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Who Needs Harmony?: An MLP Empire Quest

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Omake: Coward (Semi-Canon)
  • Sidestory
    • Omake: "Coward..!"

    "Coward..!"

    King Brochard's words brings Garrick Golden-Feather's attention to the beaten form of his rival, blood slowly dripping from his battered form.

    "Me? A coward, you say?

    The defeated royal coughs blood before continuing, the droplets almost reaching the clean claws of the victor.

    "You stood behind your armies... your wife... your father-in-law... and when I showed myself... you refused to face me, leaving other griffons to do your dirty work..!
    At least I... fought honorably... in battle, like I've - I've..." Brochard's eyes unfocused for a second before he pulled himself back. "I've always fought... to kill the enemies of Aquileia... When others cowered, I fought. When others hid away, I stood in the frontlines, ready to slay all those who threaten us...
    And here I fought... and you... stayed behind... safe..."

    "... It is true that you fought. You've fought for long time, I've heard. As a martial or a general, you are my better."
    Garrick approached Brochard as he talked.
    "And that is the issue here. You were a good general..."
    He stopped next to his body, staring down with unreadable eyes.
    "But never were you a worthy king to reunite Griffonia."

    "What... what are you talking -"

    "You could conquer the disparate lands of all griffons in time. You would do so expertly with shield, claws and force of arms...
    But you would've never united us.
    The bloodshed that you would've caused would be remembered for generations, all non-Aquileian Griffons would see your lands and their people as monsters, no better than the bandits that so often reaped them during Discord's reign.
    And when you've eventually died, after conquering, massacring, pillaging and purging all who actively opposed your rule and didn't immediately bow their heads to every last demand of yours?"

    Neither kings notice the audience as nearby soldiers listen from the sidelines.

    "The survivors would remember. They would test the mettle of your successor. And their successor. And the next after that...
    Until one of them finally failed to keep it all together.
    And when happened... there would finally be a unified people in Griffonia - one focused on sharing the pain with yours, as the instruments of your family's actions."

    Garrick sighed, his eyes finally slipping to an emotion.
    Disgust intermingling with pity.

    "You know... half of your nobles swore fealty to me before I even marched to stop you. Did you know that?"

    Brochard's eyes bulged from sheer rage, but didn't deign a verbal answer.

    "Before this battle, there were only two people who could hope to unite Griffonia. You..." Garrick pointed his claw at Brochard before pointing at himself. "and I."

    "If both of us died, Griffonia would likely stay divided. The continuing bloodshed between all kingdoms and city-states would continue to spread bad blood between us all, making any true unity impossible in the long run."

    "If you won, you would continue with your... primitive methods. Albeit I give you that using the trolls was... surprisingly outside the box thinking on your part.
    It could end as I described - but more likely is that your military would be so gutted the roaming beasts would break your kingdom beforehand."

    "And finally... Me.
    I'm not going to start talking about what I would do... after all, I still haven't even talked about it with all others who need to be heard to make this work.
    But just maybe... I felt that I had a better shot at it than you."

    "Thus... I 'refused honorable combat' with a pillaging moron of a general.
    Refused to take a pointless risk with our future.
    The prosperity of our people means more than any individual's martial pride."

    "...
    Coward..."
    ---

    609 words, if you care.
     
    Last edited:
  • Sidestory
    • Somebodynobody10 said:
    Omake: "Coward..!"

    "Coward..!"

    King Brochard's words brings Garrick Golden-Feather's attention to the beaten form of his rival, blood slowly dripping from his battered form.

    "Me? A coward, you say?

    The defeated royal coughs blood before continuing, the droplets almost reaching the clean claws of the victor.

    "You stood behind your armies... your wife... your father-in-law... and when I showed myself... you refused to face me, leaving other griffons to do your dirty work..!
    At least I... fought honorably... in battle, like I've - I've..." Brochard's eyes unfocused for a second before he pulled himself back. "I've always fought... to kill the enemies of Aquileia... When others cowered, I fought. When others hid away, I stood in the frontlines, ready to slay all those who threaten us...
    And here I fought... and you... stayed behind... safe..."

    "... It is true that you fought. You've fought for long time, I've heard. As a martial or a general, you are my better."
    Garrick approached Brochard as he talked.
    "And that is the issue here. You were a good general..."
    He stopped next to his body, staring down with unreadable eyes.
    "But never were you a worthy king to reunite Griffonia."

    "What... what are you talking -"

    "You could conquer the disparate lands of all griffons in time. You would do so expertly with shield, claws and force of arms...
    But you would've never united us.
    The bloodshed that you would've caused would be remembered for generations, all non-Aquileian Griffons would see your lands and their people as monsters, no better than the bandits that so often reaped them during Discord's reign.
    And when you've eventually died, after conquering, massacring, pillaging and purging all who actively opposed your rule and didn't immediately bow their heads to every last demand of yours?"

    Neither kings notice the audience as nearby soldiers listen from the sidelines.

    "The survivors would remember. They would test the mettle of your successor. And their successor. And the next after that...
    Until one of them finally failed to keep it all together.
    And when happened... there would finally be a unified people in Griffonia - one focused on sharing the pain with yours, as the instruments of your family's actions."

    Garrick sighed, his eyes finally slipping to an emotion.
    Disgust intermingling with pity.

    "You know... half of your nobles swore fealty to me before I even marched to stop you. Did you know that?"

    Brochard's eyes bulged from sheer rage, but didn't deign a verbal answer.

    "Before this battle, there were only two people who could hope to unite Griffonia. You..." Garrick pointed his claw at Brochard before pointing at himself. "and I."

    "If both of us died, Griffonia could likely stay divided. The continuing bloodshed between all kingdoms and city-states would continue to spread bad blood between us all, making any true unity impossible in the long run."

    "If you won, you would continue with your... primitive methods. Albeit I give you that using the trolls was... surprisingly outside the box thinking on your part.
    It could end as I described - but more likely is that your military would become so gutted the roaming beasts would break your kingdom beforehand."

    "And finally... Me.
    I'm not going to start talking about what I would do... after all, I still haven't even talked about it with all others who need to be heard to make this work.
    But just maybe... I felt that I had a better shot at it than you."

    "Thus... I 'refused honorable combat' with a pillaging moron of a general.
    Refused to take a pointless risk with our future.
    The prosperity of our people means more than any individual's martial pride."

    "...
    Coward..."
    ---

    609 words, if you care.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    An excellent take on what the two Kings would say to each other! +15 to a roll!
     
    Omake: A Proud Day to be an Artillery-Gryph (Canon)
  • Sidestory
    • A Proud Day To Be An Artillery-gryph​

    You are Marcus Greybill, one of the main operators of the Ballistae siege weapons in the service of King Garrick Golden-Feather, and you can see the battle going well for your comrades and allies.

    The counter-charge order was given and your fellow soldiers smash into them with steel and vigor. You can see your warrior queen charging and rallying both her Valkyries and comrades-in-arms in a furious charge. The same can be said with her father, the ruler of Urbido, charging in with his broadsword at the ready. Seeing them both in action, its not hard to see the family resemblance netween the two. With these two at the forefront, the charge was a success and the Aquilians are back against the walls. You and your fellow operators have done your part, winning the siege duel and softening up the Aquillian army as much as possible with Ballistae fire before your allies gets into the thick of it and stop firing, friendly fire being too likely too happen to fire into the battle any further.

    While it may seem that your part in the battle is over, it doesn't mean that your just about to take it easy. There is still battle to be won and such, you and your mates had the ballistae loaded and ready to fire. Firing amidst the battlefield now when your allies are fighting within is a no go but there might still be a possible target within the area. Perhaps the enemy might group up somewhere and be big enough target to shoot at without hitting any of your comrades? Or maybe there might be some enemy reinforcement coming out of nowhere that could use a ballistae volley or two before they get to your troops?

    whatever the case, you are thankful that your ballistae was ready to fire, because that would have caused precious time to be wasted to fire on what seems to be the enemies' ace in the hole. You and your fellow operators were shocked at what they brought into the battlefield.

    Trolls. 15 motherfucking trolls. 15 house size monsters with skin as tough as leather and strength that can break steel like it was paper. This many trolls in one place is bad enough but no, it gets worse.

    These particular trolls were armed and armored to the fucking teeth. Crude, steel plated armor protects their already thick hide and blades are fastened into their arms.

    How King Brochard manage to get the outrageous idea of taming these gigantic monsters and giving them armor and weapons and somehow making it work have to be pondered on in another time, because right now, these monsters are charging in and have just about wreck havoc among your comrades.

    "AIM IT! AIM IT RIGHT NOW DAMMIT!" You shouted, urging your fellow operators to move the ballistae to towards a troll as fast as possible. These monsters are quickly making mince meat out of your comrades. Killing these gigantic brutes when they are so heavily armed and armored would be a daunting task among the rank and file. The end result would be massive casualties for every troll they can kill. As soon as you have your target...

    "FIRING!" The bolts sail into the air and what a beautiful sight it was to see them puncture through the troll's crude steel armor and fall in battle with a gigantic arrow sticking out of their bodies. On that volley, five bolts sailed in the air and all of them found their mark in a different troll. You and your mates cheered! All was not lost! King Brochard may have giant monsters up in his sleeve to wield as a weapon against your comrades but your own King has his own giant weapon to wield in battle, Right at this moment, you and your crew have to honor of operating said weapon against these foul creatures!

    "Alright! enough cheering boys, load up the next bolt Pronto!" You and the rest of the operators quickly went to work, while your busy reloading the weapon, the army will have to hold the line. There were 15 of the monstrosities originally but that first volley knocked them down to ten. As your busy getting the ballistae ready, your eyes and mind once again observe the battlefield. As you can see, taking down these trolls are no easy task. The army themselves manage to take down two of the bastards but at a great cost in the form of casualties. Your warrior queen is quick to show everyone her might with a spear, personally killing two by introducing the business end of her spear through the monster's eye and hitting their brain. Her father is no slouch either, severing the spine of one troll with his own broadsword.

    "FIRING!" Once more, a volley of five ballistae shots fly in the air, and the last of the enormous beasts falls. You and your lads did it! You saved the day and your comrades! You can't help but shout in jubilation with your crew., another win for the artillery team! You and the rest of the ballistae teams have just cemented yourself in history. King Brochard's hidden ace in the form of 15 tamed and heavily armed and armored trolls was stopped cold by your Ballistaes. Credit where its due though, the army put up a valiant fight, taking down two on their own while your warrior queen and her father personally take down three others. They however paid a heavy price with many dead and more injured. Had they fought all 15 trolls on their own, It would most probably resulted in massive casualties that would have been mopped up by the remaining Aquillian forces.

    Not on your watch however! You and the rest of the ballistae teams saved the day and single-handedly took out 10 of the enormous beasts! A full two-thirds of the engaging trolls taken out by ballistae fire. You and yours may have very well saved your Kingdom from a massive defeat on this battle. An achievement very few may be able to boast about. You can't help but look back on what you and the rest of the ballistae operators have accomplished on this battlefield.

    They have won the artillery duel between the opening shots of the war, scored massive casualties among the Aquillian army as you bombard their position to soften them up for the counter-charge, and now they were instrumental in stopping the enemies's hidden surprise of 15 trolls and saving the Griffonian army from devastating casualties. Those trolls have hurt the army badly but it could have been much, much worse.

    It was a proud day to be an artillery-gryph in the army. You guys are going to be heroes! These fine deeds will be remembered throughout history, you are sure of it. Nothing can take these deeds away from you and your mates!

    Nevertheless, it was no time to slack. Battle still rages on and there are enemies to be shot with more ballistae fire. As you and your crew were reloading the weapon, you saw King Brochard himself, along with his personal guards finally joining in the fight. they slammed in to the army, still reeling from the trolls and inflict a lot of casualties. You would have gladly fired a bolt right into his position but its seems like your own king has his own forces to match King Brochard's charge.

    The Knights Lions. throughout the raging battle, they have been staying in the rear alongside with the King and stayed largely away from the fight. If you have to guess, they were probably acting as a reserve force, ready to fill in any gaps that may show up in the battle line. The king would have probably sent them in to help deal with the troll threat if it wasn't for your ballistae teams effort to stop them from further hurting your troops. A grin came up to your face at the thought. That just further add to the Ballistae's accomplishments. Thanks to you and the rest of the artillery-gryphs, The king didn't have to send them in to deal with the trolls and thus, the Knights Lions are still fresh, their numbers at fully capacity, and fully combat ready.

    They were at their most optimal condition to take the fight to King Brochard and his elite bodyguards. Good thing too because they seem to be evenly match, For every bodyguard that falls, one of the knights or squire falls as well. Still, you are confident that they will come out on top in this fight. They are the Knights Lions! One of the last knightly orders that have survive the age of Discord. As you see King Brochard himself and Grandmaster Konrad Hardbeak face each other amidst the battle between elite bodyguards and knights, you are sure that the grandmaster will come out the victor. This fight will be hard but if they can survive Discord, then surely then can survive this!

    Notably, you can see your King staying behind and away from the fight. That is good really. As dramatic and epic it may sound to have a duel between Kings in this historic fight, it would be obvious to everyone that King Garrick would lose to such a duel. Unlike the warrior that was Brochard, King Garrick was a merchant before he was a king. He has arms and armor fit for his station but he doesn't have the skills to match it. Whatever training that you have heard your King has gone through for his warrior queen would pale in comparison to the years of battlefield experience that Brochard has. Its nice to see that he has a good head on his shoulders.

    King Garrick is a good king. Despite his sudden elevation from merchant to king, he didn't let it get to his head and took his kingship with the seriousness and gravitas it deserved. He took his duties seriously and has so far lead the kingdom admirably, restoring what was once broken, protecting its citizens, managing to integrate the Diamond dogs into his rule, and leading many trade deals and business projects that have so far resulted in the Kingdom's prosperity. You are proud to serve under him, the Kingdom would be devastated if he was ever loss this day.

    "ARROW LOADED!" Your ballistae is once again ready to fire, you look into the battlefield to see if there are more targets to shoot without risking your own allies. You are also on alert to see if there are more surprises that the Aquillans might pull like the Trolls. Though, considering their King is now joining the battle, it might be safe to say that they have ran out of tricks to pull but you can't be so sure with a battle like this.

    Despite you being on the look out, you can't help but be drawn in the battle between the Enemy king and the knightly order. It is not everyday that a battle like this happens in the field. Whoever comes out on top will be remembered throughout history. This is a battle worthy of song, worthy of having a place in the their halls of ancestors within their Citadel. You and your mates have front row seats to this history battle.

    You pray for the Knight's victory. This is their time to show the world just what the Knights Lion can do, to remind them why they are some of the last knightly orders that survived Discord.

    Whoever wins this battle will reverberate throughout history.

    @Questor Here is an omake for the coming battle! Let's win this one guys. We can't lose now when we came so far.
     
    Last edited:
  • Sidestory
    • beingme said:
    A Proud Day To Be An Artillery-gryph​

    You are Marcus Greybill, one of the main operators of the Ballistae siege weapons in the service of King Garrick Golden-Feather, and you can see the battle going well for your comrades and allies.

    The counter-charge order was given and your fellow soldiers smash into them with steel and vigor. You can see your warrior queen charging and rallying both her Valkyries and comrades-in-arms in a furious charge. The same can be said with her father, the ruler of Urbido, charging in with his broadsword at the ready. Seeing them both in action, its not hard to see how the family resemblance. With these two at the forefront, the charge was a success and the Aquilians are back against the walls. You and your fellow operators have done your part, winning the siege duel and softening up the Aquillian army as much as possible with Ballistae fire before your allies gets into the thick of it and stop firing, friendly fire being too likely too happen to fire into the battle any further.

    While it may seem that your part in the battle is over, it doesn't mean that your just about to take it easy. There is still battle to be won and such, you and your mates had the ballistae loaded and ready to fire. Firing amidst the battlefield now when your allies are fighting within is a no go but there might still be a possible target within the area. Perhaps the enemy might group up somewhere and be big enough target to shoot at without hitting any of your comrades? Or maybe there might be some enemy reinforcement coming out of nowhere that could use a ballistae volley or two before they get to your troops?

    whatever the case, you are thankful that your ballistae was ready to fire, because that would have caused precious time to be wasted to fire on what seems to be the enemies' ace in the hole. You and your fellow operators were shocked at what they brought into the battlefield.

    Trolls. 15 motherfucking trolls. 15 house size monsters with skin as tough as leather and strength that can break steel like it was paper. This many trolls in one place is bad enough but no, it gets worst.

    These particular trolls were armed and armored to the fucking teeth. Crude, steel plated armor protects their already thick hide and blades are fastened into their arms.

    How King Brochard manage to get the outrageous idea of taming these gigantic monsters and giving them armor and weapons and somehow making it work have to be pondered on in another time, because right now, these monsters are charging in and have just about wreck havoc among your comrades.

    "AIM IT! AIM IT RIGHT NOW DAMMIT!" You shouted, urging your fellow operators to move the ballistae to towards a troll as fast as possible. These monsters are quickly making mince meat out of your comrades. Killing these gigantic brutes when they are so heavily armed and armored would be a daunting task among the rank and file. The end result would be massive casualties for every troll they can kill. As soon as you have your target...

    "FIRING!" The bolts sail into the air and what a beautiful sight it was to see them puncture through the troll's crude steel armor and fall in battle with a gigantic arrow sticking out of their bodies. On that volley, five bolts sailed in the air and all of them found their mark in a different troll. You and your mates cheered! All was not lost! King Brochard may have giant monsters up in his sleeve to wield as a weapon against your comrades but your own King has his own giant weapon to wield in battle, Right at this moment, you and your crew have to honor of operating said weapon against these foul creatures!

    "Alright! enough cheering boys, load up the next bolt Pronto!" You and the rest of the operators quickly went to work, while your busy reloading the weapon, the army will have to hold the line. There were 15 of the monstrosities originally but that first volley knocked them down to ten. As your busy getting the ballistae ready, your eyes and mind once again observe the battlefield. As you can see, the taking down these trolls are no easy task. The army themselves manage to take down two of the bastards but at a great cost in the form of casualties. Your warrior queen is quick to show everyone her might with a spear, personally killing two by introducing the business end of her spear through the monster's eye and hitting their brain. Her father is no slouch either, severing the spine of one troll with his own broadsword.

    "FIRING!" Once more, a volley of five ballistae shots fly in the air, and the last of the enormous beasts falls. You and your lads did it! You saved the day and your comrades! You can't help but shout in jubilation with your crew., another win for the artillery team! You and the rest of the ballistae teams have just cemented yourself in history. King Brochard's hidden ace in the form of 15 tamed and heavily armed and armored trolls was stopped cold by your Ballistaes. Credit where its due though, the army put up a valiant fight, taking down two on their own while your warrior queen and her father personally take down three others. They however paid a heavy price with many dead and more injured. Had they fought all 15 trolls on their own, It would most probably resulted in massive casualties that would have been mopped up by the remaining Aquillian forces.

    Not on your watch however! You and the rest of the ballistae teams saved the day and single-handedly took out 10 of the enormous beasts! A full two-thirds of the engaging trolls taken out by ballistae fire. You and yours may have very well saved your Kingdom from a massive defeat on this battle. An achievement very few may be able to boast about. You can't help but look back on what you and the rest of the ballistae operators have accomplished on this battlefield.

    They have won the artillery duel between the opening shots of the war, scored massive casualties among the Aquillian army as you bombard their position to soften them up for the counter-charge, and now they were instrumental in stopping the enemies's hidden surprise of 15 trolls and saving the Griffonian army from devastating casualties. Those trolls have hurt the army badly but it could have been much, much worse.

    It was a proud day to be an artillery-gryph in the army. You guys are going to be heroes! These fine deeds will be remembered throughout history, you are sure of it. Nothing can take these deeds away from you and your mates!

    Nevertheless, it was no time to slack. Battle still rages on and there are enemies to be shot with more ballistae fire. You and your crew reloaded the weapon and as the arrow was locked in, you saw King Brochard himself, along with his personal guards finally joining in the fight. they slammed int the army, still reeling from the trolls and inflict a lot of casualties. You would have gladly fired a bolt right into his position but its seems like your own king has his own forces to match King Brochard's charge.

    The Knights Lions. throughout the raging battle, they have been staying in the rear alongside with the King and stayed largely away from the fight. If you have to guess, they were probably acting as a reserve force, ready to fill in any gaps that may show up in the battle line. The king would have probably sent them in to help deal with the troll threat if it wasn't for your ballistae teams effort to stop them from further hurting your troops. A grin came up to your face at the thought. That just further add to the Ballistae's accomplishments. Thanks to you and the rest of the artillery-gryphs, The king didn't have to send them in to deal with the trolls and thus, the Knights Lions are still fresh, their numbers at fully capacity, and fully combat ready.

    They were at their most optimal condition to take the fight to King Brochard and his elite bodyguards. Good thing too because they seem to be evenly match, For every bodyguard that falls, one of the knights or squire falls as well. Still, you are confident that they will come out on top in this fight. They are the Knights Lions! One of the last knightly orders that have survive the age of Discord. As you see King Brochard himself and Grandmaster Konrad Hardbeak face each other amidst the battle between elite bodyguards and knights, you are sure that the grandmaster will come out the victor. This fight will be hard but if they can survive Discord, then surely then can survive this!

    Notably, you can see your King staying behind and away from the fight. That is good really. As dramatic and epic it may sound to have a duel between Kings in this historic fight, it would be obvious to everyone that King Garrick would lose to such a duel. Unlike the warrior that was Brochard, King Garrick was a merchant before he was a king. He has arms and armor fit for his station but he doesn't have the skills to match it. Whatever training that you have heard your King has gone through for his warrior queen would pale in comparison to the years of battlefield experience that Brochard has. Its nice to see that he has a good head on his shoulders.

    King Garrick is a good king. Despite his sudden elevation from merchant to king, he didn't let it get to his head and took his kingship with the seriousness and gravitas it deserved. He took his duties seriously and has so far lead the kingdom admirably, restoring what was once broken, protecting its citizens, managing to integrate the Diamond dogs into his rule, and leading many trade deals and business projects that have so far resulted in the Kingdom's prosperity. You are proud to serve under him, the Kingdom would be devastated if he was ever loss this day.

    "ARROW LOADED!" Your ballistae is once again ready to fire, you look into the battlefield to see if there are more targets to shoot without risking your own allies. You are also on alert to see if there are more surprises that the Aquillans might pull like the Trolls. Though, considering their King is now joining the battle, it might be safe to say that they have ran out of tricks to pull but you can't be so sure with a battle like this.

    Despite you being on the look out, you can't help but be drawn in the battle between the Enemy king and the knightly order. It is not everyday that a battle like this happens in the field. Whoever comes out on top will be remembered throughout history. This is a battle worthy of song, worthy of having a place in the their halls of ancestors within their Citadel. You and your mates have front row seats to this history battle.

    You pray for the Knight's victory. This is their time to show the world just what the Knights Lion can do, to remind them why they are some of the last knightly orders that survived Discord.

    Whoever wins this battle will reverberate throughout history.

    @Questor Here is an omake for the coming battle! Let's win this one guys. We can't lose now when we came so far.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Amazing Omake! +15 to a roll!
     
    I wanted to buy all the merc companies this turn for political, martial, and scientific reasons.

    Political by proving to be trust worthy and well paying customers to try and get on the mercs good side so if any of the free cities do decide down the road to try and stand against us for whatever insane reason we'd be able to take some of their best merc companies or at least have them stay neutral.

    Martial As I could see some of the better merc groups evolving into knight orders. I mean would anyone be apposed if our wife's merc compony "the Valkyries" managed to earn enough prestige to become a knight order? Plus having skill merc groups to fight for us isn't really a bad thing ether

    and Scientific mostly because of the birds with flamethrowers as I was hoping that by seeing them in action we could try and make our own.
     
    Omake: Troll “Hunting” (Canon)
  • Sidestory
    • Troll 'Hunting'


    "Shit shit shit shi-" "Shut up or I trip you!"

    Under normal circumstances, this would be a charming bit of japery between old friends. Under normal circumstances, there wouldn't even need to be so much profanity.

    Normal went right out the damn aerie the moment they found 4 trolls instead of 2, all of which were now chasing them around the craggy outcroppings of the mountain range.

    "Why aren't we flying?" Barnaby huffed as they turned around another precariously short bank in the terrain.

    "Because when I tried, I nearly got a rock to the skull!" Cornelius explained with a snarl, tempted to bite his smaller compatriot to finally get him to stop talking. But that would risk taking his eyes off the ground, and that was too much of a risk even for the sake of venting his frustrated rage. "Now shut up and stick to the plan!" He didn't even give interest to even a nod as he pushed their maddened pace just a little bit faster. This part of the adventure required a certain level of nuance and grace, running just fast enough not to get caught but not too fast and risk losing the dumb brutes.

    But they still had to dodge and juke around the landscape and the projectiles being thrown their way, which was just plain cheating!

    Soon enough their target was in range, and they picked up with a surge of desperation. Apparently the trolls felt it as well and increased their pace, apparently eager for the meal as it ran towards an obvious dead end of a cliff ledge. But then the griffons kept up their speed and simply lunged off the cliff, snapping their wings open and going in two separate directions. Cornelius watched out of the corner of his eye as two of the dumb trolls ran right off the edge, but the others had managed to skid to a stop right near the drop.

    Just in time for a much older griffon to run out of the underbrush at full speed and leap onto the trolls, sending them tumbling into one another and down to meet their friends.

    The grizzled avian nodded and winged his way towards his apprentices. "And THAT, ya rugrats, is how you live capture trolls!" His chest puffed smugly at that. It was a simple methodology, to let gravity just knock them out for you, but required quite abit of effort and timing. And bait, obviously, but that was put aside as the trio began their downward glide.

    Already Cornelius was breaking off to bring the cages and wagon closer so they could begin loading, Barnaby breaking the silence as he pushed the unconscious trolls apart. "Did the king say why he wanted live trolls?"

    "No, and no troll hunter is fool enough to ask when he puts out a bounty this big!"

    The shouting from the elder griffon made him wince, and he was more then willing to keep his beak shut as they began dragging the bodies. He didn't know what was going on, and some small part of him said they were better off not knowing.

    Didn't stop him from whispering a quick prayer for whatever poor soul had to deal with these damn things when they wake up.

    ---

    Just a fun bit of pondering about how one could even catch something as surly as a troll. Along with me vote, of course.

    [X] Roar of the Lion: This is what the Knights were created to do, what they are trained and equipped to do. You're a merchant, an administrator, a ruler, but you're not a warrior, and you're certainly not as great a warrior as Brochard. Leave the task in the capable talons of Hardbeak and his Lions. You're not going to risk your life over some petty grudge.
     
  • Sidestory
    • Preventer Squall said:
    Troll 'Hunting'


    "Shit shit shit shi-" "Shut up or I trip you!"

    Under normal circumstances, this would be a charming bit of japery between old friends. Under normal circumstances, there wouldn't even need to be so much profanity.

    Normal went right out the damn aerie the moment they found 4 trolls instead of 2, all of which were now chasing them around the craggy outcroppings of the mountain range.

    "Why aren't we flying?" Barnaby huffed as they turned around another precariously short bank in the terrain.

    "Because when I tried, I nearly got a rock to the skull!" Cornelius explained with a snarl, tempted to bite his smaller compatriot to finally get him to stop talking. But that would risk taking his eyes off the ground, and that was too much of a risk even for the sake of venting his frustrated rage. "Now shut up and stick to the plan!" He didn't even give interest to even a nod as he pushed their maddened pace just a little bit faster. This part of the adventure required a certain level of nuance and grace, running just fast enough not to get caught but not too fast and risk losing the dumb brutes.

    But they still had to dodge and juke around the landscape and the projectiles being thrown their way, which was just plain cheating!

    Soon enough their target was in range, and they picked up with a surge of desperation. Apparently the trolls felt it as well and increased their pace, apparently eager for the meal as it ran towards an obvious dead end of a cliff ledge. But then the griffons kept up their speed and simply lunged off the cliff, snapping their wings open and going in two separate directions. Cornelius watched out of the corner of his eye as two of the dumb trolls ran right off the edge, but the others had managed to skid to a stop right near the drop.

    Just in time for a much older griffon to run out of the underbrush at full speed and leap onto the trolls, sending them tumbling into one another and down to meet their friends.

    The grizzled avian nodded and winged his way towards his apprentices. "And THAT, ya rugrats, is how you live capture trolls!" His chest puffed smugly at that. It was a simple methodology, to let gravity just knock them out for you, but required quite abit of effort and timing. And bait, obviously, but that was put aside as the trio began their downward glide.

    Already Cornelius was breaking off to bring the cages and wagon closer so they could begin loading, Barnaby breaking the silence as he pushed the unconscious trolls apart. "Did the king say why he wanted live trolls?"

    "No, and no troll hunter is fool enough to ask when he puts out a bounty this big!"

    The shouting from the elder griffon made him wince, and he was more then willing to keep his beak shut as they began dragging the bodies. He didn't know what was going on, and some small part of him said they were better off not knowing.

    Didn't stop him from whispering a quick prayer for whatever poor soul had to deal with these damn things when they wake up.

    ---

    Just a fun bit of pondering about how one could even catch something as surly as a troll. Along with me vote, of course.

    [X] Roar of the Lion: This is what the Knights were created to do, what they are trained and equipped to do. You're a merchant, an administrator, a ruler, but you're not a warrior, and you're certainly not as great a warrior as Brochard. Leave the task in the capable talons of Hardbeak and his Lions. You're not going to risk your life over some petty grudge.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Nice! I'll add it to the Omake bank!
     
    Omake: Not According to Plan, Part 1 (Canon)
  • Sidestory
    • Not According To Plan (Part 1)​

    "Events are not going as I planned them to be."

    These were the thoughts that are reverberating across King Brochard's mind. He is currently staying in the Aquileian camp in his own personal tent, going through the reports he has received from his officers as they siege the capital of Wingbard.

    These past couple of years have not been kind to the current king of Aquila when it comes to dealing with the neighboring fiefdoms. King Brochard can't seem to understand how the other nations could not question the legitimacy of that merchant suddenly being the new king of Griffonia. In finding any living descendants of the Great Imperial family of old, they came up with a merchant? Not a noble house, not someone of a knightly order, but a fucking merchant? and a middling one at that and not someone of any notable renown! Pah! How far Griffonia must have fallen if they are willing to accept some no named merchant as their king, how the mighty have fallen. Getting the others to understand this is an exercise in futility in Brochard's mind.

    "Whatever!" muttered King Brochard, as his thought went on further over his frustrations with dealing with his neighbors. "If the land of Griffonia are willing to have such a "Merchant" king under their rule then he will let them. It will only serve to benefit me in the end as I will show them how such a weak king will no doubt fall to me. Fall to my army and my secret weapons"

    A small grin can be seen in Brochard's face as he thought of the surprise his enemies will have as he spring his secret weapon against them. He further go on the reports on his table and soon came across a document detailing something about the damned brigands and bandits he has hired. He frowned at the report given, it was polite enough but he can read between the lines. The officers are once again report some "unacceptable" behavior they have been exhibiting again. King Brochard can't help but frown. Ever since he has decided to hire and enticed them with a pardon at the end of their service in this war on those low life scums to pad out the numbers, he has been getting flack from pretty much everyone, even from his own army that were suppose to benefit from! Can't they realize that it was an ingenious move on his part? by hiring them out, he removes a majority of the criminal element within Aquila and at the same time, find use for them as acting meatshields for the army. It was all they were good for after all. Besides, while he may pay them gold and a pardon, he has no intention of keeping them alive long enough to enjoy it. This is war, criminal scum such as these will be dying in droves soaking up the fire and killing whatever enemy they can to soften them up before the main force have their turn. Anyone still surviving near the end can be send on some suicide mission to die and all the gold he paid them with will be his for the taking once again. When this war is over, every Griffon that ever went against him on this decision is going to eat their own words.

    King Brochard further went into the reports given to him and can't help but scowl on the report that Wingbard still refuse to give up on that capital. That damn city has been under siege for quite a while now but those damn Wingbardians just wouldn't give up! It should have been easy! Wingbard doesn't have that much military strength to speak on relative to his kingdom. Hell, they had to have Griffonia come in to save the day when their own military couldn't handle their own damn fire. With a military with a track record like that? It should have just lasted a few months of campaigning at most. Wingbard should have surrendered by then! instead, it turned into this long drawn out affair ranging in many months. Time he could have used preparing against his rival's army.

    Suddenly King Brochard here to sound of the alarm and one of his messengers came through the tent.

    "My Liege!" the messenger shouted, his eyes wide in alarm. "An army arrives! They carry the banner of Griffonia!"

    King Borchards eyes widen at the report "Well, speak of the devil"

    "Rally the troops! get our men in defensive positions now!"

    "Yes my lord!" The messenger saluted and left to deliver the commands. King Brochard came out of the tent to see the coming army for himself. There, on the horizon, The King saw the army of his rival. No doubt coming to aid Wingbard. The King can't help but tsk at what he sees. This is what he were hoping to avoid, he wanted to face this army at his own terms and maybe behind the defensive walls of Wingbard's capital when they should have surrendered many months ago.

    "The orders have been received my king!" The messenger returns, giving his report. "Awaiting further orders!"

    "Tell the general to take command of this battle" he King instructed, giving new orders for the army to follow "I will have to get our "secret" weapon in order personally."

    "Yes my lord!" The messenger replied, getting ready to fly and relay the message when his king speaks further.

    "Tell the General" King Brochard said "That this battle will most likely decide the fate of the Griffon empire" The king's eyes bore through the messenger's head, conveying the seriousness of the matter "Failure is NOT an option. am I clear?"

    "Y-yes my lord! Perfectly" The messenger stammered

    "Good!" The King replied. satisfied that he has made the seriousness of the matter clear "make sure the good general gets it too."

    "At once!" The messenger finally flies away.

    King Brochard once again look at battlefield and see the coming fight that will decide the fate of Griffons everywhere throughout the Empire. He dearly wanted this fight to come under his terms but he stayed here for too long and those persistent bastards within the Wingbard Capital have held them up long enough for Griffonia to send out their army to relieve them.

    "Yes, things are not going according to plan at all" Thought King Brochard. He turns back, intent to go to the troll cages and make them ready for the coming fight. "but no matter, I can deal, My army and my general can deal. Situations like this are nothing new. No plan survives first contact after all."

    A small grin came up on his face as he look into the tents hiding the cages that hold his hidden aces in this battlefield "And I am damn sure, no one planned to have to deal with 15 heavily armed and armored trolls tamed to fight for the glory of Aquila" He enters one of them, seeing the Griffons in charge of taking care of them "When I unleash my secret weapon, my victory is assured!"

    "Men! the time has come!" you shouted, gaining the their attention "I am sure you have heard the alarm by now. Griffonia has arrive and its time to see if these Trolls are worth every penny! Make them ready men! Its time to unleash them to our enemies!"

    Shouts of affirmation reach King Brochard's ears and can't help but grin at the onslaught they will unleash to the Griffonian army.

    "hehehe, they won't know what hit them before its too late to do anything about it!"

    @Questor Hey there. here is another omake for the upcoming battle. It took too long so I cut it into two parts. This is part 1 for now. Part 2 will come later when I catch up with some sleep.

    If this gets some points, plse send them to where they are needed the most.
     
    Last edited:
  • Sidestory
    • Remove ads
    Battle of Wingbardy, Conclusion
  • Threadmarks
    • No. While it would make for an amazing story, you don't want to risk the fate of all Gryphon-kind on a duel against someone with far more combat experience than you. Brochard is a born warrior, a veteran of countless battles against Trolls, Diamond Dogs, and Griffons alike. You are a merchant, an administrator, a negotiator, not a warrior. You're not too proud to admit that you'd most likely lose in a straight fight against him. You'll let the Knights handle Brochard and his personal guard. They are much better suited for the task than you.

    (Knights Lion vs Aquileian Royal Guard: 71+15(A Proud Day to be an Artillery Gryph Omake)+10(A Day in the Life of a Good Boy Omake)=96)

    Even better suited than you'd expected as it turns out. While the Lions had been experiencing difficulties in the initial push, they appear to have hit their second wind, cutting down their foes in great numbers at little cost to themselves. Imperial Knights live up to the reputation of their pre-discordian forbears, slaying dozens in valiant charges, at times only visible as metallic blurs weaving in and out of the Aquileian formations. Squires fight ferociously alongside their heavily armored masters, seeking to prove themselves and earn the title of knighthood, and the Griffons-at-Arms form an impenetrable shield wall that steadily advances to crush all resistance before it.

    To his credit, amidst all this chaos Brochard still fights on, unable or unwilling to even contemplate retreat or surrender. In prolonged duels at the center of the whirling melee, he fells several brave knights with great swings of his hammer, shattering bone and crumpling steel, until finally he is approached by the Grandmaster of the Knights Lion: Konrad Hardbeak, his sword dripping with the blood of those he has slain to reach his opponent.

    The two legendary fighters square off, the rest of the battle seeming to flow around them. This will be a duel between titans of the battlefield, one on one, no outside interference. After what seems like an hour but is in reality just a couple of seconds, the two scarred veterans charge each other, each knowing that this battle will be to the death.

    (Brochard vs Hardbeak: 99)

    After all that dramatic buildup it's almost anticlimactic when Hardbeak simply ducks underneath Brochard's swing and beheads him in a single fluid motion. As the King's crowned head falls to the ground, followed shortly thereafter by the rest of him, a stunned silence seems to fall over the battlefield, as every Griffon comes to learn, through direct visual confirmation or the panicked and jubilant shouts that follow, that the Aquileian King has been slain.

    (Aquileian Morale Check: 25-20(The King is Dead)=5)

    And just like that, the Aquileian line collapses. After over an hour of sustained combat against an army greater in size and quality than anticipated, after being attacked in the rear by the people that were supposed to be too demoralized and exhausted to fight, after seeing both their siege engines and their trolls defeated by your ballistae, the death of their leader is the final straw. Entire battalions disengage and flee the combat area, or drop their weapons and assume positions of surrender. Some fight on, either unwilling to admit defeat or too fearful of the consequences of surrender. You give the order for one final advance to mop up the stragglers.

    (One Last Push: 63+20(Screwed Aquileian Morale)+10(The Roar of Battle Omake)=93)

    They should have just surrendered. Reduced in number and with gaping holes in their formations, your forces have no trouble utterly overwhelming the remaining Aquileians. Not even the ones that try to flee are spared, either surrounded and forced to lay down their arms or simply run through by the blades and polearms and arrows of your soldiers. Less than twenty minutes after Brochard's body hits the ground, all Aquileian soldiers have either fled or surrendered.

    You breathe a sigh of relief and begin to make your way towards Wingbard. All around you Griffons celebrate their victory, knowing that this battle will be immortalized in story and song, that history has been made, that with this battle begins a new era for all Griffons. But you cannot join them in their festivities. You need to speak to Duke Talonuelli, and Federico, and your Council, and start the long and arduous process of uniting the so-long shattered remnants of the old empire of Gryphus...

    Your Wife suddenly lands right in front of you, her armor dented and scratched, and roughly pulls you in for a violent and passionate kiss to the cheers of the soldiers around you.

    .....

    Well, you guess you can take a few minutes for yourself. You're the King, you think you're entitled to that much.


    Battle of Wingbardy: Historic Victory (+2 Noble/Public Opinion)
    All Aquileian forces are dead, captive or deserting.
    Brochard is Dead, leaving no other competition for the Imperial Throne.
    Duke Talonuelli and his subjects are eternally grateful for your assistance. (+2 Wingbardy Relations)




    Royal Army of Griffonia
    5000 Warriors
    2700 Polearms
    3380 Archers
    5 Mobile Ballistae

    Knightly Orders
    The Order of Knights Lion
    Grandmaster Konrad Hardbeak
    19 Knights of the Inner Circle
    95 Imperial Knights
    210 Squires
    445 Griffons-at-Arms

    Mercenaries
    The Valkyries
    350 Warriors
    The Woodstalkers
    100 Warriors
    250 Archers
    The Black Pikes
    365 Pikes
    The Crimson Company
    230 Griffon Berserkers

    Allies
    Wingbardy Militia
    800 Warriors
    250 Polearms
    350 Archers
    Montefeathertro's Mercenaries
    Federico Montefeathertro
    285 Warriors
    190 Polearms
    145 Archers
     
    Last edited:
  • Threadmarks
    • beingme said:
    Not Going to According To Plan (Part 1)​

    "Events are not going as I planned them to be."

    These were the thoughts that are reverberating across King Brochard's mind. He is currently staying in the Aquileian camp in his own personal tent, going through the reports he has received from his officers as they siege the capital of Wingbard.

    These past couple of years have not been kind to the current king of Aquila when it comes to dealing with the neighboring fiefdoms. King Brochard can't seem to understand how the other nations could not question the legitimacy of that merchant suddenly being the new king of Griffonia. In finding any living descendants of the Great Imperial family of old, they came up with a merchant? Not a noble house, not someone of a knightly order, but a fucking merchant? and a middling one at that and not someone of any notable renown! Pah! How far Griffonia must have fallen if they are willing to accept some no named merchant as their king, how the mighty have fallen. Getting the others to understand this is an exercise in futility in Brochard's mind.

    "Whatever!" muttered King Brochard, as his thought went on further over his frustrations with dealing with his neighbors. "If the land of Griffonia are willing to have such a "Merchant" king under their rule then he will let them. It will only serve to benefit me in the end as I will show them how such a weak king will no doubt fall to me. Fall to my army and my secret weapons"

    A small grin can be seen in Brochard's face as he thought of the surprise his enemies will have as he spring his secret weapon against them. He further go on the reports on his table and soon came across a document detailing something about the damned brigands and bandits he has hired. He frowned at the report given, it was polite enough but he can read between the lines. The officers are once again report some "unacceptable" behavior they have been exhibiting again. King Brochard can't help but frown. Ever since he has decided to hire and enticed them with a pardon at the end of their service in this war on those low life scums to pad out the numbers, he has been getting flack from pretty much everyone, even from his own army that were suppose to benefit from! Can't they realize that it was an ingenious move on his part? by hiring them out, he removes a majority of the criminal element within Aquila and at the same time, find use for them as acting meatshields for the army. It was all they were good for after all. Besides, while he may pay them gold and a pardon, he has no intention of keeping them alive long enough to enjoy it. This is war, criminal scum such as these will be dying in droves soaking up the fire and killing whatever enemy they can to soften them up before the main force have their turn. Anyone still surviving near the end can be send on some suicide mission to die and all the gold he paid them with will be his for the taking once again. When this war is over, every Griffon that ever went against him on this decision is going to eat their own words.

    King Brochard further went into the reports given to him and can't help but scowl on the report that Wingbard still refuse to give up on that capital. That damn city has been under siege for quite a while now but those damn Wingbardians just wouldn't give up! It should have been easy! Wingbard doesn't have that much military strength to speak on relative to his kingdom. Hell, they had to have Griffonia come in to save the day when their own military couldn't handle their own damn fire. With a military with a track record like that? It should have just lasted a few months of campaigning at most. Wingbard should have surrendered by then! instead, it turned into this long drawn out affair ranging in many months. Time he could have used preparing against his rival's army.

    Suddenly King Brochard here to sound of the alarm and one of his messengers came through the tent.

    "My Liege!" the messenger shouted, his eyes wide in alarm. "An army arrives! They carry the banner of Griffonia!"

    King Borchards eyes widen at the report "Well, speak of the devil"

    "Rally the troops! get our men in defensive positions now!"

    "Yes my lord!" The messenger saluted and left to deliver the commands. King Brochard came out of the tent to see the coming army for himself. There, on the horizon, The King saw the army of his rival. No doubt coming to aid Wingbard. The King can't help but tsk at what he sees. This is what he were hoping to avoid, he wanted to face this army at his own terms and maybe behind the defensive walls of Wingbard's capital when they should have surrendered many months ago.

    "The orders have been received my king!" The messenger returns, giving his report. "Awaiting further orders!"

    "Tell the general to take command of this battle" he King instructed, giving new orders for the army to follow "I will have to get our "secret" weapon in order personally."

    "Yes my lord!" The messenger replied, getting ready to fly and relay the message when his king speaks further.

    "Tell the General" King Brochard said "That this battle will most likely decide the fate of the Griffon empire" The king's eyes bore through the messenger's head, conveying the seriousness of the matter "Failure is NOT an option. am I clear?"

    "Y-yes my lord! Perfectly" The messenger stammered

    "Good!" The King replied. satisfied that he has made the seriousness of the matter clear "make sure the good general gets it too."

    "At once!" The messenger finally flies away.

    King Brochard once again look at battlefield and see the coming fight that will decide the fate of Griffons everywhere throughout the Empire. He dearly wanted this fight to come under his terms but he stayed here for too long and those persistent bastards within the Wingbard Capital have held them up long enough for Griffonia to send out their army to relieve them.

    "Yes, things are not going according to plan at all" Thought King Brochard. He turns back, intent to go to the troll cages and make them ready for the coming fight. "but no matter, I can deal, My army and my general can deal. Situations like this are nothing new. No plan survives first contact after all."

    A small grin came up on his face as he look into the tents hiding the cages that hold his hidden aces in this battlefield "And I am damn sure, no one planned to have to deal with 15 heavily armed and armored trolls tamed to fight for the glory of Aquila" He enters one of them, seeing the Griffons in charge of taking care of them "When I unleash my secret weapon, my victory is assured!"

    "Men! the time has come!" you shouted, gaining the their attention "I am sure you have heard the alarm by now. Griffonia has arrive and its time to see if these Trolls are worth every penny! Make them ready men! Its time to unleash them to our enemies!"

    Shouts of affirmation reach King Brochard's ears and can't help but grin at the onslaught they will unleash to the Griffonian army.

    "hehehe, they won't know what hit them before its too late to do anything about it!"

    @Questor Hey there. here is another omake for the upcoming battle. It took too long so I cut it into two parts. This is part 1 for now. Part 2 will come later when I catch up with some sleep.

    If this gets some points, plse send them to where they are needed the most.
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    +10 to a Roll of your choice
     
    Minor suggestion, maybe you should clarify if a roll is for us or against us, or just always have it mean the same.

    Because I just saw that 99 for Brochard and did not look forward to the paragraph following.
     
    Sorry if it seems a bit short. I'd planned for it to be longer but then the dice did...that. It's hard to write a curbstomp without being bland and repetitive you know?
     
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