Turn 3 Results
Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them. (One Action Per Turn) Choice Locked
-Establish a Navy: The one true advantage you have over Aquileia is your unrestricted access to the Sea. While Aquileia is not landlocked, any of its vessels must pass through your waters if they wish to reach the open ocean. Unfortunately, as of now your "Navy" is just a bunch of hastily re-purposed fishing vessels using civilian docks. This will never do. Build a few actual warships and dedicated military dockyards. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Navy established, first warships constructed. Will Finish this Turn

As throngs of citizens gathered on the shore cheer the achievement of a national milestone, the first vessels of the Griffonian navy launch from their newly-constructed dockyards to begin their sea-trials. Crafted of hardened and seasoned timber by the finest carpenters and shipwrights in your kingdom, the ten sailing ships are purpose-built for war. And none too soon, as your rival of Aquileia has also completed their own fleet of ships which even now sails just outside your territorial waters, a show of force in a time of great tensions. Now you have a means of defense against them. More importantly, now you have an actual shipbuilding infrastructure, which will make it much easier to construct additional vessels in the future. Navy established, military dockyards constructed, 10 ships (cogs) added to military forces




Diplomacy
: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her. (One Action Per Turn)
-An Offer They Can't Refuse: Wingbardy has a lot of fertile land and few Griffons to defend it. Were it not for its status as a buffer state, it would have been forcibly annexed by a stronger kingdom long ago. As it is, it has a difficult time handling numerous raids by brigands, hungry trolls, and Diamond Dog raiders seeking an easy and bountiful target. Offer a solution to their security troubles and propose a mutual defense pact against the creatures of the forests, allowing your army to intercede and support theirs if needed. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Closer Relations with Wingbardy, military access to Wingbardy. Chance of Success: 65%

Required: 35. Rolled: 44+10 (Talon and Beak Omake Bonus)+18=72

The Duke is…reluctant, but his lands are under siege and his army incapable of defending them. His people cry out for assistance and protection, and since he cannot provide it he accepts your offer. As soon as the proper documents are signed and authorization given, elements of your army cross the border and go to work. Rogue Manticores are hunted down and skewered with arrows, packs of Timberwolves are chopped into kindling, rampaging trolls are buried in artificial rockslides or bleed out from hundreds of sword wounds, and dens of Diamond Dogs are smoked out and their inhabitants run down by flocks of Griffon Spear-Bearers. Raids cease, captives are returned to their homes, field are replanted, and the people of Wingbardy breathe a sigh of relief. The Duke of Wingbardy offers you his thanks and reaffirms his commitment to the treaty. His subjects express their gratitude in heartfelt letters to you, and your troops serving in the Duchy are the recipients of countless gifts and invitations to celebrations in their honor.

Unfortunately it's not all good news. King Brochard is furious at the presence of Griffonian soldiers so close to Aquileia, and sends numerous angry and increasingly threatening letters to Duke Talonuelli for the duration of the campaign. His indignation is only partially soothed by the withdrawal of your forces from Wingbardy, and you get the sense that Aquileian-Wingbardian relations have just taken a serious blow. Still, the Duchy is secured against attack and you now have a better relationship with your closest neighbor. All in all you'd call this a win. Wingbardy monster population culled and pacified, gain military access to Wingbardy. +2 Wingbardy Relations, -1 Aquileia Relations



Stewardship
: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances. (One Action Per Turn)
-Mountain Minerals: You know that there is an abundance of minerals and resources buried beneath the mountains you call home. You just need to know exactly where they are so you can start to really harvest them. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Mineral survey throughout your territory.

You knew your lands were rich with minerals, but you didn't know they were this rich! The mountains are almost bursting at the seams with stores of Iron, Coal, Lead, Copper, and Tin. On more than one occasion your surveyors literally trip over pieces of ore sticking up out of the ground! It seems that building a mineshaft basically anywhere in your mountains will yield great quantities of metals and raw materials. Sadly, it's not all good news. There are precious few veins of gold or silver in your territory, and the less said about the scarcity of gemstones the better. Still, you now know where to dig. All that's left to do is actually start digging. Mineral Survey Results: Absurd amount of raw materials and non-precious metals, little gold or silver. Mines can now be constructed.



Learning
: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor. (Two Actions Per Turn)

-Battlefield Communications: Your army relies mostly on banners and flags for communication. While this works fine under most conditions, it's not ideal for low-visibility situations like fighting in mist or the forest, to say nothing of when your troops are actually trying to stay hidden. Have your military thinkers come up with some new means of communication for your soldiers in the field. Time: One Year. Cost: 200. Reward: Easier communication between troops, +3 on certain combat rolls. Chance of Success: 90%

Required: 10. Rolled: 68+12=82

Bird calls. Really? Yes, really. Despite your skepticism, and that of the troops informed of the new doctrine, your thinkers tell you that, with your current resources and capabilities, this is the best you can hope for. True, the whistles and calls allow for communication in low-visibility conditions, and orders given via this method are indecipherable to those not familiar with the system, and can even pass as natural birdsong, but damnit it just feels weird doing this. Thankfully your troops have also developed a similar system that uses horns, drums, pipes and other musical instruments. It's not nearly as stealthy but it certainly feels more dignified than the primitive whistling of your genetic precursors. Easier communication between troops, +3 on certain combat rolls.


-Building Bigger Bows: The bows and arrows your archers use are good enough for fighting Diamond Dogs, Manticores, and Timberwolves, but when it comes to Trolls and Dragons they just aren't up for the job, to say nothing of their questionable effectiveness against other Griffons. Archimedes proposes a surprisingly simple solution: make them bigger. It's not actually as simple as he makes it sound, words like "torsion" and "tensile strength" are thrown around a lot, and his diagrams are so complex as to be of little help to you. Still, if he thinks it'll work… Time: One Year. Cost: 200. Reward: New Weapon?

When Archimedes said he would build bigger bows, you should have asked more questions. These bows are not just big, they are huge! The smallest arrows they fire are as long and as thick as your arm, and the weapon itself is larger than your whole body! How could a Griffon hope to even use such a weapon? Thankfully, Archimedes has answers for you, as he always does. These new "Bolt Throwers" are designed to be emplaced on the walls of fortifications or the decks of ships. Slightly smaller versions can be towed like carts by teams of Griffons to be used as mobile ranged weapons platforms. Once your advisor demonstrates their power by putting an arrow as thick as your leg through a tree trunk, you calm down a good bit. While these weapons are not as versatile or as easily used as bows, they are unquestionably powerful, and that's all you asked for. New Weapons: Bolt Throwers/Ballistae, Emplaced ranged weapon/field artillery. +5 Mobile Ballistae added to Army, Bolt-Throwers added to existing Naval Vessels



Intrigue
: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified. (One Action Per Turn)
-Spy School: If you're going to unite your people, you're going to need information. And to get information you'll need spies. Good ones. Have Ravenburg set up a recruitment and training program for infiltrators to operate beyond your borders. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Spies trained, can be sent on missions to other nations.

Ravenburg gets to work, gathering together thieves, courtesans, and other Griffons of dubious repute from across the Kingdom. Secretive meetings are held in the backrooms of taverns and isolated woodland shacks, bags of gold are exchanged in return for the names of potential recruits and valuable experience in the arts of subterfuge to be shared with future students. By the end of the year, Ravenburg has begun supervising the instruction of the first batch of Griffonian spies. It will be some time before they are ready to send out on missions, but Ravenburg assures you it will be worth the wait. Will Finish Next Turn



Personal
: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day. (One Action Per Turn)
-Marriage…yay?: You hadn't even really thought about marriage before this point. But as a King, you have a responsibility to…well, get married. It's not like you'll want for potential partners. Even as a brand new and untested King, you wield more power and influence than almost any other Griffon alive. Put out the call that you are looking for potential partners and you can be assured that you will receive many an option. You'll have your advisers look through them first to cull the list a bit of course. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Marriage Options.

Deciding that you've been putting it off for long enough and that it's best if you just get it over with, you put the word out that you are looking for an eligible bachelorette to become your Queen. You are immediately swamped under an avalanche of offers from families across your kingdom and beyond. Thankfully, your advisors volunteer to assist you in sorting through them all. In the end you manage to narrow the list down to three potential candidates. All that's left is picking one.


[ ] Candidate 1: Gabriella Montefeathertro

Gabriella is the recently rediscovered third child and only daughter of Federico Montefeathertro, ruler of the prosperous city-state of Urbirdo. She has connections with merchants, nobles, and scholars scattered across the Feathersian League. The "rediscovered" bit is due to the fact that she has been missing for the past four years. Apparently she didn't like being cooped up in her father's palatial estate all the time and, disguising herself as a landless peasant, joined up with one of the numerous mercenary companies frequently hired by the city-states. She's spent almost half a decade fighting everything from bandits to trolls to, in a particularly astonishing case, an actual dragon! Experienced to the extreme, if Gabriella's tales weren't backed up by her fellow mercenaries no one would have believed her. Now she's back, and while she's certainly proven more than capable of handling herself, her father is eager to ensure she won't run off again and try something even crazier, like picking a fight with an Ursa Major.



Age: 28

Martial: 15+1+2=18
Diplomacy: 11+1=12
Stewardship: 8+1=9
Learning: 13+1=14
Intrigue: 10+1=11

Trait: Strong - Born stronger than most. (+2 Martial) [This is a genetic trait. It may be passed on to children]
Trait: Experienced - Has been a mercenary for several years, ranging across the lands of the former Empire. Knows much about the world. (+1 All Stats)


[ ] Candidate 2: Frida Bronzeclaw

The heir to a noble house of Griffonia, Frida Bronzeclaw comes from a family of miners, merchants, and hunters. Raised to take control of the family business from an early age, she is an intelligent Griffon with a head for business and an eye for opportunity. This would surprise some people, as she is also what some would call a "Party Gryph". She loves to drink, dance and be merry, and never turns down a chance to take part in a celebration of any kind. She often uses her family's considerable fortune to fund grand and elaborate festivals for everything from the start of the New Year to the anniversary of Discord's disappearance. While her family may privately ruffle their feathers in annoyance at such "wasteful expense", everyone else adores her and her infectious confidence and good cheer.



Age: 30

Martial: 8
Diplomacy: 12+2=14
Stewardship: 13+4=17
Learning: 11
Intrigue: 6

Trait: Gregarious-Always knows exactly what to say to get people to like her. +2 Diplomacy
Trait: Fortune Builder-Good with money and possessing a keen business sense. +4 Stewardship


[ ] Candidate 3: Genevieve Talonuelli

The third candidate is somewhat unusual in that neither she nor her family sent in an offer to marry her. And yet, your advisors have insisted that she be considered an option. For Genevieve Talonuelli is the daughter of the current Duke of Wingbardy. Marriage to her could open up additional avenues to diplomacy with the neighboring buffer state, and might just bring you a step closer to uniting all Griffon-kind under a single banner. Of course, this is easier said than done. The Duke is notoriously protective of her, having practically locked her inside his personal residence for most of her life, leading to her developing a love of academics and the arts. To refuse a daughter's marriage to a king would be unthinkable…but Duke Talonuelli might just decide to do so. And of course, there's Aquileia to worry about. If King Brochard sees you trying to wed Genevieve he will likely see it as a plot to annex the land separating your borders. If he overreacts things could get ugly fast. Still, the potential rewards might just outweigh the risks. The fact that everyone who's ever met her can only describe her as beautiful is just icing on the cake, really.



Age: 26

Martial: 7-2=5
Diplomacy: 10+2=12
Stewardship: 11
Learning: 14+4=18
Intrigue: 9

Trait: Scholar-Loves learning whatever they can (+4 Learning, -2 Martial)
Trait: Attractive-Quite beautiful (+2 Diplomacy) [This is a genetic trait. It may be passed on to children]


Oddly enough the mystery Griffon you'd met at your inaugural ball didn't seem to be among the numerous applicants. You'd gone back and checked each letter to see if they had mentioned meeting you before, but nothing. Is she already married? Or is she simply not interested in the idea of marrying you?
 
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Match: Made
You'd mulled over the decision for a few days. This wasn't a choice to be made lightly. It wasn't just a wife you were looking for, you were seeking a Queen, someone you could trust to rule over your Kingdom and its people, someone that could lead and inspire. Honestly, none of the candidates available were "Ideal". But then, you were hardly the ideal candidate for king before your coronation. In the end you'd decided to accept the offer from Federico Montefeathertro, the Count of Urbirdo, for his daughter's claw in marriage. It was the practical decision. The former-mercenary is highly skilled, particularly in the realm of combat, an area you don't have much experience in, and possesses connections with Griffons across the Feathersian League.

Still, even as you sit nervously in your throne, awaiting the arrival of your (hopefully) soon-to-be bride, you can't help but wonder if you've made the right choice. Finally, the doors to the great hall open and the Sergeant-at-arms announces the arrival of Federico and Gabriella Montefeathertro of Urbirdo. You stand to greet your future Father-in-Law.



He's more…flamboyant than you'd expected. And yet, despite his somewhat atypical manner of dress he still manages to be intimidating. Perhaps it's his missing eye and facial scar. Perhaps it's the utterly massive longsword strapped to his side. Either way, you're sure that if you weren't a King you'd soon be on the receiving end of a truly epic "overprotective father" speech. Honestly, you think he'd be wasting his breath. Even if you hadn't heard the stories about the young hen behind him you'd be able to tell just by looking at her that this was not some demure, frail lady of the court.

Like her father she is also wearing armor, though hers is far more conventional in its appearance. You can tell it's not just for show either, multiple faded scratches and the telltale signs of mended dents are visible across it, even though it's clearly been polished in preparation for this moment. As for the Griffon that wears the armor…well, there's no way to sugarcoat it, she looks like she could bench press a cave troll. Her physique can only be described as "sculpted", her muscles visibly flexing and shifting with every fluid movement. Still, even under all that muscle, her form is unmistakably feminine. You're not sure if you'd call her beautiful in the traditional sense, but she is undeniably attractive. And judging by the appraising looks she gives you and your carefully maintained appearance as you speak to her father, she thinks similarly of you.

At last, pleasantries and protocols finally dispensed with, you stand before your betrothed. She is the first to speak.

"So…you sure you want to marry me? Cause I gotta warn you, I'm no prim and proper noble lady."

You nod.

"I am well aware of your past, as well as your warrior's spirit. Rest assured, I do not desire some empty-headed trophy wife to parade round in front of the nobility. My people deserve a Queen worthy of the title, one that can command soldiers in battle as readily as she commands attention at court. I want a wife with spine, smarts and spirit, not just beauty."

You soften your tone.

"Though I must say you possess the latter in spades."

She actually blushes, grinning cockily.

"You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself…Your Highness."

You smile.

"Please, call me Garrick."


Gain: Gabriella Montefeathertro, Daughter of Feathersian Prince Federico Montefeathertro, and an Experienced Former Mercenary. And now, your wife.
 
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Turn 3 Rumor Mill
The Warrior Queen: King Garrick Golden-Feather has surprised the entirety of Griffon-kind with his marriage to Gabriella Montefeathertro, the runaway Feathersian noble turned mercenary. With a self-described "unladylike" demeanor and a muscled figure that puts some of the King's bodyguards to shame, she is far from a conventional choice for a queen. But while some in the nobility may raise their eyebrows at the King's choice of partner, the common people of Griffonia adore the storybook past of their new Queen, and appreciate a ruler that has lived among the common-folk and faced their everyday problems. And while some are concerned by her "foreign" origins, few actually care for reasons other than jealousy. After all, she's Feathersian, not Aquileian.

Wingbardy Rescued, but at What Cost?: Wingbardy, under siege by feral Diamond Dogs, ravenous Trolls, rampaging Timberwolves and rabid Manticores for over a year, was finally relieved by the forces of neighboring Griffonia. The Duke of Wingbardy, desperate for assistance, signed a treaty of mutual defense against the "uncivilized and hostile creatures of the wilderness" with King Golden-Feather. However, while the initial threat has been dealt with, a new and even greater danger now threatens to devastate the duchy: war between the neighboring kingdoms. King Brochard of Aquileia is reported to be furious with the presence of potentially hostile soldiers so close to his borders, and has made his displeasure with both the Duke and his rival King clear via a series of strongly-worded and angrily-penned missives. While the withdrawal of Griffonia's army has calmed him somewhat, tensions are now higher than ever as the rival kingdoms square off over the fertile lands of Wingbardy.

Feathersians Divided: With conflict between Griffonia and Aquileia seeming to grow more inevitable by the day, the city-states of the Feathersian League are unsure of how to respond. Some call for the use of economic sanctions in hopes of preventing a conflict from erupting, others continue to cling to the doctrine of absolute neutrality, and a small but growing number quietly propose the idea of outright allying themselves with the side most likely to win. As in most things, the Council cannot reach an agreement on anything other than their mutual desire to survive such an event.
 
Turn 4: Honeymooners
The sun shined down upon your palace, fluffy white clouds passing by peacefully on the wind. The warmth of the summer sun mixed with the cold drafts of the mountains sweep through the valley below and up towards your home. The window to a bedroom that had been cracked open slightly due to the heat within the building was pulled further open by the breeze, allowing the light to shine unfiltered upon the luxurious bed within.

Down in the kitchens, a chicken managed to escape from its cage. The cooks pursued the white feathered animal as it made a run for it. It managed, somehow, to get atop the walls, soldiers watching in amusement as an overweight cook struggled to keep up with it. It was, after all, just a chicken. But then the bird grew desperate, and began jumping along window sills.

Then it leapt onto the balcony of one very specific room, a room that had had its window slowly pried open by the wind over the course of the past hour.

The chicken clucked loudly, and was promptly beheaded by an expertly tossed throwing knife. You blearily raise your head from your pillow and gaze upon the other occupant of your bed, her talon still outstretched in a tossing pose, her eyes not even open. Gabriella sighs, anticipating your obvious question.

"Cockatrices. Safest way to kill them. Bit of a reflex I'm afraid."

There is a pause as she finally opens her eyes, blinking groggily before focusing her gaze upon you.

"Does this happen a lot? Cause if so, you really need to get better guards."

You roll out of bed, grumbling.

"It better not."

Alas, you are now both awake. As you go about your respective morning rituals, you find your eyes straying towards the deadly young hen you've found yourself married to. The past few weeks have been a blur of activity. Her arrival, the introductions (which went quite well now that you think of them), the wedding itself (a small, private affair. Neither of you were big on flashy ceremonies. She'd actually worn her armor instead of a dress!), her coronation as Queen…you've been busy.

Unfortunately, it comes with the territory of being King. Always more to do, always more problems that need solving. At least now you have someone by your side to help you through it.




Martial
: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them. (Two Actions Per Turn)

Investigate the Smoky Mountains
: You do not like large plumes of smoke in areas not under your control. Generally you just don't like large plumes of smoke. It usually means that a large number of Diamond Dogs have gathered together, or a Dragon has decided to take up residence. You don't like either possibility. So, as such, put together a few scouting parties to investigate, yes? Cost: 50. Time: 1 Year. Reward: ???

The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to battlefield unit.

Mountain Militia: As a result of living in such a dangerous region, many Griffons possess their own personal weapons to defend themselves, and will rally together to defend their homes should the creatures of the forests threaten them. Wouldn't it be nice if they did the same when the kingdom was faced with invasion by less beastly foes? Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Village and town militias incorporated into military.

More Boats? More Boats: You now have a navy to defend your coasts and to serve as a counter to Aquileia's maritime ambitions, but as of now you're simply maintaining parity. If you want to truly ensure your control of the seas, you'll need to construct more ships. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: 10 Cogs added to Navy

Big Sticks: The mobile Ballistae show promise as new weapons, good for fighting larger monsters and breaking up masses of smaller enemies. They also have a significant range advantage over traditional bows. Build a few more. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: +5 mobile Ballistae added to army.


Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her. (One Action Per Turn)

Extending an Olive Branch: Brochard doesn't like you, and you don't like him, but the last thing you want right now is a war between your kingdoms. You have enough problems to deal with as it is, and after decades of a unified front against Discord you can't say you're comfortable with the idea of Griffons fighting and killing each other. Propose a meeting with your fellow king to try and clear the air and smooth out any issues between the two of you. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Chance for Relations with Aquileia, meeting with Brochard. Chance of Success: 20%

Calling on Old Friends: Gabriella has numerous contacts throughout the Feathersian League, from nobles and scholars to mercenaries and merchants. You should try to leverage these connections for better relations and additional trade deals with the League. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Feathersian relations and additional trade income. Chance of Success: 50%

Throw a Dog a Bone: While none of the Diamond Dogs in your territory could be considered "civilized", not all of them are completely feral. Some have been known to use tools, wear clothes, and even speak your language to a certain extent. It might be worth trying to open a dialogue with some of the less aggressive packs, if for no other reason than to tell them that you know where they live and that you'll kill them if they don't stop raiding your territory. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Diplomatic contact made with several Diamond Dog Packs. Chance of Success: 40%


Stewardship: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances. (One Action Per Turn)

Tariff Time: Now that you've started trade with the Feathersians, you can institute a tax on any goods crossing your borders. This may give you some extra revenue, but your people might not like it, and the Feathersians definitely won't. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Tariff Revenue, Risk of Decreased Noble/Feathersian Opinion.

Diggy Diggy Hole: Now that you know where all the major mineral deposits in your kingdom are, it's time to start exploiting them. Subsidize the construction of several mines for the extraction of iron, coal, copper, and other metals suitable for industrial and military applications. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Mining Income, access to large supplies of raw materials.

I'm a lumberjack and I'm ok: Where it not for the fact that they were infested with monsters, the forests of your kingdom would provide a nearly inexhaustible supply of lumber. That's not to say that your people don't cut down trees, it's just that they've never really done it on a large scale for fear of angering the things living in the woods. If your kingdom is going to grow and prosper, you'll need that timber. Gather some soldiers and have them assist with the construction of sawmills and woodcutting camps. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Logging income. Chance of Success: 70%


Learning: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor. (Two Actions Per Turn)

Fungus Farming: In a mountainous, forested land such as yours, arable land is in short supply. That, plus the threat of bandit raids and monster attacks makes the production of a reliable food supply a significant issue. Archimedes claims to have a solution: Mushrooms. They can grow places other foodstuffs can't, don't require sunlight, and are highly nutritious. You're skeptical, but are willing to give him some time and funds to explore the viability of his idea. Time: One Year. Cost: 100. Reward: Viability of Mushrooms as Food Crop investigated.

Aquaculture: One of Archimedes' assistants has proposed a strange new idea. Why don't we just farm fish the same way we farm other foodstuffs? After being accused of Discordian sympathies he hastily clarifies that he did not mean to invoke the memory of the horrific squid-plant hybrids created by the mad trickster god, but something much more mundane: "corralling" fish in artificial lakes and ponds, feeding and harvesting them in a similar manner to other livestock. Well…you've heard of crazier ideas. Time: Two Years. Cost: 400. Reward: Fish Farms

Selective Breeding: By carefully controlling the reproductive processes of crops and food animals, desirable traits such as pest resistance, stronger immune systems, and greater size can become widespread across farm populations. At least, that's what Archimedes tells you. The difficulty lies in getting farmers to go along with the plan. Time: Two Years. Cost: 100. Reward: Increased Farming Income due to greater yields. Chance of Success: 80%

Ocean Navigation Tools: As a traveling merchant who operated in Discord's era, you are familiar with the importance and difficulties of traveling over a constantly shifting and often dangerous landscape. You can therefore emphasize with those sailors that dare to venture beyond the sight of the coasts. Archimedes has a few ideas to improve ocean navigation, hopefully making the operation of your navy go much smoother. Time: One Year. Cost: 100. Reward: Better naval navigation, +5 on certain naval and exploration rolls


Intrigue: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified. (One Action Per Turn) Choice Locked
-Spy School: If you're going to unite your people, you're going to need information. And to get information you'll need spies. Good ones. Have Ravenburg set up a recruitment and training program for infiltrators to operate beyond your borders. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Spies trained, can be sent on missions to other nations. Will Finish This Turn


Personal
: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day. (Two Actions Per Turn)

Painting the Forest Red: You need to make a statement. Despite how well things have been going under your rule there are still some who question your ability to lead. You may have once been a simple merchant, you may not have been raised to take the throne, but you are of the House of Gryphus! You are King! And now, with a blade worthy of your station, you shall silence your critics and prove it! Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Dead Diamond Dogs/Trolls/Timberwolves/Manticores, Boost to Public Opinion (Combat Interlude)

I Work Out: Your wife is…ok, there's no beating around the bush here, your wife could probably break you in half with her bare talons. And while that's not a bad thing at all, you have to admit that you feel a little…inadequate when standing next to her. She's intelligent and attractive, and most importantly, your Queen! You think she deserves a husband that can at least stand a chance against her in an arm wrestling match. There's only one solution to this: start exercising regularly. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased martial stat, chance to gain Strong Trait, chance to improve Gabriella's opinion of you. Chance of Success: 70%

Ingratiating the In-Laws: Your wife's father is Federico Montefeathertro, Duke of the city-state of Urbirdo. A veteran warrior, patron of the arts, and a major player in Feathersian politics, he's an extremely powerful and influential Gryph. It might be a good idea to meet with him in a more official capacity and discuss matters of state. It'd be nice to have a friend on the Feathersian council, and it's always a good idea to be on good terms with your Father-in-Law. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: ???
 
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Turn 4 Results
Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them. (Two Actions Per Turn)

-Investigate the Smoky Mountains: You do not like large plumes of smoke in areas not under your control. Generally you just don't like large plumes of smoke. It usually means that a large number of Diamond Dogs have gathered together, or a Dragon has decided to take up residence. You don't like either possibility. So, as such, put together a few scouting parties to investigate, yes? Cost: 50. Time: 1 Year. Reward: ???

A few brave volunteers are selected to make the journey. The smoke has severely reduced visibility, so they have to make a detailed inspection on foot. They have no idea what they'll find. None expect to discover what they do.

It's a scene of carnage. The forest burns, entire trees set alight, acres of greenery turned to ash and smoking embers. There are great rents in the ground, the tell-tale signs of Draconic claws that have been scratching in the dirt. At the entrance to a massive cavern lie the corpses of four enormous mountain trolls, their skins charred black by dragonfire, their entrails scattered about them. The smell of burnt flesh and rotting corpses adds to the already naturally pungent stench of the trolls. Before them is the equally massive corpse of a fully grown dragon, it's ribcage crumpled inwards by a titanic blow, its face still twisted in a snarl of fury.

Inside the cavern, the scouts discover the reason the dragon did not simply flee, why it stayed and fought to the death to defend its home: a nest, carefully carved from the mountain's rock and surrounded by the few gems to be found nearby. Within it, shielded from the elements, sits a cluster of dragon eggs. Four are as cold as the stone they sit upon, the lives within them snuffed out before they could even breach their shells. But the fifth is still warm, still holding a spark of life within it. What now? Smoky Mountain Mystery Resolved, Gain 1 Dragon Egg.


-The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to battlefield unit.

A mountain peak with a commanding view of your territory is selected. Blocks of granite, marble, and limestone are carved from quarries and transported to the building site. The finest architects, masons, and builders are assembled with a single goal: build the greatest and most magnificent fortress since the Empire. A task they set to with gusto. The Knights themselves are not idle either, seeking out young Griffons worthy of becoming their apprentices, so that there will be enough knights to justify the creation of such a grand structure. The construction will take time, but you are one step closer to recapturing the glory of your ancestors. Will Finish Next Turn.


Diplomacy
: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her. (One Action Per Turn)

-Throw a Dog a Bone: While none of the Diamond Dogs in your territory could be considered "civilized", not all of them are completely feral. Some have been known to use tools, wear clothes, and even speak your language to a certain extent. It might be worth trying to open a dialogue with some of the less aggressive packs, if for no other reason than to tell them that you know where they live and that you'll kill them if they don't stop raiding your territory. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Diplomatic contact made with several Diamond Dog Packs. Chance of Success: 40%

Required: 60. Rolled: 60+15 (When Heron Met Swift-y Omake)+18=93 (Art. Crit!)

Diamond Dog packs often hang on the edge of survival. They must contend with the beasts of the forest, and compete with rival packs of their fellow dogs for scarce resources. The whole reason they raid Griffon territory is because they usually can't produce what they require on their own. They also possess an almost instinctual need to follow an alpha, a strong dog capable of leading them and providing for them. You knew this intellectually, but you'd never really considered the greater ramifications of it. Until today.

Because today, representatives from the Diamond Dog packs you'd sent envoys to came to present you with tribute. Chests and cloth pouches filled with shining nuggets of gold and silver ore, chunks of glistening marble, multifaceted crystals, even a talonful of rare and precious gemstones.

You know what this means, even before the Dogs presenting their bounty bow down before your throne in a gesture of submission. Diamond Dogs only willingly part with their gems for two reasons: for barter, or as a tax towards their alpha in exchange for protection. They want to become your subjects.

…What.

+100 Tax Income


Stewardship
: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances. (One Action Per Turn)

-Diggy Diggy Hole: Now that you know where all the major mineral deposits in your kingdom are, it's time to start exploiting them. Subsidize the construction of several mines for the extraction of iron, coal, copper, and other metals suitable for industrial and military applications. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Mining Income, access to large supplies of raw materials.

As a general rule, Griffons aren't very comfortable underground. The lack of sunlight, the stale air, the tight spaces…still, needs must. You need ore to make metal, and you need metal to make weapons, tools, and other products essential to the continued prosperity of the kingdom. Thus, shafts are dug, support pillars are installed, smelters are assembled, several of your non-sapient avian cousins are employed as makeshift gas warning systems, and the exploitation of your land's bountiful mineral wealth begins in earnest. Gain: +250 Mining Income


Learning
: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor. (Two Actions Per Turn)

-Fungus Farming: In a mountainous, forested land such as yours, arable land is in short supply. That, plus the threat of bandit raids and monster attacks makes the production of a reliable food supply a significant issue. Archimedes claims to have a solution: Mushrooms. They can grow places other foodstuffs can't, don't require sunlight, and are highly nutritious. You're skeptical, but are willing to give him some time and funds to explore the viability of his idea. Time: One Year. Cost: 100. Reward: Viability of Mushrooms as Food Crop investigated.

Well, you were skeptical, but Archimedes delivered on his promises. His prototype fungus farm has done well, producing numerous species of edible mushrooms year-round. After much trial and error, the brainiest of your advisors has figured out how to reliably and efficiently plant, grow and harvest mushrooms like any other food crop. All that's left now is to construct more, larger farms for this new kind of produce. Mushroom Farms now available for construction.


-Ocean Navigation Tools: As a traveling merchant who operated in Discord's era, you are familiar with the importance and difficulties of traveling over a constantly shifting and often dangerous landscape. You can therefore emphasize with those sailors that dare to venture beyond the sight of the coasts. Archimedes has a few ideas to improve ocean navigation, hopefully making the operation of your navy go much smoother. Time: One Year. Cost: 100. Reward: Better naval navigation, +5 on certain naval and exploration rolls.

The Sextant. The Barometer. The astrolabe. Improved Telescopes. Standardized sea charts. All these and more are tools your thinkers have crafted for use by your navy to assist with navigating the frequently dangerous and often unpredictable seas. These new innovations are rapidly disseminated to sailors throughout your lands. This should give you an advantage over your rival seafarers in Aquillea. Gain Naval Navigation Tools, +5 on certain naval and exploration rolls.


Intrigue
: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified. (One Action Per Turn)

-Spy School: If you're going to unite your people, you're going to need information. And to get information you'll need spies. Good ones. Have Ravenburg set up a recruitment and training program for infiltrators to operate beyond your borders. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Spies trained, can be sent on missions to other nations.

Lord Ravenburg announces that his "infiltrator academy" is now up and running, and has produced its first "graduating class" of spies and saboteurs. He confidently states that you're as ready as you'll ever be to start sending spies out to Wingbardy, Aquillea, and the Feathersian League. Additional Intrigue Options now Available


Personal
: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day. (Two Actions Per Turn)

-I Work Out: Your wife is…ok, there's no beating around the bush here, your wife could probably break you in half with her bare talons. And while that's not a bad thing at all, you have to admit that you feel a little…inadequate when standing next to her. She's intelligent and attractive, and most importantly, your Queen! You think she deserves a husband that can at least stand a chance against her in an arm wrestling match. There's only one solution to this: start exercising regularly. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased martial stat, chance to gain Strong Trait, chance to improve Gabriella's opinion of you. Chance of Success: 70%

Required: 30. Rolled: 30+10 (Training Day Omake)+10(You?! Omake)=50

Gabriella's Training is brutal. At the end of each session you're left a pile of sore, strained flesh and matted feathers. As soon as you start to improve, Gabriella increases the weight load, or moves the finish line further away, or reveals that she's been holding back in your spars together. Still, though it is painful, exhausting, and at times humiliating, benefits are reaped.

By the end of the year you…well, you're not ripped, but you're definitely stronger and more fit than you were before you started training with your wife. Your musculature is a more toned and obvious, your body is a bit sharper around the edges, and you can now actually last a few seconds in an arm-wrestling match with her, though you still lose nine times out of ten. Speaking of which, Gabriella has really enjoyed your training sessions together, appreciating a chance to really relax and let loose, without having to worry about keeping up appearances. Her endless and amazing tales of her exploits as a wandering mercenary make her grueling workouts more bearable than they otherwise would have been. You can tell she…appreciates your gains, though you both think you can go further with a more intense regimen. Assuming you survive it.

Also, in…somewhat related news, Gabriella's Pregnant. Sooo…yeah.
+1 Martial Stat, +1 Gabriella Opinion, Gabriella Gains "Pregnant" Status Modifier.


-Ingratiating the In-Laws: Your wife's father is Federico Montefeathertro, Duke of the city-state of Urbirdo. A veteran warrior, patron of the arts, and a major player in Feathersian politics, he's an extremely powerful and influential Gryph. It might be a good idea to meet with him in a more official capacity and discuss matters of state. It'd be nice to have a friend on the Feathersian council, and it's always a good idea to be on good terms with your Father-in-Law. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: ?

Rolled: 66+18(Personal Diplomacy)+10(Daughter Likes You)=94 (Art. Crit!)

Federico might just be the friendliest Feathersian noble out there. You'd barely gotten out of your throne to greet him before you found him embracing you like you were his own flesh and blood. Apparently Gabriella's been sending him letters filled with nothing but good words about you, and he's pleased as can be that his daughter is settling in well. He's equally relieved that her wanderlust seems to have been sated for now, as he was terrified that she would disappear again on another perilous journey that she would never return from. It's not long before you find yourselves in the castle's wine cellar, sharing a bottle as he regales you with tales of your wife in her pampered youth. You in turn share stories of your own past, and you find yourselves bonding over the issues you both face as rulers of your respective realms.

It's not until you're on your second bottle of wine that you remember exactly why you'd invited him and try to gently broach the subject of Feathersian support of Griffonia. To your surprise, he casually promises Urbirdo's full support for your Kingdom in whatever form you may require. After all, with his daughter as your Queen, her health and happiness are tied to the fate of you and your kingdom. He also expresses his disdain for your rival, King Brochard, and complains of receiving a vaguely threatening letter from him in the aftermath of your wedding, warning him of "the dangers of abandoning his neutrality". Needless to say, he was not impressed, nor was he pleased. As such, he fully intends to back you and Griffonia, both as the Duke of Urbirdo and as a voice on the Feathersian Council. Though he warns you that, while he is powerful, he is merely a single ruler of a single city-state. But while he may not be able to rally the Feathersian's against Brochard, he should be able to prevent them from trying to hinder you in any potential future conflict.

This is the best you could have reasonably hoped for, and you raise another glass to your Father-in-Law in thanks. Not long afterward, as you tipsily assist the equally buzzed Federico into his sky-carriage, he reaches into a pocket of his jacket and removes a bundle of official-looking documents stamped with his personal seal. He thrusts them into your hands and tells you to "consider this a belated wedding gift" before cheerfully bidding you a goodnight and departing back to Urbirdo. You curiously inspect the documents, and are shocked to discover that your new friend has hired your wife's former band of mercenaries on your behalf! Not only that, he's agreed to pay them a retainer "for the foreseeable future", and has left you a note stating that he intends to keep them in your employ until "this whole Aquillean business is dealt with".

You think it's safe to say that he likes you. Federico Montefeathertro and Urbirdo are allied with Griffonia, gain upkeep-free Mercenary unit: "The Valkyries".
 
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Turn 4 Rumor Mill
Feathers Ruffled Across the League: King Brochard of Aquillea has reportedly sent letters to the rulers of several Feathersian League member-states urging them against engaging in trade or diplomacy with Griffonia, and has apparently managed to inadvertently insult and intentionally threaten most of them. While this has generated outrage amongst the leaders of the League, it has not been enough to convince them to break their neutrality. After all, Brochard's threats are not baseless; were he to go to war with them, or they him, there is not a doubt in anyone's mind that he would triumph. Still, the incident has again raised the question of whether the city-states can hope to avoid being caught up in the brewing conflict between Aquillea and Griffonia.


Civilized Diamond Dogs?: Several Diamond Dog packs living within the borders of Griffonia have shocked Griffons everywhere by sending representatives to pay tribute to King Golden-Feather, a gesture of submission and an acknowledgement of his authority over them. Responses to these events have been mixed. King Brochard of Aquillea dismisses the news as "utterly ridiculous nonsense", while Wingbardy and the Feathersian City-States wonder why the packs have decided to seek a sort of truce with their neighbors. Feelings amongst the general public of Griffonia are also mixed, with some relieved by the prospect of fewer raids on their farms and villages, and others shocked that the Dogs are even capable of communication with Griffons at all.


Brochard in the Market for Mercenaries: In a turn of events raising eyebrows and concerns across the former Empire, King Brochard of Aquillea has begun seeking out bands of mercenaries and offering them vast sums of gold to serve alongside his already existing army and navy. While many have hesitated to take him up on his offer, preferring to serve the merchant caravans and city-states of Feathersia, others have not, and even now begin to stream over the borders into Aquillea. Some have begun to whisper that this is a prelude to war with Aquillea's rival of Griffonia, and that war will soon stain the lands of Gryphus with blood.
 
Turn 5: On the Brink
You sit in your personal quarters, nursing a mug of ale as you worryingly contemplate the latest intelligence reports Ravenburg had delivered to you only a few hours ago. Mercenaries. Brochard was hiring mercenaries. And not just a few companies, that wouldn't have been too unusual, no, he was offering to hire any and all mercenaries that were willing to fight for him, sight unseen. There was no explicit target given, but that was telling by itself. Either he was facing the largest Diamond Dog uprising in history (which you definitely would have heard about), or he was planning to go to war.

And he wouldn't need those mercenaries to take on Wingbardy or the Feathersian League.

It seems he's finally had enough of your perceived threat to his kingdom, and is readying himself for the first true war since the dissolution of the Empire.

"Hey, I thought we agreed, if I can't drink then neither can you!"

Gabriella hasn't been enjoying her pregnancy-enforced sobriety. She's been an involuntary teetotaler for the past couple of months, and is just starting to really show around the middle. You still can't really believe you're going to be a father. The reminder of impending parenthood only makes the news you've received even worse. To bring a child into the world in the midst of war....

You wordlessly gesture to the documents upon your table. Your wife looks over the documents and snorts disdainfully.

"So? We all knew something like this was coming, ever since that idiot tried to challenge you on the seas. You thought he would just give up his crown without a fight?"

She slaps the papers down on the table and grabs the mug. At your withering glare and glances towards her occupied womb, she rolls her eyes and puts it back down.

"And if you actually read the reports in full, you'd know that many of the mercs he's trying to hire refuse to take him up on his offer. That's what happens when you insult the rulers of the city-states they're based out of. Now put down the drink, pull your balls out of your purse, and start thinking up ways to beat him!"

You sigh. She's right as always. Not for the first time, you're glad you married such a strong and straightforward Griffoness. If you're going to survive the coming conflict, you're going to need to buckle down and get to work.



Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them. (Two Actions Per Turn) One Action Locked In

The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to battlefield unit. Will Finish this Turn

Expand the Army: If Brochard is hiring mercenaries, that can only mean one thing: he's spoiling for a fight, and wants every advantage he can get for when things finally come to a head. Your army has been sufficient to patrol your borders and fight off raiders and monsters, but you're not sure if they're going to be enough to defend your kingdom against a full-on invasion by an actual army. If you're going to fight a war, you're going to need more soldiers. Cost: 1000. Time: One Year. Reward: Warriors recruited, army expanded.

Quality over Quantity: It's one thing to have a large army, quite another to have a well-equipped one. With all the ore your mines have started to churn out, you can start equipping your troops with high-quality armor and weapons usually reserved for elite units. This will be expensive however, both to purchase, and to maintain. Cost: 500. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Equipment issued to Royal Army, Upkeep Costs Doubled.

Mountain Militia: As a result of living in such a dangerous region, many Griffons possess their own personal weapons to defend themselves, and will rally together to defend their homes should the creatures of the forests threaten them. Wouldn't it be nice if they did the same when the kingdom was faced with invasion by less beastly foes? Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Village and town militias incorporated into military.

Dog Fighters: Diamond Dogs may not be capable of flight, but they can dig like nothing else, and their numerous raids against your territory in the past have proven their martial capabilities. Now that you have the loyalty of several packs, it might be a good idea to gather some volunteers willing to join your army and fight on your behalf. Though it should be noted that this might not go over well with the rest of the army, or the general public. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Diamond Dog Soldiers Recruited

More Boats? More Boats: You now have a navy to defend your coasts and to serve as a counter to Aquileia's maritime ambitions, but as of now you're simply maintaining parity. If you want to truly ensure your control of the seas, you'll need to construct more ships. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: 10 Cogs added to Navy

Big Sticks: The mobile Ballistae show promise as new weapons, good for fighting larger monsters and breaking up masses of smaller enemies. They also have a significant range advantage over traditional bows. Build a few more. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: +5 mobile Ballistae added to army.


Diplomacy: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her. (One Action Per Turn)

Extending an Olive Branch: Brochard doesn't like you, and you don't like him, but the last thing you want right now is a war between your kingdoms. You have enough problems to deal with as it is, and after decades of a unified front against Discord you can't say you're comfortable with the idea of Griffons fighting and killing each other. Propose a meeting with your fellow king to try and clear the air and smooth out any issues between the two of you. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Chance for Relations with Aquileia, meeting with Brochard. Chance of Success: 20%

Just Say No: Brochard is trying to hire large numbers of mercenaries in the hopes of supplementing his own military. Many have turned him down, but some have already signed contracts with him. You can't just bribe them, that would risk ruining their reputations. However, many of the mercenary outfits he's hired originate from the Feathersian City-States. And the rulers of those city-states have the authority to declare those contracts null and void if they are judged to "endanger the security and prosperity" of their home-cities. Send a few letters and see if you can't convince a few Griffons that it's in their best interest not to let their citizens sign on with your rival. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Fewer Mercenaries employed by Brochard. Chance of Success: 40%

Calling on Old Friends: Gabriella has numerous contacts throughout the Feathersian League, from nobles and scholars to mercenaries and merchants. You should try to leverage these connections for better relations and additional trade deals with the League. It might also get you some mercenary contacts, which you could use right about now. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Feathersian relations and additional trade income, chance for Mercenary Contacts. Chance of Success: 60%


Stewardship: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances. (One Action Per Turn)

Tariff Time: Now that you've started trade with the Feathersians, you can institute a tax on any goods crossing your borders. This may give you some extra revenue, but your people might not like it, and the Feathersians definitely won't. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Tariff Revenue, Risk of Decreased Noble/Feathersian Opinion.

Fungus Farming for Fun and Profit: Archimedes' theories were sound, now it's time to put them into practice. Fund the construction of several mushroom farms and start harvesting your new foodstuff! Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Mushroom Farms Constructed, Increased Farming Income.

The Diggingest Dogs: You need good miners. Griffons are not good miners. Diamond Dogs are excellent miners. You've recently acquired the loyalty of several packs of Diamond Dogs. The solution seems obvious. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased Mining Income.

I'm a Lumberjack and I'm OK: Where it not for the fact that they were infested with monsters, the forests of your kingdom would provide a nearly inexhaustible supply of lumber. That's not to say that your people don't cut down trees, it's just that they've never really done it on a large scale for fear of angering the things living in the woods. If your kingdom is going to grow and prosper, you'll need that timber. Gather some soldiers and have them assist with the construction of water-powered sawmills and woodcutting camps. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Logging income. Chance of Success: 70%


Learning: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor. (Two Actions Per Turn)

Aquaculture: One of Archimedes' assistants has proposed a strange new idea. Why don't we just farm fish the same way we farm other foodstuffs? After being accused of Discordian sympathies he hastily clarifies that he did not mean to invoke the memory of the horrific squid-plant hybrids created by the mad trickster god, but something much more mundane: "corralling" fish in artificial lakes and ponds, feeding and harvesting them in a similar manner to other livestock. Well…you've heard of crazier ideas. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Fish Farms established.

Mushroom Moonshine: During his research on fungal growth and nutrition, Archimedes discovered that a few particular species of mushroom could potentially be used to produce alcohol. It's...ok, it's a weird idea, but so was mushroom farming, and that turned out pretty well. Grant him some funds to investigate these...alcoholic mushrooms...further. Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: New Source of Alcohol?

Noxious Nitrates: Archimedes has been experimenting with some of the minerals your miners have started digging up, seeing how they react chemically with other elements. He's found a way to make a sort of...explosive powder out of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. You're...kind of concerned about that last one, seeing as how it's extracted from feces of all things, but his practical demonstrations cannot be denied or ignored. But Archimedes has an issue: the difficulty in acquiring large amounts of the components needed to make this Fire-powder. He's going to need funds to construct sulfur mines and...saltpeter distilleries. Ewww. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Supply of Fire-Powder Acquired. Chance of Success: 75%

Selective Breeding: By carefully controlling the reproductive processes of crops and food animals, desirable traits such as pest resistance, stronger immune systems, and greater size can become widespread across farm populations. At least, that's what Archimedes tells you. The difficulty lies in getting farmers to go along with the plan. Cost: 100. Time: Two Years. Reward: Increased Farming Income due to greater yields. Chance of Success: 80%


Intrigue: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified. (One Action Per Turn)

What's up with Wingbardy?: Despite your proximity, you actually know surprisingly little about your smaller neighbor. You know the land is fertile and poorly defended, and you know a bit about it's ruler, but apart from that, not much else. Send a few infiltrators over the border and see if they can't paint you a clearer picture of the goings-on in the Duchy. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain additional intel on Wingbardy. Chance of Success: 75%

Spying on the League: Despite Brochard's recent actions and Montefeathertro's influence, the Feathersian League remains divided on how to handle the brewing conflict. Have your spies identify your detractors and the loudest voices advocating neutrality, that you may take action to change their minds and gain their support (or at least their silence) on the Council. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Feathersian Council. Chance of Success: 65%

Aquileian Espionage: King Brochard has been making some waves over the past few years. He's tried (unsuccessfully) to challenge your naval supremacy, he's been not-so-subtly discouraging your neighbors from pursuing trade and diplomatic relations with you, and he seems almost personally offended by your very existence. You need eyes and ears on the ground in Aquileia as soon as possible. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Aquileia. Chance of Success: 55%

Lord Ravenburg's Big Book of Blackmail: That earlier issue with the barons served to highlight what a headache they can be at times. Oh sure, you have their loyalty and support now, but at some point in the future you're going to want or need something that they won't want to give you or let you do. Being a member of the nobility himself, Ravenburg has a solution: blackmail. What with all the scheming and backstabbing that the nobility get up to, almost all of them have secrets that they wouldn't want being made public knowledge. It might be a good idea to learn a few of those secrets, just in case some uppity count needs to be "convinced" not to oppose you politically. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Blackmail on Griffonian nobility acquired.


Personal: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day. (Two Actions Per Turn)

Shut up and Take my Money!: Brochard is trying to pay some mercenaries a lot of gold to fight his battles for him. Try offering them slightly less gold to not fight for him and just stay home. Cost: 700. Time: One Year. Reward: Mercenaries persuaded not to fight for Brochard. Chance of Success: 65%

Painting the Forest Red: You need to make a statement. Despite how well things have been going under your rule there are still some who question your ability to lead. You may have once been a simple merchant, you may not have been raised to take the throne, but you are of the House of Gryphus! You are King! And now, with a blade worthy of your station, you shall silence your critics and prove it! Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Dead Trolls, Timberwolves, Manticores, Boost to Public Opinion (Combat Interlude)

The King In Iron: With war seeming increasingly like an inevitability, it might be a good idea to invest in some proper armor for yourself. Your wife knows a good smith that made her own armor plate, perhaps you should pay him a visit? Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Suit of Personal Armor.

Who let the Dogs Out?: Several packs of Diamond Dogs have sworn their fealty to you. This isn't necessarily a good thing. Most Griffons only know Diamond Dogs as subterranean creatures that occasionally raid, plunder, and pillage their farms and towns. It would come as a surprise to a great many of your subjects that the canines are even capable of intelligent thought beyond the use of simple tools. If you are to have any hope of integrating these packs into your population, you'll need to clear up more than a few misconceptions. Cost: 100. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Griffon public learns Diamond Dogs are people too. Chance of success: 70%

Cracking an Egg: The dragon egg you've acquired is currently stored in a specialized room of your castle, designed to ensure it is kept at the proper temperature. Archimedes, ever the problem-solver, claims he has a way to encourage the egg to hatch, or to prevent it from hatching, should you wish it. Honestly, you're not too sure what to do. Your people know little about dragons beyond the obvious; the closest thing to an expert you have is your wife, who only knows how to kill them. Still, it seems a waste to just leave it sitting in your palace as a glorified paper-weight. Fully grown dragons are forces of nature, capable of taking on entire battalions of Griffon warriors and burning whole villages to the ground in minutes. Then again, those also seem like good reasons not to allow the egg to hatch, now that you think of it. Cost: 0. Time: One Year. Reward: Hatched Dragon Egg.
 
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Turn 5 Results
Martial: Gustav Kingfeather is one of the most scarred Griffons you've ever seen. A former Troll hunter, he lost a wing, an eye, and a hind-leg to a particularly vicious Manticore. Despite his injuries, he's one of the most spirited people you've ever met, and can drink and brawl with the best of them.
-The Lion's Den: The Knights Lion are the last of the knightly orders, the militant brotherhoods that served the Emperor in the age before Discord. As the only known living descendant of the Imperial Family, the few remaining knights have sworn their service to you. But if they are to truly recapture the glory of their ancestors, they will need a base of operations. A citadel. You intend to give them one. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Citadel of the Knights Lion constructed. Knights Lion upgraded from bodyguards to battlefield unit.

Walls of granite. Floors of polished marble. Doors carved of the finest and sturdiest oak. Stained glass windows depicting the legends and glories of the knights of the Imperial Age. And at the very heart of the new citadel, a Hall of Ancestors to rival any in the lands of the Griffons. Statues of stone, gilded in gold, depict great heroes of the past, serving as a reminder to the knights of the modern age that they are the inheritors of a great legacy.


You personally oversee the official dedication of "The Lion's Den" as it has come to be known, with all of the Knights Lion in attendance. Among the warriors that have been your bodyguards for years stand many new knights recruited from amongst the nobility, as well as numerous squires and Griffons-at-Arms from drawn up from the peasantry and middle-class. Together, they serve as the sword of Griffonia. And eventually, ancestors-willing, the guardians of the re-forged Empire.

Knights Lion reformed into battlefield unit, Citadel "The Lion's Den" constructed in Griffonia.



-More Boats? More Boats: You now have a navy to defend your coasts and to serve as a counter to Aquileia's maritime ambitions, but as of now you're simply maintaining parity. If you want to truly ensure your control of the seas, you'll need to construct more ships. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: 10 Cogs added to Navy

The maritime infrastructure you'd had built not long ago is put to use once again as the hulls of ten new vessels are assembled in your ports. Keels and decks are laid down, sails are stitched and rigged to masts, heavy anchors and chains are forged, bolt throwers are…bolted to the decks, and by the end of the year crews of newly recruited sailors board the brand new vessels to begin their sea-trails. Despite Brochard's attempts to usurp the position, you maintain your status as masters of the sea. +10 Cogs, Naval Supremacy over Aquileia established.



Diplomacy
: Elva Von Cleef is a stern eyed and stiff necked old bird. But she's been negotiating deals between city-states since before you were born. Negotiating deals between kingdoms was the logical next step for her.
-Calling on Old Friends: Gabriella has numerous contacts throughout the Feathersian League, from nobles and scholars to mercenaries and merchants. You should try to leverage these connections for better relations and additional trade deals with the League. It might also get you some mercenary contacts, which you could use right about now. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Better Feathersian relations and additional trade income, chance for Mercenary Contacts. Chance of Success: 60%

Required: 40. Rolled: 28+15(Daily struggles of Aquileian Diplomats Omake)+12(Gabriella Diplomacy)=55

Gabriella sends out letter after letter to acquaintances, drinking buddies, former employers, and friends-of-friends, calling in favors and old debts and extolling the virtues of Griffonia. Despite her warlike appearance and bearing, she has a way with the written word, and responses start begin to reach you in the form of actions. A reduced tariff here, a discount on a shipment of goods there, a few letters whispered in the ears of a few nobles, and the Feathersian League suddenly becomes a good deal friendlier towards you as your trade deals become more profitable. Amazing how a few small things can make all the difference. +50 Trade Income, +1 Feathersian relations.



Stewardship
: Claus Rosewing is, much like you, a former merchant. You'd actually done business with him a few times, and he always struck you as a fair and reasonable gryph. Good thing too, because now he'll be handling much of your finances.
-The Diggingest Dogs: You need good miners. Griffons are not good miners. Diamond Dogs are excellent miners. You've recently acquired the loyalty of several packs of Diamond Dogs. The solution seems obvious. Cost: 100. Time: One Year. Reward: Increased Mining Income.

Overseen by Griffon miners and your own soldiers (who are there more for the sake of the dogs than anything else), the "domesticated" Diamond Dogs begin to move into the mines you'd already established. Unsurprisingly, despite their often brutish and primitive appearance, they know a lot more about mining and subterranean living than any Griffon. Improved ventilation tunnels are built, and support pillars and carefully carved walls of stone replace their wooden equivalents, allowing for deeper excavation. This, combined with the incomparable digging abilities of your new subjects, allows for a massive uptick in productivity, to the point that new, larger smelters have to be built to process all the surplus ore now being extracted from the mountains on a daily basis. +200 Mining Income



Learning
: Archimedes is an almost comically small and scrawny Griffon, often mistaken for a teenager despite being middle-aged. What he lacks in physical stature, he more than makes up for with brainpower. He has authored numerous works on history, biology, and physics, making him an ideal choice for an advisor.
-Aquaculture: One of Archimedes' assistants has proposed a strange new idea. Why don't we just farm fish the same way we farm other foodstuffs? After being accused of Discordian sympathies he hastily clarifies that he did not mean to invoke the memory of the horrific squid-plant hybrids created by the mad trickster god, but something much more mundane: "corralling" fish in artificial lakes and ponds, feeding and harvesting them in a similar manner to other livestock. Well…you've heard of crazier ideas. Cost: 400. Time: Two Years. Reward: Fish Farms established.

Rivers are diverted, dams and levees are constructed, and several species of freshwater fish are caught in sufficient quantities and transported to their new environment. The aquatic corrals now established, the difficult work of acclimating the fish to their new lives in captivity begins. It will be some time before a reliable and consistent harvest can be guaranteed. Still, the work is at least partially done. Will Finish Next Turn


-Noxious Nitrates: Archimedes has been experimenting with some of the minerals your miners have started digging up, seeing how they react chemically with other elements. He's found a way to make a sort of...explosive powder out of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. You're...kind of concerned about that last one, seeing as how it's extracted from feces of all things, but his practical demonstrations cannot be denied or ignored. But Archimedes has an issue: the difficulty in acquiring large amounts of the components needed to make this Fire-powder. He's going to need funds to construct sulfur mines and...saltpeter distilleries. Ewww. Cost: 500. Time: Two Years. Reward: Supply of Fire-Powder Acquired. Chance of Success: 75%

Required: 25. Rolled: 12+18(Personal Learning)=30

Work nearly stalled on the "saltpeter production plant" that Archimedes was spearheading, but thankfully you found the time in your schedule to go down there personally and impress upon the workers the necessity for the program, despite the filth and terrible odor. The sulfur mines nearly hit a snag as well, but the Diamond Dogs' sense of smell allowed them to locate a sizeable deposit of the pungent substance, though it did prevent them from mining it themselves. Those issues dealt with, all that remains is the actual construction of the facilities in question. Hopefully you won't have to intervene again, you swear the stench seeps into your clothes. Will Finish Next Turn



Intrigue
: Lord Ravenburg is a stoic fellow with dark feathers and fur. He speaks only when spoken to and somehow manages to be both unassuming and mildly intimidating. You're not sure exactly how he became spymaster, but the fact that he seemed to know everything about you before you'd even met him indicates he is well-qualified.
-Aquileian Espionage: King Brochard has been making some waves over the past few years. He's tried (unsuccessfully) to challenge your naval supremacy, he's been not-so-subtly discouraging your neighbors from pursuing trade and diplomatic relations with you, and he seems almost personally offended by your very existence. You need eyes and ears on the ground in Aquileia as soon as possible. Cost: 200. Time: One Year. Reward: Gain intel on Aquileia. Chance of Success: 55%

Required: 45. Rolled: 63+10(King Brochard Omake)+10(Best Laid Plans Omake)+10(Kept in the Dark Omake)+13(Personal Intrigue)=106(Art. Crit!)

Sneaking over the Aquileian border as Feathersian merchants or mercenaries seeking employment, your spies send back a wealth of information at next to no cost to themselves. Ravenburg practically beams when he reports that none of your spies have been captured, and that Brochard has no idea of their presence. He is uncharacteristically joyous that his agents have done so well, despite the sobering nature of much of the news they have brought back.

First of all, Brochard is most definitely preparing for war. Creating a navy was just the start. He's expanded his army, recruiting thousands more griffons to fight under his banner, and has crafted several siege engines reminiscent of your bolt-throwers, though these ones lob stones through the air rather than launch giant arrows. Your spies are led to believe that the purpose of these engines is twofold: to bombard static targets from a distance, and to fill the air with projectiles so as to discourage an airborne assault.

Then of course there is the matter of the mercenaries Brochard has hired. While many of the renowned and highly-skilled Feathersian outfits have refused to sign on with Aquileia for political and financial reasons, Brochard has evidently decided that quantity has a quality all its own, and has shown no hesitation in his acquiring the services of some…less than reputable sell-swords. He's even gone so far as to hire actual pirates and bands of brigands, offering looting rights and pardons in exchange for their fighting on the frontlines! All told, your spies estimate he has over seventeen thousand fighters and a dozen warships.

It's not all bad news however. Well, not all bad news for you, anyway. Brochard's military expansion has proven expensive, and he has passed that cost onto his people in the form of taxes, and onto his neighbors in the form of tariffs. Needless to say, this has not sat well with the Aquileian public, and there are grumblings amongst both the peasantry and the nobility. When their tongues are loosened with alcohol, some are even bold enough to say that if Brochard doesn't win a great victory, he'll lose his crown, even if you don't invade. Useful information. Intel on Aquileian military gained, Whispers of potential rebellion in Aquileia, Spies remain undiscovered.



Personal
: You refuse to let your duties as King take up every moment of your day.
-The King In Iron: With war seeming increasingly like an inevitability, it might be a good idea to invest in some proper armor for yourself. Your wife knows a good smith that made her own armor plate, perhaps you should pay him a visit? Cost: 50. Time: One Year. Reward: Suit of Personal Armor.

Gabriella accompanies you on a journey to the southern reaches of your lands to meet the smith that made her armor. The smith in question, one Reinhold Thundertail, is renowned for his ability to produce armor that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. After getting your measurements he sets to work with a fervor, crafting you a chest piece, helmet, vambraces, greaves, and gauntlets, all crafted from the finest steel and adorned with the symbols of Griffonia and the imperial crest. You compensate Thundertail well for his work. With the fine quality and fit of the armor, he's more than earned it. Armor Acquired, Character Survivability Improved.


-Who let the Dogs Out?: Several packs of Diamond Dogs have sworn their fealty to you. This isn't necessarily a good thing. Most Griffons only know Diamond Dogs as subterranean creatures that occasionally raid, plunder, and pillage their farms and towns. It would come as a surprise to a great many of your subjects that the canines are even capable of intelligent thought beyond the use of simple tools. If you are to have any hope of integrating these packs into your population, you'll need to clear up more than a few misconceptions. Cost: 100. Time: 1 Year. Reward: Griffon public learns Diamond Dogs are people too. Chance of success: 70%

Required: 30. Rolled: 85+5(Garrick Golden-Feather Fanart)+10(A Dog's Purpose Omake)=100 (Art. Crit!)

You honestly weren't expecting things to go this well. You thought you'd have to spend years getting Griffons to accept the idea of civilized Diamond Dogs. You'd expected pushback and lingering resentment. You'd expected, and feared, riots and racial tensions that would take generations to overcome. Instead you got…calm, empathetic acceptance.

Just as Griffons are different from one another, as the reasoning goes, so too are Diamond Dogs different from one another. Some Diamond Dogs are barbaric savages that raid and loot, others are decent people just trying to get by, same as any Griffon. This type of thinking rapidly becomes the norm amongst your people, and combined with their assistance in mining, construction and excavation, your people have really begun to warm up to their new flightless neighbors. Dogs and Griffons walk side by side on the streets, share drinks in the taverns, and work alongside each other in the mines, quarries, and farms. You even hear rumors of a few romantic relationships between Dogs and Griffons!
You're surprised, but relieved and pleased that you rule over such a reasonable and tolerant people.

Diamond Dogs fully integrated into Griffonian Society, Risk of Racial Tensions (mostly) Eradicated
 
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Bundle of Joy
You hold your wife's talons in your own as she grunts and gasps in exertion, all while squeezing you so hard you're fearful she might break something. The long-awaited day is finally upon you: delivery day, and with it, the dawn of parenthood. Gabriella's Father stands on the other side of the bed, holding her other talon in his own. By the sympathetic look on his face you can tell he's also receiving the same rough treatment you are. Of course, you aren't the only ones in the room. Numerous healers, physicians, herbalists, and midwives crowd your bedchamber, all scurrying about in a sort of vaguely organized chaos.

Finally, after what feels like hours, your wife relaxes as the hushed silence is broken by a soft cooing. The midwife at the foot of the bed raises her head with a relieved smile. "Congratulations your Highness, it's a boy." She very carefully passes you a bundle of cloth containing the youngling…your son. You have a son. The realization almost staggers you, but you maintain your composure long enough to look down into the face of the newest addition to your family.



…Well thank the ancestors there are so many healers in the room right now because you're pretty sure your heart stopped for a moment there. You pass your child to your wife in a daze, who looks down with a tired but immensely satisfied smile. Your Father-in-Law, who just became a grandfather, simply grins with a tearful expression. As you stand beside your wife and newborn son, the kingdom, your crown, Brochard, all of that fades away. In this singular instant, there is nothing else in the universe but you and your family.

You now have a son, an heir to the throne, and yet another thing worth fighting for.

[ ] Name?
 
Turn 5 Rumor Mill
All Hail Prince Gawain!: Bells ring throughout the kingdom as the birth of Prince Gawain, son of King Golden-Feather, is announced. Though Queen Gabriella Golden-Feather was reportedly greatly weakened by the exertion, by all reports her health was not negatively affected. The young prince is reportedly in good health, and the inhabitants of the kingdom breathe a bit easier at the knowledge that, should their current king pass on, there will not be another succession crisis.


Aquileia Invades Wingbardy!: After years of brewing tensions, the day so many have feared finally comes. Messengers from King Brochard send Duke Talonuelli an ultimatum: submit or be destroyed. Less than an hour after the couriers arrive at the Wingbardian Capital, the armies of Aquileia cross the border. Duke Talonuelli hastily orders his own army to rally around the Capital in preparations for a siege. The war to reunite the Empire has finally begun.


Feathersians Remain Divided: Though the City-States are universally concerned by Brochard's aggression, they remain divided over what to do about it. Some enact harsh diplomatic sanctions against Aquileia, others remain strictly neutral, awaiting a victor to negotiate with. Duke Montefeathertro heads the interventionist faction arguing for direct military action in support of Wingbardy, but he and his supporters are merely a vocal minority on the Feathersian Council. It appears it will take a significant change in circumstances to convince the League to take a more aggressive stance against Aquileian aggression.
 
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