- Location
- The state of Paranoia
We have:
To choose from. There will also likely be an option to delve deeper into the Crystal Heart, I think.
Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest
- Thread starter Questor
- Start date
- Location
- The state of Paranoia
Hoofbeard's Heist, perhaps. Unfortunately, it may be a bad idea to do both the heist and exploring, as it could lead to some awkward first impressions.
On the other hand, if we're smooth enough we can be able to put the new country in contact with some 'up and coming entrepreneurs' just as they're realizing that the Maretonians aren't coming.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
When Gawain eventually becomes monarch, I wonder what will be done to celebrate his ascension. Obviously a parade at the minimum, but I am talking details rather than generalities. Passing on the crown from the founder of the new empire to his son is a very momentous occasion beyond a mere "regular" coronation after all. It represents stability and the potential for the empire to last long beyond its first few rulers.
Turn 23 Rumor Mill
- Location
- Maryland
A United Yakyakistan: A new player has emerged in the great game of geo-politics. In a sudden shift in the political landscape of Yakyakistan, the elder councils of all the major clans have come together to form a unified kingdom of Yaks, merging their peoples and territories into a singular polity. While many Yaks have been working towards such a unification for years, much of the credit for the union of the clans goes to the newly crowned King Rutherford, who brought the disparate groups together via a mixture of charismatic negotiation and honor duels against those who resisted. Calling for unity in the face of a changing world, the new Lord of the Steppe now seeks to consolidate his power and secure his new kingdom's place in the world.
Journey to the East: A feeling of excitement spreads across Neighpon and Gryphus as Emperor Kōryū dispatches a small fleet of exploratory vessels to search for lands to the East and make contact with other peoples whose existences have been hinted at by wreckage of foreign vessels on Neighponese shores. The Neighponese Fleet departs to much fanfare, embarking upon a journey that is expected to take several months, depending on what they find. The fleet returns almost half a year later, bearing news, exotic goods, and a few battle-scars. Apparently they'd had quite the adventure.
It takes time for word of their exploits to reach the shores of Gryphus, but when it does it causes quite the stir amongst the nobility and commoners alike. For the Neighponese explorers have discovered not one, but two new lands, both of which have their own inhabitants with their own unique cultures.
The first newly met nation, and the closest to Neighpon, is the Kingdom of the Emerald Isles, a nation that is of great interest to you and your subjects due to the fact that it is inhabited almost entirely by Diamond Dogs. A King known simply as Rex, the Alpha of Alphas, rules over numerous packs, each pledging fealty to him and his dynasty. Though suspicious of outsiders, Rex and his court are cautiously open to the possibility of trade, a possibility that excites the merchants and nobles of your Empire as, by all accounts the Emerald Isles are as rich in gemstones and precious metals as the name would suggest.
The second culture encountered by the Neighponese explorers, and the reason why the Emerald Isles are only "mostly" inhabited by Diamond Dogs, are the Caribou.
Unlike the Diamond Dogs, the Caribou are not native to the Emerald Isles, instead hailing from a land they call Olenia. They are also not unified under a single ruler, being divided into numerous Duchies and Petty Kingdoms, each ruled by a Jarl or Chieftain. It is not uncommon for these groups to war against each other over territory, wealth, and even religious differences. They are a nautical culture, conducting trade and war alike via the sea, their unique and distinctive vessels plying the waves carrying goods and warriors alike.
They are also the reason for the Emerald Dogs's caution towards outsiders, for their settlements have suffered numerous raids and sacks at the hoofs of Caribou Vikingers, though these raids have recently begun to give way to trade (albeit with the threat of further raids compelling such exchanges of goods). On the majority of such raids the Caribou will simply steal whatever valuables they can before returning to their homeland, but on one particular occasion an ambitious Caribou Chieftain seized and occupied a small portion of the Emerald Isles, turning it into a Caribou colony of a sort. Why King Rex has not attempted to remove these foreigners from his lands is a question the expedition could not find an answer to.
All in all, the Neighponese expedition is a great success, but has raised as many questions as it has answered. What other nations may lie across the sea, and what impact will these newly met peoples have upon Gryphus and its neighbors?
Hybrid Hippogriffs: Mixed-race marriages are not a new phenomenon in the Empire. With Diamond Dogs, Crystal Ponies, and even the rare Yak or Qilin calling Gryphus home, it is not surprising that relationships would form between peoples of different races. Under most circumstances, the very nature of these relationships necessitates adoption rather than traditional means of procreation, for reasons that should be obvious. Most, but apparently not all.
Excitement, astonishment and confusion sweeps through the Empire in equal measure as news of a curious and unexpected new phenomenon reaches the public: hybrid children of Griffons and Ponies, the newborns bearing the traits of both races. These "Hippogriffs" (the popular name for the new race) have baffled the medical community, their hybrid nature seeming to go against all conventional wisdom. Even more amazing is the fact that many of the young hybrids have been reported to possess a measure of magical talent, something no full-blooded Griffon possesses. Regardless, the newborns are healthy and their parents are overjoyed with their unexpected blessings. The rest of the Empire anticipates further surprises from this whole new class as they grow to adulthood.
Journey to the East: A feeling of excitement spreads across Neighpon and Gryphus as Emperor Kōryū dispatches a small fleet of exploratory vessels to search for lands to the East and make contact with other peoples whose existences have been hinted at by wreckage of foreign vessels on Neighponese shores. The Neighponese Fleet departs to much fanfare, embarking upon a journey that is expected to take several months, depending on what they find. The fleet returns almost half a year later, bearing news, exotic goods, and a few battle-scars. Apparently they'd had quite the adventure.
It takes time for word of their exploits to reach the shores of Gryphus, but when it does it causes quite the stir amongst the nobility and commoners alike. For the Neighponese explorers have discovered not one, but two new lands, both of which have their own inhabitants with their own unique cultures.
The first newly met nation, and the closest to Neighpon, is the Kingdom of the Emerald Isles, a nation that is of great interest to you and your subjects due to the fact that it is inhabited almost entirely by Diamond Dogs. A King known simply as Rex, the Alpha of Alphas, rules over numerous packs, each pledging fealty to him and his dynasty. Though suspicious of outsiders, Rex and his court are cautiously open to the possibility of trade, a possibility that excites the merchants and nobles of your Empire as, by all accounts the Emerald Isles are as rich in gemstones and precious metals as the name would suggest.
The second culture encountered by the Neighponese explorers, and the reason why the Emerald Isles are only "mostly" inhabited by Diamond Dogs, are the Caribou.
Unlike the Diamond Dogs, the Caribou are not native to the Emerald Isles, instead hailing from a land they call Olenia. They are also not unified under a single ruler, being divided into numerous Duchies and Petty Kingdoms, each ruled by a Jarl or Chieftain. It is not uncommon for these groups to war against each other over territory, wealth, and even religious differences. They are a nautical culture, conducting trade and war alike via the sea, their unique and distinctive vessels plying the waves carrying goods and warriors alike.
They are also the reason for the Emerald Dogs's caution towards outsiders, for their settlements have suffered numerous raids and sacks at the hoofs of Caribou Vikingers, though these raids have recently begun to give way to trade (albeit with the threat of further raids compelling such exchanges of goods). On the majority of such raids the Caribou will simply steal whatever valuables they can before returning to their homeland, but on one particular occasion an ambitious Caribou Chieftain seized and occupied a small portion of the Emerald Isles, turning it into a Caribou colony of a sort. Why King Rex has not attempted to remove these foreigners from his lands is a question the expedition could not find an answer to.
All in all, the Neighponese expedition is a great success, but has raised as many questions as it has answered. What other nations may lie across the sea, and what impact will these newly met peoples have upon Gryphus and its neighbors?
Hybrid Hippogriffs: Mixed-race marriages are not a new phenomenon in the Empire. With Diamond Dogs, Crystal Ponies, and even the rare Yak or Qilin calling Gryphus home, it is not surprising that relationships would form between peoples of different races. Under most circumstances, the very nature of these relationships necessitates adoption rather than traditional means of procreation, for reasons that should be obvious. Most, but apparently not all.
Excitement, astonishment and confusion sweeps through the Empire in equal measure as news of a curious and unexpected new phenomenon reaches the public: hybrid children of Griffons and Ponies, the newborns bearing the traits of both races. These "Hippogriffs" (the popular name for the new race) have baffled the medical community, their hybrid nature seeming to go against all conventional wisdom. Even more amazing is the fact that many of the young hybrids have been reported to possess a measure of magical talent, something no full-blooded Griffon possesses. Regardless, the newborns are healthy and their parents are overjoyed with their unexpected blessings. The rest of the Empire anticipates further surprises from this whole new class as they grow to adulthood.
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- Location
- Goose Land
Well, I guess we know what the near crit was about.
Not!Britain and Not!Scandinavia then, in the period where the cultures were settling down from competing tribes to organized states. The Isles should be fairly simple to contact and trade with, while the Vikings, even as they transition to traders rather than raiders, may require us to build a fort over there to secure a port for trade.
Good news is, without a need for increasing the genetic viability of your population some of the more common results of raiders won't be happening. Thralls yes I suppose, as no one really enjoys tending the fields, but... Well, can't win them all.
- Location
- Florida
At least it's not...those type of Caribou (hopefully). Then again...what's one of the other things Vikings were known to do during and after raids? Abducting people as 'Thralls' (slaves). Hopefully the Caribou are specist and elitist enough to not go to those...extremes on other species.
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While you're rebuilding the world @Questor I would like to see some dapper raptors if they could be fit in anywhere.
- Location
- Italy
So, quick conclusions
1) we need to meet Rutherford to make certain relationships with the Yaks stay friendly.
Also to negotiate access to the oricalchum mine, and possibly have them join our military alliance with Neighpon. One more ally against current and future enemies.
2) we need a stronger navy in case Neighpon ends up needing our help against the caribou. Luckily we already have shipyards pumping out cannon-ships every year, though we might now want to consider the ship-conversion Action.. We might also want to sell the advanced ship blueprints to Neighpon though.
We trust them, and making them stronger makes it more likely we won't have to fight a sea war while our navy is still under expansion..
...did they really needed to be Caribou though?
3) yay, hippogriphs! We should consider offering them scholarships for magic schools (especially the crystal university). They get a free advanced education, we get a new type of magic to study. Win-win.
...I wonder what other hybrids are possible.
1) we need to meet Rutherford to make certain relationships with the Yaks stay friendly.
Also to negotiate access to the oricalchum mine, and possibly have them join our military alliance with Neighpon. One more ally against current and future enemies.
2) we need a stronger navy in case Neighpon ends up needing our help against the caribou. Luckily we already have shipyards pumping out cannon-ships every year, though we might now want to consider the ship-conversion Action.. We might also want to sell the advanced ship blueprints to Neighpon though.
We trust them, and making them stronger makes it more likely we won't have to fight a sea war while our navy is still under expansion..
...did they really needed to be Caribou though?
3) yay, hippogriphs! We should consider offering them scholarships for magic schools (especially the crystal university). They get a free advanced education, we get a new type of magic to study. Win-win.
...I wonder what other hybrids are possible.
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
Huh.
We're already part way through eliminating that drawback.
Guys lets just put the topic of such things down. (and please anyone that doesn't know what the fuss is, don't ask)
I'm much more interested in the new Yak king and what his relationship with us will be moving forward. We are their friendly neighbor shown to have great power, potential, and honor. But we are still two very different groups that will now be engaging in more complex diplomacy. They have their great size and vast lands to use for a common purpose now, with a greater ability to see our moves to influence them on societal scale. The Maretonian situation is on a simmer now, Canterbury is still the new kid on the block.
How we react to Yaks is going to be very important next turn.
I'm much more interested in the new Yak king and what his relationship with us will be moving forward. We are their friendly neighbor shown to have great power, potential, and honor. But we are still two very different groups that will now be engaging in more complex diplomacy. They have their great size and vast lands to use for a common purpose now, with a greater ability to see our moves to influence them on societal scale. The Maretonian situation is on a simmer now, Canterbury is still the new kid on the block.
How we react to Yaks is going to be very important next turn.
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- Location
- Florida
Let's be careful and make sure they don't suffer 'Unicorn syndrome' and become elitist assholes like pre-Heartwarming Eve Unicorns.
- Location
- United States of America
So I'm thinking this coming turn my two wants for actions is the far south exploration to meet Maretonia trade partners and skill train for the cp.
- Location
- SF Bay Area
why not a state visit?
Crafter of War
The Dorf
- Location
- Bend
As someone who's very unfamiliar with the MLPverse, could you go into a bit more detail?
- Location
- Italy
Unlikely, they're literally children of muggles and ex-slaves. They don't have a long history of being the "superior ones" like the unicorns did
Unless we do something really wrong they should be fine.
Also the crystal ponies have magic too, even if we still don't know how it works all that well.
Most nobles in mlp are unicorns, and before Equestria they controlled the sun and the moon, which obviously made them feel more important than the earth ponies (mostly farmers from which they took food) and pegasi (who ALSO took food from the earth ponies as payment for "weather services").
Also there's the fact that unicorn magic has a lot more variety in its effects, and the strongest unicorns seem able to do pretty much anything. Also a common cliché in fanfics is that most unicorns are at least a bit racists.
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It only seems prudent to make a small show of support for their centralization by meeting the leader of the new system. If Rutherford should come away with some form of new agreement or treaty with us that will further solidify his position as the head of this new state. But we must always be cautious with new leaders, for they can easily be rivals. He may believe (quite rightly) that we have been influencing his people is society from the shadows, and wouldn't take kindly to this intrusion upon his culture. No matter if he is the largest single benefactor, they are a very proud people.
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- Location
- Borderworld, Xen
Oh no...
Its happening again....
Let's investigate them with our rather effective Intelligence Agents... just to make sure...
- Location
- Italy
Eh, hopefully everything will be fine. Many of our soldiers are considered kin of the Yaks for fighting at their side against Sombra, and we helped them a lot without never really asking for anything in exchange. We should have a lot of good will built up.
I have no doubts about that, but he may move to lessen our ability to gain information or influence the public. I very much doubt he would be all fire and brimstone about it, but we now have a true dance partner in the politics of the yaks.
Edit: My point is that they would almost certainly wish to be the sole guiders of their culture, just as we will wish to maintain some control over them as the only true bordering state to our heartlands that is not under our direct control. I don't fear war, but we would be lessened by the yaks turning from our influence do to a surprise leader that doesn't wish for health relations. We should try our best to maintain the gentle claw we've had on them from the start.
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- Location
- Land of Confusion
Discord strikes again!