(MADE BY: VIWRASTUPR) Duke Krylov

Alexey, my son,

I have been the Duke of Orlov for dozens of years, longer than any one griffon in its history, but the time has come for me to step down. I feel that there is no other way. I am old and tired, my health is not what it used to be. It is for the best if this time, Orlov has a new Duke before the old one is dead. And there is no doubt that the throne and the title should go to you.

I choose you not only because you remain my oldest son since Gabriel's death in the Changeling War. Of all the scions of House Krylov, you are the one best suited for the task of governing our lands. In truth, you are doing that already. You already manage nearly all of our factories, mines, farms and trading companies. It is largely thanks to you that our family name has spread throughout the world together with our production. Your work over the past decades has multiplied our wealth manifold. To that, we have to add your valor and skill in battle with the armies of the Changeling Queen in Equestria; you upheld the proud traditions of our ancestors and led your troops to victory during the Liberation of Canterlot. I love all of my children, as a father should, but there is no denying that you, not Gedimina or Kuzma, have the most merit among all your siblings.

You have learned the art of leadership well, my son. You know our land, its strengths and weaknesses, better than even I do; you have been managing our businesses for years and need no introduction or further tutelage. By now, leaving Orlov's official administration to you is little more than a formality. And it is my belief that under your management, our lands will prosper and flourish like never before.

As a piece of advice, from father to son, I wish to tell you this: your connection with Star Counter the warlock has great potential. It has always been House Krylov's strength to support and take up new inventions and use them to secure a better future, and combining our machines with the magic of Equestrian unicorns could produce results eclipsing anything seen before. It is strange for me to see ponies appear in our city more and more often, but the benefits of adding their strengths to ours are undeniable.
In addition to that, I ask you to keep your siblings close. Not only it is your duty as their eldest brother, but also as a mindful Duke. Your task will be to make sure their own efforts will go towards furthering the goals of our House, not fighting for power.
Finally, do not forget our fealty to the High King of Griffons. The only way our race stands a chance for greatness in this world is by standing together. All of your ancestors have been loyal to the High Throne, and it has served them well. However powerful we may be, we are still but a part of the grand Griffon Kingdom, and without the unity and cohesion that we've showed ever since the Changeling War, we would be little but a bunch of squabbling clans fighting for scraps, nothing like the mighty nation that we are today.

Do not worry about my own future, Alexey. I am an old griffon, with many visits to pay, pilgrimages to make and promises to fulfill. As you read this, I will already be far away from Orlov. I do not know when I will return, if I still live to see that day, but goodness willing, we will see each other again. And if I do not... Know that I am very proud of you, my son. You are everything a father could ever want in his child. With you, Orlov's future is secure.

Your father,
Michael


—a letter from Michael Krylov to Alexey Krylov, incumbent Duke of Orlov. Procured by Princess Celestia during a diplomatic visit. Translated from Griffon by Commander Rainbow Dash.


Commissioned from . I do not claim to have made this picture in any way, I only provided the subject and the payment for it. If you like it, go over to the maker's own upload of the picture and tell him so!

As the description in Viwrastupr's upload says, this picture is pretty much the official portrait of one of the local rulers of Griffon lands from my "alternate universe" (but really, more of a possible future). The Griffon Kingdom there is akin to the Holy Roman Empire, a federation of domains loyal to one higher leader. Not every aspect of its structure and life is fleshed out yet, but for the most part, the Griffon Kingdom is the second biggest nation in there after Equestria itself, and has become its strongest ally. Different parts of the Kingdom have their own features, strengths and weaknesses; the eastern lands, which this particular griffon governs, produce much of the Kingdom's machinery, particularly airships, as well as considerable amounts of food. They are also among the parts of the Kingdom that have begun to make use of the small but growing Equestrian pony population in their lands and employ them to expand their own potential.
It's also the same AU the earlier shuttle design belongs to.

And yes, the design of the coat of arms seen on the banner took the most time of all. We went back and forth on it a lot with the artist due to everything from size to heraldic significance. In the end, it symbolizes both individual strength of the house it belongs to and its fealty to a higher-ranking griffon.

As for why I used human-world names for them: I simply went off the trend of both known FiM's griffons having names typical for humans.

Not much more to say, as I've already given the feedback on the maker's own upload. I strongly encourage you to do the same!