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.
19 Carracks, and we can always convert the bolt throwers if we need a few more ships in a hurry. We're also getting 1d4 carracks every turn.
... Actually, i propose we expand our shipyards again and
1)sell some of the new carracks to Neighpon (unless they simply decide to buy the blueprints, and even then they could probably use a few extra ships)
2)make a deal with Rutherford to sell him either the Cogs or even some carracks (or both, really. We don't need Cogs anymore, while we need every new carrack we can produce, so obviously we'd be willing to give them the Cogs for relatively little compared to the Carracks, but if they're friendly there's no reason we can't make a deal about both types of ships, as long as we make certain we always have a stronger navy than them).
Right now i think the Yak have no navy, and even if the Cogs have less firepower (though they're actually a bit faster) than the Carracks a few cogs are better than no ship.
We could even make it part of our offer for the oricalchum. Rights to all/part of the oricalchum extracted in their territory in exchange for ships/favourable terms for the ships.
in the actual show their was a whole kingdom of hippogriffs that things was they were really good at making magical items and made one that turned their whole race into sea ponies (read pony mermaids) to escape from an invading force by hiding under the sea. So if a whole kingdom can be made entirely out of hippogriffs then it's probably a safe bet to assume the can have kids.
I don't think they ever explicitely stated who made that magical pearl. For all we know it was a gift from Celestia, or a natural object, or an ancient artifact from long before Discord.
What's the hullaballoo about caribou? The players have been acting cagey on whatever it is. They're Vikings alright. And of they get uppity we can go to war against them and show naval superiority by sinking and drowning them at sea.
What's the hullaballoo about caribou? The players have been acting cagey on whatever it is. They're Vikings alright. And of they get uppity we can go to war against them and show naval superiority by sinking and drowning them at sea.
True. It's too bad we can't test the effects of orichalcum on hippogriffs or the Crystal Heart without running the risk of breaking something. It would be nice to confirm.
Maybe if our science was advanced enough, we could isolate cells from hippogriffs and see how they react to orichalcum, but I'm not sure if we even know that we're made out of cells yet. We have a CDC, so we must have Germ Theory, but that's as far as we've learned as far as I know.
What's the hullaballoo about caribou? The players have been acting cagey on whatever it is. They're Vikings alright. And of they get uppity we can go to war against them and show naval superiority by sinking and drowning them at sea.
Fair. It might be interesting to look into why that is. Is there some kind of fundamental difference between active and passive magic which allows orichalcum to only affect active magic? If so, what is that difference? Perhaps passive magic actually just changes whatever material it acts upon, and then once it's changed the magic goes away so there's nothing for orichalcum to dispel?
The difference is likely that "passive" magic is anchored by the soul and flesh of the individual it is a part of and so can't be dispersed in the same manner as a freestandng arcane pattern.
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.
I say send an expedition to far south to meet Maretonia trade partner see what they are and before we do Hoofbeard heist/privateer action since there in an unknown amount of steps to complete the airship it'd be quicker to send our ships.
We should try to get access to the Caribou trade network. Real world Vikings were some of the best traders in the medieval world, getting in on that would make everyone rich.
We should try to get access to the Caribou trade network. Real world Vikings were some of the best traders in the medieval world, getting in on that would make everyone rich.
My opinion is to stick to a single exploration just in case something bad happens and we don't know much about the new Yak king he might not approve of armed foreign forces moving through his peoples land so let's wait until we see how we stand with the new Yak kingdom. As for vikings I see no reason why we should our own forces are fine and loyal to us maybe we could hire some as guides if we ever head towards their native lands or their territory they share with the DD kingdom.
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.
We don't need no magic MacGuffin or chosen people. Unlike Equestria we have an army that doesn't fold like a origami figure. It doesn't matter how invincible you claim to be or what magics you wield, our militarised populace of talon and fang and hoof will find a way to break you apart and build a victory monument made from your melted down weapons.
