It will be about the nation of bronzehill and trying to find their identity after fighting in a bloody war. They will find help with a huge yet peaceful nation known as equestria
Many hounds from the nation of Bronzehill will have their very identity in question as the Griffonian Empire collapse before them. Will they embrace harmony's shining light of hope or be fueled by the darkest pits of vengeance and hatred....
This will be based on the mod for hearts of iron 4: Equestria at war
Count Ignatius Bronzetail watched over the winter snow of his growing city, one of which he was proud of leading after his father had passed in 997. He looked at the new calendar his staff had put in place and gave a small chuckle with a reassuring smile. "January 1st, 1007. New year, old problems."
Once the count went back to deal with the paperwork he had on his desk, seeing what kind of issues is there to deal with for the day. The growing thorn of the Kommunistische Partei (Communist party in German) has been giving him some trouble ever since the nation started to grow in the industry. The many crystals found in the mountainous land of Bronzehill have been the nation's primary sconce of income for trading; however, as technology continues to advance many started to put quantity over quality. the very thing that has made Diamond Dogs what they are... Quality
The door to his office opened. Without looking he knew instantly who it was gonna be. His son Barnaby and daughter Margaret. Barnaby was in his early 20's and does share some resemblance of the greyhound of Bronzekruz like his fur. But, his hair is more like his mother Izzy Bones-Iron a silver husky like the soft snow of winter. The daughter takes more of her mother's side, but she does have her father's sapphire-like eyes.
"Good evening father, I hope the paperwork isn't getting too tired for our old man," Barnaby said with a playful smile and a heartful chuckle.
"Barny, you know father tries his best for his country, unlike someone I know," Margret replied with her head being on her side.
"Oh come on sis, you know I'm just messing with him. And can you please stop calling me that it's embarrassing..." Looked at his sister with both calm and a bit of disappointment.
Ignatius chuckled and looked up to them with a fatherly smile for his two children. "It's nice to see you two today, and don't worry about me. I've been doing things like this before you two could walk on two legs."
Both nodded as they know very well how much effort and to love their father puts into his position of power. "So what are you dealing with now father." The son walked towards the desk to pick up a piece of the paperwork the count has been working on."
"Just the same old thing son, the Kommunistische Partei has been growing ever since he had to resort to became industrialized just so we can keep up with the demands for our crystals. Plus due to the instability of the empire right now many believe we should become independent and place the Nationale union in charge."
"You're talking about the party that thinks dogs are superior correct?" Margret looked with concern, believe that this party could be a potential threat to Bronzehill.
"The very same, they want to change our ethos. Believing that militarization is the best way to not only provide people with enough jobs for factories but to free the slaves that are still in the diamond mountain." The count looking through the paperwork as he glanced up to his daughter. He was shocked to see her shaken as she was a hound that has taken the ethos of pacifism very seriously and fears that they might want to start a war.
"Saving the slaves from those Bastards I get, but why would they want us to leave the nation. Don't they realized it's because of them we made our home here." Barnaby said with a contemplated look on his face.
"Who knows, but I do know this. Since many hounds here are loyal to the emperor and the Kommunistische Partei just wants a compromise for the working class, one of which I agree on, so if we keep our cool and see the best course of actions to take when we should be fine." Ignatius said with a confident smile and gave them a wink to ease them a bit.
"Now you two should get going, we have an important event coming and I want you two to show real leadership with the civilian populous." After he said that, the two bowed politely halfway as a sign of goodbye. When they left the room the count relaxed for a moment to ease his mind while looking through the window.
"You're gonna be surprised about this one old friend."
It'd been almost three weeks of preparation and organizations from both the administrators and the Bronzetails before everything was ready for this event. Many of the Bronzehill citizens waited anxiously for the movement to see their hard work on the new imperial railway system to pay off.
When they saw the imperial train started to come into view the crowd started to cheer and a celebration of both their hard work and the honor to welcome the emperor himself to their humble nation.
Many was still cheering before the train even made a full stop. Once it did, the private kart of the emperor door opened to show the griffon emperor, Grover the fifth fully insight for the public to witness.
Count Bronzetail and his two children personally greeted him before kneeling in front of him. The emperor acknowledged the three and personally helped out the count to stand.
Both embraced each other, happy to see each other again not as emperor and subject, but as mutual friends. "It has been a long time my friend." The emperor said with a low commanding yet caring tone. "And I see your children have grown since the last time I saw them. You must be so proud of them."
"Believe me, sir, there's nothing more proudful than to see your kids grow into strong adults." The count replied as many citizens started to sing the oath of loyalty, one that has been passed down since the empire gave the hounds their new home. "Please allow us to escort you to the palace, your highness."
The emperor nodded with a sincere smile as he both waved to the many citizens cheering for him and accepted the Bronzetails offer for an escort towards the palace. As the royal family walked with the emperor to the palace, Barnaby was very concerned about the well being of the emperor. Even though he was walking fine and showing a calm presence, there was something off about him, but he couldn't place his finger on it. He ignores it since he thought if he brought it up, it might ruin the celebration.
"I think you'll be surprised to hear that we're creating an industry park that will bear your name sir. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised about the future of both the empire and our nation." Ignatius said, trying to keep any kind of unfortunate business being brought up during this time of joy and happiness.
"It's alright Ignatius, I know the many problems my subjects are dealing with. This isn't just a formal visit, after all, I want to help out as much as I can. Tell me all about your issues when we get to the palace, deal?" Grover said after place a paw on his friend's shoulder.
After the celebration ended and everyone got back to their usual daily tasks while the emperor rests in the palace for the rest of his imperial trip across the empire.
In the palace; however, the emperor was talking with the Bronzetail's about their issues they've been dealing with. "I see, so due to the fact that the demands of crystals keep growing, you had no choice but to industrialized in a fast past. Thankfully with the advancements of technology, it's easier to do so. though due to that it places mass productions over handcrafted items gets shoved into the sideline. Something you diamond dogs have always been known for."
"Exactly Grover, I want to increase the working conditions of many of my people. But due to the low amount of money we received from these businesses, it's making things difficult to improve on them if we don't own any of these businesses."
The emperor takes a deep breath as he tries to relax and enjoy the company of his trusted friend. "All I can say my friend is doing what's right for your people. Heh, you know I'm grateful for what my great-great-grandfather has done by accepting your ancestor into our wings."
The count chuckled as he smirked while looking at the emperor's wings. "I hope that pun was intentional my friend." When the emperor realized that unintentional pun, both started to laugh as the count poured them both a drink of wine.
"But in all seriousness my friend it's good to see you again, and I appreciate your advice." The count picks up his glass of wine and nods a simple toast to him. "To you my friend and to the empire."
Grover gives him a toast back at him. "To you as well my friend, and to the country of Bronzehill."
Both drinks their wine and continued to talk for an extended amount of time, but both knew that Grover will be leaving soon. He does need to visit the other vassals during his imperial tour. When the time came for him to leave, both embraced one another and walked together to the station. Every citizen return to see the emperor off and wish him a safe journey around the empire, before he left he looked back to see all the diamonds dogs yet seemed sad about something. Before the count asked him, he changed his attitude and waved to everyone with a smile. Thanking them for a lovely welcome from the citizens of Bronzehill.
Barnaby looked at his father, thinking that maybe he should tell him now. But since he was the emperor's best friend, it might make him concerned and worried about him. He placed his hand on his father's shoulder and smiled for him. Perhaps it would be better if he leaves it be, so his father would focus on his duties. "Come father, we still have much to do."
The count takes a deep breath, looked at his son in the eyes, and smiled. "You're right son, and as long as I have you and your sister with me. I think we can change things for the better."
Two months have passed since the emperor has visited Bronzehill. The count has been busy throughout most of the time, enacting the bill for the defense budget of 1007 to help expand their military strength to a defense margin only, hiring imperial experts to help further expand the economic growth, and liberalizing the banking systems to allow more competition between private, public and foreign banks in the nation. Now he's debating to himself whether or not to nationalize all the industry of Bronzehill or prop up the industrial park to expand more for the empire.
Barnaby was studying historical events the empire had to endure. From the first emperor to the current emperor, learning and seeing the patterns that history has always loved to do. He hoped that war might not come to pass, but if it does he'll be more than ready to fight and lead troops into battle.
Margaret was helping out the staff around the palace to ease some of the workloads they deal with on a daily basis. She even likes to help out her father from time to time, so he won't be so stressed out from work.
As Barnaby was about to leave the study to check on his father, he encounters a griffon wearing a long black cape with a military uniform that bared the symbol of the emperor's private messengers. From his age, he looked like he's been doing this for a long time and had a serious look that said I'm only here for a job. He had a bad feeling about this bird, so he decided to talk to him in order to understand his business here.
"Excuse me, sir, mind if I ask what business you have here," Barnaby said with a stern serious look towards the messenger.
"I can't give tell you, this is for the Count of Bronzehill eyes and ears only. So if you don't mind boy I got a job to do." The messenger scoffed as he thought he was wasting time.
"Is that so, well I'm the Count's son. So if you don't mind I think it should be my business as well."
"If you're his son then you should tell me if he's here or not."
"Fine, follow me." He nudged towards the hallway, leading the griffon to his father's office. He was disappointed to not get any information from this bird as he wanted to have. But he didn't have time to worry about that right now, the only thing he had in his mind is what will happen to his father when this bird relays his message.
As his father continued working on the many paperwork he received thanks to his daughter helping him, the sky started to darken outside through the window. Giving the impression that a storm is coming soon, hopefully not a terrible one. The door opened wide for him to see both his son and the griffon behind him.
"Ah Barnaby, who's this with you." The count looked with a smile and a welcoming demeanor.
"This is a massager from the emperor himself, he has something for your eyes and ears only." He walked over to his father's side with his sister, getting ready for what this bird had to say.
"Well then please, Let's hear your message." the count looked towards the griffon, letting him speak freely as he wanted.
"Count Ignatius of the country of Bronzehill, I'm here under the order of the emperor himself to tell you he has... well..."
Died. A thunderous roar echoed around the room thanks to the storm outside, but this was another matter that was too much for the Bronzetail family in the room. It was as though time itself has stopped around them as the world kept spinning around their heads over and over again.
The sister covered her mouth to try to contain her noises as she shed many tears from the news of the emperor's death. She was a sensitive soul that cares about the lives of many even if there from away. The son was disappointed about the news, though he had a feeling something bad was gonna happen. He went over to try and comfort his sister, but he was more worried about his father. The count was a close friend with the emperor ever since they went to college together. Hearing his best friend has passed away must be soul-crushing for him.
"What about his son..." The count said gasping for air, as though the air around him was growing heavier and heavier for him to breathe. "Is his son... Okay..."
"I don't know count Bronzetail. I was only sent here to relay the message I was given to you, I can only speculate he's just as surprised as you are right now. With my task fulfilled, I'll be leaving for the capital." The griffon said as he starts walking away from the Bronzetails, showing a lack of compassion or sympathy from the news.
The son looked angrily towards the bastard, thinking that the griffon should've been at least a little concerned about this situation. The count got up from his thrown, shedding as many tears as his daughter is for his close friend.
"Please, children if you don't mind... I like to have a moment to myself please..." The count asked, placing his hand on his son's shoulder. They both understood as they started to leave the room, closing the door behind them for his father to have a moment. As they closed the door, the two of them started to hear things being thrown around. The father screaming in anguish and grief for the emperor, his close friend.
Both try to comfort each other, as they fully understood what was gonna happen now. The nation will be grieving for him, and give raise for this one question.
The public heard the news about the emperor's death later on. This causes many dogs in the nation to feel lost, on edge, and unguided. Most couldn't have the strength to work in the mines, factories, or even work in the administration to run the nation.
When the count heard about the many absences of a large number of workers in multiple places around the country, He issues a national state of mourning. Letting the many citizens of Bronzehill to grief for the emperor, and place many businesses on hold to allow the workers to pay their respect towards him.
Barnaby worked desperately to help the staff members in the administration. Giving each of them comfort, talking with them about their sad state of mind for the empire now the Groover the 5th was gone, many even felt lost on what to do now. He himself had doubts about his own action for handling this crisis the nation was dealing with, believe that he was either too blunt about it or too soft.
Margret continued helping others towards pacifism and caring for all life in this world. When many dogs shed tears for the emperor's death and continuing to show emotional instability in the open, she embraced them with a welcoming, and comforting presence for them. She tells them it's gonna be ok, there's no shame in showing your sadness towards others. Emotion isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of understanding towards anything living being. She encouraged many of the diamond dogs to create flower gems, the flower gems are used to honor those who have passed away, using the gems from the mines as a way to remember their deeds in this world.
The nation of Bronzehill wasn't the only nation having difficulty with the recent death of the emperor. The nation of strawberry dutchy, one of the biggest nations in the empire, was growing concerned with the empire now, believing it will all collapse under the new rule of Groover the 6th. Duchess Gabriela Eagleclaw believed the nobility in the empire should be in charge of the empire until the young prince could reach the age of ruling the empire. Archon Eros the 7th believes it's the will of God to allow the young prince to rule with the help of the church, saying that this was the moment when the prince could be the savior of the empire that they have prayed for.
Count Bronzetail continued to deal with the grief of losing his best friend from this world, the friend that was an honor to have as the best man to his own wedding. He ordered many different artisan's and craftsman's to create a flower gem. The many workers on this project believed this was something that was more than a commission they usually get. This could be a time where they show their love and compassion for the late emperor, thinking it was their responsibility to create something not just for the empire, but for the young boy who lost his father. Instead of making a flower gem, they created the most beautiful statue in the semblance of Groover the 5th using the finest gems they could get their hands on.
The Count was beyond pleased to see the statue of his best friend. He shed a small tear for his friend and thanked each and everyone who worked on this. Barnaby and Margret were too impressed by the craftsmanship of these artisans and craftsmen, but then again they realized they are Diamond dogs after all.
"The Statue looked, beautiful father," Margret said as she walked over to his side. Giving him a soft hug to comfort him a little. "I'm sure the emperor would've liked it himself."
"Thank you, sweetie, though I bet he'd say that there was no need for that." He smiled as he gave his daughter a hug right back at her.
"Yea, this will look lovely here in the city right dad." Barnaby looked at his father with a small smile.
"Barny, we should give this to the prince in Griffenheim. Not here." Margret replied, looking back at her brother behind the count.
"But sis, the people here are stricken with grief. This will help them feel comforted and try to move on." Barnaby said pointing towards the city in the hopes that they can understand where he's coming from.
"I know barny, but think about the prince. He just lost his father and is now expected to run an empire, wouldn't you want to help him." Margret said with a sad look on her face, imploring her brother to think about the young boy.
he sighed and looked back at his sister. "I know sis, I do want to help him. But our citizens need this statue too if the citizens see this at the industrial park we've named after him. It could lift the spirits that our citizens are feeling."
The count looked at both of them and gave them a low nod. "I understand what you two are doing, and as much as I appreciate your input. I will have the final say in this matter, and the prince needs to have this gift. This will be a gift that should be for his son."
Before the royal family could enter their palace and order the statue to be shipped to Griffenheim, a griffon messenger from the prince arrived. Badly injured and looking half dead when he collapses onto the ground, he crawled towards the count.
"C-Count Ignatius of Bronzehill... " the wheezing and the blood coming from the mouth and his body was horrifying for the Bronzetails.
"T-The Prince... He has been... has been"
Killed. that word infuriated the count to a degree that made him lose it. He grabbed the bird's shirt and looked him in the eyes.
"WHO KILLED HIM!!!" He shouted towards the bird as absolute rage could be heard in his voice. "WHO KILLED THE PRINCE YOU BASTARD, WHO!!!!!"
"It-it was..." Before he could say who killed the prince he died in the count's grip, finally succumbing to the wounds he sustained.
When words spread of the prince's murder from a coup d 'eta planned by a rogue general named Ferdinand Dawnclaw of the Grffionian's military, the citizens of Bronzehill became outraged by the news. Causing many to feel betrayed by the empire, wondering how could something like this happen, right shortly after the passing of his father.
Not just the citizens of Bronzehill feeling betrayed by this barbaric action, but many other subjects of the empire refused to be a part of this tyrannical dictator that discredited and made a mockery of the empire's name. This sparked outrage among many around the subject's own lands, demanding justice for the murder of the prince.
Bronzehill was no different unfortunately, the National Union has started to gain popularity among the masses. Feeding them the thoughts and ideas of not just avenging the prince's death, but making the empire better by letting the Dogs of Bronzehill be the one in charge of the empire. Since the dogs have been loyal to the empire for generations, who better to run it than the nation that housed the emperors' right-hand people.
This caused the count to be concerned over his people, believing that yes the prince should be avenged and the general should be brought to justice. But he feared this could case much civil unrest as many did want to destroy the new regime, the diamond dogs still have a strong ethos of pacifism and this could cause many to become thirsty for war.
"Count Ignatius, I'm sorry to intrude, but about the National Union party. From what many of us can gather it's unfortunate that they may be the leading party of Bronzehill. I'm afraid it's a race of time now for you and this administration." An administrative Dog said with his tail tucked underneath and ears down.
"It's not your fault, I knew they would raise. When hatred and fear are spreading ramped, a party or group can use that to gain power politically." He pressed his hands together, resting his head on them to try and put together a plan for his short time as leader. Sighing at first from frustration and exhaustion, he got up and looked at the government worker. "I want to have a meeting with the party's leader, I think a solution could come together. One where the party can still take power, bring justice to the fallen prince, and give the diamond dogs a sliver of hope for peace."
"And, what is this solution, sir?"
"I'm giving up my position early for the party, letting them have complete power. In exchange, after the imminent war with the traitors of the empire. Those that fought or not can have the choice of leaving Bronzehill to live in a new nation."
The administrator was shocked in disbelief and stunned. "W-what... Sir that's crazy. You want to give up your position, your power... to them in the hopes of leaving to where exactly... Another vassal from the fallen empire!"
"No, I already have a place in mind, only I heard this from the previous emperor from time to time. He said this nation was like a paradise. Freedom, peace, open land, this could help those that fought and those who stick with their ethos could live happily."
The administrator grunted and felt angry about this decision from the count, but he understood about the impertinence the count made for his people. "And which nation is that sir?"
"it's-"
The count was interrupted when the door opened to his office. Barnaby and Margret entered with worried looks as they heard about the news of the count's position looking like it might be taken over by the National Union.
"Father, I'm sorry for the intruding, but I and sis wanted to know about your plains now that you might not be in charge soon." Barnaby looked as he was perceptive enough to know this would happen, but he did wonder if his father might have a plain.
"At least you can relax and spend a lot of time helping the citizens here right." Margret looked at her father, trying to cheer him up since she thought he got the news too.
"Barnaby... Margret... I know you mean well and you are excused, but you shouldn't worry yourselves. I already have a plan in mind, I talked about it with the administrator here. though it seems he has some objections, I'm sure it will be for you two as well." He looked to them as both starred confusingly.
"and what might that be father," Barnaby asks, feeling uneasy from the answer he might get from his father.
The count explained his plan to meet the leader of the national union party and to give the party his position early in the hopes that a deal could be made. Both understood where their father was coming from, and nodded until the count mention that after the war against the general who murdered the prince, those that fought and didn't would be able to leave Bronzehill to live in a new nation.
Both were as surprised when the administrator first heard it himself. "F-father... you want to leave home?" Barnaby said with a hint of disbelief as his father loves his home as much as any Diamond Dog would.
"Yes, in order to make sure the citizens can live happily and peacefully. I'm more than willing to give up everything just to keep them safe." The count said when his tears started to roll from his cheeks. Margret and Barnaby understood what their father was feeling and knew from their hearts that he loved his citizens more than anything.
"So... Where will we go father, another vassal like Strawberry Dutch?" Margret asked, wanting to know the full picture of this plain.
"No... We will move to a nation that will be perfect for the citizens to live in peace, and feel safe from war." The count got up from his chair and walk over to his two kids and gave them a hug.