Gawain knocked on the door of the manor house, giving himself a quick once over to ensure that he was presentable. He'd decided to forgo his more obvious royal accoutrements, opting for a much more casual appearance. He was going to dinner with a friend, not attending the Imperial Court. Sure, he would probably still be recognized upon closer inspection, but people on the street wouldn't give him a second look. To a casual observer, he'd be just another young noble in a city full of them.
A servant answered the door, eyeing the young Griffon with confusion. This was a good sign. If a person couldn't recognize him when they were standing face to face, there'd be no chance of a passerby doing so.
The servant's beak opened, doubtlessly about to ask him who he was and what he was doing here, before his eyes focused on a point behind Gawain. The servant blinked, eyes widening as he looked back at Gawain, connecting the dots and swiftly prostrating himself before the crown prince.
Gawain sighed and cast a withering glare over his shoulder at the two knights assigned to his protective detail, still fully dressed in the gilded armor announcing their status as guardians of the royal household. He'd asked them to keep their distance, to not hover over him all night. They'd reluctantly complied, but insisted on keeping an eye on him from a distance. Which in this case meant standing just outside the gates of the Brissette manor, casting an intimidating and obvious silhouette that was easily visible to its inhabitants.
The servant apologized profusely, not once looking up at Gawain as he scrambled back inside to fetch the Brissette heiress. The heir to the Empire sighed. Hopefully this would be the low point of the night and it would all be smooth sailing from here.
Any thoughts left his mind however, when he finally caught sight of his companion for the evening. She was bedecked in all the finery one would expect of a young hen attending an Imperial function, her dress seeming to sparkle in the light of the moon. For the first time, Gawain was thankful that Isabelle was the shy type, her gaze directed down towards the ground...it meant she didn't see him pick his jaw up off the floor.
Gawain mentally stumbled. He'd had a response ready when he'd come to the door, but he couldn't think of it now. He put on a friendly smile and tried to look casual. He'd have to improvise.
He mentally winced. Crap, maybe he shouldn't have said beautiful. That might have sounded creepy.
Isabelle blushed, her soft voice like the tinkling of bells.
"Th-thank you. You look...nice."
Gawain tugged at his collar. He suddenly felt very underdressed.
"I know it's not royal finery but I wanted to try and avoid drawing attention tonight."
He cast another glare over his shoulder.
"Unfortunately, my bodyguards are proving a bit of a hindrance in that regard."
He swore he saw one of them smirk. Isabelle shook her head.
"Oh no, that's fine! I-I'm just happy to get to spend time with you..."
Her gaze fell.
"Though I don't think your hopes to avoid attention will work with me around...everyone knows my family."
She started as Gawain gently placed a reassuring talon upon her shoulder, her eyes meeting his as he gave her a gentle grin.
"I thought of that...and I think I found a way around that little problem...you're not claustrophobic are you?"
—————————————————————————————
The two heirs of royalty stood upon a cliff, a ceiling of rock above their heads, peering over the edge at the sight beneath them.
Isabelle stared open mouthed at the subterranean town, rows of houses carved into the cave walls, lanterns and torches illuminating the vast cavern. From this distance, she could just barely make out the moving shapes of Diamond Dogs on the streets and alleys below. Gawain smiled.
"Pretty cool eh? Diamondtown is a heck of a place. When the first packs pledged their fealty to my father, many set up their dwellings underneath the capitol. Over the years it's turned into a big settlement, almost a city unto itself."
The Noble heiress stared at the prince.
"How...how have I never seen this before?"
Gawain shrugged.
"It's existence isn't a secret, it's just that most Griffons don't go down here...owing to our racial inclination towards claustrophobia."
The male Griffon gestured behind them, indicating the tunnel they'd walked through to enter the massive artificial cave system.
"Tunnels and entrances like that are scattered all across the upper city. It's how the dogs commute to work on the surface. But since they were built in the days when the dogs were still paranoid about Griffon persecution, most of the entrances were hidden in out of the way places, or camouflaged with boulders and plant life."
Isabelle opened and closed her beak, spluttering.
"B-but...why are they still hidden? The Diamond dogs are an integral part of the Empire, equal to Griffons in almost every way!"
Gawain shrugged.
"Force of habit? Lack of necessity? A lingering paranoia about threats besides us? Who can say? A few of the less tolerant members of the nobility have raised the issue with my father, but he's never done anything about it. He says that if it makes the dogs feel safe, he sees no reason to take action, especially seeing as how all the entrances and exits are known to the government. They still need to file construction and excavation permits after all."
Isabelle returned her gaze to the glittering lights of the underground town before looking back to Gawain.
"Why here though?"
Her eyes widened, a blush breaking across her face as she seemed to realize what she'd just said.
"Not that I don't want to be here, I-it's a beautiful place b-but...why did you choose to take me here?"
Gawain smiled, a coy look in his eyes.
"You said you were worried about being recognized."
He extended a wing, pointing to the shapes of the Diamond Dogs beneath them.
"I guarantee you, not one of them will see you as anything more than a young Noble lady."
His eyes darted to the side, staring at one particular building, it's lights easily visible even from far away.
"I also know a great place to eat that I know you'll love. Come on, I've reserved us a table."
And with that, the Prince took off, followed shortly thereafter by a flustered but smiling Isabelle Brissette...and a pair of knights that still steadfastly refused to let their charge out of their sight.
———————————————————————————————
The two Griffons land in front of the entrance to a large brick building, music and chatter echoing out the open doorway and into the street. A carved wooden sign just above the entryway proclaimed the building as "Big Mama's".
Brissette looked at the sign, then at Gawain with a raised eye ridge. Gawain chuckled.
"I had the same reaction when I first saw that. I know it's not what you'd expect from a fine dining establishment, but trust me, this place serves some of the best food in the Empire."
The prince gently took Isabelle's talon in his own, not noticing how the gesture made her blush as he led her through the doorway.
"Come on, I'll show you."
The duo enter the restaurant, the noise within washing over them as Gawain confidently leads the way to a table on the far side of the restaurant. Some of the patrons give the two Griffons a curious glance, particularly Isabelle and her fanciful dress, but none stare for more than a moment before returning to their meals and conversation. True to Gawain's word, none of the subterranean canines see the Brissette heiress as anything more than a young lady of nobility. There are no suspicious gazes, no whispered accusations, no disdainful dismissals. She's just another face in the crowd.
The table was set for two, a fine tablecloth and polished silverware sitting atop it. Mere minutes after placing their orders, a massive Diamond Dog female walked out carrying two plates stacked high with steaming food.
"Eat up now children! You let momma know if you need anything!"
Isabelle stared after the Alpha Female. Gawain chuckled.
"She's quite a character isn't she?"
Isabelle nodded.
"Why do they call her big mamma?"
Gawain smirked.
"Aside from the obvious? ....It's her demeanor. She treats everyone, and I mean everyone, like family. Doesn't matter your age or your race, everyone's welcome at Big Momma's house."
Isabelle didn't know how to respond to that, mutely taking a bite of her food. Her eyes lit up. Gawain was right, this was very good food.
———————————————————————————————
Almost an hour later, the two young Griffons walked out the same door they'd entered, moving a bit more slowly than they had before. Big Mamma's cooking may have tasted delicious, but it also settled like a lead weight in one's gut.
The two knights on the rooftop across the street watched their charges slowly flap their wings and, after a very brief window where it seemed like the two had been grounded by the contents of their stomachs, lift off into the sky.
Moments later, they followed.
—————————————————————————————
The two landed back at the Brissette Manor, both breathing just a bit more heavily than they normally would. Gawain smiled.
"I had a wonderful time tonight. Thanks for going out with me."
Isabelle blushed.
"I-I had a nice time as well...thank you."
Isabelle nervously gripped the material of her dress, scrunching it up as she gathered her courage.
"C-could we...do this again sometime?"
Gawain's smile widened, nodding his head.
"Of course! I'm always happy to spend time with you."
Isabelle smiled back, her blush strengthening....then quickly leaned forward, planting a kiss on the Prince's cheek before dashing inside faster than Gawain could react.
As a somewhat shocked Gawain stood confused before the closed door of the manor house, one of his bodyguards held out an outstretched talon to the other.
"Pay up."
I am terrible at writing stuff like this...I promise that the next post won't take as long as this one did.
Um okay? You don't need to tell me the obvious. That's very clearly not what I am going for, and I don't know why you continue to harp me about it. You're kinda creating a toxic atmosphere here.
Um okay? You don't need to tell me the obvious. That's very clearly not what I am going for, and I don't know why you continue to harp me about it. You're kinda creating a toxic atmosphere here.
You stated you wanted to form a branch family to bind neighpon to the empire via quulin marriage with our heir.
I said it would be smarter if it was one of our other children as a quulin and a griffon are unlikely able to have children and thus, if it came to pass, would leave the empire without an heir.
It is impossible to have quulin blood on the throne because they cannot reproduce to have a child with quulin blood. Thus the smarter option is, if one of our kids goes for it, to have one of our daughters marry a quulin.
Because I don't care as much about the idea as you clearly do for attacking it. I already said I can wait until the next generation in about 30 or so turns (if the quest lives that long) as telling my thoughts about the latest chapter. That is the end of that. There was no need for you to continue going on and on in this relentless fashion as you have.
I did not say that. I very clearly clarified that I wanted the main line to be binded to them. A branch family would be with one of the heir's siblings (or the emperor's siblings if he had had any that also had imperial blood). You were the one who advocated attempting to create a branch family by marriage to the second-in-line or to the Crystal Pony kid.
Look, i am not attacking the idea. I am just pointing out that if the heir marries a quulin it would end that line with them as they would not be able to produce an heir.
So when they die, the line would end and thus would begin a fight for succession.
I am not attacking it, just pointing out some issues that would crop up if we went that route.
Finally the interlude i have been waiting for and it goes beyond my expectations. Well worth the wait and very well written Questor can wait for rumor mill now to see how this crazy world is going.
Hmmm. I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. Even if one of our griffin kids married a quilin this generation, we would still have at least one other griffin kid to carry on the line. It would put an unfortunate amount of pressure on them to reproduce, but we shouldn't have any succession issues. Plus there's always Gleaming Pearl who is last in line but could still have her descendants inherit the throne if we truly do not have anyone else left.
If we wait a generation like Pyrrhos suggested, it should be even less of an issue because our kids will likely produce a decent amount of grandkids, and having one unable to reproduce should still be fine since there will be others.
Edit:
Not to mention, even if our line dies out entirely we still have a good thousand years of Gwindlin being regent. I don't think that's bad at all as far as country lifespans go.
Hmmm. I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. Even if one of our griffin kids married a quilin this generation, we would still have at least one other griffin kid to carry on the line. It would put an unfortunate amount of pressure on them to reproduce, but we shouldn't have any succession issues. Plus there's always Gleaming Pearl who is last in line but could still have her descendants inherit the throne if we truly do not have anyone else left.
If we wait a generation like Pyrrhos suggested, it should be even less of an issue because our kids will likely produce a decent amount of grandkids, and having one unable to reproduce should still be fine since there will be others.
Edit:
Not to mention, even if our line dies out entirely we still have a good thousand years of Gwindlin being regent. I don't think that's bad at all as far as country lifespans go.
The main issue is that after waiting a generation there will likely be several branch families each with a claim to the throne. If the Heir marries someone who cannot give an heir upon their death there would be a great number of branch family members with a decent claim to the throne.
This would likely result in a dynastic war as evidenced by similar occurrences historically IRL as several branches choose one or more people they believe should rule and the nobility divide among them forming factions which then fight over who is to rule.
It is less that our entire line dies out but more that the ruling line dies off leaving behind several branches of the family to duke it out over who gets the big hat.
EDIT: As Regent Gwen would likely be holding the Traditionalist Faction in such an event but, historically speaking, this would be by no means be a guarantee that she would be able to prevent a civil war. Most likely scenario if she manages it is more of a shadow war between nobility with lots of assassination, framing, blackmail, etc as they each try and gain influence to take the throne.
If we are supremely lucky she actually chooses someone to support to the throne granting them a degree of legitimacy though doing so would likely alienate the rest creating further fracturing.
All in all it is simpler and less likely to end in disaster if we have a continuous and clear line of succession for the ruling line with legitimate heirs and a spare produced as early as possible.
The main issue is that after waiting a generation there will likely be several branch families each with a claim to the throne. If the Heir marries someone who cannot give an heir upon their death there would be a great number of branch family members with a decent claim to the throne.
This would likely result in a dynastic war as evidenced by similar occurrences historically IRL as several branches choose one or more people they believe should rule and the nobility divide among them forming factions which then fight over who is to rule.
Ah. Could we fix that by just making sure that the order of succession is always very very clear?
Sounds to me like this all just means that we should adopt a quilin, instead of marrying one. Then define their place in line as fairly low, like we did with Pearl.
Well, unless it is more of a cultural thing it is unlikely to work. I am not talking about one or two generations of culture but something akin the rigid caste system of Mesopotamia (i think, it is some ancient civilization in the general area) which had a similar system. It really only worked though due to the fact that NOT following the rules was seen as a major weakness and usually caused them to be killed off for the next in line to step up.
Sounds to me like this all just means that we should adopt a quilin, instead of marrying one. Then define their place in line as fairly low, like we did with Pearl.
Seems viable, the real question is.... Where in succession are they? Do we put them ahead of pearl? Behind her (possibly interpreted as a snub towards nieghpon saying the crystal empire is above them in importance)?
We need to consider the consequences and benefits carefully before we commit.
Titles: Emperor of Gryphus, King of Griffonia, Inheritor of the Imperial House of Gryphus, The Unifier, Great Winged Alpha, The Lightbringer, The Liberator, the King of the North.
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.
Orichalcum Sword: A blade made of an extremely durable, magic resistant metal
Sendak Manuscript: Recovered from the Archives of the Shadow King Sombra, this strange book is bound in the treated flesh of monsters and is written in numerous unknown tongues. It contains diagrams that seem to reference everything from the movements of stellar bodies to the biology of plants and animals to the complex physics of magical phenomenon. It's origins remain a mystery.
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)
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: 14
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)
Trait: Gardener-Years of studying and caring for plants has taught her much in the realm of botany, and has instilled in her an understanding of how hard work and patience can yield great dividends. (+2 Stewardship, +1 Learning, +1 Intrigue)
-Army Upkeep: 268
-Navy Upkeep: 119
-Office of Disease Control: 10
-Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 10
-Ministry of Information: 10
-Crystal University: 10
-Peregrine Line: 100
-Naval Shipyards: 600
Military
Imperial Army: Professional soldiers, paid and supplied by you. 500 soldier battalions cost 100 gold each to raise or replace. Additionally, Imperial Army soldiers have an upkeep cost of 100 gold per every ten thousand soldiers.
Imperial Army Morale: 80/100 (Strong)
Imperial Army Numbers: 26,764
-12,500 Warriors: Armed with a sword or hand-axe and shield, these Griffons make up the bulk of your army.
-6250 Polearms: For keeping your enemy at arms length or taking down opponents larger than a Griffon.
-6250 Archers: Griffons with bows and some arrows. Not much else to say.
-1500 Diamond Dogs: Armed with a variety of swords, maces, war axes, and other weapons suitable for close-quarters, Diamond Dogs are masters of subterranean combat, and are well suited to ambush tactics.
-264 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.
-4 Mobile Ballistae: Massively oversized mechanical bows that fire bolts big enough to pierce through tree trunks from vast distances.
-19 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
250 Imperial Knights
300 Squires
600 Griffons-at-Arms
200 Diamond Knights
Citadel: The Lion's Den, Griffonia
The Knights Talon
1 Grandmaster Colombroni Pigeonio
30 Knights of the Inner Circle
300 Imperial Knights
250 Squires
500 Griffons-at-Arms
200 Diamond Knights
Citadel: The Crow's Nest, Wingbardy
The Knights Panther
1 Grandmaster Adrian Dawnquill
35 Knights of the Inner Circle
250 Imperial Knights
300 Squires
600 Griffons-at-Arms
200 Diamond Knights
Citadel: The Black Fortress, Aquileia
The Crystal Guardians
1 Grandmaster Glimmer Shine
10 Knights of the Inner Circle
100 Crystal Knights
120 Crystal Squires
200 Ponies-at-Arms
Citadel: The Ivory Keep, Crystal City
Royal Navy: The vessels that guard your coastlines and patrol the oceans. Crewed by career sailors, they have an upkeep of three gold per ship, per year.
20 Cogs (Bolt-Throwers)
19 Carracks (Cannons)
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: 10/10 (All Hail the Glorious Emperor!).
General Public Opinion: 9.5/10 (Hail to the Emperor!).
Protectorate Opinion: 9.5/10 (Hail Golden-Feather the Brave and Glorious!)
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
Pre-Discord Map: +10 to next Exploration Roll
Scatter-Shot: Bonus to Certain Cannon Rolls
Blasting Jelly: +5 to Certain Explosive Rolls
Camouflage 101: +5 to Certain Intrigue/Army Rolls
Firebender Designed Flamethrowers: +5 to all Flamethrower/Liquid Fire Rolls
Imperial War Memorial: Army Morale may not fall below 20, Militia count as Regulars when defending Core Territory
???: 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.
Minamoto Tadakatsu: Shogun of Neighpon. Born to peasant farmers, he's more than earned his place as the most powerful Samurai amongst the Qilin. After he lead the Neighponese contingent during the Invasion of the Crystal Empire and kindly instructed you in the myriad varieties and intricacies of tea on the campaign trail, you've come to respect the more-than-century-old warrior.
Konrad Hardbeak, "The Kingslayer": Grandmaster of the Knights Lion and Hero of the Empire. Beheaded Brochard the pretender, crippled Sombra the shadow king twice over, and received the very first Imperial Medal of Honor. Despite it all, he is surprisingly humble, insisting in vain that he was, and is, merely doing his duty to the Empire, and to you. He is the very model of an Imperial Knight.
Ivory Rook: Consul of the Crystal Protectorate and head of the Crystal Assembly. One of the first of the Crystal Ponies to be freed from Sombra's mind control, Rook has taken to his position of authority reluctantly, more out of a desire to help his people than any desire for power. Nevertheless, he's proven a charismatic leader and an able administrator, dedicated to doing right by his people, no matter what the cost.
Isabelle Brissette: Relatives of the infamous Brochard dynasty, Isabelle and the Brissette family have been ostracized by the Imperial Nobility, reduced to a shadow of their former influence and prosperity, though by some miracle they still cling to some of their lands. Isabelle herself is a painfully shy little thing, unused to having friends willing to look past her lineage. Gawain hopes to show her that her ancestry does not define her, and that she is more than her uncle's legacy.
Ki Seong: Daughter of the Neighponese ambassador to the Empire of Gryphus, Ki Seong has spent the past several years living in a nation far from the land of her birth, and, much like her father, is committed to being a shining example of Neighpon and conducting herself in an honorable manner at all times. That being said, Gawain suspects she enjoys the opportunity to "let her hair down" amongst others of similarly elevated status, where she will not have to worry as much about what others think of her.
Sebastian Rainfeather: A quiet and somewhat socially awkward young Gryph, Sebastian is an avowed scholar and the heir to the noble house of Rainfeather. Due to his somewhat sheltered upbringing, he, like Gawain, has struggled to make friends, something that Gawain seeks to remedy. For his part, the young Rainfeather is simply glad to have a chess partner his own age who can keep up with him.
Hoofbeard: A former slave turned Pirate Captain, now a respected and influential figure amongst the inhabitants of the island nation of Libertalia. He has agreed to help you and your people, seeing in you a chance to improve Libertalia and stick it to Maretonia's slaveholding class.
Seems viable, the real question is.... Where in succession are they? Do we put them ahead of pearl? Behind her (possibly interpreted as a snub towards nieghpon saying the crystal empire is above them in importance)?
We need to consider the consequences and benefits carefully before we commit.
Queen Mareia must have had a very bad or a very good year depending.
still, i wonder what we will or can do next year?
i`m not really feeling the go too war fibe yet and well there are a lot of other plates spinning so ya?
invest in magic support the econ and help out other ppl with there monster problems?
other than say maybe find someone too put the yak under one leader i`m not sure
We could always try exploring and see if we cant find who the maretonia trades with, i believable questor said they were south east ish i think well have to ask again that was a while ago.
I do hope we can start a little trade empire overseas. Maybe if we eventually take that option to explore with Neighpon after we've finished the more important actions, we will discover a China parallel we can lease some mostly-uninhabited islands from?
Also i just re read we have two things coming in the rumor mill from the random event rolls so its very possible some one new has found us again. All we can do now is wait.
