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Previous Session: http://mlpg.coluna_quest/641287.html
Luna Quest /qt/ Thread: http://mlpg.co/qt/res/217221.html
>You go with Pierce to collect the Harmonyllium compass you requested from Pierce's grandmother
>Pierce's grandmother closes all of the drawers and places a box on the counter before you. When she opens it, the compass is resting comfortably inside. The platinum casing of the compass itself was etched with a sharp, floral design to match the rose in the center. It was shaped like an actual rose with the needle representing a thorn. Rather than the needle moving to represent North, the rose beneath it would move, petals parting aside for the needle as it turned. Taking the compass into your hand, it feels as cool and smooth as the harmonyllium always had, but it had lost it's reflective property and whatever movement in the metal was there before had gone still.
>It seems your assumptions about the compass were correct
>When you hold the compass, it points you in the direction of where you want to go, but acts as a normal compass for Pierce's grandmother
>Upon returning to the portal to Tartarus, you gather up the things requested through Pierce and show Luna your plan for the compass
>It spins wildly while in the hold of her magic, but stops to point to you at times
>Before you leave, you finally give Luna her present and share a kiss that causes the spell to falter and shakes all of Taloran
>After promising to defeat Tiamat should you not return, Luna and Celestia open the portal for you
>Baron, Pierce, and yourself enter Tartarus and find an almost palpable darkness
>using your light spell and the compass, you're guided towards where Lucent is kept in Tiamat's cell
>Baron manages to find a way in that only Pierce can get through, but he can't get out of the cell
>Baron is worried as he's heard stories that Tartarus messes with your head
>Pierce returns with, and now blind, Lucent, and Tiamat shows up to prevent your escape
>After a short fight, mostly of you evading her attacks, Starswirl shows up to help you escape
>Star Swirl tells you that helping you escape cost him the maintenance of the maze
>Tiamat is coming and you won't be able to stop her
>You need a plan and fast
>If you die, Luna will be too heartbroken to continue the spell and it will take too long for her to recover
>Discord won't help and Tiamat is immune to his magic as well
>Star Swirl's only suggestion is to summon Glaurumat in order to have him fight Tiamat, buying you enough time to forge the chains and restrain the survivor
Luna Quest /qt/ Thread: http://mlpg.co/qt/res/217221.html
>You go with Pierce to collect the Harmonyllium compass you requested from Pierce's grandmother
>Pierce's grandmother closes all of the drawers and places a box on the counter before you. When she opens it, the compass is resting comfortably inside. The platinum casing of the compass itself was etched with a sharp, floral design to match the rose in the center. It was shaped like an actual rose with the needle representing a thorn. Rather than the needle moving to represent North, the rose beneath it would move, petals parting aside for the needle as it turned. Taking the compass into your hand, it feels as cool and smooth as the harmonyllium always had, but it had lost it's reflective property and whatever movement in the metal was there before had gone still.
>It seems your assumptions about the compass were correct
>When you hold the compass, it points you in the direction of where you want to go, but acts as a normal compass for Pierce's grandmother
>Upon returning to the portal to Tartarus, you gather up the things requested through Pierce and show Luna your plan for the compass
>It spins wildly while in the hold of her magic, but stops to point to you at times
>Before you leave, you finally give Luna her present and share a kiss that causes the spell to falter and shakes all of Taloran
>After promising to defeat Tiamat should you not return, Luna and Celestia open the portal for you
>Baron, Pierce, and yourself enter Tartarus and find an almost palpable darkness
>using your light spell and the compass, you're guided towards where Lucent is kept in Tiamat's cell
>Baron manages to find a way in that only Pierce can get through, but he can't get out of the cell
>Baron is worried as he's heard stories that Tartarus messes with your head
>Pierce returns with, and now blind, Lucent, and Tiamat shows up to prevent your escape
>After a short fight, mostly of you evading her attacks, Starswirl shows up to help you escape
>Star Swirl tells you that helping you escape cost him the maintenance of the maze
>Tiamat is coming and you won't be able to stop her
>You need a plan and fast
>If you die, Luna will be too heartbroken to continue the spell and it will take too long for her to recover
>Discord won't help and Tiamat is immune to his magic as well
>Star Swirl's only suggestion is to summon Glaurumat in order to have him fight Tiamat, buying you enough time to forge the chains and restrain the survivor
>>644184
>Current Inventory:
- A strange key
- A proper sword
- Harmonyllium Compass
- Luna's Gift
- 10,300 bits
- Large backpack
- Medical Kit
- 3 days worth of meals for three people
>Physical Ability
- +10 to all combat rolls, and preception rolls while in combat
>Magical Ability
- Current spells: Light, Shield (Average), Double (Poor), Disguise (Poor)
>Current Affection Levels:
Luna - Lovers[LOCKED]
Lucent - Best Friends[LOCKED]
Gold Heart - Close Friends [LOCKED]
Celestia - Good Friends
>Current Inventory:
- A strange key
- A proper sword
- Harmonyllium Compass
- Luna's Gift
- 10,300 bits
- Large backpack
- Medical Kit
- 3 days worth of meals for three people
>Physical Ability
- +10 to all combat rolls, and preception rolls while in combat
>Magical Ability
- Current spells: Light, Shield (Average), Double (Poor), Disguise (Poor)
>Current Affection Levels:
Luna - Lovers[LOCKED]
Lucent - Best Friends[LOCKED]
Gold Heart - Close Friends [LOCKED]
Celestia - Good Friends
So we could
>resurrect Glauramat but both Princesses disagree with that plan so I am not even sure if we could go for it
>try to lock the portal
>lure Tiamat away from the city to give the Princesses some time
Any other suggestions?
>>644185
Take a look at the compass.
Ask Star Swirl how much longer we have till Tiamat arrives.
Go over to the portal and pull out our key, see if it does anything
gotta check a few possibilities and see if something helpful pops up
>resurrect Glauramat but both Princesses disagree with that plan so I am not even sure if we could go for it
>try to lock the portal
>lure Tiamat away from the city to give the Princesses some time
Any other suggestions?
>>644185
Take a look at the compass.
Ask Star Swirl how much longer we have till Tiamat arrives.
Go over to the portal and pull out our key, see if it does anything
gotta check a few possibilities and see if something helpful pops up
>>644186
Taking a look at your compass, you see that the needle points directly at Luna and doesn't waver.
"How much time do we have?" you ask Starswirl.
"About ten minutes, I suppose," he says, readying his glass for a long drink. "Maybe less."
Walking over to the portal, you pull out your key and. Nothing happens.
Taking a look at your compass, you see that the needle points directly at Luna and doesn't waver.
"How much time do we have?" you ask Starswirl.
"About ten minutes, I suppose," he says, readying his glass for a long drink. "Maybe less."
Walking over to the portal, you pull out your key and. Nothing happens.
>>644189
"Is there no way to seal the portal and force her to leave Tartarus somewhere else?"
"Is there no way to seal the portal and force her to leave Tartarus somewhere else?"
>>644190
"Is there no way to seal the portal and force her to leave Tartarus somewhere else?"
Starswirl smiles, his eyes dark.
"Now that is a good suggestion," he says. "The only problem with it is that we'd have no way to track where she's gone."
The glass disappears from Starswirl and he stands to explain.
"Tartarus works in a manner of pocket dimensions," he explains. "Tartarus itself is linked only to this one and any other pockets placed within. These, more or less, are the actual cells where we place our prisoners. Should she escape her pocket and invade another, we might have a crisis of multiple enemies on our hooves and hands. Still a risk, but not as great as resurrecting Glaurumat."
"Is there no way to seal the portal and force her to leave Tartarus somewhere else?"
Starswirl smiles, his eyes dark.
"Now that is a good suggestion," he says. "The only problem with it is that we'd have no way to track where she's gone."
The glass disappears from Starswirl and he stands to explain.
"Tartarus works in a manner of pocket dimensions," he explains. "Tartarus itself is linked only to this one and any other pockets placed within. These, more or less, are the actual cells where we place our prisoners. Should she escape her pocket and invade another, we might have a crisis of multiple enemies on our hooves and hands. Still a risk, but not as great as resurrecting Glaurumat."
>>644196
"Are there any more enemies as invincible as Tiamat down there?"
Look over to Luna and Celestia to see their reaction.
This sounds like the best option so far. If everything goes wrong, we can still resurrect Glauramat, him entering the playing field probably makes it irrelevant how many more enemies we have anyway.
"Are there any more enemies as invincible as Tiamat down there?"
Look over to Luna and Celestia to see their reaction.
This sounds like the best option so far. If everything goes wrong, we can still resurrect Glauramat, him entering the playing field probably makes it irrelevant how many more enemies we have anyway.
>>644199
"Are there any more enemies as invincible as Tiamat down there?"
"There are a few who may be able to challenge the Elements of Harmony," he says, stroking his beard. "But none that we wouldn't be able to handle."
Luna and Celestia look worried. Odds are most of the enemies in Tartarus are there because of them.
"Of course," Starswirl continues, "this is assuming they even choose to ally themselves with her at all."
Taloran rumbles and the portal begins to crack. Luna and Celestia spring into action to keep it closed, but it only slows down the opening of the portal.
"Are there any more enemies as invincible as Tiamat down there?"
"There are a few who may be able to challenge the Elements of Harmony," he says, stroking his beard. "But none that we wouldn't be able to handle."
Luna and Celestia look worried. Odds are most of the enemies in Tartarus are there because of them.
"Of course," Starswirl continues, "this is assuming they even choose to ally themselves with her at all."
Taloran rumbles and the portal begins to crack. Luna and Celestia spring into action to keep it closed, but it only slows down the opening of the portal.
>>644200
"Lock it. We can always awaken Glauramat later if it turns out to be necessary."
Go and see if we can help Luna and Celestia somehow.
I still have the feeling that Star Swirl has his own motivations which are not the same as ours.
"Lock it. We can always awaken Glauramat later if it turns out to be necessary."
Go and see if we can help Luna and Celestia somehow.
I still have the feeling that Star Swirl has his own motivations which are not the same as ours.
>>644204
"Lock it. We can always awaken Glauramat later if it turns out to be necessary."
Starswirl turns to Luna and Celestia and says, "You heard the man. Destroy the portal. Unless you want Tiamat crushing us all to death."
Withdrawing their focus from Glaurumat's Mind, the magical beam of energy is focused above the six Elements of Harmony. A bright rainbow of color is directed towards the gate to Tartarus, and the darkness dissolves before your eyes, leaving nothing but pale bone in its place.
"Lock it. We can always awaken Glauramat later if it turns out to be necessary."
Starswirl turns to Luna and Celestia and says, "You heard the man. Destroy the portal. Unless you want Tiamat crushing us all to death."
Withdrawing their focus from Glaurumat's Mind, the magical beam of energy is focused above the six Elements of Harmony. A bright rainbow of color is directed towards the gate to Tartarus, and the darkness dissolves before your eyes, leaving nothing but pale bone in its place.
>>644206
"That was close… lets hope she is too angry to do anything but throw a hissy fit down there for a while.
How many more entries or exists are there around Equestria? Would it be possible to find out which one she is approaching and at least temporarily look them once she gets close to stall a bit and buy some time for the Princesses, Goldheart and Thorn?"
Also do a perception check to see if anything we might have missed changed
Roll #1 71 = 71
"That was close… lets hope she is too angry to do anything but throw a hissy fit down there for a while.
How many more entries or exists are there around Equestria? Would it be possible to find out which one she is approaching and at least temporarily look them once she gets close to stall a bit and buy some time for the Princesses, Goldheart and Thorn?"
Also do a perception check to see if anything we might have missed changed
Roll #1 71 = 71
>>644210
"That was close… lets hope she is too angry to do anything but throw a hissy fit down there for a while.
How many more entries or exists are there around Equestria? Would it be possible to find out which one she is approaching and at least temporarily look them once she gets close to stall a bit and buy some time for the Princesses, Goldheart and Thorn?"
"The closest gate to Tartarus is back at my manor," Starswirl says.
For some reason you can't seem to shake the feeling that someone is watching you. Despite the tense situation, you don't feel threatened, but something is looming nearby.
"That was close… lets hope she is too angry to do anything but throw a hissy fit down there for a while.
How many more entries or exists are there around Equestria? Would it be possible to find out which one she is approaching and at least temporarily look them once she gets close to stall a bit and buy some time for the Princesses, Goldheart and Thorn?"
"The closest gate to Tartarus is back at my manor," Starswirl says.
For some reason you can't seem to shake the feeling that someone is watching you. Despite the tense situation, you don't feel threatened, but something is looming nearby.
>>644214
"Do you think we would have a chance to get there before she does?"
Take a step closer to Luna so she can hear us whispering
"Do you also feel like something is watching us? Could something have escaped from Tartarus before we sealed the portal?"
"Do you think we would have a chance to get there before she does?"
Take a step closer to Luna so she can hear us whispering
"Do you also feel like something is watching us? Could something have escaped from Tartarus before we sealed the portal?"
>>644217
"Do you think we would have a chance to get there before she does?"
"Of course," Starswirl says, summoning a cloud of blue smoke. "Step through and we'll be there in a matter of moments."
As you walk over to Luna, the looming feeling gets stronger.
"Do you also feel like something is watching us? Could something have escaped from Tartarus before we sealed the portal?" you ask.
"I can not believe so," Luna answers. "Tiamat should have been the only one in that part of Tartarus."
"Do you think we would have a chance to get there before she does?"
"Of course," Starswirl says, summoning a cloud of blue smoke. "Step through and we'll be there in a matter of moments."
As you walk over to Luna, the looming feeling gets stronger.
"Do you also feel like something is watching us? Could something have escaped from Tartarus before we sealed the portal?" you ask.
"I can not believe so," Luna answers. "Tiamat should have been the only one in that part of Tartarus."
>>644219
Look around inconspicuously in the room.
Did we maybe get closer to the skull when we walked towards Luna?
Look around inconspicuously in the room.
Did we maybe get closer to the skull when we walked towards Luna?
>>644221
You look around the room but the feeling does not fade. You are no closer to the skull than you were before, and the mind seems as dormant as it ever was. Everyone seems to be going about their own business, restarting the forging, with the exception of Lucent, who seems to be happily staring in your general direction.
You look around the room but the feeling does not fade. You are no closer to the skull than you were before, and the mind seems as dormant as it ever was. Everyone seems to be going about their own business, restarting the forging, with the exception of Lucent, who seems to be happily staring in your general direction.
>>644224
"Do you have any idea how long it will take Tiamat to find a new exit, Star Swirl?
Unless he says something along the lines of 'immediately', go over to Lucent.
"Do you have any idea how long it will take Tiamat to find a new exit, Star Swirl?
Unless he says something along the lines of 'immediately', go over to Lucent.
>>644226
"Do you have any idea how long it will take Tiamat to find a new exit, Star Swirl?
"It'll be a while," he says. "Enough time to get the chains forged. She'll have to go through the maze again in order to find another door and I can continue to maintain it from my manor."
You walk over to Lucent, immediately catching her attention and bringing a smile to her face. Baron is standing nearby with his usual frown, but you can see a faint glimmer of happiness in his eyes.
"Do you have any idea how long it will take Tiamat to find a new exit, Star Swirl?
"It'll be a while," he says. "Enough time to get the chains forged. She'll have to go through the maze again in order to find another door and I can continue to maintain it from my manor."
You walk over to Lucent, immediately catching her attention and bringing a smile to her face. Baron is standing nearby with his usual frown, but you can see a faint glimmer of happiness in his eyes.
>>644227
Squat down before her and ruffle her mane
"How's it going Lucent?"
(Has the presence become stronger when we walked over?)
Squat down before her and ruffle her mane
"How's it going Lucent?"
(Has the presence become stronger when we walked over?)
>>644230
"How's it going Lucent?" you ask, ruffling her mane.
She lets out a fizzy giggle and says, "Fine. It's nice to see you again."
The presence hasn't gotten stronger, but it also hasn't weakened since you left Luna's side.
"How ya holdin' up?" Lucent asks.
"How's it going Lucent?" you ask, ruffling her mane.
She lets out a fizzy giggle and says, "Fine. It's nice to see you again."
The presence hasn't gotten stronger, but it also hasn't weakened since you left Luna's side.
"How ya holdin' up?" Lucent asks.
>>644232
"I'm alright. Apart from Tiamat, nothing tried to stop us from getting you out of Tartarus.
How are your eyes doing?"
Tiamat being delayed by quite a while makes me feel like we will pay a huge price for this in the end
"I'm alright. Apart from Tiamat, nothing tried to stop us from getting you out of Tartarus.
How are your eyes doing?"
Tiamat being delayed by quite a while makes me feel like we will pay a huge price for this in the end
>>644234
"I'm alright. Apart from Tiamat, nothing tried to stop us from getting you out of Tartarus.
How are your eyes doing?"
"Still blind, unfortunately," she says with a frown. "It sucks that everything is still dark, but at least I'm not alone with Tiamat anymore."
Lucent rubs at her eyes.
"I keep thinking that there's something in my eyes," she says, "and that maybe it'll go away if I just rub it out, but it hasn't yet."
"I'm alright. Apart from Tiamat, nothing tried to stop us from getting you out of Tartarus.
How are your eyes doing?"
"Still blind, unfortunately," she says with a frown. "It sucks that everything is still dark, but at least I'm not alone with Tiamat anymore."
Lucent rubs at her eyes.
"I keep thinking that there's something in my eyes," she says, "and that maybe it'll go away if I just rub it out, but it hasn't yet."
>>644235
"Star Swirl said it will go back to normal, but it might take a few weeks.
I guess till then, you will have to use sonar." Since she can't see our face, say it in a joking tone so she understands it wasn't 100% serious.
"Star Swirl said it will go back to normal, but it might take a few weeks.
I guess till then, you will have to use sonar." Since she can't see our face, say it in a joking tone so she understands it wasn't 100% serious.
>>644237
"Star Swirl said it will go back to normal, but it might take a few weeks.
I guess till then, you will have to use sonar."
Lucent laughs.
"I've been listening the best I can," she tells you and then looks to Baron. "Baron's gonna help me find my way around until I get better. I'm just glad it'll go away eventually."
Lucent lowers her head for a moment and scratches at the floor with her hoof.
"I'm really glad you came for me," she continues. "Tiamat really messed me up while I was in there. I know you probably don't think much of it, but I was so happy when you ruffled my mane just now."
Baron's eyes go wide for a moment, then he looks away, flushed with embarrassment.
"She made me think I'd be lost in the dark with her forever," Lucent smiles at you.
"Star Swirl said it will go back to normal, but it might take a few weeks.
I guess till then, you will have to use sonar."
Lucent laughs.
"I've been listening the best I can," she tells you and then looks to Baron. "Baron's gonna help me find my way around until I get better. I'm just glad it'll go away eventually."
Lucent lowers her head for a moment and scratches at the floor with her hoof.
"I'm really glad you came for me," she continues. "Tiamat really messed me up while I was in there. I know you probably don't think much of it, but I was so happy when you ruffled my mane just now."
Baron's eyes go wide for a moment, then he looks away, flushed with embarrassment.
"She made me think I'd be lost in the dark with her forever," Lucent smiles at you.
>>644240
"As long as I am still kicking, you won't ever have to worry about being stuck with that hag. Though I couldn't have done it without the help of Baron and Pierce. They were the once who found the door and got you out of the cell while I was distracting Tiamat"
"As long as I am still kicking, you won't ever have to worry about being stuck with that hag. Though I couldn't have done it without the help of Baron and Pierce. They were the once who found the door and got you out of the cell while I was distracting Tiamat"
>>644241
"As long as I am still kicking, you won't ever have to worry about being stuck with that hag. Though I couldn't have done it without the help of Baron and Pierce. They were the once who found the door and got you out of the cell while I was distracting Tiamat"
"Yeah, well," Baron says, scratching at his face. "I can't take all the credit."
Baron groans and stomps his hoof.
"Look just get going already," he says. "We don't have time to be standing around patting each other on the back."
Lucent nods and then springs up to give you a hug. She's a little off and ends up sort of punching you in your side, but she adjusts and wraps her forelegs around your waist.
"Thank you for saving me," Lucent says and places a kiss on your cheek.
The looming presence grows.
"As long as I am still kicking, you won't ever have to worry about being stuck with that hag. Though I couldn't have done it without the help of Baron and Pierce. They were the once who found the door and got you out of the cell while I was distracting Tiamat"
"Yeah, well," Baron says, scratching at his face. "I can't take all the credit."
Baron groans and stomps his hoof.
"Look just get going already," he says. "We don't have time to be standing around patting each other on the back."
Lucent nods and then springs up to give you a hug. She's a little off and ends up sort of punching you in your side, but she adjusts and wraps her forelegs around your waist.
"Thank you for saving me," Lucent says and places a kiss on your cheek.
The looming presence grows.
>>644242
Hug Lucent back so she stays close to us for a few seconds and whisper
"Can you feel it?"
With her sense of seeing gone she might be more susceptible to it than others for now.
Hug Lucent back so she stays close to us for a few seconds and whisper
"Can you feel it?"
With her sense of seeing gone she might be more susceptible to it than others for now.
>>644243
"Can you feel it?" you whisper as you hold Lucent.
"Feel what?" Lucent says, growing warmer by the second.
"Can you feel it?" you whisper as you hold Lucent.
"Feel what?" Lucent says, growing warmer by the second.
>>644244
"There is something here - I don't think it means bad, but its presence has been growing since we sealed the portal."
Let her go again before the mare overheats.
"There is something here - I don't think it means bad, but its presence has been growing since we sealed the portal."
Let her go again before the mare overheats.
>>644245
"There is something here - I don't think it means bad, but its presence has been growing since we sealed the portal."
You let her go and Lucent's face slowly returns to its normal color.
"I haven't felt anything," she says, "no. But I'll let you know if anything comes up."
"There is something here - I don't think it means bad, but its presence has been growing since we sealed the portal."
You let her go and Lucent's face slowly returns to its normal color.
"I haven't felt anything," she says, "no. But I'll let you know if anything comes up."
>>644246
I kind of want to use magic to try and find out what it is, but that might shoo it away.
Take a peek at the compass again.
I kind of want to use magic to try and find out what it is, but that might shoo it away.
Take a peek at the compass again.
>>644247
Taking a look at the compass again, the needle continues to move back and forth between you and Luna. The presence has weakened, but still remains.
Taking a look at the compass again, the needle continues to move back and forth between you and Luna. The presence has weakened, but still remains.
>>644248
There does not seem to be any logic to the presence getting stronger and weaker - well, apart from us talking to others and hugging Lucent.
Go towards the elements and see if it gets more or less. If Luna is right and nothing slipped through the portal, it must have come from within the room, which would mean its either from Glauramat's mind or the elements.
There does not seem to be any logic to the presence getting stronger and weaker - well, apart from us talking to others and hugging Lucent.
Go towards the elements and see if it gets more or less. If Luna is right and nothing slipped through the portal, it must have come from within the room, which would mean its either from Glauramat's mind or the elements.
>>644250
That would be my next option after going to the elements.
But I'd prefer to find out what it is on my own for now, I don't trust Star Swirl 100% yet
That would be my next option after going to the elements.
But I'd prefer to find out what it is on my own for now, I don't trust Star Swirl 100% yet
>>644249
Moving towards the Elements of Harmony does not make the presence grow stronger or weaker. Pinkie Pie waves at you excitedly, but Twilight whispers something about focusing while the spell is going on and Pinkie returns to helping cast the spell.
Moving towards the Elements of Harmony does not make the presence grow stronger or weaker. Pinkie Pie waves at you excitedly, but Twilight whispers something about focusing while the spell is going on and Pinkie returns to helping cast the spell.
>>644252
Somehow I wasn't aware that the actual bearers of the elements are here, I thought it was just the stones.
Time to ask Star Swirl if he feels anything then.
Somehow I wasn't aware that the actual bearers of the elements are here, I thought it was just the stones.
Time to ask Star Swirl if he feels anything then.
>>644253
You approach Star Swirl and asks if he feels anything.
"The only thing I feel is annoyed that we haven't left yet," he says, pointing to the portal. "Do you want to guard the gate or not? Although, I don't see how you coming will make a difference. You're nowhere near strong enough to defend yourself against her."
You approach Star Swirl and asks if he feels anything.
"The only thing I feel is annoyed that we haven't left yet," he says, pointing to the portal. "Do you want to guard the gate or not? Although, I don't see how you coming will make a difference. You're nowhere near strong enough to defend yourself against her."
>>644254
"You mentioned that you could go back to maintaining the maze - does that mean you could hold her off again almost indefinitely like you did before?"
If yes, why the hell didn't he suggest that we close the portal on his own.
Since there does not seem to be anyone but us who can sense the presence, I guess we have no choice but to risk revealing that we felt it.
Subtly use our magic to try and feel what it could be.
"You mentioned that you could go back to maintaining the maze - does that mean you could hold her off again almost indefinitely like you did before?"
If yes, why the hell didn't he suggest that we close the portal on his own.
Since there does not seem to be anyone but us who can sense the presence, I guess we have no choice but to risk revealing that we felt it.
Subtly use our magic to try and feel what it could be.
>>644255
"You mentioned that you could go back to maintaining the maze - does that mean you could hold her off again almost indefinitely like you did before?"
"I didn't need to maintain it before," he says. "Now that the primary entrance and exit has been destroyed, however, the emergency exit will reveal itself. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can prevent her from reaching it. I can't hold her off indefinitely."
"You mentioned that you could go back to maintaining the maze - does that mean you could hold her off again almost indefinitely like you did before?"
"I didn't need to maintain it before," he says. "Now that the primary entrance and exit has been destroyed, however, the emergency exit will reveal itself. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can prevent her from reaching it. I can't hold her off indefinitely."
>>644259
Roll for perception. As this roll will be enhanced by magic, you will gain an additional +10 to the roll despite not being in combat
Roll for perception. As this roll will be enhanced by magic, you will gain an additional +10 to the roll despite not being in combat
>>644261
Welp, so much for that. I guess we won't find out what's in this room now, unless we tell Star Swirl that we won't tag along and stay.
Welp, so much for that. I guess we won't find out what's in this room now, unless we tell Star Swirl that we won't tag along and stay.
>>644261
Using what magical ability you have, you can only sense that the presence is in the room. You still can't tell what it is or if it's moving.
Using what magical ability you have, you can only sense that the presence is in the room. You still can't tell what it is or if it's moving.
>>644265
"Something is in here with us," you tell Starswirl.
"I can't sense anything," Starswirl says, looking around the room. "Are you sure you're not imagining things? We don't know how Tartarus may have effected you yet. This may just be a feeling that afflicted you while you were there and carried with you when you came back."
>>644266
"I have been feeling it since the portal was sealed."
"Whatever it is," Starswirl says, "it hides itself well if my power can not feel it. If it only seems to concern itself with you then there's no reason to worry until it makes a threat on your life."
"Something is in here with us," you tell Starswirl.
"I can't sense anything," Starswirl says, looking around the room. "Are you sure you're not imagining things? We don't know how Tartarus may have effected you yet. This may just be a feeling that afflicted you while you were there and carried with you when you came back."
>>644266
"I have been feeling it since the portal was sealed."
"Whatever it is," Starswirl says, "it hides itself well if my power can not feel it. If it only seems to concern itself with you then there's no reason to worry until it makes a threat on your life."
>>644268
Yeah, we probably won't find it now, thanks to the roll.
Though we could make one last attempt, we will say goodbye to Luna anyway and we can give her a kiss on the cheek to check if the presence grows stronger.
It might also be something that is piggybacking on Lucent
Yeah, we probably won't find it now, thanks to the roll.
Though we could make one last attempt, we will say goodbye to Luna anyway and we can give her a kiss on the cheek to check if the presence grows stronger.
It might also be something that is piggybacking on Lucent
>>644268
"If you say so…"
You walk into the smoke and find yourself back in Starswirl's lobby. One of his automated ponies greets you with a bow. Starswirl follows close behind, and as the smoke fades, so does the looming presence.
"What is it you plan on doing here exactly?" Starswirl asks after sending his servant away. "Because if it interferes with my work I can send you right back to your room in the palace."
"If you say so…"
You walk into the smoke and find yourself back in Starswirl's lobby. One of his automated ponies greets you with a bow. Starswirl follows close behind, and as the smoke fades, so does the looming presence.
"What is it you plan on doing here exactly?" Starswirl asks after sending his servant away. "Because if it interferes with my work I can send you right back to your room in the palace."
Did you have anything you wanted to do at Star Swirl's mansion? It kind of sounded like he can make sure that she can't use that new exit on his own.
>>644272
"Figured we'd do the same thing we did with the last portal. Get it locked down."
"I don't know if you misheard me, but I destroyed that portal for a reason," Starswirl explains. "Tiamat is strong enough that she can break the locks and exit the gate whenever she pleases. I have to power to restrain the gate for a few brief moments with my own power, but without the Elements of Harmony, it's just another piece of paper for Tiamat to rip through."
Starswirl groans and ascends the stairs to the second floor.
"The maze was meant as a way to buy us time until we could forge the chains because it wouldn't take her long to break through the gate should she find it," he continues. "Destroying the other gate won't lock her in Tartarus permanently, in fact the exact opposite. As a failsafe, should that happen, anything or anyone inside would be release before the dimension collapsed upon itself. It was the princesses idea. Unlike myself, they are not willing to murder for the greater good, and seeing as how I need them to use the Elements of Harmony, I can not oppose their wishes."
"Figured we'd do the same thing we did with the last portal. Get it locked down."
"I don't know if you misheard me, but I destroyed that portal for a reason," Starswirl explains. "Tiamat is strong enough that she can break the locks and exit the gate whenever she pleases. I have to power to restrain the gate for a few brief moments with my own power, but without the Elements of Harmony, it's just another piece of paper for Tiamat to rip through."
Starswirl groans and ascends the stairs to the second floor.
"The maze was meant as a way to buy us time until we could forge the chains because it wouldn't take her long to break through the gate should she find it," he continues. "Destroying the other gate won't lock her in Tartarus permanently, in fact the exact opposite. As a failsafe, should that happen, anything or anyone inside would be release before the dimension collapsed upon itself. It was the princesses idea. Unlike myself, they are not willing to murder for the greater good, and seeing as how I need them to use the Elements of Harmony, I can not oppose their wishes."
>>644274
"Sometimes these ponies seem a little too idealistic for their own good…"
"I don't disagree with you," he smiles, "but it is those ideals that have held this world in such a delicate balance of order and chaos. Never before have I seen a place capable of such peace."
Starswirl's gaze seems to wander off into an unknown distance as he continues through the manor. He opens a door revealing an incredibly bright white room with nothing but walls before you. Above the walls in the distance is a black diamond darting through the air with blinding speed.
"Once I start moving things around she'll know I'm here," he says.
"Sometimes these ponies seem a little too idealistic for their own good…"
"I don't disagree with you," he smiles, "but it is those ideals that have held this world in such a delicate balance of order and chaos. Never before have I seen a place capable of such peace."
Starswirl's gaze seems to wander off into an unknown distance as he continues through the manor. He opens a door revealing an incredibly bright white room with nothing but walls before you. Above the walls in the distance is a black diamond darting through the air with blinding speed.
"Once I start moving things around she'll know I'm here," he says.
Should we go back to the rest of them? We can't really help him shift the maze and we cannot help him break the portal. He also won't really be able to teach us anything new with regards to magic because he will be busy.
>>644275
"I guess you really do have everything under control then. If there is nothing I can help you with, can you send me back?"
"I guess you really do have everything under control then. If there is nothing I can help you with, can you send me back?"
>>644278
"I guess you really do have everything under control then. If there is nothing I can help you with, can you send me back?"
"I could," Starswirl says. "But is that what you really want?"
"I guess you really do have everything under control then. If there is nothing I can help you with, can you send me back?"
"I could," Starswirl says. "But is that what you really want?"
>>644279
That question should be easy to answer.
"In which direction lies Taloran?"
Then look on our compass.
Dang, this sounds like we should be doing something here, but I have no idea what. Investigating the presence back in Taloran and trying to find out if its maybe attached to Lucent seems like the preferable option right now.
That question should be easy to answer.
"In which direction lies Taloran?"
Then look on our compass.
Dang, this sounds like we should be doing something here, but I have no idea what. Investigating the presence back in Taloran and trying to find out if its maybe attached to Lucent seems like the preferable option right now.
>>644280
"In which direction lies Taloran?" you ask the compass.
The needle is spinning nonstop and the directions have been replaced with pictures of Luna. Occasionally, the needle will point to the black diamond before going back to spinning around in circles again.
"If you really want to go back," Starswirl says as he stomps a hoof, "this will send you to Taloran."
Another cloud of blue smoke appears before you.
"Now if you'll excuse me," he says, horn glowing with magic. "I have a lot of remodeling to do."
"In which direction lies Taloran?" you ask the compass.
The needle is spinning nonstop and the directions have been replaced with pictures of Luna. Occasionally, the needle will point to the black diamond before going back to spinning around in circles again.
"If you really want to go back," Starswirl says as he stomps a hoof, "this will send you to Taloran."
Another cloud of blue smoke appears before you.
"Now if you'll excuse me," he says, horn glowing with magic. "I have a lot of remodeling to do."
>>644281
"One last question - the black diamond represents Tiamat, right?
Didn't you say we would have no way to track where she is gone if we destroyed the portal back in Taloran?"
I am actually not sure what to do now. I really do think that the presence came from Lucent now - it wasn't the mind or the elements and Luna said nothing came through the portal after us, so it must have entered the room together with us. And it grew stronger when we hugged Lucent.
"One last question - the black diamond represents Tiamat, right?
Didn't you say we would have no way to track where she is gone if we destroyed the portal back in Taloran?"
I am actually not sure what to do now. I really do think that the presence came from Lucent now - it wasn't the mind or the elements and Luna said nothing came through the portal after us, so it must have entered the room together with us. And it grew stronger when we hugged Lucent.
>>644282
"One last question - the black diamond represents Tiamat, right?
Didn't you say we would have no way to track where she is gone if we destroyed the portal back in Taloran?"
"You misunderstood," Starswirl says as he walks away. "Should the escape to another pocket of Tartarus using the emergency exit, I wouldn't be able to track her. If she escapes at all. I must keep her here for as long as possible."
"One last question - the black diamond represents Tiamat, right?
Didn't you say we would have no way to track where she is gone if we destroyed the portal back in Taloran?"
"You misunderstood," Starswirl says as he walks away. "Should the escape to another pocket of Tartarus using the emergency exit, I wouldn't be able to track her. If she escapes at all. I must keep her here for as long as possible."
>>644283
Probably better to investigate the looming presence rather than wander around his mansion or watch him reshuffle the maze.
"Good luck, Star Swirl."
Step through the smoke.
Probably better to investigate the looming presence rather than wander around his mansion or watch him reshuffle the maze.
"Good luck, Star Swirl."
Step through the smoke.
>>644284
"Good luck, Star Swirl," you say, then step through the smoke.
You find yourself back in Glaurumat's skull, the room practically empty of all guardsmen and only those necessary to the forging have remained. The presence is immediately felt again, though it's faint.
"Good luck, Star Swirl," you say, then step through the smoke.
You find yourself back in Glaurumat's skull, the room practically empty of all guardsmen and only those necessary to the forging have remained. The presence is immediately felt again, though it's faint.
>>644286
There are two remaining guards standing at the entrance to the skull. You ask one of them where Lucent went and they inform you that she was last seen being guided back to her room by Baron. The presence grows slightly.
There are two remaining guards standing at the entrance to the skull. You ask one of them where Lucent went and they inform you that she was last seen being guided back to her room by Baron. The presence grows slightly.
>>644288
You exit the skull and enter the carriage that carries you up to the throne room. The further up you go, the less you feel the presence, until it's vanished completely.
You exit the skull and enter the carriage that carries you up to the throne room. The further up you go, the less you feel the presence, until it's vanished completely.
>>644289
Well shit, guess my suspicion was wrong then.
Time to go back down and take a good look around the room. Maybe there is something we missed that makes this less of a try and error thing.
Though it does seem to react to social interaction, at least it always seems to grow when we talk to someone and so on.
Well shit, guess my suspicion was wrong then.
Time to go back down and take a good look around the room. Maybe there is something we missed that makes this less of a try and error thing.
Though it does seem to react to social interaction, at least it always seems to grow when we talk to someone and so on.
>>644290
As you ride back down on the carriage, the presence is stronger than when you left. There's a feeling of agitated calm welling up inside you, but you don't understand why. All you know is that it isn't your own and it doesn't seem to be affecting your current mood aside from the fact that it's there.
When you enter Glaurumat's skull again, however, the presence fades until it becomes faint again.
As you ride back down on the carriage, the presence is stronger than when you left. There's a feeling of agitated calm welling up inside you, but you don't understand why. All you know is that it isn't your own and it doesn't seem to be affecting your current mood aside from the fact that it's there.
When you enter Glaurumat's skull again, however, the presence fades until it becomes faint again.
>>644291
I honestly don't understand this. Did the presence try to follow us and we basically went right through it and left it behind again when we used the carriage a second time?
And how are you agitated and calm at the same time?
Try to send a telepathic "hello?", like we did when we used telepathy to talk to Luna in our dream. Maybe whatever it is can hear us.
I honestly don't understand this. Did the presence try to follow us and we basically went right through it and left it behind again when we used the carriage a second time?
And how are you agitated and calm at the same time?
Try to send a telepathic "hello?", like we did when we used telepathy to talk to Luna in our dream. Maybe whatever it is can hear us.
>>644292
You send out a telepathic "Hello" to the presence.
"Is there something private you wished to speak of?" Luna answers.
You send out a telepathic "Hello" to the presence.
"Is there something private you wished to speak of?" Luna answers.
>>644294
Probably better that way. I am sure there is a hint in one of the posts we are missing and I'm just too tired to see it.
Thanks for the session A.J.
Probably better that way. I am sure there is a hint in one of the posts we are missing and I'm just too tired to see it.
Thanks for the session A.J.
The presence you seek continues to elude you in one way or another and trying to pinpoint it's exact location is proving to be more of a challenge than you'd hoped.
Trying to come into contact with it has proven to be another error, as you've telepathically connected to Luna instead. It's getting later in the day now, but it will still be a brief time before Luna, Celestia, and the Elements of Harmony are able to relax for the night. Destroying the portal has bought you some more time, but there's no permanent solution as of yet. The threat of Tiamat still remains, and this new presence has done little to ease your worries. No rest for the wicked.
Trying to come into contact with it has proven to be another error, as you've telepathically connected to Luna instead. It's getting later in the day now, but it will still be a brief time before Luna, Celestia, and the Elements of Harmony are able to relax for the night. Destroying the portal has bought you some more time, but there's no permanent solution as of yet. The threat of Tiamat still remains, and this new presence has done little to ease your worries. No rest for the wicked.
>>646329
We still haven't answered Luna so I guess we should do that.
"I am still searching for the presence I felt earlier. It seems to be somewhere in this room and is able of moving around on its own, but I can't pinpoint where or what it is.
I also didn't know that telepathy works outside of my dreams, too."
Sit down on the ground
We still haven't answered Luna so I guess we should do that.
"I am still searching for the presence I felt earlier. It seems to be somewhere in this room and is able of moving around on its own, but I can't pinpoint where or what it is.
I also didn't know that telepathy works outside of my dreams, too."
Sit down on the ground
>>646330
"I am still searching for the presence I felt earlier. It seems to be somewhere in this room and is able of moving around on its own, but I can't pinpoint where or what it is.
I also didn't know that telepathy works outside of my dreams, too."
You take a seat on the ground outside of the skull. The guards give you a glance, then return to staring ahead.
"Should you learn the proper spell for it," Luna explains, "it will become available for you to cast at any time. I do not remember creating a sustainable link between us, however. I find it strange you were able to connect to me now."
"I am still searching for the presence I felt earlier. It seems to be somewhere in this room and is able of moving around on its own, but I can't pinpoint where or what it is.
I also didn't know that telepathy works outside of my dreams, too."
You take a seat on the ground outside of the skull. The guards give you a glance, then return to staring ahead.
"Should you learn the proper spell for it," Luna explains, "it will become available for you to cast at any time. I do not remember creating a sustainable link between us, however. I find it strange you were able to connect to me now."
>>646333
"Maybe it were our feelings for each other which created the connection somehow."
"I have heard of such things being possible between strongly bonded unicorns," Luna says, "but I never imagined I would experience it firsthoof."
"Maybe it were our feelings for each other which created the connection somehow."
"I have heard of such things being possible between strongly bonded unicorns," Luna says, "but I never imagined I would experience it firsthoof."
>>646334
"What would be the normal procedure to form such a bond, when it doesn't just happen on its own?"
"What would be the normal procedure to form such a bond, when it doesn't just happen on its own?"
>>646335
"What would be the normal procedure to form such a bond, when it doesn't just happen on its own?"
"In any other circumstance, a spell is cast to create a temporary bond," Luna says, "although the use of such a spell has not always been effective and tends to bring about undesired results. Having complete control over your thoughts during the connection is a bit much to ask from most ponies. Problems like this have been bypassed by recasting the spell as needed, however, this can prove taxing on the caster."
"What would be the normal procedure to form such a bond, when it doesn't just happen on its own?"
"In any other circumstance, a spell is cast to create a temporary bond," Luna says, "although the use of such a spell has not always been effective and tends to bring about undesired results. Having complete control over your thoughts during the connection is a bit much to ask from most ponies. Problems like this have been bypassed by recasting the spell as needed, however, this can prove taxing on the caster."
>>646336
"This does not sound like we did it by accident.
Though what do you mean with 'complete control over your thoughts'? Can you see what I think about while we are connected rather than just hearing my words?"
"This does not sound like we did it by accident.
Though what do you mean with 'complete control over your thoughts'? Can you see what I think about while we are connected rather than just hearing my words?"
>>646337
"This does not sound like we did it by accident.
Though what do you mean with 'complete control over your thoughts'? Can you see what I think about while we are connected rather than just hearing my words?"
"No," Luna answers, "although that is what makes the spell so problematic. If a pony is not focused on transferring only the thoughts they wish to be heard, everything else pours out."
"This does not sound like we did it by accident.
Though what do you mean with 'complete control over your thoughts'? Can you see what I think about while we are connected rather than just hearing my words?"
"No," Luna answers, "although that is what makes the spell so problematic. If a pony is not focused on transferring only the thoughts they wish to be heard, everything else pours out."
>>646338
"Does it work with feelings, too? Could I send you the feeling I get when the presence is around to see if you recognize it?"
Speaking of it, is the presence currently doing anything?
"Does it work with feelings, too? Could I send you the feeling I get when the presence is around to see if you recognize it?"
Speaking of it, is the presence currently doing anything?
>>646339
"Does it work with feelings, too? Could I send you the feeling I get when the presence is around to see if you recognize it?"
You sense that the presence is there, but it's very faint.
"Feelings are not thoughts," Luna explains. "A telepathic link does tend to increase the intensity of mutual feelings, which can be quite dangerous if both parties have a strong feeling of the same negative emotions."
"Does it work with feelings, too? Could I send you the feeling I get when the presence is around to see if you recognize it?"
You sense that the presence is there, but it's very faint.
"Feelings are not thoughts," Luna explains. "A telepathic link does tend to increase the intensity of mutual feelings, which can be quite dangerous if both parties have a strong feeling of the same negative emotions."
>>646340
"But if the feeling is only very faint and not negative, it could work without too much of a risk?"
"But if the feeling is only very faint and not negative, it could work without too much of a risk?"
>>646341
"But if the feeling is only very faint and not negative, it could work without too much of a risk?"
"If the feeling is as faint as you say, then it would not transfer," Luna says. "I will also mention again that the feeling must be mutual."
You can hear a short giggle in your thoughts.
"If you wanted me to feel the presence, I am more than capable of searching for it myself," Luna says.
"But if the feeling is only very faint and not negative, it could work without too much of a risk?"
"If the feeling is as faint as you say, then it would not transfer," Luna says. "I will also mention again that the feeling must be mutual."
You can hear a short giggle in your thoughts.
"If you wanted me to feel the presence, I am more than capable of searching for it myself," Luna says.
>>646342
"I assumed that no one but me could find it, since neither you nor Star Swirl were capable of feeling anything when I first asked.
I don't think it wants anything bad, but if it came out of Tartarus like I suspect then we should really figure out what it is."
"I assumed that no one but me could find it, since neither you nor Star Swirl were capable of feeling anything when I first asked.
I don't think it wants anything bad, but if it came out of Tartarus like I suspect then we should really figure out what it is."
>>646343
"I assumed that no one but me could find it, since neither you nor Star Swirl were capable of feeling anything when I first asked.
I don't think it wants anything bad, but if it came out of Tartarus like I suspect then we should really figure out what it is."
"Starswirl is more than capable of searching for presences," Luna says. "I will require a moment if you please."
A brief pulse of magical energy goes through the room and past you.
"I can feel it," Luna says.
"I assumed that no one but me could find it, since neither you nor Star Swirl were capable of feeling anything when I first asked.
I don't think it wants anything bad, but if it came out of Tartarus like I suspect then we should really figure out what it is."
"Starswirl is more than capable of searching for presences," Luna says. "I will require a moment if you please."
A brief pulse of magical energy goes through the room and past you.
"I can feel it," Luna says.
>>646344
"Do you have any idea what it is or what it is doing? It seems to grow stronger from time to time, but I haven't really figured out why yet."
"Do you have any idea what it is or what it is doing? It seems to grow stronger from time to time, but I haven't really figured out why yet."
>>646345
"Do you have any idea what it is or what it is doing? It seems to grow stronger from time to time, but I haven't really figured out why yet."
"It does not seem to be doing anything," Luna says, "but if something does occur, I shall keep track of it and eliminate it should it become a problem. Please, do not worry yourself over it any longer."
"Do you have any idea what it is or what it is doing? It seems to grow stronger from time to time, but I haven't really figured out why yet."
"It does not seem to be doing anything," Luna says, "but if something does occur, I shall keep track of it and eliminate it should it become a problem. Please, do not worry yourself over it any longer."
>>646346
"Is there any thing I could be of help with?"
If she is taking care of the presence then we don't really have anything left to do for the moment.
"Is there any thing I could be of help with?"
If she is taking care of the presence then we don't really have anything left to do for the moment.
>>646347
"Is there any thing I could be of help with?"
"There is nothing that comes to mind," she says. "I would not object to your company if you have nothing else to do."
"Is there any thing I could be of help with?"
"There is nothing that comes to mind," she says. "I would not object to your company if you have nothing else to do."
>>646348
Apart from staying here with her, the only other thing I can come up with is to check on Lucent again.
Apart from staying here with her, the only other thing I can come up with is to check on Lucent again.
>>646350
"I will see how Lucent is doing, if she is alright I will ne back soon"
The presence starts to grow, but it seems to be struggling.
"Wish her well for me," Luna smiles through her words. "I will see you tonight."
"I will see how Lucent is doing, if she is alright I will ne back soon"
The presence starts to grow, but it seems to be struggling.
"Wish her well for me," Luna smiles through her words. "I will see you tonight."
>>646352
You hold your ground and try to focus on the presence.
"Did you just feel that too, Luna?"
"Yes," Luna says, "but as I told you, I have it under control. Do not worry."
You hold your ground and try to focus on the presence.
"Did you just feel that too, Luna?"
"Yes," Luna says, "but as I told you, I have it under control. Do not worry."
>>646353
"Are you restraining it? I was actually hoping for it to come closer so I might figure out what we are dealing with"
"Are you restraining it? I was actually hoping for it to come closer so I might figure out what we are dealing with"
>>646354
"Are you restraining it? I was actually hoping for it to come closer so I might figure out what we are dealing with"
"It is difficult to do while maintaining the forging," Luna says, "but I will deal with it full well when I am finished. Restraining it is the most I can do for now. Please, go and see Lucent."
"Are you restraining it? I was actually hoping for it to come closer so I might figure out what we are dealing with"
"It is difficult to do while maintaining the forging," Luna says, "but I will deal with it full well when I am finished. Restraining it is the most I can do for now. Please, go and see Lucent."
>>646355
Lets hope she doesn't anger it or anything. Go and find out where Lucent is at the moment
Lets hope she doesn't anger it or anything. Go and find out where Lucent is at the moment
>>646356
Ok, I have only been skimming loosely since I've been busy doing other stuff and still haven't caught up on last session, but I'm totally getting jealous NMM vibes here.
Ok, I have only been skimming loosely since I've been busy doing other stuff and still haven't caught up on last session, but I'm totally getting jealous NMM vibes here.
>>646356
As you leave the presence struggling grows more persistent, but Luna is keeping it at bay.
The guards remind you that Lucent was returned to her room by Baron. Riding the carriage back up to the throne room, you casually walk towards the door before a rumbling in the floor causes you to stumble.
"So you're the human, eh?" an old gruff voice chuckles. "And here I thought they were only myths."
As you leave the presence struggling grows more persistent, but Luna is keeping it at bay.
The guards remind you that Lucent was returned to her room by Baron. Riding the carriage back up to the throne room, you casually walk towards the door before a rumbling in the floor causes you to stumble.
"So you're the human, eh?" an old gruff voice chuckles. "And here I thought they were only myths."
>>646359
You look around and see an ancient dragon perched on the throne with an air of royalty so overwhelming that you struggle not to fall to one knee and bow before him. Tattered rags of flowing violet fabric cover the millions of broken, faded, and multicolored scales across his body. the horns on his head and the wings spread out at his side were long and cracked. Smaller horns rounded out his broad face, extending to a powerful, square jaw. A grin on the old dragon's face revealed dark, golden fangs.
"What's the matter?" he says, then coughs for a moment. "Never seen a real dragon before?"
You look around and see an ancient dragon perched on the throne with an air of royalty so overwhelming that you struggle not to fall to one knee and bow before him. Tattered rags of flowing violet fabric cover the millions of broken, faded, and multicolored scales across his body. the horns on his head and the wings spread out at his side were long and cracked. Smaller horns rounded out his broad face, extending to a powerful, square jaw. A grin on the old dragon's face revealed dark, golden fangs.
"What's the matter?" he says, then coughs for a moment. "Never seen a real dragon before?"
>>646360
Do a curtsy.
"Not many as impressive as you, King Halberd.
It is funny that you would mention humans only being myths though - in the human world, it is quite the same for dragons."
Do a curtsy.
"Not many as impressive as you, King Halberd.
It is funny that you would mention humans only being myths though - in the human world, it is quite the same for dragons."
>>646361
"Not many as impressive as you, King Halberd.
It is funny that you would mention humans only being myths though - in the human world, it is quite the same for dragons."
You curtsy.
"You do well to pay me my proper respects," Halberd strokes the horns on his chin. "But that's 'Emperor' Halberd to you. I didn't slay thousands of my own foolish kin to be called King. And not even a war to speak of it."
Emperor Halberd reclines into his throne and scoffs.
"These ponies and their insistence on peace and harmony among the races," he grumbles. "Of course it's better for the world, but it's just so boring sometimes. No one has anything to fight for anymore. There's no struggle for power and dying for a purpose you believe in."
A silence falls over the room that you dare not interrupt as Emperor Halberd contemplates this.
"Tiamat, though," he smiles. "Just the sound of her name is making my blood boil like I was only two-hundred again. You know what that's like, human?"
"Not many as impressive as you, King Halberd.
It is funny that you would mention humans only being myths though - in the human world, it is quite the same for dragons."
You curtsy.
"You do well to pay me my proper respects," Halberd strokes the horns on his chin. "But that's 'Emperor' Halberd to you. I didn't slay thousands of my own foolish kin to be called King. And not even a war to speak of it."
Emperor Halberd reclines into his throne and scoffs.
"These ponies and their insistence on peace and harmony among the races," he grumbles. "Of course it's better for the world, but it's just so boring sometimes. No one has anything to fight for anymore. There's no struggle for power and dying for a purpose you believe in."
A silence falls over the room that you dare not interrupt as Emperor Halberd contemplates this.
"Tiamat, though," he smiles. "Just the sound of her name is making my blood boil like I was only two-hundred again. You know what that's like, human?"
>>646362
"I'm afraid my own deeds in battle cannot quite compare to yours, I don't think I can fully comprehend that feeling."
I wonder if we should slip a hint that we are not a human or just let him keep assuming just that.
"I'm afraid my own deeds in battle cannot quite compare to yours, I don't think I can fully comprehend that feeling."
I wonder if we should slip a hint that we are not a human or just let him keep assuming just that.
>>646363
"I'm afraid my own deeds in battle cannot quite compare to yours, I don't think I can fully comprehend that feeling."
"I doubt you could," he says and points and broken and crusted claw to his head. "There's almost two-thousand years of bloodshed in this old mind of mine. It's the one thing that hasn't failed me, even at this age. That and Pierce. Whelp though he is, at least he's got the right mindset and outlook to deal with the ponies when I'm gone. As long as we don't have anymore incidents like this one, the future of dragons looks pretty bright. My only hope is that we don't grow weaker because of it. That's just the ramblings of an old dragon. Not much use to a human like you, eh? Then again, from what I hear, you've managed to get yourself in pretty deep with this world. What's your angle, human? Trying to make yourself welcome in a place that's not your own? Some might view that as a step towards conquest."
"I'm afraid my own deeds in battle cannot quite compare to yours, I don't think I can fully comprehend that feeling."
"I doubt you could," he says and points and broken and crusted claw to his head. "There's almost two-thousand years of bloodshed in this old mind of mine. It's the one thing that hasn't failed me, even at this age. That and Pierce. Whelp though he is, at least he's got the right mindset and outlook to deal with the ponies when I'm gone. As long as we don't have anymore incidents like this one, the future of dragons looks pretty bright. My only hope is that we don't grow weaker because of it. That's just the ramblings of an old dragon. Not much use to a human like you, eh? Then again, from what I hear, you've managed to get yourself in pretty deep with this world. What's your angle, human? Trying to make yourself welcome in a place that's not your own? Some might view that as a step towards conquest."
>>646364
"I don't have any desire to conquer parts of Equestria. And even if I did, I don't think anyone would have to worry - because how would I do that all on my own?"
"I don't have any desire to conquer parts of Equestria. And even if I did, I don't think anyone would have to worry - because how would I do that all on my own?"
>>646365
"I don't have any desire to conquer parts of Equestria. And even if I did, I don't think anyone would have to worry - because how would I do that all on my own?"
Emperor Halberd starts to laugh, sparks and smoke coming out of his mouth. When his laughter starts to shake the throne room, his body convulses into a fit of coughs that spew fire and more smoke out in front of him. It takes a minute for him to collect himself, but when he does, he stares at you with a smile on his face.
"I wouldn't know," he says, reclining again. "I'm not Tiamat."
"I don't have any desire to conquer parts of Equestria. And even if I did, I don't think anyone would have to worry - because how would I do that all on my own?"
Emperor Halberd starts to laugh, sparks and smoke coming out of his mouth. When his laughter starts to shake the throne room, his body convulses into a fit of coughs that spew fire and more smoke out in front of him. It takes a minute for him to collect himself, but when he does, he stares at you with a smile on his face.
"I wouldn't know," he says, reclining again. "I'm not Tiamat."
>>646366
"And for that I am truly grateful. My conversations with Tiamat never were as pleasant as this one."
"And for that I am truly grateful. My conversations with Tiamat never were as pleasant as this one."
>>646367
"And for that I am truly grateful. My conversations with Tiamat never were as pleasant as this one."
"True," Emperor Halberd nods. "That wretched abomination we call 'Mother' was more monster than dragon. A heart as black as her scales, if she even has one. But, sometimes, we find the answers we seek in the darkest part of ourselves. Tiamat's answer was rage, destruction, and posession. She has all the power she needs to conquer this world and many others should she wish. Not like you. You think more like a King than an Emperor. This is fine and well, relying on the strength of your kin to guide you in the right direction while using your own strength to forge a path and claim your desires. As emperor, I have no need of the other dragons."
He casually waves a claw, brushing something out of the air. I to have enough power that I can impose my will over any who would challenge it and come away unscathed, but the people do not fear me. They love me, as distant as I am from them, and not because they fear me. They love me because it is through my hard work and bloodshed that they are able to live the lives they lead. That they can continue to fight for the lives they want, win or lose. The thing about dragons is that they give their all for something, no matter what."
Emperor Halberd leans forward and points a claw to his chest.
"Because in our hearts," he says, "we know that a life you didn't fight for isn't a life worth living. So, the question I pose to you, is what do you think Tiamat fights for and why do you think she fights alone?"
"And for that I am truly grateful. My conversations with Tiamat never were as pleasant as this one."
"True," Emperor Halberd nods. "That wretched abomination we call 'Mother' was more monster than dragon. A heart as black as her scales, if she even has one. But, sometimes, we find the answers we seek in the darkest part of ourselves. Tiamat's answer was rage, destruction, and posession. She has all the power she needs to conquer this world and many others should she wish. Not like you. You think more like a King than an Emperor. This is fine and well, relying on the strength of your kin to guide you in the right direction while using your own strength to forge a path and claim your desires. As emperor, I have no need of the other dragons."
He casually waves a claw, brushing something out of the air. I to have enough power that I can impose my will over any who would challenge it and come away unscathed, but the people do not fear me. They love me, as distant as I am from them, and not because they fear me. They love me because it is through my hard work and bloodshed that they are able to live the lives they lead. That they can continue to fight for the lives they want, win or lose. The thing about dragons is that they give their all for something, no matter what."
Emperor Halberd leans forward and points a claw to his chest.
"Because in our hearts," he says, "we know that a life you didn't fight for isn't a life worth living. So, the question I pose to you, is what do you think Tiamat fights for and why do you think she fights alone?"
>>646368
"When I first met her, I would have said that she is fighting because of her avarice, which would also explain why she fights alone. She started to haunt me simply because I am a rare specimen in this world.
Though after the last two times I met her, it seems that fear is a rather strong motivator for her, too."
"When I first met her, I would have said that she is fighting because of her avarice, which would also explain why she fights alone. She started to haunt me simply because I am a rare specimen in this world.
Though after the last two times I met her, it seems that fear is a rather strong motivator for her, too."
>>646369
"When I first met her, I would have said that she is fighting because of her avarice, which would also explain why she fights alone. She started to haunt me simply because I am a rare specimen in this world.
Though after the last two times I met her, it seems that fear is a rather strong motivator for her, too."
"All of which is true," Emperor Halberd nods, placing a claw to his chin again. "But now that you know she is afraid, what will she do next? If we are to defeat this enemy, we must do our best to anticipate their next move. Pierce has spoken to me of your plan to fool her as long as possible by pretending to be Glaurumat. Knowing what we do about Tiamat, her fear and avarice, how can we use what we know to expose her and destroy her once and for all? You can not combat with her physically, so it has always been my intention to attack Tiamat emotionally. I have been unable to so quite as effectively as you have, and thus, require your aid in the matter. Even an emperor such as myself must admit these things in a time when his empire is threatened."
His claw clenches into a fist and he pounds it into his throne with a mighty roar.
"That foul beast has left me powerless and wanting," he growls.
"When I first met her, I would have said that she is fighting because of her avarice, which would also explain why she fights alone. She started to haunt me simply because I am a rare specimen in this world.
Though after the last two times I met her, it seems that fear is a rather strong motivator for her, too."
"All of which is true," Emperor Halberd nods, placing a claw to his chin again. "But now that you know she is afraid, what will she do next? If we are to defeat this enemy, we must do our best to anticipate their next move. Pierce has spoken to me of your plan to fool her as long as possible by pretending to be Glaurumat. Knowing what we do about Tiamat, her fear and avarice, how can we use what we know to expose her and destroy her once and for all? You can not combat with her physically, so it has always been my intention to attack Tiamat emotionally. I have been unable to so quite as effectively as you have, and thus, require your aid in the matter. Even an emperor such as myself must admit these things in a time when his empire is threatened."
His claw clenches into a fist and he pounds it into his throne with a mighty roar.
"That foul beast has left me powerless and wanting," he growls.
>>646370
"You do not intend to go along with the Princesses' plans and simply have her re-shackled in Tartarus?"
"You do not intend to go along with the Princesses' plans and simply have her re-shackled in Tartarus?"
>>646371
"You do not intend to go along with the Princesses' plans and simply have her re-shackled in Tartarus?"
"To imprison an enemy's body is one thing," Emperor Halberd says, unclenching his claw and resting it on the throne. "To break their spirit is another."
He frowns as he says this and his eyes wander off to gaze about the throne room.
"Ridding a dragon of their will to fight is to rid them of their will to live," he says. "I have no doubt you've come to understand this during your short time here as I'd heard you competed in our Colosseum. I wish as much to Tiamat."
"You do not intend to go along with the Princesses' plans and simply have her re-shackled in Tartarus?"
"To imprison an enemy's body is one thing," Emperor Halberd says, unclenching his claw and resting it on the throne. "To break their spirit is another."
He frowns as he says this and his eyes wander off to gaze about the throne room.
"Ridding a dragon of their will to fight is to rid them of their will to live," he says. "I have no doubt you've come to understand this during your short time here as I'd heard you competed in our Colosseum. I wish as much to Tiamat."
>>646372
"We can certainly abuse her fear of Glauramat to our advantage - it seems to blind her to the point where she cannot hold any clear thought anymore, otherwise she would have realized that I am bluffing a while ago.
I am not sure if I know her well enough to break her spirit though. She seems to be very proud, so if I managed to play an important role in her imprisonment and told her that I am not Glauramat, it might seriously hurt her pride to have lost to someone weaker than him.
But I am not sure if that wouldn't just further enrage her."
"We can certainly abuse her fear of Glauramat to our advantage - it seems to blind her to the point where she cannot hold any clear thought anymore, otherwise she would have realized that I am bluffing a while ago.
I am not sure if I know her well enough to break her spirit though. She seems to be very proud, so if I managed to play an important role in her imprisonment and told her that I am not Glauramat, it might seriously hurt her pride to have lost to someone weaker than him.
But I am not sure if that wouldn't just further enrage her."
>>646373
"We can certainly abuse her fear of Glauramat to our advantage - it seems to blind her to the point where she cannot hold any clear thought anymore, otherwise she would have realized that I am bluffing a while ago.
I am not sure if I know her well enough to break her spirit though. She seems to be very proud, so if I managed to play an important role in her imprisonment and told her that I am not Glauramat, it might seriously hurt her pride to have lost to someone weaker than him.
But I am not sure if that wouldn't just further enrage her."
"That is one of the reasons I sent Pierce with you into Tartarus," Emperor Halberd says. "We'll need to acquire more information about Tiamat in order carry out our plans. If you have any further interactions with her or learn anything else, please contact Pierce with the information and he shall relay it to me. I will also make him readily available to you as there's not much more I can do sitting in this old chair. I will have him join you when he returns from other business."
"We can certainly abuse her fear of Glauramat to our advantage - it seems to blind her to the point where she cannot hold any clear thought anymore, otherwise she would have realized that I am bluffing a while ago.
I am not sure if I know her well enough to break her spirit though. She seems to be very proud, so if I managed to play an important role in her imprisonment and told her that I am not Glauramat, it might seriously hurt her pride to have lost to someone weaker than him.
But I am not sure if that wouldn't just further enrage her."
"That is one of the reasons I sent Pierce with you into Tartarus," Emperor Halberd says. "We'll need to acquire more information about Tiamat in order carry out our plans. If you have any further interactions with her or learn anything else, please contact Pierce with the information and he shall relay it to me. I will also make him readily available to you as there's not much more I can do sitting in this old chair. I will have him join you when he returns from other business."
>>646374
"Thank you, Emperor Halberd.
Is there anything important about Tiamat's character and motivation that I missed so far and you could tell me? Maybe she already did something that gives us a hint on how to defeat her and I am just missing the context to see it."
"Thank you, Emperor Halberd.
Is there anything important about Tiamat's character and motivation that I missed so far and you could tell me? Maybe she already did something that gives us a hint on how to defeat her and I am just missing the context to see it."
>>646375
"Thank you, Emperor Halberd.
Is there anything important about Tiamat's character and motivation that I missed so far and you could tell me? Maybe she already did something that gives us a hint on how to defeat her and I am just missing the context to see it."
"The one who knew her best was Glaurumat," Halberd says, straightening up in his throne. "I doubt we'll be getting answers from him anytime soon. Tiamat is a mystery to us all beyond what we've already seen."
Halberd smiles.
"It has been a pleasure speaking with you, human," he says. "Truly you would make a fine King."
"Thank you, Emperor Halberd.
Is there anything important about Tiamat's character and motivation that I missed so far and you could tell me? Maybe she already did something that gives us a hint on how to defeat her and I am just missing the context to see it."
"The one who knew her best was Glaurumat," Halberd says, straightening up in his throne. "I doubt we'll be getting answers from him anytime soon. Tiamat is a mystery to us all beyond what we've already seen."
Halberd smiles.
"It has been a pleasure speaking with you, human," he says. "Truly you would make a fine King."
>>646376
Do a curtsy again.
"Coming from someone like you, those words mean a lot."
I am not sure if he just dismissed us with that. If yes and he turns his attention elsewhere, we can probably leave to find Lucent
Do a curtsy again.
"Coming from someone like you, those words mean a lot."
I am not sure if he just dismissed us with that. If yes and he turns his attention elsewhere, we can probably leave to find Lucent
>>646377
"Coming from someone like you, those words mean a lot," you curtsy and make your leave.
The guards direct you to Lucent's room and you spot Baron walking in the opposite direction. His back is turned to you so he hasn't noticed you've come. If there was anything you wanted to talk to him about without Lucent nearby, now would be the best time.
"Coming from someone like you, those words mean a lot," you curtsy and make your leave.
The guards direct you to Lucent's room and you spot Baron walking in the opposite direction. His back is turned to you so he hasn't noticed you've come. If there was anything you wanted to talk to him about without Lucent nearby, now would be the best time.
>>646379
"Hey Baron," you call to him as you walk down the hall.
He turns to face you, as sour as ever, and greets you with, "Come to visit Lucent?"
"Hey Baron," you call to him as you walk down the hall.
He turns to face you, as sour as ever, and greets you with, "Come to visit Lucent?"
>>646381
"Yes. Our conversation back down at the Mind was kinda cut short.
How is she doing?"
"She's kinda spooked," Baron says, taking off his helmet and scratching his head. "Tiamat did a real number on her down there and to be honest, I'm not too comfortable leaving her alone right now."
He lets out a sight.
"Look," he says, "she's trying to be strong and get some sleep on her own, but I know her. She's probably gonna be bored out of her mind because of the blindness and I don't want her waking up in the middle of the night screaming or anything."
Baron turns around and keeps walking down the hall, helmet kept floating by his side with a bit of magic.
"Just keep an eye on her for me, will ya?" he says. "She won't let me do it."
"Yes. Our conversation back down at the Mind was kinda cut short.
How is she doing?"
"She's kinda spooked," Baron says, taking off his helmet and scratching his head. "Tiamat did a real number on her down there and to be honest, I'm not too comfortable leaving her alone right now."
He lets out a sight.
"Look," he says, "she's trying to be strong and get some sleep on her own, but I know her. She's probably gonna be bored out of her mind because of the blindness and I don't want her waking up in the middle of the night screaming or anything."
Baron turns around and keeps walking down the hall, helmet kept floating by his side with a bit of magic.
"Just keep an eye on her for me, will ya?" he says. "She won't let me do it."
>>646382
Well I hope he only left temporarily, we can't really stay with her all night, Luna also expects us back in a while.
"Will you be back later?"
Well I hope he only left temporarily, we can't really stay with her all night, Luna also expects us back in a while.
"Will you be back later?"
>>646383
"Will you be back later?"
"Once I've gotten some sleep," he says. "I'll be fine."
With that, Baron disappears down another hall.
"Will you be back later?"
"Once I've gotten some sleep," he says. "I'll be fine."
With that, Baron disappears down another hall.
>>646384
Well, now its too late anyway.
Go a bit closer to the door and check if she's still awake
don't really eavesdrop though, thats rude!
Well, now its too late anyway.
Go a bit closer to the door and check if she's still awake
don't really eavesdrop though, thats rude!
>>646385
Listening in through the door, you can hear movement from inside. It seems Lucent is awake.
"Who is it?" she asks.
Listening in through the door, you can hear movement from inside. It seems Lucent is awake.
"Who is it?" she asks.
>>646387
"Its me. I thought I might check on you to see if everything is fine"
"You can come in," she giggles. "Everything's good. You and Baron both worry too much, I swear."
"Its me. I thought I might check on you to see if everything is fine"
"You can come in," she giggles. "Everything's good. You and Baron both worry too much, I swear."
File: 1445203978195.png (120.92 KB, 260x408, 65.png) ImgOps Google
>>646390
Thanks for the session, AJ
Thanks for the session, AJ
>>646390
Emotional drama abounds in a love polygon with at least four corners! Thanks for the session A.J.
Emotional drama abounds in a love polygon with at least four corners! Thanks for the session A.J.