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>Last time on Luna Quest
>After waking up from a strange dream Lucent and Baron take you to meet Princess Luna and Celestia
>After a brief discussion, you and Princess Luna investigate the crater in the courtyard
>Luna scans the crater with magic and triggers a spark of ancient magic that knocks her unconscious
>At the same time, the pony ambassador to the dragons, Gold Heart, enters the castle on her dragon companion, Thorn
>The first meeting with Gold Heart isn't a pleasant one, and after Luna is given medical attention, you join Gold Heart in the throne room with Celestia
>According to Gold Heart and Celestia, an ancient dragon, Tiamat, has awoken and is currently attempting to escape Tartarus
>The magic that harmed Luna in the crater could be as old as Tiamat herself and she may hold the answers you seek to returning home
>Tiamat won't go down without a fight however
>While Celestia gathers the Elements of Harmony, Gold Heart puts together a small armed force, and you have decided to see how Luna is doing
Current Affection Level
Luna - Mid-Low
Lucent - Low
Gold Heart - None
Celestia - None
From the throne room, you ask one of the guards to direct you to where they're keeping Princess Luna. Princess Celestia may have given you the ability to walk freely about the castle, but the castle halls are still a maze to you at the moment. It's a long walk to Princess Luna's bedroom, but when you arrive, a doctor is on his way out.
He seems surprised by your presence, but seeing the guards unfazed seems to put him at ease a bit.
"I suppose you'll be wanting to see the Princess?" he asks, sporting a disapproving frown. "From what I understand, it was your fault she ended up in this condition."
>After waking up from a strange dream Lucent and Baron take you to meet Princess Luna and Celestia
>After a brief discussion, you and Princess Luna investigate the crater in the courtyard
>Luna scans the crater with magic and triggers a spark of ancient magic that knocks her unconscious
>At the same time, the pony ambassador to the dragons, Gold Heart, enters the castle on her dragon companion, Thorn
>The first meeting with Gold Heart isn't a pleasant one, and after Luna is given medical attention, you join Gold Heart in the throne room with Celestia
>According to Gold Heart and Celestia, an ancient dragon, Tiamat, has awoken and is currently attempting to escape Tartarus
>The magic that harmed Luna in the crater could be as old as Tiamat herself and she may hold the answers you seek to returning home
>Tiamat won't go down without a fight however
>While Celestia gathers the Elements of Harmony, Gold Heart puts together a small armed force, and you have decided to see how Luna is doing
Current Affection Level
Luna - Mid-Low
Lucent - Low
Gold Heart - None
Celestia - None
From the throne room, you ask one of the guards to direct you to where they're keeping Princess Luna. Princess Celestia may have given you the ability to walk freely about the castle, but the castle halls are still a maze to you at the moment. It's a long walk to Princess Luna's bedroom, but when you arrive, a doctor is on his way out.
He seems surprised by your presence, but seeing the guards unfazed seems to put him at ease a bit.
"I suppose you'll be wanting to see the Princess?" he asks, sporting a disapproving frown. "From what I understand, it was your fault she ended up in this condition."
>>488045
>>488049
"I wouldn't know how to do something like that to begin with."
"Regardless," the doctor stomps a hoof, "she was hurt while under your care. I don't know who she is to you, but to the rest of us, she is one of our beloved princesses. I suggest you take responsibility for your carelessness."
With that, the doctor storms off leaving you with the guards. The door to Luna's room is cracked open a bit.
>>488049
"I wouldn't know how to do something like that to begin with."
"Regardless," the doctor stomps a hoof, "she was hurt while under your care. I don't know who she is to you, but to the rest of us, she is one of our beloved princesses. I suggest you take responsibility for your carelessness."
With that, the doctor storms off leaving you with the guards. The door to Luna's room is cracked open a bit.
>>488054
>>488057
Stepping through the door, you enter Luna's bedroom. Dim light is cast over the room by a few enchanted orbs floating above some of the furniture. Thick, dark drapes are covering the windows and a large, circular canopy bed stands against one of the walls. The dark curtain of the canopy is open and in the bed is Princess Luna. Her silver adornments have been removed, leaving her dark blue coat exposed to the air. Her breathing is slow and steady and you take a quick look for any sort of physical damage. She seems perfectly fine, though the strange mark on her flank attracts your eye. You could have sworn seeing something similar to it on Princess Celestia and some of the other guards around the castle.
You really want to make sure she's okay, but waking her up might not be the best idea. You suppose you could always help out Gold Heart and check back in on her later.
Choice Time
Wake Luna
Let Luna sleep and help out Gold Heart
>>488057
Stepping through the door, you enter Luna's bedroom. Dim light is cast over the room by a few enchanted orbs floating above some of the furniture. Thick, dark drapes are covering the windows and a large, circular canopy bed stands against one of the walls. The dark curtain of the canopy is open and in the bed is Princess Luna. Her silver adornments have been removed, leaving her dark blue coat exposed to the air. Her breathing is slow and steady and you take a quick look for any sort of physical damage. She seems perfectly fine, though the strange mark on her flank attracts your eye. You could have sworn seeing something similar to it on Princess Celestia and some of the other guards around the castle.
You really want to make sure she's okay, but waking her up might not be the best idea. You suppose you could always help out Gold Heart and check back in on her later.
Choice Time
Wake Luna
Let Luna sleep and help out Gold Heart
>>488068
>>488072
>>488074
>>488078
>>488079
Princess Luna has been up for a long time. Letting her sleep is probably the best thing you could do for her right now. Getting on better terms with Gold Heart wasn't a bad idea either. The last thing you want here is enemies.
Taking some of the sheets on the princess' bed, you pull them up over her body and up around her neck. Her starry mane shifts its flow as she curls up into the blanket and a few strands fall across your hand. It tickles, but not like you thought it would. As you run your fingers through it, the feeling reminds you of cool, slow running water. It's soft and airy.
Princess Luna shifts again in her sleep and nudges against your hand with her head. Her eyes wince a bit and she starts to wake up. Holding your breath, you slowly back away until you see her fall still once more. As you close the door behind you, you let out a long sigh and ask the guards where Gold Heart might be.
[cont.]
>>488072
>>488074
>>488078
>>488079
Princess Luna has been up for a long time. Letting her sleep is probably the best thing you could do for her right now. Getting on better terms with Gold Heart wasn't a bad idea either. The last thing you want here is enemies.
Taking some of the sheets on the princess' bed, you pull them up over her body and up around her neck. Her starry mane shifts its flow as she curls up into the blanket and a few strands fall across your hand. It tickles, but not like you thought it would. As you run your fingers through it, the feeling reminds you of cool, slow running water. It's soft and airy.
Princess Luna shifts again in her sleep and nudges against your hand with her head. Her eyes wince a bit and she starts to wake up. Holding your breath, you slowly back away until you see her fall still once more. As you close the door behind you, you let out a long sigh and ask the guards where Gold Heart might be.
[cont.]
>>488093
The guards direct you towards the training grounds for the guard. A large open field of pegasus, unicorn, and normal ponies are all clashing against each other in a fight. On a dais near one of the castle walls is Gold Heart, watching the ensuing battles and barking orders over the crowd.
The guards direct you towards the training grounds for the guard. A large open field of pegasus, unicorn, and normal ponies are all clashing against each other in a fight. On a dais near one of the castle walls is Gold Heart, watching the ensuing battles and barking orders over the crowd.
>>488098
>>488101
>>488103
You approach the dais, avoiding as much fighting as you can, and wait for Gold Heart to take a break from her shouting to notice you. Her gaze wanders over the crowd until it finally falls on you.
"Ah," she says before turning back towards the crowd. "The human. And how fares our Princess of the Night?"
"It doesn't seem like she's hurt," you inform her, "but we'll just have to wait and see."
"I'm not much of an earth pony for sitting around, waiting, and seeing," Gold Heart says as she hops down off of the dais and in front of you. "What say you to a bit of training yourself? Can you fight?"
This is the first time you've ever seen her smile, and the murderous intent within those emerald eyes tells you that you're not going to like what she has in mind.
>>488101
>>488103
You approach the dais, avoiding as much fighting as you can, and wait for Gold Heart to take a break from her shouting to notice you. Her gaze wanders over the crowd until it finally falls on you.
"Ah," she says before turning back towards the crowd. "The human. And how fares our Princess of the Night?"
"It doesn't seem like she's hurt," you inform her, "but we'll just have to wait and see."
"I'm not much of an earth pony for sitting around, waiting, and seeing," Gold Heart says as she hops down off of the dais and in front of you. "What say you to a bit of training yourself? Can you fight?"
This is the first time you've ever seen her smile, and the murderous intent within those emerald eyes tells you that you're not going to like what she has in mind.
>>488114
>>488123
"Not really. Can you remedy that?"
Gold Heart lets out a dark, rich laugh.
"I would love nothing more," Gold Heart says.
"All I know is 'sweep the leg,' 'aim for the head,' that sort of thing. And I guess I have a high center of gravity compared to all of you, so that's gonna be a problem."
"Pointing out the obvious already I see," Gold Heart raises an eyebrow as she steps back onto the dais. "At least your not completely incompetent."
>>488120
"What did you have in mind for my training anyway?"
"You will choose a weapon," Gold Heart informs you as you see her shuffling through various weapons on a table. "They may be a bit small for you, but if you have any worthy fighting skill, you should be able to manage."
"Then?" you ask, following her up onto the dais.
"Then you will face off against some of the royal guard," she smiles again. "They could use some training against a larger opponent and you could use any training in general. You may not be a dragon, but until Thorn wakes up from his little nap, you'll have to do."
>>488118
"If I turn out to be better than you thought, can I inspect the crater?"
"You'll be able to inspect the crater when Thorn wakes up and not a moment before,"she prods your stomach with her hoof."
"Alright," you say, rubbing your stomach. "Alright."
"Good," Gold Heart says as she steps aside to reveal a table. "Now, choose a weapon."
Choice Time
Longbow
Sword and Shield
Dagger
>>488123
"Not really. Can you remedy that?"
Gold Heart lets out a dark, rich laugh.
"I would love nothing more," Gold Heart says.
"All I know is 'sweep the leg,' 'aim for the head,' that sort of thing. And I guess I have a high center of gravity compared to all of you, so that's gonna be a problem."
"Pointing out the obvious already I see," Gold Heart raises an eyebrow as she steps back onto the dais. "At least your not completely incompetent."
>>488120
"What did you have in mind for my training anyway?"
"You will choose a weapon," Gold Heart informs you as you see her shuffling through various weapons on a table. "They may be a bit small for you, but if you have any worthy fighting skill, you should be able to manage."
"Then?" you ask, following her up onto the dais.
"Then you will face off against some of the royal guard," she smiles again. "They could use some training against a larger opponent and you could use any training in general. You may not be a dragon, but until Thorn wakes up from his little nap, you'll have to do."
>>488118
"If I turn out to be better than you thought, can I inspect the crater?"
"You'll be able to inspect the crater when Thorn wakes up and not a moment before,"she prods your stomach with her hoof."
"Alright," you say, rubbing your stomach. "Alright."
"Good," Gold Heart says as she steps aside to reveal a table. "Now, choose a weapon."
Choice Time
Longbow
Sword and Shield
Dagger
>>488130
The sword and shield is always a classic. You pick up both and strap the shield to your arm. The sword is shorter than you expected, and the shield is more of a targe banded to your forearm, but it'll work for now.
"A standard weapon choice," Gold Heart notes. "Now is your chance to impress me with it."
Gold Heart summons up a couple of earth pony guards to fight you. Each guard has their own sword in their mouth and a shield attached to a foreleg. Gold Heart stands above the dais and watches down on you with her devilish grin.
"So what do I-"
"Begin!" she shouts.
Both the guards rush at you leaving you little time to react.
Choice Time
Take out one - Moderate success
Take out both - Low success
Run - High success
Each will have their own negative consequences
The sword and shield is always a classic. You pick up both and strap the shield to your arm. The sword is shorter than you expected, and the shield is more of a targe banded to your forearm, but it'll work for now.
"A standard weapon choice," Gold Heart notes. "Now is your chance to impress me with it."
Gold Heart summons up a couple of earth pony guards to fight you. Each guard has their own sword in their mouth and a shield attached to a foreleg. Gold Heart stands above the dais and watches down on you with her devilish grin.
"So what do I-"
"Begin!" she shouts.
Both the guards rush at you leaving you little time to react.
Choice Time
Take out one - Moderate success
Take out both - Low success
Run - High success
Each will have their own negative consequences
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>>488132
>>488134
>>488135
>>488136
>>488137
Success was a >60
As the guard on your left takes a low swing at your leg, the other one jumps up and attempts to charge your body. Taking the targe, you swing it against the side of the pony's face and knock him against the dais. The impact knocks him unconscious but focusing on one doesn't help you from escaping the other. The blunt of the blade knocks against your shin and you fall to one knee.
Pain shoots up your leg and Gold Heart lets out a satisfied "Ooh, that one looked like it hurt."
The one pony left standing charges you again. Your on his level now and the pain in your leg won't make movement any easier.
Deflect and counter - Low success
Roll out of the way - High success
Once again, each will have negative consequences
>>488134
>>488135
>>488136
>>488137
Success was a >60
As the guard on your left takes a low swing at your leg, the other one jumps up and attempts to charge your body. Taking the targe, you swing it against the side of the pony's face and knock him against the dais. The impact knocks him unconscious but focusing on one doesn't help you from escaping the other. The blunt of the blade knocks against your shin and you fall to one knee.
Pain shoots up your leg and Gold Heart lets out a satisfied "Ooh, that one looked like it hurt."
The one pony left standing charges you again. Your on his level now and the pain in your leg won't make movement any easier.
Deflect and counter - Low success
Roll out of the way - High success
Once again, each will have negative consequences
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>>488147
>>488148
>>488149
Success was >30
You roll out of the way, but not without messing up your leg a bit more. The earth pony's sword misses you by a hair as you take your stand. Now that you're back on your feet, you have a better chance in the fight, but your leg is still acting up. You don't know how well you'll be able to dodge another head on attack.
Gold Heart glares at you and says, "I hope you don't think a bruised shin is the worst of it. In a real fight, blades aren't blunt."
The guard charges you again. He knows you're hurt, and this time he's going to make sure you stay down.
Knock him away with the targe - High success
Attack with your sword - Low Success
One again, negative consequences with each choice
>>488148
>>488149
Success was >30
You roll out of the way, but not without messing up your leg a bit more. The earth pony's sword misses you by a hair as you take your stand. Now that you're back on your feet, you have a better chance in the fight, but your leg is still acting up. You don't know how well you'll be able to dodge another head on attack.
Gold Heart glares at you and says, "I hope you don't think a bruised shin is the worst of it. In a real fight, blades aren't blunt."
The guard charges you again. He knows you're hurt, and this time he's going to make sure you stay down.
Knock him away with the targe - High success
Attack with your sword - Low Success
One again, negative consequences with each choice
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>>488155
>>488156
>>488157
Success was >80
As the guard takes another swing, you sidestep out of the way of the attack and bring your own sword upward. The sword cuts upward against the guards chest and he rolls to the ground away from you. You look back and see him attempt to stand. He wobbles a bit at first, but nods to you once he's back on all fours.
"Not bad," Gold Heart smiles. "Even when the odds are against you, you don't back down, but you're reckless."
A backhanded compliment is still a compliment.
"Thanks," you wince as you walk back towards the dais. "I guess."
"It wouldn't hurt you to think a bit before you attack," she says as she hops down to meet you. "You need to be more aware of your surroundings. Feel where they're going to be, know where you are, know you're surroundings, know where you need to be. The list of things you need to be aware of in battle goes on and on."
You nod in understanding. This was just a scrap with other ponies, however, not dragons. If this is the best you can do now, there's a good chance you won't survive against a dragon in a real fight.
"Show me your leg," Gold Heart tells you.
You oblige pull up one of the legs on your pants to reveal your wounded shin. There's a dark purple bruise where the sword struck, but it hasn't broken the skin.
"Hm," Gold Heart says, placing a hoof to her mouth as her eyes narrow.
>>488156
>>488157
Success was >80
As the guard takes another swing, you sidestep out of the way of the attack and bring your own sword upward. The sword cuts upward against the guards chest and he rolls to the ground away from you. You look back and see him attempt to stand. He wobbles a bit at first, but nods to you once he's back on all fours.
"Not bad," Gold Heart smiles. "Even when the odds are against you, you don't back down, but you're reckless."
A backhanded compliment is still a compliment.
"Thanks," you wince as you walk back towards the dais. "I guess."
"It wouldn't hurt you to think a bit before you attack," she says as she hops down to meet you. "You need to be more aware of your surroundings. Feel where they're going to be, know where you are, know you're surroundings, know where you need to be. The list of things you need to be aware of in battle goes on and on."
You nod in understanding. This was just a scrap with other ponies, however, not dragons. If this is the best you can do now, there's a good chance you won't survive against a dragon in a real fight.
"Show me your leg," Gold Heart tells you.
You oblige pull up one of the legs on your pants to reveal your wounded shin. There's a dark purple bruise where the sword struck, but it hasn't broken the skin.
"Hm," Gold Heart says, placing a hoof to her mouth as her eyes narrow.
>>488169
>>488171
"You're not gonna have to lop it off, are you doc? I've grown rather attached to it."
"It's interesting," Gold Heart says, moving her hoof from her mouth to your bruise. "You're much stronger than you appear, but still weak."
>>488170
"Maybe you could kiss it better", you say with a wink.
Gold Heart deadpans and knocks against your bruise, almost causing you to fall again.
You balance yourself and she says, "The only kisses you'll be getting will come from the sweet lips of death if you keep on fighting like you did just now."
There's a short sigh from Gold Heart and she looks up at you, her harsh demeanor melted away by her soft green eyes.
"After seeing the damage you can take and dish out," Gold Heart explains, "I believe you can go a little further with your training. However, but I'll leave that up to you. This bruise may not seem that painful now, but taking the risk of being struck there again could keep you out of any sort of training for a while."
Choice Time
Stop here
Continue with your training
Stopping here won't get you to the crater any faster. You'll still have to wait until Thorn wakes up.
>>488171
"You're not gonna have to lop it off, are you doc? I've grown rather attached to it."
"It's interesting," Gold Heart says, moving her hoof from her mouth to your bruise. "You're much stronger than you appear, but still weak."
>>488170
"Maybe you could kiss it better", you say with a wink.
Gold Heart deadpans and knocks against your bruise, almost causing you to fall again.
You balance yourself and she says, "The only kisses you'll be getting will come from the sweet lips of death if you keep on fighting like you did just now."
There's a short sigh from Gold Heart and she looks up at you, her harsh demeanor melted away by her soft green eyes.
"After seeing the damage you can take and dish out," Gold Heart explains, "I believe you can go a little further with your training. However, but I'll leave that up to you. This bruise may not seem that painful now, but taking the risk of being struck there again could keep you out of any sort of training for a while."
Choice Time
Stop here
Continue with your training
Stopping here won't get you to the crater any faster. You'll still have to wait until Thorn wakes up.
>>488173
>>488175
>>488176
>>488177
"I think I can go on," you say, readying up your sword and shield. "Do you have anything I could protect my legs with? Maybe a healing spell? Princess Luna used one on me earlier to get rid of a headache I had."
"No healing magic," Gold Heart snaps. "No more armor either. If you're going to continue this fight, you'll be doing it with no more than what you already have."
Gold Heart returns to the dais and summons up a couple of pegasus guards. Each one suited with blades on the edge of their wings, blunted, just as the swords were before.
"I don't suppose you can fly?" Gold Heart raises an eyebrow.
>>488175
>>488176
>>488177
"I think I can go on," you say, readying up your sword and shield. "Do you have anything I could protect my legs with? Maybe a healing spell? Princess Luna used one on me earlier to get rid of a headache I had."
"No healing magic," Gold Heart snaps. "No more armor either. If you're going to continue this fight, you'll be doing it with no more than what you already have."
Gold Heart returns to the dais and summons up a couple of pegasus guards. Each one suited with blades on the edge of their wings, blunted, just as the swords were before.
"I don't suppose you can fly?" Gold Heart raises an eyebrow.
>>488184
>>488185
>>488186
>>488187
"Not a chance, where I'm from we fly using machines. There's only one guy back home and he's kind of, uh, fictional."
"I'd been hoping to put you on equal ground," Gold Heart informs you, "though I suppose a little bit of a challenge won't be too much for you to handle. You did take down two of the guards already."
>>488185
"I kinda have the feeling you are trying to get me killed."
Gold Heart gives you a genuine smile. This one has no hidden agenda or dark intent behind it. For once, she's shown you a small amount of happiness.
"You're doing a fine job of that yourself," Gold Heart says. "Just remember what I told you."
You nod and ready your weapon. Your leg is still bothering you, but the moment's rest seems to have helped a bit. The two pegasus guards take off, but in different directions. No matter where you look, one always seems to be out of sight.
It isn't long before one of them dives at you.
Defend with the targe - High success
Attack with sword - Low success
In this fight, there will be a perception check with each roll. Negative consequences will be affected by the perspective roll, but you still get to choose which action to take.
>>488185
>>488186
>>488187
"Not a chance, where I'm from we fly using machines. There's only one guy back home and he's kind of, uh, fictional."
"I'd been hoping to put you on equal ground," Gold Heart informs you, "though I suppose a little bit of a challenge won't be too much for you to handle. You did take down two of the guards already."
>>488185
"I kinda have the feeling you are trying to get me killed."
Gold Heart gives you a genuine smile. This one has no hidden agenda or dark intent behind it. For once, she's shown you a small amount of happiness.
"You're doing a fine job of that yourself," Gold Heart says. "Just remember what I told you."
You nod and ready your weapon. Your leg is still bothering you, but the moment's rest seems to have helped a bit. The two pegasus guards take off, but in different directions. No matter where you look, one always seems to be out of sight.
It isn't long before one of them dives at you.
Defend with the targe - High success
Attack with sword - Low success
In this fight, there will be a perception check with each roll. Negative consequences will be affected by the perspective roll, but you still get to choose which action to take.
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>>488196
Success was >50
As the one pegasus you see comes down, you hold out your targe to defend, but he'd too fast. The blade of the wing knocks across your chest with enough force to knock you onto your back. The air leaves your lungs and you cough to fill them back up again. The other pegasus misses you, flying over after the first hit knocked you down, but now you have a lock on where they both are.
The two pegasus go in for another dive.
Same choices
Success was >50
As the one pegasus you see comes down, you hold out your targe to defend, but he'd too fast. The blade of the wing knocks across your chest with enough force to knock you onto your back. The air leaves your lungs and you cough to fill them back up again. The other pegasus misses you, flying over after the first hit knocked you down, but now you have a lock on where they both are.
The two pegasus go in for another dive.
Same choices
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>>488204
>>488205
>>488207
>>488208
This time as the pegasus come down, you're ready for them. You knock one away with the targe and the second towards him as the attacks come one after the other. Both of them are disoriented, but still flying at about your head height. If there was ever a time to strike, it was now.
Even if you can't get an attack in, you can at least close the distance between you and your opponents by backing them into the dais.
Attack with sword
Keep them in place with the targe
Each has the same success rate
>>488205
>>488207
>>488208
This time as the pegasus come down, you're ready for them. You knock one away with the targe and the second towards him as the attacks come one after the other. Both of them are disoriented, but still flying at about your head height. If there was ever a time to strike, it was now.
Even if you can't get an attack in, you can at least close the distance between you and your opponents by backing them into the dais.
Attack with sword
Keep them in place with the targe
Each has the same success rate
>>488225
The swing of your sword nails both pegasus across their chests, knocking them into the dais. Both pegasus are rendered unconscious and there's a large crack in the dais.
"Enough," Gold Heart shouts as she hops down from the dais and trots towards you. "You may have been more aware of your surroundings, but you're still reckless. Always remember who you're fighting, whether they're an ally or an enemy. Using so much force can damage not only your enemy, but your friends and yourself."
Now that she mentions it, there's a slight throbbing in your hand. The leather from the hilt on the sword is wearing into your palm and flexing your fingers only causes them to cramp up again.
"You need to learn to relax," Gold Heart says placing a hoof upon your hand. "Focus on your objective and use whatever you must to achieve the desired result. Don't push yourself to the breaking point, and most importantly, don't do any more harm than you need to."
She moves her hoof away and there's a tinge of sadness in her voice when she says, "I don't know about the human world, but we value life above all things here. Some of us do, anyway."
The swing of your sword nails both pegasus across their chests, knocking them into the dais. Both pegasus are rendered unconscious and there's a large crack in the dais.
"Enough," Gold Heart shouts as she hops down from the dais and trots towards you. "You may have been more aware of your surroundings, but you're still reckless. Always remember who you're fighting, whether they're an ally or an enemy. Using so much force can damage not only your enemy, but your friends and yourself."
Now that she mentions it, there's a slight throbbing in your hand. The leather from the hilt on the sword is wearing into your palm and flexing your fingers only causes them to cramp up again.
"You need to learn to relax," Gold Heart says placing a hoof upon your hand. "Focus on your objective and use whatever you must to achieve the desired result. Don't push yourself to the breaking point, and most importantly, don't do any more harm than you need to."
She moves her hoof away and there's a tinge of sadness in her voice when she says, "I don't know about the human world, but we value life above all things here. Some of us do, anyway."
>>488236
"I- I didn't mean to injure them, it was just the heat of the moment. I'm sorry."
You go over to inspect the two injured pegasus, but are stopped by Gold Heart as two medical ponies carry them into the castle on cots.
>>488241
"Are they going to be okay…?"
"They'll be fine," Gold Heart assures you, "but let this be a lesson to you. The greatest control you can have over anything, is control over yourself. Your emotions, your thoughts, and your actions must all be in harmony with each other during every battle."
She seems to know a lot about fighting for a diplomat. Princess Celestia also trusted her with gathering the troops together. Before, you weren't so sure what her motives were, but seeing how she's cared for you and the ponies you've fought against…maybe there's something more to Gold Heart that she's not letting on about.
"Maybe I'm rushing you a bit," Gold Heart rubs the side of her head. "You show a lot of promise as a fighter, but you can't rush molding clay. We can continue if you wish, but only if you promise to have more self-control. In a battle, your fellow soldiers need to trust you and your commander needs to trust you. Can we trust you?"
"I- I didn't mean to injure them, it was just the heat of the moment. I'm sorry."
You go over to inspect the two injured pegasus, but are stopped by Gold Heart as two medical ponies carry them into the castle on cots.
>>488241
"Are they going to be okay…?"
"They'll be fine," Gold Heart assures you, "but let this be a lesson to you. The greatest control you can have over anything, is control over yourself. Your emotions, your thoughts, and your actions must all be in harmony with each other during every battle."
She seems to know a lot about fighting for a diplomat. Princess Celestia also trusted her with gathering the troops together. Before, you weren't so sure what her motives were, but seeing how she's cared for you and the ponies you've fought against…maybe there's something more to Gold Heart that she's not letting on about.
"Maybe I'm rushing you a bit," Gold Heart rubs the side of her head. "You show a lot of promise as a fighter, but you can't rush molding clay. We can continue if you wish, but only if you promise to have more self-control. In a battle, your fellow soldiers need to trust you and your commander needs to trust you. Can we trust you?"
>>488252
>>488255
>>488256
"You can."
"We'll see," she says and head back up on the dais. "You've faced Earth and Pegasus ponies, but you haven't been on the receiving end of an offensive spell form a proper Unicorn."
>>488262
"Is there something I'm just missing with the sword-blunt?" you ask as you work the knot out of your hand. "Is the arc off, or is it just the weight I'm throwing with it? If I'm not gonna clobber opponents I'd better work that out."
"That will come as you learn more control over your weapon," Gold Heart informs you. "There are instructors who could teach you how to better handle the sword, but I don't know how much good it would do a human."
>>488255
"Has Thorn woken up yet?"
"Not yet," Gold Heart shakes her head, a few strands of her golden mane falling in front of her eyes. "He'll show himself soon enough. I could wake him for you, but he's not fond of being woken up early from a nap."
>>488255
>>488256
"You can."
"We'll see," she says and head back up on the dais. "You've faced Earth and Pegasus ponies, but you haven't been on the receiving end of an offensive spell form a proper Unicorn."
>>488262
"Is there something I'm just missing with the sword-blunt?" you ask as you work the knot out of your hand. "Is the arc off, or is it just the weight I'm throwing with it? If I'm not gonna clobber opponents I'd better work that out."
"That will come as you learn more control over your weapon," Gold Heart informs you. "There are instructors who could teach you how to better handle the sword, but I don't know how much good it would do a human."
>>488255
"Has Thorn woken up yet?"
"Not yet," Gold Heart shakes her head, a few strands of her golden mane falling in front of her eyes. "He'll show himself soon enough. I could wake him for you, but he's not fond of being woken up early from a nap."
>>488268
>>488273
>>488276
"An instructor won't be necessary, then," you tell Gold Heart.
"Very well," Gold Heart says as she summons two unicorn guards.
Once more, you ready your sword and shield.
>>488281
"I…don't want to wake up Thorn either. Anything I should know about defending against magic? We don't have much back home."
"If you have no magic when facing a magical opponent," Gold Heart says from the dais, "use what you do have."
You're not sure how well a sword and shield will work against Unicorns. They don't seem to be charging into their attacks like the Pegasus and Earth ponies were either, you understand why when their horns begin to glow with magic and a different colored bolt shoots out of each.
Take cover
Charge the Unicorns
As in the last fight, perception checks will be made after certain actions
>>488273
>>488276
"An instructor won't be necessary, then," you tell Gold Heart.
"Very well," Gold Heart says as she summons two unicorn guards.
Once more, you ready your sword and shield.
>>488281
"I…don't want to wake up Thorn either. Anything I should know about defending against magic? We don't have much back home."
"If you have no magic when facing a magical opponent," Gold Heart says from the dais, "use what you do have."
You're not sure how well a sword and shield will work against Unicorns. They don't seem to be charging into their attacks like the Pegasus and Earth ponies were either, you understand why when their horns begin to glow with magic and a different colored bolt shoots out of each.
Take cover
Charge the Unicorns
As in the last fight, perception checks will be made after certain actions
File: 1380408497776.png (6.09 KB, 328x27, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488303
You could have gotten a 10 on this roll and still taken cover
Diving behind the nearest barrel, the blasts of magic make short work of the temporary shield shattering splinters of wood all around you. You, however, are left unharmed. Your shin is acting up a little from the dive, but not too much. You're not sure how much more stress it can take before you're hobbling around the training grounds again. The Unicorns are charging up another spell.
"You can't keep running forever," Gold Heart cries out to you."Remember what I've said and use it."
There's still plenty of cover for you to hide behind, but Gold Heart is right. You're going to have to launch some sort of assault sooner or later. It would also help if you knew where the Unicorns are right now. It seems they've moved as much as you have during the blast.
Charge forward without cover
Advance with covere
You could have gotten a 10 on this roll and still taken cover
Diving behind the nearest barrel, the blasts of magic make short work of the temporary shield shattering splinters of wood all around you. You, however, are left unharmed. Your shin is acting up a little from the dive, but not too much. You're not sure how much more stress it can take before you're hobbling around the training grounds again. The Unicorns are charging up another spell.
"You can't keep running forever," Gold Heart cries out to you."Remember what I've said and use it."
There's still plenty of cover for you to hide behind, but Gold Heart is right. You're going to have to launch some sort of assault sooner or later. It would also help if you knew where the Unicorns are right now. It seems they've moved as much as you have during the blast.
Charge forward without cover
Advance with covere
File: 1380409313308.png (6.6 KB, 327x34, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488333
Success was >30
As you advance across the training grounds, you dive for the next available source of cover only to be blasted in the chest with a bolt of magic. You have no idea where it came from or who shot it, but you can feel this burning fizzle as the spell impacts against your chest. The breath hasn't been knocked out of you, but it is getting harder to breathe as you move around.
Try to advance again
Rush them
Success was >30
As you advance across the training grounds, you dive for the next available source of cover only to be blasted in the chest with a bolt of magic. You have no idea where it came from or who shot it, but you can feel this burning fizzle as the spell impacts against your chest. The breath hasn't been knocked out of you, but it is getting harder to breathe as you move around.
Try to advance again
Rush them
File: 1380409811127.png (6.29 KB, 325x30, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488344
>>488346
>>488349
Perception Check
"Good," Gold Heart chides from the dais. "Maybe getting knocked around a bit will remind you that just because you're acting smarter doesn't mean you are smarter."
There has to be something you can do. There's all this cover around you, you don't know where they are, and you're still getting hit. Rushing them doesn't seem like a good idea and the targe won't do very well against something that explodes barrels. You took the spells better than the barrels did. Maybe if you keep a steady advance and a sharp eye, you can eventually find your way through to them.
You peek over your large wooden crate just long enough to see them moving towards you. One of the Unicorns is on your left and there's another on your right. From what you can tell, they're trying to flank you.
[cont]
>>488346
>>488349
Perception Check
"Good," Gold Heart chides from the dais. "Maybe getting knocked around a bit will remind you that just because you're acting smarter doesn't mean you are smarter."
There has to be something you can do. There's all this cover around you, you don't know where they are, and you're still getting hit. Rushing them doesn't seem like a good idea and the targe won't do very well against something that explodes barrels. You took the spells better than the barrels did. Maybe if you keep a steady advance and a sharp eye, you can eventually find your way through to them.
You peek over your large wooden crate just long enough to see them moving towards you. One of the Unicorns is on your left and there's another on your right. From what you can tell, they're trying to flank you.
[cont]
File: 1380410203653.png (6.69 KB, 330x35, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488358
Success was >30
Now that you know where they are, you have a good beat on how fast they're firing and where. You roll towards the direction of one of the unicorns and see that you aren't too far from them now. There's a good chance if you rush them now, you can take them by surprise. You've been hiding and dodging long enough that they might not suspect it. You could also sneak up on the on you're closest too, but there's a chance that focusing on one Unicorn might mean you lose track of the other.
Sneak up on one of the unicorns
Rush one of the unicorns
Success was >30
Now that you know where they are, you have a good beat on how fast they're firing and where. You roll towards the direction of one of the unicorns and see that you aren't too far from them now. There's a good chance if you rush them now, you can take them by surprise. You've been hiding and dodging long enough that they might not suspect it. You could also sneak up on the on you're closest too, but there's a chance that focusing on one Unicorn might mean you lose track of the other.
Sneak up on one of the unicorns
Rush one of the unicorns
File: 1380410514903.png (6.37 KB, 328x30, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
File: 1380411022683.png (6.62 KB, 333x34, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488372
>>488373
>>488374
>>488376
Success was >30
You hop over the crate and run into a full sprint towards one of the unicorns. As you jump up over the unicorns cover to deal a blow with your targe, the unicorn senses you and dodges your attack.
"Here," the unicorn in front of you shouts as he lets loose a bolt of magic.
The other unicorn attempting to flank you lets loose his own bolt of magic and you don't know if you'll make it out of two blasts with everything intact.
Dodge - Low Success
Block with targe - High Success
>>488373
>>488374
>>488376
Success was >30
You hop over the crate and run into a full sprint towards one of the unicorns. As you jump up over the unicorns cover to deal a blow with your targe, the unicorn senses you and dodges your attack.
"Here," the unicorn in front of you shouts as he lets loose a bolt of magic.
The other unicorn attempting to flank you lets loose his own bolt of magic and you don't know if you'll make it out of two blasts with everything intact.
Dodge - Low Success
Block with targe - High Success
File: 1380411993962.png (6.47 KB, 328x32, Roll.PNG, IO Google TinEye)
>>488381
>>488382
Success was >30
With two bolts of magic coming at you from either direction, you throw up your targe to block at least one of the blast. This works, but it doesn't save you from the force of the blast itself. As the explosion throws you back against a barrel, the second bolt of magic strikes directly against your spine. You groan as your body is wracked with pain for a moment and you fall to your knees on the ground. Gold Heart walks down from the dais and dismisses the two unicorns you were training with.
"If that were dragon fire," she says, "you would be dead right now."
Your breaths are caught in your chest every time you try to speak and only more groans come out.
"The important thing is that you're learning," Gold Heart says, placing a hoof on your shoulder, "but you did well for the most part."
You raise your head and stare back into the warm, emerald eyes of the smiling pony before you.
"Keep it, up," she smiles and brushes some of her mane away from her face. "I almost thought you'd get to face Thorn. He would have enjoyed the excercise."
>>488382
Success was >30
With two bolts of magic coming at you from either direction, you throw up your targe to block at least one of the blast. This works, but it doesn't save you from the force of the blast itself. As the explosion throws you back against a barrel, the second bolt of magic strikes directly against your spine. You groan as your body is wracked with pain for a moment and you fall to your knees on the ground. Gold Heart walks down from the dais and dismisses the two unicorns you were training with.
"If that were dragon fire," she says, "you would be dead right now."
Your breaths are caught in your chest every time you try to speak and only more groans come out.
"The important thing is that you're learning," Gold Heart says, placing a hoof on your shoulder, "but you did well for the most part."
You raise your head and stare back into the warm, emerald eyes of the smiling pony before you.
"Keep it, up," she smiles and brushes some of her mane away from her face. "I almost thought you'd get to face Thorn. He would have enjoyed the excercise."
>>488391
>>488392
"I don't think the difference to how I feel now would be too big…" you say, and wince through your next words. "N-Next time…I'll do better next time…"
The guard is gathering around you now. There's chatter of an impressive fight and a job well done. There are pats on your back and cheers of support for you to stand. You struggle to your feet and follow Gold Heart as returns once more to the dais. A couple of medics are urging you to lie down on the cot they've brought, but Gold Heart instructs them to lay it down next to her on the dais.
"I'll watch him until he wakes up," she says as you seat yourself on the cot. "He needs to feel everything right now and reflect on what he's learned."
The medics are reluctant to oblige, but dismiss themselves after a sharp glare from Gold Heart.
"Get some rest," she says to you with a smile. "Everything should be ready by the time you wake up, and you can get a look at that crater."
>>488392
"I don't think the difference to how I feel now would be too big…" you say, and wince through your next words. "N-Next time…I'll do better next time…"
The guard is gathering around you now. There's chatter of an impressive fight and a job well done. There are pats on your back and cheers of support for you to stand. You struggle to your feet and follow Gold Heart as returns once more to the dais. A couple of medics are urging you to lie down on the cot they've brought, but Gold Heart instructs them to lay it down next to her on the dais.
"I'll watch him until he wakes up," she says as you seat yourself on the cot. "He needs to feel everything right now and reflect on what he's learned."
The medics are reluctant to oblige, but dismiss themselves after a sharp glare from Gold Heart.
"Get some rest," she says to you with a smile. "Everything should be ready by the time you wake up, and you can get a look at that crater."
>>488411
>Also, at the beginning when you decided to let Luna sleep. You essentially changed the entire course of this session. Can't tell you what I have planned for Luna that you missed this time. Might still be useful in a later session.
Please don't do that while the quest is running.
Maybe it's just me but it really bothers me when I already know during the quest that I would have made a different decision if I had known before
>Also, at the beginning when you decided to let Luna sleep. You essentially changed the entire course of this session. Can't tell you what I have planned for Luna that you missed this time. Might still be useful in a later session.
Please don't do that while the quest is running.
Maybe it's just me but it really bothers me when I already know during the quest that I would have made a different decision if I had known before