And I see no problems regarding to that. With all this aggression toward the south though... KotRD is going to need more then trade partners, its going to need allies.
I guess - I remain skeptical that they have ways of getting all the machinery, fuel, metals, chemicals, manpower, technology etc with such a tiny amount of territory and through trade, but I don't mean to throw a shit fit - this is all well within acceptable parameters for realism. I still want to know who they are buying from, though, so I can use it for RP. Acier will want to be selling, because muh Libertarianism, but Deth implied that I am not involved in the supply.1. You can be involved in supply if you want 2. The Kingdom of the Red Dragon was once a northern nation (well a colony of one) but when the empire (it was a colony of) fell it became a merchant republic, selling southern luxuries to the north in return for northern luxuries, knowledge and armaments 3. Red Dragon only really 'produce' food but even food they buy a lot from the south in return for northern luxuries Basically think of Red Dragon almost like venice, they are at the end of such a valuable trade route that money just flows through them, with large amounts spilling into the kingdom itself. P.S. The Main population of the Red Dragon (especially the upper classes) still look down on southern tribes as lesser but their economically focused minds see their value, therefor the populance are still effectively 'pure' in that they almost all have DNA originating from the northern continent,
So I did some insane maths (literal rocket science) and found out how to make airships cost effective. PROBLEM: Firing regular guns produces CRAZY recoil, and regular naval guns are incredibly heavy and big. So, as a solution, I present the most steampunk thing ever. SOLUTION: The Resian Rocket Barge™! A small, essentially unarmored (armor above small arms/flak levels in the magazines and on the balloons) ship that is for air to ground operations. Somewhat accurate Hale rockets fired at 8000 feet can go approx 10 km and since your target is an army, the accuracy doesn't matter. There is no recoil and many more rockets can be carried than shells.I feel that you like maths... like really, really like maths.
Hey, Chee, Red Dragon and Dratha: how do you feel about trade with the gweilo? If you feel ok about unrestricted trade with my merchants, Acier will guarantee your independence. All men have the right to freedom, even spear-throwing savages, and how better to defend that freedom than wealth from trade, advanced firearms and modern military training. None can invade when there is a gun behind every blade of grass. Also, if you want to accept Anarcho-Capitalism into your life, that'd be grandI have the finest firearms money can buy, you want an alliance and call me a spear throwing savage? You lack tact in your diplomacisioning