File: 1394647878968.jpg (14.56 KB, 258x195, Starting out.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
When the ships came back and spread their tale, many could hardly believe the news. A whole new continent, completely undiscovered until now!
Many saw opportunity in this new land; whoever staked their claim first and held on to it would grow their assets uninhibited by prior claims; those bold enough to risk the dangers stood to make a fortune! However, claims alone would not be enough to turn a profit; ponies must be sent to harvest resources and build empires. For this purpose, innumerable contributors have decided to fund attempts to colonize this new world. Across the civilized world, the call went out for ponies willing to leave everything behind and start a new life in an unknown land.
Now, after three months at sea, your ship finally arrived last night, dropping anchor just off the strange new land you will now call home. The crew is bustling about this morning, bringing up supplies and preparing the landing boats for the trip to the shore. Excited chatter fills the air, as your fellow settlers crowd the rails in an attempt to get a better look.
While you wait, you are free to explore the ship, talk with some of the other settlers, seek someplace quiet to wait, or something else.
Many saw opportunity in this new land; whoever staked their claim first and held on to it would grow their assets uninhibited by prior claims; those bold enough to risk the dangers stood to make a fortune! However, claims alone would not be enough to turn a profit; ponies must be sent to harvest resources and build empires. For this purpose, innumerable contributors have decided to fund attempts to colonize this new world. Across the civilized world, the call went out for ponies willing to leave everything behind and start a new life in an unknown land.
Now, after three months at sea, your ship finally arrived last night, dropping anchor just off the strange new land you will now call home. The crew is bustling about this morning, bringing up supplies and preparing the landing boats for the trip to the shore. Excited chatter fills the air, as your fellow settlers crowd the rails in an attempt to get a better look.
While you wait, you are free to explore the ship, talk with some of the other settlers, seek someplace quiet to wait, or something else.
>>535278
You see a lot of trees, noting that they are impressively large for growing in a location so close to salt water. In fact, the forest goes on so long that you can't really make out any other features. If there are any animals in the forest, you can't see them.
>>535279
Your stuff is ready to go, and your pussy remains where it's always been. Your cat, however, is nowhere to be seen.
>>535280
No fleet; the sponsors didn't see the need for multiple ships when the one was more than enough. If you wish to speak to the captain, he is currently overseeing the loading of supplies.
>>535281
On the way over, you discovered that you easily become seasick and spend most of the journey with a splitting headache and aching stomach. As such, you didn't really socialize that much. That one buffalo was nice though; she gave you some herbs that helped ease your stomach. Despite strangely being the same size as a pony, she at least seemed tolerable.
>>535282
Most of the other travelers are crowded against the railing, looking at the settlement.
You see a lot of trees, noting that they are impressively large for growing in a location so close to salt water. In fact, the forest goes on so long that you can't really make out any other features. If there are any animals in the forest, you can't see them.
>>535279
Your stuff is ready to go, and your pussy remains where it's always been. Your cat, however, is nowhere to be seen.
>>535280
No fleet; the sponsors didn't see the need for multiple ships when the one was more than enough. If you wish to speak to the captain, he is currently overseeing the loading of supplies.
>>535281
On the way over, you discovered that you easily become seasick and spend most of the journey with a splitting headache and aching stomach. As such, you didn't really socialize that much. That one buffalo was nice though; she gave you some herbs that helped ease your stomach. Despite strangely being the same size as a pony, she at least seemed tolerable.
>>535282
Most of the other travelers are crowded against the railing, looking at the settlement.
>>535285
No response.
>>535286
You're currently on a ship anchored just offshore from the settlement.
Giving a questioning hum, she looks up from packing her things and smiles when she realizes it's you addressing her. "That's what they say! I'm sure you'll be glad to get your paws on solid ground again." Her voice is quiet but confident.
>>535288
Now that you look, you notice seagulls flying around. Some decided to hitchhike along with the ship, so you were so used to them it took you a moment to notice them. However, the forests beyond the beach have no birds flying around whatsoever.
>>535287
"Evening, ma'am," he greets you with a tilt of his captain's hat. "Eager to get to your new colony?"
No response.
>>535286
You're currently on a ship anchored just offshore from the settlement.
Giving a questioning hum, she looks up from packing her things and smiles when she realizes it's you addressing her. "That's what they say! I'm sure you'll be glad to get your paws on solid ground again." Her voice is quiet but confident.
>>535288
Now that you look, you notice seagulls flying around. Some decided to hitchhike along with the ship, so you were so used to them it took you a moment to notice them. However, the forests beyond the beach have no birds flying around whatsoever.
>>535287
"Evening, ma'am," he greets you with a tilt of his captain's hat. "Eager to get to your new colony?"
>>535296
"We should be ready to shove off momentarily, ma'am. The initial buildings are already set up by the settlers who got here before us, just look over there." He points in a direction towards the shore.
>>535297
You notice the Mayor Magistre speaking to the captain and a gentlemanly stallion who appears to be getting on in years. The rest of the settlers seem to be crowded against the railing looking at the colony.
>>535298
She blinks, then gives you a grateful smile. "I appreciate the offer, but… Well, actually, these-" she gestures at a decently-sized box "-are rather delicate, and your paws are more dextrous than hooves. If you wouldn't mind… Goodness, I've never even asked your name!"
>>535299
The shadow trembles and shudders, waking with a groan. Eyes that are not eyes peer at you, and sends you sensations of irritation and curiosity.
"We should be ready to shove off momentarily, ma'am. The initial buildings are already set up by the settlers who got here before us, just look over there." He points in a direction towards the shore.
>>535297
You notice the Mayor Magistre speaking to the captain and a gentlemanly stallion who appears to be getting on in years. The rest of the settlers seem to be crowded against the railing looking at the colony.
>>535298
She blinks, then gives you a grateful smile. "I appreciate the offer, but… Well, actually, these-" she gestures at a decently-sized box "-are rather delicate, and your paws are more dextrous than hooves. If you wouldn't mind… Goodness, I've never even asked your name!"
>>535299
The shadow trembles and shudders, waking with a groan. Eyes that are not eyes peer at you, and sends you sensations of irritation and curiosity.
>>535303
Some of the colonists on the boat have skills that could be used in construction, but most of the colonists that would be responsible for that arrived weeks before you. Maybe you can ask around when you get to the settlement.
>>535307
>>535305
It's not far from the shore, and you can see ponies moving around on a wooden palisade that surrounds the town. Only one building pokes above the wall, the belltower of what you assume must be the Courthouse.
There's several fields already cleared of trees nearby, though they are still filled with stumps, bushes, and tall grasses. Clearly there is still more work to be done before the land can be farmed properly.
>>535306
"Sweetherb. It is nice to know you, mister Askeladd. You are right, it is… good to have friends. Especially when venturing into the unknown." You both emerge on deck.
>>535304
The shadow projects indifference, but sends you the feel of soft fur. The sens is associated with a sense of departure directed towards the door.
Some of the colonists on the boat have skills that could be used in construction, but most of the colonists that would be responsible for that arrived weeks before you. Maybe you can ask around when you get to the settlement.
>>535307
>>535305
It's not far from the shore, and you can see ponies moving around on a wooden palisade that surrounds the town. Only one building pokes above the wall, the belltower of what you assume must be the Courthouse.
There's several fields already cleared of trees nearby, though they are still filled with stumps, bushes, and tall grasses. Clearly there is still more work to be done before the land can be farmed properly.
>>535306
"Sweetherb. It is nice to know you, mister Askeladd. You are right, it is… good to have friends. Especially when venturing into the unknown." You both emerge on deck.
>>535304
The shadow projects indifference, but sends you the feel of soft fur. The sens is associated with a sense of departure directed towards the door.
>>535312
"Oh, those are just some medical tools of mine."
It's not far from the shore, and you can see ponies moving around on a wooden palisade that surrounds the town. Only one building pokes above the wall, the belltower of what you assume must be the Courthouse.
There's several fields already cleared of trees nearby, though they are still filled with stumps, bushes, and tall grasses. Clearly there is still more work to be done before the land can be farmed properly.
>>535311
"So do I. You'll have to ask when we get there."
"Oh, those are just some medical tools of mine."
It's not far from the shore, and you can see ponies moving around on a wooden palisade that surrounds the town. Only one building pokes above the wall, the belltower of what you assume must be the Courthouse.
There's several fields already cleared of trees nearby, though they are still filled with stumps, bushes, and tall grasses. Clearly there is still more work to be done before the land can be farmed properly.
>>535311
"So do I. You'll have to ask when we get there."
>>535317
"That seems like a good place to start when we land." Remember, you're currently on a ship anchored just offshore from the colony.
>>535322
You get some grudging appreciation as the shadow returns to its slumber. Roll to try and find Marlene'.
>>535320
"'Fraid so, ma'am. I'll say, you're not exactly what I expected from a mayor. When the crew talked you into their little marksmanship competition last month, I wasn't expecting you to end up in the finals." You remember getting pressured into a shooting competition and aquiesced mostly out of boredom, making it into the final five before getting knocked out of the competition.
"That seems like a good place to start when we land." Remember, you're currently on a ship anchored just offshore from the colony.
>>535322
You get some grudging appreciation as the shadow returns to its slumber. Roll to try and find Marlene'.
>>535320
"'Fraid so, ma'am. I'll say, you're not exactly what I expected from a mayor. When the crew talked you into their little marksmanship competition last month, I wasn't expecting you to end up in the finals." You remember getting pressured into a shooting competition and aquiesced mostly out of boredom, making it into the final five before getting knocked out of the competition.
>>535327
>>535325
>>535322
>>535320
>>535317
The captain turns to the crowd and takes a deep breath. "ALRIGHT EVERYPONY, LET'S START LOADING UP! TEN PONIES TO A BOAT! KEEP IT ORDERLY SO WE CAN GET YOU ASHORE FASTER!"
Whenever you're ready, we can head to the shore.
>>535329
"Glad to hear it, ma'am. I think you're exactly the kind of leader this colony's going to need."
>>535325
>>535322
>>535320
>>535317
The captain turns to the crowd and takes a deep breath. "ALRIGHT EVERYPONY, LET'S START LOADING UP! TEN PONIES TO A BOAT! KEEP IT ORDERLY SO WE CAN GET YOU ASHORE FASTER!"
Whenever you're ready, we can head to the shore.
>>535329
"Glad to hear it, ma'am. I think you're exactly the kind of leader this colony's going to need."
>>535336
"Of course, ma'am. Right this way."
>>535335
"Course they are," a crewpony comments. "We've got to carry the supplies along with all of you."
>>535333
You are all in the same boat, along with a few crewponies for rowing. There's a cat curled up on the prow, lazily flicking her tail back and forth and regarding you with a cool disinterest.
You are soon joined by a Diamond Dog and… She must be a buffalo, but for some reason she's the same size as a pony, if a bit… bulky.
>>535337
She smiles up at you. "No sense waiting, is there?" She leads you onto one of the boats waiting to leave.
>>535337
She smiles brightly up at you.
"Of course, ma'am. Right this way."
>>535335
"Course they are," a crewpony comments. "We've got to carry the supplies along with all of you."
>>535333
You are all in the same boat, along with a few crewponies for rowing. There's a cat curled up on the prow, lazily flicking her tail back and forth and regarding you with a cool disinterest.
You are soon joined by a Diamond Dog and… She must be a buffalo, but for some reason she's the same size as a pony, if a bit… bulky.
>>535337
She smiles up at you. "No sense waiting, is there?" She leads you onto one of the boats waiting to leave.
>>535337
She smiles brightly up at you.
>>535341
The buffalo smiles gently but other than that lets you keep your distance. You feel a sudden weight on your neck, tiny claws gripping tightly as the cat from the prow climbs on top of your head. She then proceeds to curl up on top of your mane, letting loose a large yawn.
>>535342
There's a pegasus eyeing the two of you uneasily. A cat has apparently decided her head is more comfortable than the boat's wooden prow and curled up in her mane.
"Do you think you might need some more of those herbs?" Sweetherb asks. The boat is rocking rather jerkily.
>>535340
"Indeed we are," the buffalo replies, giving you a nod. "You're the mayor, right? I'm Sweetherb, this is Askeladd. I'm looking to be the town doctor."
>>535351
The diamond dog looks a little queasy as you bring up the subject.
>>535345
As you come up on deck, you find everypony getting ready to board the boats. Eventually, you find her; curled up in some pegasus' mane and without a care in the world.
The buffalo smiles gently but other than that lets you keep your distance. You feel a sudden weight on your neck, tiny claws gripping tightly as the cat from the prow climbs on top of your head. She then proceeds to curl up on top of your mane, letting loose a large yawn.
>>535342
There's a pegasus eyeing the two of you uneasily. A cat has apparently decided her head is more comfortable than the boat's wooden prow and curled up in her mane.
"Do you think you might need some more of those herbs?" Sweetherb asks. The boat is rocking rather jerkily.
>>535340
"Indeed we are," the buffalo replies, giving you a nod. "You're the mayor, right? I'm Sweetherb, this is Askeladd. I'm looking to be the town doctor."
>>535351
The diamond dog looks a little queasy as you bring up the subject.
>>535345
As you come up on deck, you find everypony getting ready to board the boats. Eventually, you find her; curled up in some pegasus' mane and without a care in the world.
>>535369
"The pleasure is mine." She smiles and shakes your hoof, her grip very firm and solid.
>>535373
One is a small light-yellow mare. Judging by the way her eyes are darting around, she's very nervous. The other one is more focused on the cat.
>>535376
"Ambrosia? Who's that? I wasn't aware there was another doctor in the colony."
>>535370
Marlene yowls and shoots you a stinkeye that would make flowers wilt.
>>535377
As >>535370 comes and lifts her, the cat is clearly unhappy with the development.
Fuck you, I was just getting comfortable, bitch!
"The pleasure is mine." She smiles and shakes your hoof, her grip very firm and solid.
>>535373
One is a small light-yellow mare. Judging by the way her eyes are darting around, she's very nervous. The other one is more focused on the cat.
>>535376
"Ambrosia? Who's that? I wasn't aware there was another doctor in the colony."
>>535370
Marlene yowls and shoots you a stinkeye that would make flowers wilt.
>>535377
As >>535370 comes and lifts her, the cat is clearly unhappy with the development.
Fuck you, I was just getting comfortable, bitch!
>>535404
"We're all going to be new to this. I'd be more surprised if you said you'd done this before."
>>535405
Wow, tense much? You must be a doormat; no wonder you were so comfortable- she squeaks as >>535420, then adopts a sullen expression. Fine, MOM. Bet you'd lighten up if you just let yourself get laid already.
Sweetherb smiles and offers you her hoof. "Is that so? Pray tell, what do you do?"
>>535407
Not much room to move around on this boat. You end up just bumping into the yellow pegasus. She eeps and looks up at you, her eyes wide as she gives you an uneasy smile. "H-hi there! Hi. Um… how are you?"
>>535420
she squeaks, then adopts a sullen expression and curls up on the boat's prow.
>>535424
"I see. A Herbalist! I believe we'll be doing a lot of business then!"
#are we ready to land?
"We're all going to be new to this. I'd be more surprised if you said you'd done this before."
>>535405
Wow, tense much? You must be a doormat; no wonder you were so comfortable- she squeaks as >>535420, then adopts a sullen expression. Fine, MOM. Bet you'd lighten up if you just let yourself get laid already.
Sweetherb smiles and offers you her hoof. "Is that so? Pray tell, what do you do?"
>>535407
Not much room to move around on this boat. You end up just bumping into the yellow pegasus. She eeps and looks up at you, her eyes wide as she gives you an uneasy smile. "H-hi there! Hi. Um… how are you?"
>>535420
she squeaks, then adopts a sullen expression and curls up on the boat's prow.
>>535424
"I see. A Herbalist! I believe we'll be doing a lot of business then!"
#are we ready to land?
>>535441
>>535443
>>535444
>>535448
After a short, if bumpy trip, the boats beach on the shore. There's a party waiting for you all on the shore. The crew immediately begins unloading supplies.
As you step off the boat, you are suddenly assaulted with a sensation of… strangeness. Like you'd just put on a jacket that didn't fit quite right. Beyond that, there's a… primacy, a sense of old things awaking from a deep slumber. Roll to see how you are affected.
>>535444
She's not injured, but you notice that she's deliberately avoiding looking at the water. Her whole body is tense and leaning away from the side of the boat, her wings twitching now and then.
"Yes! Shore. Looking forward to being on land again, is all! Just fine, is all! Ah… I like growing things, do you like growing things?"
>>535443
>>535444
>>535448
After a short, if bumpy trip, the boats beach on the shore. There's a party waiting for you all on the shore. The crew immediately begins unloading supplies.
As you step off the boat, you are suddenly assaulted with a sensation of… strangeness. Like you'd just put on a jacket that didn't fit quite right. Beyond that, there's a… primacy, a sense of old things awaking from a deep slumber. Roll to see how you are affected.
>>535444
She's not injured, but you notice that she's deliberately avoiding looking at the water. Her whole body is tense and leaning away from the side of the boat, her wings twitching now and then.
"Yes! Shore. Looking forward to being on land again, is all! Just fine, is all! Ah… I like growing things, do you like growing things?"
>>535477
While certainly… interesting, the sensation fades almost immediately. You take a deep breath and smile; somehow, this place already feels like home.
>>535481
>>535461
>>535478
The sensation passes quickly, though a lingering sensation remains in the back of your mind, like a scent you just can't place.
A crystal stallion in Guard armor chuckles as he approaches you from the shore party. "Don't worry, that happens to everyone when they first get here. Not that we understand what it is, but it doesn't really last. Welcome to the colony." He looks like he's going to say more, but-
>>535458
You fall to your knees as the sensation overwhelms you, a pressure mounting on the inside of your skull until something awakes.
You… you feel alive, like you haven't felt since you were a young stallion. The urge to mount something, the urge to kill something, they are overwhelming-
something is approaching you, something with a shiny coat and feathery things on his back- Challenger! Rival! An enemy come to steal your mares! Your breathing deepens; the Thief makes meaningless noises at you, but you see your opportunity! He's open for attack! Defend your Herd and Drive the Interloper away! Crush his bones and tear out his neck with your teeth!
While certainly… interesting, the sensation fades almost immediately. You take a deep breath and smile; somehow, this place already feels like home.
>>535481
>>535461
>>535478
The sensation passes quickly, though a lingering sensation remains in the back of your mind, like a scent you just can't place.
A crystal stallion in Guard armor chuckles as he approaches you from the shore party. "Don't worry, that happens to everyone when they first get here. Not that we understand what it is, but it doesn't really last. Welcome to the colony." He looks like he's going to say more, but-
>>535458
You fall to your knees as the sensation overwhelms you, a pressure mounting on the inside of your skull until something awakes.
You… you feel alive, like you haven't felt since you were a young stallion. The urge to mount something, the urge to kill something, they are overwhelming-
something is approaching you, something with a shiny coat and feathery things on his back- Challenger! Rival! An enemy come to steal your mares! Your breathing deepens; the Thief makes meaningless noises at you, but you see your opportunity! He's open for attack! Defend your Herd and Drive the Interloper away! Crush his bones and tear out his neck with your teeth!
>>535523
There's an itching at the back of your mind, a feeling that something's not right…
It makes you angry. With a primal roar, you throw yourself at the Intruder. He cries out as you crash into him, both of you tumbling to the ground as you rain your hooves against him. But something hard and slippery covers him; your hooves are not crushing and breaking like they should!
>>535522
>>535523
>>535533
Further conversation is cut off as Figworth gives a primal roar and tackles the stallion, raining blows down on him that would shatter bones if not for his armor. Several surprised shouts come from the surrounding ponies at this sudden attack, a few of whom begin to run towards the two stallions.
Roll #1 9 = 9
There's an itching at the back of your mind, a feeling that something's not right…
It makes you angry. With a primal roar, you throw yourself at the Intruder. He cries out as you crash into him, both of you tumbling to the ground as you rain your hooves against him. But something hard and slippery covers him; your hooves are not crushing and breaking like they should!
>>535522
>>535523
>>535533
Further conversation is cut off as Figworth gives a primal roar and tackles the stallion, raining blows down on him that would shatter bones if not for his armor. Several surprised shouts come from the surrounding ponies at this sudden attack, a few of whom begin to run towards the two stallions.
Roll #1 9 = 9
>>535548
The stallion doesn't stay down for long, though. With an expert grapple he slips out from underneath the raging Figsworth, who snarls and whirls on him-
>>535554
Only to get tackled and Slammed hard into the ground, his head smashing into a crate with a wince-inducing crack that sends vibrations through your paws. You maintain your grip and keep him down, just in case.
>>535553
If he hears you, he doesn't respond.
>>535523
There's a roar, a rushing sensation…
You're on the ground. Your head feels like it just got put through a meat grinder. A rather large Diamond Dog is holding you down very firmly, making it hard to breathe. There's a crystal stallion off to the side breathing heavily, watching you warily. In fact, most of the beach is eyeing you cautiously.
The stallion doesn't stay down for long, though. With an expert grapple he slips out from underneath the raging Figsworth, who snarls and whirls on him-
>>535554
Only to get tackled and Slammed hard into the ground, his head smashing into a crate with a wince-inducing crack that sends vibrations through your paws. You maintain your grip and keep him down, just in case.
>>535553
If he hears you, he doesn't respond.
>>535523
There's a roar, a rushing sensation…
You're on the ground. Your head feels like it just got put through a meat grinder. A rather large Diamond Dog is holding you down very firmly, making it hard to breathe. There's a crystal stallion off to the side breathing heavily, watching you warily. In fact, most of the beach is eyeing you cautiously.
>>535578
>>535580
"We aren't going to hold that against you. Twitchy had a similar reaction when we first got here, but… other than that, you're the only one to react like that. Luckily, it seems a good knock to the head is all that's needed to set things right." Sweetherb approaches you cautiously, some bandages and disinfectants held ready. You feel something warm and sticky run down your neck.
>>535587
"Not sure. Only one other pony reacted like that. Guess he just got unlucky."
>>535580
"We aren't going to hold that against you. Twitchy had a similar reaction when we first got here, but… other than that, you're the only one to react like that. Luckily, it seems a good knock to the head is all that's needed to set things right." Sweetherb approaches you cautiously, some bandages and disinfectants held ready. You feel something warm and sticky run down your neck.
>>535587
"Not sure. Only one other pony reacted like that. Guess he just got unlucky."
>>535600
"No, you're not fine," Sweetherb says in a tone that brooks no argument, "you've got a rather impressive cut on your head. You'll be lucky if you don't need stitches."
The stallion approaches once he sees you're thinking straight. "Twitchy's our bean counter; scrawny little pegasus scared of his own shadow. When he got here, he reacted pretty much like you just did. Busted somepony's leg before somepony managed to knock the sense back into him. Stones seems to think it's something about a bad reaction to the land's ambient magic or something."
>>535610
"Ah, where are my manners? I'm Cloud Cutter, Guard Captain of the colony. If you're going to come talk to Twitchy, why don't you help carry some supplies along the way? He'll be taking inventory at the storehouse."
>>535612
"Of course, no harm done. You must be Mayor Magistre. Welcome to the colony. Your secretary would have come, but she's busy in the courthouse at the moment."
"No, you're not fine," Sweetherb says in a tone that brooks no argument, "you've got a rather impressive cut on your head. You'll be lucky if you don't need stitches."
The stallion approaches once he sees you're thinking straight. "Twitchy's our bean counter; scrawny little pegasus scared of his own shadow. When he got here, he reacted pretty much like you just did. Busted somepony's leg before somepony managed to knock the sense back into him. Stones seems to think it's something about a bad reaction to the land's ambient magic or something."
>>535610
"Ah, where are my manners? I'm Cloud Cutter, Guard Captain of the colony. If you're going to come talk to Twitchy, why don't you help carry some supplies along the way? He'll be taking inventory at the storehouse."
>>535612
"Of course, no harm done. You must be Mayor Magistre. Welcome to the colony. Your secretary would have come, but she's busy in the courthouse at the moment."
>>535629
>>535638
"Whatever it is, it's effect is usually minor. This is very unusual."
>>535643
"Maybe, but he wasn't thinking straight," she soothes while bandaging him up. "you acted fast and got things under control quickly. If you hadn't things might have gotten much worse."
The yellow pegasus is hovering nearby. "Wow, you're really strong! You hit him like he didn't weigh anything!"
>>535638
"Whatever it is, it's effect is usually minor. This is very unusual."
>>535643
"Maybe, but he wasn't thinking straight," she soothes while bandaging him up. "you acted fast and got things under control quickly. If you hadn't things might have gotten much worse."
The yellow pegasus is hovering nearby. "Wow, you're really strong! You hit him like he didn't weigh anything!"
>>535667
Captain Cloud Cutter approaches you. "Actually, if you're interested I have a job offer for you. See, aside from myself and about five others, we don't have many settlers with combat experience. We've seen some dangerous-looking creatures around and there are rumors of raiders looking to loot unsuspecting colonies. If you were willing to join, we could really use your help."
>>535706
A yellow pegasus mare approaches you. "Another nature lover, huh? I'm Wheat Fields. Nice to meet you!"
>>535707
>>535705
>>535708
The captain turns to the group. "Well, now that that's cleared up, let's get these supplies moved behind the walls, shall we?"
Captain Cloud Cutter approaches you. "Actually, if you're interested I have a job offer for you. See, aside from myself and about five others, we don't have many settlers with combat experience. We've seen some dangerous-looking creatures around and there are rumors of raiders looking to loot unsuspecting colonies. If you were willing to join, we could really use your help."
>>535706
A yellow pegasus mare approaches you. "Another nature lover, huh? I'm Wheat Fields. Nice to meet you!"
>>535707
>>535705
>>535708
The captain turns to the group. "Well, now that that's cleared up, let's get these supplies moved behind the walls, shall we?"
>>535721
"I will see if I can visit sometimes, all of us need to help each other now that we are far away from the homeland."
>>535722
I look at them for a moment.
"I actually want to settle in, perhaps be part of this town as one of the smiths, but I have seen war in the past and I am of assistance if you need an extra arms."
"I will see if I can visit sometimes, all of us need to help each other now that we are far away from the homeland."
>>535722
I look at them for a moment.
"I actually want to settle in, perhaps be part of this town as one of the smiths, but I have seen war in the past and I am of assistance if you need an extra arms."
>>535725
"Nice. I'm more of a food-grower myself. Hoping to get myself a nice little plot of farmland all to myself."
>>535727
"We have a town smith already, but I'm sure she'll appreciate the help. We're not asking that you give up on your business or that you can't settle in. We just need po- people who can chase off the beasts that get too close." He looks away for a moment, a slight tint coming to his cheeks. "I'm… hoping to start a farm of my own, actually. Nothing fancy, just… something to call my own."
>>535724
>>535726
As you all enter the town, you're struck by how empty it is. Aside from the Townhouse, the Armory, the Storehouse, and a few other buildings, there's not much built. Tents are set up everywhere, and the refuse from constructing what has been built is still scattered around.
"Nice. I'm more of a food-grower myself. Hoping to get myself a nice little plot of farmland all to myself."
>>535727
"We have a town smith already, but I'm sure she'll appreciate the help. We're not asking that you give up on your business or that you can't settle in. We just need po- people who can chase off the beasts that get too close." He looks away for a moment, a slight tint coming to his cheeks. "I'm… hoping to start a farm of my own, actually. Nothing fancy, just… something to call my own."
>>535724
>>535726
As you all enter the town, you're struck by how empty it is. Aside from the Townhouse, the Armory, the Storehouse, and a few other buildings, there's not much built. Tents are set up everywhere, and the refuse from constructing what has been built is still scattered around.
>>535744
For a certain quality of built. It's a small shack with a bar right now, set up against the Townhouse. It's not the best construction, but it's a start.
>>535743
"Wheat, mostly. Maybe some barley or peanuts. I might even try growing corn!"
>>535741
Marlene yawns and flicks her tail, clearly unimpressed.
>>535745
As you enter the Townhouse, you find a well-dressed jenny arranging a desk. She looks up as you enter and smiles. "You must be one of the new arrivals. Welcome to the colony! How can I help you?"
For a certain quality of built. It's a small shack with a bar right now, set up against the Townhouse. It's not the best construction, but it's a start.
>>535743
"Wheat, mostly. Maybe some barley or peanuts. I might even try growing corn!"
>>535741
Marlene yawns and flicks her tail, clearly unimpressed.
>>535745
As you enter the Townhouse, you find a well-dressed jenny arranging a desk. She looks up as you enter and smiles. "You must be one of the new arrivals. Welcome to the colony! How can I help you?"
>>535753
Forest, definitely. It doesn't have a sign, and it certainly can't be called an "inn" yet. However, do find a note from your assistant, explaining that he's out on a scouting trip and won't be back until the evening.
>>535754
"Really?" Her eyes shine as she gives you a brilliant smile. "Thanks! I could probably show you some tricks I know on how to make soil more fertile."
>>535755
He points you across town to a large building that various ponies are carrying boxes into.
>>535768
"Captain Cloud Cutter. Pleasure to have you aboard." He heads off to continue overseeing the unloading of the ship.
>>535756
She immediately stands up straighter. "Miss Magistre! Of course! I am Geneva, your secretary. Would you like me to show you to your office?"
Forest, definitely. It doesn't have a sign, and it certainly can't be called an "inn" yet. However, do find a note from your assistant, explaining that he's out on a scouting trip and won't be back until the evening.
>>535754
"Really?" Her eyes shine as she gives you a brilliant smile. "Thanks! I could probably show you some tricks I know on how to make soil more fertile."
>>535755
He points you across town to a large building that various ponies are carrying boxes into.
>>535768
"Captain Cloud Cutter. Pleasure to have you aboard." He heads off to continue overseeing the unloading of the ship.
>>535756
She immediately stands up straighter. "Miss Magistre! Of course! I am Geneva, your secretary. Would you like me to show you to your office?"
>>535801
Her face betrays nothing. "Right this way." As she's leading you away, however, you activate your mind-reading spell.
Crap, she's here ALREADY? I haven't even had the chance to finish organizing my desk so it's not a mess? Oh crap, I haven't even cleaned up HER desk! Wait, her desk is empty right now… She looks so official, is she going to be mean? I hope she's not mean. Wait, she could be ogling my flank right now! Oh Celestia, please don't have her make advances on me like my last boss! Could I ask her to- No, she'd just fire me! Oh no, I can't lose this job, I can't! Oh dear, oh dear, what am I going to DO?
Her face betrays nothing. "Right this way." As she's leading you away, however, you activate your mind-reading spell.
Crap, she's here ALREADY? I haven't even had the chance to finish organizing my desk so it's not a mess? Oh crap, I haven't even cleaned up HER desk! Wait, her desk is empty right now… She looks so official, is she going to be mean? I hope she's not mean. Wait, she could be ogling my flank right now! Oh Celestia, please don't have her make advances on me like my last boss! Could I ask her to- No, she'd just fire me! Oh no, I can't lose this job, I can't! Oh dear, oh dear, what am I going to DO?
>>535817
Oh my, is she nervous or what!
Clear my throat. Let's calm her down!
"I hope you don't mind, my mane must be a mess! I am both excited and nervous about this opportunity, but I want to do my best! I am merely a mare, we will have to work together to the best of our abilities to make everything run smooth!"
Smile at her warmly.
"I hope I can count on you, Geneva."
Oh my, is she nervous or what!
Clear my throat. Let's calm her down!
"I hope you don't mind, my mane must be a mess! I am both excited and nervous about this opportunity, but I want to do my best! I am merely a mare, we will have to work together to the best of our abilities to make everything run smooth!"
Smile at her warmly.
"I hope I can count on you, Geneva."
>>535805
The forge was clearly built somewhat hastily, but the construction should hold barring any major disasters. As you approach you can hear the familiar sound of hammering coming from within.
>>535813
Sign is up and booze is unpacked. It’s nothing impressive, but it’s a start. You’ll probably need to eventually get a distillery of some sort set up, but for now you should be fine. As you’re unpacking, a paper falls out. It’s your list of the notable magic-users in town.
>>535796
As you approach with the boxes, you can see that things are being directed by a wiry cream-colored pesasus stallion, who continuously flits about to inspect things before checking his clipboard, muttering to himself the whole time. His movements are jerky, pausing constantly to adjust the round spectacles clinging to his nose. You have to wonder how they manage to stay on.
>>535808
She giggles and throws a hoof around your shoulders. “I like you; you’re pretty, calm, and easy to talk to! Say, want to go check out the fields later? I want to see what kinds of soil we’re going to be working with!”
>>535824
Wha- Aw hell, Geneva, you’re slipping! Stop worrying so much and just go with it! At least she’s being polite, that’s a good sign.
She returns the smile, albeit nervously. “Of course, ma’m. Sorry if I’m not exactly at my best right now; things have been a bit hectic.” She leads you past a small desk covered with various papers into a decently-sized room, a single large desk occupying most of the center of the room. In the back corners, you can see two modest beds have been set up; one of them looks like it’s been seeing some use recently.
The forge was clearly built somewhat hastily, but the construction should hold barring any major disasters. As you approach you can hear the familiar sound of hammering coming from within.
>>535813
Sign is up and booze is unpacked. It’s nothing impressive, but it’s a start. You’ll probably need to eventually get a distillery of some sort set up, but for now you should be fine. As you’re unpacking, a paper falls out. It’s your list of the notable magic-users in town.
>>535796
As you approach with the boxes, you can see that things are being directed by a wiry cream-colored pesasus stallion, who continuously flits about to inspect things before checking his clipboard, muttering to himself the whole time. His movements are jerky, pausing constantly to adjust the round spectacles clinging to his nose. You have to wonder how they manage to stay on.
>>535808
She giggles and throws a hoof around your shoulders. “I like you; you’re pretty, calm, and easy to talk to! Say, want to go check out the fields later? I want to see what kinds of soil we’re going to be working with!”
>>535824
Wha- Aw hell, Geneva, you’re slipping! Stop worrying so much and just go with it! At least she’s being polite, that’s a good sign.
She returns the smile, albeit nervously. “Of course, ma’m. Sorry if I’m not exactly at my best right now; things have been a bit hectic.” She leads you past a small desk covered with various papers into a decently-sized room, a single large desk occupying most of the center of the room. In the back corners, you can see two modest beds have been set up; one of them looks like it’s been seeing some use recently.
>>536546
As you enter, you get hit with a nostalgic blast of heated air. As you look around, your eyes immediately light upon the only other being in the forge at the same time as she notices you. After a few more blows, she dumps whatever she was working on into the slack tub and sets the hammer and tongs aside before turning to face you, revealing a surprisingly-thin female Diamond Dog.
“Hey there! Haven’t seen you around before; you one of the new arrivals?”
>>536526
He looks up, glances at the boxes you're carrying, then writes something on his clipboard. "Yes, yes, put those over there, please. Stack right side up, in front of the salted carrots, come on!" He waves a hoof at some crates in a corner, then darts off again.
>>536551
Indeed she was. Something about communication with some form of spirits; the report was vague, but the Inquisition's investigation had ruled her unheretical, though it was noted that perhaps you should keep an eye on her. There are several other names on the list, mostly unicorns with nothing really noteworthy about them. In fact, only a few names stand out on the list.
>>536553
"Sweet! I'm gonna try to figure out where we're supposed to go, want to come with?"
>>536543
"Indeed it is, miss Magistre." Geneva's smile falls into an irritated scowl as a new voice speaks up. A sharply-dressed unicorn makes his way from the corner of the room to your desk, before turning to face you, his expression disinterested. You recognize him as String Bean, the representative of several investors who will be heading back on the ship to give a report on the colony's condition. "However, there are some things we must discuss."
As you enter, you get hit with a nostalgic blast of heated air. As you look around, your eyes immediately light upon the only other being in the forge at the same time as she notices you. After a few more blows, she dumps whatever she was working on into the slack tub and sets the hammer and tongs aside before turning to face you, revealing a surprisingly-thin female Diamond Dog.
“Hey there! Haven’t seen you around before; you one of the new arrivals?”
>>536526
He looks up, glances at the boxes you're carrying, then writes something on his clipboard. "Yes, yes, put those over there, please. Stack right side up, in front of the salted carrots, come on!" He waves a hoof at some crates in a corner, then darts off again.
>>536551
Indeed she was. Something about communication with some form of spirits; the report was vague, but the Inquisition's investigation had ruled her unheretical, though it was noted that perhaps you should keep an eye on her. There are several other names on the list, mostly unicorns with nothing really noteworthy about them. In fact, only a few names stand out on the list.
>>536553
"Sweet! I'm gonna try to figure out where we're supposed to go, want to come with?"
>>536543
"Indeed it is, miss Magistre." Geneva's smile falls into an irritated scowl as a new voice speaks up. A sharply-dressed unicorn makes his way from the corner of the room to your desk, before turning to face you, his expression disinterested. You recognize him as String Bean, the representative of several investors who will be heading back on the ship to give a report on the colony's condition. "However, there are some things we must discuss."
>>536599
The storehouse is stacked high with boxes everywhere you look. These food supplies should be enough to last the colony about six months if you're careful. The pegasus waves dismissively at you. "Yes, very nice, now please clear the way, you're obstructing movement."
>>536602
"don't worry, I'm sure we'll find a nice place to start growing stuff in no time!" The two of you wander around for a bit before finding where the other colonists seem to be gathering. You get in line between a dark-black Unicorn stallion and a middle-aged Goat mare.
>>536605
Though your mind-reading spell has worn off, it's clear that Geneva does not like this guy, barely managing to contain her scowl as he gives both of you a tight-lipped grin.
"You see, I am in a somewhat unsavory position of having to explain to my employers just how their investment is going to be profitable. To that end, I would like to know which direction you intend to take this colony."
The storehouse is stacked high with boxes everywhere you look. These food supplies should be enough to last the colony about six months if you're careful. The pegasus waves dismissively at you. "Yes, very nice, now please clear the way, you're obstructing movement."
>>536602
"don't worry, I'm sure we'll find a nice place to start growing stuff in no time!" The two of you wander around for a bit before finding where the other colonists seem to be gathering. You get in line between a dark-black Unicorn stallion and a middle-aged Goat mare.
>>536605
Though your mind-reading spell has worn off, it's clear that Geneva does not like this guy, barely managing to contain her scowl as he gives both of you a tight-lipped grin.
"You see, I am in a somewhat unsavory position of having to explain to my employers just how their investment is going to be profitable. To that end, I would like to know which direction you intend to take this colony."
>>536613
"As you might imagine, it is far too early to be able to determine such a matter. Of course, if we find mineral riches or some other, abundant resources, ships will be able to transport them back to the mainland. I feel that the first matter to be taken care of is securing the colony, charting the nearby lands and making contact with any people we might come across."
"As you might imagine, it is far too early to be able to determine such a matter. Of course, if we find mineral riches or some other, abundant resources, ships will be able to transport them back to the mainland. I feel that the first matter to be taken care of is securing the colony, charting the nearby lands and making contact with any people we might come across."
>>536595
I nod at this and lay my things to the side.
"New and tired, I thought I will be the first Smith here but looks like someone has a brighter head than mine and saw the opportunity to come here earlier eh?" I grin at her.
"My name is Askeladd and the guards told me to come here if you need help." I offer my paws to her.
I nod at this and lay my things to the side.
"New and tired, I thought I will be the first Smith here but looks like someone has a brighter head than mine and saw the opportunity to come here earlier eh?" I grin at her.
"My name is Askeladd and the guards told me to come here if you need help." I offer my paws to her.
>>536601
First is Mayor Magistre herself; a mind-reader of considerable skill. Though cooperating with the Inquisition, her talents could be dangerous if she became corrupted.
Sticksen Stones is the appointed mage for the colony; a bit of an oddball and a graduate from Mage Academy, she has access to some impressively destructive spells.
a stallion named Amor also catches your eye, not so much for his magical records as for his lack thereof. The files seem a bit too sparse on his abilities.
Then there's Celery Stalk. A professor in Mage Academy at one point, his intellect was considered one of the prize possessions of the college, with several ground-breaking papers of his on the nature of Love magic being adopted into the academy's lessons. His presence here is… unexpected.
First is Mayor Magistre herself; a mind-reader of considerable skill. Though cooperating with the Inquisition, her talents could be dangerous if she became corrupted.
Sticksen Stones is the appointed mage for the colony; a bit of an oddball and a graduate from Mage Academy, she has access to some impressively destructive spells.
a stallion named Amor also catches your eye, not so much for his magical records as for his lack thereof. The files seem a bit too sparse on his abilities.
Then there's Celery Stalk. A professor in Mage Academy at one point, his intellect was considered one of the prize possessions of the college, with several ground-breaking papers of his on the nature of Love magic being adopted into the academy's lessons. His presence here is… unexpected.
>>536620
"Yup, came over with my dad! Still, I'm glad to have another smith around to help lighten the workload." She smiles up at you; you’re a full head taller than her, and you can’t see the bulky muscles you’d expect on a smith of any worth. “I’m Crookear, pleased ta-meetcha, Askeladd!” She eagerly thrusts a paw out to accept the handshake.
Roll.
>>536622
He sighs and rubs his brow. "I'm Twitchy, nice to meet you, yeah great, can this wait till later? I'm very busy right now."
>>536628
The stallion attempts to open a conversation with the goat. "So, what brings you to the new world? Hoping to grab some land for a farm?"
>>536619
"I appreciate that, but I need answers to more immediate concerns." Turning his back on you, he walks over to the window and starts looking at something you can't see. "The trees here seem to grow very large; ponies back home would pay handsomely for this timber. A few shiploads worth would more than cover the costs of investing in this colony. Yet some seem to disagree with this method of repayment."
"We need that wood!" Geneva snaps at him. "Most of the ponies here are sleeping in tents right now! Maybe once we've got roofs over our heads, we can start harvesting trees for you, but right now we need them!"
"Yup, came over with my dad! Still, I'm glad to have another smith around to help lighten the workload." She smiles up at you; you’re a full head taller than her, and you can’t see the bulky muscles you’d expect on a smith of any worth. “I’m Crookear, pleased ta-meetcha, Askeladd!” She eagerly thrusts a paw out to accept the handshake.
Roll.
>>536622
He sighs and rubs his brow. "I'm Twitchy, nice to meet you, yeah great, can this wait till later? I'm very busy right now."
>>536628
The stallion attempts to open a conversation with the goat. "So, what brings you to the new world? Hoping to grab some land for a farm?"
>>536619
"I appreciate that, but I need answers to more immediate concerns." Turning his back on you, he walks over to the window and starts looking at something you can't see. "The trees here seem to grow very large; ponies back home would pay handsomely for this timber. A few shiploads worth would more than cover the costs of investing in this colony. Yet some seem to disagree with this method of repayment."
"We need that wood!" Geneva snaps at him. "Most of the ponies here are sleeping in tents right now! Maybe once we've got roofs over our heads, we can start harvesting trees for you, but right now we need them!"
>>536636
"I have to agree with Miss Geneva on this matter. Without proper shelter, the colony will be subject to the weather's whims. Houses to shelter ponies are needed. This is not a short term investment. Taking that wood now would never pay of as well as what could possibly come in the future, once everything is up and running."
"I have to agree with Miss Geneva on this matter. Without proper shelter, the colony will be subject to the weather's whims. Houses to shelter ponies are needed. This is not a short term investment. Taking that wood now would never pay of as well as what could possibly come in the future, once everything is up and running."
>>536633
It's still early spring, but the area seems to be in a small heat wave. Your expertly cooled drinks are perfect for fighting the heat. Ponies start to gather around the bar.
>>536637
"Tomorrow, eight in the morning- no, Inventorying seeds then; maybe noon- no, catalogueing food stores- Later tonight, once all the supplies are stored and catalogued, say around eight? Yes, eight should work, glad we had this talk, move along now." With that, he's off again.
It's still early spring, but the area seems to be in a small heat wave. Your expertly cooled drinks are perfect for fighting the heat. Ponies start to gather around the bar.
>>536637
"Tomorrow, eight in the morning- no, Inventorying seeds then; maybe noon- no, catalogueing food stores- Later tonight, once all the supplies are stored and catalogued, say around eight? Yes, eight should work, glad we had this talk, move along now." With that, he's off again.
>>536641
Geneva seems surprised but happy at your support. Bean hums to himself. "Hmn, yes, you have a point. However, there's also the matter of food. While the supplies just brought in should last for six months, our ship will not return until eight months from now. In the meantime, you will need to find ways to gather enough to sustain yourselves until we return."
>>536643
They chat for a while; the goat is here because apparently her husband is one of the colony's guards, the unicorn seems to be looking to start a family of his own. Eventually, you get to where they're assigning places and are directed to the tent you'll be staying in until homes can be built. It seems you'll be sharing your tent with your nature friend and two other ponies.
Geneva seems surprised but happy at your support. Bean hums to himself. "Hmn, yes, you have a point. However, there's also the matter of food. While the supplies just brought in should last for six months, our ship will not return until eight months from now. In the meantime, you will need to find ways to gather enough to sustain yourselves until we return."
>>536643
They chat for a while; the goat is here because apparently her husband is one of the colony's guards, the unicorn seems to be looking to start a family of his own. Eventually, you get to where they're assigning places and are directed to the tent you'll be staying in until homes can be built. It seems you'll be sharing your tent with your nature friend and two other ponies.
>>536645
They eagerly come in, and you start to make a decent profit. They all seem eager to talk, most looking forward to starting a new life here.
>>536644
He looks up as you approach. "Can I help you, ma'am?"
>>536646
You swear you can hear bones crack as your paw gets crushed in a vise-like grip. You realize too late that her muscles are toned to a ridiculous level, hence how she's able to work a smithy. Seeing your pained expression, she quickly releases her grip, paws flying to her mouth. "Sorry!"
They eagerly come in, and you start to make a decent profit. They all seem eager to talk, most looking forward to starting a new life here.
>>536644
He looks up as you approach. "Can I help you, ma'am?"
>>536646
You swear you can hear bones crack as your paw gets crushed in a vise-like grip. You realize too late that her muscles are toned to a ridiculous level, hence how she's able to work a smithy. Seeing your pained expression, she quickly releases her grip, paws flying to her mouth. "Sorry!"
>>536652
"Mhm." He doesn't seem to acknowledge your response as he turns from the window and approaches you. "Would you mind coming with me? I believe I should show you something."
>>536655
Wheat Fields mirrors your thoughts, only she says them aloud. She gives you an appraising eye. "You don't look like a snorer…"
>>536657
He gestures towards a desk where several of the other settlers seem to have gathered.
>>536660
A zebra in armor and a mace at his side comes up and orders a drink. He's middle-aged, bearing several scars from past battles and, more interestingly, the symbol of Celestia. He keeps scanning the crowd hopefully before returning to his drink.
"Mhm." He doesn't seem to acknowledge your response as he turns from the window and approaches you. "Would you mind coming with me? I believe I should show you something."
>>536655
Wheat Fields mirrors your thoughts, only she says them aloud. She gives you an appraising eye. "You don't look like a snorer…"
>>536657
He gestures towards a desk where several of the other settlers seem to have gathered.
>>536660
A zebra in armor and a mace at his side comes up and orders a drink. He's middle-aged, bearing several scars from past battles and, more interestingly, the symbol of Celestia. He keeps scanning the crowd hopefully before returning to his drink.
>>536668
"Actually," Geneva interjects, "Ah believe I will come with you." She glares pointedly at String Bean, who regards her indifferently.
>>536669
She shrugs. "How am I supposed to know? It's not like we've slept together before!"
>>536670
"Good," he grunts while sipping his drink. "Hoping to see my wife soon. She arrived on the ship today; pretty little goat with her mane in a braid. Have you seen her?" He seems eager to find her.
>>536671
Most of the crowd has already been assigned quarters, so the wait is minimal. Soon you're assigned a tent that you'll be sharing with three other ponies and told where you can find it.
"Actually," Geneva interjects, "Ah believe I will come with you." She glares pointedly at String Bean, who regards her indifferently.
>>536669
She shrugs. "How am I supposed to know? It's not like we've slept together before!"
>>536670
"Good," he grunts while sipping his drink. "Hoping to see my wife soon. She arrived on the ship today; pretty little goat with her mane in a braid. Have you seen her?" He seems eager to find her.
>>536671
Most of the crowd has already been assigned quarters, so the wait is minimal. Soon you're assigned a tent that you'll be sharing with three other ponies and told where you can find it.
>>536679
"No!" She scrunches. "I'm bored. Let's go check out that soil!"
>>536681
She pauses, as if she'd expected you to argue, then nods and follows you. String Bean leads you out of the courthouse and begins making his way towards the gates.
>>536682
A griffon returns your smile and turns away from the remaining settlers for a moment. "Well, I'm not sure about stuff like robberies or break-ins, but there's definitely a lot of mysteries that could use solving! Ponies say they see ponies in the woods, but when they turn around they're gone; figuring out which areas are safe and which are dangerous. Someone even said they found some kind of building out there on a scouting trip! Can you imagine?"
"No!" She scrunches. "I'm bored. Let's go check out that soil!"
>>536681
She pauses, as if she'd expected you to argue, then nods and follows you. String Bean leads you out of the courthouse and begins making his way towards the gates.
>>536682
A griffon returns your smile and turns away from the remaining settlers for a moment. "Well, I'm not sure about stuff like robberies or break-ins, but there's definitely a lot of mysteries that could use solving! Ponies say they see ponies in the woods, but when they turn around they're gone; figuring out which areas are safe and which are dangerous. Someone even said they found some kind of building out there on a scouting trip! Can you imagine?"
>>536691
"The scouting party should return sometime this afternoon, you can ask them if you can join! Sorry if it's not the kind of work you're used to, but we don't have much crime here."
The mare next to him snorts. "Give it time, sug. You'll start getting cases soon enough." You see >>536694 being led towards the gates by a unicorn.
>>536694
"I intend to show you the fields you will be working with, so you better understand my position."
Geneva sidles up against you and whispers in your ear. "Watch yourself around him. He has a knack for making anything sound reasonable, whether it is or not."
>>536698
Seems several other ponies have the same idea, heading out the gates to inspect the fields just outside the town.
>>536700
You immediately recall a female goat you met during the voyage over; she was in her early fifties, and was pleasant conversation, even letting meditate with her. She'd talked about a husband serving as a God Fist who had left on an earlier ship to make sure the colony was defended. In fact, you see her right now, approaching the bar.
"The scouting party should return sometime this afternoon, you can ask them if you can join! Sorry if it's not the kind of work you're used to, but we don't have much crime here."
The mare next to him snorts. "Give it time, sug. You'll start getting cases soon enough." You see >>536694 being led towards the gates by a unicorn.
>>536694
"I intend to show you the fields you will be working with, so you better understand my position."
Geneva sidles up against you and whispers in your ear. "Watch yourself around him. He has a knack for making anything sound reasonable, whether it is or not."
>>536698
Seems several other ponies have the same idea, heading out the gates to inspect the fields just outside the town.
>>536700
You immediately recall a female goat you met during the voyage over; she was in her early fifties, and was pleasant conversation, even letting meditate with her. She'd talked about a husband serving as a God Fist who had left on an earlier ship to make sure the colony was defended. In fact, you see her right now, approaching the bar.
>>536703
"Glad to hear it." Several other ponies are coming out to inspect the fields; most of them are probably looking to be farmers, considering the way they're attempting to inspect the soil.
>>536705
As you leave, you can hear the mare and griffon start arguing about whether a climb in crime rate is inevitable.
You have all left the walls of the town and entered the fields.(Except Askeladd) Created by cutting down trees to build the town, stumps are still everywhere, as are several bushes and some thorny brambles. The clearing stretches quite some distance from the walls before reaching the edge of the forest.
"Glad to hear it." Several other ponies are coming out to inspect the fields; most of them are probably looking to be farmers, considering the way they're attempting to inspect the soil.
>>536705
As you leave, you can hear the mare and griffon start arguing about whether a climb in crime rate is inevitable.
You have all left the walls of the town and entered the fields.(Except Askeladd) Created by cutting down trees to build the town, stumps are still everywhere, as are several bushes and some thorny brambles. The clearing stretches quite some distance from the walls before reaching the edge of the forest.
>>536714
As if eager to be found, finding different plants comes one after the other. Many species you recognize, some you don't. They are all impressively large. You even manage to find some rare herbs used in your more complicated potions and store them away for later.
>>536716
As he sees her, a wide smile breaks out on his face. Rising from his seat, he half-runs, half-jumps to her, wrapping her in his embrace and cutting off her surprised squeak with a passionate kiss. At first she tenses, but as she recognizes him she relaxes, eyes fluttering as she wraps her hooves around him.
>>536721
"As you can see, there are still stumps everywhere. The reason is simple: these trees have unusually strong roots. Digging them up will be a headache and a half."
As if eager to be found, finding different plants comes one after the other. Many species you recognize, some you don't. They are all impressively large. You even manage to find some rare herbs used in your more complicated potions and store them away for later.
>>536716
As he sees her, a wide smile breaks out on his face. Rising from his seat, he half-runs, half-jumps to her, wrapping her in his embrace and cutting off her surprised squeak with a passionate kiss. At first she tenses, but as she recognizes him she relaxes, eyes fluttering as she wraps her hooves around him.
>>536721
"As you can see, there are still stumps everywhere. The reason is simple: these trees have unusually strong roots. Digging them up will be a headache and a half."
>>536732
Well, more like middle-aged love. Eventually, the kiss breaks, giving the goat an opportunity to nuzzle under his chin. "I've missed you, Zephyr."
"And I you, Cheva."
>>536731
The soil seems extremely fertile, perfect for growing herbs for your potions. Which is strange considering how close you are to the ocean. Wheat Fields is more interested in the stumps. "Check these out, these root systems must stretch ridiculously far! They're going to be a real pain to dig up, I'll tell you that now."
>>536728
You jump as Bean speaks up, and the spell backfires, laying your mind wide open for her.
>>536729
Suddenly, you know every thought that's going through Magistre's head; her worries about running the colony, irritation towards the unicorn leading her around, uncertainty towards the jenny… Oh, and the fact that she just tried to read your f#$king mind!
Your startled shriek echoes both in the mind-space and through the field, turning all eyes toward you.
Well, more like middle-aged love. Eventually, the kiss breaks, giving the goat an opportunity to nuzzle under his chin. "I've missed you, Zephyr."
"And I you, Cheva."
>>536731
The soil seems extremely fertile, perfect for growing herbs for your potions. Which is strange considering how close you are to the ocean. Wheat Fields is more interested in the stumps. "Check these out, these root systems must stretch ridiculously far! They're going to be a real pain to dig up, I'll tell you that now."
>>536728
You jump as Bean speaks up, and the spell backfires, laying your mind wide open for her.
>>536729
Suddenly, you know every thought that's going through Magistre's head; her worries about running the colony, irritation towards the unicorn leading her around, uncertainty towards the jenny… Oh, and the fact that she just tried to read your f#$king mind!
Your startled shriek echoes both in the mind-space and through the field, turning all eyes toward you.
>>536745
Her cheeks are red, and she starts rubbing her paws nervously. "I'm really, really sorry about that, I'm usually better at controlling that!"
>>536748
Several pairs of eyes linger, but eventually they return to exploring the fields. String Bean looks very miffed. "As I was saying, the work required to clear these fiends is too great to justify trying to make all the land stripped of trees harvestable. Even if you did focus on getting crops planted, it would be impossible to get enough crops growing to sustain the colony the three months between when your stores will run out and the ships arrive. Not to mention you wouldn't have anything to send back. And that would not go over well with the investors."
>>536751
Yeah, it sure will. Man, look at the size of this stuff! I've never seen rasberry bushes this big!"
>>536752
The middle-aged couple's relationship has been noted.
Her cheeks are red, and she starts rubbing her paws nervously. "I'm really, really sorry about that, I'm usually better at controlling that!"
>>536748
Several pairs of eyes linger, but eventually they return to exploring the fields. String Bean looks very miffed. "As I was saying, the work required to clear these fiends is too great to justify trying to make all the land stripped of trees harvestable. Even if you did focus on getting crops planted, it would be impossible to get enough crops growing to sustain the colony the three months between when your stores will run out and the ships arrive. Not to mention you wouldn't have anything to send back. And that would not go over well with the investors."
>>536751
Yeah, it sure will. Man, look at the size of this stuff! I've never seen rasberry bushes this big!"
>>536752
The middle-aged couple's relationship has been noted.
>>536771
His horn ignites, and a bush nearby rustles as he pull something from it. "Even if you devote all your effort to crops now, you'd at best remain self-sustaining, and would not have anything left for winter. On the other hand, look at these." He floats the things from the bush to you; several raspberries twice the size of any you've seen before. "The already-present food-producing plants provide far more food than what you'll be able to grow. If you focus on foraging with some minimal development of a pittance of land for farming, you should not only be able to collect enough food to survive, but also be able to harvest more trees to send back."
>>536772
"I don't know, why not try them all?" She laughs and does a little twirl. "Man, this is awesome!"
>>536774
You don't see any sign of ponies returning anywhere.
All of you, roll a d10.
>>536778
Cheva gives him a sultry grin, then with a movement faster than you can track, she has his hoof locked behind his back and his knees buckled. Leaning up and whispering something in his ear, she giggles as his eyes widen, then shrieks happily as he grabs her and goes tearing off to who-knows-where. Their departure is met with several good-natured whistles and catcalls from the crowd.
His horn ignites, and a bush nearby rustles as he pull something from it. "Even if you devote all your effort to crops now, you'd at best remain self-sustaining, and would not have anything left for winter. On the other hand, look at these." He floats the things from the bush to you; several raspberries twice the size of any you've seen before. "The already-present food-producing plants provide far more food than what you'll be able to grow. If you focus on foraging with some minimal development of a pittance of land for farming, you should not only be able to collect enough food to survive, but also be able to harvest more trees to send back."
>>536772
"I don't know, why not try them all?" She laughs and does a little twirl. "Man, this is awesome!"
>>536774
You don't see any sign of ponies returning anywhere.
All of you, roll a d10.
>>536778
Cheva gives him a sultry grin, then with a movement faster than you can track, she has his hoof locked behind his back and his knees buckled. Leaning up and whispering something in his ear, she giggles as his eyes widen, then shrieks happily as he grabs her and goes tearing off to who-knows-where. Their departure is met with several good-natured whistles and catcalls from the crowd.
>>536786
Other than various conversations and other noises from the settlers, it's completely quiet, giving you no reprieve from the thoughts reeling through your head at knowing the Mayor tried to read your mind. You also realize that some of the things you saw in her head were of a… 'private' nature. Attempting to not think about them only makes it worse.
Roll again, this time with a -1 penalty.
>>536788
Not really, just your average settlers here for a drink.
>>536789
>>536794
He seems to think about this for a moment. "I admit, the idea is intriguing. However, what do the investors stand to gain from this?"
You can't help but notice how quiet it is. Much more pleasant than the hustle and bustle of Canterlot.
>>536790
While the building is roughshod, the forge itself is one that any smith would feel proud of.
"Axe heads are the order of the day for now. Nails and brackets are also in high demand."
>>536793
While Wheat Fields continues to gush about what she's going to grow, you can't help but feel a sense of dread, like something's not quite right… and then it hits you. Everything's quiet. There aren't any bird calls or any sounds coming from the forest.
Even the seagulls have fallen silent.
The realization hits that when the woods go silent, it's usually caused by one thing…
Suddenly, you are very nervous about your proximity to the woods.
Everyone in the fields, roll again. You are still able to take actions as normal.
Other than various conversations and other noises from the settlers, it's completely quiet, giving you no reprieve from the thoughts reeling through your head at knowing the Mayor tried to read your mind. You also realize that some of the things you saw in her head were of a… 'private' nature. Attempting to not think about them only makes it worse.
Roll again, this time with a -1 penalty.
>>536788
Not really, just your average settlers here for a drink.
>>536789
>>536794
He seems to think about this for a moment. "I admit, the idea is intriguing. However, what do the investors stand to gain from this?"
You can't help but notice how quiet it is. Much more pleasant than the hustle and bustle of Canterlot.
>>536790
While the building is roughshod, the forge itself is one that any smith would feel proud of.
"Axe heads are the order of the day for now. Nails and brackets are also in high demand."
>>536793
While Wheat Fields continues to gush about what she's going to grow, you can't help but feel a sense of dread, like something's not quite right… and then it hits you. Everything's quiet. There aren't any bird calls or any sounds coming from the forest.
Even the seagulls have fallen silent.
The realization hits that when the woods go silent, it's usually caused by one thing…
Suddenly, you are very nervous about your proximity to the woods.
Everyone in the fields, roll again. You are still able to take actions as normal.
>>536795
Quiet is perfect for some outdoor reading, or doing paperwork.
"As I have stated before, once the surrounding areas have been charted, we can assess the resources. I am sure that there are plenty of them, but the more we are allowed on the growth of the colony at first, the more that will pay later. A bigger settlement means more ponypower to harvest whatever we find."
Quiet is perfect for some outdoor reading, or doing paperwork.
"As I have stated before, once the surrounding areas have been charted, we can assess the resources. I am sure that there are plenty of them, but the more we are allowed on the growth of the colony at first, the more that will pay later. A bigger settlement means more ponypower to harvest whatever we find."
>>536797
>>536802
Wheat Fields grows quiet at this. "Ambrosia..?" she asks hesitantly as she flies behind you. "What do you see?"
Any response you could come up with vanishes as the brush rustles, barely giving you enough warning to sidestep as branches and bark tear through the space you occupied mere moments ago. You find yourself facing down a very large timberwolf. He growls and adopts a crouched stance and begins to circle you.
>>536796
As you find a stump to sit on, some of the brush explodes towards you. Acting on instinct, you kick your legs out, throwing it over your head as you roll off the stump. Regaining your feet, you find yourself facing a very angry timberwolf with a scar across his eye.
>>536798
Ambrosia's behavior put you on your guard, so when a timberwolf lunges from the woods you are able to duck under it with ease. Upset at it's failure, it turns its attention to Geneva, lunging at her with open jaws.
>>536805
Out on a scouting trip, according to the note he left you.
Your ears perk at the sound of screaming coming from the fields. Several other ponies notice as well and fall quiet.
>>536808
She smiles and opens her mouth to say something, then freezes as you both begin to hear screaming from the fields.
The other settlers in the fields are in a panic at the unexpected ambush. Two of them weren't fast enough, their screams tearing through the air as timberwolves swarm them. One timberwolf bigger than the rest tilts his head back and howls.
Alpha Timberwolf: 18/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 6/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/4 hits remaining Settler #2: 2/5 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/5 hits remaining
Julia: 5/5 hits remaining
As the screams reach the town, the bell begins to clang the alarm. Reinforcements will arrive shortly.
>>536802
Wheat Fields grows quiet at this. "Ambrosia..?" she asks hesitantly as she flies behind you. "What do you see?"
Any response you could come up with vanishes as the brush rustles, barely giving you enough warning to sidestep as branches and bark tear through the space you occupied mere moments ago. You find yourself facing down a very large timberwolf. He growls and adopts a crouched stance and begins to circle you.
>>536796
As you find a stump to sit on, some of the brush explodes towards you. Acting on instinct, you kick your legs out, throwing it over your head as you roll off the stump. Regaining your feet, you find yourself facing a very angry timberwolf with a scar across his eye.
>>536798
Ambrosia's behavior put you on your guard, so when a timberwolf lunges from the woods you are able to duck under it with ease. Upset at it's failure, it turns its attention to Geneva, lunging at her with open jaws.
>>536805
Out on a scouting trip, according to the note he left you.
Your ears perk at the sound of screaming coming from the fields. Several other ponies notice as well and fall quiet.
>>536808
She smiles and opens her mouth to say something, then freezes as you both begin to hear screaming from the fields.
The other settlers in the fields are in a panic at the unexpected ambush. Two of them weren't fast enough, their screams tearing through the air as timberwolves swarm them. One timberwolf bigger than the rest tilts his head back and howls.
Alpha Timberwolf: 18/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 6/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/4 hits remaining Settler #2: 2/5 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/5 hits remaining
Julia: 5/5 hits remaining
As the screams reach the town, the bell begins to clang the alarm. Reinforcements will arrive shortly.
>>536810
The timberwolf yelps as you crash into him spraying sap from several cuts in his back. Backing away, he and two others begin circling you.
>>536811
You're a lot faster than the rest, who have to go back to their tents or the armory to retrieve their weapons. You find several timberwolves attacking the colonists; two of the colonists are trapped and getting swarmed by timberwolves.
>>536812
Your shot blasts bark off the top of it's head, snapping its head to the side as the jaws miss her by inches. In a moment of panic, she headbutts the timberwolf, sending them both reeling and clutching their heads.
>>536813
Crookear joins you, carrying a surprisingly-modest longsword. Your sword is sharpened and ready to go as you find a pack of timberwolves attacking the colonists. Two colonists are already pinned.
>>536814
He dodges faster than any wolf you've seen before, managing to land a powerful bite on your shoulder.
Another settler screams as she gets caught by the timberwolves, the others cries growing louder as the wolves tear into them.
Alpha Timberwolf: 18/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining #+1 to all rolls against this creature next turn
Limping Timberwolf: 6/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/4 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/4 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 3/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/5 hits remaining
Julia: 5/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: 5/5 hits remaining
You see a distant form fly up from the town, pause, then take off higher into the sky.
Captain Cloud Cutter arrives in: 3 turns
The timberwolf yelps as you crash into him spraying sap from several cuts in his back. Backing away, he and two others begin circling you.
>>536811
You're a lot faster than the rest, who have to go back to their tents or the armory to retrieve their weapons. You find several timberwolves attacking the colonists; two of the colonists are trapped and getting swarmed by timberwolves.
>>536812
Your shot blasts bark off the top of it's head, snapping its head to the side as the jaws miss her by inches. In a moment of panic, she headbutts the timberwolf, sending them both reeling and clutching their heads.
>>536813
Crookear joins you, carrying a surprisingly-modest longsword. Your sword is sharpened and ready to go as you find a pack of timberwolves attacking the colonists. Two colonists are already pinned.
>>536814
He dodges faster than any wolf you've seen before, managing to land a powerful bite on your shoulder.
Another settler screams as she gets caught by the timberwolves, the others cries growing louder as the wolves tear into them.
Alpha Timberwolf: 18/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining #+1 to all rolls against this creature next turn
Limping Timberwolf: 6/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/4 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/4 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 3/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/5 hits remaining
Julia: 5/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: 5/5 hits remaining
You see a distant form fly up from the town, pause, then take off higher into the sky.
Captain Cloud Cutter arrives in: 3 turns
>>536816
You knock one of them of and have succeeded in diverting their attention. Crookear goes after one as well.
>>536817
you don't have lifestream. One of them gets a lucky lunge and scores a hit on you.
>>536818
Which wolf? unable to settle on a single target, your shot goes wide, allowing one to get close and claw you!
>>536819
In your haste to reload, you accidentally use too much gunpowder. the resulting explosion knocks you on your back. You look up to see a very large timberwolf growling down at you.
>>536820
This time you strike true, making him recoil and snarl at you.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 5/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/3 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/3 hits remaining
Captain Cloud Cutter arrives in: 2 turns
You knock one of them of and have succeeded in diverting their attention. Crookear goes after one as well.
>>536817
you don't have lifestream. One of them gets a lucky lunge and scores a hit on you.
>>536818
Which wolf? unable to settle on a single target, your shot goes wide, allowing one to get close and claw you!
>>536819
In your haste to reload, you accidentally use too much gunpowder. the resulting explosion knocks you on your back. You look up to see a very large timberwolf growling down at you.
>>536820
This time you strike true, making him recoil and snarl at you.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 10/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 5/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining
Settler #1: Helpless/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/3 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/3 hits remaining
Captain Cloud Cutter arrives in: 2 turns
>>536823
He intercepts your charge and slams you into the ground, knocking the wind out of you. His jaws are about to close around your neck when a yellow blur slams into him. "Leave her alone, you meany!"
>>536824
It's already in too close, knocking your rifle aside and knocking you to the ground. Fangs sink deep into your leg, leaving a bloody gash that redefines how you know pain.
>>536825
Your strikes leave the wolf staggering, his packmates closing between you and him. Crookear cracks one of them in the head for their trouble.
>>536826
Earth hard as granite surrounds your fist as you slam down on top of one, splintering it from nose to tail.
>>536827
You get up in time to see Geneva buck the timberwolf in the shins. She throws you your pistol, already reloaded, and gives you a nod.
lpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 8/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: helpless/3 hits remaining
One of the settlers manages to pull himself up, but he's hurt bad. Another is still down, but is no longer being harrassed by wolves, as they are focusing on Julia now. The last ones cries slowly grow weaker as the wolves start to drag him towards the forest.
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/3 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/2 hits remaining
Ambrosia: helpless/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/4 hits remaining
Julia: 3/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/4 hits remaining
HELP ARRIVES NEXT TURN
He intercepts your charge and slams you into the ground, knocking the wind out of you. His jaws are about to close around your neck when a yellow blur slams into him. "Leave her alone, you meany!"
>>536824
It's already in too close, knocking your rifle aside and knocking you to the ground. Fangs sink deep into your leg, leaving a bloody gash that redefines how you know pain.
>>536825
Your strikes leave the wolf staggering, his packmates closing between you and him. Crookear cracks one of them in the head for their trouble.
>>536826
Earth hard as granite surrounds your fist as you slam down on top of one, splintering it from nose to tail.
>>536827
You get up in time to see Geneva buck the timberwolf in the shins. She throws you your pistol, already reloaded, and gives you a nod.
lpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 8/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: helpless/3 hits remaining
One of the settlers manages to pull himself up, but he's hurt bad. Another is still down, but is no longer being harrassed by wolves, as they are focusing on Julia now. The last ones cries slowly grow weaker as the wolves start to drag him towards the forest.
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/3 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/2 hits remaining
Ambrosia: helpless/5 hits remaining
Magistre: 5/4 hits remaining
Julia: 3/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/4 hits remaining
HELP ARRIVES NEXT TURN
>>536830
You get up just in time to see the Alpha catch Wheat Field's leg in his jaws, whipping his head and slamming her into a tree. Her whole body spasms, then goes limp.
>>536831
Your old bones are more brittle than you thought, allowing the wolves to tear into you without mercy.
>>536832
You almost reach him before you're tackled from behind. you can hear jaws snapping as it tries to get a grip on your neck.
>>536833
Another one crashes into your side, sending your shot wild.
With a roar, the rest of the settlement arrives on the scene, armed to the teeth. Seeing this, the Alpha gives a howl that is echoed by the rest as they begin to back away.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 8/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/2 hits remaining
One settler has stopped struggling altogether, the other's movements are feeble and inneffective as they are picked up by the timberwolves.
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/2 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/1 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/4 hits remaining
Magistre: 1/4 hits remaining
Julia: Helpless/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/2 hits remaining
#
The wolves turn to the forest and begin to leave with their prey.
You get up just in time to see the Alpha catch Wheat Field's leg in his jaws, whipping his head and slamming her into a tree. Her whole body spasms, then goes limp.
>>536831
Your old bones are more brittle than you thought, allowing the wolves to tear into you without mercy.
>>536832
You almost reach him before you're tackled from behind. you can hear jaws snapping as it tries to get a grip on your neck.
>>536833
Another one crashes into your side, sending your shot wild.
With a roar, the rest of the settlement arrives on the scene, armed to the teeth. Seeing this, the Alpha gives a howl that is echoed by the rest as they begin to back away.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 hits remaining
Large Timberwolf: 8/4 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: 8/3 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 8/2 hits remaining
One settler has stopped struggling altogether, the other's movements are feeble and inneffective as they are picked up by the timberwolves.
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: helpless/2 hits remaining
Settler #3: helpless/1 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/4 hits remaining
Magistre: 1/4 hits remaining
Julia: Helpless/5 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/2 hits remaining
#
The wolves turn to the forest and begin to leave with their prey.
>>536835
You're able to get up as the wolves vanish back into the forest.
>>536836
You manage to fish the right potion out of your pack and throw it at the settler, exploding in a cloud of green dust. Coughing, he comes back to life and starts struggling against the wolves.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see the Alpha struggling to drag Wheat into the forest. She's fighting with all she's got, but she's losing.
>>536837
They're gone, but not before one last parting blow splits your stomach wide open. You should probably avoid moving as much as possible.
>>536838
Your shot hits the settler Ambrosia just healed, sending him into shock.
As the rest of the settlers arrive the wolves turn tail and return to the forest.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 Gone
Large Timberwolf: Gone Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: Gone Strange Timberwolf: Gone
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: Gone
Settler #3: helpless/1 hits remaining Wheat Fields: Helpless/2 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/4 hits remaining
Magistre: 1/4 hits remaining
Julia: 5/4 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/1 hits remaining
#The wolves are almost completely gone.
You're able to get up as the wolves vanish back into the forest.
>>536836
You manage to fish the right potion out of your pack and throw it at the settler, exploding in a cloud of green dust. Coughing, he comes back to life and starts struggling against the wolves.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see the Alpha struggling to drag Wheat into the forest. She's fighting with all she's got, but she's losing.
>>536837
They're gone, but not before one last parting blow splits your stomach wide open. You should probably avoid moving as much as possible.
>>536838
Your shot hits the settler Ambrosia just healed, sending him into shock.
As the rest of the settlers arrive the wolves turn tail and return to the forest.
Alpha Timberwolf: 15/8 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 6/3 Gone
Large Timberwolf: Gone Strange Timberwolf: 3/3 hits remaining
Limping Timberwolf: 1/2 hits remaining Strange Timberwolf: 5/3 hits remaining
Scarred Timberwolf: Gone Strange Timberwolf: Gone
Settler #1: 3/3 hits remaining Settler #2: Gone
Settler #3: helpless/1 hits remaining Wheat Fields: Helpless/2 hits remaining
Ambrosia: 5/4 hits remaining
Magistre: 1/4 hits remaining
Julia: 5/4 hits remaining
Askeladd: 7/5 hits remaining
Figworth: Helpless/1 hits remaining
#The wolves are almost completely gone.
>>536840
You hit him in the jaw hard enough to send shards of wood spraying everywhere, forcing him to drop Wheat Fields. He gives you a long look before turning and vanishing after his pack.
>>536841
The branches and thorny vines make navigating though the forest difficult, but you manage to catch up to the wolf carrying one of the settlers. Act fast before you lose them for good.
>>536843
Your shot barely nicks the wolf carrying one of the settlers, but it's enough to stagger him as he dissappears into the forest. Maybe someone can catch him before he gets away?
>>536842
It's a strange sensation, watching what you assume was your breakfast making it's way through your intestines. Luckily, they seem to have missed rupturing anything, though the way it's sloshing about is decidedly unsettling.
Sweetherb rushed to your side, gasping as she sees the extent of the damage. "Stars above! All right, I need you to take deep breaths and hold very still."
You hit him in the jaw hard enough to send shards of wood spraying everywhere, forcing him to drop Wheat Fields. He gives you a long look before turning and vanishing after his pack.
>>536841
The branches and thorny vines make navigating though the forest difficult, but you manage to catch up to the wolf carrying one of the settlers. Act fast before you lose them for good.
>>536843
Your shot barely nicks the wolf carrying one of the settlers, but it's enough to stagger him as he dissappears into the forest. Maybe someone can catch him before he gets away?
>>536842
It's a strange sensation, watching what you assume was your breakfast making it's way through your intestines. Luckily, they seem to have missed rupturing anything, though the way it's sloshing about is decidedly unsettling.
Sweetherb rushed to your side, gasping as she sees the extent of the damage. "Stars above! All right, I need you to take deep breaths and hold very still."
>>536845
You hit him hard enough to make him drop the settler, though it's doubtful you did any real damage to him. He bares his teeth at you and snarls as he crouches aggressively over his prize.
>>536846
As you spread your wings, the injury to your shoulder makes itself known, sending you crashing to the ground in spasms.
>>536847
Letting loose a roar that would make and Ursa Major quake in fear, you tear through the woods after the timberwolf, catching up with him, then overtaking him and slamming him into a tree. The timberwolf takes one look at you and decides it's not worth the trouble, dissappearing into the forest with his tail between his legs. The settler, though unable to move, is still awake, and is staring at you wide-eyed. He's probably going to remember that.
You hit him hard enough to make him drop the settler, though it's doubtful you did any real damage to him. He bares his teeth at you and snarls as he crouches aggressively over his prize.
>>536846
As you spread your wings, the injury to your shoulder makes itself known, sending you crashing to the ground in spasms.
>>536847
Letting loose a roar that would make and Ursa Major quake in fear, you tear through the woods after the timberwolf, catching up with him, then overtaking him and slamming him into a tree. The timberwolf takes one look at you and decides it's not worth the trouble, dissappearing into the forest with his tail between his legs. The settler, though unable to move, is still awake, and is staring at you wide-eyed. He's probably going to remember that.
>>536849
Your eyes turn a blinding shade of white, energy crackling around your claws as you call upon this world's forces of nature. Storm clouds cast the world into shadow as far as the eye can see, bolts of lightning fill the skies and illuminate your visage. Right now, you are the spitting image of Gorth, the Griffonic God of Storms- minus the hammer.
The timberwolf runs like Cerberus himself is giving chase, yelping and baying like a frightened pup.
Too bad the settler was unconcious and missed the show.
>>536850
You find her standing over one of the settlers, her hair unkempt and covered in scratches and cuts from her mad dash through the woods. Her chest heaves with every breath, and as you approach she turns to face you, her eyes burning with an intensity that almost stops you in your tracks. Then in an instant it's gone, and the Mayor is once again normal, if a bit banged up.
>>536851
She avoids the stomach wound for now, choosing to focus on the gash in your leg. "First you go crazy on us, then you get you're head busted open, now you're lying here with your stomach torn open, and it's still not sunset yet!" She remarks grimly. "You're going to be a trouble patient, aren't you?"
Your eyes turn a blinding shade of white, energy crackling around your claws as you call upon this world's forces of nature. Storm clouds cast the world into shadow as far as the eye can see, bolts of lightning fill the skies and illuminate your visage. Right now, you are the spitting image of Gorth, the Griffonic God of Storms- minus the hammer.
The timberwolf runs like Cerberus himself is giving chase, yelping and baying like a frightened pup.
Too bad the settler was unconcious and missed the show.
>>536850
You find her standing over one of the settlers, her hair unkempt and covered in scratches and cuts from her mad dash through the woods. Her chest heaves with every breath, and as you approach she turns to face you, her eyes burning with an intensity that almost stops you in your tracks. Then in an instant it's gone, and the Mayor is once again normal, if a bit banged up.
>>536851
She avoids the stomach wound for now, choosing to focus on the gash in your leg. "First you go crazy on us, then you get you're head busted open, now you're lying here with your stomach torn open, and it's still not sunset yet!" She remarks grimly. "You're going to be a trouble patient, aren't you?"
>>536857
Grabbing an unfinished potion, you mix one of the herbs you harvested earlier into it, then have the settler drink it. After a moment he begins to glow green as his hide begins to stitch itself back together, becoming much more coherent.
Unfortunately, you don't know any potions strong enough to bring back his missing leg.
>>536858
As Ambrosia's potion takes effect, he shakes his head and blinks, then gives you an awed look. "You came after me. You could have just let them go, but you came back for me." He grunts in pain, tensing up as the gunshot wound begins to close until the round pops out. "Strange day today." He looks up and furrows his brow. "Didn't know we scheduled rain today." You realize that everything's suddenly gotten a lot darker, and that the sky is filled with stormclouds.
>>536855
Several settlers rush to help you as you emerge from the woods, laying him down gently next to Figworth and start putting pressure on his injuries. As you sit down on a stump and rest, you are approached by Captain Cloud Cutter. "Would you mind explaining what the HELL just happened here?!"
Grabbing an unfinished potion, you mix one of the herbs you harvested earlier into it, then have the settler drink it. After a moment he begins to glow green as his hide begins to stitch itself back together, becoming much more coherent.
Unfortunately, you don't know any potions strong enough to bring back his missing leg.
>>536858
As Ambrosia's potion takes effect, he shakes his head and blinks, then gives you an awed look. "You came after me. You could have just let them go, but you came back for me." He grunts in pain, tensing up as the gunshot wound begins to close until the round pops out. "Strange day today." He looks up and furrows his brow. "Didn't know we scheduled rain today." You realize that everything's suddenly gotten a lot darker, and that the sky is filled with stormclouds.
>>536855
Several settlers rush to help you as you emerge from the woods, laying him down gently next to Figworth and start putting pressure on his injuries. As you sit down on a stump and rest, you are approached by Captain Cloud Cutter. "Would you mind explaining what the HELL just happened here?!"
>>536854
She just shakes her head and returns to her work. The sky fills with storm clouds, though it doesn't quite click for several minutes. The adrenaline must be wearing off. You see Julia emerge from the woods carrying one of the settlers, who is promptly laid out next to you.
>>536863
"Yes, good idea," he murmurs, slumping against you. As you emerge from the woods, you are quickly led to another injured settler and, to your shock, Figworth, whose stomach is split wide open.
>>536864
"Thank you. I owe you… owe you one. Still shot me, though." He chuckes, then winces and clutches his chest.
As you emerge from the woods, almost every eye in the field turns to you. As Ambrosia carries the settler to the doctors, you find yourself the center of the colonies rather silent attention.
She just shakes her head and returns to her work. The sky fills with storm clouds, though it doesn't quite click for several minutes. The adrenaline must be wearing off. You see Julia emerge from the woods carrying one of the settlers, who is promptly laid out next to you.
>>536863
"Yes, good idea," he murmurs, slumping against you. As you emerge from the woods, you are quickly led to another injured settler and, to your shock, Figworth, whose stomach is split wide open.
>>536864
"Thank you. I owe you… owe you one. Still shot me, though." He chuckes, then winces and clutches his chest.
As you emerge from the woods, almost every eye in the field turns to you. As Ambrosia carries the settler to the doctors, you find yourself the center of the colonies rather silent attention.
>>536873
Nopony you recognize. Whoever he is, he's missing a leg and a few chunks of meat.
>>536874
Sweetherb is currently tending to Figworth. In the chaos, it's likely you were the only one who saw where Wheat Fields fell. The other settler sighs as your concoction knits most of his flesh back together, his chest beginning to rise and fall at a steady rate.
>>536875
Sorry about that.
Cutter fumes for a few minutes. "Wolves? is that all it was? Where the Fuck did they come from, and what the hell were they trying to do? Wolves don't attack large groups of ponies like that! Stragglers, sure, but that many ponies in one place?" His breathing is coming short and rapid.
>>536876
The crowd remains silent. Geneva approaches you slowly, looking you up and down. "Damn," she finally says, "You're one scary mare when you're angry."
Nopony you recognize. Whoever he is, he's missing a leg and a few chunks of meat.
>>536874
Sweetherb is currently tending to Figworth. In the chaos, it's likely you were the only one who saw where Wheat Fields fell. The other settler sighs as your concoction knits most of his flesh back together, his chest beginning to rise and fall at a steady rate.
>>536875
Sorry about that.
Cutter fumes for a few minutes. "Wolves? is that all it was? Where the Fuck did they come from, and what the hell were they trying to do? Wolves don't attack large groups of ponies like that! Stragglers, sure, but that many ponies in one place?" His breathing is coming short and rapid.
>>536876
The crowd remains silent. Geneva approaches you slowly, looking you up and down. "Damn," she finally says, "You're one scary mare when you're angry."
>>536879
She shakes her head and smiles. "That was crazy what you did. If the people didn't trust you to lead them before, they sure do now."
You notice your pistol lying where you dropped it when you went charging into the woods. Now that you think about it that probably wasn't the best decision.
>>536880
"That's good, keep talking, I need you to stay awake, okay?" She's working on closing your stomach now; it's very slow going.
>>536881
"Look, I'm not blaming you, I just…" Giving a cry of frustration, he kicks a stump, sending splinters flying. "DAMNIT! How the FUCK did we miss this?"
>>536882
When you find her, she's finally starting to stir. "Hey Ambs," she croaks weakly, "you dead too?" Her wing and two of her legs are broken, and the irregular lumps in her chest lead you to surmise she has several broken ribs.
She shakes her head and smiles. "That was crazy what you did. If the people didn't trust you to lead them before, they sure do now."
You notice your pistol lying where you dropped it when you went charging into the woods. Now that you think about it that probably wasn't the best decision.
>>536880
"That's good, keep talking, I need you to stay awake, okay?" She's working on closing your stomach now; it's very slow going.
>>536881
"Look, I'm not blaming you, I just…" Giving a cry of frustration, he kicks a stump, sending splinters flying. "DAMNIT! How the FUCK did we miss this?"
>>536882
When you find her, she's finally starting to stir. "Hey Ambs," she croaks weakly, "you dead too?" Her wing and two of her legs are broken, and the irregular lumps in her chest lead you to surmise she has several broken ribs.
>>536883
"It was mostly fields you know, so many fields. Hard to believe nowadays. Me and the other colts played out on the streets in the center of Manehattan. Streets were much less crowded then they are now. We could play with the ball, of course they didn't call them ball back then, it was a trop. That's what they called them, throw the trop. They stopped doing that when the flood came in manehattan, we had to all walk on the…"
Ramble ramble.
"It was mostly fields you know, so many fields. Hard to believe nowadays. Me and the other colts played out on the streets in the center of Manehattan. Streets were much less crowded then they are now. We could play with the ball, of course they didn't call them ball back then, it was a trop. That's what they called them, throw the trop. They stopped doing that when the flood came in manehattan, we had to all walk on the…"
Ramble ramble.
>>536884
"Really? Fuck… that means I'm stuck like this." She tries to laugh, but instead starts coughing violently. You fumble with your potion kit and accidentally drop a sneeze-inducing potion, covering both Wheat Fields and yourself. You both start sneezing uncontrollably, each sneeze sending her clutching her chest in agony.
>>536885
"Not just that, we need to be ready for them when they come back. From now on, nopony leaves the walls without an armed escort. We need to start training ponies how to fight so we can raise a militia if need be."
>>536887
Done. Your stomach is all stitched up. You find yourself drifting off as several strong legs pick you up and carry you inside the walls.
>>536886
"That's why they'll trust you. I agree, let's get everyone inside." Within a few minutes the whole colony is back inside the walls, the gates swinging shut on a much more solemn town.
PAUSE
"Really? Fuck… that means I'm stuck like this." She tries to laugh, but instead starts coughing violently. You fumble with your potion kit and accidentally drop a sneeze-inducing potion, covering both Wheat Fields and yourself. You both start sneezing uncontrollably, each sneeze sending her clutching her chest in agony.
>>536885
"Not just that, we need to be ready for them when they come back. From now on, nopony leaves the walls without an armed escort. We need to start training ponies how to fight so we can raise a militia if need be."
>>536887
Done. Your stomach is all stitched up. You find yourself drifting off as several strong legs pick you up and carry you inside the walls.
>>536886
"That's why they'll trust you. I agree, let's get everyone inside." Within a few minutes the whole colony is back inside the walls, the gates swinging shut on a much more solemn town.
PAUSE
>>536892
You bring her inside the town, the gates sliding shut behind you. As you take Wheat to the Townhouse which has been turned into a temporary hospital, you note that there are significantly more sentries posted on the wall, though most of them clearly don't know what they're doing.
When Sweetherb sees Wheat Fields, she heaves a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness!"
You bring her inside the town, the gates sliding shut behind you. As you take Wheat to the Townhouse which has been turned into a temporary hospital, you note that there are significantly more sentries posted on the wall, though most of them clearly don't know what they're doing.
When Sweetherb sees Wheat Fields, she heaves a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness!"
The town is in utter pandemonium in the aftermath of the attack, with everypony trying to find their friends and family, trying to figure out what exactly just happened. The walls are lined with armed townsponies whose eyes flick about nervously, searching the woods for any sign of movement. The once-sunny day is now overcast with rumbling storm clouds, a perfect mirror to the shift in attitude over the course of the last few hours.
Ambrosia
Some of the lower rooms in the Townhouse have been converted into a makeshift hospital, where the injured colonists are being cared for. Sweetherb is moving from patient to patient, doing what she can before moving on. All five injured ponies are stable, but their injuries will be slow to heal. You are currently watching over Wheat Fields, her leg and wing in casts. She's breathing, but is no longer awake.
Figworth
You are lying in bed in the makeshift hospital. Your stomach is sewn shut, but moving is still probably a bad idea. Everything hurts, even with the mild sedatives Sweetherb gave you. At least you no longer feel the urge to chew off your own leg.
Magistre
Your office has exploded into a shouting match between a furious Captain Cloud Cutter, an irritated String Bean, a frightened-looking pegasus stallion thin as a rail, and some haughty unicorn in Mage Academy robes. Geneva is busy trying to keep the populace calm and away from the office, so you have to deal with this yourself.
Julia
You are currently checking the walls for any potential breaches or weak spots at Cloud Cutter's request. You hear shouting along the walls, then hear the gates being opened.
Askeladd
You and Crookear are currently in the forge, working on making additional weapons for the town. Crookear turns to you with a worried expression. "What the heck was all that? Were we seriously just attacked by timberwolves?"
Ambrosia
Some of the lower rooms in the Townhouse have been converted into a makeshift hospital, where the injured colonists are being cared for. Sweetherb is moving from patient to patient, doing what she can before moving on. All five injured ponies are stable, but their injuries will be slow to heal. You are currently watching over Wheat Fields, her leg and wing in casts. She's breathing, but is no longer awake.
Figworth
You are lying in bed in the makeshift hospital. Your stomach is sewn shut, but moving is still probably a bad idea. Everything hurts, even with the mild sedatives Sweetherb gave you. At least you no longer feel the urge to chew off your own leg.
Magistre
Your office has exploded into a shouting match between a furious Captain Cloud Cutter, an irritated String Bean, a frightened-looking pegasus stallion thin as a rail, and some haughty unicorn in Mage Academy robes. Geneva is busy trying to keep the populace calm and away from the office, so you have to deal with this yourself.
Julia
You are currently checking the walls for any potential breaches or weak spots at Cloud Cutter's request. You hear shouting along the walls, then hear the gates being opened.
Askeladd
You and Crookear are currently in the forge, working on making additional weapons for the town. Crookear turns to you with a worried expression. "What the heck was all that? Were we seriously just attacked by timberwolves?"
>>537752
It takes a minute, but you finally get everyone to quiet down. The first to speak is Captain Cloud Cutter. "I don't think I need to tell you that we can't let this happen again."
>>537753
Some mild sedatives, but it appears that Sweetherb is having to focus on keeping them stable at the moment. Luckily, two others beside Wheat are unconscious, and the third settler's injuries aren't as extensive as the others. He's still in quite a bit of pain, but is trying to hide it.
>>537755
"Well, we've got a wall already, so there's that. The ponies attacked were out in the fields at the time. Still, I've never heard of timberwolves just… attacking a large group like that before." She turns back to the forge. "We don't have much ore to spare, so we'll have to be smart in how we use it so we can make enough. I'm more used to making tools and stuff for construction and the like, not weapons. Got any ideas?"
It takes a minute, but you finally get everyone to quiet down. The first to speak is Captain Cloud Cutter. "I don't think I need to tell you that we can't let this happen again."
>>537753
Some mild sedatives, but it appears that Sweetherb is having to focus on keeping them stable at the moment. Luckily, two others beside Wheat are unconscious, and the third settler's injuries aren't as extensive as the others. He's still in quite a bit of pain, but is trying to hide it.
>>537755
"Well, we've got a wall already, so there's that. The ponies attacked were out in the fields at the time. Still, I've never heard of timberwolves just… attacking a large group like that before." She turns back to the forge. "We don't have much ore to spare, so we'll have to be smart in how we use it so we can make enough. I'm more used to making tools and stuff for construction and the like, not weapons. Got any ideas?"
>>537770
Wood floors are not very conducive to the growing of flowers.
>>537771
"While I respect your foresight, madame mayor, I am the Captain of the Guard, and as such am your advisor on matters of the colony's protection. Our first task should be clearing the forest around the town to give us a buffer zone so we can see things like a feral wolf pack coming."
>>537773
She nods and begins hammering as well; rolling to see how she does. '1d10'
"You were pretty impressive out there. I guess you're no stranger to fighting, right?"
Roll to see how you're doing.
Roll #1 4 = 4
Wood floors are not very conducive to the growing of flowers.
>>537771
"While I respect your foresight, madame mayor, I am the Captain of the Guard, and as such am your advisor on matters of the colony's protection. Our first task should be clearing the forest around the town to give us a buffer zone so we can see things like a feral wolf pack coming."
>>537773
She nods and begins hammering as well; rolling to see how she does. '1d10'
"You were pretty impressive out there. I guess you're no stranger to fighting, right?"
Roll to see how you're doing.
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>537783
You grow a very pretty batch of tulips, but those settlers might not be able to appreciate this tasty snack until later.
>>537788
"Of course, but we've only got six trained professionals to call upon. We need to start training the rest of the townsponies how to defend themselves, establish a militia-"
"You thick-headed imbecile!" the wiry pegasus interupts him. "We're already going to have trouble producing enough to last us until the next ship arrives, and you want to distract workers by teaching them to swing swords about like idiots?"
"While I agree with clearing the forest around town," String Bean speaks up, "I must ask how you intend to store enough lumber to start making payments towards your debt if you're using it all building pointless towers. The walls are clearly sufficient to keep out the wild beasts already; they waited until we were out in the fields to attack."
>>537790
Your hand is still aching from that handshake earlier, and you accidentally drop a hot piece of iron on your foot.
You grow a very pretty batch of tulips, but those settlers might not be able to appreciate this tasty snack until later.
>>537788
"Of course, but we've only got six trained professionals to call upon. We need to start training the rest of the townsponies how to defend themselves, establish a militia-"
"You thick-headed imbecile!" the wiry pegasus interupts him. "We're already going to have trouble producing enough to last us until the next ship arrives, and you want to distract workers by teaching them to swing swords about like idiots?"
"While I agree with clearing the forest around town," String Bean speaks up, "I must ask how you intend to store enough lumber to start making payments towards your debt if you're using it all building pointless towers. The walls are clearly sufficient to keep out the wild beasts already; they waited until we were out in the fields to attack."
>>537790
Your hand is still aching from that handshake earlier, and you accidentally drop a hot piece of iron on your foot.
>>537795
"The food situation will be taken care of. I am sure we will be able to solve it, but teaching the townsponies to know how to defend themselves is important nevertheless."
To Bean.
"Mister Bean, there might be other beasts lurking out there, not just timberwolves. If the colony perishes, you won't get any sort of payment. I'm sure as a very clever businesspony, you can see how that is not profitable."
"The food situation will be taken care of. I am sure we will be able to solve it, but teaching the townsponies to know how to defend themselves is important nevertheless."
To Bean.
"Mister Bean, there might be other beasts lurking out there, not just timberwolves. If the colony perishes, you won't get any sort of payment. I'm sure as a very clever businesspony, you can see how that is not profitable."
>>537801
A few guards jump at your sudden appearance and point their crossbows at you, but relax when they see you're one of them and return to watching the woods. You can see a small group of ponies entering the gates from the woods.
>>537803
Some searching for a while, you find some naturally-growing poppies right behind the Townhouse. This should be more than enough for the injured settlers.
>>537805
"I sincerely doubt there are wild beasts out there that can beat a group of archers stationed on a wall too high for them to climb," Bean scoffs.
"I didn't think we'd have timberwolves attacking us out of the blue either, and look what happened!" Cutter snaps back. "And as for 'wasting time,' they'll actually be doing something productive while they wait in town, because there is no way in Tartarus I'm sending anypony out of these walls without an armed escort from here on out!"
"Armed escort? That sounds like an incredibly strong blow to our productivity."
A few guards jump at your sudden appearance and point their crossbows at you, but relax when they see you're one of them and return to watching the woods. You can see a small group of ponies entering the gates from the woods.
>>537803
Some searching for a while, you find some naturally-growing poppies right behind the Townhouse. This should be more than enough for the injured settlers.
>>537805
"I sincerely doubt there are wild beasts out there that can beat a group of archers stationed on a wall too high for them to climb," Bean scoffs.
"I didn't think we'd have timberwolves attacking us out of the blue either, and look what happened!" Cutter snaps back. "And as for 'wasting time,' they'll actually be doing something productive while they wait in town, because there is no way in Tartarus I'm sending anypony out of these walls without an armed escort from here on out!"
"Armed escort? That sounds like an incredibly strong blow to our productivity."
>>537816
One of the ponies looks up and nods. "Yup. Just got back from mapping out some of the land 'round here, finding the best paths between the town and that river. Did something happen while we were gone? Seems to be a lot more ponies on the wall. Everypony's seems tense, too."
>>537817
Bean scowls for just a fraction of a second before returning to his standard indifference. "I suppose I have no choice but to trust your judgement, then."
"Wait just a minute," The wiry pegasus speaks up, adjusting the glasses perched on his nose, "if all the wood's getting used for these towers, how are we supposed to build houses? Right now, everypony's sleeping in tents! The last thing we need is an outbreak of hypothermia if we get a long period of heavy rain!"
>>537818
You grind it up into that special white powder. You a professional drug-maker, yo.
One of the ponies looks up and nods. "Yup. Just got back from mapping out some of the land 'round here, finding the best paths between the town and that river. Did something happen while we were gone? Seems to be a lot more ponies on the wall. Everypony's seems tense, too."
>>537817
Bean scowls for just a fraction of a second before returning to his standard indifference. "I suppose I have no choice but to trust your judgement, then."
"Wait just a minute," The wiry pegasus speaks up, adjusting the glasses perched on his nose, "if all the wood's getting used for these towers, how are we supposed to build houses? Right now, everypony's sleeping in tents! The last thing we need is an outbreak of hypothermia if we get a long period of heavy rain!"
>>537818
You grind it up into that special white powder. You a professional drug-maker, yo.
>>537829
Sweetherb gives you a glance as you come back in, then does a double-take when she sees what you're carrying. "Is that… is that what I think it is? Ambrosia, where did you get that?"
>>537832
"And what about the land we do get clear-cut? If all our attention is getting focused on cutting down trees, we'll never be able to collect enough food to last us until the next ship. If you wait to long, the planting season will end before we even have land to plant!"
"How are we supposed to keep an eye on that many ponies at once?" Cloud Cutter barks. "We're spread thin as it is, and having so many ponies in two different places would push my guards to the breaking point!"
>>537831
His eyes widen at this. "What? Why did they wander into the forest on their own? We've all been told not to venture into the forest without a group until we know what's in there. Who was it that got injured?"
There were actually five settlers injured; Wheat Fields, Figworth, and three others. They're all being cared for at the Townhouse right now.
Sweetherb gives you a glance as you come back in, then does a double-take when she sees what you're carrying. "Is that… is that what I think it is? Ambrosia, where did you get that?"
>>537832
"And what about the land we do get clear-cut? If all our attention is getting focused on cutting down trees, we'll never be able to collect enough food to last us until the next ship. If you wait to long, the planting season will end before we even have land to plant!"
"How are we supposed to keep an eye on that many ponies at once?" Cloud Cutter barks. "We're spread thin as it is, and having so many ponies in two different places would push my guards to the breaking point!"
>>537831
His eyes widen at this. "What? Why did they wander into the forest on their own? We've all been told not to venture into the forest without a group until we know what's in there. Who was it that got injured?"
There were actually five settlers injured; Wheat Fields, Figworth, and three others. They're all being cared for at the Townhouse right now.
>>537838
"This will not be easy, I am aware."
To the pegasus.
"Half the workforce should work on the food while the other works on the woods. The guards should be able to oversee both, while the city will be guarded by a patrol, since we cannot afford to station guards everywhere while the workers are protected.
Have you considered turning to the local flora, by the way? Those berry bushes could be cultivated."
"This will not be easy, I am aware."
To the pegasus.
"Half the workforce should work on the food while the other works on the woods. The guards should be able to oversee both, while the city will be guarded by a patrol, since we cannot afford to station guards everywhere while the workers are protected.
Have you considered turning to the local flora, by the way? Those berry bushes could be cultivated."
>>537840
She cautiously sniffs a little, her brows furrowing as she steps back. "This is opium, Ambrosia. Do you…" she sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose I should really be thanking you; some strong anesthetics are just what we need right now. I just… you know how dangerous this stuff can be, right?"
>>537842
Cloud Cutter explodes at this. "We just got torn apart by something from those woods, and you want to send groups of ponies IN?! With no idea where or what they'll find, just 'search for berries and hope you don't die?' How the fuck am I supposed to keep these ponies safe if you try to send them off to their deaths?!"
Once again, the room explodes into one giant shouting match.
>>537846
"What?! Why would… what kind of wolves were these, if they attacked us openly?" Someone from the back of the group pushes his way forward, his eyes wide. "There was a middle-aged stallion on the boat that just arrived today," he blurts at you, then gives a decent description of Figworth. "Have you seen him? Do you know if he's all right?"
She cautiously sniffs a little, her brows furrowing as she steps back. "This is opium, Ambrosia. Do you…" she sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose I should really be thanking you; some strong anesthetics are just what we need right now. I just… you know how dangerous this stuff can be, right?"
>>537842
Cloud Cutter explodes at this. "We just got torn apart by something from those woods, and you want to send groups of ponies IN?! With no idea where or what they'll find, just 'search for berries and hope you don't die?' How the fuck am I supposed to keep these ponies safe if you try to send them off to their deaths?!"
Once again, the room explodes into one giant shouting match.
>>537846
"What?! Why would… what kind of wolves were these, if they attacked us openly?" Someone from the back of the group pushes his way forward, his eyes wide. "There was a middle-aged stallion on the boat that just arrived today," he blurts at you, then gives a decent description of Figworth. "Have you seen him? Do you know if he's all right?"
>>537853
Bang on the table with my hoof.
"Do I need to throw somepony out of this room?!"
Groan.
"The berry bushes were still present on the fields, from what I recall. Extract seeds from those, as well as any that the deforestation workers find along their way. I did not mean to send ponies in the woods by themselves."
Bang on the table with my hoof.
"Do I need to throw somepony out of this room?!"
Groan.
"The berry bushes were still present on the fields, from what I recall. Extract seeds from those, as well as any that the deforestation workers find along their way. I did not mean to send ponies in the woods by themselves."
>>537854
"So you've seen him, but don't know where he is?" The stallion's expression is pleading; you observe that he's barely old enough to have lost that gangly teenage look.
You did see Figworth when you brought that settler back. You saw that his stomach had been split wide open and his leg torn up pretty badly. You also know he's being treated in the townhouse right now. Unless, of course, you're feigning ignorance for the kid's sake.
>>537861
She sighs and smiles, though it's a bit tighter than an honest smile would be. "Right, I… you are a professional after all, I should have known you'd know. It's just… I'm always nervous around narcotics, since my…" Her mouth hangs open for a moment, then she sighs and hangs her head. "Sorry, let my personal bias leak in for a moment there. Let's get this divided properly and distributed to these poor-" She is distracted as >>537858 groans and appears to be regaining conciousness.
>>537858
Sweetherb approaches your bed. "Hey there, troublepony. How are you holding up?"
>>537864
You are completely ignored by the other occupants in the room, the volume rising until the doors slam open and Geneva charges in. "AULL RAIGHT, EVE'YPONY OUT!" Ignoring their squaks and bellows of protest, she bodily pushes them all out the door and slams it shut, muffling their indignant shouting.
She slumps against the door and sighs. "So'wy, Ma'um - *ahem* sorry, ma'am. I heard things start to get crazy in here and figured I needed to stop it before they got out of control."
"So you've seen him, but don't know where he is?" The stallion's expression is pleading; you observe that he's barely old enough to have lost that gangly teenage look.
You did see Figworth when you brought that settler back. You saw that his stomach had been split wide open and his leg torn up pretty badly. You also know he's being treated in the townhouse right now. Unless, of course, you're feigning ignorance for the kid's sake.
>>537861
She sighs and smiles, though it's a bit tighter than an honest smile would be. "Right, I… you are a professional after all, I should have known you'd know. It's just… I'm always nervous around narcotics, since my…" Her mouth hangs open for a moment, then she sighs and hangs her head. "Sorry, let my personal bias leak in for a moment there. Let's get this divided properly and distributed to these poor-" She is distracted as >>537858 groans and appears to be regaining conciousness.
>>537858
Sweetherb approaches your bed. "Hey there, troublepony. How are you holding up?"
>>537864
You are completely ignored by the other occupants in the room, the volume rising until the doors slam open and Geneva charges in. "AULL RAIGHT, EVE'YPONY OUT!" Ignoring their squaks and bellows of protest, she bodily pushes them all out the door and slams it shut, muffling their indignant shouting.
She slumps against the door and sighs. "So'wy, Ma'um - *ahem* sorry, ma'am. I heard things start to get crazy in here and figured I needed to stop it before they got out of control."
>>537870
"His apprentice, actually. I came ahead of him to help start setting things up… So he's here? Do you think he might be back at our bar right now?"
>>537869
"You're in Town Hall right now, honey. You had us scared for a while there. You're going to be in that bed for a while, I can tell you that now."
>>537874
He's in bad shape. Sweetherb managed to sew him shut, but the ugly pattern of stitchwork stretches from just under his ribs on the right all the way down to his left thigh. His hoof is encased in bandages, a few spots of pink already leaking through.
>>537886
"Give them a little slack, they just got an emergency dumped in their lap just as everything got started." She puts an understanding hoof on your shoulder. "Don't make them any easier to deal with, though."
"His apprentice, actually. I came ahead of him to help start setting things up… So he's here? Do you think he might be back at our bar right now?"
>>537869
"You're in Town Hall right now, honey. You had us scared for a while there. You're going to be in that bed for a while, I can tell you that now."
>>537874
He's in bad shape. Sweetherb managed to sew him shut, but the ugly pattern of stitchwork stretches from just under his ribs on the right all the way down to his left thigh. His hoof is encased in bandages, a few spots of pink already leaking through.
>>537886
"Give them a little slack, they just got an emergency dumped in their lap just as everything got started." She puts an understanding hoof on your shoulder. "Don't make them any easier to deal with, though."
>>537891
He goes pale at this, shrugging off your paw and sprinting towards the townhouse. "Poor kid," one of the others mutters, then turns to you. "How bad is it?"
>>537892
Sweetherb frowns, then turns you to face her. "Figworth, look at me. Do you know who I am? What is the last thing you remember?"
>>537894
"Shh, none of that now," she shushes you, guiding you over to the unused bed. "What you're gonna do now is lay that head of yours down, forget all these decisions and loudmouths with no politeness, and just let yourself rest for a while."
He goes pale at this, shrugging off your paw and sprinting towards the townhouse. "Poor kid," one of the others mutters, then turns to you. "How bad is it?"
>>537892
Sweetherb frowns, then turns you to face her. "Figworth, look at me. Do you know who I am? What is the last thing you remember?"
>>537894
"Shh, none of that now," she shushes you, guiding you over to the unused bed. "What you're gonna do now is lay that head of yours down, forget all these decisions and loudmouths with no politeness, and just let yourself rest for a while."
>>537913
The whole group goes silent and bow their heads respectfully, those wearing hats removing them.
"Dear Celestia… kid's gonna be crushed."
>>537914
She frowns. "I'm afraid that head injury must be acting up."
>>537916
"Miss Ambrosia, would you mind helping me change the bandages on his head?"
>>537915
"Oh no, I know that look in your eyes. You done run through the woods like a madmare, faced down a pack a feral animals right after dealing with those timberwolves, and your hooves're shakin' like a saplin' in da wind." Despite your protests, she gets you to the bed and pushes you down. "Now ya gon' just lie down fo' a spell, take a nice, short nap, an' wake up rested an' ready fo' all those big plans."
The whole group goes silent and bow their heads respectfully, those wearing hats removing them.
"Dear Celestia… kid's gonna be crushed."
>>537914
She frowns. "I'm afraid that head injury must be acting up."
>>537916
"Miss Ambrosia, would you mind helping me change the bandages on his head?"
>>537915
"Oh no, I know that look in your eyes. You done run through the woods like a madmare, faced down a pack a feral animals right after dealing with those timberwolves, and your hooves're shakin' like a saplin' in da wind." Despite your protests, she gets you to the bed and pushes you down. "Now ya gon' just lie down fo' a spell, take a nice, short nap, an' wake up rested an' ready fo' all those big plans."
>>537930
"Jes' leave all dat ta me, sweetie. Ah can take care o' thangs for a while." A firm hoof pressing against your chest pushes you down onto the bed, holding you down as she pulls the blankets up over you. "Now 'ay back, reelax, an' don' think 'bout nuthin' at all 'cept that nice, soft pillow 'neath your head."
>>537925
Roll to see how well you do.
>>537926
As they're changing the bandages, the door bursts open and a colt barges in, looking around wildly. When he sees you, he lets out an anguished cry and sprints over to your bed.
>>537928
Arrive in time to see him collapse in front of Figworth's bed, clutching desperately at Figworth's hoof.
"Figworth? Figsy, can you hear me? Please be okay!"
"Jes' leave all dat ta me, sweetie. Ah can take care o' thangs for a while." A firm hoof pressing against your chest pushes you down onto the bed, holding you down as she pulls the blankets up over you. "Now 'ay back, reelax, an' don' think 'bout nuthin' at all 'cept that nice, soft pillow 'neath your head."
>>537925
Roll to see how well you do.
>>537926
As they're changing the bandages, the door bursts open and a colt barges in, looking around wildly. When he sees you, he lets out an anguished cry and sprints over to your bed.
>>537928
Arrive in time to see him collapse in front of Figworth's bed, clutching desperately at Figworth's hoof.
"Figworth? Figsy, can you hear me? Please be okay!"
>>537958
You slip up a couple of times, but Sweetherb is able to pick up your slack. She looks worried at Figworth's behavior. "He seems delusional right now; I don't think we can afford to risk giving him narcotics right now. Would you mind giving the others their doses while I take of him?"
>>537954
He's awake, but clearly in bad shape. The stitching across his belly is still red and swollen, his arm is swathed thickly in bandages, and Ambrosia and Sweetherb are busy changing bandages on his head.
>>537966
"Hushabye, child," she croons softly, tucking the blankets up around your chin and stroking your mane. "Ev'ethang gon' be jes' fine."
You must admit, this pillow is rather soft… and running through the woods did leave you rather exhausted… maybe a quick nap isn't such a bad idea after all?…
>>537955
Stout Keg recoils as if struck, a disbelieving hoof clinging to your leg. "Figsy?" he asks softly, pleadingly, his eyes shining as he fights back tears. "Figsy, it's me, Stout Keg. You know, the one you were going to start a bar with? The one you talked with for hours on end about how we were going to start a new life for ourselves here? The one… the one you…" His grip tightens. "…don't you remember?" He pleads desperately.
You slip up a couple of times, but Sweetherb is able to pick up your slack. She looks worried at Figworth's behavior. "He seems delusional right now; I don't think we can afford to risk giving him narcotics right now. Would you mind giving the others their doses while I take of him?"
>>537954
He's awake, but clearly in bad shape. The stitching across his belly is still red and swollen, his arm is swathed thickly in bandages, and Ambrosia and Sweetherb are busy changing bandages on his head.
>>537966
"Hushabye, child," she croons softly, tucking the blankets up around your chin and stroking your mane. "Ev'ethang gon' be jes' fine."
You must admit, this pillow is rather soft… and running through the woods did leave you rather exhausted… maybe a quick nap isn't such a bad idea after all?…
>>537955
Stout Keg recoils as if struck, a disbelieving hoof clinging to your leg. "Figsy?" he asks softly, pleadingly, his eyes shining as he fights back tears. "Figsy, it's me, Stout Keg. You know, the one you were going to start a bar with? The one you talked with for hours on end about how we were going to start a new life for ourselves here? The one… the one you…" His grip tightens. "…don't you remember?" He pleads desperately.
>>537973
"Tha's right, child. Jes' let it all go…" Geneva's voice gradually fades away, as does the rest of the world as you finally succumb to your exhaustion. Roll for the quality of your sleep.
>>537974
They all look up as you approach. "Well?" one asks cautiously. "How's he taking the news?"
>>537977
The two unconcious ponies are easy to dose. The third settler looks up tiredly as you appoach, then glances at the opium. "Will that help the pain?"
>>537978
He hangs his head and takes a choking gasp of air, then looks back up, slightly more composed. "We're not in Manehattan, Figs. We're in the new world, remember? I got a little bar set up already. It's not much, but its a start. Come on, you remember this, don't you? You were running around in a tizzy for months planning this. You turned your office into a giant pile of papers that I had to figure out how to organize, remember?"
"Tha's right, child. Jes' let it all go…" Geneva's voice gradually fades away, as does the rest of the world as you finally succumb to your exhaustion. Roll for the quality of your sleep.
>>537974
They all look up as you approach. "Well?" one asks cautiously. "How's he taking the news?"
>>537977
The two unconcious ponies are easy to dose. The third settler looks up tiredly as you appoach, then glances at the opium. "Will that help the pain?"
>>537978
He hangs his head and takes a choking gasp of air, then looks back up, slightly more composed. "We're not in Manehattan, Figs. We're in the new world, remember? I got a little bar set up already. It's not much, but its a start. Come on, you remember this, don't you? You were running around in a tizzy for months planning this. You turned your office into a giant pile of papers that I had to figure out how to organize, remember?"
>>537983
He nods and lets you administer the dose. "Thank you."
As you approach Wheat Fields, you find her awake and watching you. "Hey gorgeous. Come here often?"
>>537982
there are several sighs of relief all around. "Well, glad he's going to be all right," he breathes, giving a grim chuckle. "What a welcome back for the kid, huh? Guess he'll need some time off to take care of things. Means we'll be down a scout."
>>537984
You're an adorable mayor mare, your sleep restful and filled with images of a prosperous town, happy citizens laughing and playing, and smiling stallions doing wonderfully naughty things for you, then with you, then to you… so eager and unwilling to wait their turn, until you have to struggle to keep up with so many at once…
You wake with a satisfied grin on your face, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, the headache and dull ache in your limbs completely gone. You note that it's still daytime, so you can get back to work and get things done. You should thank Geneva; you really did need that nap.
>>537987
Sweetherb steps in and places a hoof on Keg's shoulder. "Sir? I know this is a difficult time right now, but I think you need to leave now so I can do my job. I'll be sure to let you know when he's ready for visitors."
He nods and lets you administer the dose. "Thank you."
As you approach Wheat Fields, you find her awake and watching you. "Hey gorgeous. Come here often?"
>>537982
there are several sighs of relief all around. "Well, glad he's going to be all right," he breathes, giving a grim chuckle. "What a welcome back for the kid, huh? Guess he'll need some time off to take care of things. Means we'll be down a scout."
>>537984
You're an adorable mayor mare, your sleep restful and filled with images of a prosperous town, happy citizens laughing and playing, and smiling stallions doing wonderfully naughty things for you, then with you, then to you… so eager and unwilling to wait their turn, until you have to struggle to keep up with so many at once…
You wake with a satisfied grin on your face, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, the headache and dull ache in your limbs completely gone. You note that it's still daytime, so you can get back to work and get things done. You should thank Geneva; you really did need that nap.
>>537987
Sweetherb steps in and places a hoof on Keg's shoulder. "Sir? I know this is a difficult time right now, but I think you need to leave now so I can do my job. I'll be sure to let you know when he's ready for visitors."
>>537990
"Lay it on me then. Heh. I'd say you could lay on me too, but… with my ribs like this, that wouldn't be nearly as fun as it usually is." She seems a little delirious, slightly slurring her words and giggling for no reason.
>>537991
Sweetherb firmly pushes you back down. "Please don't agitate your stitches, sir." Keg looks puzzled as he pats his pocket, then nods and turn for the door. "I'll do that, Figs. Get well soon."
>>537993
Your office is empty, save for your desk and the beds. You note that your desk is actually a very good size for some of the stuff from those dreams. Maybe you could find some stallions around town willing to try it out?
>>537994
He quirks an eyebrow and smirks. "Oh really now? You sure you've got what it takes, little lady? 'Cause this job ain't no walk in the park, not by a long shot."
"Lay it on me then. Heh. I'd say you could lay on me too, but… with my ribs like this, that wouldn't be nearly as fun as it usually is." She seems a little delirious, slightly slurring her words and giggling for no reason.
>>537991
Sweetherb firmly pushes you back down. "Please don't agitate your stitches, sir." Keg looks puzzled as he pats his pocket, then nods and turn for the door. "I'll do that, Figs. Get well soon."
>>537993
Your office is empty, save for your desk and the beds. You note that your desk is actually a very good size for some of the stuff from those dreams. Maybe you could find some stallions around town willing to try it out?
>>537994
He quirks an eyebrow and smirks. "Oh really now? You sure you've got what it takes, little lady? 'Cause this job ain't no walk in the park, not by a long shot."
>>538001
He blinks, then gives you a smirk. "Well, I'd be a fool to say no to that, now wouldn't I?" He shakes your paw. "Welcome to the group, lady! Hope you don't get eaten on your first time out."
>>538000
The giggles intensify when you give her the opium. "Hey," she slurrs, "Hey, hey, Amby? I'mma call you Amby, 'kay Ambs? Hey, wanna know a secret?" She motions for you to lean in close.
>>538003
Yup, there's plenty of paperwork here. Enough to keep you occupied for a while. It's all neatly organized and grouped for convenience; Geneva really knows what she's doing. Still, isn't the desk still missing something?
He blinks, then gives you a smirk. "Well, I'd be a fool to say no to that, now wouldn't I?" He shakes your paw. "Welcome to the group, lady! Hope you don't get eaten on your first time out."
>>538000
The giggles intensify when you give her the opium. "Hey," she slurrs, "Hey, hey, Amby? I'mma call you Amby, 'kay Ambs? Hey, wanna know a secret?" She motions for you to lean in close.
>>538003
Yup, there's plenty of paperwork here. Enough to keep you occupied for a while. It's all neatly organized and grouped for convenience; Geneva really knows what she's doing. Still, isn't the desk still missing something?
>>538008
She pulls you in close, closer, so close her breath is tickling your ear… "You got a nice flank," she whispers, fighting back another giggle, "an' when I… when I get outta here… *giggle* I'mma ride that flank… gonna ride it allllll over town~"
She collapses in a fit of giggles, apparently deciding that the edges of her sheets are now far more interesting than you.
>>538009
"Just relax, dear. Don't strain yourself." She returns to her work as Keg goes out the door, dissappearing from view.
#PAUSE
She pulls you in close, closer, so close her breath is tickling your ear… "You got a nice flank," she whispers, fighting back another giggle, "an' when I… when I get outta here… *giggle* I'mma ride that flank… gonna ride it allllll over town~"
She collapses in a fit of giggles, apparently deciding that the edges of her sheets are now far more interesting than you.
>>538009
"Just relax, dear. Don't strain yourself." She returns to her work as Keg goes out the door, dissappearing from view.
#PAUSE
>>543686
You've been bedridden for the past several days, so you're not sure. Today's the first day you've been mobile since the attack.
>>543688
Yes, you did. It looks like they're actually organizing an expedition right now.
>>543689
Considering your assistance with the injured, Sweetherb got a nice little plot of land inside the town walls set aside for you to grow your herbs in, in return for you helping supply her with medicines that are in short supply.
>>543687
Right now, they're preparing to head out. Would you like to decide what work to have them focus on?
You've been bedridden for the past several days, so you're not sure. Today's the first day you've been mobile since the attack.
>>543688
Yes, you did. It looks like they're actually organizing an expedition right now.
>>543689
Considering your assistance with the injured, Sweetherb got a nice little plot of land inside the town walls set aside for you to grow your herbs in, in return for you helping supply her with medicines that are in short supply.
>>543687
Right now, they're preparing to head out. Would you like to decide what work to have them focus on?
>>543691
With Keg's assistance, you make your way to the inn. It looks somewhat sturdier than last time, but you won't be able to make significant improvements to the structure until more materials like lumber are available.
"So," Keg begins cautiously, "how are you feeling?"
>>543693
Some pegasus stallion in a floppy-brimmed hat seems to be in charge. He turns as you aproach, flashing a cheeky grin. "'ello there! You must be the new lass they were telling me aboot!"
>>543694
There's a list of things that she wants, though she understands that you're not a miracle-worker. She provided you with seeds for several of the plants on the list, and you could probably transport some of those poppies from behind the courthouse into your new herb garden.
>>543695
Cool yer jets, boyo.
With Keg's assistance, you make your way to the inn. It looks somewhat sturdier than last time, but you won't be able to make significant improvements to the structure until more materials like lumber are available.
"So," Keg begins cautiously, "how are you feeling?"
>>543693
Some pegasus stallion in a floppy-brimmed hat seems to be in charge. He turns as you aproach, flashing a cheeky grin. "'ello there! You must be the new lass they were telling me aboot!"
>>543694
There's a list of things that she wants, though she understands that you're not a miracle-worker. She provided you with seeds for several of the plants on the list, and you could probably transport some of those poppies from behind the courthouse into your new herb garden.
>>543695
Cool yer jets, boyo.
>>543697
"Glad to have ye with us! Now, tell me lass, what exactly can ye do? Are ye a fast flyer? A tracker? Or an airhead with a lucky streak?"
>>543699
Maybe you should have weeded first. Sunflowers are nice, but not exactly what you were going for.
>>543700
Of course. Captain Cutter is personally leading their escort. You also notice that most of the ponies are now armed.
"Evening Magistre," the captain greets you, "Coming out with us today?"
>>543701
He pauses at that, then nods. "I've done my best to establish your cover story. Having heard of you before meeting you will go a great ways toward validating it."
"Glad to have ye with us! Now, tell me lass, what exactly can ye do? Are ye a fast flyer? A tracker? Or an airhead with a lucky streak?"
>>543699
Maybe you should have weeded first. Sunflowers are nice, but not exactly what you were going for.
>>543700
Of course. Captain Cutter is personally leading their escort. You also notice that most of the ponies are now armed.
"Evening Magistre," the captain greets you, "Coming out with us today?"
>>543701
He pauses at that, then nods. "I've done my best to establish your cover story. Having heard of you before meeting you will go a great ways toward validating it."
>>543703
He smiles at that. "Good, that means ye know how to trust yer instincts. On this job, ye've got to listen to yer gut; it'll save yer life." He leans in.
"Now, how do ye feel about going on yer first expedition today?"
>>543704
yes
"I've also been keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, like you asked." He grunts as you reach the bar, settling you in behind the counter. "I wish this place was more private, but until we get more wood it was the best I could do."
>>543706
There you go, now it's coming back to you! The grounds cleared and ready to be planted.
A stallion notices your work and trots over, watching silently as you prepare the earth.
>>543705
"Alright, we'll be headed out in a moment. Anything you want to know before we get started?"
He smiles at that. "Good, that means ye know how to trust yer instincts. On this job, ye've got to listen to yer gut; it'll save yer life." He leans in.
"Now, how do ye feel about going on yer first expedition today?"
>>543704
yes
"I've also been keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, like you asked." He grunts as you reach the bar, settling you in behind the counter. "I wish this place was more private, but until we get more wood it was the best I could do."
>>543706
There you go, now it's coming back to you! The grounds cleared and ready to be planted.
A stallion notices your work and trots over, watching silently as you prepare the earth.
>>543705
"Alright, we'll be headed out in a moment. Anything you want to know before we get started?"
>>543708
After a moment, he barks a laugh and slaps you on the back. "Terrific! You'll make an explorer yet!
Now, there's three areas we're going to be investigating, the swamps to the south, the river to the west, and the ruins to the southeast."
>>543710
You pay him no mind. You are oblivious to his presence. In fact, you are so oblivious to his presence that you grow a patch of grass that goes up to your chest.
After a moment, you hear him speak. "Growing something?"
>>543709
He looks out the window, then deadpans a little. "There's a little less than fifty ponies out there chopping wood, Figsworth. Could you be a bit more specific?"
After a moment, he barks a laugh and slaps you on the back. "Terrific! You'll make an explorer yet!
Now, there's three areas we're going to be investigating, the swamps to the south, the river to the west, and the ruins to the southeast."
>>543710
You pay him no mind. You are oblivious to his presence. In fact, you are so oblivious to his presence that you grow a patch of grass that goes up to your chest.
After a moment, you hear him speak. "Growing something?"
>>543709
He looks out the window, then deadpans a little. "There's a little less than fifty ponies out there chopping wood, Figsworth. Could you be a bit more specific?"
>>543714
"Um… up until your ship came in, there wasn't really any one pony in charge; Captain Cloud Cutter probably came closest, though miss Geneva was definitely a close second. The same boat that brought you brought the town's new mayor, Miss Magistre. It seems she's done a pretty good job of taking charge, by the way she's gotten everypony moving."
>>543712
You notice the grass seems to be slowly reaching towards you, a few blades already slowly wrapping themselves around your leg.
"Grass grows everywhere. It makes sense that you wouldn't need it." He pauses for a moment. "What's your name?"
"Um… up until your ship came in, there wasn't really any one pony in charge; Captain Cloud Cutter probably came closest, though miss Geneva was definitely a close second. The same boat that brought you brought the town's new mayor, Miss Magistre. It seems she's done a pretty good job of taking charge, by the way she's gotten everypony moving."
>>543712
You notice the grass seems to be slowly reaching towards you, a few blades already slowly wrapping themselves around your leg.
"Grass grows everywhere. It makes sense that you wouldn't need it." He pauses for a moment. "What's your name?"
>>543713
"Well, mostly we're trying to figure out just what's out there, so we don't get caught unawares again. There's also been sightings of other ponies in the woods, potentially natives. If we find sign of them, we'll know we're not alone.
The ruins… Those we want to know just what they are. They seem to have been abandoned for a long time, but maybe whoever used to live there left some clues about what to expect in this land."
>>543717
"Ambrosia," he repeats thoughtfully. "I'm…" He hums for a bit. "Amor. My name is Amor." With that, he goes silent again.
Meanwhile, the grass has continued to wrap itself around your legs. It tickles, brushing loosely against your coat in a delicate spiral. Perhaps it's a predatory grass that feeds on bugs?
"Well, mostly we're trying to figure out just what's out there, so we don't get caught unawares again. There's also been sightings of other ponies in the woods, potentially natives. If we find sign of them, we'll know we're not alone.
The ruins… Those we want to know just what they are. They seem to have been abandoned for a long time, but maybe whoever used to live there left some clues about what to expect in this land."
>>543717
"Ambrosia," he repeats thoughtfully. "I'm…" He hums for a bit. "Amor. My name is Amor." With that, he goes silent again.
Meanwhile, the grass has continued to wrap itself around your legs. It tickles, brushing loosely against your coat in a delicate spiral. Perhaps it's a predatory grass that feeds on bugs?
>>543723
There's one unicorn off by himself. He looks a little thin, but considering the axe hung from his belt and scars on his neck he knows how to take care of himself.
"Oh, before I forget…" The Expedition Head speaks up, reaching into his bag. "I've got a little something for ye. Every explorer needs one."
>>543724
It's been closed while Keg brought you back, but you can begin serving drinks if you like.
>>543722
Stepping over the grass to reach a clear patch, you begin pumping the growth magic through your hooves before fully disconnecting from the grass, a tugging sensation your only warning before you fall flat on your face, sticking your rump high in the air. As you look back you see that your hooves are still wrapped in the grass, which you must have caused to grow significantly in size. Several tendrils are now wrapping themselves around your back legs as well.
The stallion is staring, his cheeks starting to go pink. "Um… Do you need help?"
There's one unicorn off by himself. He looks a little thin, but considering the axe hung from his belt and scars on his neck he knows how to take care of himself.
"Oh, before I forget…" The Expedition Head speaks up, reaching into his bag. "I've got a little something for ye. Every explorer needs one."
>>543724
It's been closed while Keg brought you back, but you can begin serving drinks if you like.
>>543722
Stepping over the grass to reach a clear patch, you begin pumping the growth magic through your hooves before fully disconnecting from the grass, a tugging sensation your only warning before you fall flat on your face, sticking your rump high in the air. As you look back you see that your hooves are still wrapped in the grass, which you must have caused to grow significantly in size. Several tendrils are now wrapping themselves around your back legs as well.
The stallion is staring, his cheeks starting to go pink. "Um… Do you need help?"
>>543726
He looks at you as if you've sprouted a spare head. "The 'ell is a pincer?" Pride defines his expression as he pulls something from the bag and hands it to you. "No, this… is a compass." Pausing, he reaches back into the bag and hands you something else. "and a pistol. Always need a pistol."
>>543727
He nods. "Yes. I made sure of it first thing when I got back from making sure you were all right." He sits down and wipes his brow. "What happened out there? I know the general story, but… I'd like to hear what you saw."
>>543728
You realize that their grip only seems light; now that you're struggling, you realize that their grip is actually quite strong. Your legs are now fully ensnared in whatever this plant is, tendrils extracting a startled eep from you as the tickling sensation spreads to your inner thighs. You realize there is a slight pushing sensation against the inside of your legs.
The stallions face is crimson now, turned to the side as if attempting to look away, but his eyes seem to be rebelling. "W-what kind of plant is that?"
He looks at you as if you've sprouted a spare head. "The 'ell is a pincer?" Pride defines his expression as he pulls something from the bag and hands it to you. "No, this… is a compass." Pausing, he reaches back into the bag and hands you something else. "and a pistol. Always need a pistol."
>>543727
He nods. "Yes. I made sure of it first thing when I got back from making sure you were all right." He sits down and wipes his brow. "What happened out there? I know the general story, but… I'd like to hear what you saw."
>>543728
You realize that their grip only seems light; now that you're struggling, you realize that their grip is actually quite strong. Your legs are now fully ensnared in whatever this plant is, tendrils extracting a startled eep from you as the tickling sensation spreads to your inner thighs. You realize there is a slight pushing sensation against the inside of your legs.
The stallions face is crimson now, turned to the side as if attempting to look away, but his eyes seem to be rebelling. "W-what kind of plant is that?"
>>543729
"A large pack of Timberwolves, very aggressive."
I look back towards the forest.
"It is too soon to determine if anything more was at work. But there is something with this place. I've felt it strongly since I first set hoof here. Until we can determine the source, everything and everypony is suspect."
"A large pack of Timberwolves, very aggressive."
I look back towards the forest.
"It is too soon to determine if anything more was at work. But there is something with this place. I've felt it strongly since I first set hoof here. Until we can determine the source, everything and everypony is suspect."
>>543730
It's a decent piece, typical for the time period. Only one shot at a time, but quick to reload on the fly and not too heavy.
The compass is a quality design, built to take a beating and still work. These probably don't come cheap.
>>543731
You manage to cut yourself most of the way free before the remaining blades of grass get the message and let go, leaving a distracting tingle behind. If they'd had time to go just a little bit higher…
The stallion helps pull you to your feet, then examines the remaining grass as it reaches for his face. "Why do you think it does that?"
>>543732
"I know, everypony's felt it." He looks away for a moment. "It's frightening, but… well, what if it's nothing? I mean, the Everfree's a scary place, but that doesn't mean there's evil magic responsible for that."
It's a decent piece, typical for the time period. Only one shot at a time, but quick to reload on the fly and not too heavy.
The compass is a quality design, built to take a beating and still work. These probably don't come cheap.
>>543731
You manage to cut yourself most of the way free before the remaining blades of grass get the message and let go, leaving a distracting tingle behind. If they'd had time to go just a little bit higher…
The stallion helps pull you to your feet, then examines the remaining grass as it reaches for his face. "Why do you think it does that?"
>>543732
"I know, everypony's felt it." He looks away for a moment. "It's frightening, but… well, what if it's nothing? I mean, the Everfree's a scary place, but that doesn't mean there's evil magic responsible for that."
>>543735
He starts, then relaxes a little as he eyes you up. "Maybe I don't. You wanting to fix that?"
>>543734
what's the roll for?
"Must be native to this land. Interesting reaction to growth magic. Wouldn't mind studying it myself." He looks back to you. "Sorry about not stepping in earlier. It's just… well…" He blushes. "I was… at a loss as to what to do."
>>543736
"Indeed. Maybe this is why that big Mage Academy fellow came here, to study this ambient magic?"
He starts, then relaxes a little as he eyes you up. "Maybe I don't. You wanting to fix that?"
>>543734
what's the roll for?
"Must be native to this land. Interesting reaction to growth magic. Wouldn't mind studying it myself." He looks back to you. "Sorry about not stepping in earlier. It's just… well…" He blushes. "I was… at a loss as to what to do."
>>543736
"Indeed. Maybe this is why that big Mage Academy fellow came here, to study this ambient magic?"
The working party sets out and begins clearing the treelines along the southwestern border of the town. A few guards and some armed settlers stand watch between the workers and the forest interior, scanning for any sign of danger.
MAGISTRE
You are currently with the working parties, overseeing the clearing of the forest. Geneva is there with you, as is Captain Cloud Cutter.
FIGWORTH
Considering your injuries, you have been considered excempt from work duty outside the walls. However, considering your experience with a rifle, you have been asked to perform watch duty on the walls while the workers are out.
JULIA
You have acquired a new exploration companion!
You have three possible destinations for your first exploration run. Do you want to explore:
-the river to the east?
-The swamplands to the southeast?
-the ruins to the southwest?
Or would you like to choose a different destination?
ASKELADD
You can either be training the new militia, or standing guard over the workers as they clear the forest. Which would you prefer?
AMBROSIA
You are currently working on a garden for medicinal herbs. There is a black unicorn stallion there with you, examining the strange grass you accidentally grew.
>>543740
"No, not… by profession. Just a hobby. I'm actually something of a relationship counselor. I figured my skills would be needed, with so many strangers being forced to rely on each other."
MAGISTRE
You are currently with the working parties, overseeing the clearing of the forest. Geneva is there with you, as is Captain Cloud Cutter.
FIGWORTH
Considering your injuries, you have been considered excempt from work duty outside the walls. However, considering your experience with a rifle, you have been asked to perform watch duty on the walls while the workers are out.
JULIA
You have acquired a new exploration companion!
You have three possible destinations for your first exploration run. Do you want to explore:
-the river to the east?
-The swamplands to the southeast?
-the ruins to the southwest?
Or would you like to choose a different destination?
ASKELADD
You can either be training the new militia, or standing guard over the workers as they clear the forest. Which would you prefer?
AMBROSIA
You are currently working on a garden for medicinal herbs. There is a black unicorn stallion there with you, examining the strange grass you accidentally grew.
>>543740
"No, not… by profession. Just a hobby. I'm actually something of a relationship counselor. I figured my skills would be needed, with so many strangers being forced to rely on each other."
>>545861
The journey will take a while, perhaps even a few days. There will probably be encounters along the way, so make sure you're prepared before you leave.
"Name's Boon. Hope you don't mind if I ain't the most forthcoming."
>>545868
Geneva nods. "Indeed it is, miss Magistre. At this rate, we should have the forest pushed back a reasonable distance from the town in just a week's time! All this lumber will go a long ways towards getting some more buildings erected, too."
You notice one of the guards, a towering diamond dog with muscle to spare, is currently watching the workers with a very keen interest.
>>545870
Oh, yes, you are a great guard, did this all the time in the army! Nothing's getting past you, not even the heady smell of sweat and exertion!
You ears pick up every little grunt and gasp of those mares as they chop at those trees, your eyes catching every twitch and strain as they use every muscle in those taught, sweaty legs, spread to give them better leverage. You don't miss how they constantly flick their tales in an attempt to cool themselves off…
Guard duty is the best!
The journey will take a while, perhaps even a few days. There will probably be encounters along the way, so make sure you're prepared before you leave.
"Name's Boon. Hope you don't mind if I ain't the most forthcoming."
>>545868
Geneva nods. "Indeed it is, miss Magistre. At this rate, we should have the forest pushed back a reasonable distance from the town in just a week's time! All this lumber will go a long ways towards getting some more buildings erected, too."
You notice one of the guards, a towering diamond dog with muscle to spare, is currently watching the workers with a very keen interest.
>>545870
Oh, yes, you are a great guard, did this all the time in the army! Nothing's getting past you, not even the heady smell of sweat and exertion!
You ears pick up every little grunt and gasp of those mares as they chop at those trees, your eyes catching every twitch and strain as they use every muscle in those taught, sweaty legs, spread to give them better leverage. You don't miss how they constantly flick their tales in an attempt to cool themselves off…
Guard duty is the best!
>>545867
He nods solemnly. "Yes. By relationship, I mean any interaction between two individuals; in other words, I am probably going to find most of my work in conflict resolution. Though of course once breeding begins, I suspect I will be hard-pressed to keep any number of newly-formed bonds from falling apart."
He nods solemnly. "Yes. By relationship, I mean any interaction between two individuals; in other words, I am probably going to find most of my work in conflict resolution. Though of course once breeding begins, I suspect I will be hard-pressed to keep any number of newly-formed bonds from falling apart."
>>545900
Cloud Cutter steps in, looking rather… nervous?
"Well, there is one matter that needs to be discussed. It's not exactly…pressing, but it would be better to try and have something in place when it does."
>>545902
He returns your expressionless stare with just as little emotion as you. As you turn back to the garden, he speaks up again.
"Would you mind if I… helped you for a bit? Gardening is somewhat therapeutic for me."
>>545904
No, you're not relaxing too much. In fact, you're sure the mares are putting just a little too much effort into their swings as you pass, each tail flick lasting just a little too long… It could all be in your head, but either way it's quite the show.
If this keeps up for much longer, you're going to have a very… pressing distraction to take care of.
Cloud Cutter steps in, looking rather… nervous?
"Well, there is one matter that needs to be discussed. It's not exactly…pressing, but it would be better to try and have something in place when it does."
>>545902
He returns your expressionless stare with just as little emotion as you. As you turn back to the garden, he speaks up again.
"Would you mind if I… helped you for a bit? Gardening is somewhat therapeutic for me."
>>545904
No, you're not relaxing too much. In fact, you're sure the mares are putting just a little too much effort into their swings as you pass, each tail flick lasting just a little too long… It could all be in your head, but either way it's quite the show.
If this keeps up for much longer, you're going to have a very… pressing distraction to take care of.
>>545908
Nope, the good Captain's obviously had training to resist mind magic. In fact, he responds to your probing with an attack that catches you off guard, almost penetrating into your mind before you manage to hastily cut the connection.
Back in the real world, he scowls and gives a quick sweep of the area, then shakes his head.
"Well, eighty settlers is definitely a start as far as a work force goes, but… well, some of the mares may be interested in… children."
>>545910
This guy's as good at staring as you are. With a single cursory nod, he steps up to help with the gardening. Rolling to see how he does. '1d10'
>>545914
You approach a mare who seems to have somehow separated from the rest of the group, the trees between obscuring your view from most of the group.
She gives a particularly loud grunt as she slams the axe home in the tree, her hips shooting into the air to counterbalance the weight. Panting heavily, she releases the axe and turns to face you, the work having brought a slight blush to her cheeks from the intensive workout.
"Y…yes, it is very nice out, sir. Very nice out indeed…"
Roll #1 6 = 6
Nope, the good Captain's obviously had training to resist mind magic. In fact, he responds to your probing with an attack that catches you off guard, almost penetrating into your mind before you manage to hastily cut the connection.
Back in the real world, he scowls and gives a quick sweep of the area, then shakes his head.
"Well, eighty settlers is definitely a start as far as a work force goes, but… well, some of the mares may be interested in… children."
>>545910
This guy's as good at staring as you are. With a single cursory nod, he steps up to help with the gardening. Rolling to see how he does. '1d10'
>>545914
You approach a mare who seems to have somehow separated from the rest of the group, the trees between obscuring your view from most of the group.
She gives a particularly loud grunt as she slams the axe home in the tree, her hips shooting into the air to counterbalance the weight. Panting heavily, she releases the axe and turns to face you, the work having brought a slight blush to her cheeks from the intensive workout.
"Y…yes, it is very nice out, sir. Very nice out indeed…"
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>545918
"As I said, it's not… pressing, per say. Nopony's going to try for kids until they at least have a roof over their heads. Actually, the problem is that… even with all the mares wanting children, there's been talk that it might not be… enough."
>>545920
With him doing all the initial work, you're free to focus on the plant life itself. Within moments, the once-empty patch of land is filled with every type of herb you could ever need. This should easily be enough to provide for all Sweetherb's medicinal needs and still have enough surplus to give your own business a significant base.
As you're finishing, your hoof brushes against his. Both of you freeze at the unexpected contact. Turning to look at each other, you find him regarding you with the same expressionless mask as usual.
"Sorry," he finally says, his voice monotone. He doesn't move his hoof, though.
>>545923
Her eyes widen, her tail beginning to flick incessantly. She opens her mouth, though it takes her a few minutes to find the words.
"I… yes. I think I'd like that… very much." Her eyes run up and down your body.
"Very much," she mutters. Strange that she still has that blush, since she's not working right now.
"As I said, it's not… pressing, per say. Nopony's going to try for kids until they at least have a roof over their heads. Actually, the problem is that… even with all the mares wanting children, there's been talk that it might not be… enough."
>>545920
With him doing all the initial work, you're free to focus on the plant life itself. Within moments, the once-empty patch of land is filled with every type of herb you could ever need. This should easily be enough to provide for all Sweetherb's medicinal needs and still have enough surplus to give your own business a significant base.
As you're finishing, your hoof brushes against his. Both of you freeze at the unexpected contact. Turning to look at each other, you find him regarding you with the same expressionless mask as usual.
"Sorry," he finally says, his voice monotone. He doesn't move his hoof, though.
>>545923
Her eyes widen, her tail beginning to flick incessantly. She opens her mouth, though it takes her a few minutes to find the words.
"I… yes. I think I'd like that… very much." Her eyes run up and down your body.
"Very much," she mutters. Strange that she still has that blush, since she's not working right now.
>>545930
"True, but each ship is only able to carry enough supplies to bring about thirty settlers at a time, less if they want supplies for the colony as well. Our purpose is to make this new land part of Equestria, and well… that means we need to be able to populate it.
I'm not saying it's something that requires immediate attention, but… well, it's something for you to be aware of."
>>545932
Boon's got his coonskin cap (weird), a rifle that looks like it could get some serious range, his axe, and his own pack of necessities. You're good to go whenever you're ready.
"Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. I ain't judging till I've seen you in action." He shoot you a grin, and you notice that he's surprisingly still got all his teeth. They look healthy, too! "Though I admit I've got high hopes for you."
>>545933
You stare at each other for several minutes, neither of you moving a muscle. You notice he seems to be having trouble breathing right as he finally pulls his hoof back.
"Sorry," he says again, a hint of worry leaking into his voice.
>>545936
You find a comfortable patch of ground to sit on while leaning against a tree, conveniently putting the tree between you and the rest of the group. Settling in, you look up to catch her staring at a particular area of your anatomy before she jerks her eyes back to your face.
"P-privacy is… nice. Very nice." Slowly, hesitantly she approaches you, as if too heavy a hooffall will scare you off.
"Stream… m-my name is Soft Stream."
The way she's looking at you seems almost… hungry, in a way.
"True, but each ship is only able to carry enough supplies to bring about thirty settlers at a time, less if they want supplies for the colony as well. Our purpose is to make this new land part of Equestria, and well… that means we need to be able to populate it.
I'm not saying it's something that requires immediate attention, but… well, it's something for you to be aware of."
>>545932
Boon's got his coonskin cap (weird), a rifle that looks like it could get some serious range, his axe, and his own pack of necessities. You're good to go whenever you're ready.
"Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. I ain't judging till I've seen you in action." He shoot you a grin, and you notice that he's surprisingly still got all his teeth. They look healthy, too! "Though I admit I've got high hopes for you."
>>545933
You stare at each other for several minutes, neither of you moving a muscle. You notice he seems to be having trouble breathing right as he finally pulls his hoof back.
"Sorry," he says again, a hint of worry leaking into his voice.
>>545936
You find a comfortable patch of ground to sit on while leaning against a tree, conveniently putting the tree between you and the rest of the group. Settling in, you look up to catch her staring at a particular area of your anatomy before she jerks her eyes back to your face.
"P-privacy is… nice. Very nice." Slowly, hesitantly she approaches you, as if too heavy a hooffall will scare you off.
"Stream… m-my name is Soft Stream."
The way she's looking at you seems almost… hungry, in a way.
>>545953
And so the two of you head out, with Boon leading the way and showing you how to slip through the forest carefully and quietly.
Roll 1d20 for first encounter along the way.
>>545955
Amor smiles and nods, then turns and leaves without another word.
That strange grass from earlier is now in one corner of the garden. It still brushes against you whenever you pass, but seems to know better than to try and grab you again. Do you let it keep growing, Give it some care to make sure it's still healthy, or dig it up and get rid of it?
>>545958
He looks relieved at the opportunity to change the subject.
"Yes, well, the most pressing concern is what to do with all this lumber. We have enough to build the palisades up so we have a little better protection, but we wouldn't have enough left over to build any really worthwhile shelter other than what we already have. I still think defending ourselves is important, but we need to get ponies out of tents before some big rainstorm gives us all pneumonia."
>>545956
She cranes into your touch, exposing her neck to you as she coos and shivers in your grip. She steps even closer, her hoof brushing the inside of your thighs hesitantly, drawing your attention to an almost-painful pressure. You should probably get rid of whatever's obstructing that… if you're willing to deal with the consequences.
This means sex.
And so the two of you head out, with Boon leading the way and showing you how to slip through the forest carefully and quietly.
Roll 1d20 for first encounter along the way.
>>545955
Amor smiles and nods, then turns and leaves without another word.
That strange grass from earlier is now in one corner of the garden. It still brushes against you whenever you pass, but seems to know better than to try and grab you again. Do you let it keep growing, Give it some care to make sure it's still healthy, or dig it up and get rid of it?
>>545958
He looks relieved at the opportunity to change the subject.
"Yes, well, the most pressing concern is what to do with all this lumber. We have enough to build the palisades up so we have a little better protection, but we wouldn't have enough left over to build any really worthwhile shelter other than what we already have. I still think defending ourselves is important, but we need to get ponies out of tents before some big rainstorm gives us all pneumonia."
>>545956
She cranes into your touch, exposing her neck to you as she coos and shivers in your grip. She steps even closer, her hoof brushing the inside of your thighs hesitantly, drawing your attention to an almost-painful pressure. You should probably get rid of whatever's obstructing that… if you're willing to deal with the consequences.
This means sex.
>>545973
LEWD
Just glance to the workers and make sure they are safe and sound.
Not hesitating any further I began to lick her cheeks and then slowly down to her neck and with that I began to remove my armor and slowly unsheathe and expose myself to her without saying a word, seeing at how she will react to me.
LEWD
Just glance to the workers and make sure they are safe and sound.
Not hesitating any further I began to lick her cheeks and then slowly down to her neck and with that I began to remove my armor and slowly unsheathe and expose myself to her without saying a word, seeing at how she will react to me.
>>545976
They both nod enthusiastically; apparently they had the same idea, but needed for you to make the actual decision.
The workers look happy at the prospect of having an actual roof over their heads, returning to their work with gusto.
>>545981
It seems a bit sickly, though that might just be because you roughed it up quite a bit.
You fail to notice anything unique about it at this time.
>>545991
Still working, still safe. They're not moving toward you, so you can take all the time you want.
She gasps at the first touch of your tongue to her cheek, then groans and presses against you as her eyelids flutter, only to shoot open again as her hoof meets the new obstruction.
Glancing downward, she stares for several moments, shivering in your grip, and begins to knead your shoulders as she arcs her back and whimpers.
She is absolute putty in your paws. Do anything you want with her; she'll probably enjoy whatever you come up with.
This is your cue to roll.
>>545974
I need a moment to put this together. Excuse me.
They both nod enthusiastically; apparently they had the same idea, but needed for you to make the actual decision.
The workers look happy at the prospect of having an actual roof over their heads, returning to their work with gusto.
>>545981
It seems a bit sickly, though that might just be because you roughed it up quite a bit.
You fail to notice anything unique about it at this time.
>>545991
Still working, still safe. They're not moving toward you, so you can take all the time you want.
She gasps at the first touch of your tongue to her cheek, then groans and presses against you as her eyelids flutter, only to shoot open again as her hoof meets the new obstruction.
Glancing downward, she stares for several moments, shivering in your grip, and begins to knead your shoulders as she arcs her back and whimpers.
She is absolute putty in your paws. Do anything you want with her; she'll probably enjoy whatever you come up with.
This is your cue to roll.
>>545974
I need a moment to put this together. Excuse me.
>>545974
The first several hours of your journey are uneventful, with Boon leading the way. Eventually the trees all begin to blur together.
Finally, the monotony is broken as you come to an area where the brush grows so thick on either side, you have no choice but to forge on straight ahead. Roll for perception.
The first several hours of your journey are uneventful, with Boon leading the way. Eventually the trees all begin to blur together.
Finally, the monotony is broken as you come to an area where the brush grows so thick on either side, you have no choice but to forge on straight ahead. Roll for perception.
>>546011
Let them do their thing, I have work to do here.
Lets just call it part of my tip.
Seeing her at my mercy, I slowly push her down on the soft soil and take my place on top of her while panting, barely able to contain my excitement.
Unable to contain myself anymore, I began to mount this slutty mare with all the intention to tie us together.
'5d10'
Roll #1 9, 1, 10, 4, 6 = 30
Let them do their thing, I have work to do here.
Lets just call it part of my tip.
Seeing her at my mercy, I slowly push her down on the soft soil and take my place on top of her while panting, barely able to contain my excitement.
Unable to contain myself anymore, I began to mount this slutty mare with all the intention to tie us together.
'5d10'
Roll #1 9, 1, 10, 4, 6 = 30
>>546017
You repair the damage you did to it, and it immediately perks up, stroking your head in seeming appreciation.
You notice that it's not actually grass, but one large interconnected plant with grass-like leaves that stretch up from the base. It looks very healthy now.
>>546019
You see something long and sinuous dissappear into the brush as you continue on in.
"One, I don't have wings, and two, flying through a forest is a recipe for disaster. I don't know how many fellers I've known to bust their noggins trying it."
>>546025
She gasps in surprise as she lands on the ground, then bites her lip as you get started, wrapping her legs around you while smiling up at you. '5d10+1' because horny mare
>>546016
"Well, we need to discuss naming the town. We can't just keep calling it "the town," now can we?"
Roll #1 3, 10, 3, 7, 10 + 1 = 34
You repair the damage you did to it, and it immediately perks up, stroking your head in seeming appreciation.
You notice that it's not actually grass, but one large interconnected plant with grass-like leaves that stretch up from the base. It looks very healthy now.
>>546019
You see something long and sinuous dissappear into the brush as you continue on in.
"One, I don't have wings, and two, flying through a forest is a recipe for disaster. I don't know how many fellers I've known to bust their noggins trying it."
>>546025
She gasps in surprise as she lands on the ground, then bites her lip as you get started, wrapping her legs around you while smiling up at you. '5d10+1' because horny mare
>>546016
"Well, we need to discuss naming the town. We can't just keep calling it "the town," now can we?"
Roll #1 3, 10, 3, 7, 10 + 1 = 34
>>546035
He looks around, puzzled.
"See what?"
You eventually come out into a break from the constant brush, allowing you to once more move between the trees. you notice the area is completely ringed in by thorny brush, aside from the way you came in and a small entrance on the other side.
>>546040
You can't find her in the clinic, so maybe she went to the storehouse for supplies? You search around for a while, before you finally find…
…
That is not Sweetherb. That is a middle-aged female goat.
That's not Sweetherb either. That is a middle-aged zebra. It is rather obvious that he is a male. In fact, you don't think you've ever heard of anypony doing… that before.
Luckily they haven't noticed you. Yet.
>>546044
"Actually, that isn't such a bad idea. Have a poll for some potential names, then put it to a vote which one we choose!"
Roll 1d6.
>>546047
>64/100
Nothing particularly mind-blowing for you, but very enjoyable all the same, particularly the way the intensity of her finish sent her eyes rolling as she shook like a tuning fork in your grasp.
She pants heavily as you like her cheeks, smiling as she turns her head and pulls you in for a kiss.
"I…don't mind… spending more… time with you. Oh wow. That was…"
She is interrupted by a loud wolf-whistle. While you were very careful to keep yourself hidden from the working group, you were in full view of the wall the whole time. A handful of the sentries are wolf-whistling and throwing catcalls your way.
Seems they appreciated the show.
He looks around, puzzled.
"See what?"
You eventually come out into a break from the constant brush, allowing you to once more move between the trees. you notice the area is completely ringed in by thorny brush, aside from the way you came in and a small entrance on the other side.
>>546040
You can't find her in the clinic, so maybe she went to the storehouse for supplies? You search around for a while, before you finally find…
…
That is not Sweetherb. That is a middle-aged female goat.
That's not Sweetherb either. That is a middle-aged zebra. It is rather obvious that he is a male. In fact, you don't think you've ever heard of anypony doing… that before.
Luckily they haven't noticed you. Yet.
>>546044
"Actually, that isn't such a bad idea. Have a poll for some potential names, then put it to a vote which one we choose!"
Roll 1d6.
>>546047
>64/100
Nothing particularly mind-blowing for you, but very enjoyable all the same, particularly the way the intensity of her finish sent her eyes rolling as she shook like a tuning fork in your grasp.
She pants heavily as you like her cheeks, smiling as she turns her head and pulls you in for a kiss.
"I…don't mind… spending more… time with you. Oh wow. That was…"
She is interrupted by a loud wolf-whistle. While you were very careful to keep yourself hidden from the working group, you were in full view of the wall the whole time. A handful of the sentries are wolf-whistling and throwing catcalls your way.
Seems they appreciated the show.
>>546063
The guards look at you a little funny as you head out into the woods on your own, but you pay them no mind. Something seems to be calling to you…
and then, you find it. A lone beam of sunlight falls on what has to be the most beautiful flower in existence.
A simple blue petal reaches up to the sun from a thick green stalk, shimmering with an almost otherworldly beauty in the the light.
>>546066
As you step into the area, you hear a slithering sound. Roll to avoid.
>>546065
That roll will come into play later.
"Considering the fact that we're all working to make this town a reality, it's only fair that we give everypony a chance to have a say in what we name it."
She gives you a grin. "And don't worry, I'll be sorting through to avoid any… distasteful submissions."
The guards look at you a little funny as you head out into the woods on your own, but you pay them no mind. Something seems to be calling to you…
and then, you find it. A lone beam of sunlight falls on what has to be the most beautiful flower in existence.
A simple blue petal reaches up to the sun from a thick green stalk, shimmering with an almost otherworldly beauty in the the light.
>>546066
As you step into the area, you hear a slithering sound. Roll to avoid.
>>546065
That roll will come into play later.
"Considering the fact that we're all working to make this town a reality, it's only fair that we give everypony a chance to have a say in what we name it."
She gives you a grin. "And don't worry, I'll be sorting through to avoid any… distasteful submissions."
>>546073
With almost supernatural speed, you're in the air, just in time to avoid the tentacles lunging for your legs. More go after you, but you somehow manage to dodge them and fly above their reach, at least for now.
Unfortunately, now you're stuck. The canopy is far too thick for you to fly any higher without breaking a wing, and you're caged in from all sides. The only way out… is through the now-writhing mass of tentacles below.
>>546075
You find yourself too lost in the way it's petals shimmer to make any real observations about it, though you definitely know you want it.
In fact, you feel the strange urge to taste it…
Maybe just a nibble? You don't even have to swallow.
>>546078
"Indeed. I can imagine the names the more juvenile will immediately come up with."
She turns as you hear whooping and catcalls from the town walls. "Speaking of juvenile…"
With almost supernatural speed, you're in the air, just in time to avoid the tentacles lunging for your legs. More go after you, but you somehow manage to dodge them and fly above their reach, at least for now.
Unfortunately, now you're stuck. The canopy is far too thick for you to fly any higher without breaking a wing, and you're caged in from all sides. The only way out… is through the now-writhing mass of tentacles below.
>>546075
You find yourself too lost in the way it's petals shimmer to make any real observations about it, though you definitely know you want it.
In fact, you feel the strange urge to taste it…
Maybe just a nibble? You don't even have to swallow.
>>546078
"Indeed. I can imagine the names the more juvenile will immediately come up with."
She turns as you hear whooping and catcalls from the town walls. "Speaking of juvenile…"
>>546086
You are answered by a panicked yell as you see Boon getting dragged into the area, vines restraining all four of his legs as he looks around frantically.
"I don't know, but get me outta here!"
>>546090
You can't tell from here, but it sounds like they must have caught someone in the middle of an inappropriate act or something.
"This is why we need to start training ponies in the militia," Cloud Cutter sighs, shaking his head. "We don't need them pulling that sort of stunt while on guard duty."
>>546088
You hesitantly try a leaf… and as the taste explodes through your brain, you scarf the whole thing down, stem to stamen. It's almost as if you weren't in control of your own actions.
As you stand there afterwards, you feel a strange heat in your stomach that slowly begins spreading outward.
You are answered by a panicked yell as you see Boon getting dragged into the area, vines restraining all four of his legs as he looks around frantically.
"I don't know, but get me outta here!"
>>546090
You can't tell from here, but it sounds like they must have caught someone in the middle of an inappropriate act or something.
"This is why we need to start training ponies in the militia," Cloud Cutter sighs, shaking his head. "We don't need them pulling that sort of stunt while on guard duty."
>>546088
You hesitantly try a leaf… and as the taste explodes through your brain, you scarf the whole thing down, stem to stamen. It's almost as if you weren't in control of your own actions.
As you stand there afterwards, you feel a strange heat in your stomach that slowly begins spreading outward.
>>546099
With a superb show of marksmanship, you hit every vine holding him. To your shock, the vines appear unharmed by your fire, though they do drop Boon, who immediately leaps to his feet and runs for the exit.
>>546102
You find Askeladd and one of the colonist mares as the center of attention from the wall.
You also see why, considering that the diamond dog is still… tied to the mare, who is currently blushing scarlet.
>>546101
Maybe so, considering that suddenly every muscle in your body is now on fire. You drop to the ground in pain, involuntary tears forcing their way out of your eyes as it feels like your body is trying to explode out of your skin. Your wings convulse as they twist and jerk with teeth-grinding cracks, Pain, pain, pain…
and as suddenly as it starts, the pain recedes. Your skin feels… tighter, somehow. Your muscles stronger. In fact, you feel better than you've ever felt before. Even your wings, always neglected, feel strong and natural. Looks like Nature decided to give you a gift after all.
+1 to maximum hits/wounds, bringing you to 6/6.
With a superb show of marksmanship, you hit every vine holding him. To your shock, the vines appear unharmed by your fire, though they do drop Boon, who immediately leaps to his feet and runs for the exit.
>>546102
You find Askeladd and one of the colonist mares as the center of attention from the wall.
You also see why, considering that the diamond dog is still… tied to the mare, who is currently blushing scarlet.
>>546101
Maybe so, considering that suddenly every muscle in your body is now on fire. You drop to the ground in pain, involuntary tears forcing their way out of your eyes as it feels like your body is trying to explode out of your skin. Your wings convulse as they twist and jerk with teeth-grinding cracks, Pain, pain, pain…
and as suddenly as it starts, the pain recedes. Your skin feels… tighter, somehow. Your muscles stronger. In fact, you feel better than you've ever felt before. Even your wings, always neglected, feel strong and natural. Looks like Nature decided to give you a gift after all.
+1 to maximum hits/wounds, bringing you to 6/6.
>>546114
The jeering immediately falls silent as they all look away and do their best to look like they have somewhere important to be, returning to their posts.
The mare is still blushing crimson. "T-thanks… S-sorry about that, I… guess we should have been more careful…"
>>546113
With a fierce warcry, you dive headlong into the mass of vines. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
The first vine grabs your leg; at the speed you were going, you can't stop yourself from arcing downward and cracking your head on the ground. In this dazed state, you aren't able to offer any resistance as the tentacles swarm around you and pick you up off the ground.
By the time you come back to your senses, all four legs and both your wings are firmly restrained and spread, leaving you unable to do anything but wiggle.
Boon doesn't seem to have fared any better getting dragged back into the area by a vine that managed to catch his leg. You can't do anything but watch as his struggles fail to save him from ending up in exactly the same position as you.
You notice vines are starting to slide up your inner thighs, while another hovers right in front of your face.
>>546118
Sadly, further exploration yields little that you haven't already seen.
The jeering immediately falls silent as they all look away and do their best to look like they have somewhere important to be, returning to their posts.
The mare is still blushing crimson. "T-thanks… S-sorry about that, I… guess we should have been more careful…"
>>546113
With a fierce warcry, you dive headlong into the mass of vines. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
The first vine grabs your leg; at the speed you were going, you can't stop yourself from arcing downward and cracking your head on the ground. In this dazed state, you aren't able to offer any resistance as the tentacles swarm around you and pick you up off the ground.
By the time you come back to your senses, all four legs and both your wings are firmly restrained and spread, leaving you unable to do anything but wiggle.
Boon doesn't seem to have fared any better getting dragged back into the area by a vine that managed to catch his leg. You can't do anything but watch as his struggles fail to save him from ending up in exactly the same position as you.
You notice vines are starting to slide up your inner thighs, while another hovers right in front of your face.
>>546118
Sadly, further exploration yields little that you haven't already seen.
>>546126
You mean Wheat Fields? When you enter the clinic, she's sitting up and looking around, so that's a good sign.
Sweetherb smiles as you enter. "So, any luck with that garden of yours?"
>>546127
"S-sorry," she apologizes, looking thoroughly chastises and ashamed. "I just… there was this flower… and then I just… couldn't stop… and the urge was…"
She'd be the perfect image of contriteness right now, if not for the massive diamond dog dong currently splitting her open like a ripe watermelon. Judging by the bulge in her belly, she's going to be stuck like that for a while too.
>>546128
The vines squish easily under your claws and beak, shuddering as… they… fail to suffer any damage whatsoever. However, you seem to have set something off, considering the fact that a vine is now forcing it's way down your throat, while more are forcing their way inside… other orifices.
Roll 15d10 to see how well you take this unspeakable violation.
You mean Wheat Fields? When you enter the clinic, she's sitting up and looking around, so that's a good sign.
Sweetherb smiles as you enter. "So, any luck with that garden of yours?"
>>546127
"S-sorry," she apologizes, looking thoroughly chastises and ashamed. "I just… there was this flower… and then I just… couldn't stop… and the urge was…"
She'd be the perfect image of contriteness right now, if not for the massive diamond dog dong currently splitting her open like a ripe watermelon. Judging by the bulge in her belly, she's going to be stuck like that for a while too.
>>546128
The vines squish easily under your claws and beak, shuddering as… they… fail to suffer any damage whatsoever. However, you seem to have set something off, considering the fact that a vine is now forcing it's way down your throat, while more are forcing their way inside… other orifices.
Roll 15d10 to see how well you take this unspeakable violation.
>>546142
"Wonderful! And must I say you look positively glowing right now. Maybe I should help with that garden if it has that effect. Oh, listen to me ramble, you're probably here to see your friend. Go on then, she's been asking for you!"
She seems very happy knowing she's got a steady supply of medicine for her clinic.
Wheat Fields brightens as you approach. "Hey there, Amby! Whoa, have you been working out? How long was I out for?"
>>546147
Your makeup's not the only thing it ruins. The ordeal just seems to go on, and on, and on, as vine after vine pumps… something into your throat, and your… body, and onto you…
Out of the corner of your eye, you barely register Boon's figure, all five legs restrained as he recieves similar treatment, though the image fades as everything becomes a blur…
You wake up outside the clearing, sore in ways you didn't know were possible and covered in something sticky and slimy.
Unable to find the energy to rise, you simply turn your head to see Boon, who looks similarly exhausted and covered in whatever that stuff was. As he meets your gaze, his mouth opens- wider than you remember it being able to- and hanging open as he struggles to force the words out.
"…We…never speak…of this…again…"
>>546154
Before she can answer, there's a commotion back with the rest of the group.
"Wonderful! And must I say you look positively glowing right now. Maybe I should help with that garden if it has that effect. Oh, listen to me ramble, you're probably here to see your friend. Go on then, she's been asking for you!"
She seems very happy knowing she's got a steady supply of medicine for her clinic.
Wheat Fields brightens as you approach. "Hey there, Amby! Whoa, have you been working out? How long was I out for?"
>>546147
Your makeup's not the only thing it ruins. The ordeal just seems to go on, and on, and on, as vine after vine pumps… something into your throat, and your… body, and onto you…
Out of the corner of your eye, you barely register Boon's figure, all five legs restrained as he recieves similar treatment, though the image fades as everything becomes a blur…
You wake up outside the clearing, sore in ways you didn't know were possible and covered in something sticky and slimy.
Unable to find the energy to rise, you simply turn your head to see Boon, who looks similarly exhausted and covered in whatever that stuff was. As he meets your gaze, his mouth opens- wider than you remember it being able to- and hanging open as he struggles to force the words out.
"…We…never speak…of this…again…"
>>546154
Before she can answer, there's a commotion back with the rest of the group.
>>546163
Just a few days, not too long, all things considered. It's surprising that she's sitting up so soon.
"Well, I'm certainly doing better! Though I can't wait to get my wing and legs out of these stupid casts. Guess that's what I get for going after something twice my size, huh?"
>>546164
He seems to be having trouble understanding what just happened too, considering the fact that he just passed out.
Both of you are in desperate need of a bath, once you have the energy to start moving again.
Just a few days, not too long, all things considered. It's surprising that she's sitting up so soon.
"Well, I'm certainly doing better! Though I can't wait to get my wing and legs out of these stupid casts. Guess that's what I get for going after something twice my size, huh?"
>>546164
He seems to be having trouble understanding what just happened too, considering the fact that he just passed out.
Both of you are in desperate need of a bath, once you have the energy to start moving again.
>>546173
You stumble a little as she pulls you into a tight hug. "Don't mention it, Amby! After all, I couldn't let that big mean wolfy eat my second friend! You just don't do that!"
Considering the fact that she has several broken ribs, this hug must be putting her in excruciating pain.
>>546174
That comes easily enough, with your newly-stretched larynx. Even so, it just seems to go on and on before you finally finish purging the last of it. You're going to be feeling this for days to come.
You stumble a little as she pulls you into a tight hug. "Don't mention it, Amby! After all, I couldn't let that big mean wolfy eat my second friend! You just don't do that!"
Considering the fact that she has several broken ribs, this hug must be putting her in excruciating pain.
>>546174
That comes easily enough, with your newly-stretched larynx. Even so, it just seems to go on and on before you finally finish purging the last of it. You're going to be feeling this for days to come.
>>546183
Eventually, you both manage to stagger to your feet, and after taking care of… other functions… you both manage to stagger along your way.
Now you have an additional motivation to find that river; there is no way in Tartarus you're going back to town without washing this stuff off of you first.
>>546184
"Well, my leg and wing still ache, but other than that, I'm okey-dokey!"
It doesn't matter that your not hugging her back. the amount of force she's putting into the hug should have her convulsing in agony right now.
>>546182
Pausing next post. Like I said, I want Lemon for what's about to happen.
Eventually, you both manage to stagger to your feet, and after taking care of… other functions… you both manage to stagger along your way.
Now you have an additional motivation to find that river; there is no way in Tartarus you're going back to town without washing this stuff off of you first.
>>546184
"Well, my leg and wing still ache, but other than that, I'm okey-dokey!"
It doesn't matter that your not hugging her back. the amount of force she's putting into the hug should have her convulsing in agony right now.
>>546182
Pausing next post. Like I said, I want Lemon for what's about to happen.
>>546192
"Really? Awesome! You've got to tell me all about them!"
As she hugs you even closer, you realize that her ribcage feels smooth and solid. Those busted ribs should be shifting and poking you.
There's no way her ribs healed that fast, with or without magic. Yet the fact remains that as she continues to jabber on, oblivious to your hoof prodding her ribs, you can't find anything to indicate that her ribs were ever broken.
>>546194
Most of that was probably unitelligible, but he nods absently and leans against you as you both stagger through the woods, your back legs uncomfortably numb.
>>546182
Uh oh. Looks like the foresting group is under attack from some of the local wildlife. Thankfully, the armed settlers are managing to hold them back from getting to the workers, but you're going to need to step in to drive them off for good!
#Pause
"Really? Awesome! You've got to tell me all about them!"
As she hugs you even closer, you realize that her ribcage feels smooth and solid. Those busted ribs should be shifting and poking you.
There's no way her ribs healed that fast, with or without magic. Yet the fact remains that as she continues to jabber on, oblivious to your hoof prodding her ribs, you can't find anything to indicate that her ribs were ever broken.
>>546194
Most of that was probably unitelligible, but he nods absently and leans against you as you both stagger through the woods, your back legs uncomfortably numb.
>>546182
Uh oh. Looks like the foresting group is under attack from some of the local wildlife. Thankfully, the armed settlers are managing to hold them back from getting to the workers, but you're going to need to step in to drive them off for good!
#Pause
>>546205
"Huh?" She gives you a confused look, then starts examining her ribs. Yup, good as new. "Wowwie! That's awesome! Maybe I can get out of here sooner!"
Sweetherb rushes over wide-eyed, confirming what you already know.
"But… that's not possible…"
>>546203
That encounter is finished. Roll 1d20 for the next encounter.
"Huh?" She gives you a confused look, then starts examining her ribs. Yup, good as new. "Wowwie! That's awesome! Maybe I can get out of here sooner!"
Sweetherb rushes over wide-eyed, confirming what you already know.
"But… that's not possible…"
>>546203
That encounter is finished. Roll 1d20 for the next encounter.
>>546212
Do not question the Great Generator, mortal. If it declares you shall face the tentacles again, you shall face them again.
Luckily, whatever gods are watching over you have had their fun, and you continue unviolated for an hour or so.
Eventually, you come to a large, open field. The grass stretches about knee-high in this well-lit break in the forest.
>>546215
"No, nothing I haven't fed the other patients-" falling silent, she goes and checks on the others. Sure enough, all three of them have recovered from their injuries far more than they should have been able to in such a sort span of time.
Do not question the Great Generator, mortal. If it declares you shall face the tentacles again, you shall face them again.
Luckily, whatever gods are watching over you have had their fun, and you continue unviolated for an hour or so.
Eventually, you come to a large, open field. The grass stretches about knee-high in this well-lit break in the forest.
>>546215
"No, nothing I haven't fed the other patients-" falling silent, she goes and checks on the others. Sure enough, all three of them have recovered from their injuries far more than they should have been able to in such a sort span of time.
>>546217
If he has, he hasn't used it. In fact he refuses to meet your gaze, finding his hooves far more interesting to look at.
>>546218
"…N-neither do I." Sweetherb begins to pace frantically.
"T-this isn't possible. It's not possible! Did… did I maybe give the wrong medicine? No, I checked and double-checked, every time. Maybe I gave them too much medicine? No, that doesn't explain it either. I-I don't understand. I don't understand!"
You feel Wheat Fields grab your shoulder. "Maybe you should try to calm her down?"
If he has, he hasn't used it. In fact he refuses to meet your gaze, finding his hooves far more interesting to look at.
>>546218
"…N-neither do I." Sweetherb begins to pace frantically.
"T-this isn't possible. It's not possible! Did… did I maybe give the wrong medicine? No, I checked and double-checked, every time. Maybe I gave them too much medicine? No, that doesn't explain it either. I-I don't understand. I don't understand!"
You feel Wheat Fields grab your shoulder. "Maybe you should try to calm her down?"
>>546220
In case you forgot, he did run. Just not fast enough.
You proceed across the field carefully, each step sinking slightly into the soft earth. This might be a great place to farm, assuming nothing tries to jump out and eat you.
Boon follows a few steps behind you, being just as careful where he puts his hooves.
>>546221
If she hears you, she doesn't respond, continuing to mutter to herself as she rummages through her supply of medicine.
…What, did you honestly expect that to work?
In case you forgot, he did run. Just not fast enough.
You proceed across the field carefully, each step sinking slightly into the soft earth. This might be a great place to farm, assuming nothing tries to jump out and eat you.
Boon follows a few steps behind you, being just as careful where he puts his hooves.
>>546221
If she hears you, she doesn't respond, continuing to mutter to herself as she rummages through her supply of medicine.
…What, did you honestly expect that to work?
>>546223
Noted. They'll probably be ecstatic that there's land ready for farming so close to the town.
Finally making it across the field, the two of you continue along the way.
Roll 1d20 one last time. See what the gods have in store for you.
>>546224
"Well, no duh!" She gives you a frustrated look, then sighs as Sweetherb continues to ramble and titter about.
After a moment her face brightens. "Hey, maybe my leg is fixed too!" Before you can stop her, she raise her leg cast and slams it down on the rail next to her bed with a metallic clang that echoes through the room.
She blinks once, her expression falling, before slowly falling backwards back into her bed.
"Not fixed," she manages to groan. "Not fixed at all. Oooooooooooooooooh…"
Noted. They'll probably be ecstatic that there's land ready for farming so close to the town.
Finally making it across the field, the two of you continue along the way.
Roll 1d20 one last time. See what the gods have in store for you.
>>546224
"Well, no duh!" She gives you a frustrated look, then sighs as Sweetherb continues to ramble and titter about.
After a moment her face brightens. "Hey, maybe my leg is fixed too!" Before you can stop her, she raise her leg cast and slams it down on the rail next to her bed with a metallic clang that echoes through the room.
She blinks once, her expression falling, before slowly falling backwards back into her bed.
"Not fixed," she manages to groan. "Not fixed at all. Oooooooooooooooooh…"
>>546226
Apparently her patient injuring herself was enough to snap Sweetherb out of her stupor. She's currently chewing Wheat out about how stupid it was for her to do that, while Wheat just lies there and groans, apparently not hearing a word she's saying.
>>546227
You stumble across a very beautiful blue flower, finding something about the way the light dances around it quite mesmerizing.
For the first time in a while, Boon speaks up.
"You doing okay, kid?"
>>546228
You were assigned watch duty earlier, and as a result are up on the walls watching the forest team work. At some point, you get a show as Askeladd gives a mare the knot in what they thought was privacy, but if you jump straight to there I'll have to pause you.
Apparently her patient injuring herself was enough to snap Sweetherb out of her stupor. She's currently chewing Wheat out about how stupid it was for her to do that, while Wheat just lies there and groans, apparently not hearing a word she's saying.
>>546227
You stumble across a very beautiful blue flower, finding something about the way the light dances around it quite mesmerizing.
For the first time in a while, Boon speaks up.
"You doing okay, kid?"
>>546228
You were assigned watch duty earlier, and as a result are up on the walls watching the forest team work. At some point, you get a show as Askeladd gives a mare the knot in what they thought was privacy, but if you jump straight to there I'll have to pause you.
>>546231
There's actually a bit of a crowd gathering to watch.
But that's ALL IN THE FUTURE!
Right now, you're sitting back in the bar, watching the ponies as they go by.
Because If you're on the wall, you'll be involved in combat, and I'm saving that until Lemon can be here.
>>546230
Eventually, Sweetherb manages to cool down. Or she just runs out of air, take your pick.
"Sorry about that. I just… I don't know what happened. There's absolutely no explanation for this!"
>>546232
He can't hold his gaze for long before he looks away.
"I'm sorry, okay?" He says quietly. "If I'd known that was there… If I'd known those things even existed… I'd…"
There's actually a bit of a crowd gathering to watch.
But that's ALL IN THE FUTURE!
Right now, you're sitting back in the bar, watching the ponies as they go by.
Because If you're on the wall, you'll be involved in combat, and I'm saving that until Lemon can be here.
>>546230
Eventually, Sweetherb manages to cool down. Or she just runs out of air, take your pick.
"Sorry about that. I just… I don't know what happened. There's absolutely no explanation for this!"
>>546232
He can't hold his gaze for long before he looks away.
"I'm sorry, okay?" He says quietly. "If I'd known that was there… If I'd known those things even existed… I'd…"
>>546234
You mean Celery Stalk? Yes, he's actually over there right now.
>>546235
He shakes his head. "I shoulda pulled you out of there, kid. Right now, my job's to show you the ropes and keep you from getting killed, and then I just…" he sighs again. "…That's a very beautiful flower right there."
>>546236
Before you can leave, Wheat Fields calls out to you, her voice reserved for… the first time since you've known her, actually.
"Hey, Amby? Thanks for stopping by to see me. I liked talking to you."
You mean Celery Stalk? Yes, he's actually over there right now.
>>546235
He shakes his head. "I shoulda pulled you out of there, kid. Right now, my job's to show you the ropes and keep you from getting killed, and then I just…" he sighs again. "…That's a very beautiful flower right there."
>>546236
Before you can leave, Wheat Fields calls out to you, her voice reserved for… the first time since you've known her, actually.
"Hey, Amby? Thanks for stopping by to see me. I liked talking to you."
>>546238
Congratulations, you just killed a beautiful, harmless flower so dead that it exploded twice.
Unfortunately, all that noise just drew the attention of the forest's residents. Roll 1d6.
>>546239
At the moment, yes.
"Indeed. I'm glad to see somepony around here so skilled at making drinks. To be honest, I was expecting to have to survive on swill for the first several months here." He grimaces. "I was not looking forward to the idea."
>>546240
She smiles. "Please? It gets really boring just laying here all day."
Congratulations, you just killed a beautiful, harmless flower so dead that it exploded twice.
Unfortunately, all that noise just drew the attention of the forest's residents. Roll 1d6.
>>546239
At the moment, yes.
"Indeed. I'm glad to see somepony around here so skilled at making drinks. To be honest, I was expecting to have to survive on swill for the first several months here." He grimaces. "I was not looking forward to the idea."
>>546240
She smiles. "Please? It gets really boring just laying here all day."
>>546243
He looks at you for a moment, then shrugs.
"Sure, why not? I could always use some intelligent conversation."
>>546244
She looks ready to jump out of her bed with glee, if Sweetherb wasn't firmly holding her down. "See you soon, Amby!" She calls after you.
Where to next?
>>546242
"Damnit girl, why'd you go and do that?"
Five snarling squirrels leap out of the woodwork and start circling you. Boon swears and pulls out his rifle.
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
He looks at you for a moment, then shrugs.
"Sure, why not? I could always use some intelligent conversation."
>>546244
She looks ready to jump out of her bed with glee, if Sweetherb wasn't firmly holding her down. "See you soon, Amby!" She calls after you.
Where to next?
>>546242
"Damnit girl, why'd you go and do that?"
Five snarling squirrels leap out of the woodwork and start circling you. Boon swears and pulls out his rifle.
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>546248
"Celery Stalk, of Canterlot fame. I've never actually been to Manehatten. Is it as dirty as they say it is?"
>>546246
>>546249
Your blind rage makes you miss by a mile, leaving you open to get tackled by one, it's buck teeth knashing at you as it tries to bite your throat. Buck takes aim and fires at the squirrel, but his aim gets thrown off as another swipes at him.
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
"Celery Stalk, of Canterlot fame. I've never actually been to Manehatten. Is it as dirty as they say it is?"
>>546246
>>546249
Your blind rage makes you miss by a mile, leaving you open to get tackled by one, it's buck teeth knashing at you as it tries to bite your throat. Buck takes aim and fires at the squirrel, but his aim gets thrown off as another swipes at him.
Giant Squirrel 1: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546252
He jumps at that, then sighs. "I suppose word was bound to get out eventually. I just hope you don't go spreading it around to everyone that I'm from the academy; it's very hard to work when you're constantly getting pestered by ponies wanting help from "the great wizard" with problems they should be able to solve on their own."
>>546251
>>546253
"No arguments here!"
You're back up and ready to run. Boon fires again, this time knocking one of the squirrels down. You really aren't questioning the fact that you're fighting giant squirrels?
Giant Squirrel 1: Helpless/2 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
He jumps at that, then sighs. "I suppose word was bound to get out eventually. I just hope you don't go spreading it around to everyone that I'm from the academy; it's very hard to work when you're constantly getting pestered by ponies wanting help from "the great wizard" with problems they should be able to solve on their own."
>>546251
>>546253
"No arguments here!"
You're back up and ready to run. Boon fires again, this time knocking one of the squirrels down. You really aren't questioning the fact that you're fighting giant squirrels?
Giant Squirrel 1: Helpless/2 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546255
>>546256
You're both running and firing over your shoulders, with Boon finishing off one and you staggering another. Up ahead, you can begin to see the telltale glint of the river, but it'll be a while before you get there.
Feel free to take actions while you run.
>>546257
He looks away for a moment. "Peace and quiet in which to conduct my research." Roll to see what your bullshit detector says.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 1/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546256
You're both running and firing over your shoulders, with Boon finishing off one and you staggering another. Up ahead, you can begin to see the telltale glint of the river, but it'll be a while before you get there.
Feel free to take actions while you run.
>>546257
He looks away for a moment. "Peace and quiet in which to conduct my research." Roll to see what your bullshit detector says.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: 1/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546259
He's telling the truth, you can tell that much. Thing is, you can also tell that he's not telling you the WHOLE truth. The peace and quiet are probably just a bonus to whatever his real motivation is.
>>546260
>>546261
"What? Don't tell me I got touched places no stallion should be touched because I paired with a fucking Tirekian!"
Blam, blam. Two more hit the ground. One of them doesn't look to be in any condition to keep chasing you.
The water's closer now. Just a little farther, and you'll be home-free. Hopefully.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Helpless/2 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
He's telling the truth, you can tell that much. Thing is, you can also tell that he's not telling you the WHOLE truth. The peace and quiet are probably just a bonus to whatever his real motivation is.
>>546260
>>546261
"What? Don't tell me I got touched places no stallion should be touched because I paired with a fucking Tirekian!"
Blam, blam. Two more hit the ground. One of them doesn't look to be in any condition to keep chasing you.
The water's closer now. Just a little farther, and you'll be home-free. Hopefully.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Helpless/2 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546263
>>546264
Boon's rifle cracks again, crippling another squirrel, leaving only two able to keep chasing you. One of them manages to gouge a couple scratches in you before you take off again.
It's so close, you can almost feel it! Just a little further!
>>546265
"Indeed. That thing with those wolves put everyone in a tizzy, made it very hard to work." He talks about it like the whole thing was an annoyance.
A black unicorn stallion runs up towards Celery Stalk, then slows as he spots you, approaching far more warily. Roll to see if you spot anything unusual about him.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 1/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546264
Boon's rifle cracks again, crippling another squirrel, leaving only two able to keep chasing you. One of them manages to gouge a couple scratches in you before you take off again.
It's so close, you can almost feel it! Just a little further!
>>546265
"Indeed. That thing with those wolves put everyone in a tizzy, made it very hard to work." He talks about it like the whole thing was an annoyance.
A black unicorn stallion runs up towards Celery Stalk, then slows as he spots you, approaching far more warily. Roll to see if you spot anything unusual about him.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: 1/4 hits/wounds
Boon: 4/5 hits/wounds
>>546267
It's just out of reach! Thinking fast, you grab a particularly thick branch on your way down, drawing it taught before letting go. It cracks one of the squirrels in the head, dazing him.
You hear Boon utter a stream of Expletives as he gets tackled by the other squirrel.
You're on the shore now, but
>>546270
you turn back to try to help Boon and get blindsided by a no-longer dazed and very angry squirrel.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 1/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Boon: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
It's just out of reach! Thinking fast, you grab a particularly thick branch on your way down, drawing it taught before letting go. It cracks one of the squirrels in the head, dazing him.
You hear Boon utter a stream of Expletives as he gets tackled by the other squirrel.
You're on the shore now, but
>>546270
you turn back to try to help Boon and get blindsided by a no-longer dazed and very angry squirrel.
Giant Squirrel 1: Dead
Giant Squirrel 2: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 3: 1/3 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 4: Critical/1 hits/wounds
Giant Squirrel 5: 5/3 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Boon: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
>>546268
Aside from being nervous about you, he's a perfectly normal stallion. Maybe he's just antisocial?
"Ah, Amor!" Stalk exclaims as he notices the newcomer. "It's about time you showed up! This is one of my assistants. Say hello to the nice bartender, Amor."
The stallion bows respectfully. "Hello, sir."
Aside from being nervous about you, he's a perfectly normal stallion. Maybe he's just antisocial?
"Ah, Amor!" Stalk exclaims as he notices the newcomer. "It's about time you showed up! This is one of my assistants. Say hello to the nice bartender, Amor."
The stallion bows respectfully. "Hello, sir."
>>546272
>>546275
These squirrels are stronger than they look. Boon yells as the one on him gets a particularly lucky shot on him.
>>546276
"Amor's a faithful fellow, does a decent job of doing what he's told. Speaking of which, weren't you supposed to be giving me your report, boy?" Stalk seems to have completely dismissed you.
>>546275
These squirrels are stronger than they look. Boon yells as the one on him gets a particularly lucky shot on him.
>>546276
"Amor's a faithful fellow, does a decent job of doing what he's told. Speaking of which, weren't you supposed to be giving me your report, boy?" Stalk seems to have completely dismissed you.
>>546279
>>546280
It chitters angrily at you as you pull yourself to your feet. Boon manages to keep his at bay, but can't quite throw him off.
>>546281
No, he didn't at that.
Amor pauses, glancing at you, then starts talking when Stalk clears his throat. "Um, yes. The experiment was carried out exactly as instructed, exposing the subject to the control group, consisting of an individual disinclined to emotional responses. After administering the dose, the subject approached said individual and attempted small talk and mutually beneficial activities. Subject…" He looks down at his hooves for a moment. "…Subject reports control group eliciting emotional response."
>>546280
It chitters angrily at you as you pull yourself to your feet. Boon manages to keep his at bay, but can't quite throw him off.
>>546281
No, he didn't at that.
Amor pauses, glancing at you, then starts talking when Stalk clears his throat. "Um, yes. The experiment was carried out exactly as instructed, exposing the subject to the control group, consisting of an individual disinclined to emotional responses. After administering the dose, the subject approached said individual and attempted small talk and mutually beneficial activities. Subject…" He looks down at his hooves for a moment. "…Subject reports control group eliciting emotional response."
>>546284
>>546286
All that anger and stress from this horrible excuse for a day gets concentrated into one single fist of fury to the squirrel's face, sending it flying back into a tree, where it falls to the ground twitching.
Boon tries to get up, then grimaces and grabs his side where it got a lucky hit on him swearing and cursing fit to burst.
>>546285
"Are you sure?" Stalk presses. "The control group managed to create an emotional response within the subject?"
Amor begins to fidget. "That is correct, sir."
"How intense was the reaction?"
"…It was the control group test, sir. We do not have sufficient data to make a comparison."
"Bah!" Stalk waves a hoof dismissively. "You say it's already working when it shouldn't, and then you can't tell me how well it worked? Away with you!"
Amor gives you one glance before bolting like the hounds of Tartarus are after him.
>>546286
All that anger and stress from this horrible excuse for a day gets concentrated into one single fist of fury to the squirrel's face, sending it flying back into a tree, where it falls to the ground twitching.
Boon tries to get up, then grimaces and grabs his side where it got a lucky hit on him swearing and cursing fit to burst.
>>546285
"Are you sure?" Stalk presses. "The control group managed to create an emotional response within the subject?"
Amor begins to fidget. "That is correct, sir."
"How intense was the reaction?"
"…It was the control group test, sir. We do not have sufficient data to make a comparison."
"Bah!" Stalk waves a hoof dismissively. "You say it's already working when it shouldn't, and then you can't tell me how well it worked? Away with you!"
Amor gives you one glance before bolting like the hounds of Tartarus are after him.
>>546289
He starts, then settles down as he remembers he was just talking to you.
"I believe that is my line. However, if I recall correctly, we were discussing the strange magical presence in this land?"
>>546290
Despite being injured, the squirrel hits you hard enough to stagger you. However, it buys Boon enough time to get to his feet and reload his rifle.
He starts, then settles down as he remembers he was just talking to you.
"I believe that is my line. However, if I recall correctly, we were discussing the strange magical presence in this land?"
>>546290
Despite being injured, the squirrel hits you hard enough to stagger you. However, it buys Boon enough time to get to his feet and reload his rifle.
>>546294
Roaring all your fury and spite in his face, you put all that rage into a single blow, splatting the squirrel into a red paste. As you stand there panting, you turn to see Boon slowly lower his rifle as he stares at you with wide eyes.
After a moment, he looks away and jerks his head towards the three still alive. "What do we do with them?"
Roaring all your fury and spite in his face, you put all that rage into a single blow, splatting the squirrel into a red paste. As you stand there panting, you turn to see Boon slowly lower his rifle as he stares at you with wide eyes.
After a moment, he looks away and jerks his head towards the three still alive. "What do we do with them?"
>>546295
"I was? Well, let me see… It's quite similar to the magical field natural to Equestria, yet it seems almost fundamentally different. Upon closer inspection, I am inclined to draw parallels in the structure to those commonly found in healing and bolsterative magics, though their purpose, if any, is lost to me. In any case, while interesting in it's own right, the inherent magic here is not the focus of my studies." He glances at the sun. "Which I really should be getting back to. Thank you for the chat, mister Figton. I look forward to meeting again."
>>546297
He's in pretty rough shape, covered in scratches from the Squirrel's claws. Some of them look pretty deep. You also notice that he seems to be limping with one leg.
"Dunno. Just doesn't seem right leaving them like that."
At your inquiry as to his condition, he winces and looks away. "I'll be fine. What about you? They got a couple good hits in on you."
"I was? Well, let me see… It's quite similar to the magical field natural to Equestria, yet it seems almost fundamentally different. Upon closer inspection, I am inclined to draw parallels in the structure to those commonly found in healing and bolsterative magics, though their purpose, if any, is lost to me. In any case, while interesting in it's own right, the inherent magic here is not the focus of my studies." He glances at the sun. "Which I really should be getting back to. Thank you for the chat, mister Figton. I look forward to meeting again."
>>546297
He's in pretty rough shape, covered in scratches from the Squirrel's claws. Some of them look pretty deep. You also notice that he seems to be limping with one leg.
"Dunno. Just doesn't seem right leaving them like that."
At your inquiry as to his condition, he winces and looks away. "I'll be fine. What about you? They got a couple good hits in on you."
>>546307
>>546308
The shadow comes awake with a growl. At your question, it shows you the sensation of sliding over the ground and trees, giving you a pretty good mental map to where the squirrels live. Apparently these five lived on their own together, so you could go there without worrying about meeting more.
Boon eyes you warily as you do this. "Just what are you up to over there?"
>>546308
The shadow comes awake with a growl. At your question, it shows you the sensation of sliding over the ground and trees, giving you a pretty good mental map to where the squirrels live. Apparently these five lived on their own together, so you could go there without worrying about meeting more.
Boon eyes you warily as you do this. "Just what are you up to over there?"
>>546312
He looks intently at you for a minute, then nods to himself. "Alright then."
They seem to have a lot of nuts stored up, plus a couple shiny yellow things. You can't see what they are clearly, but they look like they might be valuable. Other than that, just a lot of squirrel junk.
You notice Boon eying one of the squirrels strangely.
He looks intently at you for a minute, then nods to himself. "Alright then."
They seem to have a lot of nuts stored up, plus a couple shiny yellow things. You can't see what they are clearly, but they look like they might be valuable. Other than that, just a lot of squirrel junk.
You notice Boon eying one of the squirrels strangely.
>>546320
He gives a short laugh.
"Well, up until today it was great! Had a few run-ins with predators, but they were the big kind, like the ones back in the home countries. I know how to deal with those ones; make it clear you're not prey by refusing to run, but refuse to be a rival by not responding to their bluster, and they figure you ain't worth their time and wander off."
He gives a short laugh.
"Well, up until today it was great! Had a few run-ins with predators, but they were the big kind, like the ones back in the home countries. I know how to deal with those ones; make it clear you're not prey by refusing to run, but refuse to be a rival by not responding to their bluster, and they figure you ain't worth their time and wander off."
>>548290
Yup, just finishing up one of the giant squirrels. The three you refused to finish off have finally bled out after writhing and suffering for much longer than they needed to.
Wiping his mouth, Boon sighs and tosses some of the bones away. "We should probably wash up before heading back. Don't want to go back covered in… whatever this stuff is."
Yup, just finishing up one of the giant squirrels. The three you refused to finish off have finally bled out after writhing and suffering for much longer than they needed to.
Wiping his mouth, Boon sighs and tosses some of the bones away. "We should probably wash up before heading back. Don't want to go back covered in… whatever this stuff is."
>>548347
He blushes a bit even as his strokes grow more confident, and you start finding it very hard to concentrate on cleaning yourself.
"W-well, I don't mind helping ye out. But in this kind of work, we both got to share the load, pull the same weight. Suffer the same hardships…
enjoy the same rewards."
Seeing how he's doing. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
He blushes a bit even as his strokes grow more confident, and you start finding it very hard to concentrate on cleaning yourself.
"W-well, I don't mind helping ye out. But in this kind of work, we both got to share the load, pull the same weight. Suffer the same hardships…
enjoy the same rewards."
Seeing how he's doing. '1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>548358
Looks like he got most of the gunk off the base area and moves back to the middle of your back, giving you a chance to catch your breath and comb most of the goop off your front legs and chest.
"Does it? Because seems ye been saving my hide more often than the other way around, on our first trip out no less. Ye gotta let me do something, else I just feel… rather ineffective."
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
Looks like he got most of the gunk off the base area and moves back to the middle of your back, giving you a chance to catch your breath and comb most of the goop off your front legs and chest.
"Does it? Because seems ye been saving my hide more often than the other way around, on our first trip out no less. Ye gotta let me do something, else I just feel… rather ineffective."
'1d10'
Roll #1 1 = 1
>>548381
There's still some stickiness on your back that you can't quite reach.
"What we went through is all the more reason I shoulda known better. I've no right to go touchin' ye where ye don't want te be touched. More so when ye been abused that same day like we was." He's as clean as he can get himself, but his mane and back are still filthy since he can't reach.
There's still some stickiness on your back that you can't quite reach.
"What we went through is all the more reason I shoulda known better. I've no right to go touchin' ye where ye don't want te be touched. More so when ye been abused that same day like we was." He's as clean as he can get himself, but his mane and back are still filthy since he can't reach.
>>548394
He does as you say, his breath catching in his throat as you get to work. Your claws make combing through his tangled locks a breeze, leaving them free of goo and knots.
"Didn't think… ye had it in ye -ooh, that's- ta do this explorer shindig… aah, w-watch it… Guess I put all four hooves in my mouth with that, didn't I? Ye… w-went and… showed me up…"
Guess pony manes are sensitive too.
He does as you say, his breath catching in his throat as you get to work. Your claws make combing through his tangled locks a breeze, leaving them free of goo and knots.
"Didn't think… ye had it in ye -ooh, that's- ta do this explorer shindig… aah, w-watch it… Guess I put all four hooves in my mouth with that, didn't I? Ye… w-went and… showed me up…"
Guess pony manes are sensitive too.
>>548412
"I shouldn't'a fallen for it. Even if I've never seen one before…
I'm the one supposed to be in charge, watching out for ye. Then when we encounter danger, I'm the one what gets caught… then ye save my hide."
He snorts. "And then I spend too long worryin' about gettin' ye out that I don't run fast enough, get caught anyway.
Glad ye don't blame me… Don't mean I don't blame myself."
He's clean, but he's not moving away either, letting you stroke his mane. He must not get it cut very often, with how long it's growing.
"I shouldn't'a fallen for it. Even if I've never seen one before…
I'm the one supposed to be in charge, watching out for ye. Then when we encounter danger, I'm the one what gets caught… then ye save my hide."
He snorts. "And then I spend too long worryin' about gettin' ye out that I don't run fast enough, get caught anyway.
Glad ye don't blame me… Don't mean I don't blame myself."
He's clean, but he's not moving away either, letting you stroke his mane. He must not get it cut very often, with how long it's growing.
>>548473
"No arguments there." He's pretty dry, though his mane is still hanging limp as he gears back up.
You're passably dry, though still a little wet. You notice the destroyed remains of the flower from earlier as you pack up. Maybe you could take it back to that alcemist pony in town? She might like to have it.
You also remember that those squirrel's home was along the way back, if you want to stop by.
"No arguments there." He's pretty dry, though his mane is still hanging limp as he gears back up.
You're passably dry, though still a little wet. You notice the destroyed remains of the flower from earlier as you pack up. Maybe you could take it back to that alcemist pony in town? She might like to have it.
You also remember that those squirrel's home was along the way back, if you want to stop by.
>>548494
He blushes, but doesn't look away.
"Ain't no shame in waiting fer the right one to come along.
Jes'… I feel bad enough about it already. If ye lost that… then it's on my head fer failing ye."
You both start moving through the woods back towards the town. The squirrel home is just a small detour; you'll have to lead the way if you want to stop by.
He blushes, but doesn't look away.
"Ain't no shame in waiting fer the right one to come along.
Jes'… I feel bad enough about it already. If ye lost that… then it's on my head fer failing ye."
You both start moving through the woods back towards the town. The squirrel home is just a small detour; you'll have to lead the way if you want to stop by.
>>548512
"Right." He raises an eyebrow as you head a little off course, but stays quiet and follows you.
For a while everything is quiet.
"We can't just let somepony else stumble into that," he finally says. "At the same time, I don't want the stigma of… what happened to us. So, what do we tell them when we get back?"
"Right." He raises an eyebrow as you head a little off course, but stays quiet and follows you.
For a while everything is quiet.
"We can't just let somepony else stumble into that," he finally says. "At the same time, I don't want the stigma of… what happened to us. So, what do we tell them when we get back?"
>>548545
"So, ah… Whatcha doing there?"
You were right about there being shiny things here. You can't help but wonder why squirrels had…
…
The heck is this stuff? Some of it's yellow and some of it's gray… it's some sort of metal? It's very artistically decorated, whatever it is.
Two of them don't seem to do anything other than look pretty, so you stick them in your bag. Maybe you can sell them?
The last thing though… It's rectangular, vaguely… seems to have a handle of some kind…
there's a series of gems studded through it, but the most prominent is a red ruby right behind the handle. It seems to be… glowing?
"So, ah… Whatcha doing there?"
You were right about there being shiny things here. You can't help but wonder why squirrels had…
…
The heck is this stuff? Some of it's yellow and some of it's gray… it's some sort of metal? It's very artistically decorated, whatever it is.
Two of them don't seem to do anything other than look pretty, so you stick them in your bag. Maybe you can sell them?
The last thing though… It's rectangular, vaguely… seems to have a handle of some kind…
there's a series of gems studded through it, but the most prominent is a red ruby right behind the handle. It seems to be… glowing?
>>548569
He looks at you strangely. "Yer just full of surprises." Then he smiles. "Can't wait to see more of them."
He reaches in his pouch and pulls out three short crossbow bolts. "Ain't much, but… Maybe you can test it out? It'll need a string, though. Arms, too. This must just be the base, near as I can figure."
He looks at you strangely. "Yer just full of surprises." Then he smiles. "Can't wait to see more of them."
He reaches in his pouch and pulls out three short crossbow bolts. "Ain't much, but… Maybe you can test it out? It'll need a string, though. Arms, too. This must just be the base, near as I can figure."
>>548589
You can kinda see how Boon would see it as a crossbow base, since you're not sure what else it could be…
As you're inspecting it, your claw brushes the ruby in the back. With a hiss and series of clicks, the thing jumps as several parts in it shift, a metal protrusion poking out the bottom.
Instinctively tightening your grip, you squeeze this metal thing… there's a flash of light, and the ground in front of you explodes.
Boon jumps back, eyes wide.
"The Fuck was that?!"
You can kinda see how Boon would see it as a crossbow base, since you're not sure what else it could be…
As you're inspecting it, your claw brushes the ruby in the back. With a hiss and series of clicks, the thing jumps as several parts in it shift, a metal protrusion poking out the bottom.
Instinctively tightening your grip, you squeeze this metal thing… there's a flash of light, and the ground in front of you explodes.
Boon jumps back, eyes wide.
"The Fuck was that?!"
>>548633
Now that you're focusing, you realize the grip actually fits in your claws rather well. Turning away from Boon, you hold it in the way that seems right, take a deep breath, and squeeze.
A small red bolt flashes out the front, zipping through the forest faster than you can follow before hitting a tree, leaving a small scorch mark on the wood in an explosion of bark and wood chips.
Weapon acquired: Promordian Small Bolter. Ranged. On successful hit, deals an additional 1 hit of damage automatically.
Now that you're focusing, you realize the grip actually fits in your claws rather well. Turning away from Boon, you hold it in the way that seems right, take a deep breath, and squeeze.
A small red bolt flashes out the front, zipping through the forest faster than you can follow before hitting a tree, leaving a small scorch mark on the wood in an explosion of bark and wood chips.
Weapon acquired: Promordian Small Bolter. Ranged. On successful hit, deals an additional 1 hit of damage automatically.
>>548675
Boon looks up, worried. "Something wrong?" He doesn't seem to hear the shadow.
Shadow of the blaster of the one and only Digaronto the Ambitious! Course, he was a coward who never used this thing but once. Horrible shot, too. Eh, forget him, he's been dead a couple hundred years. Maybe a couple thousand? I'm much more interested in you; been a while since somepony knew the Arts well enough for a conversation.
>>548676
There's a female diamond dog hammering at what seems to be an attempt at a spearhead. Dropping it in a thing of water, she turns and spots you.
A big grin shoots onto her face as she waves.
"Hey there! I haven't seen you around before! What can I do for you?"
>>548677
Out on a Scouting trip, unless this is before then. That's up to her.
Boon looks up, worried. "Something wrong?" He doesn't seem to hear the shadow.
Shadow of the blaster of the one and only Digaronto the Ambitious! Course, he was a coward who never used this thing but once. Horrible shot, too. Eh, forget him, he's been dead a couple hundred years. Maybe a couple thousand? I'm much more interested in you; been a while since somepony knew the Arts well enough for a conversation.
>>548676
There's a female diamond dog hammering at what seems to be an attempt at a spearhead. Dropping it in a thing of water, she turns and spots you.
A big grin shoots onto her face as she waves.
"Hey there! I haven't seen you around before! What can I do for you?"
>>548677
Out on a Scouting trip, unless this is before then. That's up to her.
>>548680
Sticksen Stones, the colony's official mage, might be a good choice. She's a bit of an oddball, but she graduated Mage Academy, so she must be competent.
>>548682
He sees right through you and frowns. "What's going on, Julia?"
The shadow goes quiet for a minute. …I don't remember. Like I said, it's been a while, and without anyone to talk to, I sort of just learned to… hibernate, I guess. Guess it was easier just forgetting things, you know? Anyway, what's your name? I'd like to know if I'm gonna be stuck with you for a while.
>>548686
She's actually… smaller than you expected. Still much taller than you, but thin and toned where most diamond dogs are supposed to be bulky.
"Well, if you need something made from metal, from tools to tacknails, I'm your gal!" she grins sheepishly as she pulls a clearly-incorrect spearhead from the water. "Though I'm not so good with weapons, it seems."
Sticksen Stones, the colony's official mage, might be a good choice. She's a bit of an oddball, but she graduated Mage Academy, so she must be competent.
>>548682
He sees right through you and frowns. "What's going on, Julia?"
The shadow goes quiet for a minute. …I don't remember. Like I said, it's been a while, and without anyone to talk to, I sort of just learned to… hibernate, I guess. Guess it was easier just forgetting things, you know? Anyway, what's your name? I'd like to know if I'm gonna be stuck with you for a while.
>>548686
She's actually… smaller than you expected. Still much taller than you, but thin and toned where most diamond dogs are supposed to be bulky.
"Well, if you need something made from metal, from tools to tacknails, I'm your gal!" she grins sheepishly as she pulls a clearly-incorrect spearhead from the water. "Though I'm not so good with weapons, it seems."
>>548690
How the fuck do I do that?
Boon holds out a hoof and stops you, staring at you with a frown. "Don't lie to me, gal. Something's bothering you, and I'll be damned if you have to deal with it alone. Now tell me."
Who's your friend? He's not gonna freak out if you introduce us, right? You two banged yet? Who am I kidding, of course you haven't; you don't hate each other yet!
How the fuck do I do that?
Boon holds out a hoof and stops you, staring at you with a frown. "Don't lie to me, gal. Something's bothering you, and I'll be damned if you have to deal with it alone. Now tell me."
Who's your friend? He's not gonna freak out if you introduce us, right? You two banged yet? Who am I kidding, of course you haven't; you don't hate each other yet!
>>548689
Good, should I go meet her, or wait till she gets a drink here?
>>548688
I smile.
"Except for the wolves, I'm doing fine. These ponies need food and drink to work and I provide it for them. I hope they're safe working near the forest. I'm telling ya, miss, those wolves reminded me of the rats in the Manehattan sewers, you wouldn't believe how big those got. If I were a bit younger I'd have been more than a match for them."
Good, should I go meet her, or wait till she gets a drink here?
>>548688
I smile.
"Except for the wolves, I'm doing fine. These ponies need food and drink to work and I provide it for them. I hope they're safe working near the forest. I'm telling ya, miss, those wolves reminded me of the rats in the Manehattan sewers, you wouldn't believe how big those got. If I were a bit younger I'd have been more than a match for them."
>>548700
That little dash over the 'a,' I don't know how to do that.
He blinks and steps back, raising a hoof defensively and wincing.
"…I watched you get hurt earlier, and there weren't nothing I could do to stop it. Now I see you hurting again.
Please. Tell me how I can help you."
Oh, you have been boinking each other! What, he always finish early then whine about you getting cold feet?
>>548703
Young, yes. If she were a pony, you'd say she was in her early twenties.
"Oh, that makes sense! What's your name, sweetheart? I'm Crookear." She holds out a paw for you to shake, smiling ear to ear.
That little dash over the 'a,' I don't know how to do that.
He blinks and steps back, raising a hoof defensively and wincing.
"…I watched you get hurt earlier, and there weren't nothing I could do to stop it. Now I see you hurting again.
Please. Tell me how I can help you."
Oh, you have been boinking each other! What, he always finish early then whine about you getting cold feet?
>>548703
Young, yes. If she were a pony, you'd say she was in her early twenties.
"Oh, that makes sense! What's your name, sweetheart? I'm Crookear." She holds out a paw for you to shake, smiling ear to ear.
>>548701
Actually, here she comes now.
"… could have sworn I had some elderberries… hello there bar-stallion, you Figworth, cause I wanna talk to Figworth, you know, the one who went crazy on the beach, I wanna talk to him, so where's Figworth?"
She talks really fast, constantly looking between you, her saddlebags, the book she has open, and the notepad she's scribbling on.
>>548709
She smiles and shakes your hoof. "Glad to meet ya, Ambrosia!"
…You realize she has a Very firm grip.
Roll.
>>548711
Boon blinks, then glowers at the blaster. "You and 'him?'
…That thing's talking to you, ain't it? That's why yer acting all jumpy."
Ooh, he's onto us. Quick, slit his throat before he goes back and raises a witch-hunt! The shadow cackles darkly.
Actually, here she comes now.
"… could have sworn I had some elderberries… hello there bar-stallion, you Figworth, cause I wanna talk to Figworth, you know, the one who went crazy on the beach, I wanna talk to him, so where's Figworth?"
She talks really fast, constantly looking between you, her saddlebags, the book she has open, and the notepad she's scribbling on.
>>548709
She smiles and shakes your hoof. "Glad to meet ya, Ambrosia!"
…You realize she has a Very firm grip.
Roll.
>>548711
Boon blinks, then glowers at the blaster. "You and 'him?'
…That thing's talking to you, ain't it? That's why yer acting all jumpy."
Ooh, he's onto us. Quick, slit his throat before he goes back and raises a witch-hunt! The shadow cackles darkly.
>>548717
You can still sense him, but he's smart enough to keep quiet.
"So… you can talk to stuff?" Boon goes quiet for a moment, chewing his lip as he thinks, his grip on bessie tight.
Finally, he nods. "I… suppose that kinda makes sense now. It's how ye found that thing in the first place, by… 'talking' to that dead squirrel." He shakes his head.
"I imagine this ain't the sort of thing ye want going around fer any and all ta hear."
>>548722
"Great, good, wonderful. Now, I'd like to take some notes. Could you please describe exactly what happened in detail? What did you taste? Any strange voices or promises of limitless power? Maybe a sensation of being watched?"
You can still sense him, but he's smart enough to keep quiet.
"So… you can talk to stuff?" Boon goes quiet for a moment, chewing his lip as he thinks, his grip on bessie tight.
Finally, he nods. "I… suppose that kinda makes sense now. It's how ye found that thing in the first place, by… 'talking' to that dead squirrel." He shakes his head.
"I imagine this ain't the sort of thing ye want going around fer any and all ta hear."
>>548722
"Great, good, wonderful. Now, I'd like to take some notes. Could you please describe exactly what happened in detail? What did you taste? Any strange voices or promises of limitless power? Maybe a sensation of being watched?"
>>548745
"Yeah, I'd really appreciate if you could keep your mouth shut about that one.
But it came hella useful as a detective."
Sit down.
"And here I am, a world away from that cesspit of manehatten, hoping to get away from all this shit and instead what?
Troubles finds me!
And not just a fucking plant or a dead guy from a billion years ago, no!
You know that the mayor reads minds?
Well I had the fucking pleasure to learn it last week! The whore!"
"Yeah, I'd really appreciate if you could keep your mouth shut about that one.
But it came hella useful as a detective."
Sit down.
"And here I am, a world away from that cesspit of manehatten, hoping to get away from all this shit and instead what?
Troubles finds me!
And not just a fucking plant or a dead guy from a billion years ago, no!
You know that the mayor reads minds?
Well I had the fucking pleasure to learn it last week! The whore!"
>>548748
"Promises of limitless power, or possession of limitless power? Any strange voices or figures that nopony else could see or hear? Any visions of fire or darkness, perhaps accompanied by deep-throated laughter? Have you noticed any strange bodily mutations, such as scales or extra limbs?"
>>548750
"…She what?" Boon sits down heavily, wiping his brow.
"So that's why ye were good as a detective.
…Don't worry, I'm going to keep this to myself. Yer my partner, an' more importantly, yer a good person; from what I seen, at least. Don't see any reason to judge ye just because ye can talk to stuff."
"Promises of limitless power, or possession of limitless power? Any strange voices or figures that nopony else could see or hear? Any visions of fire or darkness, perhaps accompanied by deep-throated laughter? Have you noticed any strange bodily mutations, such as scales or extra limbs?"
>>548750
"…She what?" Boon sits down heavily, wiping his brow.
"So that's why ye were good as a detective.
…Don't worry, I'm going to keep this to myself. Yer my partner, an' more importantly, yer a good person; from what I seen, at least. Don't see any reason to judge ye just because ye can talk to stuff."
>>548773
"Some years ago, when I was a younger stallion, we had a regular set of customers. They were a bunch of rugged sailors, told us they had a ship and traveled the coast from Manehattan to Fillydelphia.
They seemed like a nice bunch. Always paid their bills on time, always tipped generously.
One of our waitresses, a bright young mare, liked them especially. For months things went flawlessly. And then one day they stormed in, grabbed her and ran out."
"Some years ago, when I was a younger stallion, we had a regular set of customers. They were a bunch of rugged sailors, told us they had a ship and traveled the coast from Manehattan to Fillydelphia.
They seemed like a nice bunch. Always paid their bills on time, always tipped generously.
One of our waitresses, a bright young mare, liked them especially. For months things went flawlessly. And then one day they stormed in, grabbed her and ran out."
>>548793
Look at you with a grave expression.
"We told the police.
Many days later they found her in the sewers…"
I dry my eyes with a hoofkerchief.
"Poor girl, I can't image what her last moments must have been like. I think about it still sometimes. Her birthday just passed a few months ago."
Put my hoofkerchief away.
"Filth, barely hidden, we had the occasional brawls, I could handle those. But those kinds of stories where all too familiar in that town."
Look at you with a grave expression.
"We told the police.
Many days later they found her in the sewers…"
I dry my eyes with a hoofkerchief.
"Poor girl, I can't image what her last moments must have been like. I think about it still sometimes. Her birthday just passed a few months ago."
Put my hoofkerchief away.
"Filth, barely hidden, we had the occasional brawls, I could handle those. But those kinds of stories where all too familiar in that town."
>>548757
"…Well, that's certainly good to know." He sighs and shakes his head.
"This place just gets crazier and crazier.
…You know what I say? I say we don't judge a trail by its depth just yet. Give her some time, keep an eye on her, but… keep an open mind.
After all, I'm sure some would call ye a hairy-tick and cart ye off to the Inquisition. Ye don't deserve that, yet some would do it all the same."
>>548756
"Symptoms of Demonic Possession and/or malevolent Spirits: Both induce hallucinations, hearing voices, promises of power, urges to shed blood, fear of water, and a taste for rasberry and pickle milkshakes.
Airborne drugs also possible cause; unlikely though, since only one affected. Perhaps poison dart? Any strange bleeding or numbness in the past few days?"
She scribbles some notes in her book, dipping her quill in her drink while taking a sip of her ink.
She grimaces. "Hate coffee, always so bitter. Why do I always order it?"
"…Well, that's certainly good to know." He sighs and shakes his head.
"This place just gets crazier and crazier.
…You know what I say? I say we don't judge a trail by its depth just yet. Give her some time, keep an eye on her, but… keep an open mind.
After all, I'm sure some would call ye a hairy-tick and cart ye off to the Inquisition. Ye don't deserve that, yet some would do it all the same."
>>548756
"Symptoms of Demonic Possession and/or malevolent Spirits: Both induce hallucinations, hearing voices, promises of power, urges to shed blood, fear of water, and a taste for rasberry and pickle milkshakes.
Airborne drugs also possible cause; unlikely though, since only one affected. Perhaps poison dart? Any strange bleeding or numbness in the past few days?"
She scribbles some notes in her book, dipping her quill in her drink while taking a sip of her ink.
She grimaces. "Hate coffee, always so bitter. Why do I always order it?"
>>548798
Starts scribbling furiously, checks her work, frowns, dips the quill in her ink and starts scribbling on her notepad.
"Adverse reaction of wildlife towards you. Interesting; possible correlation. Perhaps negative reaction between your natural magic field and ambient magic of this land. Raises question of exact nature of magic in this land; tell me, do you get the taste of mangoes at odd times? Wake up with the uncontrollable urge to procreate? aggressiveness towards other stallions? Urges to establish dominance over other stallions through procreation with them? Is such desire unusual or counter to your sexual preference? Any unusual smells or longing for strange food combinations? Wait, that's pregnancy."
>>548799
"I agree. Today's been a long day for both of us."
All right, I can see you're tired, so I'll vamoose. Just give me a ring when you want me, babe! The shadow fades, then falls silent once more.
You both walk on in silence for several minutes.
More than once you notice Boon turn to you, open his mouth to ask something, pause, then wilt back again.
Starts scribbling furiously, checks her work, frowns, dips the quill in her ink and starts scribbling on her notepad.
"Adverse reaction of wildlife towards you. Interesting; possible correlation. Perhaps negative reaction between your natural magic field and ambient magic of this land. Raises question of exact nature of magic in this land; tell me, do you get the taste of mangoes at odd times? Wake up with the uncontrollable urge to procreate? aggressiveness towards other stallions? Urges to establish dominance over other stallions through procreation with them? Is such desire unusual or counter to your sexual preference? Any unusual smells or longing for strange food combinations? Wait, that's pregnancy."
>>548799
"I agree. Today's been a long day for both of us."
All right, I can see you're tired, so I'll vamoose. Just give me a ring when you want me, babe! The shadow fades, then falls silent once more.
You both walk on in silence for several minutes.
More than once you notice Boon turn to you, open his mouth to ask something, pause, then wilt back again.
>>548803
"…If you can talk to things… well, I hate to ask, cause I know it sounds silly, but…
…Could you maybe… talk to Bessie? Tell me what she says?"
This is by far the most vulnerable you've ever seen Boon; considering you saw him getting railed by rape-tentacles, that's saying something. He's watching you intently, his expression shifting between fear, apprehension, shame, and a tiny glimmer of hope.
"…If you can talk to things… well, I hate to ask, cause I know it sounds silly, but…
…Could you maybe… talk to Bessie? Tell me what she says?"
This is by far the most vulnerable you've ever seen Boon; considering you saw him getting railed by rape-tentacles, that's saying something. He's watching you intently, his expression shifting between fear, apprehension, shame, and a tiny glimmer of hope.
>>548806
She scrunches intently, her tongue poking out as she scribbles furiously at her board.
"Excellent, excellent, believe I may have a lead on cause! Need more research, more correlations, tests! Must run tests! Need samples, clean environment, sufficient snacks to maintain consciousness for duration of procedure…"
She wanders off still rambling to herself.
She scrunches intently, her tongue poking out as she scribbles furiously at her board.
"Excellent, excellent, believe I may have a lead on cause! Need more research, more correlations, tests! Must run tests! Need samples, clean environment, sufficient snacks to maintain consciousness for duration of procedure…"
She wanders off still rambling to herself.
>>548809
Boon opens his mouth… and a bone-chilling shriek rips through the air.
You get the wind knocked out of you as you get slammed into a tree. Bessie's shadow shrieks again, growing in size and darkening as she takes some semblance of a form, two limbs lined with sharp blades of pure black hanging from the roiling mass of darkness.
Two red eyes appear, then focus on you. You feel all it's anger and rage coalesce into a single, burning purpose; even if it can't form the right words for it, you understand the intent all too well.
GET AWAY FROM MY MASTER!
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
Boon opens his mouth… and a bone-chilling shriek rips through the air.
You get the wind knocked out of you as you get slammed into a tree. Bessie's shadow shrieks again, growing in size and darkening as she takes some semblance of a form, two limbs lined with sharp blades of pure black hanging from the roiling mass of darkness.
Two red eyes appear, then focus on you. You feel all it's anger and rage coalesce into a single, burning purpose; even if it can't form the right words for it, you understand the intent all too well.
GET AWAY FROM MY MASTER!
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>548814
Your first shot goes wide, blasting a chunk out of one of the trees. Snarling, the shadow swipes and scores a hit.
Boon barely acknowledges you, catching Bessie by reflex as he stares openmouthed at the howling shadow. His expression is that of a child who does not understand why they are being scolded.
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: 2/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Your first shot goes wide, blasting a chunk out of one of the trees. Snarling, the shadow swipes and scores a hit.
Boon barely acknowledges you, catching Bessie by reflex as he stares openmouthed at the howling shadow. His expression is that of a child who does not understand why they are being scolded.
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: 2/5 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>548816
Your attention falters for just a moment, and you get slammed into the ground hard. The shadow raises her claws for the final blow…
Suddenly Boon is between the two of you, shielding you with his body as tears run down his cheeks.
"Bessie, please! Stop this! If you're angry blame me!"
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Your attention falters for just a moment, and you get slammed into the ground hard. The shadow raises her claws for the final blow…
Suddenly Boon is between the two of you, shielding you with his body as tears run down his cheeks.
"Bessie, please! Stop this! If you're angry blame me!"
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>548818
You've had a rough day, and as you strain to get back up, you pull something you shouldn't have. Every inch of your body ignites with pain as every injury makes itself known at once. You are now unable to roll to recover from helplessness.
"Bessie… Please… don't do this…"
The shadow raises it's claws for the killing blow.
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
You've had a rough day, and as you strain to get back up, you pull something you shouldn't have. Every inch of your body ignites with pain as every injury makes itself known at once. You are now unable to roll to recover from helplessness.
"Bessie… Please… don't do this…"
The shadow raises it's claws for the killing blow.
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>548820
Boon stays between you and the shadow staring up at the shadow with a pleading expression.
"Please, don't do this. I… I can't let you do this, Bessie."
The shadow comes right up to him, it's claws inches from his neck.
To his credit, he only shakes a little bit before managing to steel himself. "I'm not moving."
The shadow growls and leans in close, a thousand different weapons forming from the roiling cloud that makes up it's body.
"I've never let you take a life what don't deserve it before. Ain't intending to start now."
The shadow roars in anger and presses even closer, draws it's claws back…
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Boon stays between you and the shadow staring up at the shadow with a pleading expression.
"Please, don't do this. I… I can't let you do this, Bessie."
The shadow comes right up to him, it's claws inches from his neck.
To his credit, he only shakes a little bit before managing to steel himself. "I'm not moving."
The shadow growls and leans in close, a thousand different weapons forming from the roiling cloud that makes up it's body.
"I've never let you take a life what don't deserve it before. Ain't intending to start now."
The shadow roars in anger and presses even closer, draws it's claws back…
Bessie's Shadow: 12/1 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/1 hits/wounds
Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>548822
The shadow looks from you, to him, then back again. You feel something change inside it, the anger and jealousy giving way to… Regret?
the roiling mass begins to shrink, but doesn't dissipate completely, dancing back and forth at Boon's feet.
Once again you get flooded with emotions and images, only instead of anger, this time it's pure, unbridled terror. As you watch the once dangerous shadow stare into your eyes, you find yourself almost overwhelmed by the pleading desire.
Don't take him away from me. Don't make him abandon me again.
The shadow looks from you, to him, then back again. You feel something change inside it, the anger and jealousy giving way to… Regret?
the roiling mass begins to shrink, but doesn't dissipate completely, dancing back and forth at Boon's feet.
Once again you get flooded with emotions and images, only instead of anger, this time it's pure, unbridled terror. As you watch the once dangerous shadow stare into your eyes, you find yourself almost overwhelmed by the pleading desire.
Don't take him away from me. Don't make him abandon me again.
>>548829
He thinks this over for a minute. "She was… jealous? Thought that just because… That if I was attracted to somepony that I'd… abandon her or something? Or am I just a crazy gun nut?"
Bessie sends you more desires.
Tell him.
You see…
You see all the adventures the two have been on, the loving care with which Boon took her from the busted hunk of rust in the trash and returned her to her former glory, even better than before… the care he took to keep her in good condition… the battles they fought, the time's she'd saved his life by taking a blow for him…
Tell him.
Don't let him let me go.
He thinks this over for a minute. "She was… jealous? Thought that just because… That if I was attracted to somepony that I'd… abandon her or something? Or am I just a crazy gun nut?"
Bessie sends you more desires.
Tell him.
You see…
You see all the adventures the two have been on, the loving care with which Boon took her from the busted hunk of rust in the trash and returned her to her former glory, even better than before… the care he took to keep her in good condition… the battles they fought, the time's she'd saved his life by taking a blow for him…
Tell him.
Don't let him let me go.
>>548834
He tries to blink back his tears, giving a single muffled sob as he nuzzles the rifle, his mouth turned up in the biggest smile you've ever seen.
"I love her too, Julia. I saved her once, but ever since it's been her saving me… I know it sounds like I've gone crazy, loving a gun, but it's true. It ain't romantic love or family love… I don't know what it is, but… I know for sure I love her.
…Could you tell her that? That… Someday I'm gonna find a girl to settle down with, maybe have a child or two… Grow old with them… hang up my cap, and settle down…
But never, not till my dying day, am I ever gonna give her up. Could you tell her that?"
The explosion of emotion from the shadow almost overwhelms you as you watch her coo and nuzzle his leg, slowly fading back into her normal form as the gun's shadow. Before she goes, she sends you something so overwhelming, it takes you a moment to realize what it is.
Gratitude.
He tries to blink back his tears, giving a single muffled sob as he nuzzles the rifle, his mouth turned up in the biggest smile you've ever seen.
"I love her too, Julia. I saved her once, but ever since it's been her saving me… I know it sounds like I've gone crazy, loving a gun, but it's true. It ain't romantic love or family love… I don't know what it is, but… I know for sure I love her.
…Could you tell her that? That… Someday I'm gonna find a girl to settle down with, maybe have a child or two… Grow old with them… hang up my cap, and settle down…
But never, not till my dying day, am I ever gonna give her up. Could you tell her that?"
The explosion of emotion from the shadow almost overwhelms you as you watch her coo and nuzzle his leg, slowly fading back into her normal form as the gun's shadow. Before she goes, she sends you something so overwhelming, it takes you a moment to realize what it is.
Gratitude.
>>548851
He's more than happy to stay there.
You both stay like this for who knows how long, crying through the intensity of your emotions until no tears are left.
Finally, much, much later, you feel his grip slacken as he pulls back.
His face is soaked with tears, but his mouth is frozen in a smile of pure joy as he tries to work the words out.
"I… I can't repay, this. It's far too big for me to just… you need anything, anytime, come to me. Anything at all. I…Thank you, for letting me… for letting us…"
He chokes back one last sob, then pats your shoulder.
"Whenever you need me, I'm yours."
He's more than happy to stay there.
You both stay like this for who knows how long, crying through the intensity of your emotions until no tears are left.
Finally, much, much later, you feel his grip slacken as he pulls back.
His face is soaked with tears, but his mouth is frozen in a smile of pure joy as he tries to work the words out.
"I… I can't repay, this. It's far too big for me to just… you need anything, anytime, come to me. Anything at all. I…Thank you, for letting me… for letting us…"
He chokes back one last sob, then pats your shoulder.
"Whenever you need me, I'm yours."
The colony's workforce is under attack! Screams ring out as boars appear out of the woods.
This time, however, the settlers were prepared. Militia are holding the monsters back as the workers run for the gates. However, they probably aren't going to last long!
JULIA
The town gates have just come into view when you hear screaming and see the colonists under attack.
"Oh, that's just perfect," Boon groans as he readies Bessie.
FIGWORTH
You are on the wall when the attack happens. You have your rifle, so you can make ranged attacks from here. Since you are out of melee range, only critfails will incur counterattack damage.
MAGISTRE AND AMBROSIA
You are out with the workcrews when the attack happens. Defend yourselves!
ASKELADD
You hear the screaming and reach for your weapon when you realize you are still tied to the mare. Before you can say anything, she wraps her hooves behind your neck and hugs herself close, blushing as you awkwardly stumble into battle!
AND FINALLY
JUSTICIA
You're one of the stationed guards when the attack happens, so you're right in the thick of it. First action is automatic.
Stand by for battle stats.
This time, however, the settlers were prepared. Militia are holding the monsters back as the workers run for the gates. However, they probably aren't going to last long!
JULIA
The town gates have just come into view when you hear screaming and see the colonists under attack.
"Oh, that's just perfect," Boon groans as he readies Bessie.
FIGWORTH
You are on the wall when the attack happens. You have your rifle, so you can make ranged attacks from here. Since you are out of melee range, only critfails will incur counterattack damage.
MAGISTRE AND AMBROSIA
You are out with the workcrews when the attack happens. Defend yourselves!
ASKELADD
You hear the screaming and reach for your weapon when you realize you are still tied to the mare. Before you can say anything, she wraps her hooves behind your neck and hugs herself close, blushing as you awkwardly stumble into battle!
AND FINALLY
JUSTICIA
You're one of the stationed guards when the attack happens, so you're right in the thick of it. First action is automatic.
Stand by for battle stats.
>>550731
Scrawny Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Scraggly Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Sickly Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Magistre: 5/5 hits/wounds
Askeladd: 5/5 hits/wounds
Ambrosia: 6/6 hits/wounds
Figworth: 5/5 hits/wounds
Justicia: 5/5 hits/wounds
Scrawny Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Scraggly Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Sickly Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
Julia: 5/5 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Magistre: 5/5 hits/wounds
Askeladd: 5/5 hits/wounds
Ambrosia: 6/6 hits/wounds
Figworth: 5/5 hits/wounds
Justicia: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>550742
As he sees you take aim, the militiapony struggling with the boar yelps and dives out of the way, giving you a clear shot. The boar staggers as the bullet hits.
>>550749
You rush straight into a boar's charge. Bad news is your head hurts. Good news is that you've just made friends with really pretty star-birds. pretty…
>>550751
FOOD!
Your hesitation gives the boar the chance to sink his tusks in deep.
>>550758
You sink your blade deep in the Scrawny Boar's neck. It squeals like a stuck pig as it's lifeblood pours onto the ground.
>>550761
It's sharpened, and so are your senses as adrenaline and endorphins are pumped through your system. +1 to weapon rolls for the duration of the battle.
>>550768
Your rifle cracks at the same time as Boon, your simultaneous shots dropping one of the boars. One down.
The militia are clearly losing ground. They're untrained and poorly equipped, and these boars are viscious.
Scrawny Boar: 4/3 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: 7/3 hits/wounds Scraggly Boar: 4/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: 5/3 hits/wounds Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 2/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: 1/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Magistre: 5/5 hits/wounds
Askeladd: 5/5 hits/wounds
Ambrosia: 2/6 hits/wounds
Figworth: 5/5 hits/wounds
Justicia: 5/5 hits/wounds
As he sees you take aim, the militiapony struggling with the boar yelps and dives out of the way, giving you a clear shot. The boar staggers as the bullet hits.
>>550749
You rush straight into a boar's charge. Bad news is your head hurts. Good news is that you've just made friends with really pretty star-birds. pretty…
>>550751
FOOD!
Your hesitation gives the boar the chance to sink his tusks in deep.
>>550758
You sink your blade deep in the Scrawny Boar's neck. It squeals like a stuck pig as it's lifeblood pours onto the ground.
>>550761
It's sharpened, and so are your senses as adrenaline and endorphins are pumped through your system. +1 to weapon rolls for the duration of the battle.
>>550768
Your rifle cracks at the same time as Boon, your simultaneous shots dropping one of the boars. One down.
The militia are clearly losing ground. They're untrained and poorly equipped, and these boars are viscious.
Scrawny Boar: 4/3 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: 7/3 hits/wounds Scraggly Boar: 4/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: 5/3 hits/wounds Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 2/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: 1/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
Julia: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
Magistre: 5/5 hits/wounds
Askeladd: 5/5 hits/wounds
Ambrosia: 2/6 hits/wounds
Figworth: 5/5 hits/wounds
Justicia: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>550781
You shake the stars away and get back to your feet.
>>550782
Everypony's giving you a very clear firing path. The boar squeals and charges you!
>>550783
Direct hit! The boar collapses, but is still kicking.
>>550785
…It's stuck, then suddenly it's not. You barely register you've been staggered before the boar butts you in the chest, sending you flying.
>>550786
You press down on the boar with devastating force, it's squeal almost drowning out Soft Stream's cry as your abrupt movements make her bounce in a very distracting matter.
>>550787
You score true. He growls and gets ready to gore you when Bessie cracks again, knocking him to the ground. One of the militiamen steps forward and finishes him off.
Screaming here, be back with stats when I can.
You shake the stars away and get back to your feet.
>>550782
Everypony's giving you a very clear firing path. The boar squeals and charges you!
>>550783
Direct hit! The boar collapses, but is still kicking.
>>550785
…It's stuck, then suddenly it's not. You barely register you've been staggered before the boar butts you in the chest, sending you flying.
>>550786
You press down on the boar with devastating force, it's squeal almost drowning out Soft Stream's cry as your abrupt movements make her bounce in a very distracting matter.
>>550787
You score true. He growls and gets ready to gore you when Bessie cracks again, knocking him to the ground. One of the militiamen steps forward and finishes him off.
Screaming here, be back with stats when I can.
>>550800
The Militia is really in trouble.
Scrawny Boar: Helpless/2 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 3/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Helpless/1 hits/wounds Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: 5/5 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 2/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
The Militia is really in trouble.
Scrawny Boar: Helpless/2 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 3/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Helpless/1 hits/wounds Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: 5/5 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: 5/5 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: 5/5 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 2/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
>>550802
The bullet glances off it's thick skull, though it does divert it enough that you only get clipped.
>>550804
You get stepped on in the furious melee.
>>550805
Dead.
>>550808
You get blindsided, but manage to stay on your feet.
>>550809
You're out of melee range now. No counterattack damage except for critfails.
>>550814
Your dodge makes her shift enough that you roll awkwardly, ending up on your back.
Soft Stream whimpers as she grinds against you, and you find yourself grinding back.
With more than half the attackers dead, the militia rallies. Unfortunately, Boon was so focused on the targets in front of him that he gets blindsided, yelling as the Starved Boar starts tearing into him.
Scrawny Boar: 9/2 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 2/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Dead Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 1/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
The bullet glances off it's thick skull, though it does divert it enough that you only get clipped.
>>550804
You get stepped on in the furious melee.
>>550805
Dead.
>>550808
You get blindsided, but manage to stay on your feet.
>>550809
You're out of melee range now. No counterattack damage except for critfails.
>>550814
Your dodge makes her shift enough that you roll awkwardly, ending up on your back.
Soft Stream whimpers as she grinds against you, and you find yourself grinding back.
With more than half the attackers dead, the militia rallies. Unfortunately, Boon was so focused on the targets in front of him that he gets blindsided, yelling as the Starved Boar starts tearing into him.
Scrawny Boar: 9/2 hits/wounds Starved Boar: 9/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 2/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Dead Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: 5/5 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 5/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #5: Helpless/5 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 1/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
>>550860
>>550862
Your shot staggers him back off of Boon, when suddenly:
>>550866
There is a familiar hissing sound and flash of light, the beam hitting the Scrawny boar right in the shoulder. For a single second, he seems to almost deflate into the impact point…
Before exploding into a thin red haze, larger chunks of boar meat splattering everywhere.
>>550863
You get stepped on again.
"Sorry!" the militiapony apologizes sheepishly.
Doesn't matter because Ambrosia just healed you.
>>550867
The militiapony fighting it screams and dives behind one of the dead boars, letting your shot hit the boar in the neck.
>>550871
Not only is she up, she's good as new!
>>550872
You rise in more ways than one, drawing a gasp from her as her movement start to grow more uncoordinated.
Boon seems dazed from the blast. The rest of the militia starts getting stomped as the surviving boars go into a frenzy.
Scrawny Boar: Dead Starved Boar: 5/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 2/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Dead Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 4/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/1 hits/wounds CRITICAL
Makeshift Militia #5: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: 5/4 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 1/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>550862
Your shot staggers him back off of Boon, when suddenly:
>>550866
There is a familiar hissing sound and flash of light, the beam hitting the Scrawny boar right in the shoulder. For a single second, he seems to almost deflate into the impact point…
Before exploding into a thin red haze, larger chunks of boar meat splattering everywhere.
>>550863
You get stepped on again.
"Sorry!" the militiapony apologizes sheepishly.
Doesn't matter because Ambrosia just healed you.
>>550867
The militiapony fighting it screams and dives behind one of the dead boars, letting your shot hit the boar in the neck.
>>550871
Not only is she up, she's good as new!
>>550872
You rise in more ways than one, drawing a gasp from her as her movement start to grow more uncoordinated.
Boon seems dazed from the blast. The rest of the militia starts getting stomped as the surviving boars go into a frenzy.
Scrawny Boar: Dead Starved Boar: 5/3 hits/wounds
Hungry Boar: Dead Scraggly Boar: 2/3 hits/wounds
Thin Boar: Dead Sickly Boar: Dead
Makeshift Militia #1: 5/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #2: Helpless/4 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #3: 4/3 hits/wounds
Makeshift Militia #4: Helpless/1 hits/wounds CRITICAL
Makeshift Militia #5: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
JULIA: 5/4 hits/wounds
>Boon: Helpless/3 hits/wounds
MAGISTRE: 5/5 hits/wounds
ASKELADD: 5/4 hits/wounds
AMBROSIA: 1/6 hits/wounds
FIGWORTH: 5/5 hits/wounds
JUSTICIA: 5/5 hits/wounds
>>550883
Uh-oh. Looks like you just tore the stitching in your stomach.
>>550882
The shot just grazes it, leaving a burn mark on the ground.
>>550885
You knock him down…
>>550889
And you finish him off. Not the only thing that just finished, considering the way Stream is throwing her head back and clenching down on you.
As a matter of fact, looks like you just finished too.
Roll to not pass out from the intensity.
>>550887
He's back up, and even stronger than before! In fact, the backlash is so powerful it heals you too!
The remaining forces rally and finish off the final boar. Across the wall, the crowd begins to cheer.
VICTORY
Uh-oh. Looks like you just tore the stitching in your stomach.
>>550882
The shot just grazes it, leaving a burn mark on the ground.
>>550885
You knock him down…
>>550889
And you finish him off. Not the only thing that just finished, considering the way Stream is throwing her head back and clenching down on you.
As a matter of fact, looks like you just finished too.
Roll to not pass out from the intensity.
>>550887
He's back up, and even stronger than before! In fact, the backlash is so powerful it heals you too!
The remaining forces rally and finish off the final boar. Across the wall, the crowd begins to cheer.
VICTORY
>>550900
Judging by their condition, they were weaker boars driven out of the dominant Boar's territories, and were probably looking for food. Boars are omnivores, after all.
The disturbing part is that these must have been the runts. What do the Alphas look like?
>>550905
Probably not the best idea, considering the shooting pain it causes.
"Just stay here," one of the other sentries chides you, "we're sending somepony to get Sweetherb right now."
>>550906
He smirks back and tips his cap to you.
The militia are still shaky.
"W-we don't know. It all happened so fast…"
>>550909
Another round of cheering goes up as ponies peek out from cover and see you've holstered your pistol.
>>550902
It feels like it just goes on and on and on…
You are unable to remain standing, barely remaining conscious as she sits limply on you, shuddering like a ragdoll as you feel her clench up yet again. She's probably not capable of answering right now.
>>550904
A familiar breeze alerts you that Captain Cloud Cutter is approaching you. "Well done, Justicia! I knew I could count on you to keep the workers safe."
Judging by their condition, they were weaker boars driven out of the dominant Boar's territories, and were probably looking for food. Boars are omnivores, after all.
The disturbing part is that these must have been the runts. What do the Alphas look like?
>>550905
Probably not the best idea, considering the shooting pain it causes.
"Just stay here," one of the other sentries chides you, "we're sending somepony to get Sweetherb right now."
>>550906
He smirks back and tips his cap to you.
The militia are still shaky.
"W-we don't know. It all happened so fast…"
>>550909
Another round of cheering goes up as ponies peek out from cover and see you've holstered your pistol.
>>550902
It feels like it just goes on and on and on…
You are unable to remain standing, barely remaining conscious as she sits limply on you, shuddering like a ragdoll as you feel her clench up yet again. She's probably not capable of answering right now.
>>550904
A familiar breeze alerts you that Captain Cloud Cutter is approaching you. "Well done, Justicia! I knew I could count on you to keep the workers safe."
>>550919
Talking with one of the guards, a unicorn wearing a white blindfold. Or at least it was white before getting splattered with boar blood.
>>550920
The mayor is right over there, as is Boon, who gives you a nervous look and gulps before nodding towards her.
>>550921
"Better than last time. I'm glad the militia where able to stand their ground, but we might not be so lucky next time. We need to start training them more as soon as possible."
>>550925
Some of the cheering turns into some lighthearted ribbing as more ponies take notice of your situation.
However, all the mares and even a few stallions seem to be giving you a far more appraising eye…
Soft Stream is bright crimson in the face, staring in mortified fascination at the new bulge in her abdomen.
"L-looks like we're stuck together… A little longer," She stammers.
Talking with one of the guards, a unicorn wearing a white blindfold. Or at least it was white before getting splattered with boar blood.
>>550920
The mayor is right over there, as is Boon, who gives you a nervous look and gulps before nodding towards her.
>>550921
"Better than last time. I'm glad the militia where able to stand their ground, but we might not be so lucky next time. We need to start training them more as soon as possible."
>>550925
Some of the cheering turns into some lighthearted ribbing as more ponies take notice of your situation.
However, all the mares and even a few stallions seem to be giving you a far more appraising eye…
Soft Stream is bright crimson in the face, staring in mortified fascination at the new bulge in her abdomen.
"L-looks like we're stuck together… A little longer," She stammers.
>>550926
You see Sweetherb running for the walls, looking very angry. You might want to avoid her for a while. On the other hand, some of the militia out there are still hurt.
>>550937
Sweetherb shows up, looking absolutely furious. "You idiot! I told you not to strain yourself, and look what you go and do!"
>>550938
"N-no!" Stream blurts, eyes wide.
"I-it was my fault, honest! I'm the one who-"
"Calm down, girl," Captain Cutter chides her gently. "While I would normally be dissappointed in my guards for shirking their duties," He gives you a pointed look, "Considering how well he fought despite this… handicap, I'm willing to look the other way.
As long as it doesn't affect his combat performance."
You see Sweetherb running for the walls, looking very angry. You might want to avoid her for a while. On the other hand, some of the militia out there are still hurt.
>>550937
Sweetherb shows up, looking absolutely furious. "You idiot! I told you not to strain yourself, and look what you go and do!"
>>550938
"N-no!" Stream blurts, eyes wide.
"I-it was my fault, honest! I'm the one who-"
"Calm down, girl," Captain Cutter chides her gently. "While I would normally be dissappointed in my guards for shirking their duties," He gives you a pointed look, "Considering how well he fought despite this… handicap, I'm willing to look the other way.
As long as it doesn't affect his combat performance."
>>550939
"Perhaps later. For now, let's clean up these bodies and give everything a chance to settle down."
>>550942
Roll to stand up.
"Y-yeah… wait it out…"
>>550947
"Do you know how close that scratch came to puncturing your liver? And now you've gone and tore the stitching, which means I need to take it all out and put it back in, which is far more tedious than an ungrateful…"
She's pretty mad, but you can tell she's more upset that you scared her than anything.
"Perhaps later. For now, let's clean up these bodies and give everything a chance to settle down."
>>550942
Roll to stand up.
"Y-yeah… wait it out…"
>>550947
"Do you know how close that scratch came to puncturing your liver? And now you've gone and tore the stitching, which means I need to take it all out and put it back in, which is far more tedious than an ungrateful…"
She's pretty mad, but you can tell she's more upset that you scared her than anything.
>>550953
The garden is doing very well, including that weird plant, which brushes against you as you draw close.
Suddenly it seems to freeze and it's blades contact some of the boar blood splattered on you.
>>550957
"I'll tell you what you'd do, you foolish ragamuffin, you'd die curled up in the fetal position, sucking your hoof and crying for mama with your guts spilling out on the ground and your-"
Several of the other sentries are turning green in the face as she graphically answers your question.
>>550962
You're up and steady, totally ignoring that dripping noise and the fact that you're screwing a mare in public. Where to?
>>550959
"Just pile them up for now. Maybe we can use them to help feed the more carnivorously-inclined settlers."
The garden is doing very well, including that weird plant, which brushes against you as you draw close.
Suddenly it seems to freeze and it's blades contact some of the boar blood splattered on you.
>>550957
"I'll tell you what you'd do, you foolish ragamuffin, you'd die curled up in the fetal position, sucking your hoof and crying for mama with your guts spilling out on the ground and your-"
Several of the other sentries are turning green in the face as she graphically answers your question.
>>550962
You're up and steady, totally ignoring that dripping noise and the fact that you're screwing a mare in public. Where to?
>>550959
"Just pile them up for now. Maybe we can use them to help feed the more carnivorously-inclined settlers."
>>550970
"Hmn, that's a good point. We need these things skinned and cleaned asap! You feel the pony that arrived with the gryphon move and start skinning one of the boars with a rather large knife.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get to it!"
>>550972
Actually, it seems to like blood a lot, all of it's blades focusing on scooping it off of you and back into it's recesses until you are absolutely blood-free.
>>550958
"Of course, Ma'am."
You see Geneva approach with a clipboard and papers. "Ready to take down the scout's report, ma'am."
>>550974
She just shakes her head, though she can't keep from cracking a grin. "You are just impossible," she mutters, digging just a little deeper than she probably needs to with the needle.
>>550975
Into town, to her garden.
"Hmn, that's a good point. We need these things skinned and cleaned asap! You feel the pony that arrived with the gryphon move and start skinning one of the boars with a rather large knife.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get to it!"
>>550972
Actually, it seems to like blood a lot, all of it's blades focusing on scooping it off of you and back into it's recesses until you are absolutely blood-free.
>>550958
"Of course, Ma'am."
You see Geneva approach with a clipboard and papers. "Ready to take down the scout's report, ma'am."
>>550974
She just shakes her head, though she can't keep from cracking a grin. "You are just impossible," she mutters, digging just a little deeper than she probably needs to with the needle.
>>550975
Into town, to her garden.
>>551005
Eventually, she finishes up. "Now do as you're told this time and don't strain yourself!" She bops you on the top of the head. The pain has barely registered when she darts in for a quick peck on the cheek.
She smirks over her shoulder at your expression as she leaves to help the militia injured, nose held high.
>>551008
You sense the unicorn wave you over.
"Come on over here, I'll show you how. Name's Boon, by the way."
>>551009
It seems to shiver at your touch,wrapping around your hoof gently. It doesn't go any further than that, though.
>>551010
>>551012
Geneva nods. "I understand. I'll be right over there if you need me." With that, she heads out of earshot. You two are free to talk.
Eventually, she finishes up. "Now do as you're told this time and don't strain yourself!" She bops you on the top of the head. The pain has barely registered when she darts in for a quick peck on the cheek.
She smirks over her shoulder at your expression as she leaves to help the militia injured, nose held high.
>>551008
You sense the unicorn wave you over.
"Come on over here, I'll show you how. Name's Boon, by the way."
>>551009
It seems to shiver at your touch,wrapping around your hoof gently. It doesn't go any further than that, though.
>>551010
>>551012
Geneva nods. "I understand. I'll be right over there if you need me." With that, she heads out of earshot. You two are free to talk.
>>551030
Pull out the map.
"Found a few interesting things.
First of all, farmable land. Soft and free of bad weeds, as if someone had prepared it already.
Here."
Point the farmland out on the map.
"Then, giant squirrels. Yes, don't ask me how that works.
A settlement around here, but we wiped it out."
Point the squirrel settlement.
"And the river is relatively safe.
But.
Somewhere around here…"
And here I will make a large motion in the strip of land between the farmland and the village.
"There's a tenctacle rape plant.
And now I need to see a doc."
Pull out the map.
"Found a few interesting things.
First of all, farmable land. Soft and free of bad weeds, as if someone had prepared it already.
Here."
Point the farmland out on the map.
"Then, giant squirrels. Yes, don't ask me how that works.
A settlement around here, but we wiped it out."
Point the squirrel settlement.
"And the river is relatively safe.
But.
Somewhere around here…"
And here I will make a large motion in the strip of land between the farmland and the village.
"There's a tenctacle rape plant.
And now I need to see a doc."
File: 1396651393974.png (846.65 KB, 1412x952, Current Colony Exploration….png, IO Google TinEye)
>>550971
"Well…" She blushes. "We could always go back to my tent…" The way she has to keep adjusting herself while you're standing is making it very hard to make the knot go away.
>>551031
"Not a problem, Justicia. Besides, this stuff will make a welcome break from salted vegetables."
Before you ask, yes, Boon is a unicorn.
"Now, what ye want to do is… Um, maybe ye should take off yer blindfold so ye can see what yer doing?"
>>551032
The plant seems to shiver and nod eagerly.
>>551037
She's already gone, leaving you with a lump on your head and a tingling sensation on your cheek.
>>551035
>Image relevant, but not to scale.
"Well…" She blushes. "We could always go back to my tent…" The way she has to keep adjusting herself while you're standing is making it very hard to make the knot go away.
>>551031
"Not a problem, Justicia. Besides, this stuff will make a welcome break from salted vegetables."
Before you ask, yes, Boon is a unicorn.
"Now, what ye want to do is… Um, maybe ye should take off yer blindfold so ye can see what yer doing?"
>>551032
The plant seems to shiver and nod eagerly.
>>551037
She's already gone, leaving you with a lump on your head and a tingling sensation on your cheek.
>>551035
>Image relevant, but not to scale.
>>551042
Walking to her office, talking with one of the scouts.
>>551044
He recoils as if slapped. "Yer blind? I'm right sorry, ma'am, I didn't know! Ah, I feel ten times the fool now…
As fer the meat… Well, I worked in Griffonia fer a while and… it jest sorta grew on me."
>>551050
The plant 'nods' again.
Walking to her office, talking with one of the scouts.
>>551044
He recoils as if slapped. "Yer blind? I'm right sorry, ma'am, I didn't know! Ah, I feel ten times the fool now…
As fer the meat… Well, I worked in Griffonia fer a while and… it jest sorta grew on me."
>>551050
The plant 'nods' again.
>>551069
The offal from the dead boars might be something you could feed it.
Looks like the fertile soil is a double-edged sword; you can already see several weeds starting to sprout up.
>>551072
She's in her garden, poking at some strange-looking mass of grass.
>>551071
He shrugs. "Suit yerself. Might think different once ye smell it cooking."
>>551074
You walk quickly, if awkwardly, into town, ducking into her tent to escape the eyes of the populace. She smiles shyly up at you, her face going a bit red at your question.
"…Maybe… just one more time?.."
The offal from the dead boars might be something you could feed it.
Looks like the fertile soil is a double-edged sword; you can already see several weeds starting to sprout up.
>>551072
She's in her garden, poking at some strange-looking mass of grass.
>>551071
He shrugs. "Suit yerself. Might think different once ye smell it cooking."
>>551074
You walk quickly, if awkwardly, into town, ducking into her tent to escape the eyes of the populace. She smiles shyly up at you, her face going a bit red at your question.
"…Maybe… just one more time?.."
>>551082
"Then maybe whoever was cooking it weren't doing it right." He finishes skinning and sectioning one boar and moving to the next, taking care not to let his rifle fall into the mess. In fact, he seems far more careful with it than he needs to be.
>>551085
Yes, horrible for your garden. You should get rid of them so they don't kill your plants.
"Then maybe whoever was cooking it weren't doing it right." He finishes skinning and sectioning one boar and moving to the next, taking care not to let his rifle fall into the mess. In fact, he seems far more careful with it than he needs to be.
>>551085
Yes, horrible for your garden. You should get rid of them so they don't kill your plants.
>>551090
Yes. The doors are shut and curtains drawn.
>>551094
"Have ye ever eaten meat?" He asks testily.
"Oh, a'course ye haven't, ye been raised on the same namby-pamby "meat makes ye sick" spiel as ev-ryone else! Well, I tells ye I been eating meat fer three years, and I'm healthy as kin be!"
>>551097
"S-sorry," she squeaks, her breathing growing heavier. "I just… the first time was wonderful; the second time was just…intense… but we never got the chance to really… go slow with it."
Her blush grows. "Plus, your knot has been constantly pressing against my clit, so… I-it's really hard to think right now. I just want you inside me…"
Yes. The doors are shut and curtains drawn.
>>551094
"Have ye ever eaten meat?" He asks testily.
"Oh, a'course ye haven't, ye been raised on the same namby-pamby "meat makes ye sick" spiel as ev-ryone else! Well, I tells ye I been eating meat fer three years, and I'm healthy as kin be!"
>>551097
"S-sorry," she squeaks, her breathing growing heavier. "I just… the first time was wonderful; the second time was just…intense… but we never got the chance to really… go slow with it."
Her blush grows. "Plus, your knot has been constantly pressing against my clit, so… I-it's really hard to think right now. I just want you inside me…"
>>551107
I just gulp before whispering.
"Alright, I'll go with it, just know that I will tie us both together again because I cant help it specially when its you.~"
I then put her down and mount her from behind then hug her to hold her steady, panting next to her ear in renewed excitement before fully mounting her again for the second time.
'5d10'
Roll #1 7, 5, 2, 4, 3 = 21
I just gulp before whispering.
"Alright, I'll go with it, just know that I will tie us both together again because I cant help it specially when its you.~"
I then put her down and mount her from behind then hug her to hold her steady, panting next to her ear in renewed excitement before fully mounting her again for the second time.
'5d10'
Roll #1 7, 5, 2, 4, 3 = 21
>>551118
"Well, why not? Like I said, can't know ye don't like it 'til ye try it!
How about this, when I cook some'a this up, I'll have ye come over an' try jest a little piece. Ye don't like it, I'll never bring it up again, an' I'll give ye my pocketwatch too.
If ye do like it… well, ye gotta admit to my face that I was right."
>>551128
You're definitely getting tired, and so is she, but that doesn't matter since you're taking it slow this time. You slowly settle into a rhythm, pushing in with every exhalation, pulling out as you breathe in. The constant stimulation has made her oversensitive, her head rolling in time with you as she babbles gibberish into the pillows. Eventually exhaustion overtakes you and you fall to your side,still going through the motions even after you cum, making a wet squishing sound as you push your seed out of her. You both eventually pass out, still tied together.
"Well, why not? Like I said, can't know ye don't like it 'til ye try it!
How about this, when I cook some'a this up, I'll have ye come over an' try jest a little piece. Ye don't like it, I'll never bring it up again, an' I'll give ye my pocketwatch too.
If ye do like it… well, ye gotta admit to my face that I was right."
>>551128
You're definitely getting tired, and so is she, but that doesn't matter since you're taking it slow this time. You slowly settle into a rhythm, pushing in with every exhalation, pulling out as you breathe in. The constant stimulation has made her oversensitive, her head rolling in time with you as she babbles gibberish into the pillows. Eventually exhaustion overtakes you and you fall to your side,still going through the motions even after you cum, making a wet squishing sound as you push your seed out of her. You both eventually pass out, still tied together.
>>551166
"Aren't plants alive too? Don't they die when you eat them? It's the same thing; we killed these pigs in self-defense, but if'n we didn't eat them, they'd jest sit there an' rot. It's disrespectful. If'n ye have to kill something, make sure ye killed it fer a reason."
>>551170
She's just finishing up with the last militiapony, turning with a smile as you approach.
"How may I help you?"
>>551169
When you wake up, you are no longer tied to her, though strangely you're still hard. Stream seems to be missing too…
"Aren't plants alive too? Don't they die when you eat them? It's the same thing; we killed these pigs in self-defense, but if'n we didn't eat them, they'd jest sit there an' rot. It's disrespectful. If'n ye have to kill something, make sure ye killed it fer a reason."
>>551170
She's just finishing up with the last militiapony, turning with a smile as you approach.
"How may I help you?"
>>551169
When you wake up, you are no longer tied to her, though strangely you're still hard. Stream seems to be missing too…
>>551182
Don't smile.
"Better safe than sorry. Now from the pattern of attack there are 2 possibilities, either
A, there is some evil presence in the forest and our arrival here has caught its attention. Or B, something or somepony here has unleashed something, driving animals and other lifeforms crazy and attracting them here."
Don't smile.
"Better safe than sorry. Now from the pattern of attack there are 2 possibilities, either
A, there is some evil presence in the forest and our arrival here has caught its attention. Or B, something or somepony here has unleashed something, driving animals and other lifeforms crazy and attracting them here."
>>551179
"But gryphons do. If ponies ain't supposed to eat meat, then what does that make them? Are they evil because they eat meat? If not, then why apply different logic to them than ye would to us ponies?"
>>551181
She nods seriously.
"Doctor-patient confidentially. I am bound by oath to never share the details of anything discussed between us without your expressed permission."
>>551183
You kill the weeds, rape their wives, and put their children to the sword. The weeds will never again return to this land.
At least until next week, at the earliest.
>>551180
You attempt to stand up, then gasp as a familiar sensation shoots up your spine, sending you back to the ground.
As you look up in a daze, you see Soft Stream smile gently at you, then lean forward to give your shaft another lick from base to head, lingering for just a second on the tip.
Before you can react, her mouth engulfs your head, her lusty moan vibrating through your shaft.
Roll 5d10. '5d10'
Roll #1 2, 3, 10, 2, 5 = 22
"But gryphons do. If ponies ain't supposed to eat meat, then what does that make them? Are they evil because they eat meat? If not, then why apply different logic to them than ye would to us ponies?"
>>551181
She nods seriously.
"Doctor-patient confidentially. I am bound by oath to never share the details of anything discussed between us without your expressed permission."
>>551183
You kill the weeds, rape their wives, and put their children to the sword. The weeds will never again return to this land.
At least until next week, at the earliest.
>>551180
You attempt to stand up, then gasp as a familiar sensation shoots up your spine, sending you back to the ground.
As you look up in a daze, you see Soft Stream smile gently at you, then lean forward to give your shaft another lick from base to head, lingering for just a second on the tip.
Before you can react, her mouth engulfs your head, her lusty moan vibrating through your shaft.
Roll 5d10. '5d10'
Roll #1 2, 3, 10, 2, 5 = 22
>>551199
"Take as much time as you need," she says soothingly, letting you bring it up on your own terms.
>>551201
"And boys're supposed to peg gals, so what does that make Fruity and Dam? Those fellas seem pretty happy with each other if ye ask me!"
>>551203
You fail to look where you're going and bump into somepony. Rubbing your head, you look up to come face-to-face with Amor.
Roll perception.
"Take as much time as you need," she says soothingly, letting you bring it up on your own terms.
>>551201
"And boys're supposed to peg gals, so what does that make Fruity and Dam? Those fellas seem pretty happy with each other if ye ask me!"
>>551203
You fail to look where you're going and bump into somepony. Rubbing your head, you look up to come face-to-face with Amor.
Roll perception.
>>551220
You don't notice anything unusual, other than the fact he's not hitting you and… looks worried?
"No… the fault was mine. I should have watched where I was going. Please, allow me to offer compensation."
>>551221
She gently reaches over and lays a petite hoof over your claw.
"I'm listening."
>>551225
"Jest… one bite. That's all I'm asking, is for ye to try one bite. That's all I'm asking."
>>551224
She can't really answer you with your cock in her mouth. She purrs as she bobs her head for a while; you just about lose it when she slowly starts forcing it down her tight, clinging throat, inch by mind-blowing inch, until her nose bumps against your crotch. Feeling you give a telltale twitch, she pulls back until only your head is in her mouth, humming and stroking your length with her hooves as you blow your load in her mouth.
She walks up to your face, opening her mouth to show her mouthful of your seed, before closing it with a sly grin, tilting her head back and swallowing, the loud gulping noises accompanied by the sight of a bulge traveling down her throat.
You don't notice anything unusual, other than the fact he's not hitting you and… looks worried?
"No… the fault was mine. I should have watched where I was going. Please, allow me to offer compensation."
>>551221
She gently reaches over and lays a petite hoof over your claw.
"I'm listening."
>>551225
"Jest… one bite. That's all I'm asking, is for ye to try one bite. That's all I'm asking."
>>551224
She can't really answer you with your cock in her mouth. She purrs as she bobs her head for a while; you just about lose it when she slowly starts forcing it down her tight, clinging throat, inch by mind-blowing inch, until her nose bumps against your crotch. Feeling you give a telltale twitch, she pulls back until only your head is in her mouth, humming and stroking your length with her hooves as you blow your load in her mouth.
She walks up to your face, opening her mouth to show her mouthful of your seed, before closing it with a sly grin, tilting her head back and swallowing, the loud gulping noises accompanied by the sight of a bulge traveling down her throat.
>>551247
"I'm sorry that happened to you. Something like that would be traumatic for anyone."
She's still holding your claw, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
>>551253
"Wonderful!" You can hear his grin. "I'll come find ye when I start cooking, alright? I promise ye won't regret it!"
>>551274
She groans and leans into your hand, though the rest of her remains sprawled out limply.
"Yeah, I'm beat… probably won't be walking straight for a week…"
She giggles. "I just found you like that when I woke up, and I figured: why not do something nice for him?
After all," she flutters her eyelashes at you, "You've done ever so much for me."
>>551246
"Yes." He looks very unsure of himself. "I am… unsure what would constitute sufficient or appropriate payment… but I will provide it."
Sakes, he's almost as socially inept as you!
"I'm sorry that happened to you. Something like that would be traumatic for anyone."
She's still holding your claw, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
>>551253
"Wonderful!" You can hear his grin. "I'll come find ye when I start cooking, alright? I promise ye won't regret it!"
>>551274
She groans and leans into your hand, though the rest of her remains sprawled out limply.
"Yeah, I'm beat… probably won't be walking straight for a week…"
She giggles. "I just found you like that when I woke up, and I figured: why not do something nice for him?
After all," she flutters her eyelashes at you, "You've done ever so much for me."
>>551246
"Yes." He looks very unsure of himself. "I am… unsure what would constitute sufficient or appropriate payment… but I will provide it."
Sakes, he's almost as socially inept as you!
>>551280
"You want me to make sure what it put into you doesn't make you sick. Is that right?"
>>551282
He blinks, a dismayed expression crossing his face before returning to a neutral expression. "I understand, and shall accept my punishment."
He bows his head until his nose is scraping the ground, trembling slightly.
"You want me to make sure what it put into you doesn't make you sick. Is that right?"
>>551282
He blinks, a dismayed expression crossing his face before returning to a neutral expression. "I understand, and shall accept my punishment."
He bows his head until his nose is scraping the ground, trembling slightly.
>>551304
Roll perception.
>>551301
"I know this must be difficult for you. Do you want a few minutes to compose yourself?"
>>551310
"I think I'd like that." She giggles and gives you a sly wink.
"Be careful though, the other girls might want a ride too!~"
>>551313
"Hello there!" It sounds like a zebra. Definitely male, probably older than fourty. "You're Justicia, right? One of the new guards?"
>>551314
"We were fortunate it all ended for the better, ma'am."
Roll perception.
>>551301
"I know this must be difficult for you. Do you want a few minutes to compose yourself?"
>>551310
"I think I'd like that." She giggles and gives you a sly wink.
"Be careful though, the other girls might want a ride too!~"
>>551313
"Hello there!" It sounds like a zebra. Definitely male, probably older than fourty. "You're Justicia, right? One of the new guards?"
>>551314
"We were fortunate it all ended for the better, ma'am."
>>551322
"Now now, I got to check the others before they get in trouble, either because of the woods or because of my presence who knows. I'll make sure they will not get a jump of me alright? Now just rest there until you feel alright."
I give her a lick on her cheeks before leaving and headfing out and see whats happening right now to the settlement.
"Now now, I got to check the others before they get in trouble, either because of the woods or because of my presence who knows. I'll make sure they will not get a jump of me alright? Now just rest there until you feel alright."
I give her a lick on her cheeks before leaving and headfing out and see whats happening right now to the settlement.
>>551341
I frown.
"But you're still here in one piece."
Sigh.
"There was a time I could die three times a day and be dancing in the bar that evening. Alas, things aren't going so easy. Today I was shooting to hold back those boars and at the end the doctor had to save my life.
Not because they got to me, no, those damn stitches from weeks ago got loose and started bleeding again."
I frown.
"But you're still here in one piece."
Sigh.
"There was a time I could die three times a day and be dancing in the bar that evening. Alas, things aren't going so easy. Today I was shooting to hold back those boars and at the end the doctor had to save my life.
Not because they got to me, no, those damn stitches from weeks ago got loose and started bleeding again."
>>551323
You stare at the lines on the back of his neck as his shivering begins to intensify.
Finally he jerks his head up and stares at you with wide eyes.
"You… aren't going to hit me?"
>>551324
"All right. I promise I'll make this quick…"
After a few tests and… sample-taking, you're back in her office, waiting for her to return with the results.
>>551330
"Precautions that you had put in place." She puts some papers aside and smiles at you.
"How does it feel, knowing your decisions saved several lives today?"
>>551329
He tells you his name which I will look up in my notes and shakes your hoof. "That was a fine job you did out there today."
You stare at the lines on the back of his neck as his shivering begins to intensify.
Finally he jerks his head up and stares at you with wide eyes.
"You… aren't going to hit me?"
>>551324
"All right. I promise I'll make this quick…"
After a few tests and… sample-taking, you're back in her office, waiting for her to return with the results.
>>551330
"Precautions that you had put in place." She puts some papers aside and smiles at you.
"How does it feel, knowing your decisions saved several lives today?"
>>551329
He tells you his name which I will look up in my notes and shakes your hoof. "That was a fine job you did out there today."
>>551351
Sweetherb enters and takes a seat across from you. "Still doing okay?"
>>551353
You can roll perception to check again.
"Whenever compensation is not a sufficient apology, I am struck. You say compensation is not enough, yet you do not strike me. Why?"
>>551360
He chuckles. "Nah, I was inside the walls, 'welcoming' my wife to the colony." He turns at a diamond dog's interuption.
>>551354
"Don't you recognize one of your fellow guards? One who helped fight off those boars no less!"
Sweetherb enters and takes a seat across from you. "Still doing okay?"
>>551353
You can roll perception to check again.
"Whenever compensation is not a sufficient apology, I am struck. You say compensation is not enough, yet you do not strike me. Why?"
>>551360
He chuckles. "Nah, I was inside the walls, 'welcoming' my wife to the colony." He turns at a diamond dog's interuption.
>>551354
"Don't you recognize one of your fellow guards? One who helped fight off those boars no less!"
>>551364
Lacking the social grace to realize that it might be awkward, you run your hoof along the area where you saw the lines. He tenses at your touch, but you don't feel anything unusual…
Then there's a flicker, a split-second waver in something covering him… and you feel the lines, pits that run all the way along the hardened back of his neck; far more than you could possibly count.
The spell-for what else could it be-snaps back into place, but it's too late. You already know those lines for what they are.
Scars.
>>551366
"Well, the good news is that what it put into you isn't reproductive in nature. It wasn't laying eggs inside you, and it won't get you pregnant."
>>551368
"If you keep it up, this town's going to grow to rival Baltimare, if you ask me."
Lacking the social grace to realize that it might be awkward, you run your hoof along the area where you saw the lines. He tenses at your touch, but you don't feel anything unusual…
Then there's a flicker, a split-second waver in something covering him… and you feel the lines, pits that run all the way along the hardened back of his neck; far more than you could possibly count.
The spell-for what else could it be-snaps back into place, but it's too late. You already know those lines for what they are.
Scars.
>>551366
"Well, the good news is that what it put into you isn't reproductive in nature. It wasn't laying eggs inside you, and it won't get you pregnant."
>>551368
"If you keep it up, this town's going to grow to rival Baltimare, if you ask me."
>>551369
"Then he'll learn to be so. That's the important thing you'll learn when you get old.
When you're young, the world often seems cruel and unfair, but when you've seen enough you realize that if you keep going, that all the bad things are just temporary. You only remember the good times."
I chuckle.
"Except when you haven't seen and done enough, then you become an old fart."
I laugh.
"Then he'll learn to be so. That's the important thing you'll learn when you get old.
When you're young, the world often seems cruel and unfair, but when you've seen enough you realize that if you keep going, that all the bad things are just temporary. You only remember the good times."
I chuckle.
"Except when you haven't seen and done enough, then you become an old fart."
I laugh.
>>551371
"The bad news is, I am at a loss as to why. The substance doesn't seem to serve any purpose that I am able to determine. However, it seems like it's composition makes it enter the bloodstream at an accelerated rate. What it does then, I can't say. I'm sorry. I've never seen anything like this before."
>>551372
"Understood. Should her scouting partner also receive a few days off?"
>>551374
His necklace flashes green for a moment, then he collapses at your feet.
"Please don't tell. Please, don't tell. They'll come for me; they'll come for me and I don't want to go. I don't want to go!"
>>551376
Leave that for faff between you and her.
Anywhere else you'd like to go?
"The bad news is, I am at a loss as to why. The substance doesn't seem to serve any purpose that I am able to determine. However, it seems like it's composition makes it enter the bloodstream at an accelerated rate. What it does then, I can't say. I'm sorry. I've never seen anything like this before."
>>551372
"Understood. Should her scouting partner also receive a few days off?"
>>551374
His necklace flashes green for a moment, then he collapses at your feet.
"Please don't tell. Please, don't tell. They'll come for me; they'll come for me and I don't want to go. I don't want to go!"
>>551376
Leave that for faff between you and her.
Anywhere else you'd like to go?
>>551386
"Like I said, I can't know the long-term effects; I can, however, say with certainty that it is not capable of adversely affecting your health. You won't get sick. Physically, you are a healthy young gryphon."
She sits down and smiles sadly.
"But it's not your physical health that worries me."
>>551382
He blinks at you. "You… don't know what I am?"
He sighs with relief, then looks around. "There are ponies out there, ponies who would hurt me for what I am. I came here to get away from them. Please, don't tell them what I am. I don't want them to hurt me again."
"Like I said, I can't know the long-term effects; I can, however, say with certainty that it is not capable of adversely affecting your health. You won't get sick. Physically, you are a healthy young gryphon."
She sits down and smiles sadly.
"But it's not your physical health that worries me."
>>551382
He blinks at you. "You… don't know what I am?"
He sighs with relief, then looks around. "There are ponies out there, ponies who would hurt me for what I am. I came here to get away from them. Please, don't tell them what I am. I don't want them to hurt me again."
>>551395
"All the more reason why this should be good for you."
She hands you a slip of paper.
"I've made a friend here in town, a mister Amor. He's a dark unicorn, a bit odd but very caring. He is also a relationship councelor and certified psychiatrist. I would appreciate it if you paid him a visit."
"All the more reason why this should be good for you."
She hands you a slip of paper.
"I've made a friend here in town, a mister Amor. He's a dark unicorn, a bit odd but very caring. He is also a relationship councelor and certified psychiatrist. I would appreciate it if you paid him a visit."
>>551398
"Well, there's the matter of the dead boars. Something needs to be done with them. A mister Boon has already suggested using them as food for the carnivorous colonists. You can give your approval or say no."
>>551399
Before you leave she speaks up. "You need to talk to somepony about this. Trust me, Amor can help you."
Boon's out skinning the dead boars.
"Well, there's the matter of the dead boars. Something needs to be done with them. A mister Boon has already suggested using them as food for the carnivorous colonists. You can give your approval or say no."
>>551399
Before you leave she speaks up. "You need to talk to somepony about this. Trust me, Amor can help you."
Boon's out skinning the dead boars.
>>551410
"Yup. An' ye know that girl with the blindfold? Turns out she's blind; more importantly, I convinced her to have dinner with us!"
He grins evilly. "I can't wait to see the look on that prissy gal's face when she gets her first taste of bacon!"
>>551411
Julia's here too, talking to a Unicorn with a coonskin cap and a long rifle.
"Yup. An' ye know that girl with the blindfold? Turns out she's blind; more importantly, I convinced her to have dinner with us!"
He grins evilly. "I can't wait to see the look on that prissy gal's face when she gets her first taste of bacon!"
>>551411
Julia's here too, talking to a Unicorn with a coonskin cap and a long rifle.
>>551425
You trip and collide with Boon, who yelps as you knock him backwards. When you finally stop sliding around, you find yourself on top of Boon, both his forelegs pinned above his head by your claws.
"J-Julia?" He blushes and looks away, but makes no move to escape.
>>551427
"Well, we ate a giant squirrel out there, an' I feel fine. Do you feel fine, Juli-WHOA!"
Julia suddenly tackles Boon.
>>551429
What a good little sub you are~
You trip and collide with Boon, who yelps as you knock him backwards. When you finally stop sliding around, you find yourself on top of Boon, both his forelegs pinned above his head by your claws.
"J-Julia?" He blushes and looks away, but makes no move to escape.
>>551427
"Well, we ate a giant squirrel out there, an' I feel fine. Do you feel fine, Juli-WHOA!"
Julia suddenly tackles Boon.
>>551429
What a good little sub you are~
>>551433
Right on cue, you hear the door open as Keg walks in.
"Mister Figsworth, I've been going over our notes, and-"
He drops a bundle of papers as he sees you, his face going crimson.
"I'll come back later," he stammers out, bolting back the way he came and slamming the door behind him.
>>551435
"…Yup." Does he sound… disappointed? "This goddamn day."
>>551434
Along the way, you bump into a female diamond dog carrying a bunch of dented armor.
"Howdy, missus mayor! What you doing here?"
Right on cue, you hear the door open as Keg walks in.
"Mister Figsworth, I've been going over our notes, and-"
He drops a bundle of papers as he sees you, his face going crimson.
"I'll come back later," he stammers out, bolting back the way he came and slamming the door behind him.
>>551435
"…Yup." Does he sound… disappointed? "This goddamn day."
>>551434
Along the way, you bump into a female diamond dog carrying a bunch of dented armor.
"Howdy, missus mayor! What you doing here?"
>>551444
She gives you a big, happy smile. "Right this way!"
She leads you to one of the few buildings in town, her tail wagging so hard it makes her hips wiggle.
>>551442
"Well, shoot. And here I was, looking forward to trying to pin you down!" There's a twinkle in his eye, but you're not sure he isn't entirely serious.
"Then again, I suppose I would be too much stallion for you to handle."
She gives you a big, happy smile. "Right this way!"
She leads you to one of the few buildings in town, her tail wagging so hard it makes her hips wiggle.
>>551442
"Well, shoot. And here I was, looking forward to trying to pin you down!" There's a twinkle in his eye, but you're not sure he isn't entirely serious.
"Then again, I suppose I would be too much stallion for you to handle."
>>551477
Smile.
"You needn't worry, there have been steps taken to resolve that issue. We will increase our food output with every available means. We might also get some by chance, such as the meat of these boars for the carnivorous settlers. On top of that, one of the reasons I want that patch of the forest cleared is because the scouts have reported lands that are perfect for farming purposes."
Smile.
"You needn't worry, there have been steps taken to resolve that issue. We will increase our food output with every available means. We might also get some by chance, such as the meat of these boars for the carnivorous settlers. On top of that, one of the reasons I want that patch of the forest cleared is because the scouts have reported lands that are perfect for farming purposes."
>>551480
"I was thinking that since the colony is next to the sea, it will be appropriate if we stock on fish too. A wharf would be appropriate and with this dense woodlands that we have, creating small fishing vessels are easy. Fish is a good alternative for meat and a second food source in case our crops fail, what do you think?"
"I was thinking that since the colony is next to the sea, it will be appropriate if we stock on fish too. A wharf would be appropriate and with this dense woodlands that we have, creating small fishing vessels are easy. Fish is a good alternative for meat and a second food source in case our crops fail, what do you think?"
>>551488
hmmm… perhaps we need to finish the houses first. After that we focus our energy on taking that fields."
"We need heavy cloaks and a constant stream of sharpened axeblades and such so work will not be delayed. Then we also need to have a wide enough road so that the workers will be safer."
"8 to 10 hour work are only allowed with guards patrolling and watching the area. Perhaps we need also some sort of town shouter to announce any problem that comes at hand. Not to mention watch towers to watch the roads…. "
"Or maybe that is too much, what do the mayor think?"
hmmm… perhaps we need to finish the houses first. After that we focus our energy on taking that fields."
"We need heavy cloaks and a constant stream of sharpened axeblades and such so work will not be delayed. Then we also need to have a wide enough road so that the workers will be safer."
"8 to 10 hour work are only allowed with guards patrolling and watching the area. Perhaps we need also some sort of town shouter to announce any problem that comes at hand. Not to mention watch towers to watch the roads…. "
"Or maybe that is too much, what do the mayor think?"
>>551492
I look at her confused.
"Bowing is a show of respect, as the mayor who has a higher rank than me means that I should respect you Ms. Magistre. You are after all a brave enough pony to lead such a group of misfits in an alien world. That is enough for everyone to respect you."
I bow again.
I look at her confused.
"Bowing is a show of respect, as the mayor who has a higher rank than me means that I should respect you Ms. Magistre. You are after all a brave enough pony to lead such a group of misfits in an alien world. That is enough for everyone to respect you."
I bow again.
>>552233
The muffled sound of padded feet on the ground and flapping wings indicates that she's a gryphon.
The smell of cooking starts to permeate the air as Boon shakes a few spices on the meat, shaking the pan to slide them around.
>>552231
Her white blindfold is still splattered with boar blood. She must not have noticed.
The muffled sound of padded feet on the ground and flapping wings indicates that she's a gryphon.
The smell of cooking starts to permeate the air as Boon shakes a few spices on the meat, shaking the pan to slide them around.
>>552231
Her white blindfold is still splattered with boar blood. She must not have noticed.
>>552301
"Uh…"
I contemplate this for a moment.
"Well… I don't really know how you guys see things either… it's really hard to understand something like that without experiencing it, I think! It just boils down to the fact that I can 'sense' things around me! I can't see your 'colors' or 'facial expressions', but that's fine."
"Uh…"
I contemplate this for a moment.
"Well… I don't really know how you guys see things either… it's really hard to understand something like that without experiencing it, I think! It just boils down to the fact that I can 'sense' things around me! I can't see your 'colors' or 'facial expressions', but that's fine."
>>552246
He gives you a cheeky grin in response, then turns back to his cooking.
>>552277
"Cleaning stuff is at the front of the tent on the left, next to the packs of powder an' pellets."
>>552331
The smell of cooking meat fills the air now, and you find yourself a little disturbed by the fact that you don't find it completely repulsive… maybe even a little bit sweet?
"Food'll be done soon. Jest a few more minutes!"
He gives you a cheeky grin in response, then turns back to his cooking.
>>552277
"Cleaning stuff is at the front of the tent on the left, next to the packs of powder an' pellets."
>>552331
The smell of cooking meat fills the air now, and you find yourself a little disturbed by the fact that you don't find it completely repulsive… maybe even a little bit sweet?
"Food'll be done soon. Jest a few more minutes!"
>>552381
Shrug.
"Who knows. I tried, hell if I tried.
But getting through to the police in manehatten is…
Hard."
>>552382
Chuckle back.
"Well it's not always about criminals.
When I started out they usually hired me to find missing pets.
That's how I met Marlene.
Let me tell you, cats are a social breed, no matter what others think."
Shrug.
"Who knows. I tried, hell if I tried.
But getting through to the police in manehatten is…
Hard."
>>552382
Chuckle back.
"Well it's not always about criminals.
When I started out they usually hired me to find missing pets.
That's how I met Marlene.
Let me tell you, cats are a social breed, no matter what others think."
>>552387
"That's why I usually prefer takin' matters into my own hooves. Solves the problem much quicker."
>>552382
He serves up three plates, setting one aside for himself and passing one to Julia. He then cuts a decent piece off of the meat on the third plate and pushes it towards you.
"Well, time to face the music, lass."
"That's why I usually prefer takin' matters into my own hooves. Solves the problem much quicker."
>>552382
He serves up three plates, setting one aside for himself and passing one to Julia. He then cuts a decent piece off of the meat on the third plate and pushes it towards you.
"Well, time to face the music, lass."
>>552403
It's sweet, yet not on the level of sugary treats or anything. You can taste the maple syrup, but you also taste… something else. Something… tantalizing. It's… it's…
You know what bacon tastes like. That's what she's tasting for the first time.
Roll. Not for not getting sick, but for resistance.
It's sweet, yet not on the level of sugary treats or anything. You can taste the maple syrup, but you also taste… something else. Something… tantalizing. It's… it's…
You know what bacon tastes like. That's what she's tasting for the first time.
Roll. Not for not getting sick, but for resistance.
>>552415
You manage to keep yourself under control, taking the time to chew thoroughly before you swallow. You have to admit, you actually… kind of enjoyed that.
M-maybe that was just a fluke; too much maple syrup that kept you from tasting how disgusting the meat must be. Maybe a second piece, just to make sure?
You manage to keep yourself under control, taking the time to chew thoroughly before you swallow. You have to admit, you actually… kind of enjoyed that.
M-maybe that was just a fluke; too much maple syrup that kept you from tasting how disgusting the meat must be. Maybe a second piece, just to make sure?
>>552420
"Oh, so that's the way yer playing?" Boon gets an evil grin. "Well, here's a piece what don't have any syrup on it. Ye brave enough to try? Or are ye chicken?"
He floats a piece of meat over; no syrup on this one.
Are you willing to take the risk, or are you a coward who's going to chicken out after coming this far?
>>552422
"What? We didn't make no bet, and I'm the one what said she'd like it!"
"Oh, so that's the way yer playing?" Boon gets an evil grin. "Well, here's a piece what don't have any syrup on it. Ye brave enough to try? Or are ye chicken?"
He floats a piece of meat over; no syrup on this one.
Are you willing to take the risk, or are you a coward who's going to chicken out after coming this far?
>>552422
"What? We didn't make no bet, and I'm the one what said she'd like it!"
>>552435
Oh, all right you big baby. It's still not that she doesn't like it, she just doesn't like it as much as traditional pony fare. You should be able to finish what's on your plate, since Boon had the foresight to give you a small portion. Combined with the flowers and such Julia gathered, it's actually a pretty decent meal.
Oh, all right you big baby. It's still not that she doesn't like it, she just doesn't like it as much as traditional pony fare. You should be able to finish what's on your plate, since Boon had the foresight to give you a small portion. Combined with the flowers and such Julia gathered, it's actually a pretty decent meal.
>>552505
Sure.
"Alrighty then, breakfast in bed for the pretty lady. I'll be up bright an' early for ye."
There's a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
>>552507
Up ahead, you spot a male zebra and female goat walking side by side, their sides pressed close together. They both look to be in their forties, if in better physical condition than you'd expect.
The male zebra looks up and smiles as he sees Justicia.
>>552510
"Justicia!" You hear the guard you met earlier call out from ahead. He's approaching alongside somepony else, much lighter and more agile than him. "Good to see you again!"
Sure.
"Alrighty then, breakfast in bed for the pretty lady. I'll be up bright an' early for ye."
There's a bit of a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
>>552507
Up ahead, you spot a male zebra and female goat walking side by side, their sides pressed close together. They both look to be in their forties, if in better physical condition than you'd expect.
The male zebra looks up and smiles as he sees Justicia.
>>552510
"Justicia!" You hear the guard you met earlier call out from ahead. He's approaching alongside somepony else, much lighter and more agile than him. "Good to see you again!"
>>552514
The guard, whose name you now remember is Zephyr, is quiet for a moment, then seems to realize you can't see whatever he's doing.
"No, no trouble at all," he says, His tone growing more amorous as he speaks toward whoever he's traveling with, "Just taking Cheva for a walk around the town."
>>552513
You see the above exchange (He started shaking his head at first, then realized she couldn't see him), and see him smile tenderly at the female goat, a gesture she happily returns. Her eyes meet yours, and her smile grows.
"Well, honey?" she says sweetly. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"
The guard, whose name you now remember is Zephyr, is quiet for a moment, then seems to realize you can't see whatever he's doing.
"No, no trouble at all," he says, His tone growing more amorous as he speaks toward whoever he's traveling with, "Just taking Cheva for a walk around the town."
>>552513
You see the above exchange (He started shaking his head at first, then realized she couldn't see him), and see him smile tenderly at the female goat, a gesture she happily returns. Her eyes meet yours, and her smile grows.
"Well, honey?" she says sweetly. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"
>>552519
"Hello, miss Justicia," she responds. Yep, definitely a goat. "I believe we both arrived on the same ship? It's always a pleasure to meet my husband's coworkers."
>>552520
You would, except Boon is currently trying to crush Zephyr's back with a bear hug.
"Zephyr, you old horn-dog, ye never told me ye was hitched!"
Releasing him as his face turns blue, Boon then proceeds to give Cheva a respectful bow that wouldn't be out of place in Canterlot. "So yer the sweet little thang that managed to work yer way into this sorry sod's heart. It's a pleasure to meet ye."
"Hello, miss Justicia," she responds. Yep, definitely a goat. "I believe we both arrived on the same ship? It's always a pleasure to meet my husband's coworkers."
>>552520
You would, except Boon is currently trying to crush Zephyr's back with a bear hug.
"Zephyr, you old horn-dog, ye never told me ye was hitched!"
Releasing him as his face turns blue, Boon then proceeds to give Cheva a respectful bow that wouldn't be out of place in Canterlot. "So yer the sweet little thang that managed to work yer way into this sorry sod's heart. It's a pleasure to meet ye."
>>552522
In a flash, Boon is giving you a grin as he holds Zephyr in a headlock, the latter still trying to catch his breath. "Zephyr, this here's Julia, the sexiest and most dangerous gal I've ever met, and the only one what's managed to show me up! Julia, this sad sack here's Zephyr, one'a the guards, with a ten-foot pole up his-"
"If you finish that," Zephyr gasps, "in front of my wife… I will trample your flank… into a pulp again… you wilds-addled woodspony."
>>552523
"Oh I understand," Cheva says soothingly, seeming oblivious to the tussle going on next to her. "I can't imagine what it must be like, having to learn to identify people just by the sound of their voice." Her next statement is addressed off to the side.
"Dear, stop playing with your friend and have a civil conversation please."
In a flash, Boon is giving you a grin as he holds Zephyr in a headlock, the latter still trying to catch his breath. "Zephyr, this here's Julia, the sexiest and most dangerous gal I've ever met, and the only one what's managed to show me up! Julia, this sad sack here's Zephyr, one'a the guards, with a ten-foot pole up his-"
"If you finish that," Zephyr gasps, "in front of my wife… I will trample your flank… into a pulp again… you wilds-addled woodspony."
>>552523
"Oh I understand," Cheva says soothingly, seeming oblivious to the tussle going on next to her. "I can't imagine what it must be like, having to learn to identify people just by the sound of their voice." Her next statement is addressed off to the side.
"Dear, stop playing with your friend and have a civil conversation please."
>>552525
"Hey!" Boon protests, "I'm just being friendly! Not like this fellas got many friends to spare-"
Faster than you can track, Zephyr's out of the headlock and looking absolutely livid.
"I am going to knock that smug look off your face, you miscreant! Bet you'll have trouble fucking that gun of yours with your nuts crushed!" He punctuates the statement with a kick.
Boon's expression darkens as he dodges the blow and throws a punch. "That's it, yer dead," he growls, right before getting punched in the chest.
>>552526
Cheva sighs tiredly. "Excuse me a moment," she says sweetly, then takes off faster than you can track. You hear several rapid impacts of hooves against flesh, then both the males yelping as Cheva plants her back hooves.
"Now boys, behave."
Julia sees her land several rapid nerve blows on both of them before grabbing them both by the ear.
"Hey!" Boon protests, "I'm just being friendly! Not like this fellas got many friends to spare-"
Faster than you can track, Zephyr's out of the headlock and looking absolutely livid.
"I am going to knock that smug look off your face, you miscreant! Bet you'll have trouble fucking that gun of yours with your nuts crushed!" He punctuates the statement with a kick.
Boon's expression darkens as he dodges the blow and throws a punch. "That's it, yer dead," he growls, right before getting punched in the chest.
>>552526
Cheva sighs tiredly. "Excuse me a moment," she says sweetly, then takes off faster than you can track. You hear several rapid impacts of hooves against flesh, then both the males yelping as Cheva plants her back hooves.
"Now boys, behave."
Julia sees her land several rapid nerve blows on both of them before grabbing them both by the ear.
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