- Location
- Hell, or at least the closest place to it
Huh. That... is a pretty great idea. Awesome.
Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest
- Thread starter Questor
- Start date
- Location
- Germany
I have my moments, yeah.
It simply strikes me as the most pragmatic solution to the whole conundrum.
- Location
- Italy
That's what I was thinking. If the Crystal Heart was a Changeling artifact, that it's probably proof that, at some point in the past, there was at least a group of NOT-EVIL changelings that acted in a symbiotic relationship with the Crystal ponies. It's an incredibly efficient way of gathering love to either use (for protection) or eat.
Or, I suppose, maybe the crystal ponies stole it from the Changelings a long time ago, and the records about it where lost or destroyed. That's also a possibility.
I have to wonder how the heart would react to a changeling attempt to feed from it. Would it try to defend itself? would it share its love freely? Maybe it would recognize its ancient masters/creators.
- Location
- Germany
Considering that the Heart possesses a rudimentary intelligence and agency, I´d say that its response to a Changeling feeding from it would depend on the nature of the feeding and the Changeling´s disposition, so to speak (totally disregarding the idea that the Heart has been created either by them or with them in mind, of course)
- Location
- Moncton New Brunswick
hmmmmm….honestly even though I haven't watched an entire lets play of fire emblem 3 houses their queen is giving off lady rhea vibes.....but as I said don't know 3 houses lore that well
Summit of Roam, Part 1
- Location
- Maryland
Gawain Golden-Feather, Crown Prince of the Empire of Gryphus, stood before the grand double doors of the Royal Palace of Maretonia, nervously adjusting his armor and making sure the crown upon his head was centered properly. He was beginning to regret going along with the Lady Eagleclaw's suggestion that he be the leader of the Imperial delegation to Roam. On paper the idea had merit. The heir to the Imperial Throne acting as an ambassador would lend weight to any statements or promises, and would give the impression that the Empire was giving the events unfolding in Maretonia it's full attention. And though Gawain wouldn't admit it to anyone but his closest friends, it would give him a chance to actually do something with his position and prove himself worthy of the right to bear the crown his father wore.
At least, that was the thinking that had led to him stuffing himself inside a suit of armor that was equal parts form and function before climbing aboard one of several sky carriages that would carry him and the rest of the delegation across the war-torn countryside of Maretonia. The route had been planned out months in advance, scouted out by the Abolitionists and by Ravenburg's agents for any potential threats before the Maretonian Royal Guard had begun their own patrol of the skies along the route. No one expected House White Star to try anything...but after the storm, no one was putting much past Pegicles. From there it had been a straight shot from the Hardbeak Line to the walls of Roam, the sentinels of the Maretonian Guard keeping watch on and for the convoy as it made its way towards the heart of the formerly prosperous kingdom.
Even from several thousand feet in the air, one could tell that the war was having a pronounced effect upon the Ponies of Maretonia. Every now and then one could spy a collection of tents denoting one of the many refugee camps through the trees, or witness a line of plodding forms traveling along the ill-maintained roads that still connected the various townships and provinces of the nation. And that was before they landed and got to see Roam itself, the once grand city now host to thousands of desperate and displaced Ponies desperate to escape to one of the few places in the country where they wouldn't get caught in a crossfire between the feuding noble houses. To their credit, Gawain and his colleagues could see the city's stewards trying to assist the lost and destitute who had come to them for protection, handing out bread and putting up families of refugees in the abandoned homes of the nobles who had once schemed and plotted for power over them, but it was clear to the visiting dignitaries that what aid was being given was not enough.
It had been a surreal experience, being led through the cobblestone streets past manors and temples of carved marble and gilded sandstone, their hallow-eyed inhabitants clad in mismatched outfits and waiting in soup lines, their escorts barely giving the scenes a second glance as the diplomatic party was led into the heart of the city and through the gates of the Palace, kept sealed ever since the death of the Queen. And now Gawain stood before the entrance to the throne room, awaiting entry and an opportunity to speak with the Captain General in an attempt to get her and her fellow Royal Guards to break their neutrality and/or allow the establishment of an international aid program. A tall order... and one that he had been tasked with fulfilling.
Gawain sighed, trying to steady himself. He supposed that someone could make a "careful what you wish for" comment if the stakes weren't so unbelievably high. He was startled out of his thoughts by a nudge against his shoulder.
"Hey, you ok?"
He turned to take in the concerned visage of Sebastian Rainfeather. Gawain still wasn't entirely certain what had led his friend to come along on this mission. Officially he was there to serve as an aide to Gawain as part of his recent appointment to the civil service. Unofficially, Gawain suspected Lord Ravenburg had pulled a few strings to send the scholar along on the expedition for some other, less obvious purpose. Regardless of the reason, Gawain was just happy to have a familiar face at his side.
The crown prince nodded at his friend's look of concern, trying to put on a brave face.
"Yes...just a little nervous."
The shorter Griffon tried to give a reassuring smile.
"We're all nervous. But hey..."
He motioned to the imposing doorway, still sealed shut.
"...imagine how they feel."
Gawain took another breath, nodding.
"Thanks. That actually makes me feel a bit better."
Sebastian smiled a bit broader, patting his friend on the shoulder as he took a step back, back amongst the numerous diplomats and bureaucrats that made up the rest of the mission.
"It's what I'm here for."
Any response Gawain could gave given was drowned out as the grand doors to the Palace began to creak open. He and Sebastian schooled their expressions. It was time to get serious.
———————————————————————————————
Gawain would give the Maretonians one thing: they knew how to decorate a palace. The contents of the hallway he was walking through were likely worth more than the combined yearly salaries of all the civil servants accompanying him. Still, it didn't impress him too much. Honestly he was surprised that what remained of the local government hadn't pawned the expensive furnishings to either fund their peacekeeping efforts or provide aid to the refugees. Then again...it wasn't like there were many left in Maretonia who could afford them anymore.
Gawain shook his head as the group's Maretonian escorts finally led them to the Throne room, an armored Unicorn Stallion formally announcing their presence as if the Monarch he had sworn service to was actually seated upon the marble throne that stood atop a raised dias at the other end of the expansive chamber. But the throne sat empty save for a single gilded and bejeweled orb, the symbol of the late Queen.
At the right side of the throne stood the Pony that Gawain had been sent to negotiate with: Captain General Marecinas.
At first glance, the dark-coated Unicorn mare, standing resplendent in shining golden armor atop the elevated position, made for an imposing figure. But as Gawain and his fellow Imperials made their way into the Throne Room proper and drew closer to the Captain General, the more observant of them began to pick up on the smaller details that gave a better understanding of exactly what state the mare was in. The plumage atop her helmet was in a state of disarray, several scuff marks and small dents present upon her armor. What little of her mane that was visible was a mess of split ends. There were bags under her eyes that looked like they should have been paying rent.
To Prince Gawain, the Captain General looked a mess.
Still, he didn't let his reaction show, keeping his expression blank as he walked ahead of the rest of the diplomatic party, stoping only a few feet from the Throne which the Unicorn stood alongside. He did not bow. Neither did she, merely tilting her head in acknowledgment.
"Prince Golden-Feather."
"Captain-General Marecinas."
The commander and de facto ruler of Roam stared him down, eyes tracing his armor and briefly lingering upon the sheathed blade at his hip. It was more of a symbol than a weapon at this point; if a fight broke out he and his entourage would be outnumbered over a hundred to one miles from even Abolitionist territory. The fact that the dozens of Royal Guards acting as sentries for the palace hadn't asked any of the Griffins to remove their weapons said much about their confidence in their ability to deal with any skirmishes that might break out.
But no one was here expecting a fight. They were here to try and prevent any further bloodshed. The difficulty would be convincing the Maretonians of that.
"You know why we are here."
It wasn't a question. The Captain General returned his gaze, her facial expression unchanging.
"I suspect you are here in an attempt to convince me and my fellow Guard to cease our neutrality and take action against House Storm."
Gawain nodded.
"Amongst other proposals, but yes, that is my chief aim here."
Marecinas took a few steps forward, her hooves making a soft but audible retort off the marble flooring.
"And why exactly should I feel compelled to do so? Why should we abandon our non-aligned stance simply because the emissaries of another nation implore us to? If anything, your presence here is a reason for me not to do so."
Gawain sighed. He'd been afraid of this, of the Maretonians immediately viewing him and the Empire in a hostile light. Still, he had to soldier on.
"Captain General...we both know that Pegicles does not have the best interests of the Maretonian people at heart. He has proven as such with his recent actions. Thousands dead, tens of thousands displaced, famine and disease looming over the survivors."
Marecinas was quick to retort, baring her teeth in a snarl.
"Do not recite the effects of the storm to me Griffon, we were the ones who were left to tally the dead while the Nobles squabbled over the wreckage!"
Gawain paused, momentarily taken aback by the Guard commander's sudden outburst, something that seemed to come as a shock even to her own subordinates, if the widened eyes on the other guards present in the room was anything to go by. Marecinas took a breath, returning her expression to one of placid calm.
"Make no mistake Prince Golden-Feather, I am well aware of the seeming indifference that Pegicles has for the lives of the very citizens he wishes to rule over...but what you suggest is hardly a solution. Our abandoning our neutrality would merely prolong the conflict and deprive the refugees that have sought shelter within our territory of one of the few safe havens left to them."
Gawain pressed on.
"And what will you do when Pegicles finally finishes rolling over House White Star? After all he's done, do you truly believe that he will not see you as another enemy to destroy?"
The assumption that Marecinas would not approve of the House Storm Patriarch's claim to the throne went unsaid. The Captain General snorted disdainfully.
"Your concern is appreciated Prince, but we in the Royal Guard are more than capable of defending ourselves and our charges. We are not House White Star. We are professional soldiers, the only ones left in Maretonia, and we swore oaths to defend this city and this palace from all threats, foreign and domestic. We are not slave soldiers or mercenaries who will crumble at the first volley, or flee when a bribe is offered. We will stand, we will fight, and we will win, as we always have."
Gawain suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow. She certainly sounded confident...but her appearance, and the slightest glimmer of apprehension in her eyes, told a different story.
"I have no doubt that, in a straight fight against Pegicles, you would likely be the victor. But how many soldiers will you lose? How many civilians will be caught in the crossfire? And what will happen if the stormbringer tries to bring about another cyclone here in Roam?"
Marecinas's left eye twitched almost imperceptibly, her gaze momentarily drifting to one of the windows through which the skyline of the capitol could be seen. Gawain had seen the reports regarding the artificial hurricane that had devastated the Eastern Provinces of Maretonia. If a similar storm struck here, half the buildings in the city wouldn't be left standing. To say nothing of the potential loss of life. Roam had been one of the most populous cities in the world before the war. And with the number of refugees now crowding its streets...the death toll would make the earlier storm seem paltry in comparison. Gawain pressed his advantage, a sense of urgency in his voice now.
"We both know that a confrontation is inevitable. We share a common enemy. Pegicles has proven himself a threat, not just to Gryphus or Maretonia, but to the whole world. Why face him alone when you do not have to?"
The Captain General returned her gaze to him, indecision in her eyes even as her face maintained a look of disapproval.
"And I am to presume that such aid would have strings attached? Beyond the obvious interference of Gryphus in Maretonian affairs?"
Gawain suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. If she didn't think they weren't already "interfering" in the civil war being waged right across their shared border...
"I would like to think that the Empire of Gryphus has earned the right to at least a modicum of trust at this point, after all that we have done to assist and provide for the countless Maretonians who have fled North to escape the conflict that we wish to see ended. Is it truly too much to believe that we genuinely seek an end to this conflict?"
Marecinas wasn't buying it, still staring down with contempt at the gilded avian.
"And I suppose you've been arming the Abolitionists purely out of the goodness of your hearts?"
Gawain inhaled deeply.
"We have worked with the Abolitionists, and sought to arm them, because as of now they are the only other force in Maretonia that is both willing and able to oppose Pegicles and House Storm, and we still see direct involvement in a civil conflict as something to be avoided if there are other options available."
The Crown Prince shook his head, sighing as he took a step closer to the steps leading up to the empty Throne.
"This war has caused untold death and destruction, and is now threatening to spill over the border into Gryphus. We want to prevent that from happening. You want to help your people and prevent another storm that would devastate your country. We share mutual goals and a common foe. We can accomplish more together than not."
He gave the Guard Commander an imploring look.
"At least consider our proposal on its merits before rejecting it out of hoof."
The Captain General stared silently down at the heir of Gryphus, her expression pensive. After an interminable silence, she gave a hesitant nod, stepping down from the elevated dias and looking Gawain directly in the eye for the first time.
"Very well. I will hear your proposal. Beyond that I can promise nothing."
Gawain allowed himself a relieved smile even as he internally steeled himself. Now came the really difficult part.
——————————————————————————————————
You are Gawain Golden-Feather, charged with negotiating an agreement with the Maretonian Royal Guard that will hopefully encourage them to adopt a more openly hostile stance towards House Storm. What proposal do you have for the Captain General?
[X] International Relief Effort: Propose an International Aid Plan to provide food, shelter and healthcare to the countless refugees roaming Maretonia in the wake of the storm and the ongoing conflict, with the Royal Guard serving as the primary distributors and ensuring that the supplies get to those who need them. Given the goal and nature of the proposal, the proven track record of Gryphus in caring for Maretonian refugees, and the amount of groundwork already done by the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, you consider it unlikely that Marecinas will decline this proposal, especially since you intend for it to be considered separately from the more military inclined proposals you intend to bring up. (Automatically Selected. Chance of Success: Near Certain)
[ ] Full Military Support: Show that the Empire is prepared to go all in. Should the Maretonian Guard go against House Storm, Gawain is prepared to promise the aid and backing of the Imperial Army, to deploy into battle against Pegicles alongside the Royal Guard and Abolitionists. The idea of foreign troops on Maretonian soil may rankle Marecinas, but the idea of Griffins dying in place of her own soldiers to ensure victory is one she's likely to appreciate. Still, being the proud mare that she is, Gawain doesn't think it's likely that she would accept such help outright, at least not before actual hostilities have broken out between her and Pegicles' forces. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: Low)
[ ] Limited Military Assistance: A compromise between two extremes, Gawain will promise a limited amount of Imperial military support in the event of open conflict between House Storm and the Royal Guard in the form of the Empire of Gryphus' Knightly Orders. The elite units possess the training and equipment to turn the tide of battle, but are of sufficiently small number that their deployment in Maretonia would have a lesser impact and diplomatic repercussions than the entire Imperial Army. And should the worst come to pass and the Knights prove insufficient, the door can still be left open for a larger deployment of regular soldiers. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: Medium)
[ ] Aid Only: In order to minimize the Empire's direct involvement in Maretonian affairs, no direct military action will even be considered. Instead, should the Royal Guard move against House Storm, Gryphus shall endeavor to provide backing and support to the Royal Guard similar to how it has supported the Abolitionists. Such an agreement may be sweetened with an agreement that the Empire will not send its military over the border into Maretonia, something that would certainly reassure the paranoid Captain General. This would effectively hamstring Gryphus in the short term...but if things go badly enough the Royal Guard can always ask for more direct Imperial assistance anyway, and if things go well it won't even be necessary for Griffons to shed their blood in another nation's civil war. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: High)
[ ] Write In: (Insert Alternative Action or Proposal here, with Chance of Success to be determined by GM)
Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it!
Didn't get this out as quickly as I'd hoped, on account of both RL stuff and my writer's block being particularly strong when it comes to writing dialogue and more "personal" scenes. I'll be putting the Rumor Mill out shortly, before the post detailing the results of the negotiations between Gawain and Marecinas, whatever those may be.
There will be a twelve hour moratorium to allow for discussion and the proposal of Write-In Actions. Please feel free to ask any questions or request clarification on any details or things I may have neglected to mention.
At least, that was the thinking that had led to him stuffing himself inside a suit of armor that was equal parts form and function before climbing aboard one of several sky carriages that would carry him and the rest of the delegation across the war-torn countryside of Maretonia. The route had been planned out months in advance, scouted out by the Abolitionists and by Ravenburg's agents for any potential threats before the Maretonian Royal Guard had begun their own patrol of the skies along the route. No one expected House White Star to try anything...but after the storm, no one was putting much past Pegicles. From there it had been a straight shot from the Hardbeak Line to the walls of Roam, the sentinels of the Maretonian Guard keeping watch on and for the convoy as it made its way towards the heart of the formerly prosperous kingdom.
Even from several thousand feet in the air, one could tell that the war was having a pronounced effect upon the Ponies of Maretonia. Every now and then one could spy a collection of tents denoting one of the many refugee camps through the trees, or witness a line of plodding forms traveling along the ill-maintained roads that still connected the various townships and provinces of the nation. And that was before they landed and got to see Roam itself, the once grand city now host to thousands of desperate and displaced Ponies desperate to escape to one of the few places in the country where they wouldn't get caught in a crossfire between the feuding noble houses. To their credit, Gawain and his colleagues could see the city's stewards trying to assist the lost and destitute who had come to them for protection, handing out bread and putting up families of refugees in the abandoned homes of the nobles who had once schemed and plotted for power over them, but it was clear to the visiting dignitaries that what aid was being given was not enough.
It had been a surreal experience, being led through the cobblestone streets past manors and temples of carved marble and gilded sandstone, their hallow-eyed inhabitants clad in mismatched outfits and waiting in soup lines, their escorts barely giving the scenes a second glance as the diplomatic party was led into the heart of the city and through the gates of the Palace, kept sealed ever since the death of the Queen. And now Gawain stood before the entrance to the throne room, awaiting entry and an opportunity to speak with the Captain General in an attempt to get her and her fellow Royal Guards to break their neutrality and/or allow the establishment of an international aid program. A tall order... and one that he had been tasked with fulfilling.
Gawain sighed, trying to steady himself. He supposed that someone could make a "careful what you wish for" comment if the stakes weren't so unbelievably high. He was startled out of his thoughts by a nudge against his shoulder.
"Hey, you ok?"
He turned to take in the concerned visage of Sebastian Rainfeather. Gawain still wasn't entirely certain what had led his friend to come along on this mission. Officially he was there to serve as an aide to Gawain as part of his recent appointment to the civil service. Unofficially, Gawain suspected Lord Ravenburg had pulled a few strings to send the scholar along on the expedition for some other, less obvious purpose. Regardless of the reason, Gawain was just happy to have a familiar face at his side.
The crown prince nodded at his friend's look of concern, trying to put on a brave face.
"Yes...just a little nervous."
The shorter Griffon tried to give a reassuring smile.
"We're all nervous. But hey..."
He motioned to the imposing doorway, still sealed shut.
"...imagine how they feel."
Gawain took another breath, nodding.
"Thanks. That actually makes me feel a bit better."
Sebastian smiled a bit broader, patting his friend on the shoulder as he took a step back, back amongst the numerous diplomats and bureaucrats that made up the rest of the mission.
"It's what I'm here for."
Any response Gawain could gave given was drowned out as the grand doors to the Palace began to creak open. He and Sebastian schooled their expressions. It was time to get serious.
———————————————————————————————
Gawain would give the Maretonians one thing: they knew how to decorate a palace. The contents of the hallway he was walking through were likely worth more than the combined yearly salaries of all the civil servants accompanying him. Still, it didn't impress him too much. Honestly he was surprised that what remained of the local government hadn't pawned the expensive furnishings to either fund their peacekeeping efforts or provide aid to the refugees. Then again...it wasn't like there were many left in Maretonia who could afford them anymore.
Gawain shook his head as the group's Maretonian escorts finally led them to the Throne room, an armored Unicorn Stallion formally announcing their presence as if the Monarch he had sworn service to was actually seated upon the marble throne that stood atop a raised dias at the other end of the expansive chamber. But the throne sat empty save for a single gilded and bejeweled orb, the symbol of the late Queen.
At the right side of the throne stood the Pony that Gawain had been sent to negotiate with: Captain General Marecinas.
At first glance, the dark-coated Unicorn mare, standing resplendent in shining golden armor atop the elevated position, made for an imposing figure. But as Gawain and his fellow Imperials made their way into the Throne Room proper and drew closer to the Captain General, the more observant of them began to pick up on the smaller details that gave a better understanding of exactly what state the mare was in. The plumage atop her helmet was in a state of disarray, several scuff marks and small dents present upon her armor. What little of her mane that was visible was a mess of split ends. There were bags under her eyes that looked like they should have been paying rent.
To Prince Gawain, the Captain General looked a mess.
Still, he didn't let his reaction show, keeping his expression blank as he walked ahead of the rest of the diplomatic party, stoping only a few feet from the Throne which the Unicorn stood alongside. He did not bow. Neither did she, merely tilting her head in acknowledgment.
"Prince Golden-Feather."
"Captain-General Marecinas."
The commander and de facto ruler of Roam stared him down, eyes tracing his armor and briefly lingering upon the sheathed blade at his hip. It was more of a symbol than a weapon at this point; if a fight broke out he and his entourage would be outnumbered over a hundred to one miles from even Abolitionist territory. The fact that the dozens of Royal Guards acting as sentries for the palace hadn't asked any of the Griffins to remove their weapons said much about their confidence in their ability to deal with any skirmishes that might break out.
But no one was here expecting a fight. They were here to try and prevent any further bloodshed. The difficulty would be convincing the Maretonians of that.
"You know why we are here."
It wasn't a question. The Captain General returned his gaze, her facial expression unchanging.
"I suspect you are here in an attempt to convince me and my fellow Guard to cease our neutrality and take action against House Storm."
Gawain nodded.
"Amongst other proposals, but yes, that is my chief aim here."
Marecinas took a few steps forward, her hooves making a soft but audible retort off the marble flooring.
"And why exactly should I feel compelled to do so? Why should we abandon our non-aligned stance simply because the emissaries of another nation implore us to? If anything, your presence here is a reason for me not to do so."
Gawain sighed. He'd been afraid of this, of the Maretonians immediately viewing him and the Empire in a hostile light. Still, he had to soldier on.
"Captain General...we both know that Pegicles does not have the best interests of the Maretonian people at heart. He has proven as such with his recent actions. Thousands dead, tens of thousands displaced, famine and disease looming over the survivors."
Marecinas was quick to retort, baring her teeth in a snarl.
"Do not recite the effects of the storm to me Griffon, we were the ones who were left to tally the dead while the Nobles squabbled over the wreckage!"
Gawain paused, momentarily taken aback by the Guard commander's sudden outburst, something that seemed to come as a shock even to her own subordinates, if the widened eyes on the other guards present in the room was anything to go by. Marecinas took a breath, returning her expression to one of placid calm.
"Make no mistake Prince Golden-Feather, I am well aware of the seeming indifference that Pegicles has for the lives of the very citizens he wishes to rule over...but what you suggest is hardly a solution. Our abandoning our neutrality would merely prolong the conflict and deprive the refugees that have sought shelter within our territory of one of the few safe havens left to them."
Gawain pressed on.
"And what will you do when Pegicles finally finishes rolling over House White Star? After all he's done, do you truly believe that he will not see you as another enemy to destroy?"
The assumption that Marecinas would not approve of the House Storm Patriarch's claim to the throne went unsaid. The Captain General snorted disdainfully.
"Your concern is appreciated Prince, but we in the Royal Guard are more than capable of defending ourselves and our charges. We are not House White Star. We are professional soldiers, the only ones left in Maretonia, and we swore oaths to defend this city and this palace from all threats, foreign and domestic. We are not slave soldiers or mercenaries who will crumble at the first volley, or flee when a bribe is offered. We will stand, we will fight, and we will win, as we always have."
Gawain suppressed the urge to raise an eyebrow. She certainly sounded confident...but her appearance, and the slightest glimmer of apprehension in her eyes, told a different story.
"I have no doubt that, in a straight fight against Pegicles, you would likely be the victor. But how many soldiers will you lose? How many civilians will be caught in the crossfire? And what will happen if the stormbringer tries to bring about another cyclone here in Roam?"
Marecinas's left eye twitched almost imperceptibly, her gaze momentarily drifting to one of the windows through which the skyline of the capitol could be seen. Gawain had seen the reports regarding the artificial hurricane that had devastated the Eastern Provinces of Maretonia. If a similar storm struck here, half the buildings in the city wouldn't be left standing. To say nothing of the potential loss of life. Roam had been one of the most populous cities in the world before the war. And with the number of refugees now crowding its streets...the death toll would make the earlier storm seem paltry in comparison. Gawain pressed his advantage, a sense of urgency in his voice now.
"We both know that a confrontation is inevitable. We share a common enemy. Pegicles has proven himself a threat, not just to Gryphus or Maretonia, but to the whole world. Why face him alone when you do not have to?"
The Captain General returned her gaze to him, indecision in her eyes even as her face maintained a look of disapproval.
"And I am to presume that such aid would have strings attached? Beyond the obvious interference of Gryphus in Maretonian affairs?"
Gawain suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. If she didn't think they weren't already "interfering" in the civil war being waged right across their shared border...
"I would like to think that the Empire of Gryphus has earned the right to at least a modicum of trust at this point, after all that we have done to assist and provide for the countless Maretonians who have fled North to escape the conflict that we wish to see ended. Is it truly too much to believe that we genuinely seek an end to this conflict?"
Marecinas wasn't buying it, still staring down with contempt at the gilded avian.
"And I suppose you've been arming the Abolitionists purely out of the goodness of your hearts?"
Gawain inhaled deeply.
"We have worked with the Abolitionists, and sought to arm them, because as of now they are the only other force in Maretonia that is both willing and able to oppose Pegicles and House Storm, and we still see direct involvement in a civil conflict as something to be avoided if there are other options available."
The Crown Prince shook his head, sighing as he took a step closer to the steps leading up to the empty Throne.
"This war has caused untold death and destruction, and is now threatening to spill over the border into Gryphus. We want to prevent that from happening. You want to help your people and prevent another storm that would devastate your country. We share mutual goals and a common foe. We can accomplish more together than not."
He gave the Guard Commander an imploring look.
"At least consider our proposal on its merits before rejecting it out of hoof."
The Captain General stared silently down at the heir of Gryphus, her expression pensive. After an interminable silence, she gave a hesitant nod, stepping down from the elevated dias and looking Gawain directly in the eye for the first time.
"Very well. I will hear your proposal. Beyond that I can promise nothing."
Gawain allowed himself a relieved smile even as he internally steeled himself. Now came the really difficult part.
——————————————————————————————————
You are Gawain Golden-Feather, charged with negotiating an agreement with the Maretonian Royal Guard that will hopefully encourage them to adopt a more openly hostile stance towards House Storm. What proposal do you have for the Captain General?
[X] International Relief Effort: Propose an International Aid Plan to provide food, shelter and healthcare to the countless refugees roaming Maretonia in the wake of the storm and the ongoing conflict, with the Royal Guard serving as the primary distributors and ensuring that the supplies get to those who need them. Given the goal and nature of the proposal, the proven track record of Gryphus in caring for Maretonian refugees, and the amount of groundwork already done by the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, you consider it unlikely that Marecinas will decline this proposal, especially since you intend for it to be considered separately from the more military inclined proposals you intend to bring up. (Automatically Selected. Chance of Success: Near Certain)
[ ] Full Military Support: Show that the Empire is prepared to go all in. Should the Maretonian Guard go against House Storm, Gawain is prepared to promise the aid and backing of the Imperial Army, to deploy into battle against Pegicles alongside the Royal Guard and Abolitionists. The idea of foreign troops on Maretonian soil may rankle Marecinas, but the idea of Griffins dying in place of her own soldiers to ensure victory is one she's likely to appreciate. Still, being the proud mare that she is, Gawain doesn't think it's likely that she would accept such help outright, at least not before actual hostilities have broken out between her and Pegicles' forces. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: Low)
[ ] Limited Military Assistance: A compromise between two extremes, Gawain will promise a limited amount of Imperial military support in the event of open conflict between House Storm and the Royal Guard in the form of the Empire of Gryphus' Knightly Orders. The elite units possess the training and equipment to turn the tide of battle, but are of sufficiently small number that their deployment in Maretonia would have a lesser impact and diplomatic repercussions than the entire Imperial Army. And should the worst come to pass and the Knights prove insufficient, the door can still be left open for a larger deployment of regular soldiers. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: Medium)
[ ] Aid Only: In order to minimize the Empire's direct involvement in Maretonian affairs, no direct military action will even be considered. Instead, should the Royal Guard move against House Storm, Gryphus shall endeavor to provide backing and support to the Royal Guard similar to how it has supported the Abolitionists. Such an agreement may be sweetened with an agreement that the Empire will not send its military over the border into Maretonia, something that would certainly reassure the paranoid Captain General. This would effectively hamstring Gryphus in the short term...but if things go badly enough the Royal Guard can always ask for more direct Imperial assistance anyway, and if things go well it won't even be necessary for Griffons to shed their blood in another nation's civil war. (Chance of Marecinas' Agreement: High)
[ ] Write In: (Insert Alternative Action or Proposal here, with Chance of Success to be determined by GM)
Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it!
Didn't get this out as quickly as I'd hoped, on account of both RL stuff and my writer's block being particularly strong when it comes to writing dialogue and more "personal" scenes. I'll be putting the Rumor Mill out shortly, before the post detailing the results of the negotiations between Gawain and Marecinas, whatever those may be.
There will be a twelve hour moratorium to allow for discussion and the proposal of Write-In Actions. Please feel free to ask any questions or request clarification on any details or things I may have neglected to mention.
ConfusedCanuck
Where did it all go wrong?
- Location
- Neverland
So I say we just give aid no reason to send our soldiers off to die for a foreign crown.
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- Location
- Pennslyvania
- Pronouns
- She/They
Hey, there is a moratorium on votes, guys.
ConfusedCanuck
Where did it all go wrong?
- Location
- Neverland
Didn't notice that thanks!
I think at least to start with Aid only or limited military support would be the better choices. Public perception is still an important factor, we don't want to make ourselves a threat that Pegicles could use to rally most of the nation around him. He certainly burned many bridges with that stunt, but we still need to be careful, not only of the pride of the royal guard, but also what Pegicles could turn to his advantage.
NHO
Dumb is a state of existence
- Location
- ᓚᘏᗢ
Any troops we sent should be subordinate to Marecinas. They are here to command, threat them as your own.
Guard Commander strikes me as pone with great sense of responsibility, after that she won't spend griffon blood any lighter than those of her own Guard.
Guard Commander strikes me as pone with great sense of responsibility, after that she won't spend griffon blood any lighter than those of her own Guard.
Torgamous
Aspiring Gynoid
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Starting with less involvement seems like a better move for the actual conflict, since our contributions can be increased later if necessary without us needing to worry about outright rejection. What we really want to avoid is Marecinas deciding that griffons have no place in this conflict at all, since then we might not even be available as a panic button.
But, if we're looking to squeeze Maretonia for all it's worth after the war is resolved, we're going to want to have contributed as much as possible to the war effort. The levels of involvement probably correlate to how much influence we'll have in shaping the peace.
Personally, I do not care about annexing Maretonia or getting a port or whatever, so I'm in favor of only aid.
But, if we're looking to squeeze Maretonia for all it's worth after the war is resolved, we're going to want to have contributed as much as possible to the war effort. The levels of involvement probably correlate to how much influence we'll have in shaping the peace.
Personally, I do not care about annexing Maretonia or getting a port or whatever, so I'm in favor of only aid.
FictionPack
Monochromatic Ursine
- Location
- Tennessee
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Aid only
We just told her we do not want to directly interfere.
We just told her we do not want to directly interfere.
so basically write in Relief effort plus Limited Military Support of Knightly orders Under Guards command ?
- Location
- United States
I don't really like helping the Royal Guard fight when we should just be helping the Abolitionists, but if we're trying to get Pegicles out of the war so we don't have to deal with WMDs, I say go for Limited for now - enough to make a difference, but not enough so that our soldiers are doing the bulk of the fighting. If she turns it down then no skin off our backs.
I'm pretty sure our opponent will raise a serious stink if he sees Gryphons intervening. Lets limit this to aid for now. We need to build up trust, and honestly right now our strength is the velvet glove.
So far all our direct actions have been invisible or deniable, lets not give up that shield so quickly. Between the Abolotionists and the Royal Guard, having two factions requesting our intervention will allows to minimize the diplomatic impact getting directly involved will have.
So far all our direct actions have been invisible or deniable, lets not give up that shield so quickly. Between the Abolotionists and the Royal Guard, having two factions requesting our intervention will allows to minimize the diplomatic impact getting directly involved will have.
It's fascinating to note the leader of the Royal Guard is harboring anti-noble sentiments...
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
I believe the main push here should be trying to get the Royal Guard to give a formal diplomatic and political acknowledgement of the Abolitionist faction. The military assistance stuff can be pushed to the side for the moment, because it's their influence that matters far more in the long-run than their strength.
