Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest
- Thread starter Questor
- Start date
- Location
- Germany
QM already said that *some kind* of dragon population is living south of what used to be Maretonia...nothing explicit on whether it´s an actual nation, though
Huh well that good or bad at least else can make this land a protectorate
Maybe if they want to
So guys what's your thoughts when the pegis army sees us
- Location
- The state of Paranoia
Take height, bring down any pegasus who dares fly higher than a house. Use our control of the air to rain Molotov cocktails, arrows, and grenades on their mages, artillery, archers, commanders, and supply lines.
As soon as we see Pegicles, have our black knights go for the throat.
Can't wait til we get to the level of having a chopper then we can be invincible
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
My personal end-goal is to discover the entire world and have it stabilize in to a global political system. Ideally I would want that to be a multipolar world divided between the Gryphonian Empire and its major allies, with each major member having their own satellite states following them (kinda like we currently have on our slice of the continent). Obviously such a thing wouldn't be permanent as no systems are, but I feel it would be a nice "end of an era" thing to leave on. This quest started in the remnants of the chaos of Discord's era and ends in a new global order, however long it may last.
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- Location
- Earth
- Pronouns
- Anything/Masculine
Even though I want to brutally slaughter our enemies too, doing all that is just unnecessary and overkill.
Their land is already extremely damaged and will take time to recover, not to mention they just lost a a huge historical Library that contained droves of information that will never be replaced.
Pegiclies lost support of his mercenaries since Hoofbeard pulled through and mugged them of their money.
Pegiclies has doomed himself, even if we didn't declare war, he would in a battle of attrition and our declaration of war has definitely all but assured his demise and expansion.
- Location
- Washington
I think you mean Duke Haygle.
- Location
- The state of Paranoia
This is the fastest way to win. Using a less destructive strategy will drag things out and cause more casualties, especially on our side. The land has certainly suffered, but it will recover. Dead soldiers won't.
As an alternative strategy, we could focus the Molotov cocktails, arrows, and grenades on their commanders while we send our main force to drop in between the Storm army and their supply line. We'll just cut off their supply lines and attack from the rear while our allies hold off their front. Meanwhile, we can drop leaflets from the air detailing how they can surrender.
This strategy aims to cause less damage to the land while also limiting loss of life on both sides by giving Storm army individuals the opportunity to surrender. It maximizes chaos among their ranks by killing commanders and disrupting their supply lines, hopefully making soldiers more willing to surrender. An army marches on its stomach, and even the fie-hard loyalists will start to surrender if they run out of food and don't have anyone giving them orders. Especially if our surrender leaflets mention the possibility of pardons for soldiers who were below a certain rank, if they surrender quietly. I expect the draftees won't need much extra incentive to surrender once the officers are dead. The downside is that that it takes longer and risks the Storm army breaking out through our allies and causing more damage, both to the land/defenders and to our own army.
It's better to end things quickly, since dragging them out will cause the fighting to take place over a larger stretch of land, will do more damage to that land over time, and will cause more soldiers to die. It will also give their army more chances to escape and turn the tables somehow.
Travels of a Knight-to-be...[pt1/3]
- Location
- Missouri
Taking in account with what our recent action had done mainly the Collegiate Reconsolidating I figured to help tide us over for next update to do a bit of a zoom in on that action with some side stories, enter stage right the tale of one of the Emperor's agents going out and about to find such individuals! @Questor Hope you're staying healthy my dude and having some good holidays, well enough to break the funk from holidays cuz those kill all motivation for doing stuff aside from being lazy. For now yall please enjoy...
Travels of a Knight-to-be...[pt1/3]
You, Gradr as an aspiring knight of the realm, are obligated by certain duties, chief of those is the protection of the weak. Drawing your sword you dive down towards the beleaguered barge with a screech of avian rage. It's enough to startle the Ketos into a tizzy and your blade is wetted with the blood of the amphibious predators. Silver scales shimmer in the water as the great serpent writhed at the blow when its eyes narrowed on you.
Growling you raised your blade, "Come on then!"
The Ketos took your offer with vigor lunging at you! A final wing beat to send you forward has you pass the scaled behemoth as your blade lashed out once more! A glance down you can see that the barge is making progress, much faster progress than woul-
Honed instincts from training at the Knights Panther Citadel has you drop like a stone, the sudden clacking of teeth was like a series of staccato beats of a blacksmith's hammer, you lashed out with your sword at the serpent once more. The Ketos bellowed in rage drawing back into the river until the only thing you could see of its great form are its large eyes watching you as you hovered above it. It shoul-
Damnation!
Water erupts like a geyser and you jerk your wings to get a bit more ro-
Knocked about by the sheer bulk of this beast you strain to retain your altitude, you're tumbling too hard, you feel the sudden jolt as you skipped off the surface of the water. You skipped across the water like a stone thrown by a child and-
CRASH
Groaning you slowly push the broken wood off your form, you must have landed on the barge.
"It's coming about!"
"We're going to die!"
"Oh Great Ares, spare us your wrath in this our time…"
You need to draw it-
A soft cluck under the tongue drew your attention to a hooded unicorn, a mare, helping levitate a beam off of your armored frame, "Of all the possibilities to occur, this was not one of them, Arc if you would?"
There was another unicorn mare whose hood was up as she asked, "Finally, were you just expecting him to deal with it all on his own?"
"Watch out!" You cried seeing the sinuous long neck of the Ketos rear high above the barge ready to bring its bulk down on the wood. Only for it to stagger back as shards of ice the size of a pony at least battered against its great bulk, one even managing to pierce the scaled titan!
"Be at ease, good knight." You glanced back to the first mage, for you knew no other unicorns capable of such feats, "Arctic Moonlight is quite proficient in her spells."
"-and stay gone you overgrown gecko!" Arctic shouted out after the serpent as it retreated beneath the waters. With a sniff of disdain, the pale blue and white-maned mare hopped off a stack of crates to where you slowly sat back up, "What're our numbers looking like now Day?"
"A significant increase of 15 percent for our needed goal at least." 'Day' replied blandly before regarding you with a lazy look, "Perhaps more if our good knight were to introduce himself?"
Wincing at the bruise already forming under your armor you manage a slight bow of the head, a proper one would tweak something fierce, "Gradr, an aspiring knight of the Panther Knights, I was-"
"Sent by your Emperor to find others like myself since the Sack, yes, yes. If you had left a week earlier I wouldn't have been delayed by Arctic as much." Day interrupted you as her hood was pulled back to reveal a mane of amber with an orange coat that bordered on red.
"Day you know why we had to stay." Arctic cut off the diviner, then offered a hopeful smile, "You'd understand right good knight? These ponies needed our help."
"Of course, to do otherwise would go against my oath to the citadel and my Emperor." You replied.
Day's eyes flashed green for a moment then she spoke with a smug air, "If that is the case, then to finish your current task we shall need something from you."
"Visionary Day don't you try to swindle this poor knight with one of your extortions again!' Arctic exclaimed her snout scrunched mightily at her companion.
"If by word or by deed I can bring you all the quicker to my Emperor, then it shall be so. I have no qualms with this." A faint sense of foreboding filled you at the overtly eager smile on the placid mare, "What exactly was your need?"
"A Ketos' heart has a rather fascinating property when used with the correct rituals…" Visionary Day began just as the barge settled on the other side of the river, "And wouldn't you know it we just so happened to have finished aiding the last refugees to make it to safer lands, funny isn't it Arctic?"
"You know I hate it when you do that." Arctic answered then looked at you, "Sorry about her, she loves to be mysterious and thinks she's witty, now about that Ketos…"
Travels of a Knight-to-be...[pt1/3]
You, Gradr as an aspiring knight of the realm, are obligated by certain duties, chief of those is the protection of the weak. Drawing your sword you dive down towards the beleaguered barge with a screech of avian rage. It's enough to startle the Ketos into a tizzy and your blade is wetted with the blood of the amphibious predators. Silver scales shimmer in the water as the great serpent writhed at the blow when its eyes narrowed on you.
Growling you raised your blade, "Come on then!"
The Ketos took your offer with vigor lunging at you! A final wing beat to send you forward has you pass the scaled behemoth as your blade lashed out once more! A glance down you can see that the barge is making progress, much faster progress than woul-
Honed instincts from training at the Knights Panther Citadel has you drop like a stone, the sudden clacking of teeth was like a series of staccato beats of a blacksmith's hammer, you lashed out with your sword at the serpent once more. The Ketos bellowed in rage drawing back into the river until the only thing you could see of its great form are its large eyes watching you as you hovered above it. It shoul-
Damnation!
Water erupts like a geyser and you jerk your wings to get a bit more ro-
Knocked about by the sheer bulk of this beast you strain to retain your altitude, you're tumbling too hard, you feel the sudden jolt as you skipped off the surface of the water. You skipped across the water like a stone thrown by a child and-
CRASH
Groaning you slowly push the broken wood off your form, you must have landed on the barge.
"It's coming about!"
"We're going to die!"
"Oh Great Ares, spare us your wrath in this our time…"
You need to draw it-
A soft cluck under the tongue drew your attention to a hooded unicorn, a mare, helping levitate a beam off of your armored frame, "Of all the possibilities to occur, this was not one of them, Arc if you would?"
There was another unicorn mare whose hood was up as she asked, "Finally, were you just expecting him to deal with it all on his own?"
"Watch out!" You cried seeing the sinuous long neck of the Ketos rear high above the barge ready to bring its bulk down on the wood. Only for it to stagger back as shards of ice the size of a pony at least battered against its great bulk, one even managing to pierce the scaled titan!
"Be at ease, good knight." You glanced back to the first mage, for you knew no other unicorns capable of such feats, "Arctic Moonlight is quite proficient in her spells."
"-and stay gone you overgrown gecko!" Arctic shouted out after the serpent as it retreated beneath the waters. With a sniff of disdain, the pale blue and white-maned mare hopped off a stack of crates to where you slowly sat back up, "What're our numbers looking like now Day?"
"A significant increase of 15 percent for our needed goal at least." 'Day' replied blandly before regarding you with a lazy look, "Perhaps more if our good knight were to introduce himself?"
Wincing at the bruise already forming under your armor you manage a slight bow of the head, a proper one would tweak something fierce, "Gradr, an aspiring knight of the Panther Knights, I was-"
"Sent by your Emperor to find others like myself since the Sack, yes, yes. If you had left a week earlier I wouldn't have been delayed by Arctic as much." Day interrupted you as her hood was pulled back to reveal a mane of amber with an orange coat that bordered on red.
"Day you know why we had to stay." Arctic cut off the diviner, then offered a hopeful smile, "You'd understand right good knight? These ponies needed our help."
"Of course, to do otherwise would go against my oath to the citadel and my Emperor." You replied.
Day's eyes flashed green for a moment then she spoke with a smug air, "If that is the case, then to finish your current task we shall need something from you."
"Visionary Day don't you try to swindle this poor knight with one of your extortions again!' Arctic exclaimed her snout scrunched mightily at her companion.
"If by word or by deed I can bring you all the quicker to my Emperor, then it shall be so. I have no qualms with this." A faint sense of foreboding filled you at the overtly eager smile on the placid mare, "What exactly was your need?"
"A Ketos' heart has a rather fascinating property when used with the correct rituals…" Visionary Day began just as the barge settled on the other side of the river, "And wouldn't you know it we just so happened to have finished aiding the last refugees to make it to safer lands, funny isn't it Arctic?"
"You know I hate it when you do that." Arctic answered then looked at you, "Sorry about her, she loves to be mysterious and thinks she's witty, now about that Ketos…"
Oh a new omake
lockingbane
If you're crazy and you know it clap your hands!
- Location
- Waxahachie tx
Kanata.EXE
Programmer
- Location
- Indonesia
Hey, uh... @Questor? Can you spoiler the character sheet? It would be easier to read it under the spoiler.
Something like this:
Something like this:
Name: Garrick Golden-Feather
Age: 56
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
Traits:
Age: 56
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
Traits:
- Attractive: You are a very handsome fellow. +2 Diplomacy, better spousal relationship
- Genius: Smart doesn't even begin to describe you. +2 all skills
- Strong: Working out with your wife has done great things for your body. +2 Martial
- Blade of the King: an ornate and deadly sword you had forged for yourself after being crowned King of Griffonia. +1 Martial
- Runic Royal Armor: Serving to protect you as well as display your royal status to onlookers, this armor is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. With Merlin's assistance, it has been enhanced with runic magic, making it even more durable.
- 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.
Wife: Gabriella Golden-Feather
The opinion of You: 10/10
Age: 55
Martial: 15+1+2=18
Diplomacy: 11+1=12
Stewardship: 8+1=9
Learning: 13+1=14
Intrigue: 10+1=11
Traits:
The opinion of You: 10/10
Age: 55
Martial: 15+1+2=18
Diplomacy: 11+1=12
Stewardship: 8+1=9
Learning: 13+1=14
Intrigue: 10+1=11
Traits:
- Strong - Born stronger than most. (+2 Martial)
- Experienced - Has been a mercenary for several years, ranging across the lands of the former Empire. Knows much about the world. (+1 All Stats)
Son: Gawain Golden-Feather
Age: 25
Martial: 14+2+2+1=19
Diplomacy: 13+2+2+2=19
Stewardship: 14+2=16
Learning: 10+2=12
Intrigue: 11+2=13
Status: Designated Heir. Will become the player character in event of Parent's Deaths.
Traits:
Age: 25
Martial: 14+2+2+1=19
Diplomacy: 13+2+2+2=19
Stewardship: 14+2=16
Learning: 10+2=12
Intrigue: 11+2=13
Status: Designated Heir. Will become the player character in event of Parent's Deaths.
Traits:
- Strong - Born stronger than most. (+2 Martial)
- Attractive - A handsome fellow. (+2 Diplomacy, better spousal relationship)
- Genius - Smart doesn't begin to describe him. (+2 All Stats)
- 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)
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
So I was a little bored and rereading things to pass the time. Three things stuck out to me.
I don't really think it's relevant here because this Dawnclaw probably won't do something like that, nor would he likely have the opportunity to do something like that. Just thought it was a neat reference, and one that I was willing to explain.
Just an interesting thought I was pondering over.
This is a funny little reference if intentional. In the Equestria at War mod, Ferdinand Dawnclaw is the name of the guy who can lead a military coup against the regent government for Grover VII in the Griffonian Empire. He is most infamous for murdering the child-emperor in that route because he believes that a second emperor in a row growing up controlled by regents and background politics will make the decline of the empire permanent. He then takes control of the empire (after his actions caused the dissolution of what was left outside of the imperial capital), turns it into a militarist junker state that would make even the worst excesses of WW1 Germany green with envy, and then proceeds to conquer the entire continent.
I don't really think it's relevant here because this Dawnclaw probably won't do something like that, nor would he likely have the opportunity to do something like that. Just thought it was a neat reference, and one that I was willing to explain.
I have to wonder what side-effects forcing an industrialization led by state capital in the span of a year will have on the narrative. I mean, it wasn't listed as an effect so maybe it won't mean anything, but it is certainly an interesting thought. Previously the empire was slowly industrializing, held back both by our divided attention to not fund modern factories and just generally having so much manpower that there was a lack of demand for large-scale factories. We have now created massive assembly lines and factories and spent so much money that it literally turned our national economy on state spending alone that we did a speedrun of the next step of industrialization. This was in the same turn we finally did the flax thing, mind you.
Just an interesting thought I was pondering over.
And, interestingly enough, a major impetus of this industrialization was the need to produce enough to actually make sure our army could be equipped, with certain items like arrows becoming relatively rare despite how simple they are.
Yeah it is almost certain we have left an impact on the economy that will be felt for years to come. How good or bad it might be? We would have to wait and see.
Silk Hiding Steel
- Location
- Maryland
Unsheathe blade.
"Three times now I've seen you go off to war. Three times where I wasn't sure if you'd ever come back. Three times I sat here in the palace while you risked your life and Griffons fought and died! I'm not going to sit out a fourth!"
Dive forward, wings and legs propelling him through the air.
"I've been preparing my whole life for this. Studying, training, sparring...just give me the chance to prove myself!"
Feint right, dodge left.
"How can you expect me to pretend that we aren't at war? What do you expect people to think when they see you out fighting while I stay here?"
Lunge.
The haft of Ki Seong's Naginata blocked his swing, cloth-wrapped orichalcum meeting Neighponese hardwood with a clatter. The Qilin spun, her cloven hooves lashing out and striking his chest, sending him stumbling backwards. His blade blocked the tip of her pole-arm, but she was quick, the dulled point withdrawing from his hold and then jabbing past his guard and against his breastplate as he sought to gain distance.
He sighed, hanging his head as his sparring partner twirled her weapon in her grip, the blunted metal head glinting in the afternoon sunlight that fell upon the courtyard of his host's expansive, Neighponese-styled home.
It was her twelfth consecutive win today.
Ki Seong is as gracious in her victory as she always is, showing no sign of satisfaction as she stepped back, glancing at the scuff mark where her foot had impacted his armor. He waved off her unspoken concern. His pride had been injured more than his body.
"You're improving."
He snorted.
"I haven't landed a single hit today."
She pressed on, used to his self-recriminations.
"No, but you have come close. Closer than you have in any of our previous spars. Close enough for me to resort to hoof-to-hoof."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"It's still not a win."
A silence fell, the Prince staring idly at his blade, his companion silently regarding him.
"You handicap yourself."
He lifted his free talon to his face, rubbing his temples.
"We've been over this. The sword is my preferred weapon. It's more than just a badge of office or a family heirloom, it's the one weapon I have the most experience with...and the one I need the most practice using. Better to be good with one weapon than just ok with several."
He gestured to the long, curved shape of the Onna-bugeisha's weapon. With it's lacquered haft and stylized golden inlay, it was as much a work of art as a defensive tool.
"You specialize with that Polearm. I specialize with my short-sword. Your weapon may give you greater reach, but mine has greater flexibility."
The Qilin nodded, her face expressionless.
"True...and the fact that your blade is Orichalcum lends it an advantage that cannot be adequately expressed in our bouts...were your weapon not forcibly dulled I suspect it would cleave right through the handle of my own...but it is not your choice in weapon that I speak of."
Gawain blinked, raising an eye ridge. The Heiress rolled her eyes.
"Our bout does not hold your whole focus. Your mind is elsewhere."
The Griffon Prince inhaled deeply, walking over to a stone bench at the edge of the courtyard, sheathing his blade and tensely sitting down. Hanging her training weapon upon a rack, Ki Seong moved to join him, patiently awaiting his response as the silence between them dragged on.
This was not the first time their sparring sessions had broken down in such a manner. Both of them were heirs to powerful dynasties, and both struggled to shoulder the burden of expectations and responsibilities that their statuses entailed. In each other, the two had found a sympathetic set of ears, a person with whom they could vent to about their perceived struggles without fear of judgement. Words of sympathy always flowed freely between them in the midst of such conversations...along with the occasional piece of constructive criticism or helpful tidbit of advice.
But those had always been discussions of personal issues. This veered into matters of state, and Gawain was hesitant to break down that wall. As much as he trusted his friend, he could never forget that she was still technically an agent of a foreign power. Neighpon may be one of the Empire's closest allies, but state secrets were still state secrets.
"You fear the coming battle. In Maretonia."
Gawain's head spun around to stare at her. Ki rolled her eyes.
"Try as you might, one cannot hide such a massive and rapid buildup of troops. I can see the smoke of your manufactories from my bedroom window....and recruitment flyers falling into my zen garden."
She quirked one impeccably manicured eyebrow.
"Pegicles' aggression and ambition is known and discussed even in Kyoto...the conclusion is fairly easy to come to."
Gawain snorted, deflating.
"...It is rather obvious isn't it?"
The Qilin nodded, crossing her forelegs over each other as she got comfortable. She got the feeling this was going to be a long conversation.
"Yes, but the source of your apparent troubles is not so clear to me."
Gawain wrung his talons, staring at the ground.
"...The Army will be marching south. To Maretonia, and Mare-a-Thon. My parents will be going with them."
He huffed, sounding equal parts proud and frustrated.
"My father isn't the sort of person to send his soldiers into harms way without going himself...and my mother will be dead in the ground before she lets him fly into a war zone without her."
Ki Seong hummed in understanding.
"You fear for their safety?"
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Of course I do. They'll be in the middle of a battlefield with a massive target painted right on their backs..."
"But that is not what weighs you down this day...is it?"
The heiress knew him too well. He raised his head to the sky, staring up at the passing clouds as he tried to articulate his feelings.
"I've spent my whole life preparing for war. Archimedes' history lessons, games of strategy, spars and mock duels...they call my mother the warrior Empress. It's almost expected that I be some great warrior..."
He clenched his talons into fists, one slamming into the stone of the bench in frustration.
"And yet I'm still here. In the Capital, living in the palace, waiting for my parents to come back from war like some...scared child!"
Ki nodded thoughtfully, even as she sighed internally. It seemed that her friend was indeed not over his perceived inadequacy. Her response was perhaps snappier than it should have been, but a recurrent problem demanded a recurrent solution.
"So what are you going to do about it?"
His response was not what she had expected. Gawain's claws unclenched, his posture deflating as he chuckled bitterly.
"I can't do anything. My father told me he wouldn't allow it."
Ki Seong blinked, eyebrows shooting up to her forehead. She certainly hadn't expected that.
"He told me that having the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince all on the same battlefield together was a recipe for disaster, that he couldn't, 'in good conscience', allow me to accompany the army on campaign."
He shifted uncomfortably, wincing as he recalled the increasingly heated series of conversations he had had with his father, one of the only true disagreements that they had had in their entire lives.
"We...argued. I can't say I'm particularly proud of how I acted."
It had started off well enough. He'd come to the table with a prepared speech, drawn upon every debate trick he'd ever learned in the diplomatic service in his attempt to make his father see things from Gawain's perspective. He'd passionately put forth his argument, laid out all the reasons that he felt he should be allowed to embark upon the campaign trail with him, both practical and personal.
His father had listened, nodding along politely with a considering expression he recognized from years of council meetings and intelligence briefings, waiting for Gawain to finish up his presentation before giving his answer.
"Absolutely not."
Gawain...had not taken that response well. He was the son of a merchant-turned-King, a career diplomat and Crown Prince of what he firmly believed to be the greatest nation in the world. He was not inclined to simply take "no" for an answer. Not even from his father.
He'd reiterated and reframed his arguments, emphasized different points, continually pressed, day after day, cornering Garrick in his study or his office, unwilling to let the matter drop.
The answer was always no.
Gawain had grown frustrated.
He'd doubled down, dug in his heels, refused to concede, all but demanding to be given the opportunity to prove himself and serve the Empire, and generally acting like the spoiled, entitled brat that he'd spent his entire life trying to avoid being seen as. On more than one occasion, to his shame, he'd raised his voice in anger.
Against his father, the Emperor.
His father didn't even change his facial expression one iota, calmly and repeatedly offering his refusal, betraying none of the frustration or anger he had to have been feeling as his eldest child refused to give up on his self-imposed mission. Gawain was told that he had nothing to prove, that it was too dangerous, that it was not only necessary but vital that he remain behind "should the worst come to pass".
The Crown Prince's statement that he wished to accompany his father precisely to ensure that such a thing did not come to pass was shot down like all of his other arguments. After several days of this unproductive and unchanging back and forth, Gawain had finally lost his temper and spoken words he'd almost immediately regretted.
"I have to do this! I don't need your permission!"
His father had simply stared back at him and shook his head. In that moment...he'd looked so tired. Gawain had been struck by the sudden change in his father's demeanor, looking as if he'd aged years in the span of seconds. The elder Golden-Feather's response had carried an edge of weariness, but the Prince hadn't missed the steel in his words as he'd laid down the law to his own flesh and blood in the same way he'd laid it down to so many uppity nobles.
"That same speech has been made by how many sons to how many fathers? 'I don't need your bloody permission, you old fool, I'm gonna enlist anyway!' And what wouldn't those numberless fathers give to be able to say to their sons: 'Well, I'm the Emperor, so as a matter of fact, without my permission, you can't."
His father had gripped his shoulder, staring into his eyes with an intensity Gawain couldn't ever recall seeing from him before.
"We can't lose you son. Not me, not your mother, not your sisters, not the Empire. We just can't take the risk."
Gawain hadn't brought the matter up again after that. He'd been too ashamed.
Ki Seong spoke up, jarring him from his reverie, her tone carefully neutral.
"This must be very important to you...if you are willing to go so far."
Gawain nodded, eyes to the ground, his talons gripping the hilt of his blade, his other hand clenched into a fist.
"I just...I want to make a difference you know? To prove that I'm worthy...not just to my family or the people but to myself. I can't do that if I just sit in the Capital and do nothing."
A silence fell between the two, the Prince stewing in his own shame as the Qilin chewed her lip, considering her words. This situation would be more difficult to address than she had initially thought...but for the sake of her friend she had to try.
From the way he carried himself, it was clear that he was reluctant to speak of this, even to those he trusted. Which meant she was likely the only person he had talked about this with.
He hadn't gone to his mother about this, with all her wisdom. Not his sisters, who knew him and his father better than any other. Not Sebastian, with his all his knowledge. Not even Isabelle, the girl who she knew he was quite clearly in love with (really it was so blindly obvious to anyone who saw the two of them together).
He had talked to her, and that meant something. Perhaps it didn't mean much, in the grand scheme of things, but Ki Seong knew not to ignore how much a choice could mean. And so she chose her words with great care, deliberating over exactly what to say to her friend.
The way she saw it, the Prince had several options available to him, despite what he seemed to think.
Though his father had quite firmly insisted that he not be put into harms way, that did not necessarily preclude him from assisting in the war effort in a less obvious way. Ki Seong was not a born warrior like so many other Qilin, but she knew enough about the art of war to know that a military undertaking of this size would be a thing of great scope and complexity. The supplying of such a massive army would itself require a legion of support personnel, from administrators and quartermasters to sutlers and porters. While it wouldn't possess the glamor and glory of a battlefield posting, a position overseeing the logistics of the army would be safer, and thus more palatable to the Emperor. It was a good compromise between the two extremes that had been put forward, something that would leave both parties happy, if not completely satisfied. Perhaps the experience would even give Gawain the opportunity to learn something?
Of course, there was always the chance that the Golden-Feather patriarch would still be obstinate. Ki Seong didn't think it likely, but it was still something to plan for. It was entirely possible that the Emperor Garrick would still refuse his son's placement anywhere even remotely connected to the war...and even if he didn't, Gawain might not take the suggestion of becoming a Rear Echelon Officer very well. An alternative proposal would be needed.
The draconic hybrid had heard of the Equestrians. The recovery of the survivors of a foreign expedition from a life in slavery had been a front page story on every one of the Griffon newspapers, and in the months following their arrival to the Imperial Capitol, a few of the wide-eyed equines could be seen making their way down the streets of the city, often accompanied by a local guide as they sought to familiarize themselves with the culture of their rescuers. She had even had the chance to speak to a few in person when they had come to visit her father in his capacity as the Neighponese ambassador.
She knew that the expatriates of such a faraway kingdom were becoming increasingly eager to return to their homeland and loved ones, and that their avian hosts would doubtlessly be sending a party of diplomats along with them when they did. And Gawain was a seasoned diplomat who had earned a name for himself negotiating with foreign heads of state. She was certain that the Emperor would be looking to make an impression upon the Equestrian Princesses, and she imagined sending the Crown Prince and heir to the throne to greet them in the name of Gryphus would go a long way towards ensuring that that goal was met.
Of course, such a mission would not be without risks of its own. While it was extremely unlikely that the Equestrians would take any hostile action against the representatives of a foreign nation, let alone a nation that had worked so hard to save the lives of its people, that did not change the fact that tge journey to and from a foreign land would be a long one, and even if every precaution was taken, there would always be a certain amount of risk. And even assuming nothing went wrong, Gawain would still be beyond the Empire's borders for weeks where he could not be easily reached.
If, Kami-forbid, anything happened to his parents in Maretonia...she didn't even want to think about it.
Of course, that was the worst case scenario. The more optimistic outcome was also the more likely one: that Gawain would get the chance to show his worth as a diplomat, make contact with a newly met kingdom, and perhaps form a working relationship with foreign heads of state...a relationship that would serve him well when he inevitably took the title of Emperor himself. It wasn't completely without risk, but it was certainly safer than traveling to an active war zone...and no one would be able to accuse him of doing nothing while his parents put themselves in harm's way. It would almost be kind of poetic. The son working to make peace and foster diplomacy at the same time his parents were waging war.
But then...there was a third option. Throughout history, in both Neighpon and Gryphus, there were stories and legends of Nobles and Royalty who would shed their finery in order to pass themselves off as ordinary citizens, donning the garb of peasants or common foot soldiers to personally inspect the state of their realm and see things from a more grounded perspective. If Gawain was truly committed to seeing a battlefield regardless of what his father said...
She dismissed the thought from her mind almost as quickly as it had come. Such a thing could barely be considered sane, let alone safe. The chances of him being hurt or killed would be even higher than if he had gone with his father's blessing, and if he didn't die on the field of battle he'd probably wish that he had once his deception inevitably came to light. And that was assuming that he would even be capable of pulling off such a stunt in the first place. His face might not be as well-known as his father's, but he was still the Crown Prince, and the odds of him being recognized and exposed were high.
She'd have to be insane to suggest such an idea to him, and he'd have to be even crazier to go along with it...but she couldn't deny that, if he did manage to pull off such a stunt, it would be a thing worthy of legend...perhaps even legendary enough to get him over his angst and inferiority complex.
Whatever course of action she suggested, whatever words of encouragement she chose to give, it was clear that Gawain would not be content to simply remain safe and stationary at the Palace. He would find a way to take action and prove himself, of that there was no doubt in either of their minds. It was simply a question of how he would choose to do so.
[ ] Paper-Pushing Prince: It's not a glamorous job, but someone needs to make sure the Army is fed, watered and armed. He won't earn any scars or combat honors, but he'll get a chance to play a part in the campaign, however small it might be.
[ ] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
[ ] Prince Incognito: Stupid? Certainly. Dangerous? Unfathomably so. But it's the only way he'll ever see a battlefield, and if that's the price he has to pay, then so be it.
After getting a lot of IRL stuff sorted out and hiring an exorcist to banish the demons of procrastination, distraction and creative sterility that have been tormenting me for weeks on end, I can now submit to you this...thing.
Was this update worth the wait? Definitely not, but after nearly three months and multiple rewrites, I think it's the best I can make it, and I'm desperate to get past this creative roadblock and move on with the Quest to end this unscheduled and unwanted hiatus.
No Moratorium for the Votes.
Next Interlude will be Pearl's, then we get to see Equestria for the first time in this Quest. And then we go to war.
Now that I'm back in the swing of things, future updates should be coming out faster and at a more consistent pace. I thank you all again for your patience and understanding.
"Three times now I've seen you go off to war. Three times where I wasn't sure if you'd ever come back. Three times I sat here in the palace while you risked your life and Griffons fought and died! I'm not going to sit out a fourth!"
Dive forward, wings and legs propelling him through the air.
"I've been preparing my whole life for this. Studying, training, sparring...just give me the chance to prove myself!"
Feint right, dodge left.
"How can you expect me to pretend that we aren't at war? What do you expect people to think when they see you out fighting while I stay here?"
Lunge.
The haft of Ki Seong's Naginata blocked his swing, cloth-wrapped orichalcum meeting Neighponese hardwood with a clatter. The Qilin spun, her cloven hooves lashing out and striking his chest, sending him stumbling backwards. His blade blocked the tip of her pole-arm, but she was quick, the dulled point withdrawing from his hold and then jabbing past his guard and against his breastplate as he sought to gain distance.
He sighed, hanging his head as his sparring partner twirled her weapon in her grip, the blunted metal head glinting in the afternoon sunlight that fell upon the courtyard of his host's expansive, Neighponese-styled home.
It was her twelfth consecutive win today.
Ki Seong is as gracious in her victory as she always is, showing no sign of satisfaction as she stepped back, glancing at the scuff mark where her foot had impacted his armor. He waved off her unspoken concern. His pride had been injured more than his body.
"You're improving."
He snorted.
"I haven't landed a single hit today."
She pressed on, used to his self-recriminations.
"No, but you have come close. Closer than you have in any of our previous spars. Close enough for me to resort to hoof-to-hoof."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"It's still not a win."
A silence fell, the Prince staring idly at his blade, his companion silently regarding him.
"You handicap yourself."
He lifted his free talon to his face, rubbing his temples.
"We've been over this. The sword is my preferred weapon. It's more than just a badge of office or a family heirloom, it's the one weapon I have the most experience with...and the one I need the most practice using. Better to be good with one weapon than just ok with several."
He gestured to the long, curved shape of the Onna-bugeisha's weapon. With it's lacquered haft and stylized golden inlay, it was as much a work of art as a defensive tool.
"You specialize with that Polearm. I specialize with my short-sword. Your weapon may give you greater reach, but mine has greater flexibility."
The Qilin nodded, her face expressionless.
"True...and the fact that your blade is Orichalcum lends it an advantage that cannot be adequately expressed in our bouts...were your weapon not forcibly dulled I suspect it would cleave right through the handle of my own...but it is not your choice in weapon that I speak of."
Gawain blinked, raising an eye ridge. The Heiress rolled her eyes.
"Our bout does not hold your whole focus. Your mind is elsewhere."
The Griffon Prince inhaled deeply, walking over to a stone bench at the edge of the courtyard, sheathing his blade and tensely sitting down. Hanging her training weapon upon a rack, Ki Seong moved to join him, patiently awaiting his response as the silence between them dragged on.
This was not the first time their sparring sessions had broken down in such a manner. Both of them were heirs to powerful dynasties, and both struggled to shoulder the burden of expectations and responsibilities that their statuses entailed. In each other, the two had found a sympathetic set of ears, a person with whom they could vent to about their perceived struggles without fear of judgement. Words of sympathy always flowed freely between them in the midst of such conversations...along with the occasional piece of constructive criticism or helpful tidbit of advice.
But those had always been discussions of personal issues. This veered into matters of state, and Gawain was hesitant to break down that wall. As much as he trusted his friend, he could never forget that she was still technically an agent of a foreign power. Neighpon may be one of the Empire's closest allies, but state secrets were still state secrets.
"You fear the coming battle. In Maretonia."
Gawain's head spun around to stare at her. Ki rolled her eyes.
"Try as you might, one cannot hide such a massive and rapid buildup of troops. I can see the smoke of your manufactories from my bedroom window....and recruitment flyers falling into my zen garden."
She quirked one impeccably manicured eyebrow.
"Pegicles' aggression and ambition is known and discussed even in Kyoto...the conclusion is fairly easy to come to."
Gawain snorted, deflating.
"...It is rather obvious isn't it?"
The Qilin nodded, crossing her forelegs over each other as she got comfortable. She got the feeling this was going to be a long conversation.
"Yes, but the source of your apparent troubles is not so clear to me."
Gawain wrung his talons, staring at the ground.
"...The Army will be marching south. To Maretonia, and Mare-a-Thon. My parents will be going with them."
He huffed, sounding equal parts proud and frustrated.
"My father isn't the sort of person to send his soldiers into harms way without going himself...and my mother will be dead in the ground before she lets him fly into a war zone without her."
Ki Seong hummed in understanding.
"You fear for their safety?"
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Of course I do. They'll be in the middle of a battlefield with a massive target painted right on their backs..."
"But that is not what weighs you down this day...is it?"
The heiress knew him too well. He raised his head to the sky, staring up at the passing clouds as he tried to articulate his feelings.
"I've spent my whole life preparing for war. Archimedes' history lessons, games of strategy, spars and mock duels...they call my mother the warrior Empress. It's almost expected that I be some great warrior..."
He clenched his talons into fists, one slamming into the stone of the bench in frustration.
"And yet I'm still here. In the Capital, living in the palace, waiting for my parents to come back from war like some...scared child!"
Ki nodded thoughtfully, even as she sighed internally. It seemed that her friend was indeed not over his perceived inadequacy. Her response was perhaps snappier than it should have been, but a recurrent problem demanded a recurrent solution.
"So what are you going to do about it?"
His response was not what she had expected. Gawain's claws unclenched, his posture deflating as he chuckled bitterly.
"I can't do anything. My father told me he wouldn't allow it."
Ki Seong blinked, eyebrows shooting up to her forehead. She certainly hadn't expected that.
"He told me that having the Emperor, Empress and Crown Prince all on the same battlefield together was a recipe for disaster, that he couldn't, 'in good conscience', allow me to accompany the army on campaign."
He shifted uncomfortably, wincing as he recalled the increasingly heated series of conversations he had had with his father, one of the only true disagreements that they had had in their entire lives.
"We...argued. I can't say I'm particularly proud of how I acted."
It had started off well enough. He'd come to the table with a prepared speech, drawn upon every debate trick he'd ever learned in the diplomatic service in his attempt to make his father see things from Gawain's perspective. He'd passionately put forth his argument, laid out all the reasons that he felt he should be allowed to embark upon the campaign trail with him, both practical and personal.
His father had listened, nodding along politely with a considering expression he recognized from years of council meetings and intelligence briefings, waiting for Gawain to finish up his presentation before giving his answer.
"Absolutely not."
Gawain...had not taken that response well. He was the son of a merchant-turned-King, a career diplomat and Crown Prince of what he firmly believed to be the greatest nation in the world. He was not inclined to simply take "no" for an answer. Not even from his father.
He'd reiterated and reframed his arguments, emphasized different points, continually pressed, day after day, cornering Garrick in his study or his office, unwilling to let the matter drop.
The answer was always no.
Gawain had grown frustrated.
He'd doubled down, dug in his heels, refused to concede, all but demanding to be given the opportunity to prove himself and serve the Empire, and generally acting like the spoiled, entitled brat that he'd spent his entire life trying to avoid being seen as. On more than one occasion, to his shame, he'd raised his voice in anger.
Against his father, the Emperor.
His father didn't even change his facial expression one iota, calmly and repeatedly offering his refusal, betraying none of the frustration or anger he had to have been feeling as his eldest child refused to give up on his self-imposed mission. Gawain was told that he had nothing to prove, that it was too dangerous, that it was not only necessary but vital that he remain behind "should the worst come to pass".
The Crown Prince's statement that he wished to accompany his father precisely to ensure that such a thing did not come to pass was shot down like all of his other arguments. After several days of this unproductive and unchanging back and forth, Gawain had finally lost his temper and spoken words he'd almost immediately regretted.
"I have to do this! I don't need your permission!"
His father had simply stared back at him and shook his head. In that moment...he'd looked so tired. Gawain had been struck by the sudden change in his father's demeanor, looking as if he'd aged years in the span of seconds. The elder Golden-Feather's response had carried an edge of weariness, but the Prince hadn't missed the steel in his words as he'd laid down the law to his own flesh and blood in the same way he'd laid it down to so many uppity nobles.
"That same speech has been made by how many sons to how many fathers? 'I don't need your bloody permission, you old fool, I'm gonna enlist anyway!' And what wouldn't those numberless fathers give to be able to say to their sons: 'Well, I'm the Emperor, so as a matter of fact, without my permission, you can't."
His father had gripped his shoulder, staring into his eyes with an intensity Gawain couldn't ever recall seeing from him before.
"We can't lose you son. Not me, not your mother, not your sisters, not the Empire. We just can't take the risk."
Gawain hadn't brought the matter up again after that. He'd been too ashamed.
Ki Seong spoke up, jarring him from his reverie, her tone carefully neutral.
"This must be very important to you...if you are willing to go so far."
Gawain nodded, eyes to the ground, his talons gripping the hilt of his blade, his other hand clenched into a fist.
"I just...I want to make a difference you know? To prove that I'm worthy...not just to my family or the people but to myself. I can't do that if I just sit in the Capital and do nothing."
A silence fell between the two, the Prince stewing in his own shame as the Qilin chewed her lip, considering her words. This situation would be more difficult to address than she had initially thought...but for the sake of her friend she had to try.
From the way he carried himself, it was clear that he was reluctant to speak of this, even to those he trusted. Which meant she was likely the only person he had talked about this with.
He hadn't gone to his mother about this, with all her wisdom. Not his sisters, who knew him and his father better than any other. Not Sebastian, with his all his knowledge. Not even Isabelle, the girl who she knew he was quite clearly in love with (really it was so blindly obvious to anyone who saw the two of them together).
He had talked to her, and that meant something. Perhaps it didn't mean much, in the grand scheme of things, but Ki Seong knew not to ignore how much a choice could mean. And so she chose her words with great care, deliberating over exactly what to say to her friend.
The way she saw it, the Prince had several options available to him, despite what he seemed to think.
Though his father had quite firmly insisted that he not be put into harms way, that did not necessarily preclude him from assisting in the war effort in a less obvious way. Ki Seong was not a born warrior like so many other Qilin, but she knew enough about the art of war to know that a military undertaking of this size would be a thing of great scope and complexity. The supplying of such a massive army would itself require a legion of support personnel, from administrators and quartermasters to sutlers and porters. While it wouldn't possess the glamor and glory of a battlefield posting, a position overseeing the logistics of the army would be safer, and thus more palatable to the Emperor. It was a good compromise between the two extremes that had been put forward, something that would leave both parties happy, if not completely satisfied. Perhaps the experience would even give Gawain the opportunity to learn something?
Of course, there was always the chance that the Golden-Feather patriarch would still be obstinate. Ki Seong didn't think it likely, but it was still something to plan for. It was entirely possible that the Emperor Garrick would still refuse his son's placement anywhere even remotely connected to the war...and even if he didn't, Gawain might not take the suggestion of becoming a Rear Echelon Officer very well. An alternative proposal would be needed.
The draconic hybrid had heard of the Equestrians. The recovery of the survivors of a foreign expedition from a life in slavery had been a front page story on every one of the Griffon newspapers, and in the months following their arrival to the Imperial Capitol, a few of the wide-eyed equines could be seen making their way down the streets of the city, often accompanied by a local guide as they sought to familiarize themselves with the culture of their rescuers. She had even had the chance to speak to a few in person when they had come to visit her father in his capacity as the Neighponese ambassador.
She knew that the expatriates of such a faraway kingdom were becoming increasingly eager to return to their homeland and loved ones, and that their avian hosts would doubtlessly be sending a party of diplomats along with them when they did. And Gawain was a seasoned diplomat who had earned a name for himself negotiating with foreign heads of state. She was certain that the Emperor would be looking to make an impression upon the Equestrian Princesses, and she imagined sending the Crown Prince and heir to the throne to greet them in the name of Gryphus would go a long way towards ensuring that that goal was met.
Of course, such a mission would not be without risks of its own. While it was extremely unlikely that the Equestrians would take any hostile action against the representatives of a foreign nation, let alone a nation that had worked so hard to save the lives of its people, that did not change the fact that tge journey to and from a foreign land would be a long one, and even if every precaution was taken, there would always be a certain amount of risk. And even assuming nothing went wrong, Gawain would still be beyond the Empire's borders for weeks where he could not be easily reached.
If, Kami-forbid, anything happened to his parents in Maretonia...she didn't even want to think about it.
Of course, that was the worst case scenario. The more optimistic outcome was also the more likely one: that Gawain would get the chance to show his worth as a diplomat, make contact with a newly met kingdom, and perhaps form a working relationship with foreign heads of state...a relationship that would serve him well when he inevitably took the title of Emperor himself. It wasn't completely without risk, but it was certainly safer than traveling to an active war zone...and no one would be able to accuse him of doing nothing while his parents put themselves in harm's way. It would almost be kind of poetic. The son working to make peace and foster diplomacy at the same time his parents were waging war.
But then...there was a third option. Throughout history, in both Neighpon and Gryphus, there were stories and legends of Nobles and Royalty who would shed their finery in order to pass themselves off as ordinary citizens, donning the garb of peasants or common foot soldiers to personally inspect the state of their realm and see things from a more grounded perspective. If Gawain was truly committed to seeing a battlefield regardless of what his father said...
She dismissed the thought from her mind almost as quickly as it had come. Such a thing could barely be considered sane, let alone safe. The chances of him being hurt or killed would be even higher than if he had gone with his father's blessing, and if he didn't die on the field of battle he'd probably wish that he had once his deception inevitably came to light. And that was assuming that he would even be capable of pulling off such a stunt in the first place. His face might not be as well-known as his father's, but he was still the Crown Prince, and the odds of him being recognized and exposed were high.
She'd have to be insane to suggest such an idea to him, and he'd have to be even crazier to go along with it...but she couldn't deny that, if he did manage to pull off such a stunt, it would be a thing worthy of legend...perhaps even legendary enough to get him over his angst and inferiority complex.
Whatever course of action she suggested, whatever words of encouragement she chose to give, it was clear that Gawain would not be content to simply remain safe and stationary at the Palace. He would find a way to take action and prove himself, of that there was no doubt in either of their minds. It was simply a question of how he would choose to do so.
[ ] Paper-Pushing Prince: It's not a glamorous job, but someone needs to make sure the Army is fed, watered and armed. He won't earn any scars or combat honors, but he'll get a chance to play a part in the campaign, however small it might be.
[ ] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
[ ] Prince Incognito: Stupid? Certainly. Dangerous? Unfathomably so. But it's the only way he'll ever see a battlefield, and if that's the price he has to pay, then so be it.
After getting a lot of IRL stuff sorted out and hiring an exorcist to banish the demons of procrastination, distraction and creative sterility that have been tormenting me for weeks on end, I can now submit to you this...thing.
Was this update worth the wait? Definitely not, but after nearly three months and multiple rewrites, I think it's the best I can make it, and I'm desperate to get past this creative roadblock and move on with the Quest to end this unscheduled and unwanted hiatus.
No Moratorium for the Votes.
Next Interlude will be Pearl's, then we get to see Equestria for the first time in this Quest. And then we go to war.
Now that I'm back in the swing of things, future updates should be coming out faster and at a more consistent pace. I thank you all again for your patience and understanding.
- Location
- Space between realms
- Pronouns
- He
No worries man. Your work is great as always.
Also
[X] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
I think that getting the dynasty good relations with some of the strongest people in the world would be a good idea and further cement our image as the country that comes to the table with open hands but is always ready to do what must be done
Also
[X] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
I think that getting the dynasty good relations with some of the strongest people in the world would be a good idea and further cement our image as the country that comes to the table with open hands but is always ready to do what must be done
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taovkool
Forever Gone
- Location
- The Library, Department of General Works
[X] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
i'm picking this because I'm curious about the Equestrian plotlines and this will make a good balance to Gawain's lack of achievements and relative danger.
i'm picking this because I'm curious about the Equestrian plotlines and this will make a good balance to Gawain's lack of achievements and relative danger.
- Location
- I think somewhere. I might be nowhere though
I am so greatly torn. On one hand, Equestrian is the smarter option, both from a diplomatic standpoint and a safety standpoint. On the other hand, Prince Incognito is the stuff epics are written about! I would love to read that!
Also nice to see more Ki. I do so like all our Qilin allies.
Thanks for the update!
[X] Equestrian Introductions: He's built a reputation for himself as a diplomat. Why stop now?
Holee shet we are so not going to try risking the heir getting killed alongside some common troop. Yet, I feel throwing him to paperwork won't help his insecurities.
Holee shet we are so not going to try risking the heir getting killed alongside some common troop. Yet, I feel throwing him to paperwork won't help his insecurities.