File: 1395432439217.jpg (37.23 KB, 720x480, midnight guard.jpg, IO Exif Google TinEye)
>>541185
>>541186
>>541187
>>541188
You charge in and send the two guards tumbling into their ember heater, spilling coals on the floor.
They scramble for their weapons, but are too drunk to think of raising an alarm.
>>541189
Nope.
This is high quality stuff. The sort that cost as much as a week's worth of food back in Canterlot.
>>541186
>>541187
>>541188
You charge in and send the two guards tumbling into their ember heater, spilling coals on the floor.
They scramble for their weapons, but are too drunk to think of raising an alarm.
>>541189
Nope.
This is high quality stuff. The sort that cost as much as a week's worth of food back in Canterlot.
>>541223
>>541212
>>541209
Coral trips the remaining guard, who stumbles into Cassie, gets tossed in the air and impaled by Blossom's thrown halberd, landing with a wet thud.
The unicorn seems amazed.
>>541218
You can hear the sounds of music and roaring laughter from ahead. You might be nearing the heart of the bandit lair…
>>541212
>>541209
Coral trips the remaining guard, who stumbles into Cassie, gets tossed in the air and impaled by Blossom's thrown halberd, landing with a wet thud.
The unicorn seems amazed.
>>541218
You can hear the sounds of music and roaring laughter from ahead. You might be nearing the heart of the bandit lair…
>>541234
>>541251
The tunnel finally gives way to the great bandit hall. From the looks of it, this is probably the volcano crater, with a roof built somewhere near the top.
The place is massive, and a second floor extends around the sides of the round hall.
Towards the back is what looks like a mountain of gold, atop which is a throne on a platform.
Below, on the floor, dozens of bandits are eating, drinking, laughing, playing music and ogling the slaves who are carrying their food.
>>541241
>>541260
"I'm f-fine enough.
Have you seen the others? I think G-Grandheart was being taken to an arena, but I h-have no idea where Sir Breeze is.
…and I shudder to think what became of… lady Sunset…"
You find the keys hanging from a nearby wall
>>541251
The tunnel finally gives way to the great bandit hall. From the looks of it, this is probably the volcano crater, with a roof built somewhere near the top.
The place is massive, and a second floor extends around the sides of the round hall.
Towards the back is what looks like a mountain of gold, atop which is a throne on a platform.
Below, on the floor, dozens of bandits are eating, drinking, laughing, playing music and ogling the slaves who are carrying their food.
>>541241
>>541260
"I'm f-fine enough.
Have you seen the others? I think G-Grandheart was being taken to an arena, but I h-have no idea where Sir Breeze is.
…and I shudder to think what became of… lady Sunset…"
You find the keys hanging from a nearby wall
>>541276
Not really.
They all have a sort of uniform going, which restricts movement to a degree.
They seem to have mares and stallions in almost equal count.
>>541277
He steps out, brushing soot off his hooves
"Thank you. Now, have you seen my book?"
>>541282
"I do not know. They probably moved her to some other area down here. But I know very little beyond that. I think the kitchen is close by too. I can smell it."
Not really.
They all have a sort of uniform going, which restricts movement to a degree.
They seem to have mares and stallions in almost equal count.
>>541277
He steps out, brushing soot off his hooves
"Thank you. Now, have you seen my book?"
>>541282
"I do not know. They probably moved her to some other area down here. But I know very little beyond that. I think the kitchen is close by too. I can smell it."
>>541291
Not here, but there is a locked room off to the side which looks like it may be some kind of loot storage. Maybe they left it there.
"My spellbook. I would like get it back."
>>541293
Four doors lead away from here
One leads to what is probably a loot storage
One leads towards the kitchen
One leads to an unknown area
And you came in from the last one
>>541300
It consists of a simple harness connecting the head to the tail, making it hard to move either around too much. A second strap binds the back legs, making running impossible without hindering simple walking.
Some of them also have a tray strapped to their back for carrying things.
Not here, but there is a locked room off to the side which looks like it may be some kind of loot storage. Maybe they left it there.
"My spellbook. I would like get it back."
>>541293
Four doors lead away from here
One leads to what is probably a loot storage
One leads towards the kitchen
One leads to an unknown area
And you came in from the last one
>>541300
It consists of a simple harness connecting the head to the tail, making it hard to move either around too much. A second strap binds the back legs, making running impossible without hindering simple walking.
Some of them also have a tray strapped to their back for carrying things.
>>541311
>>541321
You break down the door, revealing a fairly big room full of stuff tossed into random piles. Probably possessions from recent captives left here for later sorting.
The unicorn looks inside
"Ah. Good, I can feel it in here. Thank you.
I am Whimsyshine, traveling companion and long time friend of Grandheart and Sir Breeze."
>>541336
Probably whoever is up on that throne on the huge pile of gold.
>>541326
A slave silently comes offer you another drink
>>541321
You break down the door, revealing a fairly big room full of stuff tossed into random piles. Probably possessions from recent captives left here for later sorting.
The unicorn looks inside
"Ah. Good, I can feel it in here. Thank you.
I am Whimsyshine, traveling companion and long time friend of Grandheart and Sir Breeze."
>>541336
Probably whoever is up on that throne on the huge pile of gold.
>>541326
A slave silently comes offer you another drink
>>541349
"Give me a moment to dig through this stuff to find my book first. Go on, I will catch up."
>>541358
"I have no such thing. But I can probably blow apart a few walls if needed."
>>541360
He wanders off to get a new batch from the kitchen, which is off to the side, behind a two-way door.
>>541351
You are joined by just about everyone in here in the cheer.
A light is shined upon you from the platform up there.
"Witness tonight's champion, lads! Put on the best show a newcomer ever has!"
The cheering continues.
Even Bald Bull claps approvingly.
"Give me a moment to dig through this stuff to find my book first. Go on, I will catch up."
>>541358
"I have no such thing. But I can probably blow apart a few walls if needed."
>>541360
He wanders off to get a new batch from the kitchen, which is off to the side, behind a two-way door.
>>541351
You are joined by just about everyone in here in the cheer.
A light is shined upon you from the platform up there.
"Witness tonight's champion, lads! Put on the best show a newcomer ever has!"
The cheering continues.
Even Bald Bull claps approvingly.
>>541407
The guard who was talking earlier comes up to you
"What's your name, lad?
And what crime did you run from?"
>>541416
Slaves are let in without a second glance at least.
>>541410
>>541402
You unlock the door with one of the keys you took from the sentries.
The room is shaped like a long curving hallway, and is lined with cells. It also seems to have a wooden ceiling, and you can hear hoofsteps above.
The guard who was talking earlier comes up to you
"What's your name, lad?
And what crime did you run from?"
>>541416
Slaves are let in without a second glance at least.
>>541410
>>541402
You unlock the door with one of the keys you took from the sentries.
The room is shaped like a long curving hallway, and is lined with cells. It also seems to have a wooden ceiling, and you can hear hoofsteps above.
>>541427
>>541437
A lot of them have prisoners in them. Some asleep, others just sitting there. A few are eating.
Curiously, most of the cells seem to have some sort of grid or hatch on the ceiling, and light is pouring in from above.
>>541433
Maybe.
Do you want to risk it?
>>541435
"Good for you lad. Try to keep your inner fire internalized around here though. We don't want the booze exploding now do we? HA!
Now, usually anyone who beats the champ on Feast Night gets a wish from the Boss.
Are you stallion enough to make one?"
>>541437
A lot of them have prisoners in them. Some asleep, others just sitting there. A few are eating.
Curiously, most of the cells seem to have some sort of grid or hatch on the ceiling, and light is pouring in from above.
>>541433
Maybe.
Do you want to risk it?
>>541435
"Good for you lad. Try to keep your inner fire internalized around here though. We don't want the booze exploding now do we? HA!
Now, usually anyone who beats the champ on Feast Night gets a wish from the Boss.
Are you stallion enough to make one?"
>>541449
None of them seem to be Lady Sunset. None of them also seem to notice you. The corridor is poorly lit, but the cells have light coming in from above.
As you pass one cell, the hatch above is opened, and someone lowers a harness and some chain, which the prisoner steps into with a sigh before getting hauled up to the floor above.
Lady Sunset may be somewhere further down the corridor…
>>541452
The key ring from the sentries is huge. It probably has several dozens of keys.
Whoever made the locks here must really like his job….
None of them seem to be Lady Sunset. None of them also seem to notice you. The corridor is poorly lit, but the cells have light coming in from above.
As you pass one cell, the hatch above is opened, and someone lowers a harness and some chain, which the prisoner steps into with a sigh before getting hauled up to the floor above.
Lady Sunset may be somewhere further down the corridor…
>>541452
The key ring from the sentries is huge. It probably has several dozens of keys.
Whoever made the locks here must really like his job….
>>541475
"Then go up to the boss' throne and ask away."
He points at the foot of the gold pile.
>>541481
You silently open the door as the prisoner is hauled up.
It might be possible to toss someone else up there…
>>541482
"I go. What should look for?"
>>541483
You ignore Cassie opening a cell and keep going.
Indeed it does seem this is the right track. You can see someone far more finely dressed than the rabble in this shithole get let into a room at the far end up the curving hall.
Two guards remain outside its door.
"Then go up to the boss' throne and ask away."
He points at the foot of the gold pile.
>>541481
You silently open the door as the prisoner is hauled up.
It might be possible to toss someone else up there…
>>541482
"I go. What should look for?"
>>541483
You ignore Cassie opening a cell and keep going.
Indeed it does seem this is the right track. You can see someone far more finely dressed than the rabble in this shithole get let into a room at the far end up the curving hall.
Two guards remain outside its door.
>>541534
Are you sure you want to shout loudly in a place like this Y/N?
>>541537
"Granted."
Two pegasus guards land at your sides and haul you up into the darkness.
At the top of the gold pile, on a metal platform covered in carpets and pillows, is a throne built for reclining. Upon it sits a mare of deep midnight blue, nearly invisible in the shadows that dance across this lightless platform.
From up here you can see the whole place, even the upper floor.
>>541540
>>541543
The room is at the end of the curving path. You have nearly gone a full circle by now.
Two guards watch the door.
Are you sure you want to shout loudly in a place like this Y/N?
>>541537
"Granted."
Two pegasus guards land at your sides and haul you up into the darkness.
At the top of the gold pile, on a metal platform covered in carpets and pillows, is a throne built for reclining. Upon it sits a mare of deep midnight blue, nearly invisible in the shadows that dance across this lightless platform.
From up here you can see the whole place, even the upper floor.
>>541540
>>541543
The room is at the end of the curving path. You have nearly gone a full circle by now.
Two guards watch the door.
>>541563
"I have developed a good taste in just about anything. That's why I rule here.
That, and because I'm just so well liked around here.
But tell me, newcomer champion, what are your tastes?"
>>541573
There are a few on the upper floor. There are stairs nearby if you wan to go check it out.
>>541556
>>541566
You charge in and take the guards by surprise. That was remarkably easy, like they weren't even paying attention to you.
…which is entirely possible. The sounds coming from the room are rather disturbing.
"I have developed a good taste in just about anything. That's why I rule here.
That, and because I'm just so well liked around here.
But tell me, newcomer champion, what are your tastes?"
>>541573
There are a few on the upper floor. There are stairs nearby if you wan to go check it out.
>>541556
>>541566
You charge in and take the guards by surprise. That was remarkably easy, like they weren't even paying attention to you.
…which is entirely possible. The sounds coming from the room are rather disturbing.
>>541595
Still in the kitchen. Lets see how well he is doing '1d10'
>>541587
>>541593
>>541598
You slam down the door and find a rather… unexpected scene.
Lady Sunset, slightly beat up but still full of fight, is busily undoing the straps that had her bound to a bed not too long ago.
Sunsong, for the first time ever without his armor (and covered in a rather worrying tapestry of wounds, possibly from torture) is showing an uncharacteristic amount of emotion as he repeatedly kicks the helpless rich looking pony who entered earlier, while choking him with his own cape. Sunsong still has some chains attached to him, the rest of which hang loosely from an iron frame on the side of the room.
…a lot of weird stuff was about to go down just a moment ago it seems.
Roll #1 7 = 7
Still in the kitchen. Lets see how well he is doing '1d10'
>>541587
>>541593
>>541598
You slam down the door and find a rather… unexpected scene.
Lady Sunset, slightly beat up but still full of fight, is busily undoing the straps that had her bound to a bed not too long ago.
Sunsong, for the first time ever without his armor (and covered in a rather worrying tapestry of wounds, possibly from torture) is showing an uncharacteristic amount of emotion as he repeatedly kicks the helpless rich looking pony who entered earlier, while choking him with his own cape. Sunsong still has some chains attached to him, the rest of which hang loosely from an iron frame on the side of the room.
…a lot of weird stuff was about to go down just a moment ago it seems.
Roll #1 7 = 7
>>541625
Lady Sunset pulls off the last restraint.
"Some clothes would be great.
Has anyone seen Calming?"
>>541630
"Blossom! Great to see you made it.
But we really need to find Calming. Right now."
>>541626
Sunsong headbutts you in the ribs, sending you flying back
"HE IS MINE, DON'T YOU DARE TAKE THIS FROM ME!"
>>541635
He soon lumbers back out again
"Found where they keep alcohol. Not many guards. Everyone drunk.
Also, was door leading to jails."
Lady Sunset pulls off the last restraint.
"Some clothes would be great.
Has anyone seen Calming?"
>>541630
"Blossom! Great to see you made it.
But we really need to find Calming. Right now."
>>541626
Sunsong headbutts you in the ribs, sending you flying back
"HE IS MINE, DON'T YOU DARE TAKE THIS FROM ME!"
>>541635
He soon lumbers back out again
"Found where they keep alcohol. Not many guards. Everyone drunk.
Also, was door leading to jails."
>>541640
That was Whimsyshine, Calming's mage buddy.
Calming is the leader of their little adventurer band.
>>541646
"Few ponies could ever hope to understand my ambitions. It would be unfair of me to ask that you do either."
>>541648
There isn't much here, unless you strip one of the dead guards.
"Upstairs is where they have the private rooms.
Well, save for the ones they have down here, like this one. I guess I was pretty enough to be considered for the special treatment. Lucky me."
>>541647
"Could be in jails.
Or maybe up there."
He points up at the second floor.
That was Whimsyshine, Calming's mage buddy.
Calming is the leader of their little adventurer band.
>>541646
"Few ponies could ever hope to understand my ambitions. It would be unfair of me to ask that you do either."
>>541648
There isn't much here, unless you strip one of the dead guards.
"Upstairs is where they have the private rooms.
Well, save for the ones they have down here, like this one. I guess I was pretty enough to be considered for the special treatment. Lucky me."
>>541647
"Could be in jails.
Or maybe up there."
He points up at the second floor.
>>541673
You grab the keyring and after a few tries unlock the staircase to the second floor.
Several guards are patrolling here, and indeed you can see that the whole second floor is entirely open. It is just a rim around the wall of a far larger hall. Probably the main lair of the bandits.
Several doors line the outer wall. Those rooms would be directly on top of the cages below…
>>541671
Coral heads upstairs. Do you want to follow her or head back to the jails?
>>541642
Several minutes later the well-dressed pony runs out of teeth to kick out, and Sunsong finally calms down.
"Let this be a warning to any others who would touch my Blazing…"
>>541684
Her ears perk up a little
"An astute observation, for an arsonist."
>>541675
"Right.
Might draw attention in kitchen though…"
You grab the keyring and after a few tries unlock the staircase to the second floor.
Several guards are patrolling here, and indeed you can see that the whole second floor is entirely open. It is just a rim around the wall of a far larger hall. Probably the main lair of the bandits.
Several doors line the outer wall. Those rooms would be directly on top of the cages below…
>>541671
Coral heads upstairs. Do you want to follow her or head back to the jails?
>>541642
Several minutes later the well-dressed pony runs out of teeth to kick out, and Sunsong finally calms down.
"Let this be a warning to any others who would touch my Blazing…"
>>541684
Her ears perk up a little
"An astute observation, for an arsonist."
>>541675
"Right.
Might draw attention in kitchen though…"
>>541693
"Blazing is okay. So I am too.
…Lady Sunset."
He looks ashamed that he lost composure like that.
>>541694
"As you want."
You head on into the kitchen.
A lot of slaves are milling about, carrying drinks and food.
"Alcohol was over there, on left.
Jails door was further on right."
>>541692
You follow her up the stairs, staying away from the guards' sight
>>541700
Your attack misses and you stumble.
The nearest sentry pulls a sword on you but his (rather drunk) buddy just laughs
"Mate cool it. The lass is just had a few too many to drink."
He tries to give you a nice smile
"Lets not start no fights here, yea? This is a feast after all!"
Looking around, you realize you are on a raised platform circling the outer wall of a massive, massive domed room. This must be the old crater.
Far above, a heavy wooden roof caps the volcano. Below, dozens and dozens of bandits party in a drunken stupor.
And near the back a great tower of gold rises, topped by a shadowy throne. Too high up to get to from here. You'd need wings. Or a ladder.
>>541712
"Very.
I dreamed of a haven for the wrongfully scorned. Those who spoke against their lords, who violated petty laws that exist only to stroke the egos of the powerful. A place where justice was law, not power.
…but you'd be surprised how easily those dreams are tarnished, little arsonist. You are living proof of that. I never dreamed of housing one like you in my haven. Yet here you are.
On one hoof it makes me bitter. On the other… it was the best I could do. And it was still better than the world the nobles of Canterlot crafted.
…but thugs do not understand such dreams. They only think of their own bellies and nethers. In that, they are no different than the nobles I once lived among. But at least they are honest, so I still feel I traded up."
Sounds like she hasn't had anyone to talk with in a good while…
Looking down, you can see Coral Burst pop up on the second floor and nearly assault a guard.
"Blazing is okay. So I am too.
…Lady Sunset."
He looks ashamed that he lost composure like that.
>>541694
"As you want."
You head on into the kitchen.
A lot of slaves are milling about, carrying drinks and food.
"Alcohol was over there, on left.
Jails door was further on right."
>>541692
You follow her up the stairs, staying away from the guards' sight
>>541700
Your attack misses and you stumble.
The nearest sentry pulls a sword on you but his (rather drunk) buddy just laughs
"Mate cool it. The lass is just had a few too many to drink."
He tries to give you a nice smile
"Lets not start no fights here, yea? This is a feast after all!"
Looking around, you realize you are on a raised platform circling the outer wall of a massive, massive domed room. This must be the old crater.
Far above, a heavy wooden roof caps the volcano. Below, dozens and dozens of bandits party in a drunken stupor.
And near the back a great tower of gold rises, topped by a shadowy throne. Too high up to get to from here. You'd need wings. Or a ladder.
>>541712
"Very.
I dreamed of a haven for the wrongfully scorned. Those who spoke against their lords, who violated petty laws that exist only to stroke the egos of the powerful. A place where justice was law, not power.
…but you'd be surprised how easily those dreams are tarnished, little arsonist. You are living proof of that. I never dreamed of housing one like you in my haven. Yet here you are.
On one hoof it makes me bitter. On the other… it was the best I could do. And it was still better than the world the nobles of Canterlot crafted.
…but thugs do not understand such dreams. They only think of their own bellies and nethers. In that, they are no different than the nobles I once lived among. But at least they are honest, so I still feel I traded up."
Sounds like she hasn't had anyone to talk with in a good while…
Looking down, you can see Coral Burst pop up on the second floor and nearly assault a guard.
>>541733
You see the great hall stretch out into the heights above you, capped with a wooden roof. You also see that this second floor is built over the cages below, and has no wall on the inner rim, just a rail.
>>541736
You return to the cage hallway.
Whimsyshine soon catches up
"Lady Sunset! You're… mostly unharmed! That's good."
"Indeed. But Calming is still missing."
"As is Grandheart.
All I know is that Grandheart was going to be taken to some arena, and that a few of the guards were eying up Sir Breeze."
>>541745
Your stumbling is very efficient. You find a bit of scaffolding the bandits were probably using to make repairs to the higher support structures. From up here you can swing over to the platform via a rope.
You also locate a walkway that spirals up the entire area towards the top. It looks like it was meant to be temporary but was never taken down. Perhaps it was used to build the wooden roof?
As a final observation, you see Calming Breeze in one of the guarded rooms.
>>541752
"You speak of the matters of assassins like you have personal experience.
…which house did you serve?"
You see the great hall stretch out into the heights above you, capped with a wooden roof. You also see that this second floor is built over the cages below, and has no wall on the inner rim, just a rail.
>>541736
You return to the cage hallway.
Whimsyshine soon catches up
"Lady Sunset! You're… mostly unharmed! That's good."
"Indeed. But Calming is still missing."
"As is Grandheart.
All I know is that Grandheart was going to be taken to some arena, and that a few of the guards were eying up Sir Breeze."
>>541745
Your stumbling is very efficient. You find a bit of scaffolding the bandits were probably using to make repairs to the higher support structures. From up here you can swing over to the platform via a rope.
You also locate a walkway that spirals up the entire area towards the top. It looks like it was meant to be temporary but was never taken down. Perhaps it was used to build the wooden roof?
As a final observation, you see Calming Breeze in one of the guarded rooms.
>>541752
"You speak of the matters of assassins like you have personal experience.
…which house did you serve?"
>>541775
"Need to lay down?"
>>541778
"Well I guess I won't ask anyone to join in then.
…this one looks empty."
He unlocks one of the rooms and opens the door for you
"Ladies first."
>>541780
You'd need a boost, but Whimsyshine can probably levitate you up to a hatch if you want to avoid taking the stairs.
>>541781
She sits quietly for a moment
"He sent you to kill me, didn't he?"
"Need to lay down?"
>>541778
"Well I guess I won't ask anyone to join in then.
…this one looks empty."
He unlocks one of the rooms and opens the door for you
"Ladies first."
>>541780
You'd need a boost, but Whimsyshine can probably levitate you up to a hatch if you want to avoid taking the stairs.
>>541781
She sits quietly for a moment
"He sent you to kill me, didn't he?"
>>541787
"They could. But they won't. I spend as much of my life with them as I do with those here. I know them, and they know me. That is how I have kept this place free of their shadows. And I know better than to anger Lord Falconwreath himself.
But I suppose I didn't expect Starling to send assassins."
Her tone has gone flat and sombre.
>>541788
He shrugs and goes back to his patrol
>>541789
He is sturdier than he looks, and your attempt to throw him to the ground comes off as a passionate embrace.
>>541791
"Right. Going up."
You get lifted up into
1) An empty room
2) A room with a slave
3) A room with a patron
4) The room where Coral is
5) The room where Calming Breeze is
'1d5'
Roll #1 3 = 3
"They could. But they won't. I spend as much of my life with them as I do with those here. I know them, and they know me. That is how I have kept this place free of their shadows. And I know better than to anger Lord Falconwreath himself.
But I suppose I didn't expect Starling to send assassins."
Her tone has gone flat and sombre.
>>541788
He shrugs and goes back to his patrol
>>541789
He is sturdier than he looks, and your attempt to throw him to the ground comes off as a passionate embrace.
>>541791
"Right. Going up."
You get lifted up into
1) An empty room
2) A room with a slave
3) A room with a patron
4) The room where Coral is
5) The room where Calming Breeze is
'1d5'
Roll #1 3 = 3
>>541791
>>541802
You end up face to face with a somewhat scarred diamond dog
"Huh? I didn't know they served bitches in here. Must be my lucky day."
>>541807
You nearly fall off the walkway as you head up, but manage to keep a low profile otherwise.
if you keep heading up, you can reach the roof.
>>541809
"I doubt you are here just for a joyride either.
I will not mourn this place, nor most in it, but there are still those here who I made all this for. Those who the powerful and self-absorbed would hunt for the sake of vanity and pride. Those who need a shadow in which to hide - a shadow where they can know no assassin lurks in.
Tell me, then, why are you here?"
>>541812
He puts on a grin and pushes you over on the only thing in the room - a bed.
>>541813
Your passionate embrace intensifies, until in a blast of gore you hug him clean in half.
>>541802
You end up face to face with a somewhat scarred diamond dog
"Huh? I didn't know they served bitches in here. Must be my lucky day."
>>541807
You nearly fall off the walkway as you head up, but manage to keep a low profile otherwise.
if you keep heading up, you can reach the roof.
>>541809
"I doubt you are here just for a joyride either.
I will not mourn this place, nor most in it, but there are still those here who I made all this for. Those who the powerful and self-absorbed would hunt for the sake of vanity and pride. Those who need a shadow in which to hide - a shadow where they can know no assassin lurks in.
Tell me, then, why are you here?"
>>541812
He puts on a grin and pushes you over on the only thing in the room - a bed.
>>541813
Your passionate embrace intensifies, until in a blast of gore you hug him clean in half.
>>541819
She isn't up here any more. She is back down there on the ring platform.
Looking down gives you vertigo. You might have a hard time going back down there…
>>541820
"…huh.
But I was told to just wait here and they'd deliver me some entertainment. And you got delivered."
>>541821
"I know the girl.
She is down below in the cells, settling an old grudge with one of my people she nearly drove to ruin."
She isn't up here any more. She is back down there on the ring platform.
Looking down gives you vertigo. You might have a hard time going back down there…
>>541820
"…huh.
But I was told to just wait here and they'd deliver me some entertainment. And you got delivered."
>>541821
"I know the girl.
She is down below in the cells, settling an old grudge with one of my people she nearly drove to ruin."
>>541825
You are standing on a rickety temporary ramp that spirals around the inside wall of the volcano crater.
The top connects to the large wooden roof built to cap the crater.
The bottom connects to a large circular platform full of private rooms that circles the edge of the crater.
The bottom of the crater is one big dining hall.
At the center of the whole thing is a towering pile of gold with the Bandit Leader's throne at the top.
You can just barely make out Calming's colors in one of the private rooms
>>541826
He grabs you by the wrist
"You sure?"
>>541828
"That isn't up to me any more. But if she has been forgiven for what she did to him, then I suppose I can let you take her.
But if I let you leave, I know we will all be dead as soon as word gets out."
>>541829
You now have the keys to the private rooms.
You are standing on a rickety temporary ramp that spirals around the inside wall of the volcano crater.
The top connects to the large wooden roof built to cap the crater.
The bottom connects to a large circular platform full of private rooms that circles the edge of the crater.
The bottom of the crater is one big dining hall.
At the center of the whole thing is a towering pile of gold with the Bandit Leader's throne at the top.
You can just barely make out Calming's colors in one of the private rooms
>>541826
He grabs you by the wrist
"You sure?"
>>541828
"That isn't up to me any more. But if she has been forgiven for what she did to him, then I suppose I can let you take her.
But if I let you leave, I know we will all be dead as soon as word gets out."
>>541829
You now have the keys to the private rooms.
>>541831
You can leap off the scaffolding either onto the ring walkway or the bandit leader's throne.
>>541832
"Oh. Eww.
Yeah no offense but eww."
>>541833
Agitated. He looks like he has seen some shit, which is a little jarring since last time you met he was impossibly cool and calm.
>>541835
"There is more to this than you say. The statue maker and another resident are dead, and someone tried to start a fire in town. Twice.
You, or someone you came in with, is here to destroy this place. Purely out of spite at this point. If you're after that damned jewel, it isn't here any more."
You can leap off the scaffolding either onto the ring walkway or the bandit leader's throne.
>>541832
"Oh. Eww.
Yeah no offense but eww."
>>541833
Agitated. He looks like he has seen some shit, which is a little jarring since last time you met he was impossibly cool and calm.
>>541835
"There is more to this than you say. The statue maker and another resident are dead, and someone tried to start a fire in town. Twice.
You, or someone you came in with, is here to destroy this place. Purely out of spite at this point. If you're after that damned jewel, it isn't here any more."
>>541839
"No honor among thieves I suppose.
Those cultist types have it. I only know they were headed out to the shore, so my only guess is they were going for Marenburg, the port town just east of here.
…I don't ask you to spare this place. All I ask is that you don't try to find me and those I choose to save."
>>541840
"Yes, yes I think I can but but yes
Yes I suppose so yes YES.
Argh what TOOK you so long?"
>>541841
You bump into the door guard, who is finishing his drink
"…had fun?"
"No honor among thieves I suppose.
Those cultist types have it. I only know they were headed out to the shore, so my only guess is they were going for Marenburg, the port town just east of here.
…I don't ask you to spare this place. All I ask is that you don't try to find me and those I choose to save."
>>541840
"Yes, yes I think I can but but yes
Yes I suppose so yes YES.
Argh what TOOK you so long?"
>>541841
You bump into the door guard, who is finishing his drink
"…had fun?"
>>541838
>>541848
You return to Coral, and barely avoid drawing attention to yourself.
>>541847
Coral, Blossom and Calming Breeze are a few cells away on the walkway.
They seem to be going for the stairs.
>>541849
You head for the stairs.
As you go, you realize no guards are stopping you. Because their focus has shifted to the main floor where an arena fight is about to begin.
>>541850
"I suppose it's high time I moved. Maybe my next dream home will not become this sort of bloated nightmare…
…close your eyes, assassin. This is the only time I will ever say this, but trust me."
>>541848
You return to Coral, and barely avoid drawing attention to yourself.
>>541847
Coral, Blossom and Calming Breeze are a few cells away on the walkway.
They seem to be going for the stairs.
>>541849
You head for the stairs.
As you go, you realize no guards are stopping you. Because their focus has shifted to the main floor where an arena fight is about to begin.
>>541850
"I suppose it's high time I moved. Maybe my next dream home will not become this sort of bloated nightmare…
…close your eyes, assassin. This is the only time I will ever say this, but trust me."
>>541855
"Do not pursue us."
You feel a warm body press tightly against you, and then a rush of adrenaline as gravity seems to stop working quite right, as if you had fallen through the floor.
When you open your eyes you are on the wooden walkway of the second floor, and the Boss is gone.
>>541864
Just point him downstairs and Blazing will take care of him.
"Do not pursue us."
You feel a warm body press tightly against you, and then a rush of adrenaline as gravity seems to stop working quite right, as if you had fallen through the floor.
When you open your eyes you are on the wooden walkway of the second floor, and the Boss is gone.
>>541864
Just point him downstairs and Blazing will take care of him.
>>541873
"F-friends… yes…
…thank you.."
He hobbles on down.
>>541871
You start unlocking the rest of the cells, rushing everyone out as best you can towards the trap door exit.
>>541872
You return to the others, and see Calming Breeze and Lady Sunset embrace down in the lower cell corridor.
>>541878
Looking out into the arena, you can see why they are so focused on it.
The last of the others, Grandheart, has been tossed out into the makeshift pit built from heavy tables and spears. Though unarmed, he is already beating his first challenger against the floor like a ragdoll.
…saving him will draw a lot of attention…
"F-friends… yes…
…thank you.."
He hobbles on down.
>>541871
You start unlocking the rest of the cells, rushing everyone out as best you can towards the trap door exit.
>>541872
You return to the others, and see Calming Breeze and Lady Sunset embrace down in the lower cell corridor.
>>541878
Looking out into the arena, you can see why they are so focused on it.
The last of the others, Grandheart, has been tossed out into the makeshift pit built from heavy tables and spears. Though unarmed, he is already beating his first challenger against the floor like a ragdoll.
…saving him will draw a lot of attention…
>>541898
You are on the first floor, in the kitchen, which links to the jails.
>>541902
You find his swords in the loot room.
The rest of Blazing's, Sunsong's and the others' gear is alo there.
Tossing these swords to Grandheart will surely change the tide of things… quite a bit.
>>541903
You help the remaining prisoners escape outside, where Blazing and Calming are still comforting eachother, Sunsong is standing guard silently, and Whimsyshine is frantically looking for his buddy Grandheart.
>>541905
You head back up on the second floor and down the stairs into the main floor. You can enter the arena line if you want, or just stay and watch for now.
You are on the first floor, in the kitchen, which links to the jails.
>>541902
You find his swords in the loot room.
The rest of Blazing's, Sunsong's and the others' gear is alo there.
Tossing these swords to Grandheart will surely change the tide of things… quite a bit.
>>541903
You help the remaining prisoners escape outside, where Blazing and Calming are still comforting eachother, Sunsong is standing guard silently, and Whimsyshine is frantically looking for his buddy Grandheart.
>>541905
You head back up on the second floor and down the stairs into the main floor. You can enter the arena line if you want, or just stay and watch for now.
>>541918
You see a lot of slaves being herded out towards the trap door exit.
Some of the party is standing around here, discussing plans.
>>541917
"I should be there for him. If only I knew where he was!"
>>541916
>>541920
He is putting up a good fight that's for sure. He even threw one of the spearmen into the arena to have more things to punch, but he won't last forever.
You see a lot of slaves being herded out towards the trap door exit.
Some of the party is standing around here, discussing plans.
>>541917
"I should be there for him. If only I knew where he was!"
>>541916
>>541920
He is putting up a good fight that's for sure. He even threw one of the spearmen into the arena to have more things to punch, but he won't last forever.
>>541924
>>541926
In a gleaming arc, the two swords fly from seemingly nowhere, embedding themselves in the stone arena floor.
The cheering dies down. For a second, everyone, Grandheart included, are dumbfounded.
Without a second thought however, he draws the massive blades and readies them
"Come at me then."
With a single thundering blow he splits the heavy oak table and the three bandits behind it in half, opening a path for himself.
"I SAID COME AT ME!"
>>541925
As you go through the wounded, beaten, tortured and violated, healing all that ails them, from body and heart to the depths of their soul, you see new faith in your own abilities burn with new passion with every ember of hope you light in their eyes.
>>541926
In a gleaming arc, the two swords fly from seemingly nowhere, embedding themselves in the stone arena floor.
The cheering dies down. For a second, everyone, Grandheart included, are dumbfounded.
Without a second thought however, he draws the massive blades and readies them
"Come at me then."
With a single thundering blow he splits the heavy oak table and the three bandits behind it in half, opening a path for himself.
"I SAID COME AT ME!"
>>541925
As you go through the wounded, beaten, tortured and violated, healing all that ails them, from body and heart to the depths of their soul, you see new faith in your own abilities burn with new passion with every ember of hope you light in their eyes.
>>541946
Sunset nods
"We will take cover somewhere out of town. Please be safe.
Promise me you'll be safe."
>>541948
You hear it, and so did Whimsyshine
"I'M COMING BUDDY!"
The unicorn dashes back inside the tunnels to reunite with his lifelong friend.
In the far distance, a thundering of hooves is growing louder.
In town, worry is stirring in the hearts of its residents.
In a place nobody knows about, a small band of ponies march in silence, looking for a new place to make their dream real.
>>541949
He would probably reply to that, but he is too busy bisecting the nearest duo of bandits who thought two on one were good odds.
Sunset nods
"We will take cover somewhere out of town. Please be safe.
Promise me you'll be safe."
>>541948
You hear it, and so did Whimsyshine
"I'M COMING BUDDY!"
The unicorn dashes back inside the tunnels to reunite with his lifelong friend.
In the far distance, a thundering of hooves is growing louder.
In town, worry is stirring in the hearts of its residents.
In a place nobody knows about, a small band of ponies march in silence, looking for a new place to make their dream real.
>>541949
He would probably reply to that, but he is too busy bisecting the nearest duo of bandits who thought two on one were good odds.
>>541951
>>541954
It seems the bandits are realizing just how bad shit has hit the fan, and they are starting to really gang up on you.
Blows rain from every side, and it seems you might be overwhelmed soon…
When suddenly a great swathe of the bandits are blown clear across the room by a blast of energy as wide as a tree.
Whimsyshine, still panting and slightly smoking from the energy he just unleashed, frantically pages through his book, chanting out a storm of magical bolts
"BY THE TEN THOUSAND FORBIDDEN WHISPERS OF THE MOUTHLESS SCREAMER, THE GREAT WOUND IN THE FLESH OF REALITY AND THE ENSLAVED LIFEBLOOD OF THE ARCANE, I COMMAND YOU TO BURN"
>>541963
>>541968
With all hell breaking loose between the sudden magical shitstorm and the berserker who cleaves flesh like fruit, the bandits are in disarray. Coral flips a table over, smashing three bandits down with it, while Whisper swiftly cuts down another.
You can now try to make your escape, or head for the kitchen and have some fun with flammable alcohol in a place supported by wooden scaffolding.
>>541954
It seems the bandits are realizing just how bad shit has hit the fan, and they are starting to really gang up on you.
Blows rain from every side, and it seems you might be overwhelmed soon…
When suddenly a great swathe of the bandits are blown clear across the room by a blast of energy as wide as a tree.
Whimsyshine, still panting and slightly smoking from the energy he just unleashed, frantically pages through his book, chanting out a storm of magical bolts
"BY THE TEN THOUSAND FORBIDDEN WHISPERS OF THE MOUTHLESS SCREAMER, THE GREAT WOUND IN THE FLESH OF REALITY AND THE ENSLAVED LIFEBLOOD OF THE ARCANE, I COMMAND YOU TO BURN"
>>541963
>>541968
With all hell breaking loose between the sudden magical shitstorm and the berserker who cleaves flesh like fruit, the bandits are in disarray. Coral flips a table over, smashing three bandits down with it, while Whisper swiftly cuts down another.
You can now try to make your escape, or head for the kitchen and have some fun with flammable alcohol in a place supported by wooden scaffolding.
>>541970
"Judging by that roar, I'd say somepony from the group's already found him. Let's go make sure he gets out all right, shall we?"
>>541971
There's no way I missed that last part.. My eyes go wide and my expression pales a bit as I turn to Blossom. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who heard that."
"Judging by that roar, I'd say somepony from the group's already found him. Let's go make sure he gets out all right, shall we?"
>>541971
There's no way I missed that last part.. My eyes go wide and my expression pales a bit as I turn to Blossom. "Please tell me I'm not the only one who heard that."
>>541974
>>541977
>>541978
>>541991
>>541992
An exit it is. As you fall back into the tunnels, more bandits pour in from the other entrance, summoned by the commotion.
Once the last of you has made it past the jail room, Grandheart slams his swords into the rock and collapses the ceiling to buy you some time before following you to the trap door exit.
As you climb out from the exit door, cleverly disguised as a tree stump, you see the whole town is up in arms. Chaos reigns as bandits are looking for those who killed the zebra and statue maker, tried to light the place on fire, and started the devastation in the main hideout.
You're in for one hell of a fight…
But hope is far from dead, as in the not at all far distance you can see the thundering arrival of the Equestrian Guard, here to even the odds.
It has started to rain.
And somewhere out of sight, a lone broken figure watches, his black heart racing at the sight of such destruction. Racing in fear. Fear for the safety of his very gods.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
MIDNIGHTS
MIDPOINTS
AND MIDDLE MANAGERS
>>541977
>>541978
>>541991
>>541992
An exit it is. As you fall back into the tunnels, more bandits pour in from the other entrance, summoned by the commotion.
Once the last of you has made it past the jail room, Grandheart slams his swords into the rock and collapses the ceiling to buy you some time before following you to the trap door exit.
As you climb out from the exit door, cleverly disguised as a tree stump, you see the whole town is up in arms. Chaos reigns as bandits are looking for those who killed the zebra and statue maker, tried to light the place on fire, and started the devastation in the main hideout.
You're in for one hell of a fight…
But hope is far from dead, as in the not at all far distance you can see the thundering arrival of the Equestrian Guard, here to even the odds.
It has started to rain.
And somewhere out of sight, a lone broken figure watches, his black heart racing at the sight of such destruction. Racing in fear. Fear for the safety of his very gods.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
MIDNIGHTS
MIDPOINTS
AND MIDDLE MANAGERS
>>542585
The light of your faith is a tool of healing, not of destruction.
But there are those who would see great promise in the twisted grin of a healer and protected turned slayer and destroyer. The darkness has cast its eye upon that sliver of black in your heart. And it now waits. Patiently.
Nothing seems to happen.
>>542584
>>542583
Whisper leaps onto one of the enemies, but is thrown aside as >>542579 Dulltooth smashes into the same one, crashing through a tree with him.
In the mean time, Ember and >>542577 Coral attack the two others, forcing them down after a few blows are traded.
The trio are all helpless now.
>>542580
You ready your sword and soon realize it already kinda ended before it started.
Dachs taps you on the shoulder.
"Hey, I went and found some medicine for ya."
The light of your faith is a tool of healing, not of destruction.
But there are those who would see great promise in the twisted grin of a healer and protected turned slayer and destroyer. The darkness has cast its eye upon that sliver of black in your heart. And it now waits. Patiently.
Nothing seems to happen.
>>542584
>>542583
Whisper leaps onto one of the enemies, but is thrown aside as >>542579 Dulltooth smashes into the same one, crashing through a tree with him.
In the mean time, Ember and >>542577 Coral attack the two others, forcing them down after a few blows are traded.
The trio are all helpless now.
>>542580
You ready your sword and soon realize it already kinda ended before it started.
Dachs taps you on the shoulder.
"Hey, I went and found some medicine for ya."
>>542639
He hits you back
"I was just trying to be helpful."
>>542639
>>542640
>>542642
You arrive on the road towards Ponpeii, right in front of the Guard forces.
Cloudcover and a guard officer are leading close to forty guards up the road, the back row pulling large prisoner cages with them.
"I'm glad to see you're still alive."
"We're not late are we?"
He hits you back
"I was just trying to be helpful."
>>542639
>>542640
>>542642
You arrive on the road towards Ponpeii, right in front of the Guard forces.
Cloudcover and a guard officer are leading close to forty guards up the road, the back row pulling large prisoner cages with them.
"I'm glad to see you're still alive."
"We're not late are we?"
>>542650
"No information of it exists. Even after we started to organize for this expedition, we received express orders to abandon the mission at once."
The officer gives a stern nod
"I do not like disobeying orders, but if this is as big as you say, it will have been the one time I can forgive such an act."
>>542655
A few guards break off to throw the prisoners in the cage they brought.
"I missed you."
>>542652
>>542653
"Good.
GUARDS! WITH ME!
Civilians are present, so watch yourselves. FORWARD!"
The guards march on
"No information of it exists. Even after we started to organize for this expedition, we received express orders to abandon the mission at once."
The officer gives a stern nod
"I do not like disobeying orders, but if this is as big as you say, it will have been the one time I can forgive such an act."
>>542655
A few guards break off to throw the prisoners in the cage they brought.
"I missed you."
>>542652
>>542653
"Good.
GUARDS! WITH ME!
Civilians are present, so watch yourselves. FORWARD!"
The guards march on
>>542670
"Hmm but yet you still came. Thank you."
Give him a polite bow and the smile softly and walk with cloudcover.
"Oh boy. Well this whole town is run by a bandit gang. The worst of the worst. They filled it with traps to catch innocent ponies so they could do horrible things with them."
"Hmm but yet you still came. Thank you."
Give him a polite bow and the smile softly and walk with cloudcover.
"Oh boy. Well this whole town is run by a bandit gang. The worst of the worst. They filled it with traps to catch innocent ponies so they could do horrible things with them."
>>542672
>>542673
>>542674
>>542675
The guards listen carefully as you explain what they will soon be up against, and draw up a quick plan.
"Alright. We all know what to do now.
Five will stay behind to guard the prisoners, take in any wounded, and secure civilians as they are sent out.
Another five will comb the forest for escapees.
The rest of you are with me. We will split up once we establish a foothold in the town, ten will secure the town, fifteen will head into the main base. The rest will secure those ruins and check that nopony is hiding on the mountainside.
Civilians are excused. This is now a military operation."
>>542673
>>542674
>>542675
The guards listen carefully as you explain what they will soon be up against, and draw up a quick plan.
"Alright. We all know what to do now.
Five will stay behind to guard the prisoners, take in any wounded, and secure civilians as they are sent out.
Another five will comb the forest for escapees.
The rest of you are with me. We will split up once we establish a foothold in the town, ten will secure the town, fifteen will head into the main base. The rest will secure those ruins and check that nopony is hiding on the mountainside.
Civilians are excused. This is now a military operation."
>>542705
"And I'm glad about that, but… I wasn't just talking about him putting something in the tea. Silk… When he was describing what this town was for, it reminded me of what you said you were looking for: a place to escape the wrath of the uncaring noble houses. What if your original trafficker… what if he was going to bring you here?"
"And I'm glad about that, but… I wasn't just talking about him putting something in the tea. Silk… When he was describing what this town was for, it reminded me of what you said you were looking for: a place to escape the wrath of the uncaring noble houses. What if your original trafficker… what if he was going to bring you here?"
>>542748
"I'm on vacation."
>>542746
She looks a lot less joyful. Being with you has been a welcome distraction, and these questions are bringing her mind back down to the dark realities of life.
"I had never planned that far…
…I suppose I should have…"
>>542745
>>542749
You head back into town.
The prisoner cages are filling up nicely as the soldiers press in deeper. Most doors have been kicked down, bloodstains can be seen here and there.
The pub is mostly intact, but has been cleared of bandits.
"I'm on vacation."
>>542746
She looks a lot less joyful. Being with you has been a welcome distraction, and these questions are bringing her mind back down to the dark realities of life.
"I had never planned that far…
…I suppose I should have…"
>>542745
>>542749
You head back into town.
The prisoner cages are filling up nicely as the soldiers press in deeper. Most doors have been kicked down, bloodstains can be seen here and there.
The pub is mostly intact, but has been cleared of bandits.
>>542751
>>542752
As the guards' job was to take down bandits, they have yet to look through all the stuff gathered in town.
You can easily get away with a large barrel of fine whiskey that is both valuable and delicious.
>>542753
"So what you're saying is you want your home to be my home?"
>>542754
"A vacation is a chance to relax.
And you would not believe how relaxing a lack of regulations and red tape is to one like me."
>>542752
As the guards' job was to take down bandits, they have yet to look through all the stuff gathered in town.
You can easily get away with a large barrel of fine whiskey that is both valuable and delicious.
>>542753
"So what you're saying is you want your home to be my home?"
>>542754
"A vacation is a chance to relax.
And you would not believe how relaxing a lack of regulations and red tape is to one like me."
>>542758
"…I'm saying that… if you wanted… I'd be more than willing to welcome you." Look away and shuffle a bit nervously. "Of course, you're probably sick of nobility, and the fact that I'm a noble- even a minor one- is probably offputting… I'd understand if you're not interested. No matter what, I promised to get you out of Equestria and that's exactly what I intend to do."
"…I'm saying that… if you wanted… I'd be more than willing to welcome you." Look away and shuffle a bit nervously. "Of course, you're probably sick of nobility, and the fact that I'm a noble- even a minor one- is probably offputting… I'd understand if you're not interested. No matter what, I promised to get you out of Equestria and that's exactly what I intend to do."
>>542761
>>542764
Do you want to stay here and drink, or roll the stuff out of town to share with the others?
>>542760
"It helps, when done in moderation.
We saw some ponies set up camp earlier down the road. They told us they escaped this place with your help, and we left a couple of guys to keep them safe."
>>542763
"Being around you has helped me feel safe.
…and forget the weight of life's less happy realities. In short… you have made me very happy."
>>542764
Do you want to stay here and drink, or roll the stuff out of town to share with the others?
>>542760
"It helps, when done in moderation.
We saw some ponies set up camp earlier down the road. They told us they escaped this place with your help, and we left a couple of guys to keep them safe."
>>542763
"Being around you has helped me feel safe.
…and forget the weight of life's less happy realities. In short… you have made me very happy."
>>542771
>>542772
You load up a couple of barrels and sneak out of town before anyone even realizes you were there.
The others are still outside by the side of the road.
>>542776
"Lady Sunset and her companions were among them. They said they would head for Marenburg soon."
>>542777
"We both know how my last marriage ended."
>>542772
You load up a couple of barrels and sneak out of town before anyone even realizes you were there.
The others are still outside by the side of the road.
>>542776
"Lady Sunset and her companions were among them. They said they would head for Marenburg soon."
>>542777
"We both know how my last marriage ended."
>>542805
"Had the thought crossed my mind? I admit it did, but at first it seemed like wistful dreaming. Going to a foreign land, go on a grand adventure, and bring back my true love? That's fairy tale stuff that just doesn't happen in real life.
If you wouldn't be happy, just say so. I'll make sure you get started someplace nice, and you'll never see me again. I want you to be happy, Silk. Is it foolish to dream that maybe I could be happy too?"
"Had the thought crossed my mind? I admit it did, but at first it seemed like wistful dreaming. Going to a foreign land, go on a grand adventure, and bring back my true love? That's fairy tale stuff that just doesn't happen in real life.
If you wouldn't be happy, just say so. I'll make sure you get started someplace nice, and you'll never see me again. I want you to be happy, Silk. Is it foolish to dream that maybe I could be happy too?"
>>542807
If you ever feel like a daring stallion, try breaking your promise and pursue her.
Because what is life without a bit of danger?
>>542810
This is good stuff. And the barrel is big enough to last you for a good while.
>>542816
She cracks up at a bit at 'true love'
"Noblepony comes to a distant land, falls in love with a murderous thief.
That's not a fairy tale, that's the setup to a joke."
She does look happy again though.
>>542820
He offers a wing
"Shall we, then?"
If you ever feel like a daring stallion, try breaking your promise and pursue her.
Because what is life without a bit of danger?
>>542810
This is good stuff. And the barrel is big enough to last you for a good while.
>>542816
She cracks up at a bit at 'true love'
"Noblepony comes to a distant land, falls in love with a murderous thief.
That's not a fairy tale, that's the setup to a joke."
She does look happy again though.
>>542820
He offers a wing
"Shall we, then?"
>>542861
"Yes. They were looking for somepony to oil wrestle their champion named the Bald Bull. It was an entirely furless mare with muscles you wouldn't believe. It was quite an experience.
But I haven't yet met anypony who could beat me in a one-on-one.
So I became the champion of the hideout."
"Yes. They were looking for somepony to oil wrestle their champion named the Bald Bull. It was an entirely furless mare with muscles you wouldn't believe. It was quite an experience.
But I haven't yet met anypony who could beat me in a one-on-one.
So I became the champion of the hideout."
>>542872
"It's a big house, and I'm sure that you'll change any of the interior that you don't like. Plus, other nobles like to throw parties to pass the time, so it's not like we'd be staying in one place for months on end or something."
Shuffle around a bit. "So… if we're going to do this… what exactly does this make us? Dating?"
"It's a big house, and I'm sure that you'll change any of the interior that you don't like. Plus, other nobles like to throw parties to pass the time, so it's not like we'd be staying in one place for months on end or something."
Shuffle around a bit. "So… if we're going to do this… what exactly does this make us? Dating?"
>>542986
"It's not like- just-" Sputter off, then take a minute to collect myself. "I want you to… ask me about… whoever it is first, okay? Since I'm the one who'd be… well… I-I want to be involved in the decision-making process."
"And I want you to be there. I-it's… I… enjoy it… because you're there. It's seeing that intense fascination in your eyes, knowing that youlike seeing me being-well."
"So… that's not too unreasonable, right?"
"It's not like- just-" Sputter off, then take a minute to collect myself. "I want you to… ask me about… whoever it is first, okay? Since I'm the one who'd be… well… I-I want to be involved in the decision-making process."
"And I want you to be there. I-it's… I… enjoy it… because you're there. It's seeing that intense fascination in your eyes, knowing that youlike seeing me being-well."
"So… that's not too unreasonable, right?"
>>543035
"Well, it wasn't that typical to start with! On the first day you met me, you suggested, then helped me get… screwed… by Dulltooth!" Is she laughing at me, or is she serious?
"B-besides, this is stuff we sorta… need to get sorted out before we start doing… whatever we call what we're doing."
"Well, it wasn't that typical to start with! On the first day you met me, you suggested, then helped me get… screwed… by Dulltooth!" Is she laughing at me, or is she serious?
"B-besides, this is stuff we sorta… need to get sorted out before we start doing… whatever we call what we're doing."
>>543041
She seems amused by all this, but is clearly not opposed to your ideas.
"We're about to chase down a bunch of crazy cultists into some dinghy port town and possibly face off with the lord of midnight reborn. Do you really think this is the time and place for rules about who we invite to bed, if we ever get to see a bed again?"
>>543052
Everyone has gathered outside Ponpeii on the roadside while the Guards round up the bandits.
Cassie and Whisper brought some looted whiskey.
Cloudcover and Coral went into the woods alone.
She seems amused by all this, but is clearly not opposed to your ideas.
"We're about to chase down a bunch of crazy cultists into some dinghy port town and possibly face off with the lord of midnight reborn. Do you really think this is the time and place for rules about who we invite to bed, if we ever get to see a bed again?"
>>543052
Everyone has gathered outside Ponpeii on the roadside while the Guards round up the bandits.
Cassie and Whisper brought some looted whiskey.
Cloudcover and Coral went into the woods alone.
>>543083
She and the others who you helped escape are camped out a little further down the road.
While most of the slaves have moved on along with the guards left to keep them safe, Blazing Sunset, Sunsong, Grandheart, Whimsyshine and Calming Breeze are sitting around a small campfire, checking their recovered equipment.
>>543084
"Well, we're all alone here… I'm sure we can find some place out of sight where we can explore some options~"
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
MEETING THE NPCS
MOVING ON WITH THE PLOT
AND PROBABLY MORE ERP
She and the others who you helped escape are camped out a little further down the road.
While most of the slaves have moved on along with the guards left to keep them safe, Blazing Sunset, Sunsong, Grandheart, Whimsyshine and Calming Breeze are sitting around a small campfire, checking their recovered equipment.
>>543084
"Well, we're all alone here… I'm sure we can find some place out of sight where we can explore some options~"
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
MEETING THE NPCS
MOVING ON WITH THE PLOT
AND PROBABLY MORE ERP
>>543311
That depends on whether you want to head on to meet the other party down the road, or find some secluded nook in the woods with her.
>>543312
The smith is probably in custody by now anyway as the Guard are sweeping the city, arresting all remaining bandits.
If you wish for a report on them, you can chat with the guards by the tower ruins. Otherwise you can catch up with the other party down the road.
>>543315
She and the others are resting a little way down the road. Exhausted and a little beat up, they are checking their equipment and patching up the remaining cuts.
That depends on whether you want to head on to meet the other party down the road, or find some secluded nook in the woods with her.
>>543312
The smith is probably in custody by now anyway as the Guard are sweeping the city, arresting all remaining bandits.
If you wish for a report on them, you can chat with the guards by the tower ruins. Otherwise you can catch up with the other party down the road.
>>543315
She and the others are resting a little way down the road. Exhausted and a little beat up, they are checking their equipment and patching up the remaining cuts.
>>543317
A bit of actual medical knowledge is always good. Sunsong in particular looks terrible, but it turns out a lot of that is old wounds, and most of the blood is from surface cuts.
"I appreciate your aid."
…that's probably the most he has ever said out loud.
>>543318
She is sitting close to Calming Breeze, who has calmed down notably but is still a twitchy husk of his former self.
"We may indeed have you to thank for it."
>>543320
She raises a brow
"But do you want to?"
A bit of actual medical knowledge is always good. Sunsong in particular looks terrible, but it turns out a lot of that is old wounds, and most of the blood is from surface cuts.
"I appreciate your aid."
…that's probably the most he has ever said out loud.
>>543318
She is sitting close to Calming Breeze, who has calmed down notably but is still a twitchy husk of his former self.
"We may indeed have you to thank for it."
>>543320
She raises a brow
"But do you want to?"
>>543323
Whimsyshine rolls his eyes
Grandheart, who is cleaning his weapons, huffs. "The only sisters I have to thank are these two iron princesses here."
>>543324
"Curious, hm?"
She is still smiling but is going rather… red in the face.
"You're expecting something aren't you?"
>>543325
"A guard's job can be dangerous."
Whimsyshine rolls his eyes
Grandheart, who is cleaning his weapons, huffs. "The only sisters I have to thank are these two iron princesses here."
>>543324
"Curious, hm?"
She is still smiling but is going rather… red in the face.
"You're expecting something aren't you?"
>>543325
"A guard's job can be dangerous."
>>543327
"As I've started to learn all too well these last few days. Still, I, we, owe you a great debt. When we get through with this and I can go back to my practice, I'd like to see you again and check on those wounds, then take you out to whatever merriment you enjoy in your spare time."
"As I've started to learn all too well these last few days. Still, I, we, owe you a great debt. When we get through with this and I can go back to my practice, I'd like to see you again and check on those wounds, then take you out to whatever merriment you enjoy in your spare time."
>>543334
"What bothers you so, Blossom?
We're all alive after all. We won."
>>543335
Grandheart the berserker is fixing his swords
Whimsyshine the mage is checking his book
Blazing Sunset and Calming Breeze are talking with Fire Blossom.
>>543336
"Don't you dare lie to me like that or I'll steal your armor and parade you to the next camp naked~"
"What bothers you so, Blossom?
We're all alive after all. We won."
>>543335
Grandheart the berserker is fixing his swords
Whimsyshine the mage is checking his book
Blazing Sunset and Calming Breeze are talking with Fire Blossom.
>>543336
"Don't you dare lie to me like that or I'll steal your armor and parade you to the next camp naked~"
>>543350
You wander off into the woods and find a small out of the way spot behind a rather large bush.
Silk says nothing, just stares at you with a sly grin
>>543350
Blazing pushes your hoof away
"What, exactly, are you doing?"
>>543351
Not really. The prisoners have already left with some of the guards.
The only thing that really pokes out is Whimsyshine's spellbook, which he seems oddly unfamiliar with, given all the bookmarks he keeps adding in.
>>543352
A third of the party is out in the forest fucking NPCs. The rest are with Blazing's party down the road.
You wander off into the woods and find a small out of the way spot behind a rather large bush.
Silk says nothing, just stares at you with a sly grin
>>543350
Blazing pushes your hoof away
"What, exactly, are you doing?"
>>543351
Not really. The prisoners have already left with some of the guards.
The only thing that really pokes out is Whimsyshine's spellbook, which he seems oddly unfamiliar with, given all the bookmarks he keeps adding in.
>>543352
A third of the party is out in the forest fucking NPCs. The rest are with Blazing's party down the road.
>>543357
"I tend to forget how naive you can be…
That's fine. No harm done…"
>>543358
"New books often do. Or, old ones in this case.
…I did remember to mention what this is, right?"
>>543360
Indeed.
"Well, you did imply you wanted to entertain me~"
>>543359
Grandheart is almost done with his weapon maintenance.
Blazing and Calmiing are cuddling.
Sunsong is standing off to the side.
Whimsyshine is paging through his book.
"I tend to forget how naive you can be…
That's fine. No harm done…"
>>543358
"New books often do. Or, old ones in this case.
…I did remember to mention what this is, right?"
>>543360
Indeed.
"Well, you did imply you wanted to entertain me~"
>>543359
Grandheart is almost done with his weapon maintenance.
Blazing and Calmiing are cuddling.
Sunsong is standing off to the side.
Whimsyshine is paging through his book.
>>543364
"This is the Tome of Forbidden Arts, one of the artifacts of Tirek we recovered earlier.
I believe it holds the key to finally chasing down those cultists, and cutting off their escape."
>>543365
"There is no need to be upset!"
>>543373
"You do it sitting down?"
>>543368
Grandheart offers a chuckle
"That was a rousing start to a good battle. Marenburg should prove most interesting."
"This is the Tome of Forbidden Arts, one of the artifacts of Tirek we recovered earlier.
I believe it holds the key to finally chasing down those cultists, and cutting off their escape."
>>543365
"There is no need to be upset!"
>>543373
"You do it sitting down?"
>>543368
Grandheart offers a chuckle
"That was a rousing start to a good battle. Marenburg should prove most interesting."
>>543381
Apparently Whimsyshine's book is the stolen Tome of Forbidden Arts, if that counts as 'something'
Sunsong is also alone, if you want to keep company to a pony-shaped wall.
>>543383
"Eh, who knows.
Interest is about heart anyway. If you take life as a series of great events, you look forward to each day.
That's how I think at least."
>>543382
"Well, I don't know that, but I have learned how they call the… gate-wyrm I believe it's called. A strange beast that burrows between realities, allowing it to appear in unexpected places and transport its masters to their desired location.
The tome also sheds some limited light on the history of Tirek…"
Apparently Whimsyshine's book is the stolen Tome of Forbidden Arts, if that counts as 'something'
Sunsong is also alone, if you want to keep company to a pony-shaped wall.
>>543383
"Eh, who knows.
Interest is about heart anyway. If you take life as a series of great events, you look forward to each day.
That's how I think at least."
>>543382
"Well, I don't know that, but I have learned how they call the… gate-wyrm I believe it's called. A strange beast that burrows between realities, allowing it to appear in unexpected places and transport its masters to their desired location.
The tome also sheds some limited light on the history of Tirek…"
>>543393
Well, his party did hunt down the artifact that the same time you did. You found two, so odds are so did they.
>>543392
"The great escape. Living through the battle. The heat of battle itself. Seeing the fear in the eyes of lesser foes as they realize who they are up against. The destruction of a great rotting tumor in the society of Equestria. Today was a grand day full of grand victories."
>>543394
"If only I had eyes that could read this cursed language…"
>>543395
You start slowly undoing the straps and clasps on your armor, maintaining eye contact with the judging Smooth Silk. However, full armor was not designed for quick removal, and you soon start struggling with it. In an effort to speed things up, you pop open the last few straps and rise upright, thinking you'll simply toss the armor off in one dramatic move. Unfortunately you did not expect the moss to be so slippery, and the armor's weight makes you lose balance, falling over backwards between two nearby trees, getting stuck on your back in their grip, all five legs helplessly waving in the air.
Silk seems most amused by the display.
Well, his party did hunt down the artifact that the same time you did. You found two, so odds are so did they.
>>543392
"The great escape. Living through the battle. The heat of battle itself. Seeing the fear in the eyes of lesser foes as they realize who they are up against. The destruction of a great rotting tumor in the society of Equestria. Today was a grand day full of grand victories."
>>543394
"If only I had eyes that could read this cursed language…"
>>543395
You start slowly undoing the straps and clasps on your armor, maintaining eye contact with the judging Smooth Silk. However, full armor was not designed for quick removal, and you soon start struggling with it. In an effort to speed things up, you pop open the last few straps and rise upright, thinking you'll simply toss the armor off in one dramatic move. Unfortunately you did not expect the moss to be so slippery, and the armor's weight makes you lose balance, falling over backwards between two nearby trees, getting stuck on your back in their grip, all five legs helplessly waving in the air.
Silk seems most amused by the display.
>>543453
Everyone was just getting ready to move on to Marenburg.
>>543454
You can feel her muzzle on your inner thigh
"Does danger excite you?"
>>543457
You probably went to Lady Sunset's camp with the others.
>>543456
"If you don't want to spend any more… quality time together I think we should get going."
Everyone was just getting ready to move on to Marenburg.
>>543454
You can feel her muzzle on your inner thigh
"Does danger excite you?"
>>543457
You probably went to Lady Sunset's camp with the others.
>>543456
"If you don't want to spend any more… quality time together I think we should get going."
>>543470
Like solid steel you are.
In many ways.
"Good…
But how long can you stand it?"
Two very powerful, yet very opposite sensations suddenly assault you.
The cold steel of the knife softly resting against your sack
And her tongue, slowly moving along your length
"Don't disappoint me~"
>>543477
"Very well, let's move"
He give you a friendly slap on the flank and start walking
Like solid steel you are.
In many ways.
"Good…
But how long can you stand it?"
Two very powerful, yet very opposite sensations suddenly assault you.
The cold steel of the knife softly resting against your sack
And her tongue, slowly moving along your length
"Don't disappoint me~"
>>543477
"Very well, let's move"
He give you a friendly slap on the flank and start walking
>>543480
Well, that depends on what she was hoping for.
If it was you unloading the moment she touched you, she was well served. You barely lasted long enough for her to finish speaking. However, with the fortitude of a living legend you are back at full capacity before she can even finish wiping your glitter glue off her face.
This feat alone is enough for her to drop the knife, and give this a more empirical attempt.
Thinking you are past the worst of it after enduring a few seconds, you loosed up, only to release a second time moments after.
She does eventually help you off the tree though, after you promise to wash her mane before heading to the other camp.
NEXT TIME ON MIDDLESEX
ESSEX
WESSEX
AND CORNWALL
Well, that depends on what she was hoping for.
If it was you unloading the moment she touched you, she was well served. You barely lasted long enough for her to finish speaking. However, with the fortitude of a living legend you are back at full capacity before she can even finish wiping your glitter glue off her face.
This feat alone is enough for her to drop the knife, and give this a more empirical attempt.
Thinking you are past the worst of it after enduring a few seconds, you loosed up, only to release a second time moments after.
She does eventually help you off the tree though, after you promise to wash her mane before heading to the other camp.
NEXT TIME ON MIDDLESEX
ESSEX
WESSEX
AND CORNWALL
>>544760
>>544761
>>544762
>>544763
Having regained his composure, Calming Breeze takes the center.
"My plan is fairly simple. We know the cultists have escaped to Marenburg, and are probably very easy to spot among the populace.
However, asking around outright might scare them into hiding, or end up making someone tip them off of our intentions. Thus, my plan is to not ask anyone about the cultists and just search for them ourselves."
>>544761
>>544762
>>544763
Having regained his composure, Calming Breeze takes the center.
"My plan is fairly simple. We know the cultists have escaped to Marenburg, and are probably very easy to spot among the populace.
However, asking around outright might scare them into hiding, or end up making someone tip them off of our intentions. Thus, my plan is to not ask anyone about the cultists and just search for them ourselves."
>>544797
"With just a little assistance with reading the tome, I may figure out the call that summons it."
>>544800
"The only way? P-probably not. It just… felt like a surefire one…"
>>544805
Grandheart gives you a mean look
Whimsyshine just looks at his hooves
"What is one soul… to save countless others?"
"With just a little assistance with reading the tome, I may figure out the call that summons it."
>>544800
"The only way? P-probably not. It just… felt like a surefire one…"
>>544805
Grandheart gives you a mean look
Whimsyshine just looks at his hooves
"What is one soul… to save countless others?"
>>544807
"I appreciate what you're trying to do; after all, a leader has to know that sometimes you can't save everyone.
But let me tell you something: no good general sacrifices even one soldier unless it is absolutely necessary.
If no alternatives present themselves, then we can reconsider this. But right now, I say it's not worth it if there's another way."
"I appreciate what you're trying to do; after all, a leader has to know that sometimes you can't save everyone.
But let me tell you something: no good general sacrifices even one soldier unless it is absolutely necessary.
If no alternatives present themselves, then we can reconsider this. But right now, I say it's not worth it if there's another way."
>>545029
Laugh a bit wryly.
"Considering we only became a couple earlier today, I think it's safe to say it's not a question of faithfulness. Especially considering-"
Blush and look away.
"-well, I suppose that's rather private.
No, I just… it feels so right, but… I worry that she's 'settling' for me when she could do so much better if she really wanted to."
Laugh a bit wryly.
"Considering we only became a couple earlier today, I think it's safe to say it's not a question of faithfulness. Especially considering-"
Blush and look away.
"-well, I suppose that's rather private.
No, I just… it feels so right, but… I worry that she's 'settling' for me when she could do so much better if she really wanted to."
>>545037
"We've seen a lot of strange things lately. Some of the fishers are too scared to go out to sea any more, and nopony wants to take to the waters after dark. The stars look wrong, and it feels… evil is in the air.
But Silverchord has seen it before, and his words really help reassure us. Something about a night from a different time, when the night was not benevolent like our beloved Luna, but unknown and dangerous."
"We've seen a lot of strange things lately. Some of the fishers are too scared to go out to sea any more, and nopony wants to take to the waters after dark. The stars look wrong, and it feels… evil is in the air.
But Silverchord has seen it before, and his words really help reassure us. Something about a night from a different time, when the night was not benevolent like our beloved Luna, but unknown and dangerous."
>>545061
"Long story short, she's a common-born who tried- and succeeded -in passing herself off as being of noble blood, and when she was found out it ended messily.
That's not the issue, though; I actually sympathize with her. No, she's absolutely… amazing, and wonderful…
And I just feel like… how is a spoiled little colt like me going to make her happy when I can't even…?"
"Long story short, she's a common-born who tried- and succeeded -in passing herself off as being of noble blood, and when she was found out it ended messily.
That's not the issue, though; I actually sympathize with her. No, she's absolutely… amazing, and wonderful…
And I just feel like… how is a spoiled little colt like me going to make her happy when I can't even…?"
>>545105
"…so remember, hope endures. Hope survives. Hope dies last. Where there is hope, there is light, and where there is light, the night can never last forever.
The weapons of the night are as numerous as they are faceless. They sow fear in your hearts, confusion in your minds, worry in your souls and unease in your stomachs. Do not let them. They speak words of madness that drive your heads wild and your ears aflame. Close yourselves away from such.
They will take those close to you to wound your hearts, and wound your bodies when you do not expect it. So steel your hearts, and open your eyes.
Be vigilant, be skeptical, be courageous and be hopeful. For those are the bane of the eternal night. So long as these are the kinds of souls that fill Equestria, midnight can never be forever."
"…so remember, hope endures. Hope survives. Hope dies last. Where there is hope, there is light, and where there is light, the night can never last forever.
The weapons of the night are as numerous as they are faceless. They sow fear in your hearts, confusion in your minds, worry in your souls and unease in your stomachs. Do not let them. They speak words of madness that drive your heads wild and your ears aflame. Close yourselves away from such.
They will take those close to you to wound your hearts, and wound your bodies when you do not expect it. So steel your hearts, and open your eyes.
Be vigilant, be skeptical, be courageous and be hopeful. For those are the bane of the eternal night. So long as these are the kinds of souls that fill Equestria, midnight can never be forever."
>>545196
"The basket is nice but it can get a little cramped. Remind me to not put on any weight."
>>545199
Ponies are starting to leave back into their homes as the sermon comes to an end. Only a few remain to clean up around the church.
It seems this place hasn't seen much official use in years. Indeed there is no bell in the tower, and the pews have been replaced with hay bales and stools.
"The basket is nice but it can get a little cramped. Remind me to not put on any weight."
>>545199
Ponies are starting to leave back into their homes as the sermon comes to an end. Only a few remain to clean up around the church.
It seems this place hasn't seen much official use in years. Indeed there is no bell in the tower, and the pews have been replaced with hay bales and stools.
>>545324
"And I'm a crystal pony. Do you have any difficulty picturing taking me to bed?" Scrunch. "Wait, don't answer that."
"Look, if you don't believe me, here: Sit here with me, watch Dulltooth for a while, then look me in the eyes and tell me there's nothing about him you find attractive."
"And I'm a crystal pony. Do you have any difficulty picturing taking me to bed?" Scrunch. "Wait, don't answer that."
"Look, if you don't believe me, here: Sit here with me, watch Dulltooth for a while, then look me in the eyes and tell me there's nothing about him you find attractive."
>>545332
"You haven't seen the way he acts with kids, have you? Guy's a big softie underneath all that muscle. Did you know that the night we rescued you, he sat a vigil by your side the whole night? I went to check on him later, and he'd fallen asleep in his chair next to your bed, watching over you.
You're right about him being a guardian… but isn't a father supposed to act as a guardian for his family? He might be a little thickheaded at times, but so can almost any stallion.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that he's really good at se-"
Clap my hooves over my mouth and blush scarlet.
"You haven't seen the way he acts with kids, have you? Guy's a big softie underneath all that muscle. Did you know that the night we rescued you, he sat a vigil by your side the whole night? I went to check on him later, and he'd fallen asleep in his chair next to your bed, watching over you.
You're right about him being a guardian… but isn't a father supposed to act as a guardian for his family? He might be a little thickheaded at times, but so can almost any stallion.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that he's really good at se-"
Clap my hooves over my mouth and blush scarlet.
>>545345
"Well, me and Silk are together, and sometimes she likes to watch, so… she brought it up, we talked to Dulltooth, and… she got her show."
Blush harder and stare at my hooves.
"He's… really good with those paws. You think you know how it goes, and then he…
L-like I said, it was a one-time thing, nothing serious, just… working off tension."
"Well, me and Silk are together, and sometimes she likes to watch, so… she brought it up, we talked to Dulltooth, and… she got her show."
Blush harder and stare at my hooves.
"He's… really good with those paws. You think you know how it goes, and then he…
L-like I said, it was a one-time thing, nothing serious, just… working off tension."
>>545346
She cocks her head to one side
"Look son that's maybe just a little too much info.
I'm glad you and him are happy but really, I don't know if I need any part of that."
Fer slight blush and occasional glancing at Dulltooth do show that your words awoke… something in her though.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
CULTISTS
PRIESTS
AND MADNESS
She cocks her head to one side
"Look son that's maybe just a little too much info.
I'm glad you and him are happy but really, I don't know if I need any part of that."
Fer slight blush and occasional glancing at Dulltooth do show that your words awoke… something in her though.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
CULTISTS
PRIESTS
AND MADNESS
>>546002
"She is nice. Would not want to ruin what we have."
>>546005
The text seethes. Crawls. Pulses.
It is not ink on paper. It is a fragment of a dark god torn asunder, writhing in agony in a parchment prison. If it had eyes, they would stare into your soul. If it had a mouth, it would scream until the world no longer had ears.
And Whimsyshine is determined to beat it.
"She is nice. Would not want to ruin what we have."
>>546005
The text seethes. Crawls. Pulses.
It is not ink on paper. It is a fragment of a dark god torn asunder, writhing in agony in a parchment prison. If it had eyes, they would stare into your soul. If it had a mouth, it would scream until the world no longer had ears.
And Whimsyshine is determined to beat it.
>>550476
"The dark has no power over a heart filled with light. Even the tiniest fragment of light can overpower the deepest incarnation of darkness, for the more dark there is around it, the brighter that light will seem, and the more it will stand out.
So long as the good word is in their hearts… the dark will not take this place."
"The dark has no power over a heart filled with light. Even the tiniest fragment of light can overpower the deepest incarnation of darkness, for the more dark there is around it, the brighter that light will seem, and the more it will stand out.
So long as the good word is in their hearts… the dark will not take this place."
>>550479
Whisper and Silk went to the bell tower to talk to a traveling preacher.
The rest of you stayed behind on a hill out of town.
Whimsyshine is silently trying to study the Tome of Forbidden Secrets. Grandheart is keeping him company.
Calming Breeze is pacing around, casting long looks at the town below. Lady Sunset is sitting near him. Sunsong is keeping a little distance, but standing at constant attention.
>>550481
"You cannot cut the dark with a sword…"
Whisper and Silk went to the bell tower to talk to a traveling preacher.
The rest of you stayed behind on a hill out of town.
Whimsyshine is silently trying to study the Tome of Forbidden Secrets. Grandheart is keeping him company.
Calming Breeze is pacing around, casting long looks at the town below. Lady Sunset is sitting near him. Sunsong is keeping a little distance, but standing at constant attention.
>>550481
"You cannot cut the dark with a sword…"
>>550608
"I…
…might find it a little hard to know how that feels."
>>550606
>>550609
>>550611
The barmaid shrugs and walks into the back room. As she goes, a larger stallion comes out. His mane looks a little greasy and is hanging over his left eye.
He wipes a tomato peel off his shoulder and looks you over
"Oh. I see we have new arrivals.
Welcome."
"I…
…might find it a little hard to know how that feels."
>>550606
>>550609
>>550611
The barmaid shrugs and walks into the back room. As she goes, a larger stallion comes out. His mane looks a little greasy and is hanging over his left eye.
He wipes a tomato peel off his shoulder and looks you over
"Oh. I see we have new arrivals.
Welcome."
>>550640
"The quiet life.
This place never sees much action, and for some folks, that's everything they ever wanted."
>>550639
"Another merchant boat making a little pitstop before finishing their trip towards the bigger ports. A lot of them come through here on their way to Manehatten or Baltimare.
Most of 'em turn out to be troublemakers."
"The quiet life.
This place never sees much action, and for some folks, that's everything they ever wanted."
>>550639
"Another merchant boat making a little pitstop before finishing their trip towards the bigger ports. A lot of them come through here on their way to Manehatten or Baltimare.
Most of 'em turn out to be troublemakers."
>>550670
"I dunno. Some days ago maybe?
I'll be honest - things are so quiet around here I don't really notice the passage of time. I don't even have a clock."
>>550668
"Not really. Just the slow influx of people moving in, and the old timers dying out.
The only real change in a long time was that the seas got more dangerous."
"I dunno. Some days ago maybe?
I'll be honest - things are so quiet around here I don't really notice the passage of time. I don't even have a clock."
>>550668
"Not really. Just the slow influx of people moving in, and the old timers dying out.
The only real change in a long time was that the seas got more dangerous."
>>550791
>>550792
>>550793
"A room it is then."
He gives you a heavy key
"Sorry if the door's a little heavy. It is a basement after all."
He then proceeds to give some keys to the others
"You can sleep upstairs."
Finally he turns back to you
"If you need anything, do not hesitate to come look for me. But please don't make a ruckus at night. The other patrons deserve their sleep too."
>>550792
>>550793
"A room it is then."
He gives you a heavy key
"Sorry if the door's a little heavy. It is a basement after all."
He then proceeds to give some keys to the others
"You can sleep upstairs."
Finally he turns back to you
"If you need anything, do not hesitate to come look for me. But please don't make a ruckus at night. The other patrons deserve their sleep too."
>>550916
You struggle to make it back downstairs. The world around you is going nuts. The stones are peeling off the walls… the floor is falling into a gaping void under it… your eyes are filling with mist and smoke… and there is a constant wailing noise in your ears…
>>550917
He pops his head up
"Wh-who is it?"
You struggle to make it back downstairs. The world around you is going nuts. The stones are peeling off the walls… the floor is falling into a gaping void under it… your eyes are filling with mist and smoke… and there is a constant wailing noise in your ears…
>>550917
He pops his head up
"Wh-who is it?"
>>550935
You decide to give her a check as she stumbles in.
She sneezes, giving you a face full of strange powder.
…the walls look a lot less sturdy all of a sudden. Maybe you should lay down.
>>550924
You sneeze on Whisper and fall over onto a bed. Even though it looks like a slab of raw meat, it is surprisingly comfy.
>>550923
It's not much of a room just the open top of a bell tower, sans bell.
He has nothing here but a bedroll.
"Yes. My name is Silverchord.
how can I help you two?"
You decide to give her a check as she stumbles in.
She sneezes, giving you a face full of strange powder.
…the walls look a lot less sturdy all of a sudden. Maybe you should lay down.
>>550924
You sneeze on Whisper and fall over onto a bed. Even though it looks like a slab of raw meat, it is surprisingly comfy.
>>550923
It's not much of a room just the open top of a bell tower, sans bell.
He has nothing here but a bedroll.
"Yes. My name is Silverchord.
how can I help you two?"
>>550956
"I travel hither and tither. This is not my church, but it had fallen to disuse so I took up temporary residence here. It was a good place to speak to the people from."
>>550954
>>550960
Cassie goes into a coughing fit, willing the air with loose powder.
The wailing sound in your ears is starting to shift. It is becoming a strange pounding noise and the distant grinding of metal.
The air looks heavy. The walls are shedding.
You are no longer entirely sure what is real.
"I travel hither and tither. This is not my church, but it had fallen to disuse so I took up temporary residence here. It was a good place to speak to the people from."
>>550954
>>550960
Cassie goes into a coughing fit, willing the air with loose powder.
The wailing sound in your ears is starting to shift. It is becoming a strange pounding noise and the distant grinding of metal.
The air looks heavy. The walls are shedding.
You are no longer entirely sure what is real.
>>550990
"Probably just tobacco. You know how sailors are."
He clearly has no idea.
But the faint smell brings back memories of the ghostly madness you saw in Silent Lake.
>>550993
>>550994
You walk down the staircase leading up to the ground floor.
You enter the below ground ground floor.
The walls are staring at you
"Probably just tobacco. You know how sailors are."
He clearly has no idea.
But the faint smell brings back memories of the ghostly madness you saw in Silent Lake.
>>550993
>>550994
You walk down the staircase leading up to the ground floor.
You enter the below ground ground floor.
The walls are staring at you
>>550997
It's a wall bro. It can do this all day.
You can hear some shambling in the far corners of your hearing.
>>551002
The grinding metal has returned. Worryingly, it sounds like it's trying to form words now.
>>551000
You all got a room in the basement. You were woken by some violent coughing from Cassie, and now your head feels a little light.
Also, the stone basement seems to be bleeding. Somehow.
You are not entirely sure how that is even possible. But there are traces of strange powder on your nose.
>>550998
"I have come here to awaken the hearts of the citizens here. I cannot leave them defenseless in the face of the coming darkness."
It's a wall bro. It can do this all day.
You can hear some shambling in the far corners of your hearing.
>>551002
The grinding metal has returned. Worryingly, it sounds like it's trying to form words now.
>>551000
You all got a room in the basement. You were woken by some violent coughing from Cassie, and now your head feels a little light.
Also, the stone basement seems to be bleeding. Somehow.
You are not entirely sure how that is even possible. But there are traces of strange powder on your nose.
>>550998
"I have come here to awaken the hearts of the citizens here. I cannot leave them defenseless in the face of the coming darkness."
>>551007
A great tear opens in the ceiling, dripping dark sludge.
You are alone in there. The others have left you.
Lady Sunset is upstairs. But you are not sure if concepts like "up" are valid any longer.
>>551011
You turn to the stairwell behind you, grab the rope, and descend down into the well with one hoof in the bucket.
Once you reach the bottom, you see you stand among a vast ocean of water with no horizon visible.
>>551015
No. It is not a language mortal ears should ever comprehend. But it seems to be talking with someone. Or something.
>>551021
Perhaps you should find some stairs.
A great tear opens in the ceiling, dripping dark sludge.
You are alone in there. The others have left you.
Lady Sunset is upstairs. But you are not sure if concepts like "up" are valid any longer.
>>551011
You turn to the stairwell behind you, grab the rope, and descend down into the well with one hoof in the bucket.
Once you reach the bottom, you see you stand among a vast ocean of water with no horizon visible.
>>551015
No. It is not a language mortal ears should ever comprehend. But it seems to be talking with someone. Or something.
>>551021
Perhaps you should find some stairs.
>>551023
>>551024
>>551029
You all converge next to the staircase leading up.
Far up, into the darkness.
The Iron Voice in the far distance still speaks to whoever is willing to listen. It asks for ears. Ears deaf to all else. Ears long since ruined to this world. But awoken to the next.
It calls for its followers.
It calls for them to pay tribute.
>>551034
"It surrounds us all."
He annoyedly rubs his ear for a second
"And lest we learn to keep the light in our hearts strong, it will consume us all."
>>551024
>>551029
You all converge next to the staircase leading up.
Far up, into the darkness.
The Iron Voice in the far distance still speaks to whoever is willing to listen. It asks for ears. Ears deaf to all else. Ears long since ruined to this world. But awoken to the next.
It calls for its followers.
It calls for them to pay tribute.
>>551034
"It surrounds us all."
He annoyedly rubs his ear for a second
"And lest we learn to keep the light in our hearts strong, it will consume us all."
>>551051
He seems to be getting a headache
"It's… my ear.
Something is wrong about it…
Something…."
He trails off for a moment, looking entirely blank
But then snaps out of it
"…did I just…
…what did I just do?"
>>551056
>>551052
>>551049
Do you wish to climb up towards the darkness above or delve deeper into the darkness below
He seems to be getting a headache
"It's… my ear.
Something is wrong about it…
Something…."
He trails off for a moment, looking entirely blank
But then snaps out of it
"…did I just…
…what did I just do?"
>>551056
>>551052
>>551049
Do you wish to climb up towards the darkness above or delve deeper into the darkness below
>>551065
"…did I say that?
Tell me I did not say that.
What have I been saying lately?"
>>551075
You reach into yourself and touch your heart.
You come face to face with yourself in the darkness. You look concerned. Remorseful. Sad.
>>551067
>>551066
You each take a different set of stairs
The world contort around you as each step seems to be a burden. Forces beyond your control distort your understanding of the world, and while the center of your vision remains dark, the corners of your eyes catch glimpses.
Glimpses of fire. Of faces. Of voices.
>>551093
It probably has something to do with the odd powder and smoke in the air.
Roll to see how well you have resisted the effects.
>>551081
"I don't like it. Look."
He points down at the street.
Ponies are on the move. Carrying torches of dark flame. Dozens of them.
"…did I say that?
Tell me I did not say that.
What have I been saying lately?"
>>551075
You reach into yourself and touch your heart.
You come face to face with yourself in the darkness. You look concerned. Remorseful. Sad.
>>551067
>>551066
You each take a different set of stairs
The world contort around you as each step seems to be a burden. Forces beyond your control distort your understanding of the world, and while the center of your vision remains dark, the corners of your eyes catch glimpses.
Glimpses of fire. Of faces. Of voices.
>>551093
It probably has something to do with the odd powder and smoke in the air.
Roll to see how well you have resisted the effects.
>>551081
"I don't like it. Look."
He points down at the street.
Ponies are on the move. Carrying torches of dark flame. Dozens of them.
>>551099
The other you removes her cloak, revealing her disemboweled body.
Her eyes stare into yours, shaking as if they wished to be glistening with tears. But she has long since ran out of tears to shed.
"You did not keep this heart pure."
>>551098
>>551102
Cassie grabs Whisper as he proceeds to sample the barstool and walks both of you outside.
The cold sea air helps clear your heads a tiny bit, but nothing still looks even close to normal.
You can hear chanting from the streets towards the church.
>>551105
"No.
You should take these, and run. Run right now and run as far as you can.
There is no saving me any more."
He pushes a pile of papers onto you
The other you removes her cloak, revealing her disemboweled body.
Her eyes stare into yours, shaking as if they wished to be glistening with tears. But she has long since ran out of tears to shed.
"You did not keep this heart pure."
>>551098
>>551102
Cassie grabs Whisper as he proceeds to sample the barstool and walks both of you outside.
The cold sea air helps clear your heads a tiny bit, but nothing still looks even close to normal.
You can hear chanting from the streets towards the church.
>>551105
"No.
You should take these, and run. Run right now and run as far as you can.
There is no saving me any more."
He pushes a pile of papers onto you
>>551111
You awaken in a hellscape of flesh-draped walls and floors slick with bodily fluids. The mutilated bodies of dozens have been stitched over the walls, covering great gaping holes into nothingness, from which something is trying to claw its way towards you, through the bindings of flesh and skin.
Dulltooth is trying to swat away some unseen attacker.
Silk is trying her best to escape the room.
Fern is stuck inside the basket.
>>551123
>>551114
You head for the chanting, and as you turn a corner, you see half a dozen locals carrying torches of dark flame.
They are heading for the old church.
>>551117
"Throw me over the edge before I can do anything more.
I feared this would catch up with me. And now it has."
>>551119
"You let doubt gnaw your heart hollow. Anger fill that void with darkness. Fear heat that darkness to a boil. And shame make it explode throughout your body.
You let this happen."
You awaken in a hellscape of flesh-draped walls and floors slick with bodily fluids. The mutilated bodies of dozens have been stitched over the walls, covering great gaping holes into nothingness, from which something is trying to claw its way towards you, through the bindings of flesh and skin.
Dulltooth is trying to swat away some unseen attacker.
Silk is trying her best to escape the room.
Fern is stuck inside the basket.
>>551123
>>551114
You head for the chanting, and as you turn a corner, you see half a dozen locals carrying torches of dark flame.
They are heading for the old church.
>>551117
"Throw me over the edge before I can do anything more.
I feared this would catch up with me. And now it has."
>>551119
"You let doubt gnaw your heart hollow. Anger fill that void with darkness. Fear heat that darkness to a boil. And shame make it explode throughout your body.
You let this happen."
>>551135
>>551148
You can roll to see how much the sea air helped clear you up
1 - not at all
10 - stone sober
>>551137
You and cloud climb down from the tower.
But there is no need to search far. They are coming for the church.
>>551138
You swat at thin air, slip on the floor and fall over backwards, through one of the flesh coverings and out the door.
You see Fire Blossom hugging herself out in the seemingly endless void
>>551145
She feels cold and clammy
"Do not let yourself become me. Do not let your heart be lost like mine was.
Because the heart is our greatest strength, and greatest weakness. Whether we be ponies of the light, or monsters of the dark."
>>551148
You can roll to see how much the sea air helped clear you up
1 - not at all
10 - stone sober
>>551137
You and cloud climb down from the tower.
But there is no need to search far. They are coming for the church.
>>551138
You swat at thin air, slip on the floor and fall over backwards, through one of the flesh coverings and out the door.
You see Fire Blossom hugging herself out in the seemingly endless void
>>551145
She feels cold and clammy
"Do not let yourself become me. Do not let your heart be lost like mine was.
Because the heart is our greatest strength, and greatest weakness. Whether we be ponies of the light, or monsters of the dark."
>>551152
The world is not entirely right yet, but at least you can make some sense of it.
The townsfolk seem to all be cultists, and a dozen of them are headed for the church.
Sounds of battle further down the docks area implies that this was not all that is happening.
>>551155
The faceless beasts of the deepest abyss have risen to take their vengeance upon this world. Clothed in black flames and speaking in a language composed entirely of mad screams, this endless legion marches onwards with an intent to devour the great spire of flesh jutting from the landscape like a perverse monument to gluttony and lust.
>>551172
You do.
But you yourself must choose to let go of your hollow self. Betray what little trust it may have in you. Let it fall back into the shadows inside you. And be forgotten forever.
>>551163
She just… stands there.
>>551159
The innkeeper stands among them
"The time of sacrifice is upon us once more.
The dark must feed."
The world is not entirely right yet, but at least you can make some sense of it.
The townsfolk seem to all be cultists, and a dozen of them are headed for the church.
Sounds of battle further down the docks area implies that this was not all that is happening.
>>551155
The faceless beasts of the deepest abyss have risen to take their vengeance upon this world. Clothed in black flames and speaking in a language composed entirely of mad screams, this endless legion marches onwards with an intent to devour the great spire of flesh jutting from the landscape like a perverse monument to gluttony and lust.
>>551172
You do.
But you yourself must choose to let go of your hollow self. Betray what little trust it may have in you. Let it fall back into the shadows inside you. And be forgotten forever.
>>551163
She just… stands there.
>>551159
The innkeeper stands among them
"The time of sacrifice is upon us once more.
The dark must feed."
>>551197
Careful where you put those hooves mister.
>>551188
You carefully lift up her hollow heart and fold it back together. You take her hoof and place it in it, and then, together, you help it back in place, and seal it where it belongs.
The other you looks into your eyes with a glimmer of hope in her smile
"Remember this. It will save you later."
She then finally returns your hug and fades away.
>>551189
You see Cloud rocket out of the top of the tower as you charge the innkeeper and send him flying, splattering teeth and blood on the cobblestone road.
>>551193
>>551186
You charge in from the side, pushing back a couple of other cultists.
This battle seems rather stacked against you with your current odds. Do you wish to stand your ground here?
Careful where you put those hooves mister.
>>551188
You carefully lift up her hollow heart and fold it back together. You take her hoof and place it in it, and then, together, you help it back in place, and seal it where it belongs.
The other you looks into your eyes with a glimmer of hope in her smile
"Remember this. It will save you later."
She then finally returns your hug and fades away.
>>551189
You see Cloud rocket out of the top of the tower as you charge the innkeeper and send him flying, splattering teeth and blood on the cobblestone road.
>>551193
>>551186
You charge in from the side, pushing back a couple of other cultists.
This battle seems rather stacked against you with your current odds. Do you wish to stand your ground here?
>>551213
You, Ember and his minions are in the basement.
The others are topside.
You can hear a fight is going on.
>>551222
She is whimpering in a corner, swatting at something.
>>551209
>>551212
>>551215
Coral's massive swing lands far too wide, and she falls over before getting jumped by a cultist.
Whisper gets kicked in the chin before he can launch into a flurry
And Cassie trips over her own pants.
Things are not looking too good.
You, Ember and his minions are in the basement.
The others are topside.
You can hear a fight is going on.
>>551222
She is whimpering in a corner, swatting at something.
>>551209
>>551212
>>551215
Coral's massive swing lands far too wide, and she falls over before getting jumped by a cultist.
Whisper gets kicked in the chin before he can launch into a flurry
And Cassie trips over her own pants.
Things are not looking too good.
>>551232
Your head has cleared enough that you can understand the structure of the stairwell. Soon enough you burst out the inn door and into the streets.
You can hear fighting towards the church, and down by the piers.
>>551233
>>551240
Everyone is back up on their feet.
Even the innkeeper, despite his fractured skull.
"Yes. Fear us. Run.
It will make your souls all the sweeter."
Your head has cleared enough that you can understand the structure of the stairwell. Soon enough you burst out the inn door and into the streets.
You can hear fighting towards the church, and down by the piers.
>>551233
>>551240
Everyone is back up on their feet.
Even the innkeeper, despite his fractured skull.
"Yes. Fear us. Run.
It will make your souls all the sweeter."
>>551248
You rush for the church and see Cassie, Coral and Whisper fighting a group of cultists
>>551254
You probably should be.
You get clobbered with an oar
>>551252
The sounds are returning. The terrible, terrible sounds.
The voice that speaks from beyond the immeasurable depths. The will of a monster you can never begin to comprehend.
All you know, is that it guides them.
And soon it may guide you.
>>551251
You yank Cassie, Coral and Blossom with you into the church and jam the door with a nearby wood beam.
This should buy you a short moment at least.
There isn't much in the church. Just some stools. an old altar, and the ladder to the old bell tower.
You rush for the church and see Cassie, Coral and Whisper fighting a group of cultists
>>551254
You probably should be.
You get clobbered with an oar
>>551252
The sounds are returning. The terrible, terrible sounds.
The voice that speaks from beyond the immeasurable depths. The will of a monster you can never begin to comprehend.
All you know, is that it guides them.
And soon it may guide you.
>>551251
You yank Cassie, Coral and Blossom with you into the church and jam the door with a nearby wood beam.
This should buy you a short moment at least.
There isn't much in the church. Just some stools. an old altar, and the ladder to the old bell tower.
>>551272
She seems frightened by your sudden approach
"Please! No!
I'll… I'll do whatever you want!"
>>551269
After a lot of effort you manage to stack two stools on top of one another, and spend a moment to reflect on how proud that made you feel.
>>551264
>>551266
The pounding at the door intensifies, but you hear a loud thump from the top of the bell tower, and soon see Cloudcover sliding down the ladder
"I found the others! They saved the merchant crew from being sacrificed, and are now trying to hold the cultists back on the merchant boat with what they have left. We need to get there so we can get out of here!
I can-"
>>551275
In blind rage you swing out wildly and land a hard hit, forcing Cloudcover to cut his explanation into a pained groan.
She seems frightened by your sudden approach
"Please! No!
I'll… I'll do whatever you want!"
>>551269
After a lot of effort you manage to stack two stools on top of one another, and spend a moment to reflect on how proud that made you feel.
>>551264
>>551266
The pounding at the door intensifies, but you hear a loud thump from the top of the bell tower, and soon see Cloudcover sliding down the ladder
"I found the others! They saved the merchant crew from being sacrificed, and are now trying to hold the cultists back on the merchant boat with what they have left. We need to get there so we can get out of here!
I can-"
>>551275
In blind rage you swing out wildly and land a hard hit, forcing Cloudcover to cut his explanation into a pained groan.
>>551311
They are on the other side of the door, and outnumber you by a considerable amount.
>>551316
You climb the tower, and can see Ember in the streets below
>>551315
While not much remains here, you could probably easily rig some of the old tapestries to fall on any who enter. If they have torches, they will all be under burning blankets in seconds.
Or you could take some loose stones up to the tower and drop them on any who climb the ladder.
They are on the other side of the door, and outnumber you by a considerable amount.
>>551316
You climb the tower, and can see Ember in the streets below
>>551315
While not much remains here, you could probably easily rig some of the old tapestries to fall on any who enter. If they have torches, they will all be under burning blankets in seconds.
Or you could take some loose stones up to the tower and drop them on any who climb the ladder.
>>551325
You end up getting tangled up in the tapestry hopelessly.
>>551326
They are still trying to break in, slowly starting to encircle the church.
You might be able to yell instructions down to Ember if you tried. Perhaps he could get to the pier to warn the other party at the ship if you don't want to send Cloudcover.
>>551327
You see a large bunch of Cultists trying to break down the door, and Fire Blossom up in the bell tower.
You end up getting tangled up in the tapestry hopelessly.
>>551326
They are still trying to break in, slowly starting to encircle the church.
You might be able to yell instructions down to Ember if you tried. Perhaps he could get to the pier to warn the other party at the ship if you don't want to send Cloudcover.
>>551327
You see a large bunch of Cultists trying to break down the door, and Fire Blossom up in the bell tower.
>>551337
You set the tapestry up over the door.
On the plus side, this will catch fire neatly.
On the negative side, so will most of the church soon after.
>>551335
>>551343
You got the gist of it.
You should go get help from the pier.
Silk shakes her head
"No. I'm coming with you."
>>551340
He groans and tries to flap his wings
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
You set the tapestry up over the door.
On the plus side, this will catch fire neatly.
On the negative side, so will most of the church soon after.
>>551335
>>551343
You got the gist of it.
You should go get help from the pier.
Silk shakes her head
"No. I'm coming with you."
>>551340
He groans and tries to flap his wings
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>551352
There is a whole lot of rope available here.
>>551355
You rush through the streets, seeing more Cultists coming out of their houses.
You rush down the far piers towards the sounds of battle, and soon find a few more cultists trying to fight their way onto the only larger ship in there, being held back by Grandheart.
>>551356
"Yes. I will."
He leaps off the tower and flies towards the far pier
>>551357
For a moment, nothing happens.
Then, down the road, you see a flash of light, and hear a thundering warcry
"SUN!"
Help is on its way.
Try to hold the line.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
SHIPPING
SHOPPING
AND SHAGGING
There is a whole lot of rope available here.
>>551355
You rush through the streets, seeing more Cultists coming out of their houses.
You rush down the far piers towards the sounds of battle, and soon find a few more cultists trying to fight their way onto the only larger ship in there, being held back by Grandheart.
>>551356
"Yes. I will."
He leaps off the tower and flies towards the far pier
>>551357
For a moment, nothing happens.
Then, down the road, you see a flash of light, and hear a thundering warcry
"SUN!"
Help is on its way.
Try to hold the line.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
SHIPPING
SHOPPING
AND SHAGGING