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The party has barricaded itself inside the Old Church in Marenburg, with a ton of angry Cultists trying to break down the door.
Ember and Cloudcover have rushed to the Docks, where the others are trying to fight off more cultists in order to escape via a merchant ship.
Glorious Grace and Sweet Potato have shown up as well, and started fighting the cultists near the church.
Escaping to the boat might be the best chance everyone has.
Ember and Cloudcover have rushed to the Docks, where the others are trying to fight off more cultists in order to escape via a merchant ship.
Glorious Grace and Sweet Potato have shown up as well, and started fighting the cultists near the church.
Escaping to the boat might be the best chance everyone has.
>>551514
With a single swing, you blast the entire apart, sending great jagged splinters raining upon the unarmored cultists outside. A few of them go flying from the initial shockwave and a couple of others are fatally impaled by large debris. The deafening blast silences their chanting, and for a moment all stands still in awe of your fury.
With a single swing, you blast the entire apart, sending great jagged splinters raining upon the unarmored cultists outside. A few of them go flying from the initial shockwave and a couple of others are fatally impaled by large debris. The deafening blast silences their chanting, and for a moment all stands still in awe of your fury.
>>551523
You throw a dagger, but misjudge your aim and hit a wall. The dagger ricochets off it
>>551522
You walk up to coral and prepare to help her up, but get hit in the flank with a dagger, making you fall
>>551524
You try to get up, but Blossom collapses right on top of you.
Outside, a massive blast shakes the walls of the entire church as Grace strikes another mighty blow against the cultists. But this is not all you hear. Shortly afterwards, a dark, hollow laugh so deep it seems to resonate inside your very bones fills the air, and a great shadow rises above the masses.
It seems the dark has sent an emissary to aid these poor fools.
You might want to make peace with your gods now.
You throw a dagger, but misjudge your aim and hit a wall. The dagger ricochets off it
>>551522
You walk up to coral and prepare to help her up, but get hit in the flank with a dagger, making you fall
>>551524
You try to get up, but Blossom collapses right on top of you.
Outside, a massive blast shakes the walls of the entire church as Grace strikes another mighty blow against the cultists. But this is not all you hear. Shortly afterwards, a dark, hollow laugh so deep it seems to resonate inside your very bones fills the air, and a great shadow rises above the masses.
It seems the dark has sent an emissary to aid these poor fools.
You might want to make peace with your gods now.
>>551521
Both of them are here.
It seems not many cultists remain, but the four of you may help tip the scales before Grandheart and the others tire out.
>>551527
>>551526
In a moment of inspiration, you struggle back to your hooves.
You may make a stand here in the church, charge outside to take the battle to the streets, or climb up to the tower, from which you can always hop down to the rooftops.
Both of them are here.
It seems not many cultists remain, but the four of you may help tip the scales before Grandheart and the others tire out.
>>551527
>>551526
In a moment of inspiration, you struggle back to your hooves.
You may make a stand here in the church, charge outside to take the battle to the streets, or climb up to the tower, from which you can always hop down to the rooftops.
>>551537
She pulls her knife
"I'd rather die fighting than live in a world they want to make."
>>551530
You slam into the back ranks of the cultists, and Dulltooth picks one up, throwing him into the sea.
Cloudcover also crashes into one of the remaining cultists near Grandheart
"I told you I'd be back.
Get the ship ready, The church is under siege."
>>551536
You open up with a furious blast, opening the way for Whisper
>>551533
>>551534
>>551535
Like a storm of steel you leap from cultist to cultist, slashing and stabbing, carving out a path through their bodies until your blades hit something far too much for you to simply rip through.
As you raise your gaze, you see a towering monstrosity before you. It looks like a great mass of bodies melded together into a single shape, with three great heads looking in different directions at the top.
It has no front nor back, for it looks in every direction, and its entire surface seems covered in limbs. Some holding weapons, others holding shields, signs, masonry or other objects for protection.
In its mouths, great blades of rusted iron jut out and grind together, giving it a voice of tortured metal.
With a flick of one of its many arms, it tosses Whisper against the church wall, and lets loose a tortured wail with its Iron Voice.
#BOSS: Iron Voice
She pulls her knife
"I'd rather die fighting than live in a world they want to make."
>>551530
You slam into the back ranks of the cultists, and Dulltooth picks one up, throwing him into the sea.
Cloudcover also crashes into one of the remaining cultists near Grandheart
"I told you I'd be back.
Get the ship ready, The church is under siege."
>>551536
You open up with a furious blast, opening the way for Whisper
>>551533
>>551534
>>551535
Like a storm of steel you leap from cultist to cultist, slashing and stabbing, carving out a path through their bodies until your blades hit something far too much for you to simply rip through.
As you raise your gaze, you see a towering monstrosity before you. It looks like a great mass of bodies melded together into a single shape, with three great heads looking in different directions at the top.
It has no front nor back, for it looks in every direction, and its entire surface seems covered in limbs. Some holding weapons, others holding shields, signs, masonry or other objects for protection.
In its mouths, great blades of rusted iron jut out and grind together, giving it a voice of tortured metal.
With a flick of one of its many arms, it tosses Whisper against the church wall, and lets loose a tortured wail with its Iron Voice.
#BOSS: Iron Voice
>>551539
You can't really find the right tone for that inspiration.
Dulltooth punches one of the cultists in the neck, then throws it down into the street with a hard THUD.
Silk sinks her knife into the thigh of one of the cultists and pulls up, ripping the entire leg open, and then proceeds to kick at him as he falls over.
>>551540
You manage to duck a few swings from a limb holding a large tree branch club, and break the elbow on it, rendering the arm useless
>>551540
>>551541
>>551542
Whisper and Coral are back up to health.
…looking at the sheer towering size of that thing, trying to slash at its legs might not be the best of solutions.
Sweet Potato is trying to get Grace to fall back
"We need to find a better place to fight it! There is no way we can just stay here! We'll be overwhelmed!"
"THE SUN WILL KEEP US SAFE!"
"NO IT WON'T! STOP BEING CRAZY AND THINK FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!"
You can't really find the right tone for that inspiration.
Dulltooth punches one of the cultists in the neck, then throws it down into the street with a hard THUD.
Silk sinks her knife into the thigh of one of the cultists and pulls up, ripping the entire leg open, and then proceeds to kick at him as he falls over.
>>551540
You manage to duck a few swings from a limb holding a large tree branch club, and break the elbow on it, rendering the arm useless
>>551540
>>551541
>>551542
Whisper and Coral are back up to health.
…looking at the sheer towering size of that thing, trying to slash at its legs might not be the best of solutions.
Sweet Potato is trying to get Grace to fall back
"We need to find a better place to fight it! There is no way we can just stay here! We'll be overwhelmed!"
"THE SUN WILL KEEP US SAFE!"
"NO IT WON'T! STOP BEING CRAZY AND THINK FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE!"
>>551544
While the creation of the Iron Voice consumed many cultists, the few that still remain prove to have fight left in them.
You take a hard hit on the nose.
>>551545
You raise your voice to the heavens and demand they answer.
And the heavens hear you.
A single focused beam of sunlight forces itself over the horizon, hitting your heart. From there, it explodes into a massive shockwave of divine fire, searing unholy flesh from tainted bone, extinguishing the torches of black flame, and splattering cultists against every nearby hard surface.
So long as there is light in your heart, no darkness can stand before it.
The few who survive look on in terror, and cannot help but envy the dead.
>>551548
You leap at its legs. Its hundreds of legs. And suffer many kicks in return.
>>551547
Primrose calmly evades its smashing blows, and manages to disable another arm.
It looks rather heavy. Perhaps if you took it to the pier, you could get it to fall into the water and drown.
>>551546
You leap at a cultist, but just miss by inches, suffering a hard hit to your back in return.
Dulltooth tries to slam a cultist but instead falls off the pier into the water.
Silk jams her knife between the legs of one of the remaining cultists and rips it loose with a terrifying war cry.
Only a few cultists remain now.
While the creation of the Iron Voice consumed many cultists, the few that still remain prove to have fight left in them.
You take a hard hit on the nose.
>>551545
You raise your voice to the heavens and demand they answer.
And the heavens hear you.
A single focused beam of sunlight forces itself over the horizon, hitting your heart. From there, it explodes into a massive shockwave of divine fire, searing unholy flesh from tainted bone, extinguishing the torches of black flame, and splattering cultists against every nearby hard surface.
So long as there is light in your heart, no darkness can stand before it.
The few who survive look on in terror, and cannot help but envy the dead.
>>551548
You leap at its legs. Its hundreds of legs. And suffer many kicks in return.
>>551547
Primrose calmly evades its smashing blows, and manages to disable another arm.
It looks rather heavy. Perhaps if you took it to the pier, you could get it to fall into the water and drown.
>>551546
You leap at a cultist, but just miss by inches, suffering a hard hit to your back in return.
Dulltooth tries to slam a cultist but instead falls off the pier into the water.
Silk jams her knife between the legs of one of the remaining cultists and rips it loose with a terrifying war cry.
Only a few cultists remain now.
>>551550
You charge under the beast, and end up getting trampled by countless legs
>>551551
>>551553
>>551557
You pull Coral up and begin to fall back towards the Docks. However, Jonica gets hit by a thrown chunk of masonry as you run, leaving him pinned.
>>551554
Dulltooth manages to swim to shore, but you finally go down. Silk rushes to aid you up.
Grandheart and Cloudcover finish off the remaining cultists.
"Looks like the way is clear."
"Where are the others?"
You charge under the beast, and end up getting trampled by countless legs
>>551551
>>551553
>>551557
You pull Coral up and begin to fall back towards the Docks. However, Jonica gets hit by a thrown chunk of masonry as you run, leaving him pinned.
>>551554
Dulltooth manages to swim to shore, but you finally go down. Silk rushes to aid you up.
Grandheart and Cloudcover finish off the remaining cultists.
"Looks like the way is clear."
"Where are the others?"
>>551560
"At least focus on attacking the same side. It has to commit to attacks instead of flailing wildly, you'll see plenty of opening that way."
>>551561
"You can burn it after the water takes away its life!"
>>551562
>>551563
Try to get up with Whisper's help. '1d10'
Primrose bolsters Coral up.
Roll #1 4 = 4
"At least focus on attacking the same side. It has to commit to attacks instead of flailing wildly, you'll see plenty of opening that way."
>>551561
"You can burn it after the water takes away its life!"
>>551562
>>551563
Try to get up with Whisper's help. '1d10'
Primrose bolsters Coral up.
Roll #1 4 = 4
>>551563
>>551564
>>551565
>>551566
>>551569
The retreat is less than glorious.
The Iron Voice's unholy words ring in your ears as it pelts you with rocks it rips from buildings it passes, leaving you bruised and winded by the time you reach the docks.
The Iron Voice shows no sign of slowing down nor shutting up, but new hope is in sight as you see the others preparing the merchant ship to set sail.
Cloudcover flies over to you
"I was getting worried. Do we have a plan?
The ship has some cannons but limited ammo."
>>551567
It seems you are almost correct. As they just made it to the docks on their own and WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT GIANT THING BEHIND THEM!?
>>551564
>>551565
>>551566
>>551569
The retreat is less than glorious.
The Iron Voice's unholy words ring in your ears as it pelts you with rocks it rips from buildings it passes, leaving you bruised and winded by the time you reach the docks.
The Iron Voice shows no sign of slowing down nor shutting up, but new hope is in sight as you see the others preparing the merchant ship to set sail.
Cloudcover flies over to you
"I was getting worried. Do we have a plan?
The ship has some cannons but limited ammo."
>>551567
It seems you are almost correct. As they just made it to the docks on their own and WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT GIANT THING BEHIND THEM!?
>>551571
>>551572
"Understood!
PREP THE GUNS!"
The merchants and other party rush to get the guns ready.
Each of the 5 guns will be ready once it hits 11 in total prep
'5d10'
>>551574
The thing, towering well above the rooftops of the town, smashes you under its countless legs and kicks your helpless body off the dock.
Cloudcover dives in to haul you back up
>>551575
The massive monster grabs Dulltooth and wrings him like a sponge, cracking ribs and dislocating limbs.
His screams, and those of Fern, make you freeze up in terror, only serving to demoralize the others further
#-1 to all rolls next turn!
Silk grabs a large hook used to lift cargo off ships and climbs up some boxes onto a roof. From there she throws the hook at one of the Iron Voice's heads, jamming it between the blades in its mouth. She then leaps down from the rooftop while holding onto the rope, forcing the Iron Voice to pull back
>>551573
You focus the last light of the sun into a focused burst and hurl it like a great spear into the beast's many chests, causing it to bounce around inside it.
For a moment, the monster seems exhausted…
Roll #1 4, 6, 6, 1, 2 = 19
>>551572
"Understood!
PREP THE GUNS!"
The merchants and other party rush to get the guns ready.
Each of the 5 guns will be ready once it hits 11 in total prep
'5d10'
>>551574
The thing, towering well above the rooftops of the town, smashes you under its countless legs and kicks your helpless body off the dock.
Cloudcover dives in to haul you back up
>>551575
The massive monster grabs Dulltooth and wrings him like a sponge, cracking ribs and dislocating limbs.
His screams, and those of Fern, make you freeze up in terror, only serving to demoralize the others further
#-1 to all rolls next turn!
Silk grabs a large hook used to lift cargo off ships and climbs up some boxes onto a roof. From there she throws the hook at one of the Iron Voice's heads, jamming it between the blades in its mouth. She then leaps down from the rooftop while holding onto the rope, forcing the Iron Voice to pull back
>>551573
You focus the last light of the sun into a focused burst and hurl it like a great spear into the beast's many chests, causing it to bounce around inside it.
For a moment, the monster seems exhausted…
Roll #1 4, 6, 6, 1, 2 = 19
>>551586
Dulltooth is struggling, and Silk hesitates at the last second, causing her to get kicked.
Your strike lands true through, wounding yet another of its many arms
>>551585
Primrose aids Dulltooth up and gives him support, but you find it hard to stand.
>>551583
"I can try."
However he has trouble evading its swatting attacks, let alone find a good landing spot
>>551580
You prepare a substitute.
Let them come. You are now ready.
>>551579
You know where its heart is now. And a heart filled with light is anathema to the dark.
Reaching out to this dark heart inside its monstrous shell, you focus the good in you into a searing flame that purges corruption, cleansing its foul insides.
Like a rotting flower of flesh and ichor the three sides of the Iron Voice split apart and fold down, revealing a central column of corrupted flesh supporting its malformed heart. Great webs of pulsing veins connect the heart to each of the sides, keeping them from fully slumping down. But the heads are now on your level at long last.
>>551578
The merchants load up their cannons with confidence, but Whimsyshine and Grandheart are having some trouble with the other ones.
Cannon 1: 4/11
Cannon 2: 6/11
Cannon 3: 6/11
Cannon 4: 1/11
Cannon 5: 2/11
'5d10'
>>551590
The party has fallen back to the docks, where they now face off against the Iron Voice - a hulking monster made from dozens of fused cultists, topped with three great heads that speak by grinding the iron blades in their mouths together.
This monster, covered in arms and carried by dozens of legs, tore apart buildings as it chased you, hurling masonry and trees. Now its body has been split open, revealing its central heart in the middle, and leaving the heads flopping around it like a half-peeled banana.
Roll #1 5, 7, 2, 6, 2 = 22
Dulltooth is struggling, and Silk hesitates at the last second, causing her to get kicked.
Your strike lands true through, wounding yet another of its many arms
>>551585
Primrose aids Dulltooth up and gives him support, but you find it hard to stand.
>>551583
"I can try."
However he has trouble evading its swatting attacks, let alone find a good landing spot
>>551580
You prepare a substitute.
Let them come. You are now ready.
>>551579
You know where its heart is now. And a heart filled with light is anathema to the dark.
Reaching out to this dark heart inside its monstrous shell, you focus the good in you into a searing flame that purges corruption, cleansing its foul insides.
Like a rotting flower of flesh and ichor the three sides of the Iron Voice split apart and fold down, revealing a central column of corrupted flesh supporting its malformed heart. Great webs of pulsing veins connect the heart to each of the sides, keeping them from fully slumping down. But the heads are now on your level at long last.
>>551578
The merchants load up their cannons with confidence, but Whimsyshine and Grandheart are having some trouble with the other ones.
Cannon 1: 4/11
Cannon 2: 6/11
Cannon 3: 6/11
Cannon 4: 1/11
Cannon 5: 2/11
'5d10'
>>551590
The party has fallen back to the docks, where they now face off against the Iron Voice - a hulking monster made from dozens of fused cultists, topped with three great heads that speak by grinding the iron blades in their mouths together.
This monster, covered in arms and carried by dozens of legs, tore apart buildings as it chased you, hurling masonry and trees. Now its body has been split open, revealing its central heart in the middle, and leaving the heads flopping around it like a half-peeled banana.
Roll #1 5, 7, 2, 6, 2 = 22
>>551593
Technically.
But everyone seems keen on fighting it.
>>551594
>>551595
>>551596
You charge in, running up the countless arms, cutting each in turn, leaping from peeled side to side, kicking the heads into the stones below, dulling their blades and distorting their voices. It is not until you try to strike at the heart itself that it unleashes a mighty pulse of darkness, blasting you away.
>>551598
The dark pulse hits all three of you as well, sending you flying onto the ship, landing in a helpless pile.
>>551601
Primrose keeps up the attack, but you may have dislocated something…
>>551597
You stand firm before the dark pulse, staring into it as it advances, witnessing the thousands of tortured faces drawn into it. And you refuse to blink.
You spin your halberd, and with a mighty cry throw it, watching it ignite as it flies.
>>551600
Cloudcover swoops down and drops you off onto Blossom's Halberd as it flies past, allowing you to surf it through the air and together with it land a double edged attack on the heart, making the entire monster collapse for a moment
"CANNON TWO READY TO FIRE!"
Cannon 1: 9/11
Cannon 2: READY
Cannon 3: 8/11
Cannon 4: 7/11
Cannon 5: 4/11
'4d10'
Roll #1 5, 4, 10, 9 = 28
Technically.
But everyone seems keen on fighting it.
>>551594
>>551595
>>551596
You charge in, running up the countless arms, cutting each in turn, leaping from peeled side to side, kicking the heads into the stones below, dulling their blades and distorting their voices. It is not until you try to strike at the heart itself that it unleashes a mighty pulse of darkness, blasting you away.
>>551598
The dark pulse hits all three of you as well, sending you flying onto the ship, landing in a helpless pile.
>>551601
Primrose keeps up the attack, but you may have dislocated something…
>>551597
You stand firm before the dark pulse, staring into it as it advances, witnessing the thousands of tortured faces drawn into it. And you refuse to blink.
You spin your halberd, and with a mighty cry throw it, watching it ignite as it flies.
>>551600
Cloudcover swoops down and drops you off onto Blossom's Halberd as it flies past, allowing you to surf it through the air and together with it land a double edged attack on the heart, making the entire monster collapse for a moment
"CANNON TWO READY TO FIRE!"
Cannon 1: 9/11
Cannon 2: READY
Cannon 3: 8/11
Cannon 4: 7/11
Cannon 5: 4/11
'4d10'
Roll #1 5, 4, 10, 9 = 28
>>551629
Your ninja-like ruse takes the gods themselves by surprise, as your helpless form turns out to be nothing more than a bag of sand!
You fall from an unexpected angle, leaving a deep cut in the heart as you drop past it
>>551632
Primrose sets up to help you back onto your feet
>>551631
I'll try to remember next time.
>>551631
>>551633
>>551636
The beast stirs one more and unleashes a second blast, which rocks the entire ship and buckles the walls of nearby houses.
You are thrown around like scraps of paper in a storm, but the merchant crew quickly sets their sights again.
"FIRE!"
'5d10'
Roll #1 8, 3, 7, 2, 2 = 22
Your ninja-like ruse takes the gods themselves by surprise, as your helpless form turns out to be nothing more than a bag of sand!
You fall from an unexpected angle, leaving a deep cut in the heart as you drop past it
>>551632
Primrose sets up to help you back onto your feet
>>551631
I'll try to remember next time.
>>551631
>>551633
>>551636
The beast stirs one more and unleashes a second blast, which rocks the entire ship and buckles the walls of nearby houses.
You are thrown around like scraps of paper in a storm, but the merchant crew quickly sets their sights again.
"FIRE!"
'5d10'
Roll #1 8, 3, 7, 2, 2 = 22
>>551642
Three cannonballs miss their mark, hitting parts of the town instead.
But two find their way as if guided by Celestia herself. The central heart is severed from the sides in a great shower of dark ichor, and the fleshy peel falls off entirely, revealing just the final inner monster, a great tower of exposed flesh, pulsing with dark energy and stumbling around unsteadily on a few remaining legs.
It looks weak and unstable. But also clearly full of barely contained power.
>>551644
>>551646
Ember is back up, along with Silk, but Dulltooth is still hurting.
>>551645
Cloudcover flies down to try and aid you '1d10'
>>551649
Approaching the pillar turns out to be unwise. The sheer radiating power lashes out at you like a bolt of lightning, nearly flooring you for simply going close to it.
>>551650
>>551652
Another arcing bolt slams into you, knocing you off your feet.
Primrose, lacking a true heart, can easily walk up to it and attack it however, making it quiver and stumble.
Whimsyshine is trying to read his book as best he can in hopes of finding a solution. '1d10'
And Grace has finally caught up to you, and sees a chance for glory
"SUN!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 2 = 2 / Roll #3 10 = 10
Three cannonballs miss their mark, hitting parts of the town instead.
But two find their way as if guided by Celestia herself. The central heart is severed from the sides in a great shower of dark ichor, and the fleshy peel falls off entirely, revealing just the final inner monster, a great tower of exposed flesh, pulsing with dark energy and stumbling around unsteadily on a few remaining legs.
It looks weak and unstable. But also clearly full of barely contained power.
>>551644
>>551646
Ember is back up, along with Silk, but Dulltooth is still hurting.
>>551645
Cloudcover flies down to try and aid you '1d10'
>>551649
Approaching the pillar turns out to be unwise. The sheer radiating power lashes out at you like a bolt of lightning, nearly flooring you for simply going close to it.
>>551650
>>551652
Another arcing bolt slams into you, knocing you off your feet.
Primrose, lacking a true heart, can easily walk up to it and attack it however, making it quiver and stumble.
Whimsyshine is trying to read his book as best he can in hopes of finding a solution. '1d10'
And Grace has finally caught up to you, and sees a chance for glory
"SUN!"
'1d10'
Roll #1 7 = 7 / Roll #2 2 = 2 / Roll #3 10 = 10
>>551655
Whimsyshine is at a loss.
But Grace's sheer righteous fury seems to make him immune to the bolts of darkness, as he hurls his weapon at it, making the pillar discharge a massive burst of energy into thin air, weakening itself considerably.
>>551657
You leap back up, and are in a great position to strike
>>551658
You go help Dulltooth back up
>>551661
And you stand up as well, as Primrose cleaves a few legs out from under the pillar
>>551662
"I'm here for you. Lets end this."
Whimsyshine is at a loss.
But Grace's sheer righteous fury seems to make him immune to the bolts of darkness, as he hurls his weapon at it, making the pillar discharge a massive burst of energy into thin air, weakening itself considerably.
>>551657
You leap back up, and are in a great position to strike
>>551658
You go help Dulltooth back up
>>551661
And you stand up as well, as Primrose cleaves a few legs out from under the pillar
>>551662
"I'm here for you. Lets end this."
>>551670
>>551671
>>551672
>>551674
As the beast tries to gather itself for one final retaliation, you charge in. Raining blows from all sides, you stagger the wobbly tower of unholy flesh until it begins to tear and topple, the bodies that fused to make it unraveling before your eyes and slumping down across the dock. In a screaming explosion of dark energy, the Iron Voice is silenced forever.
>>551673
Or, almost.
One body lands close to you. That of the Innkeeper.
His coat has melted away, and his skin is distorted, but you can still clearly make out his face. His eyes, wild in terror and anger, focus on yours, and his lips contort to whisper one final curse.
May your heart rot in darkness
His exposed, swollen heart then beats its last, and explodes in a shower of dark blood all over you. He dies with a cruel smile on his face.
The Iron Voice is dead.
The few cultists that still remained are staring at the scene in awe and terror from the streets and windows. Not a single pair of eyes can believe what they just witnessed.
The darkness sent them a herald. And it has been slain.
Is this… the beginning of their end?
>>551671
>>551672
>>551674
As the beast tries to gather itself for one final retaliation, you charge in. Raining blows from all sides, you stagger the wobbly tower of unholy flesh until it begins to tear and topple, the bodies that fused to make it unraveling before your eyes and slumping down across the dock. In a screaming explosion of dark energy, the Iron Voice is silenced forever.
>>551673
Or, almost.
One body lands close to you. That of the Innkeeper.
His coat has melted away, and his skin is distorted, but you can still clearly make out his face. His eyes, wild in terror and anger, focus on yours, and his lips contort to whisper one final curse.
May your heart rot in darkness
His exposed, swollen heart then beats its last, and explodes in a shower of dark blood all over you. He dies with a cruel smile on his face.
The Iron Voice is dead.
The few cultists that still remained are staring at the scene in awe and terror from the streets and windows. Not a single pair of eyes can believe what they just witnessed.
The darkness sent them a herald. And it has been slain.
Is this… the beginning of their end?
>>551692
>>551695
The cultists seem extremely hesitant to do anything right about now.
Some are extinguishing their dark torches.
Others are making a run for it.
>>551697
You leap right onto her, pushing her over onto the still sleek wood of the docks, passionately making out with her in plain sight of everyone, friend and foe.
>>551703
It was merely a dislocated shoulder. An easy fix if there ever was one.
>>551695
The cultists seem extremely hesitant to do anything right about now.
Some are extinguishing their dark torches.
Others are making a run for it.
>>551697
You leap right onto her, pushing her over onto the still sleek wood of the docks, passionately making out with her in plain sight of everyone, friend and foe.
>>551703
It was merely a dislocated shoulder. An easy fix if there ever was one.
>>551755
Smile and lean in for another kiss. '1d10'
"It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
However," whisper in her ear. "As much as I wouldn't mind ramming into you until your eyes started rolling right here in full view of everyone…
I don't exactly want them all to see how I'll probably blow my load instantly."
Smirk up at her.
"So… shall we find somewhere a bit more… private?"
Roll #1 2 = 2
Smile and lean in for another kiss. '1d10'
"It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
However," whisper in her ear. "As much as I wouldn't mind ramming into you until your eyes started rolling right here in full view of everyone…
I don't exactly want them all to see how I'll probably blow my load instantly."
Smirk up at her.
"So… shall we find somewhere a bit more… private?"
Roll #1 2 = 2
>>551772
"You've done so much for us. Even with my limited experience, anything less feels unforgivable."
>>551773
>>551778
"During the fight, and even before, I noticed something but couldn't test it until now. Mind if I give it a try?"
Call Primrose over, just have her stand next to Whisper.
"Can you see her?" I ask the hostage.
"You've done so much for us. Even with my limited experience, anything less feels unforgivable."
>>551773
>>551778
"During the fight, and even before, I noticed something but couldn't test it until now. Mind if I give it a try?"
Call Primrose over, just have her stand next to Whisper.
"Can you see her?" I ask the hostage.
>>551776
He nods to the merchants as you pass them and leads you down to the hold.
It seems this ship was carrying a nice supply of fabrics, which should make for a comfy little nest.
>>551783
His normal eye focuses on her
"yeah?"
>>551780
"Beyond the veil of darkness, where only the Gatewyrm can reach."
>>551778
"The light… yes…
…they did speak of it…"
He is struggling to speak in the tight headlock
He nods to the merchants as you pass them and leads you down to the hold.
It seems this ship was carrying a nice supply of fabrics, which should make for a comfy little nest.
>>551783
His normal eye focuses on her
"yeah?"
>>551780
"Beyond the veil of darkness, where only the Gatewyrm can reach."
>>551778
"The light… yes…
…they did speak of it…"
He is struggling to speak in the tight headlock
>>551793
"Well obviously not you're… covering my damn eye"
The mutated eye keeps twitching between you and Whisper, but never focuses on Primrose.
>>551795
He winces slightly as he lays down next to you
"Yeah… we did. The dark is not invincible after all."
He extends a wing to slowly pet you
>>551801
The hold might be your best bet. You can probably find some privacy among the stuff there.
"Well obviously not you're… covering my damn eye"
The mutated eye keeps twitching between you and Whisper, but never focuses on Primrose.
>>551795
He winces slightly as he lays down next to you
"Yeah… we did. The dark is not invincible after all."
He extends a wing to slowly pet you
>>551801
The hold might be your best bet. You can probably find some privacy among the stuff there.
>>551811
"I'm a Doctor, despite you having witnessed me attacking your comrades. I have a duty to fulfill and it requires you. You've done quite a terrible thing and had such a horrible fate laid upon you, let me see what happens when I try to lift that burden from one in your condition."
>>551816
I'll have Primrose take over holding him, and see what Heal does on someone who is completely far gone. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
"I'm a Doctor, despite you having witnessed me attacking your comrades. I have a duty to fulfill and it requires you. You've done quite a terrible thing and had such a horrible fate laid upon you, let me see what happens when I try to lift that burden from one in your condition."
>>551816
I'll have Primrose take over holding him, and see what Heal does on someone who is completely far gone. '1d10'
Roll #1 6 = 6
>>551819
>>551821
"I… feel like I should be… trying to make deals now. Begging… for my life.
But… the dark has forsaken me. What do I have left to live for?"
>>551818
She gets a faint smile
"Oh my~
And here I thought you'd be using it on me…
Well, I'm fine with these arrangements. Come come then."
She slips between some boxes
>>551823
"Just guide me to where it hurts~"
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>551821
"I… feel like I should be… trying to make deals now. Begging… for my life.
But… the dark has forsaken me. What do I have left to live for?"
>>551818
She gets a faint smile
"Oh my~
And here I thought you'd be using it on me…
Well, I'm fine with these arrangements. Come come then."
She slips between some boxes
>>551823
"Just guide me to where it hurts~"
'1d10'
Roll #1 10 = 10
>>551842
"We… have no such things…
…the here and the hereafter would be made one… and the same… in the dark."
>>551846
"Why?
Do you… seek to reverse it?"
>>551850
Whisper and Jonica are interrogating/murdering a captures cultist
Calming is talking with the Merchants
Whimsyshine is studying his book again
>>551839
"Just relax~"
His muzzle starts wandering '1d10'
>>551843
You end up finding her near some rigging loops, where she has set the rope up into some sort of… harness.
Roll #1 8 = 8
"We… have no such things…
…the here and the hereafter would be made one… and the same… in the dark."
>>551846
"Why?
Do you… seek to reverse it?"
>>551850
Whisper and Jonica are interrogating/murdering a captures cultist
Calming is talking with the Merchants
Whimsyshine is studying his book again
>>551839
"Just relax~"
His muzzle starts wandering '1d10'
>>551843
You end up finding her near some rigging loops, where she has set the rope up into some sort of… harness.
Roll #1 8 = 8
>>551877
>>551879
"So the light is as blind as the dark after all…
Or perhaps it was just more lies… told to us to keep us believing…
…the Shard of Light… as they called it… was supposedly the one thing… that could defeat the dark. And they sacrificed much to get it for themselves… so they could lock it away on Midnight Island, where no warrior of the light could ever find it…
…and I actually believed them…"
>>551883
"…I didn't say anything."
>>551878
"Just put your front hooves in these loops~"
>>551879
"So the light is as blind as the dark after all…
Or perhaps it was just more lies… told to us to keep us believing…
…the Shard of Light… as they called it… was supposedly the one thing… that could defeat the dark. And they sacrificed much to get it for themselves… so they could lock it away on Midnight Island, where no warrior of the light could ever find it…
…and I actually believed them…"
>>551883
"…I didn't say anything."
>>551878
"Just put your front hooves in these loops~"
>>551887
You might need to get up to see better.
But that would take effort…
>>551888
"I was never worthy to see the island…"
>>551889
"Well you just did."
She pulls on the rope, hoisting you upright.
From up here you can just barely see over some crates to catch a glimpse of Coral and Cloudcover laying on some fabrics almost right in front of you.
They have not seen you.
You might need to get up to see better.
But that would take effort…
>>551888
"I was never worthy to see the island…"
>>551889
"Well you just did."
She pulls on the rope, hoisting you upright.
From up here you can just barely see over some crates to catch a glimpse of Coral and Cloudcover laying on some fabrics almost right in front of you.
They have not seen you.
>>551906
"Well, lets see if you can hold your… horses… for a little longer than last time."
Her hoof starts creeping down your body
"And don't disappoint me this time."
>>551909
He is engrossed in his book, flipping between two parts of it
"Oh… hello. Quite the battle back there. I only wish I could have helped more."
"Well, lets see if you can hold your… horses… for a little longer than last time."
Her hoof starts creeping down your body
"And don't disappoint me this time."
>>551909
He is engrossed in his book, flipping between two parts of it
"Oh… hello. Quite the battle back there. I only wish I could have helped more."
>>551918
After but a few seconds you are whining and scraping at the floor with your hooves, so she just stops and leaves you hanging, sitting sternly in front of you
"That's kinda pathetic."
>>551919
"All I need to do is get this one spell right. It will come… and see us as worthy.
But I fear I may not be able to get it right. Not unless someone volunteers to cast some Black Fire on me. These words were made for a corrupted mouth."
After but a few seconds you are whining and scraping at the floor with your hooves, so she just stops and leaves you hanging, sitting sternly in front of you
"That's kinda pathetic."
>>551919
"All I need to do is get this one spell right. It will come… and see us as worthy.
But I fear I may not be able to get it right. Not unless someone volunteers to cast some Black Fire on me. These words were made for a corrupted mouth."
>>551937
"Something like that…
I do not know the exacts of this… my eyes are unfit to read this infernal language, so the risk of mistakes is very real."
>>551939
You are already on the edge before it even begins, and the moment she touches you, you gently frost her hoof in stallion mayo.
"…I have no words.
Should I just let you down?"
PAUSE SOON
"Something like that…
I do not know the exacts of this… my eyes are unfit to read this infernal language, so the risk of mistakes is very real."
>>551939
You are already on the edge before it even begins, and the moment she touches you, you gently frost her hoof in stallion mayo.
"…I have no words.
Should I just let you down?"
PAUSE SOON
>>551958
You put up a valiant effort of resistance until she ever so gently caresses your jewels, making you spill another load on the spot
"Well, it was an improvement. At least this time you didn't look like a teenager getting his first hoofjob."
She giggles a bit
"Ok hero, I've had my fun. Your turn."
>>551961
"It's either that or I can try casting as I am.
That runs the risk of angering the Gatewyrm though. And we'd need a place where the alignment of magic makes it easier for me to conduct the summoning. I can't quite pull off the trick of summoning it from a shallow pool."
You put up a valiant effort of resistance until she ever so gently caresses your jewels, making you spill another load on the spot
"Well, it was an improvement. At least this time you didn't look like a teenager getting his first hoofjob."
She giggles a bit
"Ok hero, I've had my fun. Your turn."
>>551961
"It's either that or I can try casting as I am.
That runs the risk of angering the Gatewyrm though. And we'd need a place where the alignment of magic makes it easier for me to conduct the summoning. I can't quite pull off the trick of summoning it from a shallow pool."
>>554114
"This is between me and Lord Ember.
I swore to serve under him until the day this threat had been vanquished.
But now, he is becoming part of it, and I will not taint myself of the same crime.
Go on if you will, I won't stop any of you, and will still carry on until this world is safe."
"This is between me and Lord Ember.
I swore to serve under him until the day this threat had been vanquished.
But now, he is becoming part of it, and I will not taint myself of the same crime.
Go on if you will, I won't stop any of you, and will still carry on until this world is safe."
>>554119
Snap at her, shouting angrily.
"There has to be another way!"
Before starting to sob quietly.
>>554117
"I am not leaving.
I won't. Not until the darkness has been fought off from this world.
But…
I took a holy vow, and serving under somepony who makes use of the dark arts…
That would be tainting it."
Snap at her, shouting angrily.
"There has to be another way!"
Before starting to sob quietly.
>>554117
"I am not leaving.
I won't. Not until the darkness has been fought off from this world.
But…
I took a holy vow, and serving under somepony who makes use of the dark arts…
That would be tainting it."
>>554118
>>554122
"…Fire Blossom, please. When I was burning in their fire, getting changed into something else… It was you who saved me, forcing the darkness back into a single point within me.
Over and over, you've kept me from falling into the dark… from becoming something I'm not.
…Don't leave me now, when I need you to keep me from falling the most. I don't want to face the dark alone."
>>554122
"…Fire Blossom, please. When I was burning in their fire, getting changed into something else… It was you who saved me, forcing the darkness back into a single point within me.
Over and over, you've kept me from falling into the dark… from becoming something I'm not.
…Don't leave me now, when I need you to keep me from falling the most. I don't want to face the dark alone."
>>554124
Take out my halberd and stomp the boat's floor with its butt.
"I am not leaving your side, Ember.
I just cannot call you my lord anymore."
Remove the hood, revealing the scorched face and crying, red eyes.
"Please. Don't die now."
>>554125
Then, turn to Lady Sunset, biting my lip.
"There is a thin line between selflessness and believing your own lies.
But I won't stop you."
Take out my halberd and stomp the boat's floor with its butt.
"I am not leaving your side, Ember.
I just cannot call you my lord anymore."
Remove the hood, revealing the scorched face and crying, red eyes.
"Please. Don't die now."
>>554125
Then, turn to Lady Sunset, biting my lip.
"There is a thin line between selflessness and believing your own lies.
But I won't stop you."
>>554130
"Please, Lady Sunset."
Look at her with begging eyes.
"Please.
I can accept this. I can be at peace with it.
But I cannot allow it to happen under the oath I took, for it is sacred.
So all I'm asking, is for Lord Ember to release me from it.
Then, I will follow you through to the end of the world."
"Please, Lady Sunset."
Look at her with begging eyes.
"Please.
I can accept this. I can be at peace with it.
But I cannot allow it to happen under the oath I took, for it is sacred.
So all I'm asking, is for Lord Ember to release me from it.
Then, I will follow you through to the end of the world."
>>554127
Look on shocked, then start tearing up myself.
"…Oh, Blossom…"
Give you a hug, clinging to you like my life depends on it.
"…I wish there was another way… but I'm a leader, and that means the burden of this decision should rest on my shoulders alone.
If you truly wish to leave my service… Then I release you with my blessing and best wishes.
…But please… If I'm on the edge and seem to be about to fall… I beg of you, pull me back. Give me the strength to fight this darkness so it will not consume us all."
Look on shocked, then start tearing up myself.
"…Oh, Blossom…"
Give you a hug, clinging to you like my life depends on it.
"…I wish there was another way… but I'm a leader, and that means the burden of this decision should rest on my shoulders alone.
If you truly wish to leave my service… Then I release you with my blessing and best wishes.
…But please… If I'm on the edge and seem to be about to fall… I beg of you, pull me back. Give me the strength to fight this darkness so it will not consume us all."
>>554141
"I doubt you would have ever gotten this information via other channels, because it took even me far too long to find out. A notable Canterlot Paladin has gone rogue, and stolen the Shard of Light from the high cathedral. Since they themselves insisted on guarding it over allowing it to be kept in the Royal Vaults of the Sisters, it was all very well covered up.
We fear he has gone to the Dark with it."
>>554140
"Is ok. Sometimes seeing what is important can be hard."
"I doubt you would have ever gotten this information via other channels, because it took even me far too long to find out. A notable Canterlot Paladin has gone rogue, and stolen the Shard of Light from the high cathedral. Since they themselves insisted on guarding it over allowing it to be kept in the Royal Vaults of the Sisters, it was all very well covered up.
We fear he has gone to the Dark with it."
>>554140
"Is ok. Sometimes seeing what is important can be hard."
>>554188
"Those wronged by the ones in power are always welcome in my hideout."
>>554190
"I'm not certain. But hope helps light the heart up."
>>554192
>>554195
Whimsyshine opens his book
"For this to work… we will need to recite the Gatewyrm Call at a point where the alignment of magic is… suitable. I have found such a location and marked it on this map.
As you are not a trained mage, I will need to assist you in the process. Once there, we will begin the incantation, and if all goes well, the Gatewyrm should ask you who you wish to transport, then appear to do your bidding.
Then we can get inside it, and use it to find Midnight Island.
…and we can probably kill it from the inside too while we're at it."
"Those wronged by the ones in power are always welcome in my hideout."
>>554190
"I'm not certain. But hope helps light the heart up."
>>554192
>>554195
Whimsyshine opens his book
"For this to work… we will need to recite the Gatewyrm Call at a point where the alignment of magic is… suitable. I have found such a location and marked it on this map.
As you are not a trained mage, I will need to assist you in the process. Once there, we will begin the incantation, and if all goes well, the Gatewyrm should ask you who you wish to transport, then appear to do your bidding.
Then we can get inside it, and use it to find Midnight Island.
…and we can probably kill it from the inside too while we're at it."
>>554247
>>554245
"Sundancer was… my mentor.
An old soldier of strong heart and great faith, covered in scars from conquests and adventures throughout his life.
He retired to help train recruits after his last battle, and we… somewhat became friends.
I would not call him a father figure to any extent, but his training is still with me. He knew what he was doing, and the fire in his heart was the brightest I have ever seen."
>>554245
"Sundancer was… my mentor.
An old soldier of strong heart and great faith, covered in scars from conquests and adventures throughout his life.
He retired to help train recruits after his last battle, and we… somewhat became friends.
I would not call him a father figure to any extent, but his training is still with me. He knew what he was doing, and the fire in his heart was the brightest I have ever seen."
>>554268
>>554269
>>554270
>>554271
"In battle he always believed more in divine protection than armor, and it lasted him for many years. He often got very bitter after telling about his past, and I remember him silently asking himself is that pain he felt in his knees every day Celestia's reward for her faithful followers.
Perhaps someone finally showed him another path, and now he is using it to take his vengeance upon Celestia for not protecting him."
>>554269
>>554270
>>554271
"In battle he always believed more in divine protection than armor, and it lasted him for many years. He often got very bitter after telling about his past, and I remember him silently asking himself is that pain he felt in his knees every day Celestia's reward for her faithful followers.
Perhaps someone finally showed him another path, and now he is using it to take his vengeance upon Celestia for not protecting him."
>>554301
>>554304
>>554309
>>554312
"Let us set sail."
And so the good ship departed from Marenburg, and headed for a gathering storm to seek out the perfect focus of magic that would allow you to unlock the final part of your journey.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHTS
THE HIGH SEAS
THE GATEWYRM
AND SOMEONE ACCUSES ME OF HAVING A VORE FETISH
>>554304
>>554309
>>554312
"Let us set sail."
And so the good ship departed from Marenburg, and headed for a gathering storm to seek out the perfect focus of magic that would allow you to unlock the final part of your journey.
NEXT TIME ON MIDNIGHTS
THE HIGH SEAS
THE GATEWYRM
AND SOMEONE ACCUSES ME OF HAVING A VORE FETISH
>>555603
"I'm sure we all are.
Just remember - don't let it darken your heart."
>>555595
>>555599
>>555604
The ship slowly drifts to a stop, and Whimsyshine goes up on deck. The sky is dark, illuminated by occasional flashes of lightning. There is no rain, but the air feels charged around you.
"Perfect. This… will do well."
He opens the tome and copies a few of the odd runes from it onto a scroll.
"Just in case…"
"Ember… c-come here. Please read from t-this page, where it begins the calling spell."
He takes a deep breath to stop stuttering
"…Yes. From there.
I will be right here, helping you channel the spell. Do you feel the magic in the air? Let it in you. Let it flow through you. Let it become a part of you. And whatever you do, do not be afraid. Do not hesitate. Speak clearly. Slowly if you must, but clearly. We cannot afford mistakes."
"I'm sure we all are.
Just remember - don't let it darken your heart."
>>555595
>>555599
>>555604
The ship slowly drifts to a stop, and Whimsyshine goes up on deck. The sky is dark, illuminated by occasional flashes of lightning. There is no rain, but the air feels charged around you.
"Perfect. This… will do well."
He opens the tome and copies a few of the odd runes from it onto a scroll.
"Just in case…"
"Ember… c-come here. Please read from t-this page, where it begins the calling spell."
He takes a deep breath to stop stuttering
"…Yes. From there.
I will be right here, helping you channel the spell. Do you feel the magic in the air? Let it in you. Let it flow through you. Let it become a part of you. And whatever you do, do not be afraid. Do not hesitate. Speak clearly. Slowly if you must, but clearly. We cannot afford mistakes."
>>555611
Though the runes upon the page are like a cruel mockery of all things holy and pure, a dancing madness without rhyme or reason, beginning or end, structure or form, to your gifted eyes they arrange into perfectly understandable text, bowing before one who has been privileged to read them.
Gatewyrm who swims the dark depths between worlds, slavebeast who exists to please its masters, hear my voice, and heed it well. Gatewyrm who lurks in the abyss betwixt all places, powerless worm who lives by my grace alone, hear my voice, and swim towards it. Gatewyrm, my slave, my pet and servant, come to me, and take me to the dark.
>>555612
He blushes a little, but softly places his wing on your back
"I'll be there for you, when you most need it."
Though the runes upon the page are like a cruel mockery of all things holy and pure, a dancing madness without rhyme or reason, beginning or end, structure or form, to your gifted eyes they arrange into perfectly understandable text, bowing before one who has been privileged to read them.
Gatewyrm who swims the dark depths between worlds, slavebeast who exists to please its masters, hear my voice, and heed it well. Gatewyrm who lurks in the abyss betwixt all places, powerless worm who lives by my grace alone, hear my voice, and swim towards it. Gatewyrm, my slave, my pet and servant, come to me, and take me to the dark.
>>555612
He blushes a little, but softly places his wing on your back
"I'll be there for you, when you most need it."
>>555617
"Okay. I'm going to start now, so… don't freak out, okay?"
Take a deep breath, then begin reciting.
"Gatewyrm who swims the dark depths between worlds, slavebeast who exists to please its masters, hear my voice, and heed it well. Gatewyrm who lurks in the abyss betwixt all places, powerless worm who lives by my grace alone, hear my voice, and swim towards it. Gatewyrm, my slave, my pet and servant, come to me, and take me to the dark."
"Okay. I'm going to start now, so… don't freak out, okay?"
Take a deep breath, then begin reciting.
"Gatewyrm who swims the dark depths between worlds, slavebeast who exists to please its masters, hear my voice, and heed it well. Gatewyrm who lurks in the abyss betwixt all places, powerless worm who lives by my grace alone, hear my voice, and swim towards it. Gatewyrm, my slave, my pet and servant, come to me, and take me to the dark."
>>555625
From somewhere in the endless darkness that fills the vast chasms between realities, a roaring scream is heard, nearly deafening you.
You struggle to maintain balance against the intense, angry wind that blasts through you from the twisting void unseen by living eyes, and in the dark corners of your vision you catch a glimpse of a maw of infinite fangs surging up from the depths, headed straight for you.
To everyone else, it just seems like you shouted a lot of gibberish and then almost fell over for no real reason.
From somewhere in the endless darkness that fills the vast chasms between realities, a roaring scream is heard, nearly deafening you.
You struggle to maintain balance against the intense, angry wind that blasts through you from the twisting void unseen by living eyes, and in the dark corners of your vision you catch a glimpse of a maw of infinite fangs surging up from the depths, headed straight for you.
To everyone else, it just seems like you shouted a lot of gibberish and then almost fell over for no real reason.
>>555634
>>555636
For a moment, the world seems to slow to a halt. The waves cease, the lightning freezes in place, creating an eerie illumination for the scene.
Then, in what seems to be impossible slow motion, the sea implodes into a great vortex around you, as the seemingly endless length of the Gatewyrm forces itself through the gap in reality.
It arcs over the ship, again under it, and finally pushes its head out through the loop, creating an oddly intricate shape with its body, like a gate. Across its sides you see countless small faces, each with its single eye focused on you. At its front, a multitude of jaws open to form a single great gaping hole leading inside.
On the inside, the beast looks far more spacious and dry than you might have expected.
It speaks in a choir of unholy voices, ranging from deep bass to the voices of infants, addressing you, its current masters.
YOU SPEAK AS IF YOU OWN ME, MORTAL WHO STRIDES THAT WHICH I SWIM BEYOND. YOU STAND BEFORE THE GATE OF DARKNESS, CLAD ONLY IN YOUR WEAK AND PETTY FLESH. THUS, I CHALLENGE YOU IN TURN. STEP INTO MY JAWS, AND SEE IF YOU ARE WORTHY.
Whimsyshine is clenching his jaws
"Remember… no… fear…"
>>555636
For a moment, the world seems to slow to a halt. The waves cease, the lightning freezes in place, creating an eerie illumination for the scene.
Then, in what seems to be impossible slow motion, the sea implodes into a great vortex around you, as the seemingly endless length of the Gatewyrm forces itself through the gap in reality.
It arcs over the ship, again under it, and finally pushes its head out through the loop, creating an oddly intricate shape with its body, like a gate. Across its sides you see countless small faces, each with its single eye focused on you. At its front, a multitude of jaws open to form a single great gaping hole leading inside.
On the inside, the beast looks far more spacious and dry than you might have expected.
It speaks in a choir of unholy voices, ranging from deep bass to the voices of infants, addressing you, its current masters.
YOU SPEAK AS IF YOU OWN ME, MORTAL WHO STRIDES THAT WHICH I SWIM BEYOND. YOU STAND BEFORE THE GATE OF DARKNESS, CLAD ONLY IN YOUR WEAK AND PETTY FLESH. THUS, I CHALLENGE YOU IN TURN. STEP INTO MY JAWS, AND SEE IF YOU ARE WORTHY.
Whimsyshine is clenching his jaws
"Remember… no… fear…"
And so you head into the gaping maw before you, walking past rows and rows of stalactite-like teeth, the remains of the unworthy still lodged between some of them.
As you step deeper into the dark gullet, the mouth behind you slowly closes, and you come to a point of no return.
Midnight Island lies at the other end. Travel well, children of the dark.
The road ahead is not quite what you may have expected. The beast's insides are so vast you can hardly even see the top or sides from where you stand. Its inner surfaces are a slowly shifting mass of pale flesh, with the occasional opening and jutting bone. The entire beast only looks organic in the most visual of senses. Its layout is closer to that of a pony-made road…
As you step deeper into the dark gullet, the mouth behind you slowly closes, and you come to a point of no return.
Midnight Island lies at the other end. Travel well, children of the dark.
The road ahead is not quite what you may have expected. The beast's insides are so vast you can hardly even see the top or sides from where you stand. Its inner surfaces are a slowly shifting mass of pale flesh, with the occasional opening and jutting bone. The entire beast only looks organic in the most visual of senses. Its layout is closer to that of a pony-made road…
>>555709
>>555710
>>555712
>>555715
Suddenly, the Gateworm turns as it swims, turning your world upside down. As it twists its body, more spear-like bones begin to jut out of its sides, and the floor becomes a wall as it turns on its side.
Coral, having already reached the stairs that seemed pointless a moment ago, grabs on and realizes they were there for this exact purpose!
The "wall" you saw is in fact an iron walkway hammered into the beast so that those who travel inside it can avoid being impaled as it moves. Try to aim for it!
>>555710
>>555712
>>555715
Suddenly, the Gateworm turns as it swims, turning your world upside down. As it twists its body, more spear-like bones begin to jut out of its sides, and the floor becomes a wall as it turns on its side.
Coral, having already reached the stairs that seemed pointless a moment ago, grabs on and realizes they were there for this exact purpose!
The "wall" you saw is in fact an iron walkway hammered into the beast so that those who travel inside it can avoid being impaled as it moves. Try to aim for it!
>>555729
You land with grace and ease
>>555734
Holding on is luckily a simple task
>>555733
You and Silk have a rather rough landing, but Dulltooth makes it with ease.
It seems the others grabbed onto other walkways. The paths, however, appear to diverge.
Lady Sunset waves at you
"Should we look for a way to get to you or keep going!?"
You land with grace and ease
>>555734
Holding on is luckily a simple task
>>555733
You and Silk have a rather rough landing, but Dulltooth makes it with ease.
It seems the others grabbed onto other walkways. The paths, however, appear to diverge.
Lady Sunset waves at you
"Should we look for a way to get to you or keep going!?"
>>555806
>>555802
Nobody died, thanks to nobody showing fear.
You are now inside the Gatewyrm, confound to a metal walkway that was nailed to its insides as it turned on its side. What used to be the floor is now covered in jagged bone spikes due to its new posture. You need to find a way to its other end.
A small nearby opening in the flesh quivers before you.
>>555802
Nobody died, thanks to nobody showing fear.
You are now inside the Gatewyrm, confound to a metal walkway that was nailed to its insides as it turned on its side. What used to be the floor is now covered in jagged bone spikes due to its new posture. You need to find a way to its other end.
A small nearby opening in the flesh quivers before you.
>>555966
>>555983
You go into the tube cage. By its construct, it seems like it is capable of twisting to a degree without breaking, as it is made up of several rings connected with large chain-like loops.
At the other end of the tunnel is another walkway, but is seems to be on the ceiling.
One more walkway is to your left, but there are some bone spikes along the way. Though with some force it may be possible to dislodge the tube cage and have it roll over them safely.
>>555983
You go into the tube cage. By its construct, it seems like it is capable of twisting to a degree without breaking, as it is made up of several rings connected with large chain-like loops.
At the other end of the tunnel is another walkway, but is seems to be on the ceiling.
One more walkway is to your left, but there are some bone spikes along the way. Though with some force it may be possible to dislodge the tube cage and have it roll over them safely.
>>556014
Dulltooth slams into the cage, and gets his paw stuck
>>556015
At the same time Coral shatters the bolts holding it in place, and the entire cage starts rolling along the spiky flesh, deflecting pointy bits with ease, keeping you safe.
All of you except Dulltooth's paw, which gets heavily mangled in the process, until the cage finally crashes into the other walkway on the other side.
Dulltooth slams into the cage, and gets his paw stuck
>>556015
At the same time Coral shatters the bolts holding it in place, and the entire cage starts rolling along the spiky flesh, deflecting pointy bits with ease, keeping you safe.
All of you except Dulltooth's paw, which gets heavily mangled in the process, until the cage finally crashes into the other walkway on the other side.
>>556048
The bones snap back together and the bloating slowly dies down as blood escapes the bruises. After a few more loud pops and cracks the hand once again resembles what it once was
"Thank you, friend."
He hugs you with the other hand
Another walkway leads forward from here, and looking up, you can see another directly above you. Odds are the Gatewyrm likes to flop around a lot…
The bones snap back together and the bloating slowly dies down as blood escapes the bruises. After a few more loud pops and cracks the hand once again resembles what it once was
"Thank you, friend."
He hugs you with the other hand
Another walkway leads forward from here, and looking up, you can see another directly above you. Odds are the Gatewyrm likes to flop around a lot…
>>556093
>>556095
>>556096
>>556105
You pass a large overhang of bone spikes, and come to what looks like an abrupt end in the walkway.
Beyond this sudden drop is a bunch more spikes.
Right above you is another, intact walkway.
To your left is another one of those quivering openings.
On the ground is another scribbled message
>>556095
>>556096
>>556105
You pass a large overhang of bone spikes, and come to what looks like an abrupt end in the walkway.
Beyond this sudden drop is a bunch more spikes.
Right above you is another, intact walkway.
To your left is another one of those quivering openings.
On the ground is another scribbled message
>>556200
There is one directly above you.
You could try to make the Gatewyrm turn again to reach it, or try moving the cage tunnel over here.
Or you could try to shove yourself in the opening to see what it's like in there.
>>556197
>>556199
The Caretaker turns its faceless head towards you, its vertical mouth slowly opening and closing along the length of its entire head
Your followers seem as lost as you, Caller. Do not lead them astray.
There is one directly above you.
You could try to make the Gatewyrm turn again to reach it, or try moving the cage tunnel over here.
Or you could try to shove yourself in the opening to see what it's like in there.
>>556197
>>556199
The Caretaker turns its faceless head towards you, its vertical mouth slowly opening and closing along the length of its entire head
Your followers seem as lost as you, Caller. Do not lead them astray.
>>556264
>>556265
>>556266
>>556267
Blossom attempts to Mend the spikes, which causes the Gatewyrm to gently shift its position, slowly allowing the tube cage to roll into place between the two metal walkways, and revealing a new path of spikeless flesh before you.
The metal tube is now behind you, and the former floor and ceiling have become the right and left walls.
Before you opens a clear path onwards
>>556265
>>556266
>>556267
Blossom attempts to Mend the spikes, which causes the Gatewyrm to gently shift its position, slowly allowing the tube cage to roll into place between the two metal walkways, and revealing a new path of spikeless flesh before you.
The metal tube is now behind you, and the former floor and ceiling have become the right and left walls.
Before you opens a clear path onwards
>>556281
>>556284
>>556285
>>556296
You eventually come to what seems like a massive vertical pit. Looking around you can see the ends of other tunnels and walkways, all leading here. Perhaps the others already beat you to this place…
Near the lip of the pit is one more quivering opening. You can rouse the Caretaker from it, or go inspect the pit.
>>556284
>>556285
>>556296
You eventually come to what seems like a massive vertical pit. Looking around you can see the ends of other tunnels and walkways, all leading here. Perhaps the others already beat you to this place…
Near the lip of the pit is one more quivering opening. You can rouse the Caretaker from it, or go inspect the pit.
>>556311
>>556312
The pit is deep, so deep you can't see the bottom. It seems to twist and contort a lot along its length, with occasional bursts of dark gas and ichor spraying from wounds on the walls.
Large fleshy protrusions jut out along its length, and you can see some ropes past travelers have tied to some of them, and to weapons and spikes they have driven into the walls to make additional hoofholds.
It will be a perilous climb, unless you want to get creative.
Silk points up
"Look at that large bone. If we can get a rope over it, we can possibly rig some sort of elevator, or at least a safety harness."
>>556312
The pit is deep, so deep you can't see the bottom. It seems to twist and contort a lot along its length, with occasional bursts of dark gas and ichor spraying from wounds on the walls.
Large fleshy protrusions jut out along its length, and you can see some ropes past travelers have tied to some of them, and to weapons and spikes they have driven into the walls to make additional hoofholds.
It will be a perilous climb, unless you want to get creative.
Silk points up
"Look at that large bone. If we can get a rope over it, we can possibly rig some sort of elevator, or at least a safety harness."
>>556339
Not really. Though it may be possible to break off a bit of the cage tube to make a platform.
>>556342
Luckily, Silk catcher the rope before you can throw it into the pit.
>>556334
"One moment, please."
She nods at Dulltooth and then momentarily disappears behind him, soon returning with a length of rope
"There. Not much, but I suppose anything helps"
>>556343
You now have enough rope to make something of an elevator. It will probably not reach all the way, but it will save a lot of perilous climbing.
Not really. Though it may be possible to break off a bit of the cage tube to make a platform.
>>556342
Luckily, Silk catcher the rope before you can throw it into the pit.
>>556334
"One moment, please."
She nods at Dulltooth and then momentarily disappears behind him, soon returning with a length of rope
"There. Not much, but I suppose anything helps"
>>556343
You now have enough rope to make something of an elevator. It will probably not reach all the way, but it will save a lot of perilous climbing.
>>556432
It flows up from the hole, and …looks… at your contraption
Caller, know that you near the end of your journey, for better or worse. At the bottom awaits your passage to Midnight Island, so hurry along.
But go right to the bottom, and do not stray. For the chambers of the Wyrm's Heart are forbidden even from you. Do not disobey, Caller. Lest you wish to anger us.
It flows up from the hole, and …looks… at your contraption
Caller, know that you near the end of your journey, for better or worse. At the bottom awaits your passage to Midnight Island, so hurry along.
But go right to the bottom, and do not stray. For the chambers of the Wyrm's Heart are forbidden even from you. Do not disobey, Caller. Lest you wish to anger us.
You get on your elevator. A creaking, malformed, tortured mess of abused rope and iron crying out for the release of destruction. It protest louder and louder and each of you step on its misshapen surface, but it holds, even if it has no desire to.
Slowly you begin releasing the rope, and start your descent into the hellish pit.
Around you, the heartbeat grows louder.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
ELEVATORS
HEARTS
AND SHAFTS
Slowly you begin releasing the rope, and start your descent into the hellish pit.
Around you, the heartbeat grows louder.
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
ELEVATORS
HEARTS
AND SHAFTS
Your descent seems tortuously slow. The elevator moves in short, jerking drops, and with each one you can't help but glance at the ever shrinking coil of rope you have left. The sprays of noxious gas periodically belching out of the numerous wounds in the walls make your eyes water and noses bleed, so you have to time your descent carefully.
Looking around at the small platforms on the edges, the dangling ropes, iron spikes driven into the flesh, makeshift ladders and countless bones of unfortunate pilgrims, you cannot help but be thankful that you did not need to climb down the hard way.
Looking around at the small platforms on the edges, the dangling ropes, iron spikes driven into the flesh, makeshift ladders and countless bones of unfortunate pilgrims, you cannot help but be thankful that you did not need to climb down the hard way.
>>558325
>>558328
"I-if we tie the e-end of the rope into a noose a-around the rope itself, w-we can effectively double the length until the loop hits the bone at the top.
S-someone just needs to gently shimmy the noose upwards. I-if we simply let go, the elevator will fall until we run out of rope. A-and… well… it will probably break from the impact."
>>558326
The wounds are large, and you begin to understand its pain quite well. You attune yourself with the needs of this flesh, and allow your power to wash over it, closing wounds as you descend.
The Gatewyrm slowly shifts. Perhaps with a little more coaxing, you can turn this sheer drop into a gentler slope, eliminating the need for an elevator.
+2 to all attempts to heal the Gatewyrm. If you crit, it becomes Automatic.
>>558328
"I-if we tie the e-end of the rope into a noose a-around the rope itself, w-we can effectively double the length until the loop hits the bone at the top.
S-someone just needs to gently shimmy the noose upwards. I-if we simply let go, the elevator will fall until we run out of rope. A-and… well… it will probably break from the impact."
>>558326
The wounds are large, and you begin to understand its pain quite well. You attune yourself with the needs of this flesh, and allow your power to wash over it, closing wounds as you descend.
The Gatewyrm slowly shifts. Perhaps with a little more coaxing, you can turn this sheer drop into a gentler slope, eliminating the need for an elevator.
+2 to all attempts to heal the Gatewyrm. If you crit, it becomes Automatic.
>>558333
You reach out to heal the next deep cut you come across, but the moment you touch it, the clammy, cold hoof of a Caretaker touches you back. Before you can even recoil in fear, the creature forces itself out of the hole up to its waist and stares at you with its faceless head
What is it this one is doing?
You reach out to heal the next deep cut you come across, but the moment you touch it, the clammy, cold hoof of a Caretaker touches you back. Before you can even recoil in fear, the creature forces itself out of the hole up to its waist and stares at you with its faceless head
What is it this one is doing?
>>558344
We would not dare ask for such things. Rather, we would ask her to become one with us.
Another Caretaker forces itself out of a nearby hole
It is the task of us, the Caretaker, to see to the well-being of the Gatewyrm. For we are it, and it is us. Without it, we cannot survive, and by now, without us, neither can it.
The Caretaker points at the countless wounds along the Wyrm's insides left by the climbing implements of those seeking to enter Midnight Island
We would not dare ask for such things. Rather, we would ask her to become one with us.
Another Caretaker forces itself out of a nearby hole
It is the task of us, the Caretaker, to see to the well-being of the Gatewyrm. For we are it, and it is us. Without it, we cannot survive, and by now, without us, neither can it.
The Caretaker points at the countless wounds along the Wyrm's insides left by the climbing implements of those seeking to enter Midnight Island
>>558359
You place your hoof on the wound, focusing on the countless points of pain in this beast. You feel its suffering, from the broken bones to the numerous things nailed to its flesh, the cuts left from the blades of travelers, the bruises from the hooves of hundreds of pilgrims.
You take it all in, and contemplate on it. Nothing deserves this kind of pain.
You open your eyes and force your hoof into the wound, screaming as you unleash your power. The same power you had once in the dark reaches of your mind planned to use to kill this monster. Even in this dark place, in the bowels of a thing born within the lightless void beyond reality, your healing heart is a bright beacon of hope. Your light fills the wound and crawls up countless miles of veins that line the walls, pooling in wounds above and below, turning the entire dark fleshy chasm into a wondrous constellation of dancing lights. And the brightest stars in it are your very eyes, as they fill with pride for your own achievements, fury towards those who hurt this faithful servant, and compassion for these creatures who, though gruesome, never harbored any truly malevolent intents.
Slowly, steadily the Gatewyrm relaxes and eases up, turning the vertical pit into a straight horizontal tunnel lit by your healing magic.
The caretakers look around in amazement.
Several more of them start emerging from the walls. And on one of the walls, a short way down the hall, a great door of teeth and flesh opens, lined by bowing Caretakers.
One of them faces you, and speaks in an uneasy, retching voice, struggling to form words its dark voice was never meant to speak. Words of ponies.
"T-thaaa-nk hyyuuuuu…"
You place your hoof on the wound, focusing on the countless points of pain in this beast. You feel its suffering, from the broken bones to the numerous things nailed to its flesh, the cuts left from the blades of travelers, the bruises from the hooves of hundreds of pilgrims.
You take it all in, and contemplate on it. Nothing deserves this kind of pain.
You open your eyes and force your hoof into the wound, screaming as you unleash your power. The same power you had once in the dark reaches of your mind planned to use to kill this monster. Even in this dark place, in the bowels of a thing born within the lightless void beyond reality, your healing heart is a bright beacon of hope. Your light fills the wound and crawls up countless miles of veins that line the walls, pooling in wounds above and below, turning the entire dark fleshy chasm into a wondrous constellation of dancing lights. And the brightest stars in it are your very eyes, as they fill with pride for your own achievements, fury towards those who hurt this faithful servant, and compassion for these creatures who, though gruesome, never harbored any truly malevolent intents.
Slowly, steadily the Gatewyrm relaxes and eases up, turning the vertical pit into a straight horizontal tunnel lit by your healing magic.
The caretakers look around in amazement.
Several more of them start emerging from the walls. And on one of the walls, a short way down the hall, a great door of teeth and flesh opens, lined by bowing Caretakers.
One of them faces you, and speaks in an uneasy, retching voice, struggling to form words its dark voice was never meant to speak. Words of ponies.
"T-thaaa-nk hyyuuuuu…"
>>558362
The Caretaker slowly hugs you back. It has probably never considered hugging another creature before. It has had none worthy.
After a moment, it once again tries to contort its mouth to speak to you, as hard as it is for him.
P-p-pleee…asssse…
It points at the chamber that just opened, then taps your chest
H…hearrrrrrrt
H-hhhheeeeal…. hearrrt.
From within the chamber, you can hear a thundering heartbeat. This must be the forbidden inner sanctum of the Caretakers. And you have been invited in.
The Caretaker slowly hugs you back. It has probably never considered hugging another creature before. It has had none worthy.
After a moment, it once again tries to contort its mouth to speak to you, as hard as it is for him.
P-p-pleee…asssse…
It points at the chamber that just opened, then taps your chest
H…hearrrrrrrt
H-hhhheeeeal…. hearrrt.
From within the chamber, you can hear a thundering heartbeat. This must be the forbidden inner sanctum of the Caretakers. And you have been invited in.
You slowly walk into the Heart Chamber.
It is a massive circular dome. The floor is covered in those strange openings the Caretakers use to travel. The walls are lined with great pulsing veins.
And at the far back wall is the source of the thunderous heartbeat that has been booming in your ears this entire trip. A massive, strangely shaped heart hangs limply from from the wall. It does not beat, for it has long since lost its strength.
Rather, a massive Caretaker, easily ten times the size of the others, sits behind it. The massive creature has fused with the back wall over time, and is entirely immobile, but it does not mind. It holds the heart in its lap, and hugs it to help it pump the Wyrm's life blood. The other Caretakers occasionally climb in near it to feed it the bodies of those who failed to traverse the Wyrm.
It sits silently, steadily hugging the heart with all its strength. Its legs have atrophied to nothing, for it had no need to walk. Like its kin, it has no face, but it has no need for eyes. Not when the only thing that matters to it is right there, in its embrace.
The… 'talkative' caretaker points at the old, tired heart.
H…heeealllll…
It is a massive circular dome. The floor is covered in those strange openings the Caretakers use to travel. The walls are lined with great pulsing veins.
And at the far back wall is the source of the thunderous heartbeat that has been booming in your ears this entire trip. A massive, strangely shaped heart hangs limply from from the wall. It does not beat, for it has long since lost its strength.
Rather, a massive Caretaker, easily ten times the size of the others, sits behind it. The massive creature has fused with the back wall over time, and is entirely immobile, but it does not mind. It holds the heart in its lap, and hugs it to help it pump the Wyrm's life blood. The other Caretakers occasionally climb in near it to feed it the bodies of those who failed to traverse the Wyrm.
It sits silently, steadily hugging the heart with all its strength. Its legs have atrophied to nothing, for it had no need to walk. Like its kin, it has no face, but it has no need for eyes. Not when the only thing that matters to it is right there, in its embrace.
The… 'talkative' caretaker points at the old, tired heart.
H…heeealllll…
>>558389
As soon as you give the giant organ even the softest touch, you feel your own heart stop. Your eyes stand still in your face, and your mouth runs dry. Your limbs feel weak, and your breath grows shallow. You can no longer hear those around you. The edges of your vision grow dark and blurry.
All you can see is the heart. Its limp, loose muscle. Its dry, cracked surface. The countless fissures and punctures it has all over it.
All you can hear is the heart. Its struggling efforts to find the strength to beat any more. Its hollow chambers that have not filled properly for generations.
All you can feel is the heart. Its desperation. Pain. And hopelessness.
You stumble. Your head spins. You can feel your body giving up hope.
So this is what the Wyrm felt all along.
…and still it found the strength to challenge you all as you entered.
Thus, you, too, must fight it.
You force your hoof against the heart, then your other hoof, and finally push your entire body against it, embracing it with your tiny body. You let tears flow into the cracks, your last, shallow breaths to warm its cold surface, and what little strength you have left in your hooves to encourage it onwards.
Come on, little heart.
Beat.
…please.
Beat.
And it does.
Just as you fear the heart attack you suffered will be the death of you, you feel your own hear finally beat once. The surge of blood returns color to your vision, the rushing noise filling your ears, and an involuntary gasp fill your lungs once more.
And in turn, the great heart beats, for the first time in ages by its own volition. The mighty spasm pushes you onto your back, and sends the massive Caretaker almost crashing into the wall.
The other Caretakers watch silently as the walls begin to swell once more, and the pale flesh all around you starts turning into a healthier blush of red.
The massive Caretaker looks down at its precious heart, that once again beats on its own, and gently rests on top of it. Finally, after all this time, it can rest…
>>558401
Not yet.
Though finding them should be much easier now.
As soon as you give the giant organ even the softest touch, you feel your own heart stop. Your eyes stand still in your face, and your mouth runs dry. Your limbs feel weak, and your breath grows shallow. You can no longer hear those around you. The edges of your vision grow dark and blurry.
All you can see is the heart. Its limp, loose muscle. Its dry, cracked surface. The countless fissures and punctures it has all over it.
All you can hear is the heart. Its struggling efforts to find the strength to beat any more. Its hollow chambers that have not filled properly for generations.
All you can feel is the heart. Its desperation. Pain. And hopelessness.
You stumble. Your head spins. You can feel your body giving up hope.
So this is what the Wyrm felt all along.
…and still it found the strength to challenge you all as you entered.
Thus, you, too, must fight it.
You force your hoof against the heart, then your other hoof, and finally push your entire body against it, embracing it with your tiny body. You let tears flow into the cracks, your last, shallow breaths to warm its cold surface, and what little strength you have left in your hooves to encourage it onwards.
Come on, little heart.
Beat.
…please.
Beat.
And it does.
Just as you fear the heart attack you suffered will be the death of you, you feel your own hear finally beat once. The surge of blood returns color to your vision, the rushing noise filling your ears, and an involuntary gasp fill your lungs once more.
And in turn, the great heart beats, for the first time in ages by its own volition. The mighty spasm pushes you onto your back, and sends the massive Caretaker almost crashing into the wall.
The other Caretakers watch silently as the walls begin to swell once more, and the pale flesh all around you starts turning into a healthier blush of red.
The massive Caretaker looks down at its precious heart, that once again beats on its own, and gently rests on top of it. Finally, after all this time, it can rest…
>>558401
Not yet.
Though finding them should be much easier now.
The caretakers open the Heart Chamber's door once more, allowing you to leave.
One of them crawls up to the Heart Keeper, and accepts something from it, which he then brings to you.
It is a small, black crystal shard. A black so deep, it looks like a solid shadow more than a black object. It is as if light simply did not exist near it.
Remember. Dark is not a singular thing. To you, depending on how you view it, dark is either the opposite of light, or the absence of light. To us, such a definition is impossible, for within the primal abyss we come from, light does not exist. Dark, by nature, is not evil. But many who seek comfort in it, unfortunately, are. We hold no sympathy for the dark that you hunt, for it stole from us, subverted what was ours, and claimed mastery over what they merely adopted. Their dark as artificial as their faith. We wish no part of it.
>>558472
When the time for that comes, we will gladly repay your great service to us. You will find the exit just beyond here. Go in peace. And hunt well, Caller.
One of them crawls up to the Heart Keeper, and accepts something from it, which he then brings to you.
It is a small, black crystal shard. A black so deep, it looks like a solid shadow more than a black object. It is as if light simply did not exist near it.
Remember. Dark is not a singular thing. To you, depending on how you view it, dark is either the opposite of light, or the absence of light. To us, such a definition is impossible, for within the primal abyss we come from, light does not exist. Dark, by nature, is not evil. But many who seek comfort in it, unfortunately, are. We hold no sympathy for the dark that you hunt, for it stole from us, subverted what was ours, and claimed mastery over what they merely adopted. Their dark as artificial as their faith. We wish no part of it.
>>558472
When the time for that comes, we will gladly repay your great service to us. You will find the exit just beyond here. Go in peace. And hunt well, Caller.
>>558494
>>558479
Smile.
"Remember. Dark is not a singular thing. To you, depending on how you view it, dark is either the opposite of light, or the absence of light. To us, such a definition is impossible, for within the primal abyss we come from, light does not exist. Dark, by nature, is not evil. But many who seek comfort in it, unfortunately, are. We hold no sympathy for the dark that you hunt, for it stole from us, subverted what was ours, and claimed mastery over what they merely adopted. Their dark as artificial as their faith. We wish no part of it.
When the time for that comes, we will gladly repay your great service to us. You will find the exit just beyond here. Go in peace. And hunt well, Caller."
Shrug.
"That's more or less the gist of it. Basically, they wish us well, and will take us home when we're done. Oh, and we'll meet our friends just outside."
>>558479
Smile.
"Remember. Dark is not a singular thing. To you, depending on how you view it, dark is either the opposite of light, or the absence of light. To us, such a definition is impossible, for within the primal abyss we come from, light does not exist. Dark, by nature, is not evil. But many who seek comfort in it, unfortunately, are. We hold no sympathy for the dark that you hunt, for it stole from us, subverted what was ours, and claimed mastery over what they merely adopted. Their dark as artificial as their faith. We wish no part of it.
When the time for that comes, we will gladly repay your great service to us. You will find the exit just beyond here. Go in peace. And hunt well, Caller."
Shrug.
"That's more or less the gist of it. Basically, they wish us well, and will take us home when we're done. Oh, and we'll meet our friends just outside."
You leave the heart chamber behind and walk out. As you stride down the last lengths of the Gatewyrm, you see color slowly returning to its surfaces. Caretakers are hauling away piles of old rope, iron slabs, weapons and rivets they are at last able to pull out from the paths of tortured flesh.
The wyrm rests soundly for the first time in ages. Nothing obstructs your way any longer.
As you reach the great fanged maw at the other end, you hear a final echo behind you
T-th-thaaaank hyyuuuuu…
The maw opens to reveal a night sky devoid of stars. A blanket of dark blue and purple that gives all things a dream-like hue. In the distance, you see a city of stone, glass and dark wood. An intricately built place, where no two buildings look alike. Each telling a tale of its residents' desires and dreams. Beyond this city, towering up into the darkened heavens, rises a massive castle as magnificent as it is foreboding. Its great spires grasp the heavens like mighty claws of an angry beast, and its walls dominate the skyline like a great barrier between the mortal world and some twisted paradise.
Two caretakers lie dead near the maw.
A few steps beyond them stand the others. Some bloodied, all of them shocked. Staring at you.
The wyrm rests soundly for the first time in ages. Nothing obstructs your way any longer.
As you reach the great fanged maw at the other end, you hear a final echo behind you
T-th-thaaaank hyyuuuuu…
The maw opens to reveal a night sky devoid of stars. A blanket of dark blue and purple that gives all things a dream-like hue. In the distance, you see a city of stone, glass and dark wood. An intricately built place, where no two buildings look alike. Each telling a tale of its residents' desires and dreams. Beyond this city, towering up into the darkened heavens, rises a massive castle as magnificent as it is foreboding. Its great spires grasp the heavens like mighty claws of an angry beast, and its walls dominate the skyline like a great barrier between the mortal world and some twisted paradise.
Two caretakers lie dead near the maw.
A few steps beyond them stand the others. Some bloodied, all of them shocked. Staring at you.
>>558567
Calming, Grandheart and Grace all look equally astonished
"What do you mean was it necessary? These demons have been trying to kill us the entire way here!"
Whimsyshine looks ashamed, but stays quiet.
>>558569
>>558575
>>558579
The others join in on giving you strange looks
"What… happened to you?
Why are you thanking that monster?"
Calming, Grandheart and Grace all look equally astonished
"What do you mean was it necessary? These demons have been trying to kill us the entire way here!"
Whimsyshine looks ashamed, but stays quiet.
>>558569
>>558575
>>558579
The others join in on giving you strange looks
"What… happened to you?
Why are you thanking that monster?"
>>558582
"Oh really? None of you look injured to me. Were they attacking you… or did you attack them because they looked scary?
This worm is not of our world, brought here and shackled by Tirek, living a tortured existence because of him. We healed it's heart and freed it of his power. Now it's agreed to take us back when we defeat Tirek. They want Tirek dead."
Glare down at them.
"And you killed them because they looked scary."
"Oh really? None of you look injured to me. Were they attacking you… or did you attack them because they looked scary?
This worm is not of our world, brought here and shackled by Tirek, living a tortured existence because of him. We healed it's heart and freed it of his power. Now it's agreed to take us back when we defeat Tirek. They want Tirek dead."
Glare down at them.
"And you killed them because they looked scary."
>>558597
>>558606
Grandheart takes an angry step towards you
"We had time to patch our wounds. Between nearly falling to our deaths several times, the endless spikes that tried to impale us, these faceless abominations that tried time and again to shove us off ledges, drag us off into the beast's bowels or pull us down as we made leaps of faith… NOTHING in there was NOT trying to kill us!"
He glares at you
"Yet here you are. Prim and proper, not even sweaty. Saying it served you well.
I have my eye on you. You can count on that…"
>>558614
Calming Breeze nods
"Indeed.
Try not to lead us into any ambushes. Friend."
>>558606
Grandheart takes an angry step towards you
"We had time to patch our wounds. Between nearly falling to our deaths several times, the endless spikes that tried to impale us, these faceless abominations that tried time and again to shove us off ledges, drag us off into the beast's bowels or pull us down as we made leaps of faith… NOTHING in there was NOT trying to kill us!"
He glares at you
"Yet here you are. Prim and proper, not even sweaty. Saying it served you well.
I have my eye on you. You can count on that…"
>>558614
Calming Breeze nods
"Indeed.
Try not to lead us into any ambushes. Friend."
>>558630
Silk, Dulltooth and Cloudcover were in there with you. They know what truly happened.
But trying to convince those who saw a very different place will be quite a challenge.
>>558623
>>558628
>>558632
"…very well. Lets go."
You set off towards the city, as the Gatewyrm silently closes behind you.
And up near the outskirts of the city, a small band of scouts looks down towards the shore, shaking in terror at what they just witnessed.
They say the night is darkest just before dawn. And dawn may now be closer than ever on Midnight Island
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
FALSE HOPE
FALSE PROMISES
AND FALSE PROPHETS
Silk, Dulltooth and Cloudcover were in there with you. They know what truly happened.
But trying to convince those who saw a very different place will be quite a challenge.
>>558623
>>558628
>>558632
"…very well. Lets go."
You set off towards the city, as the Gatewyrm silently closes behind you.
And up near the outskirts of the city, a small band of scouts looks down towards the shore, shaking in terror at what they just witnessed.
They say the night is darkest just before dawn. And dawn may now be closer than ever on Midnight Island
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
FALSE HOPE
FALSE PROMISES
AND FALSE PROPHETS
While the other group remains pensive, they know sticking together is the only way to survive here.
As you head uphill from the shore, the outlines of the city ahead of you start becoming more clear. To call it imaginative would be a cruel insult. No two houses seem to be the same, each one hosting countless unique touches with little rhyme, reason or care for structural integrity or unified aesthetics. And yet, it isn't like the great houses of Canterlot, striving to merely outdo one another in opulence. Rather, they seem to reflect the whims and dreams of their builders, every nook and tower built with love and care to cater to their creator rather than any outside observer.
Some might call it messy and chaotic. But isn't that exactly what dreams are?
Even though the island is shrouded in eternal night, as you approach the city you see that the night sky is lit by strange, elaborate constellations that are entirely unfamiliar to you. They do not look natural, but rather like they were built by hundreds of ponies each making their own little thing in the sky for all to see and share.
The streets are lit by small lamps of blue flame, giving the entire place the gentle calming atmosphere of a midsummer's night. Some ponies walk along the streets, idly chatting away. In the sky, the shadows of strange pegasi slowly drift. Perhaps on patrol, perhaps just on a flight of fancy.
In the far distance, beyond the city, rises a great temple, and the foreboding Midnight Castle.
As you head uphill from the shore, the outlines of the city ahead of you start becoming more clear. To call it imaginative would be a cruel insult. No two houses seem to be the same, each one hosting countless unique touches with little rhyme, reason or care for structural integrity or unified aesthetics. And yet, it isn't like the great houses of Canterlot, striving to merely outdo one another in opulence. Rather, they seem to reflect the whims and dreams of their builders, every nook and tower built with love and care to cater to their creator rather than any outside observer.
Some might call it messy and chaotic. But isn't that exactly what dreams are?
Even though the island is shrouded in eternal night, as you approach the city you see that the night sky is lit by strange, elaborate constellations that are entirely unfamiliar to you. They do not look natural, but rather like they were built by hundreds of ponies each making their own little thing in the sky for all to see and share.
The streets are lit by small lamps of blue flame, giving the entire place the gentle calming atmosphere of a midsummer's night. Some ponies walk along the streets, idly chatting away. In the sky, the shadows of strange pegasi slowly drift. Perhaps on patrol, perhaps just on a flight of fancy.
In the far distance, beyond the city, rises a great temple, and the foreboding Midnight Castle.
>>561026
Silk points towards the sky
"Looks like we've been spotted."
>>561027
Yes.
From the sky a group of pegasi land before you as you approach the city.
Their leader, a bat-winged one, addresses you all
"Welcome, pilgrims of darkness. Your journey has been perilous and long, but you have made it.
Your devotion, dedication and faith will be rewarded here and now. On behalf of the Witness of Dreams, First of the Third Eyes of Tirek, we welcome you to the City of Dreams."
Silk points towards the sky
"Looks like we've been spotted."
>>561027
Yes.
From the sky a group of pegasi land before you as you approach the city.
Their leader, a bat-winged one, addresses you all
"Welcome, pilgrims of darkness. Your journey has been perilous and long, but you have made it.
Your devotion, dedication and faith will be rewarded here and now. On behalf of the Witness of Dreams, First of the Third Eyes of Tirek, we welcome you to the City of Dreams."
>>561030
>>561033
"I am Dreamweaver, chosen herald of the Witness of Dreams. It is my duty to welcome those who make the journey, and see that you are given a guide to help you get your new lives started."
He uses his wings to indicate the other pegasi who are with him
"If you have any preference, all you need do is ask."
>>561033
"I am Dreamweaver, chosen herald of the Witness of Dreams. It is my duty to welcome those who make the journey, and see that you are given a guide to help you get your new lives started."
He uses his wings to indicate the other pegasi who are with him
"If you have any preference, all you need do is ask."
>>561035
"Choice? Oh no, no. Here, there is no choice. But freedom. Freedom to do as you have always dreamed."
He points at the city
"In the City of Dreams, what you make your life depends on you alone. Nopony will restrict you, bind you down with laws and rules like in Equestria. Here, you are at long last free to follow your dreams.
And depending on what those dreams are, I can assign you somepony who can be most helpful with it."
>>561036
One seems dry and to the point, standing very still and very straight, face neutral, eyes slowly scanning you all.
One looks very friendly, and has had a constant smile on her face. She seems to be trying to guess what you all like.
One looks strong and dependable, willing to keep you safe and help you with any heavy lifting.
And the last appears very eager, pacing in place, barely keeping her mouth shut.
Dulltooth points at the smiling one "She seem nice. Like friend."
Silk shrugs.
>>561037
"Yes. That is what we do.
Unfortunately, I am rather busy, so I personally will need to return to my duties soon."
"Choice? Oh no, no. Here, there is no choice. But freedom. Freedom to do as you have always dreamed."
He points at the city
"In the City of Dreams, what you make your life depends on you alone. Nopony will restrict you, bind you down with laws and rules like in Equestria. Here, you are at long last free to follow your dreams.
And depending on what those dreams are, I can assign you somepony who can be most helpful with it."
>>561036
One seems dry and to the point, standing very still and very straight, face neutral, eyes slowly scanning you all.
One looks very friendly, and has had a constant smile on her face. She seems to be trying to guess what you all like.
One looks strong and dependable, willing to keep you safe and help you with any heavy lifting.
And the last appears very eager, pacing in place, barely keeping her mouth shut.
Dulltooth points at the smiling one "She seem nice. Like friend."
Silk shrugs.
>>561037
"Yes. That is what we do.
Unfortunately, I am rather busy, so I personally will need to return to my duties soon."
>>561048
Dreamweaver nods, and takes flight without another word
Hope's Light, the happy looking pegasus mare, stays behind
"Hello everyone! I'm hope, and I'll be your guide from here on. Now, I know you have a lot of big questions, but first, could you introduce yourselves to me? It'll be a lot easier for me to help you when I know a little about you first.
What are your names?
What are your dreams?"
Dreamweaver nods, and takes flight without another word
Hope's Light, the happy looking pegasus mare, stays behind
"Hello everyone! I'm hope, and I'll be your guide from here on. Now, I know you have a lot of big questions, but first, could you introduce yourselves to me? It'll be a lot easier for me to help you when I know a little about you first.
What are your names?
What are your dreams?"
>>561049
"I'm Ember Dawn, of house Angelite. My dreams…"
I think for a moment.
"To be able to live my own life, free of the responsibilities and pressures of the Houses of the Empire.
To always know exactly how to lead so that nopony gets hurt under my command."
Pause, then turn and smile gently at Silk.
"To settle down and build a home and a family with the one I love.
And, uh…"
Blush and look away.
"I've always kinda wondered what it would be like to get spitroasted on two dicks.[/size2]"
"I'm Ember Dawn, of house Angelite. My dreams…"
I think for a moment.
"To be able to live my own life, free of the responsibilities and pressures of the Houses of the Empire.
To always know exactly how to lead so that nopony gets hurt under my command."
Pause, then turn and smile gently at Silk.
"To settle down and build a home and a family with the one I love.
And, uh…"
Blush and look away.
"I've always kinda wondered what it would be like to get spitroasted on two dicks.[/size2]"
>>561051
"Ah, another doctor joins us. Good. Very good. Many of the other doctors here help Dreamweaver and the rest of us tend to those hurt on their journey here. Perhaps we can see your dream fulfilled in that."
>>561052
"The rousing dreams of battle Equestria's armies could never make real. Worry not, for you are not the first, nor the last, with such dreams. We will find you company to sate your lust for battle."
>>561053
"Welcome, friend.
Here, you will at last know peace and calm in ways only dreams can offer. We will see to it that your home here will be the coziest you have ever lived in"
>>561054
"A noble dream, good Ember. Here, you can build that home you always wanted, and settle down with the family of your dreams.
As for the rest, the Temple of Love is just beyond the city."
Dulltooth sighs
"Dulltooth… Me dream of… not needing to fight. Of quiet life, with happy someone to share with."
Fern pops up from the basket
"I guess I'm the happy someone. Not sure if it was my dream, but hey, I think he deserves it by now."
Silk takes a step towards Ember "You already heard our plans."
Whimsyshine looks up
"I have always dreamed of… understanding. The world and myself. Of being able to devote my time to that pursuit, rather than mere survival."
Grandheart smiles at his little friend
"My dreams were to find a battle worth making me a legend."
Lady Sunset looks uncomfortable for a moment, but then steels herself
"He is my dream."
She points at Calming Breeze, who goes slightly speechless
Sunsong lets out a drawn out, dejected sigh. He then removes his helmet and throws it behind him
"My duty has always been to see to the well being of Lady Sunset. But that was not my dream. And I am glad for it, for if it were, it would now be broken forever.
My dream was that she would one day grow up to be a sensible mare no longer in need of my protection. Or even that she would grow to appreciate me as more than a meat shield between her and whatever bandits she chose to chase after this week. But no.
So I'll pick my third dream. To drown myself in hedonistic sin until I forget the first two."
This unexpectedly angry, verbose rant from the usually stoic and quiet Sunsong shocks everyone, none more than Lady Sunset herself.
Hope rubs the back of her neck
"I see the trip has left you… uh… tense.
Don't let me… get in the way. Just let it out, and we can all start again from a clean slate, right?"
"Ah, another doctor joins us. Good. Very good. Many of the other doctors here help Dreamweaver and the rest of us tend to those hurt on their journey here. Perhaps we can see your dream fulfilled in that."
>>561052
"The rousing dreams of battle Equestria's armies could never make real. Worry not, for you are not the first, nor the last, with such dreams. We will find you company to sate your lust for battle."
>>561053
"Welcome, friend.
Here, you will at last know peace and calm in ways only dreams can offer. We will see to it that your home here will be the coziest you have ever lived in"
>>561054
"A noble dream, good Ember. Here, you can build that home you always wanted, and settle down with the family of your dreams.
As for the rest, the Temple of Love is just beyond the city."
Dulltooth sighs
"Dulltooth… Me dream of… not needing to fight. Of quiet life, with happy someone to share with."
Fern pops up from the basket
"I guess I'm the happy someone. Not sure if it was my dream, but hey, I think he deserves it by now."
Silk takes a step towards Ember "You already heard our plans."
Whimsyshine looks up
"I have always dreamed of… understanding. The world and myself. Of being able to devote my time to that pursuit, rather than mere survival."
Grandheart smiles at his little friend
"My dreams were to find a battle worth making me a legend."
Lady Sunset looks uncomfortable for a moment, but then steels herself
"He is my dream."
She points at Calming Breeze, who goes slightly speechless
Sunsong lets out a drawn out, dejected sigh. He then removes his helmet and throws it behind him
"My duty has always been to see to the well being of Lady Sunset. But that was not my dream. And I am glad for it, for if it were, it would now be broken forever.
My dream was that she would one day grow up to be a sensible mare no longer in need of my protection. Or even that she would grow to appreciate me as more than a meat shield between her and whatever bandits she chose to chase after this week. But no.
So I'll pick my third dream. To drown myself in hedonistic sin until I forget the first two."
This unexpectedly angry, verbose rant from the usually stoic and quiet Sunsong shocks everyone, none more than Lady Sunset herself.
Hope rubs the back of her neck
"I see the trip has left you… uh… tense.
Don't let me… get in the way. Just let it out, and we can all start again from a clean slate, right?"
>>561064
"A goal, pilgrim?"
She glances back at Midnight Castle
"…you are already here, are you not?"
>>561065
Dulltooth is standing around idly, while Fern is looking around, getting a sense of the place from her basket.
"I thought we'd share a house in the north, not in a demon realm…"
>>561066
Hope smiles and takes a small seed from her saddlebag, then gives it to you
The seed has a strange shape, and a crystalline texture. Inside, you can see swirling energy and twinkling lights.
"This is a seed of dreams. Contemplate on it, and on your dreams, and once you are ready, plant it in the soil that best fits your desires. It will then bloom into what it saw in your heart, and you can go from there, building your dream home."
>>561068
"No.
It is not a place for dreamers and lovers like us."
"A goal, pilgrim?"
She glances back at Midnight Castle
"…you are already here, are you not?"
>>561065
Dulltooth is standing around idly, while Fern is looking around, getting a sense of the place from her basket.
"I thought we'd share a house in the north, not in a demon realm…"
>>561066
Hope smiles and takes a small seed from her saddlebag, then gives it to you
The seed has a strange shape, and a crystalline texture. Inside, you can see swirling energy and twinkling lights.
"This is a seed of dreams. Contemplate on it, and on your dreams, and once you are ready, plant it in the soil that best fits your desires. It will then bloom into what it saw in your heart, and you can go from there, building your dream home."
>>561068
"No.
It is not a place for dreamers and lovers like us."
>>561076
"I thought we were trying to get her to walk us right to their leader, so we can avoid needing to fight the entire city."
>>561075
She cocks her head to the side
"Then… try talking to him?
Shared dreams are beautiful, but they can only happen when two ponies do things together."
>>561073
"I'm sure it will become beautiful."
>>561074
"Well, if we're all ready, I suppose we can go at any time."
"I thought we were trying to get her to walk us right to their leader, so we can avoid needing to fight the entire city."
>>561075
She cocks her head to the side
"Then… try talking to him?
Shared dreams are beautiful, but they can only happen when two ponies do things together."
>>561073
"I'm sure it will become beautiful."
>>561074
"Well, if we're all ready, I suppose we can go at any time."
>>561078
>>561079
>>561080
You set off towards the city
"I came here to look for my own dreams as well. Once, I was a believer in Luna, but always found her approach… wrong. While not cold or impersonal, it was… preachy. She always wished for dreams to have meaning, to teach lessons and convey greater truths in need of interpretation. I do not think that is what dreams should be. So I found my own dream here. That one is mine."
She points at a house shaped like a great tree of watchtowers and bridges, with a fountain at the heart
"My dream was to help others realize their true desires, without need for riddles and metaphors. Indeed, I was among those who helped create the Seeds of Dreams with our master.
He lives there, in the Tower of Dreams at the heart of the city. From there, he watches over our dreams, and helps keep us happy."
>>561079
>>561080
You set off towards the city
"I came here to look for my own dreams as well. Once, I was a believer in Luna, but always found her approach… wrong. While not cold or impersonal, it was… preachy. She always wished for dreams to have meaning, to teach lessons and convey greater truths in need of interpretation. I do not think that is what dreams should be. So I found my own dream here. That one is mine."
She points at a house shaped like a great tree of watchtowers and bridges, with a fountain at the heart
"My dream was to help others realize their true desires, without need for riddles and metaphors. Indeed, I was among those who helped create the Seeds of Dreams with our master.
He lives there, in the Tower of Dreams at the heart of the city. From there, he watches over our dreams, and helps keep us happy."
>>561084
"I do not know. He often just sends us, his heralds, to speak to the populace. Usually he only meets with very special cases himself, like that paladin… Sindancer, I believe he called himself. He had a marvelous gift to show our master."
>>561087
Sunset looks down, and sticks close to Calming, who in turn is trying to keep her in one piece.
Sunsong has removed all of House Sunset's insignias from his armor and is staying far away from the others.
Grandheart and Whimsyshine try to have no part in the whole thing.
"I do not know. He often just sends us, his heralds, to speak to the populace. Usually he only meets with very special cases himself, like that paladin… Sindancer, I believe he called himself. He had a marvelous gift to show our master."
>>561087
Sunset looks down, and sticks close to Calming, who in turn is trying to keep her in one piece.
Sunsong has removed all of House Sunset's insignias from his armor and is staying far away from the others.
Grandheart and Whimsyshine try to have no part in the whole thing.
>>561091
You have the Tome of Forbidden Lore, and the Shard of Primal Darkness.
"He was old, but many dreamers are. Scarred and limping from past battles, and with a heart full of resentment and anger.
The Witness of Dreams saw to him, and for his gift, he was granted access to where ever he pleased here on our island. I believe he is now being cared for by the Witness of Love in her Temple. There she will soothe his heart and body, let him heal, and come to terms with all he has had to endure. He deserves it after such a hard life. He deserves all the love and dreams we can spare."
>>561093
"So he can watch over all our dreams, and send aid where it is needed."
You have the Tome of Forbidden Lore, and the Shard of Primal Darkness.
"He was old, but many dreamers are. Scarred and limping from past battles, and with a heart full of resentment and anger.
The Witness of Dreams saw to him, and for his gift, he was granted access to where ever he pleased here on our island. I believe he is now being cared for by the Witness of Love in her Temple. There she will soothe his heart and body, let him heal, and come to terms with all he has had to endure. He deserves it after such a hard life. He deserves all the love and dreams we can spare."
>>561093
"So he can watch over all our dreams, and send aid where it is needed."
>>561110
"That was metaphorical. He can't see through my eyes. Though some say he can share his sight with his highest heralds, like Dreamweaver."
>>561111
"The seed of dreams will listen to your heart and mind when you focus on it, and grow into what it saw in there. You just need to be honest with it, and it will grow into a start to a new, better life."
"That was metaphorical. He can't see through my eyes. Though some say he can share his sight with his highest heralds, like Dreamweaver."
>>561111
"The seed of dreams will listen to your heart and mind when you focus on it, and grow into what it saw in there. You just need to be honest with it, and it will grow into a start to a new, better life."
>>561115
"Through devotion.
There are three Witnesses… the three Third Eyes, as they are also known as.
They embody the three virtues we hold most dear on this island - Dreams, Love and Faith.
Here, in the City of Dreams, the Witness of Dreams watches over the dreamers. His heralds are those who have shown devotion to his ideals, from living their dreams to aiding others in realizing their dreams.
The Witness of Love watches over the lovers of the Temple of Love, and the Witness of Faith watches over the faithful in Midnight Castle. While I do not know for sure, I believe their methods are similar to ours."
>>561117
>>561097
"Oh?
What is it?"
"Through devotion.
There are three Witnesses… the three Third Eyes, as they are also known as.
They embody the three virtues we hold most dear on this island - Dreams, Love and Faith.
Here, in the City of Dreams, the Witness of Dreams watches over the dreamers. His heralds are those who have shown devotion to his ideals, from living their dreams to aiding others in realizing their dreams.
The Witness of Love watches over the lovers of the Temple of Love, and the Witness of Faith watches over the faithful in Midnight Castle. While I do not know for sure, I believe their methods are similar to ours."
>>561117
>>561097
"Oh?
What is it?"
>>561124
One of the bat pony's eyes rolls back into his head, and he stares at the shard silently with this seemingly now blind eye.
He the blinks and nods
"Very well. The Witness of Dreams will grant you an audience."
The other pegasi from before, along with a few others, land nearby
"Shall we go right away?"
One of the bat pony's eyes rolls back into his head, and he stares at the shard silently with this seemingly now blind eye.
He the blinks and nods
"Very well. The Witness of Dreams will grant you an audience."
The other pegasi from before, along with a few others, land nearby
"Shall we go right away?"
>>561452
Lady Sunset and Calming Breeze are sitting around.
Sunsong, now without his helmet or insignias, is angrily staring down at the city below.
Whimsyshine has hidden the Tome, and is studying his notes while Grandheart keeps him company.
Cloudcover is idly stretching his wings.
Glorious Grace and Sweet Potato have not been around ever since you made it out of the Gatewyrm… They must have snuck into the city on their own or something.
>>561453
She casts a lingering look at her former bodyguard
"I feel terrible for him. But… I can't say I would have done things differently, given the choice."
Lady Sunset and Calming Breeze are sitting around.
Sunsong, now without his helmet or insignias, is angrily staring down at the city below.
Whimsyshine has hidden the Tome, and is studying his notes while Grandheart keeps him company.
Cloudcover is idly stretching his wings.
Glorious Grace and Sweet Potato have not been around ever since you made it out of the Gatewyrm… They must have snuck into the city on their own or something.
>>561453
She casts a lingering look at her former bodyguard
"I feel terrible for him. But… I can't say I would have done things differently, given the choice."
>>561461
>>561460
"I have watched over her ever since she was little more than a hot-headed teenager. I have cared for her through many phases of life, seen her ups and downs, been there for her when she needed someone reliable, stood between her and every blade ever pointed at her by whatever bandits she chose to chase in search of adventure. Answered to her father for every cut and bruise she suffered from blows I failed to take for her.
And now she has chosen to run off with that… 'adventurer'. I have nothing left to say or do in this."
>>561460
"I have watched over her ever since she was little more than a hot-headed teenager. I have cared for her through many phases of life, seen her ups and downs, been there for her when she needed someone reliable, stood between her and every blade ever pointed at her by whatever bandits she chose to chase in search of adventure. Answered to her father for every cut and bruise she suffered from blows I failed to take for her.
And now she has chosen to run off with that… 'adventurer'. I have nothing left to say or do in this."
>>561464
"It's not like you may think it was. She was more like my child than someone I could ever look at with desiring eyes.
…at least that is how I wish to remember it."
>>561465
"There are many kinds of love. But romance… romance is a strange, blind monster."
His eyes are slightly red and moist, but his face twists into a small smile
"Did it hurt you, too?"
>>561466
Lady Sunset sighs
"He is my dream. I had to say it sooner or later."
"It's not like you may think it was. She was more like my child than someone I could ever look at with desiring eyes.
…at least that is how I wish to remember it."
>>561465
"There are many kinds of love. But romance… romance is a strange, blind monster."
His eyes are slightly red and moist, but his face twists into a small smile
"Did it hurt you, too?"
>>561466
Lady Sunset sighs
"He is my dream. I had to say it sooner or later."
>>561477
"Maybe there are some dreams here I could embrace…"
>>561478
"I do not know. Perhaps, in time, it will all seem absurd and insignificant. But for now, I am adrift in a world of dreams, my one unshakable tie to my old life forever broken away."
>>561480
"You ask for my opinion on your plan to bribe the demon lords with trinkets you were given by the other demon?"
"Maybe there are some dreams here I could embrace…"
>>561478
"I do not know. Perhaps, in time, it will all seem absurd and insignificant. But for now, I am adrift in a world of dreams, my one unshakable tie to my old life forever broken away."
>>561480
"You ask for my opinion on your plan to bribe the demon lords with trinkets you were given by the other demon?"
As you talk, the doors at the far end of the room open, revealing Dreamweaver
"The Witness of Dreams will see you now, pilgrims."
You follow him, and step into a great room the size of an entire floor in the tower, surrounded on all sides by great windows. A few Heralds fly in and out, and other assistants look out over the city with telescopes, documenting what they see.
And at the center of it all, dressed in great robes of midnight blue, is the Witness of Dreams - a pony of dark purple with a blue mane, his eyes bound, and with a third, gem-like one growing from his forehead.
He finishes addressing the aide he was talking to, and turns to you in turn. His voice is calm and pleasant, with a tone of genuine joy to it.
"Welcome, gracious pilgrims. I hear you have a gift for us?"
Those who paid attention to the aide he just finished with could make no mistake.
There, helping the other heralds of dreams, is Sweet Potato. Once a devoted priestess of Luna…
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
EXPOSITION
EXPLANATIONS
AND EXPLOSIONS
"The Witness of Dreams will see you now, pilgrims."
You follow him, and step into a great room the size of an entire floor in the tower, surrounded on all sides by great windows. A few Heralds fly in and out, and other assistants look out over the city with telescopes, documenting what they see.
And at the center of it all, dressed in great robes of midnight blue, is the Witness of Dreams - a pony of dark purple with a blue mane, his eyes bound, and with a third, gem-like one growing from his forehead.
He finishes addressing the aide he was talking to, and turns to you in turn. His voice is calm and pleasant, with a tone of genuine joy to it.
"Welcome, gracious pilgrims. I hear you have a gift for us?"
Those who paid attention to the aide he just finished with could make no mistake.
There, helping the other heralds of dreams, is Sweet Potato. Once a devoted priestess of Luna…
NEXT TIME ON MIDBUTTS
EXPOSITION
EXPLANATIONS
AND EXPLOSIONS
>>561887
>>561888
>>561889
"When I left on this journey, I did it out of a sense of duty and faith. Cultists of some demonic night god are twice the abomination in the eyes of one devoted to Luna.
But then things changed. First, when I met Grace. He was… very different from me. Reckless. Angry. Brutal. All we had in common was… well, the depth of out faith. So I took it upon me to try and refine his divine rage into a more elegant weapon. Teach him to embrace his faith in ways other than destruction in the Sun's name. But for every change I made in his heart, so, too, he left a mark in mine.
Then I came here, and saw what these… cultists were truly doing. What their crimes against Luna and her night were. What their intentions and plans really amounted to. And in that moment, I chose to lay down my weapons.
Making dreams real, and granting them to any who are devoted enough to come embrace them cannot be a vile act. Luna's teachings tell us that dreams are a means of communicating lessons and showing deeper meanings to ponies. Yet… when we speak of our dreams, we pay more mind to our hopes than her lessons. Here… here is where that is rectified. Here is where true dreams reside.
And that is why I have chosen to stay here. With these dreamers. Who share my desire to allow ponies to realize their dreams in full.
Surely… you understand."
>>561888
>>561889
"When I left on this journey, I did it out of a sense of duty and faith. Cultists of some demonic night god are twice the abomination in the eyes of one devoted to Luna.
But then things changed. First, when I met Grace. He was… very different from me. Reckless. Angry. Brutal. All we had in common was… well, the depth of out faith. So I took it upon me to try and refine his divine rage into a more elegant weapon. Teach him to embrace his faith in ways other than destruction in the Sun's name. But for every change I made in his heart, so, too, he left a mark in mine.
Then I came here, and saw what these… cultists were truly doing. What their crimes against Luna and her night were. What their intentions and plans really amounted to. And in that moment, I chose to lay down my weapons.
Making dreams real, and granting them to any who are devoted enough to come embrace them cannot be a vile act. Luna's teachings tell us that dreams are a means of communicating lessons and showing deeper meanings to ponies. Yet… when we speak of our dreams, we pay more mind to our hopes than her lessons. Here… here is where that is rectified. Here is where true dreams reside.
And that is why I have chosen to stay here. With these dreamers. Who share my desire to allow ponies to realize their dreams in full.
Surely… you understand."
>>561892
"I have no part in these tales of making the world into monsters and nightmares. My place is here, in the City of Dreams. At the side of the Witness of Dreams. It is all I hope for. All I… well… dream of."
>>561893
"What of Grace?
For all I know, he may still be trying to fight his way to the Temple of Love. Perhaps it is his dream to die fighting his old mentor. If so, who am I to deny him?"
"I have no part in these tales of making the world into monsters and nightmares. My place is here, in the City of Dreams. At the side of the Witness of Dreams. It is all I hope for. All I… well… dream of."
>>561893
"What of Grace?
For all I know, he may still be trying to fight his way to the Temple of Love. Perhaps it is his dream to die fighting his old mentor. If so, who am I to deny him?"
>>561896
"…it was no different in Equestria.
But judge us as you wish. I know my heart wanted this."
The Witness touches her cheek with a gentle hoof, and then turns to you
"Yes.
My heralds spoke of a gift.
Any pilgrim willing to give, as well as simply take, is welcome in my halls."
>>561897
"That is one thing I could never change in him. He saw his sword as the best approach to any situation. All I can hope is that the dreamers stay out of his way, and that the heralds do not fight to their deaths so I may tend to them later."
"…it was no different in Equestria.
But judge us as you wish. I know my heart wanted this."
The Witness touches her cheek with a gentle hoof, and then turns to you
"Yes.
My heralds spoke of a gift.
Any pilgrim willing to give, as well as simply take, is welcome in my halls."
>>561897
"That is one thing I could never change in him. He saw his sword as the best approach to any situation. All I can hope is that the dreamers stay out of his way, and that the heralds do not fight to their deaths so I may tend to them later."
>>561909
>>561910
"What happens within the walls of Midnight Castle is not my business. I am merely a guardian of my dreamers. My only connection to those who rule over this island, the High Priests of Tirek, is this."
He touches his third eye.
"But you seem very eager to join the Believers who reside there. It takes a special kind of pony to do that. One driven by faith alone. One who has no desire for love nor dreams. One who can turn their backs on all my city and the Temple of Love can offer.
Is that why you are here? Because your devotion and faith drives you to Tirek's halls?"
>>561910
"What happens within the walls of Midnight Castle is not my business. I am merely a guardian of my dreamers. My only connection to those who rule over this island, the High Priests of Tirek, is this."
He touches his third eye.
"But you seem very eager to join the Believers who reside there. It takes a special kind of pony to do that. One driven by faith alone. One who has no desire for love nor dreams. One who can turn their backs on all my city and the Temple of Love can offer.
Is that why you are here? Because your devotion and faith drives you to Tirek's halls?"
>>561915
"…The desire to stay here is strong, there is no doubt about that. But ultimately, none of this can change what we've seen. Ponies twisted into abominations from the deepest nightmares, a beast doomed to an eternity of agony, unable to so much as have it's own heartbeat as weapons and spikes tore at it from the inside out… No dream, however beautiful, is worth that price. Blinding yourself to such horrors does not make them go away."
"…The desire to stay here is strong, there is no doubt about that. But ultimately, none of this can change what we've seen. Ponies twisted into abominations from the deepest nightmares, a beast doomed to an eternity of agony, unable to so much as have it's own heartbeat as weapons and spikes tore at it from the inside out… No dream, however beautiful, is worth that price. Blinding yourself to such horrors does not make them go away."
>>561919
"I doubt you can frighten me with that. If Midnight Castle falls, this place, too, may die."
>>561918
"I have been kind to you, and not told the Witness of your true intentions. But I fear this kind of deception, after he has been so good to me, would be… evil."
>>561920
"Those were not the fault of the dreamers! I…"
>>561916
"I…"
She looks like she might be giving in.
"…just tell me this, then.
If bringing an end to Tirek means killing every lover, dreamer and believer on this island…
Will you still go through with it?"
"I doubt you can frighten me with that. If Midnight Castle falls, this place, too, may die."
>>561918
"I have been kind to you, and not told the Witness of your true intentions. But I fear this kind of deception, after he has been so good to me, would be… evil."
>>561920
"Those were not the fault of the dreamers! I…"
>>561916
"I…"
She looks like she might be giving in.
"…just tell me this, then.
If bringing an end to Tirek means killing every lover, dreamer and believer on this island…
Will you still go through with it?"
>>561921
"Why do you think we are asking for your help? Most of these ponies do not need to die. In fact, we're here to save them.
If the believers in Midnight Castle are capable of such horrors, then let me ask you this: What price did you pay to stay here? Will it be worth it when the dreams are turned to nightmares? Because make no mistake, those in the castle are more than willing to do so."
"Why do you think we are asking for your help? Most of these ponies do not need to die. In fact, we're here to save them.
If the believers in Midnight Castle are capable of such horrors, then let me ask you this: What price did you pay to stay here? Will it be worth it when the dreams are turned to nightmares? Because make no mistake, those in the castle are more than willing to do so."
>>561922
>>561923
"…I have not been here long. No longer than you. But I have spoken with the Witness, and I know he did all this with the power given to him by Tirek's high priests. He was allowed to create this place in exchange for his devotion to them and their will.
…I implore you. Do not make him go against their will, lest they smite him down for his transgression. If you truly must go through with this… give the shard.
…perhaps, for.. old times sake… I can try to convince him to let you take it to the castle personally?"
She seems to be on the verge of tears.
>>561923
"…I have not been here long. No longer than you. But I have spoken with the Witness, and I know he did all this with the power given to him by Tirek's high priests. He was allowed to create this place in exchange for his devotion to them and their will.
…I implore you. Do not make him go against their will, lest they smite him down for his transgression. If you truly must go through with this… give the shard.
…perhaps, for.. old times sake… I can try to convince him to let you take it to the castle personally?"
She seems to be on the verge of tears.
>>561930
"I envy her. She was able to leave her past behind so very easily, and follow a new, better dream."
>>561931
"Great Witness. I have spoken to them, and peered into their hearts. They carry a great devotion in them. Greater than their dreams and love. They deserve passage to the Temple of Love, and your recommendations to the Witness of Love to let them pass to the Castle. Let them take the Shard to the Witness of Faith, as proof of their devotion."
>>561929
The Witness of Dreams soon returns to you
"My young herald speaks highly of you.
And for that, I am willing to grant you a chance. Take the road from here to the Temple of Love. There, seek out the Witness of Love, and show your gift to her. She will decide if you may pass to Midnight Castle."
"I envy her. She was able to leave her past behind so very easily, and follow a new, better dream."
>>561931
"Great Witness. I have spoken to them, and peered into their hearts. They carry a great devotion in them. Greater than their dreams and love. They deserve passage to the Temple of Love, and your recommendations to the Witness of Love to let them pass to the Castle. Let them take the Shard to the Witness of Faith, as proof of their devotion."
>>561929
The Witness of Dreams soon returns to you
"My young herald speaks highly of you.
And for that, I am willing to grant you a chance. Take the road from here to the Temple of Love. There, seek out the Witness of Love, and show your gift to her. She will decide if you may pass to Midnight Castle."
>>561936
"I need someone I can trust to watch over her." Motion towards Fire Blossom.
"As I have had to use the Dark Tongue, she is no longer comfortable serving me, but that does not mean I do not still feel responsible for her well-being. I could use a loyal soldier willing to do anything to keep her safe."
"I need someone I can trust to watch over her." Motion towards Fire Blossom.
"As I have had to use the Dark Tongue, she is no longer comfortable serving me, but that does not mean I do not still feel responsible for her well-being. I could use a loyal soldier willing to do anything to keep her safe."
>>561942
"But you did feel affection for her, and denying that affection is what led to these events. Like an open wound, you let it fester and grow until it turned into an infection rooted deep in your heart. Now that infection has been drained and cut out; that is why you are feeling so much pain.
I do not say this to be insensitive. Love takes many shapes and forms. But consider this… if what you'd felt for her had been true love, would you not have been willing to sacrifice your own happiness for hers?"
"But you did feel affection for her, and denying that affection is what led to these events. Like an open wound, you let it fester and grow until it turned into an infection rooted deep in your heart. Now that infection has been drained and cut out; that is why you are feeling so much pain.
I do not say this to be insensitive. Love takes many shapes and forms. But consider this… if what you'd felt for her had been true love, would you not have been willing to sacrifice your own happiness for hers?"
>>561946
"Guarding has been my life. I suppose there is no harm done if I simply change masters. My sword is yours."
Ember Dawn wants to take a new Minion
But Ember Dawn only has room for two Minions!
Release a Minion to make room for Sunsong?
[Dulltooth]
[Smooth Silk]
>>561947
"No.. my place is here. Among the dreamers.
…and I fear meeting Grace again. I don't think both of us would walk away from that."
"Guarding has been my life. I suppose there is no harm done if I simply change masters. My sword is yours."
Ember Dawn wants to take a new Minion
But Ember Dawn only has room for two Minions!
Release a Minion to make room for Sunsong?
[Dulltooth]
[Smooth Silk]
>>561947
"No.. my place is here. Among the dreamers.
…and I fear meeting Grace again. I don't think both of us would walk away from that."
>>561948
Smooth Silk. At this point in our relationship, I'm not really in a position to tell her what to do anyway.
"Thank you, Sunsong. I promise to use your loyalty wisely, and I promise not to you won't have to worry about any dramatic relationships with me."
Blush slightly and look away.
"At least not any emotional relationships."
Smooth Silk. At this point in our relationship, I'm not really in a position to tell her what to do anyway.
"Thank you, Sunsong. I promise to use your loyalty wisely, and I promise not to you won't have to worry about any dramatic relationships with me."
Blush slightly and look away.
"At least not any emotional relationships."
>>561954
She remains by her window, looking down upon her new home.
Cloudcover remains stoic
"What did you hope to find in her?"
>>561953
"I am a servant and a defender. Judging the whims and emotions of others has brought me no joy.
Do you wish I speak my mind, or serve in silence?"
#NEW MINION
Sunsong
Earth Pony M
7/5
Protect
Guardian
Weapon: Shield
She remains by her window, looking down upon her new home.
Cloudcover remains stoic
"What did you hope to find in her?"
>>561953
"I am a servant and a defender. Judging the whims and emotions of others has brought me no joy.
Do you wish I speak my mind, or serve in silence?"
#NEW MINION
Sunsong
Earth Pony M
7/5
Protect
Guardian
Weapon: Shield
>>561955
"If you served in silence, how would I know how best to serve you? For it is the responsibility of a commander to care for his troops; how can I do that if you hide your qualms from me?
Never fear to speak your mind, to me or anyone else. In fact, I demand that you always share your counsel with me, that I may make better decisions."
"If you served in silence, how would I know how best to serve you? For it is the responsibility of a commander to care for his troops; how can I do that if you hide your qualms from me?
Never fear to speak your mind, to me or anyone else. In fact, I demand that you always share your counsel with me, that I may make better decisions."
>>561961
Sigh and shake my head.
"This again? Blossom was the same way…
Very well then, if you must have a title to call me by, I suppose 'sir' is as good a title as any.
But don't start calling me 'lord' or 'liege' or any of that, or I swear I'll buck you in the teeth. Even if we are friends."
Sigh and shake my head.
"This again? Blossom was the same way…
Very well then, if you must have a title to call me by, I suppose 'sir' is as good a title as any.
But don't start calling me 'lord' or 'liege' or any of that, or I swear I'll buck you in the teeth. Even if we are friends."
>>561962
"I could think of no place I'd rather be. If you asked, I'd even leave my duties as a guard. For you."
>>561963
"I was considering 'captain', but then, you aren't a captain. Sir will do then.
Forgive me if it sounds awkward, but I am more used to this sort of a setup than fighting alongside an equal."
ARE WE ALL READY?
"I could think of no place I'd rather be. If you asked, I'd even leave my duties as a guard. For you."
>>561963
"I was considering 'captain', but then, you aren't a captain. Sir will do then.
Forgive me if it sounds awkward, but I am more used to this sort of a setup than fighting alongside an equal."
ARE WE ALL READY?
>>561969
He returns the smile and gives you a little kiss
"Lets go, lover. I think there will be many like us ahead in that temple."
You return to Dreamweaver, who shows you a way down via an elevator.
"The Temple is due northeast here. Just follow the Road of Roses out of the city and keep going. I would accompany you, but the Witness has sent me to deal with some trouble out in the island woods.
Be safe, good pilgrims. May your dreams come true."
he opens his wings to fly off
He returns the smile and gives you a little kiss
"Lets go, lover. I think there will be many like us ahead in that temple."
You return to Dreamweaver, who shows you a way down via an elevator.
"The Temple is due northeast here. Just follow the Road of Roses out of the city and keep going. I would accompany you, but the Witness has sent me to deal with some trouble out in the island woods.
Be safe, good pilgrims. May your dreams come true."
he opens his wings to fly off
>>561973
"I fear not for his body, but for his mind. He needs companionship and purpose. I have given him the latter, but as his commander he is reluctant to let me be the one to give him the former.
Please, just stay by his side. Talk to him, watch after his soul. We all need someone to lean on to keep from falling into the darkness."
>>561972
"What kind of trouble? Would it happen to be a rogue paladin causing a ruckus? We might be able to help with that."
"I fear not for his body, but for his mind. He needs companionship and purpose. I have given him the latter, but as his commander he is reluctant to let me be the one to give him the former.
Please, just stay by his side. Talk to him, watch after his soul. We all need someone to lean on to keep from falling into the darkness."
>>561972
"What kind of trouble? Would it happen to be a rogue paladin causing a ruckus? We might be able to help with that."
>>561976
Smile gently at her.
"Because I trust you, and because you've already saved me from the dark on more than one occasion. Plus, you both served Lady Sunset at one point; a familiar face may be just the thing to help."
>>561977
"Call it a hunch, but we may know this somepony. Let us come with you, and maybe we can resolve this without bloodshed."
Smile gently at her.
"Because I trust you, and because you've already saved me from the dark on more than one occasion. Plus, you both served Lady Sunset at one point; a familiar face may be just the thing to help."
>>561977
"Call it a hunch, but we may know this somepony. Let us come with you, and maybe we can resolve this without bloodshed."
>Temple Team
The Road of Roses lives up to its name. Though a simple, if lovingly built cobblestone road, it is lined by hundreds of rose bushes, the petals of which have made the road look nothing short of a wedding suite bed.
>Forest Team
You break off from the road and head into the dark woods. The place is clearly artificial, given how the trees have been planted. Only a few are old enough to be part of a natural forest. But it still manages to be quite beautiful. On your way you pass many meadows and little groves, where starlight paints elegant shapes on the neatly kept grass, showing the depressions left by the bodies of lovers and dreamers alike.
The Road of Roses lives up to its name. Though a simple, if lovingly built cobblestone road, it is lined by hundreds of rose bushes, the petals of which have made the road look nothing short of a wedding suite bed.
>Forest Team
You break off from the road and head into the dark woods. The place is clearly artificial, given how the trees have been planted. Only a few are old enough to be part of a natural forest. But it still manages to be quite beautiful. On your way you pass many meadows and little groves, where starlight paints elegant shapes on the neatly kept grass, showing the depressions left by the bodies of lovers and dreamers alike.
>>562021
You keep getting distracted by all the juices left behind by some passing lovers.
Dulltooth and Sunsong snap you out of it
"Look, sir. Bloodstains and broken trees."
"Also dead ponies."
Dulltooth lifts up a mangled, slightly mutated pegasus. Probably a former herald.
>>562022
Lady Sunsong's eyes sparkle
"They are dreamers, after all.."
>>562024
Smells lovely. It has been tended to with care and devotion.
You keep getting distracted by all the juices left behind by some passing lovers.
Dulltooth and Sunsong snap you out of it
"Look, sir. Bloodstains and broken trees."
"Also dead ponies."
Dulltooth lifts up a mangled, slightly mutated pegasus. Probably a former herald.
>>562022
Lady Sunsong's eyes sparkle
"They are dreamers, after all.."
>>562024
Smells lovely. It has been tended to with care and devotion.
>>562026
>>562027
>>562028
As you leave the City of Dreams behind, and begin climbing a hill towards the Temple of Love, the scenery around you begins to change.
The stars above slowly give way to nothing but a great, pale full moon, and the scent of roses begins to mix with an ambient sweet aroma. The forest is to your left, and to your right is a large garden, featuring a great number of statues. The temple lies beyond it.
>>562029
You pass a few more bodies, and find him engaged in battle with Dreamweaver in a small clearing. Several trees have been broken already, and Dreamweaver's left wing hangs limply from a broken shoulder
"STOP THIS MADNESS! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?"
"SUN!"
>>562027
>>562028
As you leave the City of Dreams behind, and begin climbing a hill towards the Temple of Love, the scenery around you begins to change.
The stars above slowly give way to nothing but a great, pale full moon, and the scent of roses begins to mix with an ambient sweet aroma. The forest is to your left, and to your right is a large garden, featuring a great number of statues. The temple lies beyond it.
>>562029
You pass a few more bodies, and find him engaged in battle with Dreamweaver in a small clearing. Several trees have been broken already, and Dreamweaver's left wing hangs limply from a broken shoulder
"STOP THIS MADNESS! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?"
"SUN!"
>>562031
There are many kinds, from busts to single statues to pairs and even some larger groups. They all paint a very idealized picture of their models, be they dedications to single special someponies, scenes of love between couples, or elaborate thrones of lovers with one reclining on top.
>>562033
He blasts Dreamweaver against a tree
"WHAT YOU HERETICS FORGOT WE CAME HERE TO DO!"
There are many kinds, from busts to single statues to pairs and even some larger groups. They all paint a very idealized picture of their models, be they dedications to single special someponies, scenes of love between couples, or elaborate thrones of lovers with one reclining on top.
>>562033
He blasts Dreamweaver against a tree
"WHAT YOU HERETICS FORGOT WE CAME HERE TO DO!"
>>562035
Grace looks at you and your companions, then back at Dreamweaver, and his own wounds.
Spitting out a loose tooth and a wad of blood, he pants and leans on his hammer
"Is this what you can here for, then? To take me alive so you can sacrifice me to your dark gods, heretic?
How DARE you speak of MY SUN!"
Grace looks at you and your companions, then back at Dreamweaver, and his own wounds.
Spitting out a loose tooth and a wad of blood, he pants and leans on his hammer
"Is this what you can here for, then? To take me alive so you can sacrifice me to your dark gods, heretic?
How DARE you speak of MY SUN!"
>>562038
"Well, while you're wasting your time slaughtering cultist after cultist regardless of whether they're important or not, WE are going after the head honcho himself!
But I guess that doesn't matter to you, right? Slaughtering defenseless ponies is so much easier…"
Glare right into his eyes.
"Especially if it means you can avoid having to face your old mentor. Right, Grace?"
"Well, while you're wasting your time slaughtering cultist after cultist regardless of whether they're important or not, WE are going after the head honcho himself!
But I guess that doesn't matter to you, right? Slaughtering defenseless ponies is so much easier…"
Glare right into his eyes.
"Especially if it means you can avoid having to face your old mentor. Right, Grace?"
>>562039
"I am headed right for him, and willing to kill any between him and me. I know he is hiding in the Temple of Love."
>TEMPLE TEAM
As you pass the garden of statues, you come to a great wide moat that surrounds the temple. At its edge stand two guards
"Welcome, pilgrims."
"Have you come to seek love?"
"I am headed right for him, and willing to kill any between him and me. I know he is hiding in the Temple of Love."
>TEMPLE TEAM
As you pass the garden of statues, you come to a great wide moat that surrounds the temple. At its edge stand two guards
"Welcome, pilgrims."
"Have you come to seek love?"
>>562045
"We know."
"Love is often like that."
"We do not judge"
"We merely guard"
>>562046
"The dreamer sent you?"
"Then things must truly be of importance."
They signal towards the temple, and the drawbridge is lowered.
It is hard to put a finger on it, but somehow the architecture of the moat, drawbridge and main gate are very… inviting.
"Go on ahead"
"The loves will guide you once you are inside."
>>562047
"Redemption and compassion are reserved for those who have not committed sins this deep. To willingly embrace darkness is to forsake any chance to receive such blessings."
"We know."
"Love is often like that."
"We do not judge"
"We merely guard"
>>562046
"The dreamer sent you?"
"Then things must truly be of importance."
They signal towards the temple, and the drawbridge is lowered.
It is hard to put a finger on it, but somehow the architecture of the moat, drawbridge and main gate are very… inviting.
"Go on ahead"
"The loves will guide you once you are inside."
>>562047
"Redemption and compassion are reserved for those who have not committed sins this deep. To willingly embrace darkness is to forsake any chance to receive such blessings."
>>562051
"Your words are as twisted as your soul!"
Dreamweaver struggles back to his hooves, and reaches for his sword. If you keep distracting Grace, he will have a chance to strike with ease.
>>562049
>>562050
You cross the drawbridge, and enter the soft light of the Temple of Love. The entry hall is as wide as a lover's eyes. The floor is covered in soft velvet rugs, hundreds of candles give the room a very soft, atmospheric light, and incense burners add a gentle, sweet aroma to the air. Somewhere in the distance, behind many walls, you hear the faint whispers of sweet nothing spoken between lovers, and the soft moans of others.
"Your words are as twisted as your soul!"
Dreamweaver struggles back to his hooves, and reaches for his sword. If you keep distracting Grace, he will have a chance to strike with ease.
>>562049
>>562050
You cross the drawbridge, and enter the soft light of the Temple of Love. The entry hall is as wide as a lover's eyes. The floor is covered in soft velvet rugs, hundreds of candles give the room a very soft, atmospheric light, and incense burners add a gentle, sweet aroma to the air. Somewhere in the distance, behind many walls, you hear the faint whispers of sweet nothing spoken between lovers, and the soft moans of others.
>>562068
>>562069
"What a magnificent thing…"
"What stoic faces…"
"We can see you are devoted indeed"
"And that love has no place in your hearts"
This makes Cloudcover wince slightly
"The Witness of Love resides in the central sanctuary."
"Travel past the lover's homes, through the inner garden and across the pools to reach it."
>>562070
"I do not understand you. All this changes is that I let this demon-worshipper walk away with his miserable life.
Why would I do that?"
>>562069
"What a magnificent thing…"
"What stoic faces…"
"We can see you are devoted indeed"
"And that love has no place in your hearts"
This makes Cloudcover wince slightly
"The Witness of Love resides in the central sanctuary."
"Travel past the lover's homes, through the inner garden and across the pools to reach it."
>>562070
"I do not understand you. All this changes is that I let this demon-worshipper walk away with his miserable life.
Why would I do that?"
>>562076
"Fine then."
He turns back and spits at Dreamweaver
"Pray to your foul gods I don't make it back. And remember to suck this other guy off well as thanks. He is the only reason I don't break you into tiny pieces here and now. Scum."
Grace starts walking off towards the temple.
Dreamweaver looks as he goes
"Are you going to just let him leave!? You heard him! He plans to kill more!"
>>562074
>>562077
"We will not come with you."
"But you cannot get lost either. There is but one way, if you keep going north."
"Fine then."
He turns back and spits at Dreamweaver
"Pray to your foul gods I don't make it back. And remember to suck this other guy off well as thanks. He is the only reason I don't break you into tiny pieces here and now. Scum."
Grace starts walking off towards the temple.
Dreamweaver looks as he goes
"Are you going to just let him leave!? You heard him! He plans to kill more!"
>>562074
>>562077
"We will not come with you."
"But you cannot get lost either. There is but one way, if you keep going north."
>>562082
"I… don't understand you. Why are you doing this?"
You can just ignore him. He is in no condition to warn anyone.
>>562081
>>562084
You leave the lovers behind and head deeper into the temple. Before you can reach the inner gardens, the lover's homes stand before you. It is a village of small huts, some raised on stilts, others sitting at ground level. Some have barred doors, others merely curtains of fabric or beads.
The air is heavy with muffled whispers and silent moans. This must be where the… hastiest of lovers make their home.
"I… don't understand you. Why are you doing this?"
You can just ignore him. He is in no condition to warn anyone.
>>562081
>>562084
You leave the lovers behind and head deeper into the temple. Before you can reach the inner gardens, the lover's homes stand before you. It is a village of small huts, some raised on stilts, others sitting at ground level. Some have barred doors, others merely curtains of fabric or beads.
The air is heavy with muffled whispers and silent moans. This must be where the… hastiest of lovers make their home.
>>562090
Dreamweaver gives up and lies down against a tree. He is too much pain to try and chase anyone, and the walk back will take a while. Especially with all the bodies he will need to carry.
You soon catch up with Grace as he nears the gatekeepers of the Temple.
"You have exactly one chance to explain why I shouldn't kill those two and swim for it."
>>562088
You shut out the sensations and keep walking forward, the velvet under your hooves muffling your steps.
>>562092
He gives an inquisitive look
"Yes? What's on your mind?"
Dreamweaver gives up and lies down against a tree. He is too much pain to try and chase anyone, and the walk back will take a while. Especially with all the bodies he will need to carry.
You soon catch up with Grace as he nears the gatekeepers of the Temple.
"You have exactly one chance to explain why I shouldn't kill those two and swim for it."
>>562088
You shut out the sensations and keep walking forward, the velvet under your hooves muffling your steps.
>>562092
He gives an inquisitive look
"Yes? What's on your mind?"
>>562120
He snaps out of it
"Sorry. The atmosphere must be getting to me."
>>562121
The two lovers at the far end of the great entry hall slowly look away from eachothers' eyes and address you
"Welcome, lovers."
"What is it you have come to seek here?"
Silk is amazedly stroking some of the pillows laying around.
Dulltooth sits down on a couch while wiping his brow.
Sunsong stands at attention, keeping Grace in check.
He snaps out of it
"Sorry. The atmosphere must be getting to me."
>>562121
The two lovers at the far end of the great entry hall slowly look away from eachothers' eyes and address you
"Welcome, lovers."
"What is it you have come to seek here?"
Silk is amazedly stroking some of the pillows laying around.
Dulltooth sits down on a couch while wiping his brow.
Sunsong stands at attention, keeping Grace in check.