make sure we have the authority to act quickly and decisively in these cases, to be able to investigate preemptively, to close financial and legal loopholes and disapprove of and act against madmen.
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- Location
- Hell, or at least the closest place to it
AN: Yare Yare. Short Trash.
A Request of Kin
News never arrived late.
That's what the Elders used to say when she was younger, and Impatient-Arrogance-Stone-Dense. News never arrives late or early, only exactly when it means too. She used to groan and whine at that, complaining that it made no sense, and could they not speak in riddles all the time. They had simply laughed, and told her she that she would understand in time.
She had hated it when that happened, swearing that she would never understand. Now she missed those days, when things were simple.
Lonerunner ran at full speed, shoving her way through the crowded gate. A variety of surprised squawks and indignant yells followed behind her, and she heard one of the Tall-Winged-Lion-Birds-Guards shout for her to stop, to explain her actions. She simply ran on, moving on all fours and sped down the street towards her destination.
————————————————————
The Gathering had gone well, she had been told. Birth rates were on the rise throughout the Packs, and they had expanded like never before throughout the land. Her Kin-Litter-Sibling-Sister was expecting her 3rd litter actually, and her brother had even become life-mated to a Bright-Stone-Pony of all things. The Packs had expanded their nests and tunnels and dens throughout the Empire-Tribe, joining mining teams and smithing. Some Kin has even become Knights-Wardens-Honored and become leaders of towns and villages. And as the Cycles went by, it seemed like less and less of the Kin were born or affected by Moon-Madness.
Things seemed on the rise for the Packs. And that was the problem.
There were too many Kin in one place.
New Alphas were made, and formed new packs. And those packs made new Nests and tunnels. With the Advancement of the Empire however, and the development of the Railroads and such wonders, the world had gotten smaller. Space was at a premium for the Kin, with many simply moving to the ever crowded cities and towns of the Crystal Empire and Griffonia. And yet even thus become a problem, with the land being quickly filled.
And so the Elders, gathered at the Meeting of Packs, had come to a decision, and had dispatched her with all haste, a signed and written request from the Whole council to the Imperial City. And deliver, in person, to the Alpha of Alphas and Leader of the Empire-Tribe.
To meet with the Emperor.
————————————————————
Lonerunner skidded to a halt on the stairs leading to the palace, panting and heaving with the effort of her two day run. Doubled over, she saw the Emperor-Alpha-Tall-Winged-Bird-Lions-Guards rush down the steps to meet her, their blades unsheathed. No doubt the guard at the gates had flown ahead of her, warning of her approach. As she was surrounded, she sighed, rising to her full height, and stared at the Tall-Winged-Bird-Lion-Leader approached her, gazing slightly upwards to meet her eyes. She was only slightly taller than him, she realized, as the Captain began to speak.
"Who are you?" He asked, glaring at her from behind his full helm, his long blade in his Paws-Claws-Wing-Hands. "And why do you cause so much chaos in your hurry to get here? Speak!"
She sighed, and reaching into the satchel at her side, pulled out the rumbled and warped scroll She held it out towards the Captain, and between her panting breaths, gave her message.
AN: @Questor, the ball is in your court. Pop it.
I'm still not happy with this. Agh.
A Request of Kin
That's what the Elders used to say when she was younger, and Impatient-Arrogance-Stone-Dense. News never arrives late or early, only exactly when it means too. She used to groan and whine at that, complaining that it made no sense, and could they not speak in riddles all the time. They had simply laughed, and told her she that she would understand in time.
She had hated it when that happened, swearing that she would never understand. Now she missed those days, when things were simple.
Lonerunner ran at full speed, shoving her way through the crowded gate. A variety of surprised squawks and indignant yells followed behind her, and she heard one of the Tall-Winged-Lion-Birds-Guards shout for her to stop, to explain her actions. She simply ran on, moving on all fours and sped down the street towards her destination.
————————————————————
The Gathering had gone well, she had been told. Birth rates were on the rise throughout the Packs, and they had expanded like never before throughout the land. Her Kin-Litter-Sibling-Sister was expecting her 3rd litter actually, and her brother had even become life-mated to a Bright-Stone-Pony of all things. The Packs had expanded their nests and tunnels and dens throughout the Empire-Tribe, joining mining teams and smithing. Some Kin has even become Knights-Wardens-Honored and become leaders of towns and villages. And as the Cycles went by, it seemed like less and less of the Kin were born or affected by Moon-Madness.
Things seemed on the rise for the Packs. And that was the problem.
There were too many Kin in one place.
New Alphas were made, and formed new packs. And those packs made new Nests and tunnels. With the Advancement of the Empire however, and the development of the Railroads and such wonders, the world had gotten smaller. Space was at a premium for the Kin, with many simply moving to the ever crowded cities and towns of the Crystal Empire and Griffonia. And yet even thus become a problem, with the land being quickly filled.
And so the Elders, gathered at the Meeting of Packs, had come to a decision, and had dispatched her with all haste, a signed and written request from the Whole council to the Imperial City. And deliver, in person, to the Alpha of Alphas and Leader of the Empire-Tribe.
To meet with the Emperor.
————————————————————
Lonerunner skidded to a halt on the stairs leading to the palace, panting and heaving with the effort of her two day run. Doubled over, she saw the Emperor-Alpha-Tall-Winged-Bird-Lions-Guards rush down the steps to meet her, their blades unsheathed. No doubt the guard at the gates had flown ahead of her, warning of her approach. As she was surrounded, she sighed, rising to her full height, and stared at the Tall-Winged-Bird-Lion-Leader approached her, gazing slightly upwards to meet her eyes. She was only slightly taller than him, she realized, as the Captain began to speak.
"Who are you?" He asked, glaring at her from behind his full helm, his long blade in his Paws-Claws-Wing-Hands. "And why do you cause so much chaos in your hurry to get here? Speak!"
She sighed, and reaching into the satchel at her side, pulled out the rumbled and warped scroll She held it out towards the Captain, and between her panting breaths, gave her message.
AN: @Questor, the ball is in your court. Pop it.
I'm still not happy with this. Agh.
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Random Omake Ideas
Knights vs Knights in the clearing of monsters in the land of lakes. Griffon Knights and Pony Knights try and out do each other in monster kills.
A research document on Musical Tradition in the Empire and it's allies.
A research document on culinary tradition in the empire and it's allies.
Dog Pup, Griffon Chick, and Pony Foal in school and going on misadventures pretending to be their respective heroes.
A story book detailing the New Legends being formed in the Empire. From Captian Kaboom's Explosive Trick to The Hero Hardbeak's battles in the Winter War including ones from our allies.
Basic spooky legends from our empire and allies ranging from each of their regional Boogie Man (EVERY culture has a monster that goes out and eat's naughty children) to legends of great villains in the past (possibly using real ones but warped to a degree they are hard to recognize such as a certain magical centaur).
A day in the life of the Average Citizen of the Crystal Protectorate showing their views of current events and how they are doing.
Assorted adorable shenanigans of the royal children ranging from arguments over a certain toy (and the subsequent reconciliation and lesson learned) to trying to cook breakfast in bed for the parents and accidentally mistaking the ingredients and making it super alcoholic and such (and the parents trying and failing to get out of eating it only to be forced to).
First Flying lessons for the royal children and the mistaken attempts of the younger ones to try and help their pony sibling learn how to fly (And her realizing she is very happy to be on the ground thank you very much!)
The recover of those who had been slaves to the maretonians (such as the little crystal unicorn with the broken horn) and their day to day recovery.
The experiences of the slaves of the maretonians (keep in mind they were mainly status symbols and thus worth to much for to much menial labor)
The Prince sneaking out in disguise to play among the commoners only to get kidnapped by a pair of thugs... Only for them to find out who he is and send him back with a belly full of sweets and an apology note that is so badly written nobody can understand it.
A report on the dangers of Drinking and Flying and the suggestions for sobriety tests to be administered by soldiers to prevent undue accidents from people to drunk to fly home.
Knights vs Knights in the clearing of monsters in the land of lakes. Griffon Knights and Pony Knights try and out do each other in monster kills.
A research document on Musical Tradition in the Empire and it's allies.
A research document on culinary tradition in the empire and it's allies.
Dog Pup, Griffon Chick, and Pony Foal in school and going on misadventures pretending to be their respective heroes.
A story book detailing the New Legends being formed in the Empire. From Captian Kaboom's Explosive Trick to The Hero Hardbeak's battles in the Winter War including ones from our allies.
Basic spooky legends from our empire and allies ranging from each of their regional Boogie Man (EVERY culture has a monster that goes out and eat's naughty children) to legends of great villains in the past (possibly using real ones but warped to a degree they are hard to recognize such as a certain magical centaur).
A day in the life of the Average Citizen of the Crystal Protectorate showing their views of current events and how they are doing.
Assorted adorable shenanigans of the royal children ranging from arguments over a certain toy (and the subsequent reconciliation and lesson learned) to trying to cook breakfast in bed for the parents and accidentally mistaking the ingredients and making it super alcoholic and such (and the parents trying and failing to get out of eating it only to be forced to).
First Flying lessons for the royal children and the mistaken attempts of the younger ones to try and help their pony sibling learn how to fly (And her realizing she is very happy to be on the ground thank you very much!)
The recover of those who had been slaves to the maretonians (such as the little crystal unicorn with the broken horn) and their day to day recovery.
The experiences of the slaves of the maretonians (keep in mind they were mainly status symbols and thus worth to much for to much menial labor)
The Prince sneaking out in disguise to play among the commoners only to get kidnapped by a pair of thugs... Only for them to find out who he is and send him back with a belly full of sweets and an apology note that is so badly written nobody can understand it.
A report on the dangers of Drinking and Flying and the suggestions for sobriety tests to be administered by soldiers to prevent undue accidents from people to drunk to fly home.
- Location
- Hell, or at least the closest place to it
Rolen von Keng
Sleeping Green Bear
- Location
- The Wilderness
Joining this quest as of... right now! With a (not ) vote!
[X] State Control: As with all things in your Empire, this is something you'll want to have a firm grip on, especially given the importance of it. You have the authority to ensure the physical health of your subjects, why not their spiritual health as well? Taking on the responsibility of administering the religious infrastructure of an entire Empire will of course be quite the undertaking, but you've accomplished difficult tasks before
[X] Encourage the Imperial Cult: Maybe you see an opportunity to further your power and influence over your people. Maybe you genuinely want to be seen as a divine figure. Or maybe you just find the whole thing unbelievably hilarious and want to see what they do next. Whatever the reason, you'll quietly encourage the growth of this small band of fanatics that see your words and deeds as divine acts.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Oh yeah, I just want know what we are, Earth equivalent-wise.
German Empire?
Holy Roman Empire?
Russia?
Austrian-Hungarian Empire?
Cause I am leaning towards the Germans by quite... a bit
[X] Encourage the Imperial Cult: Maybe you see an opportunity to further your power and influence over your people. Maybe you genuinely want to be seen as a divine figure. Or maybe you just find the whole thing unbelievably hilarious and want to see what they do next. Whatever the reason, you'll quietly encourage the growth of this small band of fanatics that see your words and deeds as divine acts.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Oh yeah, I just want know what we are, Earth equivalent-wise.
German Empire?
Holy Roman Empire?
Russia?
Austrian-Hungarian Empire?
Cause I am leaning towards the Germans by quite... a bit
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- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
I believe that vote was already closed a while ago for "Do Nothing" and "State Control." Questor just seems to be busy.
We couldn't be more Prussian if we wore blue uniforms.
Rolen von Keng
Sleeping Green Bear
- Location
- The Wilderness
I mean look at us! Japan as allies already, France is ambivalent until Napolean/MLP version comes in. We are all attacking a common enemy for now... Just wait... I bet either an Italy or Britain will come in soon...
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Hmmm, pony napoleon popping up.... Wouldnt that during the reign of Terror?
Aka when the commoners got fed up with being shat upon from above, went nuts with a dozen little factions just killing everyone due to the easy killing method of the guillotine, and eventually reinstalled the nobility because they finally realized that the chais was just going to go on forever without someone who had some idea of what they were doing to lead it?
..... I hope we take the chance to militarily occupy "france" and absorb it or make it another protectorate due to them just going crazy without our intervention.
- Location
- Italia
Let's hope it's Italy I want my pizza!!! And let's hope it's Italy during the renaissance
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
The exchange of information and technology would be insane..... Wait, dont we have griffon nobles modelled after italian nobility such as the Borgia family and a davinci version who regularly debates with our learning advisor?
- Location
- Italy
Of course we do.
Feathersian cities were clearly Italian city-states.
We already HAVE Italy!
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
..... That explains our incredible advancements. We are in the middle of a super charged renaissance.
Heck, i would not be surprised if we are the studious child of germany and Italy.