File: 1393011272397.jpg (37.23 KB, 720x480, midnight guard.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
The party made it out and away from Bare Hill with a group of bandits who proved most helpful in navigating the tunnels, collapsing pursue routes and finding a safe place to set up camp for nightfall.
Cloudcover thinks returning to Canterlot would be a good course of action, so that the Mirror can be stored and the mine incident reported.
Lady Sunset insists on heading straight for her rendezvous with Calming Breeze, because the cultists have too much of a head start as is.
The bandits are patching eachother up. Perhaps they could be of some help if you feel like making deals.
Cloudcover thinks returning to Canterlot would be a good course of action, so that the Mirror can be stored and the mine incident reported.
Lady Sunset insists on heading straight for her rendezvous with Calming Breeze, because the cultists have too much of a head start as is.
The bandits are patching eachother up. Perhaps they could be of some help if you feel like making deals.
>>531249
>>531251
"Be careful who you trust with that mirror. There is no telling how far this cult of Midnight has spread."
>>531250
"You have no obligation to join us if you would rather follow the others."
>>531252
One of the bandits speaks up
"I think I can guess where you lot are headed. We might be of some help."
>>531251
"Be careful who you trust with that mirror. There is no telling how far this cult of Midnight has spread."
>>531250
"You have no obligation to join us if you would rather follow the others."
>>531252
One of the bandits speaks up
"I think I can guess where you lot are headed. We might be of some help."
>>531256
>>531258
>>531259
"It wasn't exactly hard to guess that you are after the rest of these relics. While I don't really know a whole lot about them, I do know it was a really big deal to just about everyone involved when someone came up with and pulled off the plan to steal and sell them.
As you might have gathered, I have big ears around secrets. Let me and my pals run off, and I'll spill the beans on where the bosses are hiding the big black jewel."
>>531258
>>531259
"It wasn't exactly hard to guess that you are after the rest of these relics. While I don't really know a whole lot about them, I do know it was a really big deal to just about everyone involved when someone came up with and pulled off the plan to steal and sell them.
As you might have gathered, I have big ears around secrets. Let me and my pals run off, and I'll spill the beans on where the bosses are hiding the big black jewel."
>>531265
>>531264
"I figured as much. I suppose we can also turn this into a fight to the death which ensures you will certainly be too late."
>>531266
"They won't move it before the buyers get there. Those were explicit orders, at least to us. Turns out cultists don't like it when you change plans on short notice."
>>531264
"I figured as much. I suppose we can also turn this into a fight to the death which ensures you will certainly be too late."
>>531266
"They won't move it before the buyers get there. Those were explicit orders, at least to us. Turns out cultists don't like it when you change plans on short notice."
>>531311
"Hey, look at it this way: your nightmares are going to be nothing compared to mine. Now, since you're serving me now, I assume you'll be sleeping over here with me and my little group. The big diamond dog currently asleep is Dulltooth, and the mare cuddled up with him is Fern; she's actually an extremely recent addition. The mare counting money over there is Smooth Silk; would you like me to introduce you?"
"Hey, look at it this way: your nightmares are going to be nothing compared to mine. Now, since you're serving me now, I assume you'll be sleeping over here with me and my little group. The big diamond dog currently asleep is Dulltooth, and the mare cuddled up with him is Fern; she's actually an extremely recent addition. The mare counting money over there is Smooth Silk; would you like me to introduce you?"
>>531342
The mine town is a short walk away
The church is a little further
>>531340
"As you wish then."
"We can look for someplace out of sight if you… want to."
>>531341
"We need to be up and about in the morning regardless. There is ill time for merrymaking."
>>531343
Dulltooth has put a blanket on her and seems to be dozing off himself every few seconds.
The mine town is a short walk away
The church is a little further
>>531340
"As you wish then."
"We can look for someplace out of sight if you… want to."
>>531341
"We need to be up and about in the morning regardless. There is ill time for merrymaking."
>>531343
Dulltooth has put a blanket on her and seems to be dozing off himself every few seconds.
>>531476
"Tough for you. There's water in the well. Bring me a bucketfull while you're out there."
She shoves you back up the hatch and closes it behind her.
>>531475
Same as ever. It's rather nostalgic.
It even smells the same.
>>531477
He is fast asleep by now.
Silk is standing around nonchalantly.
>>531478
They take out a candle and offer you to join them in lighting it
"Tough for you. There's water in the well. Bring me a bucketfull while you're out there."
She shoves you back up the hatch and closes it behind her.
>>531475
Same as ever. It's rather nostalgic.
It even smells the same.
>>531477
He is fast asleep by now.
Silk is standing around nonchalantly.
>>531478
They take out a candle and offer you to join them in lighting it
>>531502
"Walk with me then, and speak."
>>531504
The dog from earlier who helped you escape peeks in
"Oh, this one is taken?"
>>531507
"Which is why the night needs more devouts, to balance them out."
>>531510
>>531506
Silk looks a little surprised as you get on the bed.
She then shrugs and settles down on the floor.
"Walk with me then, and speak."
>>531504
The dog from earlier who helped you escape peeks in
"Oh, this one is taken?"
>>531507
"Which is why the night needs more devouts, to balance them out."
>>531510
>>531506
Silk looks a little surprised as you get on the bed.
She then shrugs and settles down on the floor.
>>531524
"No, no, go ahead and take the bed. I'm experienced in sleeping on the ground, know how to make a makeshift pillow and everything!" Try to put together some kind of wad of clothes or something to rest my head on, then flop down on the floor and settle in. '1d10'
"See? Perfectly comfortable!"
Roll #1 7 = 7
"No, no, go ahead and take the bed. I'm experienced in sleeping on the ground, know how to make a makeshift pillow and everything!" Try to put together some kind of wad of clothes or something to rest my head on, then flop down on the floor and settle in. '1d10'
"See? Perfectly comfortable!"
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>531525
"No, this was just the first one I tried."
>>531526
"Sadly so. But we will not abandon the night.
I know many who have ventured out to spread word of its virtues. Like that nice Sweet Potato, and my old friend Nocturne."
>>531528
"You'll be stiff and cold in the morning."
>>531527
"Tell me all about it, if it eases your heart."
"No, this was just the first one I tried."
>>531526
"Sadly so. But we will not abandon the night.
I know many who have ventured out to spread word of its virtues. Like that nice Sweet Potato, and my old friend Nocturne."
>>531528
"You'll be stiff and cold in the morning."
>>531527
"Tell me all about it, if it eases your heart."
>>531532
"A place where I can sleep would have been nicer. But if you need company I can always chat."
>>531533
"Potato mentioned something about going out to clear our ghosts when we met.
I think Nocturne moved to Fetlock Shores, that town by the seaside."
>>531535
She sighs
"Then get up here. You have a long walk to Canterlot ahead."
>>531538
"We face the trials of life armed with what we have made for ourselves in our hearts and what our friends grant us at our side.
That is all we can do."
"A place where I can sleep would have been nicer. But if you need company I can always chat."
>>531533
"Potato mentioned something about going out to clear our ghosts when we met.
I think Nocturne moved to Fetlock Shores, that town by the seaside."
>>531535
She sighs
"Then get up here. You have a long walk to Canterlot ahead."
>>531538
"We face the trials of life armed with what we have made for ourselves in our hearts and what our friends grant us at our side.
That is all we can do."
>>531543
She lays her head on the pillow and sighs
"I hope you didn't somehow think I'd follow you to Canterlot."
>>531544
"Indeed. Indeed…
If only the midnight could last forever…"
>>531545
"I'm telling you to trust in yourself, as I, too, trust in you."
>>531546
"Well, I guess you'd prefer just being alone, then."
She lays her head on the pillow and sighs
"I hope you didn't somehow think I'd follow you to Canterlot."
>>531544
"Indeed. Indeed…
If only the midnight could last forever…"
>>531545
"I'm telling you to trust in yourself, as I, too, trust in you."
>>531546
"Well, I guess you'd prefer just being alone, then."
>>531570
A couple. Most of them have moved on to other duties, like lighting candles and tending to the plants
>>531569
"Hm. Well, I cannot help you if I do not know what ails you."
>>531572
"I am not a pony.
The only ponies I ever knew were slaves."
>>531571
"I don't trust authority or disguises in the city of the Assassin Lord."
A couple. Most of them have moved on to other duties, like lighting candles and tending to the plants
>>531569
"Hm. Well, I cannot help you if I do not know what ails you."
>>531572
"I am not a pony.
The only ponies I ever knew were slaves."
>>531571
"I don't trust authority or disguises in the city of the Assassin Lord."
>>531583
"Darkness is what you are left with when you blow out the candles for the night."
>>531584
"A thousand rumors exist of House Falconwreath training and/or being a group of secretive assassins who are allowed to exist because they also do dirty work for the princesses. I do not want to risk finding out those tales are true."
>>531585
"All things deserve to be free. And happy."
"Darkness is what you are left with when you blow out the candles for the night."
>>531584
"A thousand rumors exist of House Falconwreath training and/or being a group of secretive assassins who are allowed to exist because they also do dirty work for the princesses. I do not want to risk finding out those tales are true."
>>531585
"All things deserve to be free. And happy."
>>531609
"Then they will hurt you first.
I wouldn't be surprised if someone made an interhouse deal to hurt me in exchange for some other favors."
>>531610
"Then I trust it is a noble cause. You were raised to have righteous judgment."
>>531612
He sighs
"Are you still thirsty?"
>>531611
He keeps muttering prayers to his candle.
But none of his prayers explicitly mention Luna… Only the Night, and the one who makes it…
"Then they will hurt you first.
I wouldn't be surprised if someone made an interhouse deal to hurt me in exchange for some other favors."
>>531610
"Then I trust it is a noble cause. You were raised to have righteous judgment."
>>531612
He sighs
"Are you still thirsty?"
>>531611
He keeps muttering prayers to his candle.
But none of his prayers explicitly mention Luna… Only the Night, and the one who makes it…
>>531651
"You don't happen to know a dog by the name of Cassit, do you?"
>>531650
"Get me out of Equestria maybe?
Or I don't know. Fake my death. Do a big favor for the people who want my head. Something."
>>531653
It's impossible to tell which is his. They ARR ROOK SAME
>>531654
"Only time will tell.
But nopony is a hero without some sleep."
"You don't happen to know a dog by the name of Cassit, do you?"
>>531650
"Get me out of Equestria maybe?
Or I don't know. Fake my death. Do a big favor for the people who want my head. Something."
>>531653
It's impossible to tell which is his. They ARR ROOK SAME
>>531654
"Only time will tell.
But nopony is a hero without some sleep."
>>531659
"Your name sounded similar, is all."
>>531656
>>531658
This room is obviously the one.
It has a lot of paintings. They all depict the night. Each one is a little different, but they are all midnights.
>>531657
Roll for how much of a sleepy pon you are
>>531660
"And here I was hoping my life would get less weird.
Well, I suppose the easiest thing would be making sure House Starling owes you a favor, and then making them forgive me be that favor."
"Your name sounded similar, is all."
>>531656
>>531658
This room is obviously the one.
It has a lot of paintings. They all depict the night. Each one is a little different, but they are all midnights.
>>531657
Roll for how much of a sleepy pon you are
>>531660
"And here I was hoping my life would get less weird.
Well, I suppose the easiest thing would be making sure House Starling owes you a favor, and then making them forgive me be that favor."
>>531677
"Oh right. Well, that's leverage over the assassins, at least. One of the other artifacts belonged to House Starling; I forget which, I'm bad with names. Point is, they've gone through some trouble to keep this under wraps; we should be able to work something out where we don't spread the news that the Lord of Midnight is returning in exchange for them forgetting that you exist."
"Oh right. Well, that's leverage over the assassins, at least. One of the other artifacts belonged to House Starling; I forget which, I'm bad with names. Point is, they've gone through some trouble to keep this under wraps; we should be able to work something out where we don't spread the news that the Lord of Midnight is returning in exchange for them forgetting that you exist."
>>531697
You were wide awake and alert the whole night.
You are now dead sleepy and it is morning. This will have a devastating effect on your awareness.
>>531698
You dream of all the things a grateful Silk could do to you.
She is also really warm, sleeping there next to you.
>>531699
"At times.
Good night, then. I understand you have a long trip tomorrow."
He closes the door
>>531700
She starts humming a calming tune
You were wide awake and alert the whole night.
You are now dead sleepy and it is morning. This will have a devastating effect on your awareness.
>>531698
You dream of all the things a grateful Silk could do to you.
She is also really warm, sleeping there next to you.
>>531699
"At times.
Good night, then. I understand you have a long trip tomorrow."
He closes the door
>>531700
She starts humming a calming tune
>>533045
"Started a riot and stole a lot of property"
>>533041
>>533042
"Keep on moving then."
As you pass then, you notice one of them has the distinct twisted wounds left by Black Flame… Clearly not enough to cause him to mutate into something horrible, but he obviously was among those who fought to protect the dog homes.
"Started a riot and stole a lot of property"
>>533041
>>533042
"Keep on moving then."
As you pass then, you notice one of them has the distinct twisted wounds left by Black Flame… Clearly not enough to cause him to mutate into something horrible, but he obviously was among those who fought to protect the dog homes.
>>533068
"Lets get a less smelly bag next time. Maybe a basket or something."
>>533069
"Fern friend, not slave. But should stay close. For safety."
>>533067
"That's a relief."
And so you go about your business, arriving to the outskirts of Canterlot in the afternoon.
The great city looks fantastic in this light, Princess Celestia truly has made another work of art. All that remains now is to climb up the road leading to the gates.
"Lets get a less smelly bag next time. Maybe a basket or something."
>>533069
"Fern friend, not slave. But should stay close. For safety."
>>533067
"That's a relief."
And so you go about your business, arriving to the outskirts of Canterlot in the afternoon.
The great city looks fantastic in this light, Princess Celestia truly has made another work of art. All that remains now is to climb up the road leading to the gates.
>>533101
You sit down to wait with Dachs
>>533097
>>533098
You head into the city. Considering his credentials, Whisper gets you past the gates with ease.
Before you opens the great expanse of Canterlot's market district. A place of wealth and refined taste where common goods of reasonable prices can be harder to find than one would imagine.
The tall spires and stained glass windows of the city give the sunlight an almost dreamlike quality as it is filtered into dancing rays of subtle colors, drawing slowly moving shapes along every surface, as if a spectral crowd lived among the citizens.
>>533104
"We got lil' room for light travelers and go all the way up to big shared rooms for families. Of course, nice things cost extra."
You sit down to wait with Dachs
>>533097
>>533098
You head into the city. Considering his credentials, Whisper gets you past the gates with ease.
Before you opens the great expanse of Canterlot's market district. A place of wealth and refined taste where common goods of reasonable prices can be harder to find than one would imagine.
The tall spires and stained glass windows of the city give the sunlight an almost dreamlike quality as it is filtered into dancing rays of subtle colors, drawing slowly moving shapes along every surface, as if a spectral crowd lived among the citizens.
>>533104
"We got lil' room for light travelers and go all the way up to big shared rooms for families. Of course, nice things cost extra."
>>533113
"Alright, and how did you plan to pay?"
>>533118
"Not really, no. I was a guard, not a scout.
Only time I really saw anything different was when we moved to the new tunnels under that mine."
>>533115
Cloudcover looks to the sky
"The Princesses reside in the royal palace in Everfree. Canterlot is the city of nobles."
"Alright, and how did you plan to pay?"
>>533118
"Not really, no. I was a guard, not a scout.
Only time I really saw anything different was when we moved to the new tunnels under that mine."
>>533115
Cloudcover looks to the sky
"The Princesses reside in the royal palace in Everfree. Canterlot is the city of nobles."
>>533131
There are. Though it's a little less religious than most since Celestia and Luna visit it in person at times. So it's more of a… public relations building than a place of idol worship.
>>533133
She looks a little hurt by your lack of chivalry, but just rolls her eyes and tosses some gems on the counter.
The Innkeep smiles and gives you a key
"Enjoy your stay kids."
>>533132
"That's only slightly less unnerving. What even causes shit like that to happen?"
There are. Though it's a little less religious than most since Celestia and Luna visit it in person at times. So it's more of a… public relations building than a place of idol worship.
>>533133
She looks a little hurt by your lack of chivalry, but just rolls her eyes and tosses some gems on the counter.
The Innkeep smiles and gives you a key
"Enjoy your stay kids."
>>533132
"That's only slightly less unnerving. What even causes shit like that to happen?"
>>533137
Bring her to one of those, she'll probably be happy that she can walk on the ground where the Princesses walked.
That reminds me, I'd like to talk to somepony of the Inquisition or some religious order about the midnight forever thing.
>>533134
"It is quite a sight, the first time I saw it I was blown away."
Bring her to the church in question.
"Celestia and Luna themselves visit this place sometimes!"
Bring her to one of those, she'll probably be happy that she can walk on the ground where the Princesses walked.
That reminds me, I'd like to talk to somepony of the Inquisition or some religious order about the midnight forever thing.
>>533134
"It is quite a sight, the first time I saw it I was blown away."
Bring her to the church in question.
"Celestia and Luna themselves visit this place sometimes!"
>>533139
You can talk to the Inquisition representatives if you wish, leave a message for the Princess via courier at the church, or turn to Lord Falconwreath and his supposed league of shadow assassins.
>>533140
She gives a sharp nod and heads up to her room
>>533144
"I'm used to keeping pups out of trouble and ponies in line. Saving the world from crazy monsters sounds… like a lot."
You can talk to the Inquisition representatives if you wish, leave a message for the Princess via courier at the church, or turn to Lord Falconwreath and his supposed league of shadow assassins.
>>533140
She gives a sharp nod and heads up to her room
>>533144
"I'm used to keeping pups out of trouble and ponies in line. Saving the world from crazy monsters sounds… like a lot."
>>533147
Hmmmm.
I suppose I should be acting as an agent of my house foremost, which means reporting back to Lord Falconwreath first. He should know there might be a potential larger conspiracy at work here to properly protect his assets.
He'll know what to do.
But first I'll show Fire Blossom around.
>>533148
"Yes, you're walking the same ground they walked right now!"
Hmmmm.
I suppose I should be acting as an agent of my house foremost, which means reporting back to Lord Falconwreath first. He should know there might be a potential larger conspiracy at work here to properly protect his assets.
He'll know what to do.
But first I'll show Fire Blossom around.
>>533148
"Yes, you're walking the same ground they walked right now!"
>>533166
He will be waiting in his house.
Watch the shadows.
>>533168
Encouraged by the pat, he sticks quite close to you
>>533172
You do get in, but not without some attention.
>>533177
The place is very open, with large spaces and high rooms designed to carry sound and reflect light as impressively as possible. Not many ponies are here right now, and your steps echo with a pleasant note.
He will be waiting in his house.
Watch the shadows.
>>533168
Encouraged by the pat, he sticks quite close to you
>>533172
You do get in, but not without some attention.
>>533177
The place is very open, with large spaces and high rooms designed to carry sound and reflect light as impressively as possible. Not many ponies are here right now, and your steps echo with a pleasant note.
>>533184
One of the… priests? comes talk to you
"You must be new in town."
>>533187
You make your way up to the hallowed House Starling and enter via the secret doors only you and a few others know of.
Lord Starling is most pleased to see you
"Ah, Whisper. Did you recover my gem?"
>>533188
Cloudcover is keeping an eye on the packed up mirror
"I'll keep this thing safe. Once we return it, I'd like to check on my brother."
One of the… priests? comes talk to you
"You must be new in town."
>>533187
You make your way up to the hallowed House Starling and enter via the secret doors only you and a few others know of.
Lord Starling is most pleased to see you
"Ah, Whisper. Did you recover my gem?"
>>533188
Cloudcover is keeping an eye on the packed up mirror
"I'll keep this thing safe. Once we return it, I'd like to check on my brother."
>>533203
"You have come on quite a pilgrimage if all you seek is a little reassurance, miss.
Tell me, how can this old devote aid you?"
>>533204
"While I work guard duty at the library, he works for the nobles. Last I heard he was helping keep some construction site safe, so I just want to know he hasn't gotten a hammer to the nose or something."
>>533206
"Hm. Very well, speak then."
"You have come on quite a pilgrimage if all you seek is a little reassurance, miss.
Tell me, how can this old devote aid you?"
>>533204
"While I work guard duty at the library, he works for the nobles. Last I heard he was helping keep some construction site safe, so I just want to know he hasn't gotten a hammer to the nose or something."
>>533206
"Hm. Very well, speak then."
>>533218
"I'm an unwanted soul, milord."
Smile and take off the hood, revealing the burn marks.
"I've grown in a church and brought only ill luck to those who accepted me into their lives.
And now I must follow some brave heroes, because my heart, my faith compels me to, and I fear hurting them."
"I'm an unwanted soul, milord."
Smile and take off the hood, revealing the burn marks.
"I've grown in a church and brought only ill luck to those who accepted me into their lives.
And now I must follow some brave heroes, because my heart, my faith compels me to, and I fear hurting them."
>>533218
I take a deep breath.
"The bandits used a codeword "Midnight forever" As we were traveling here I met a priest of the Moon in a church we stayed the night.
He struck me as odd and I discovered he was performing dark rituals in the church. He talked about a midnight as well.
And considering the rumors surrounding these artifacts…well, my instinct tells me there is more to this than just a simple heist."
I take a deep breath.
"The bandits used a codeword "Midnight forever" As we were traveling here I met a priest of the Moon in a church we stayed the night.
He struck me as odd and I discovered he was performing dark rituals in the church. He talked about a midnight as well.
And considering the rumors surrounding these artifacts…well, my instinct tells me there is more to this than just a simple heist."
>>533229
>>533226
You find a decorative yet durable gravy pitcher in a garbage bin behind a fancy silverware shop. Looks like it was just gilded iron, not gold, and thus was thrown out.
It could be fashioned into a codpiece to patch up the pants.
>>533228
He softly touches your face
"A body and mind are only as strong as their heart. And a heart is only as strong as you let it be.
Free your heart, child. Free it from the chains of doubt."
>>533230
"I always knew you were a lever lad Whisper. I just hoped you wouldn't turn out to be this clever. But the cat's out of the bag now, I suppose.
These artifacts were entrusted to the noble lines of Canterlot for safe keeping because they house the immortal remains of an ancient god of darkness - Tirek. This legend is well known in some sphered, but for generations the guardian families have sought to make it just a fairytale in the minds of the common folk. Some even honestly think it's all just a story themselves…"
>>533226
You find a decorative yet durable gravy pitcher in a garbage bin behind a fancy silverware shop. Looks like it was just gilded iron, not gold, and thus was thrown out.
It could be fashioned into a codpiece to patch up the pants.
>>533228
He softly touches your face
"A body and mind are only as strong as their heart. And a heart is only as strong as you let it be.
Free your heart, child. Free it from the chains of doubt."
>>533230
"I always knew you were a lever lad Whisper. I just hoped you wouldn't turn out to be this clever. But the cat's out of the bag now, I suppose.
These artifacts were entrusted to the noble lines of Canterlot for safe keeping because they house the immortal remains of an ancient god of darkness - Tirek. This legend is well known in some sphered, but for generations the guardian families have sought to make it just a fairytale in the minds of the common folk. Some even honestly think it's all just a story themselves…"
>>533242
>>533243
The shopkeep immediately addresses Amber.
"Welcome, welcome, good sir. What might you be seeking this fine day?"
>>533244
"But you do not intend to, do you?
The past cannot be changed, but it can be learned from, and mistakes made in it can be rectified."
>>533245
"We all knew. Or, I certainly hope so.
My father made well sure I knew my duty as a guardian. It's a heavy duty, hell, one of the guardian families already died out. Instead of trusting any of the other noble families, the Tome of forbidden arts was entrusted to the librarians."
>>533243
The shopkeep immediately addresses Amber.
"Welcome, welcome, good sir. What might you be seeking this fine day?"
>>533244
"But you do not intend to, do you?
The past cannot be changed, but it can be learned from, and mistakes made in it can be rectified."
>>533245
"We all knew. Or, I certainly hope so.
My father made well sure I knew my duty as a guardian. It's a heavy duty, hell, one of the guardian families already died out. Instead of trusting any of the other noble families, the Tome of forbidden arts was entrusted to the librarians."
>>533255
>>533257
"Hm.
How exotic~
Any specifications?"
>>533258
"Oh yes. Quite often really. They seem to enjoy Canterlot. I wouldn't be surprised if they moved here one day."
>>533259
"Those who need to know, know.
Nopony wants witch hunts all over Canterlot if someone gets some thought in their tiny head that the artifacts could somehow corrupt their keepers, or that they could be destroyed or hidden away."
>>533257
"Hm.
How exotic~
Any specifications?"
>>533258
"Oh yes. Quite often really. They seem to enjoy Canterlot. I wouldn't be surprised if they moved here one day."
>>533259
"Those who need to know, know.
Nopony wants witch hunts all over Canterlot if someone gets some thought in their tiny head that the artifacts could somehow corrupt their keepers, or that they could be destroyed or hidden away."
>>533261
"I doubt it. They were here recently.
Perhaps in a few days."
>>533276
"Absolutely disgusting.
Pockets ruin the form and pattern with baggy bulges. Ew.
No, no, my reputation would forever be ruined."
>>533277
"Go, Whisper.
And welcome to the family.
Now that you know, you, too, are a Guardian."
>>533278
"N-no comment…"
"I doubt it. They were here recently.
Perhaps in a few days."
>>533276
"Absolutely disgusting.
Pockets ruin the form and pattern with baggy bulges. Ew.
No, no, my reputation would forever be ruined."
>>533277
"Go, Whisper.
And welcome to the family.
Now that you know, you, too, are a Guardian."
>>533278
"N-no comment…"
>>533344
"Sorry.
Just thought you might be making a good choice here."
The clothier soon returns with a few material options, most of them with fancy patterns, and one that seems to be a more muted and faded single tone.
>>533347
"Yes.
Fern, is this basket nice?"
He points at a big round one
"We could add pillows."
"Sorry.
Just thought you might be making a good choice here."
The clothier soon returns with a few material options, most of them with fancy patterns, and one that seems to be a more muted and faded single tone.
>>533347
"Yes.
Fern, is this basket nice?"
He points at a big round one
"We could add pillows."
>>533385
Between the Exotic Flavor Beer Explorer Guild and Sober Society of Scotch Samplers you find a couple of ponies snoozing among (possibly stolen) bottles
>>533387
A good deal if you ever made one.
Everyone walks away a winner
>>533388
Right.
This will just be faff, so next time we can move on with the plot
Between the Exotic Flavor Beer Explorer Guild and Sober Society of Scotch Samplers you find a couple of ponies snoozing among (possibly stolen) bottles
>>533387
A good deal if you ever made one.
Everyone walks away a winner
>>533388
Right.
This will just be faff, so next time we can move on with the plot
>>533427
>>533423
He gives you a boost up, though it's hard to tell if his unfortunate hand placement was accidental or intentional…
>>533428
House Falconwreath.
Somehow it has always had a strange air to it. It's so… normal. Not normal normal. The kind of normal you see in plays when a writer tries to emphasize how normal something is. A manufactured, unnatural normal.
The doors are heavily guarded
"What business have ye?"
>>533423
He gives you a boost up, though it's hard to tell if his unfortunate hand placement was accidental or intentional…
>>533428
House Falconwreath.
Somehow it has always had a strange air to it. It's so… normal. Not normal normal. The kind of normal you see in plays when a writer tries to emphasize how normal something is. A manufactured, unnatural normal.
The doors are heavily guarded
"What business have ye?"
>>533432
"What was what now?"
He climbs up and sits next to you, looking a little confused
>>533431
"Enter."
The entrance hall is simple. Generic even. Nothing really stands out. At all. It's unnerving. If someone asked you to describe the room ten minutes from now, you probably couldn't. It's as if through some mathematical genius everything about it is so unremarkable you can't even really form memories of it.
"What was what now?"
He climbs up and sits next to you, looking a little confused
>>533431
"Enter."
The entrance hall is simple. Generic even. Nothing really stands out. At all. It's unnerving. If someone asked you to describe the room ten minutes from now, you probably couldn't. It's as if through some mathematical genius everything about it is so unremarkable you can't even really form memories of it.
>>533442
"Yes."
As you blink he is gone.
Within seconds the door near you opens, leading to a room decorated with various paintings. There are no windows, but the room is lit with large candles. This leaves many corners and nooks in complete darkness. Darkness that seems to have eyes.
The only other pony in the room is the unmistakable Lord Falconwreath. A pony in remarkable shape compared to most other nobles, with piercing eyes and soft, articulate voice
"Thank you for returning my mirror. It means a lot to me."
"Yes."
As you blink he is gone.
Within seconds the door near you opens, leading to a room decorated with various paintings. There are no windows, but the room is lit with large candles. This leaves many corners and nooks in complete darkness. Darkness that seems to have eyes.
The only other pony in the room is the unmistakable Lord Falconwreath. A pony in remarkable shape compared to most other nobles, with piercing eyes and soft, articulate voice
"Thank you for returning my mirror. It means a lot to me."
>>533446
At the edge of your hearing you sense a sound of audible sharpness, as if a hundred daggers had been pulled a fraction of an inch from their sheaths all around you.
The lord's eyes snap to you, staring deep inside your soul like two jagged spears of ice being slowly pushed through your skull
"It is an important symbol of my line. I thank you for hastening its return. And am willing to reward you for it."
>>533447
He shrugs
"I never understood what's so great about pants. I mean you got fur already."
At the edge of your hearing you sense a sound of audible sharpness, as if a hundred daggers had been pulled a fraction of an inch from their sheaths all around you.
The lord's eyes snap to you, staring deep inside your soul like two jagged spears of ice being slowly pushed through your skull
"It is an important symbol of my line. I thank you for hastening its return. And am willing to reward you for it."
>>533447
He shrugs
"I never understood what's so great about pants. I mean you got fur already."
>>533449
"I have a price in mind. There is a mare, Smooth Silk, who recently angered several noble houses. I want your word, the word of the Assassin Lord, that House Falconwreath will effectively forget that she ever existed."
>>533450
"I know. Just stand back and let me do the talking. And if I do something to scare you… I'm sorry. It's all for show."
"I have a price in mind. There is a mare, Smooth Silk, who recently angered several noble houses. I want your word, the word of the Assassin Lord, that House Falconwreath will effectively forget that she ever existed."
>>533450
"I know. Just stand back and let me do the talking. And if I do something to scare you… I'm sorry. It's all for show."
>>533453
"Ha. Ha-haa-ha. Assassin Lord, my, such a humorous wit you have.
But if all you ask in return is I forget about somepony I have never even met, then I suppose you were paid in full before you even came in here."
What a creepy, hollow laugh… that's not how laughter works. That's more like reading the words "ha ha" off paper!
"Ha. Ha-haa-ha. Assassin Lord, my, such a humorous wit you have.
But if all you ask in return is I forget about somepony I have never even met, then I suppose you were paid in full before you even came in here."
What a creepy, hollow laugh… that's not how laughter works. That's more like reading the words "ha ha" off paper!
>>533456
"I won't.
Now, was that all?"
>>533457
"Your terms are very clear, sir Amber Dawn. I will see to it that they are upheld.
Thank you for saving me the trouble of recovering the mirror myself."
>>533455
"It's not a problem. It's just kinda weird.
Or, you know, different.
Then… I suppose we sorta are different from most dogs, huh?"
"I won't.
Now, was that all?"
>>533457
"Your terms are very clear, sir Amber Dawn. I will see to it that they are upheld.
Thank you for saving me the trouble of recovering the mirror myself."
>>533455
"It's not a problem. It's just kinda weird.
Or, you know, different.
Then… I suppose we sorta are different from most dogs, huh?"
>>533462
"I am not.
The implications of your understanding are unfortunate."
>>533464
"Done."
As you glance to your side, someone has already switched your sword for another, along with the sheath, but not the straps.
#You may add a third tag to your weapon
>>533463
"I did not want to stay illiterate, and the only stuff to read down there were books taken from captured ponies."
"I am not.
The implications of your understanding are unfortunate."
>>533464
"Done."
As you glance to your side, someone has already switched your sword for another, along with the sheath, but not the straps.
#You may add a third tag to your weapon
>>533463
"I did not want to stay illiterate, and the only stuff to read down there were books taken from captured ponies."
>>533503
Now that you think of it, nearly every shadow in the Falconwreath estate had eyes
>>533502
"We should get moving. This has already taken more time than I expected."
>>533504
He eventually stops and just sits there, thinking to himself
>>533505
"…I'm sure he'll be fine.
We should not linger too long. The cultists already have a huge head start."
Now that you think of it, nearly every shadow in the Falconwreath estate had eyes
>>533502
"We should get moving. This has already taken more time than I expected."
>>533504
He eventually stops and just sits there, thinking to himself
>>533505
"…I'm sure he'll be fine.
We should not linger too long. The cultists already have a huge head start."
>>533505
"I would just fight off anypony who tried to take him from me. Plus he's able to handle himself, to a degree.
I can understand why your mare-friend needed special protection thou. It won't help you when we go to the next bandit den thou."
>>533507
..huh weird.
"I am moving." march a little in my steps as we walk to emphasis the point.
"I would just fight off anypony who tried to take him from me. Plus he's able to handle himself, to a degree.
I can understand why your mare-friend needed special protection thou. It won't help you when we go to the next bandit den thou."
>>533507
..huh weird.
"I am moving." march a little in my steps as we walk to emphasis the point.
>>534211
>>534216
>>534218
>>534220
Cloudcover straightens his mane
"Alright, I take it that we're all ready to go then. The mirror is safe, so at least we know the cultists can't possibly amass all of the relics any more.
Our next destination is Hollowtop, which, if our informant was honest, will be a seething next of criminal scum."
>>534216
>>534218
>>534220
Cloudcover straightens his mane
"Alright, I take it that we're all ready to go then. The mirror is safe, so at least we know the cultists can't possibly amass all of the relics any more.
Our next destination is Hollowtop, which, if our informant was honest, will be a seething next of criminal scum."
>>534250
"We could always move on ahead and signal for them when the moment to strike comes. Remember that we will not be the vanguard, but the cavalry. Our allies will have been there for two days by the time we arrive."
>>534251
"Nothing except the fact that it's more time lost once again."
>>534252
"I don't know. But if the place is what it's described as, this may be among the most important blows we can deal against organized bandits in our lifetime."
"We could always move on ahead and signal for them when the moment to strike comes. Remember that we will not be the vanguard, but the cavalry. Our allies will have been there for two days by the time we arrive."
>>534251
"Nothing except the fact that it's more time lost once again."
>>534252
"I don't know. But if the place is what it's described as, this may be among the most important blows we can deal against organized bandits in our lifetime."
>>534307
>>534309
>>534310
>>534311
>>534313
Hollowtop.
An old volcano that has slept for centuries now, looking quite impressive in the light of the setting sun. It got its name from the crater up top, a deep, hollow bowl that occasionally fills with water after heavy rainfall. The road here was rough and seldom traveled, and the only real marks of civilization here are the ruins of an old watchtower up on the mountain, and the sleepy artisan town on Ponpeii on the foothills.
>>534309
>>534310
>>534311
>>534313
Hollowtop.
An old volcano that has slept for centuries now, looking quite impressive in the light of the setting sun. It got its name from the crater up top, a deep, hollow bowl that occasionally fills with water after heavy rainfall. The road here was rough and seldom traveled, and the only real marks of civilization here are the ruins of an old watchtower up on the mountain, and the sleepy artisan town on Ponpeii on the foothills.
>>534357
>>534358
>>534359
>>534361
>>534372
You keep your distance from the town and head for the watchtower ruins, taking the old winding path up the mountain. From the feel of it, nopony has used this road for decades, so it probably served no purpose beyond offering access to the keep when it still functioned.
The gates of the keep are old and long since collapsed. Beyond them you can see a large staircase leading to a courtyard at the base of the remains of the tower.
>>534358
>>534359
>>534361
>>534372
You keep your distance from the town and head for the watchtower ruins, taking the old winding path up the mountain. From the feel of it, nopony has used this road for decades, so it probably served no purpose beyond offering access to the keep when it still functioned.
The gates of the keep are old and long since collapsed. Beyond them you can see a large staircase leading to a courtyard at the base of the remains of the tower.
>>534376
Hoofprints. Not even a day old. With signs of slight mutation. Somepony was in a hurry to get in here.
>>534377
>>534378
>>534381
"SUN!"
In a thundering crash, someone falls from the top of the tower into the center of the courtyard with a meaty crunch, and seconds later, like a bolt of divine lightning, a streak of light smashes down into him shaking the entire floor with the impact.
As the dust settles, you see your old acquaintance Glorious Grace, his weapon embedded in a struggling cultist, his eyes wild with divine rage.
Up at the top of the tower, staring down, you can see a silhouette against the sun. Probably Sweet Potato.
Hoofprints. Not even a day old. With signs of slight mutation. Somepony was in a hurry to get in here.
>>534377
>>534378
>>534381
"SUN!"
In a thundering crash, someone falls from the top of the tower into the center of the courtyard with a meaty crunch, and seconds later, like a bolt of divine lightning, a streak of light smashes down into him shaking the entire floor with the impact.
As the dust settles, you see your old acquaintance Glorious Grace, his weapon embedded in a struggling cultist, his eyes wild with divine rage.
Up at the top of the tower, staring down, you can see a silhouette against the sun. Probably Sweet Potato.
>>534407
"This… is the only one…
Only one here at least. The others ran before we could get to them."
>>534408
"Not many. This is the only one we managed to corner, while the rest fled. Hold on, let me come down."
She starts heading for the stairs
>>534414
"I'm alive."
He looks worse off than before. Aside from the withering on his face from Silent Lake, one of his hooves is slightly mutated. He must have been getting up close and personal with a whole bunch of black fire cultists.
"This… is the only one…
Only one here at least. The others ran before we could get to them."
>>534408
"Not many. This is the only one we managed to corner, while the rest fled. Hold on, let me come down."
She starts heading for the stairs
>>534414
"I'm alive."
He looks worse off than before. Aside from the withering on his face from Silent Lake, one of his hooves is slightly mutated. He must have been getting up close and personal with a whole bunch of black fire cultists.
>>534418
He snorts
"It's just a tumor. It won't kill me. Celestia wills me to live, and I live."
>>534419
>>534427
"Don't worry about it. I can still walk and fight just fine."
>>534422
"Yeah we've met. Ever since we found the first lot we've been trailing them, and thinning their numbers. But…"
Sweet Potato finally gets tot he ground floor and joins in
"…we lost their trail shortly before coming here, which allowed them to slip ahead. We caught up with their last stragglers and cornered them here, but the main group made their escape as we fought."
He snorts
"It's just a tumor. It won't kill me. Celestia wills me to live, and I live."
>>534419
>>534427
"Don't worry about it. I can still walk and fight just fine."
>>534422
"Yeah we've met. Ever since we found the first lot we've been trailing them, and thinning their numbers. But…"
Sweet Potato finally gets tot he ground floor and joins in
"…we lost their trail shortly before coming here, which allowed them to slip ahead. We caught up with their last stragglers and cornered them here, but the main group made their escape as we fought."
>>534434
The flesh does not respond a whole lot, but it does straighten out a little. It might be because the mutation isn't very fresh.
>>534435
Sweet Potato looks a little hurt
"I've been at his side every waking hour tending to his wounds and needs. Are you saying I am incapable of performing my duties?"
The flesh does not respond a whole lot, but it does straighten out a little. It might be because the mutation isn't very fresh.
>>534435
Sweet Potato looks a little hurt
"I've been at his side every waking hour tending to his wounds and needs. Are you saying I am incapable of performing my duties?"
>>534437
Grace looks confused
"The what now?"
Potato looks slightly concerned, but nothing more
"More thievery afoot, then?"
>>534438
"Hrm. Thank you for trying. The Sun protects."
>>534439
She looks you over, her expression belying mild interest and considerable surprise
"It is a concentrated darkness. Not violent and random like the mutations of most, but coherent and focused. Like it was a purposeful gift."
>>534444
"From the top we caught a glimpse. We think they may have been headed for the port town of Marenburg."
Grace looks confused
"The what now?"
Potato looks slightly concerned, but nothing more
"More thievery afoot, then?"
>>534438
"Hrm. Thank you for trying. The Sun protects."
>>534439
She looks you over, her expression belying mild interest and considerable surprise
"It is a concentrated darkness. Not violent and random like the mutations of most, but coherent and focused. Like it was a purposeful gift."
>>534444
"From the top we caught a glimpse. We think they may have been headed for the port town of Marenburg."
>>534451
"…well, that sure is a change of pace."
>>534454
She squints her eyes
"You may be wise to hold that tongue."
>>534456
"Just one thing - we saw a party of others earlier, but they sort of disappeared from sight some time back. They said they came here looking for bandits."
>>534450
Grace lifts his mutated hoof
"You may have seen mine, or possibly those of the cultist we chased here."
"…well, that sure is a change of pace."
>>534454
She squints her eyes
"You may be wise to hold that tongue."
>>534456
"Just one thing - we saw a party of others earlier, but they sort of disappeared from sight some time back. They said they came here looking for bandits."
>>534450
Grace lifts his mutated hoof
"You may have seen mine, or possibly those of the cultist we chased here."
>>534463
"I am the Sun's will incarnate, I go where She needs me.
I do not seek to save the world, but will do it if that is what is asked of me."
>>534464
Your words seem to leave a profound impact on Sweet Potato.
>>534465
"I think they headed for the town, though that may have just been a meeting place. There was also some off hand talk of a… bandit lord's hideout or something."
"I am the Sun's will incarnate, I go where She needs me.
I do not seek to save the world, but will do it if that is what is asked of me."
>>534464
Your words seem to leave a profound impact on Sweet Potato.
>>534465
"I think they headed for the town, though that may have just been a meeting place. There was also some off hand talk of a… bandit lord's hideout or something."
>>534484
"You seem more like a paladin of wealth, commonly known as a bounty hunter."
>>534482
>>534490
"If things are as dire as you paint them to be, allowing those heretics any more of a head start will be disastrous"
"Although we should consider those travelers we saw earlier. If there truly are bandits here, they may be in trouble."
"You seem more like a paladin of wealth, commonly known as a bounty hunter."
>>534482
>>534490
"If things are as dire as you paint them to be, allowing those heretics any more of a head start will be disastrous"
"Although we should consider those travelers we saw earlier. If there truly are bandits here, they may be in trouble."
>>534492
>>534493
>>534494
>>534495
You leave behind the tower ruin and head for the town.
It's not a big place by any measure, especially right after Canterlot. Bathed in the evening sun, the town seems to be in no hurry to be anywhere. Though anywhere you look, you see signs of fine craftsmanship, from exotic looking foods to imaginative pottery.
>>534493
>>534494
>>534495
You leave behind the tower ruin and head for the town.
It's not a big place by any measure, especially right after Canterlot. Bathed in the evening sun, the town seems to be in no hurry to be anywhere. Though anywhere you look, you see signs of fine craftsmanship, from exotic looking foods to imaginative pottery.
>>534500
>>534502
A lot of eyes are focused on you as you walk into town. They probably don't get a lot of visitors.
You decide to head for one of the fancier looking shops, which seems to specialize in making statues. The owner is a slim unicorn with small spectacles on his nose and a receding maneline.
"Oh, hello. Are you here to pick something up?"
>>534501
These statues are incredible. The proportions are flawless, the faces are astonishingly lifelike, even the coat has a realistic coat unlike most smooth statues. The attention to detail is beyond flawless. It would take little imagination to think it was a real pony with a fine layer of marble painted over it.
>>534502
A lot of eyes are focused on you as you walk into town. They probably don't get a lot of visitors.
You decide to head for one of the fancier looking shops, which seems to specialize in making statues. The owner is a slim unicorn with small spectacles on his nose and a receding maneline.
"Oh, hello. Are you here to pick something up?"
>>534501
These statues are incredible. The proportions are flawless, the faces are astonishingly lifelike, even the coat has a realistic coat unlike most smooth statues. The attention to detail is beyond flawless. It would take little imagination to think it was a real pony with a fine layer of marble painted over it.
>>534531
"Only the best for my customers."
>>534533
You really can't get over how damn real these statues look. This pony must be the best sculptor in the world. The only possible complaint you could think of is that all the poses look a little limp.
Silk just idly stares at the statues, wondering how they were made.
>>534532
There is a bar in town. There also seems to be an inn off to the side.
>>534534
"Help me?
Hm. Interesting. Usually people just ask me to do my job and not ask questions."
"Only the best for my customers."
>>534533
You really can't get over how damn real these statues look. This pony must be the best sculptor in the world. The only possible complaint you could think of is that all the poses look a little limp.
Silk just idly stares at the statues, wondering how they were made.
>>534532
There is a bar in town. There also seems to be an inn off to the side.
>>534534
"Help me?
Hm. Interesting. Usually people just ask me to do my job and not ask questions."
>>534536
"They are all commissions awaiting pickup. Not for sale."
>>534537
His ears perk up
"…bandits you say?"
>>534538
No luck. There are some bakers and potters and a smith though.
>>534539
The music is as raunchy as the atmosphere. The air is heavy with smoke and the smell of pub food makes your eyes water.
A bouncer stops you a short way in
"What is your business here?"
>>534540
"I do my best to follow the requests of my customers. While most prefer them, as my taxidermist friend would put it, 'as they fell', some have more… creative requests."
"They are all commissions awaiting pickup. Not for sale."
>>534537
His ears perk up
"…bandits you say?"
>>534538
No luck. There are some bakers and potters and a smith though.
>>534539
The music is as raunchy as the atmosphere. The air is heavy with smoke and the smell of pub food makes your eyes water.
A bouncer stops you a short way in
"What is your business here?"
>>534540
"I do my best to follow the requests of my customers. While most prefer them, as my taxidermist friend would put it, 'as they fell', some have more… creative requests."
>>534544
"Traveler…
Yes. Go on in."
He waves to the barkeep
"Hungry traveler!"
>>534542
"So you came all this way to our quiet little town chasing a rumor?"
>>534543
>>534546
You do find him.
Looking at his place, it seems he specializes in weapons.
>>534545
"I would not know. I simply make them."
>>534547
"That depends on who the subject is."
"Traveler…
Yes. Go on in."
He waves to the barkeep
"Hungry traveler!"
>>534542
"So you came all this way to our quiet little town chasing a rumor?"
>>534543
>>534546
You do find him.
Looking at his place, it seems he specializes in weapons.
>>534545
"I would not know. I simply make them."
>>534547
"That depends on who the subject is."
>>534550
"Deadbeat's Debt here-"
He points at a statue of a pony offering a bag of coins on his knees
"-was 5000 bits. While Fragile Promise here-"
He points at a statue of a stallion and a whore
"was 30.000, as the subjects were that much more complex to work with."
>>534549
>>534553
"I see…
Well, if you want a clue, I can tell you I have in fact seen bandits around here. They have a hideout out in the old storm cellar outside town. Probably moved in after the old house it belonged to burned down."
>>534551
There is some sort of dance show up on a stage in the back. You can't really make it out from here though.
As you sit down, two stallion sit on either side of you
"Traveler, huh?"
"Dangerous job to be doing alone"
>>534552
The smith is a big guy indeed. Looks like he has seen a fair bit of real action too, given how scarred he is. Still, he seems rather jovial, with a joking glint in his eye.
"Alright my good man, but if you know the password, I will give you a special discount."
"Deadbeat's Debt here-"
He points at a statue of a pony offering a bag of coins on his knees
"-was 5000 bits. While Fragile Promise here-"
He points at a statue of a stallion and a whore
"was 30.000, as the subjects were that much more complex to work with."
>>534549
>>534553
"I see…
Well, if you want a clue, I can tell you I have in fact seen bandits around here. They have a hideout out in the old storm cellar outside town. Probably moved in after the old house it belonged to burned down."
>>534551
There is some sort of dance show up on a stage in the back. You can't really make it out from here though.
As you sit down, two stallion sit on either side of you
"Traveler, huh?"
"Dangerous job to be doing alone"
>>534552
The smith is a big guy indeed. Looks like he has seen a fair bit of real action too, given how scarred he is. Still, he seems rather jovial, with a joking glint in his eye.
"Alright my good man, but if you know the password, I will give you a special discount."
>>534560
"You seem curious. What is on your mind?"
>>534561
"Bandits…?
Ah. Hm. You checked out that old… hideout in the storm cellar outside town?"
>>534562
"We just heard you were a traveler"
"We don't get many of those around here."
The barkeep passes you a drink in a tall glass mug
>>534564
"Be safe."
>>534563
"Go right ahead."
"You seem curious. What is on your mind?"
>>534561
"Bandits…?
Ah. Hm. You checked out that old… hideout in the storm cellar outside town?"
>>534562
"We just heard you were a traveler"
"We don't get many of those around here."
The barkeep passes you a drink in a tall glass mug
>>534564
"Be safe."
>>534563
"Go right ahead."
>>534591
"It sounds crazy, but the evidence seems to point that way, and considering the freaks we've been going up against so far…"
>>534592
>>534590
"I can't image he'd take kindly to us messing with his works. Smooth Silk and I would have to distract him while you tried it on one of the more out-of-the-way statues."
"It sounds crazy, but the evidence seems to point that way, and considering the freaks we've been going up against so far…"
>>534592
>>534590
"I can't image he'd take kindly to us messing with his works. Smooth Silk and I would have to distract him while you tried it on one of the more out-of-the-way statues."
>>534601
"The type of ponies that freedom attracts"
The other one looks around
"You seem like a clever gal. Why not come with us upstairs?"
>>534602
Seems like he does a lot of repairwork. Most of the weapons look quite… brutal. Fitting for, well, bandits.
>>534600
She nods
"Oh. You're back."
"Yes. I am interested in making a commission." '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
"The type of ponies that freedom attracts"
The other one looks around
"You seem like a clever gal. Why not come with us upstairs?"
>>534602
Seems like he does a lot of repairwork. Most of the weapons look quite… brutal. Fitting for, well, bandits.
>>534600
She nods
"Oh. You're back."
"Yes. I am interested in making a commission." '1d10'
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>534605
It's not a big shop, so all of them are fairly visible.
>>534606
The bar seems to have their eyes on you. It seems a lone traveler makes for easy prey.
"The others will not be as nice."
>>534607
"Hm.
Lets go to my office then, miss."
They both head into the back of the house. You have a moment alone in here.
>>534608
"Depends on what you're after. We make some nice food around here. And pottery.
Also, loads of mares available at the whorehouse."
It's not a big shop, so all of them are fairly visible.
>>534606
The bar seems to have their eyes on you. It seems a lone traveler makes for easy prey.
"The others will not be as nice."
>>534607
"Hm.
Lets go to my office then, miss."
They both head into the back of the house. You have a moment alone in here.
>>534608
"Depends on what you're after. We make some nice food around here. And pottery.
Also, loads of mares available at the whorehouse."
>>534612
"We never said we're good ponies ourselves."
"But we are far from the worst here."
There is a window in the stairwell. You could leap out on the way up if you wanted to.
>>534614
"Anything for a bit of coin. That's how the world works."
>>534610
>>534611
>>534613
Blossom focuses a massive amount of energy into a statue, filling its stone heart with the light of Celestia, unleashing a great blast that cracks its stony outer shell
…allowing the corpse inside to flop down on the floor. These are not petrified ponies. They are dead bodies propped up and covered in plaster.
"We never said we're good ponies ourselves."
"But we are far from the worst here."
There is a window in the stairwell. You could leap out on the way up if you wanted to.
>>534614
"Anything for a bit of coin. That's how the world works."
>>534610
>>534611
>>534613
Blossom focuses a massive amount of energy into a statue, filling its stone heart with the light of Celestia, unleashing a great blast that cracks its stony outer shell
…allowing the corpse inside to flop down on the floor. These are not petrified ponies. They are dead bodies propped up and covered in plaster.
>>534629
You land outside safely.
Surprisingly, you do not hear the sounds of pursuit.
>>534630
>>534628
He puts his tea down.
"Ponpeii is a haven for those who need to stop existing in the eyes of the world. We offer protection for any who need it, but expect everyone to pull their own weight. That is how our boss envisioned this place.
Me, I offer a most valuable service. Assassinations are cheap. Disposal not so much. And the richer and more important you are, the less you can afford to have your murdered enemies turn up and get investigated. This is where I come in. I will make tasteful art pieces out of your chosen targets, which you can openly display in your homes without anypony ever realizing. Or send them as gifts to your enemies, I don't care."
You land outside safely.
Surprisingly, you do not hear the sounds of pursuit.
>>534630
>>534628
He puts his tea down.
"Ponpeii is a haven for those who need to stop existing in the eyes of the world. We offer protection for any who need it, but expect everyone to pull their own weight. That is how our boss envisioned this place.
Me, I offer a most valuable service. Assassinations are cheap. Disposal not so much. And the richer and more important you are, the less you can afford to have your murdered enemies turn up and get investigated. This is where I come in. I will make tasteful art pieces out of your chosen targets, which you can openly display in your homes without anypony ever realizing. Or send them as gifts to your enemies, I don't care."
>>534633
The rest of the bar probably gave up on the idea after seeing the two thugs "claim" you. Chances are they are upstairs buying you time by pretending you're still with them. Maybe those to guys really did care for your well being.
>>534634
"Hurting me will not bring anyone back. But it will ensure more will die."
>>534636
Entirely motionless.
"I suppose you'll have to go and see for yourselves. The others were not disappointed."
The rest of the bar probably gave up on the idea after seeing the two thugs "claim" you. Chances are they are upstairs buying you time by pretending you're still with them. Maybe those to guys really did care for your well being.
>>534634
"Hurting me will not bring anyone back. But it will ensure more will die."
>>534636
Entirely motionless.
"I suppose you'll have to go and see for yourselves. The others were not disappointed."
>>534653
You break a few teeth with that one.
He spits out some blood
"This won't save any of your friends."
>>534656
Silk is not moving.
"Murdered, disposers, enforcers, thieves, bandits, fences, slavers, we have many names."
>>534654
You press your face against a window to see what's inside. The window opens unexpectedly, and you fall into a dark room.
You break a few teeth with that one.
He spits out some blood
"This won't save any of your friends."
>>534656
Silk is not moving.
"Murdered, disposers, enforcers, thieves, bandits, fences, slavers, we have many names."
>>534654
You press your face against a window to see what's inside. The window opens unexpectedly, and you fall into a dark room.
>>534687
He jams a sculpting tool in your bicep, forcing you to drop him
>>534689
He shoves you aside and tries to make it to the door to run.
To catch him, beat this roll '1d10'
>>534688
You stand your ground and soon come face to face with a zebra. He isn't particularly big, but has a sense of magic to him.
"Well well well what have we here?"
Roll #1 4 = 4
He jams a sculpting tool in your bicep, forcing you to drop him
>>534689
He shoves you aside and tries to make it to the door to run.
To catch him, beat this roll '1d10'
>>534688
You stand your ground and soon come face to face with a zebra. He isn't particularly big, but has a sense of magic to him.
"Well well well what have we here?"
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>534696
>>534697
You manage to halt him, but as his final act of retaliation he throws a chisel at Dulltooth, who falls over backwards, crushing the basket with Fern in it.
>>534699
"A patron out on a stroll.
Why so agitated, miss? You got thrown out too?"
>>534703
Not here. You may need to look around town.
>>534697
You manage to halt him, but as his final act of retaliation he throws a chisel at Dulltooth, who falls over backwards, crushing the basket with Fern in it.
>>534699
"A patron out on a stroll.
Why so agitated, miss? You got thrown out too?"
>>534703
Not here. You may need to look around town.
>>534707
He has no reason to think you are anything but another bandit like him.
"The uptight whorehouse?
Why else would you be on the alley behind it?"
>>534709
>>534710
Fern looks a little messed up
"Damnit Dull, you're heavy!"
>>534706
You kill of the sculptor.
That's one down, a town to go.
>>534708
You hear some voices from the alley behind the brothel, and as you peek around the corner you see her there talking to some zebra.
He has no reason to think you are anything but another bandit like him.
"The uptight whorehouse?
Why else would you be on the alley behind it?"
>>534709
>>534710
Fern looks a little messed up
"Damnit Dull, you're heavy!"
>>534706
You kill of the sculptor.
That's one down, a town to go.
>>534708
You hear some voices from the alley behind the brothel, and as you peek around the corner you see her there talking to some zebra.
>>534737
You pull off your pants and throw them at the zebra
>>534738
You throw your legs back at him, landing them gently on his shoulders.
"No hooves, then~"
Well, at least he is honest. His tongue is not a hoof.
>>534736
You leap in the air and plant your blade in his head, exploding his entire body in a thundering blast of light. Cassie's pants and Amber's crystals take a hit as well, but luckily remain undestroyed.
You pull off your pants and throw them at the zebra
>>534738
You throw your legs back at him, landing them gently on his shoulders.
"No hooves, then~"
Well, at least he is honest. His tongue is not a hoof.
>>534736
You leap in the air and plant your blade in his head, exploding his entire body in a thundering blast of light. Cassie's pants and Amber's crystals take a hit as well, but luckily remain undestroyed.
>>534780
An angry pony shakes his hoof at you from the window while pouring a bucket of water on the torch
>>534782
The shop and the bodies in it start lighting up nicely as nobody is there to stop you
>>534784
"Hmm… seems like Bald Bull is in need of a challenger at least.
The ring is over in the show hall, down there."
An angry pony shakes his hoof at you from the window while pouring a bucket of water on the torch
>>534782
The shop and the bodies in it start lighting up nicely as nobody is there to stop you
>>534784
"Hmm… seems like Bald Bull is in need of a challenger at least.
The ring is over in the show hall, down there."
>>534814
>>534815
"Boss is having a feast today, remember?
Or were you not told?
Anyway, it's in the usual place under the old tower. The storm cellar door is a little messed up after that last batch of snoopers we caught, but the boys put up a ladder so it can still be used.
Or, you know, just take the brothel door."
>>534817
"Well there is a crowd already, so go right on stage if you want."
>>534815
"Boss is having a feast today, remember?
Or were you not told?
Anyway, it's in the usual place under the old tower. The storm cellar door is a little messed up after that last batch of snoopers we caught, but the boys put up a ladder so it can still be used.
Or, you know, just take the brothel door."
>>534817
"Well there is a crowd already, so go right on stage if you want."
>>534834
"Yeah that one. Just take the ladder under the stump. Cause, you know, the whole trap door and all under the hatch."
>>534836
There is a bouncer at the door
"Here for the show?"
>>534833
You slip in the oil a few times, ending up on your back, your travel clothes half slipped off.
The crowd laughs.
And so does Bald Bull, who just arrived on stage.
She rivals a strong workhorse in size, and is entirely shaved.
Her face is quite pretty though.
"Yeah that one. Just take the ladder under the stump. Cause, you know, the whole trap door and all under the hatch."
>>534836
There is a bouncer at the door
"Here for the show?"
>>534833
You slip in the oil a few times, ending up on your back, your travel clothes half slipped off.
The crowd laughs.
And so does Bald Bull, who just arrived on stage.
She rivals a strong workhorse in size, and is entirely shaved.
Her face is quite pretty though.
>>534842
"Nah, you're right in time for the smack talk.
Provided you have the password."
>>534844
It's more of a friendly mane ruffling for someone that bulky.
>>534845
It's clear oil, but plenty slippery.
You are not sure of its flammable properties, but the smell implies it might flash up nicely if you can get it to ignite.
"Nah, you're right in time for the smack talk.
Provided you have the password."
>>534844
It's more of a friendly mane ruffling for someone that bulky.
>>534845
It's clear oil, but plenty slippery.
You are not sure of its flammable properties, but the smell implies it might flash up nicely if you can get it to ignite.
>>534851
"In ya go."
He opens the door
>>534847
He just grins and elbows you in the side as a compliment
>>534852
She pumps her hoof in the air, drinks a mug of beer and smashes the mug
"Look at this wimp! Look at him! Look! He wants to take it easy! Make it easy!
Well let me tell you something brother, you are looking at the mother of mayhem, the aunt of agony, the fister sister, BAAAAAALD BUUULLLLLL and there aint no such thing as making it easy for me. Cause for something to be easy, you need something to be hard. And for me, nothing is hard!
And THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE!"
The crowd cheers.
>>534855
You find the burnt down house and storm cellar door soon enough.
There is indeed a stump nearby.
"In ya go."
He opens the door
>>534847
He just grins and elbows you in the side as a compliment
>>534852
She pumps her hoof in the air, drinks a mug of beer and smashes the mug
"Look at this wimp! Look at him! Look! He wants to take it easy! Make it easy!
Well let me tell you something brother, you are looking at the mother of mayhem, the aunt of agony, the fister sister, BAAAAAALD BUUULLLLLL and there aint no such thing as making it easy for me. Cause for something to be easy, you need something to be hard. And for me, nothing is hard!
And THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE!"
The crowd cheers.
>>534855
You find the burnt down house and storm cellar door soon enough.
There is indeed a stump nearby.
>>534866
>>534867
You inspect the stump and pop the top open, revealing it to be just a lid. Underneath you see some broken stairs with a ladder laid on top as temporary repairs.
>>534869
Yyyep.
All wet and drenched in oil.
>>534870
"By the time I'm done with you little boy you will be wearing dresses and liking it.
There is nothing you can do when Bullmania runs wild like a wild stallion all over your tender hindquarters.
You are not prepared, your body is not ready for this monster mare's python pounders!"
She strikes a pose
>>534867
You inspect the stump and pop the top open, revealing it to be just a lid. Underneath you see some broken stairs with a ladder laid on top as temporary repairs.
>>534869
Yyyep.
All wet and drenched in oil.
>>534870
"By the time I'm done with you little boy you will be wearing dresses and liking it.
There is nothing you can do when Bullmania runs wild like a wild stallion all over your tender hindquarters.
You are not prepared, your body is not ready for this monster mare's python pounders!"
She strikes a pose
>>534874
"You will be beaten!
You will be eaten!
You will be defeaten by the BAAAAALD BUUULLLL!"
>>534875
>>534877
You descend to the rim of a deep arena-like pit. On the ceiling you can see a trap door. So anyone who comes into the storm cellar falls into the arena, and is at the mercy of those up here on the rim…
>>534879
It might be in the back somewhere, bit there is too much of a crowd to see for sure
"You will be beaten!
You will be eaten!
You will be defeaten by the BAAAAALD BUUULLLL!"
>>534875
>>534877
You descend to the rim of a deep arena-like pit. On the ceiling you can see a trap door. So anyone who comes into the storm cellar falls into the arena, and is at the mercy of those up here on the rim…
>>534879
It might be in the back somewhere, bit there is too much of a crowd to see for sure
>>534903
Before you even really process the situation, you find yourself smooshed between an oily arena bottom and an equally slippery mare butt.
She tries to get you into a hoof lock '1d10'
>>534904
>>534906
>>534905
This tunnel seems to go on for quite a while, and it is angled upwards.
You may be headed inside the volcano
#pause soon
Roll #1 2 = 2
Before you even really process the situation, you find yourself smooshed between an oily arena bottom and an equally slippery mare butt.
She tries to get you into a hoof lock '1d10'
>>534904
>>534906
>>534905
This tunnel seems to go on for quite a while, and it is angled upwards.
You may be headed inside the volcano
#pause soon
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>534936
BAH GAWD WHAT A STUNNER
YOU BRING THE WHOLE STAGE CRASHING DOWN
OIL IS OVERFLOWING INTO THE SEATS
THE CROWD IS EXPLODING
THE BALD BULL HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE HORNS
BAH GAWD
In a storm of applause you are toweled off and paraded down the halls.
For this victory you will be a guest of honor at the Boss' feast!
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
BOSSES
REUNIONS
AND ASSES OF FIRE
BAH GAWD WHAT A STUNNER
YOU BRING THE WHOLE STAGE CRASHING DOWN
OIL IS OVERFLOWING INTO THE SEATS
THE CROWD IS EXPLODING
THE BALD BULL HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE HORNS
BAH GAWD
In a storm of applause you are toweled off and paraded down the halls.
For this victory you will be a guest of honor at the Boss' feast!
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
BOSSES
REUNIONS
AND ASSES OF FIRE