/q/ - Quest

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Northlands Season 2 - Episode 10 DM 396582[Last 50 Posts]

This is the story of a king who came to a nation on the verge of tearing itself apart. Of a rising power born in doubt, and of a force none expected to enter this stage.

Episode 10: Heart of the storm

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396585

So, I was looking awesome and stuff.

Venia [Battlemage] 396586

>>396582
I grumble
"Bombings? Really now?"

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 396588

Well, thank goodness for that.

What's around now?

396589

>>396582
Frosty is okay, right?
Any more threats in sight?

Roll #1 5 = 5

Godric [Dark Knight] 396590

>>396586
"It is unsurprising, but to see such deceit among my own people…"

Sigh and look around the area. Who's left?

DM 396592

>>396585
Awesome and unharmed.
So much for the bomb.
>>396589
Frosty is fine, if spooked.
>>396588
>>396590
The mob has dispersed, save for one gryphon.
The knocked out guard is getting back up.
The other two guards are checking the area.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396596

>>396592
Well time to fly down.
Who's this one guy that's still here?
"Hey. Bombs are a local costume?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396598

>>396592
Stalk on over to the straggler.

"Did you know about this?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396600

>>396598
Just follow after him

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396601

>>396592
Good.
Keep an eye on him.

DM 396603

>>396596
>>396598
>>396600
>>396601
The remaining mob member points at the recovering guard
"It was him. He left the bomb in that room."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 396604

>>396603
"…oh? Did you see him do it?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396606

>>396603
"What!?"
I approach this guard, scowling.
"Is this true?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396609

>>396603
Vanish. Happear behind said guard.
"Okay. Fun. I like the idea."
Look at the remaining mob member.
"What's your name?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396610

>>396603
"What?!"

Wheel on the guard, fire in my eyes.
"For your sake that had best be a lie!"

DM 396616

>>396604
"No. It was agreed beforehand."
>>396609
"I'm George. Why?"
>>396606
The guards looks groggy
"What the hell are you talking about?"
>>396610
"It is! They even attacked me!"
The mob member snorts
"Yeah, that was the deal, right?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396618

>>396616
"I'm just curious George."
Fly over there.
"How did you know it was this guy?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396619

>>396616
I grimace in disgust.
"What sort of 'deal' is this?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396620

>>396616
"What deal? Explain yourself."

DM 396622

>>396618
>>396619
>>396620
"See this guy here said that being in the garrison and all, he could pull off big jobs like a big damn hero. Then we get news that non-gryphons are en route, and he says he can take care of it.
He kinda forgot to mention his methods though."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396625

>>396622
Sigh, not angry, just disappointed.
"Alright, so you really don't like us, I get it.
But you are not on the same let's kill all the ponies boat, uh?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396627

>>396622
Spit my displeasure.
"Disgraceful. So this was all for personal gain?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396628

>>396622
I frown
"When somepony tells you he'll 'take care of it' and you don't bother to ask any more questions I can only wonder how much you would have cared even if you had known."
I turn back to the guard
"So, why don't you start explaining yourself?"

396633

>>396616
>>396622
"Oh? Tell the truth. Tell EVERYTHING."

Intimidate them.

Roll #1 1 = 1

396635

>>396633
My clownish failure at intimidate reveals itself as a ruse of Terrifying proportions.

Roll #1 4 = 4

DM 396639

>>396625
"Quite frankly I was all for it until that happened."
>>396627
"Beats me. I don't stick my beak into the business of others."
>>396633
>>396635
George turns his attention to you.
…you never quite realized just how much bigger Gryphons are than you.
"Excuse me, what was that?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396641

>>396639
"Urgh. Please, ignore him for a moment. He's just stressed out. Murder attempt and all."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396643

>>396639
wake up, and join everyone again

396644

>>396639
"A moment of panic. I apologize."

Bluff

pls

Roll #1 5 + 2 = 7

DM 396645

>>396644
>>396641
"Hrm. Right…"

Venia [Battlemage] 396646

DM 396648

>>396628
He rubs his head
"What's even going on…?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396649

>>396645
Fly besides him.
"You know, all this could have been avoided, not like we are here to hurt anygryphon."

Venia [Battlemage] 396650

>>396643
"Nylis, could you please see if this guy is telling the truth?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396653

>>396650
nod then look at the griffon

>>396645
Mind Reader [1d10+1]

Roll #1 3 + 1 = 4

DM 396656

>>396649
"But you've come here to claim our lands, have you not? We're not surrendering them. Not as long as even one gryphon stands."
>>396653
I'll let you take a 6 here.
Yes, George is telling the truth. The guard planted the bomb.

Venia [Battlemage] 396657

>>396656
"We came here to reach out and ask for your aid. 'Taking your lands' is not on the agenda."

Godric [Dark Knight] 396659

>>396656
Aside glance.
"It is as I said. They have come for our assistance. Stormheart shall never surrender."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396661

>>396656
Smile wide, fluttering a meter or so above the ground.
"AH! I like you! I really do! That's exactly the reason we fight, damnit! Because something is coming to claim all our lands, and make sure we are forever forgotten, to the last pony, to the last gryphon…"

DM 396663

>>396657
>>396659
George looks a little hesitant, then backs down
"…so Grimalphas was… wrong? Her Eye has betrayed her?"

DM 396666

>>396661
"Then I must ask… what is the worth of giving up our land just to save it from being taken over?"

396667

>>396656
"Not to claim them, but.. to join them with ours as ally. There are those who would seek to do as you think we do, that wish to claim all of our lands. To fend them off, we must have Stormheart's friendship in the coming struggle.

Am I very Inspiring?

Roll #1 9 = 9

Godric [Dark Knight] 396669

>>396663
"Grimalphas is too proud for her own good. The world around Stormheart is changing. If we want our promised home to remain ours, we must…change as well."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396670

>>396656
whisper to Venia
"whatever he's telling you is the truth"

Venia [Battlemage] 396671

>>396670
I smile and nod at her.
"Thank you, Nylis."
Go stand behind that guard, keep a close eye on him.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396672

>>396666
"Well for one, I like gryphons. The guys that are coming, they couldn't care less."
Sigh, and rest on the ground.
"This land remain your own, you are the ones who lived in it, who care for it.
We band together and make sure it grows even stronger.
And one day, when the time comes, we will all fight side to side to prevent them from taking over."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396673

>>396666
OOh! look around to see if any guards need healing! '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

DM 396674

>>396667
"So you have not come to add us to your empire, but to ask us for an alliance?
…perhaps she wasn't so much wrong as… mistaken."
>>396669
"Change? If we abandon our ways, brother, what will be left of us? We'd be just… big ponies with beaks soon!"
>>396672
"This all sounds like you're hiding the negative part."
>>396673
Just the one who seems to have been knocked out earlier and is now recovering.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396676

>>396674
"I'm not a politician, ask the others about that.
I just fight."

Venia [Battlemage] 396677

>>396674
"So what of this guy?"
I point at the guard
"He still planted a bomb."

DM 396679

>>396677
George shrugs
"Not my problem."
Frostmourn thinks for a moment
"…we could report him to the garrison leader. Or the king…"
>>396676
"And I mostly hunt. But even a simple hunter still knows he want to defend his home."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396680

>>396674
oh

yea

heal him then '1d10+1'

and then go to the prince and inure his hoof pain '1d10+1'

Roll #1 2 + 1 = 3 / Roll #2 4 + 1 = 5

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396682

>>396679
"And even a simple kid knows he wants to protect his friends. That's what I'm here for, George.
Not to take anyone's land."

Godric [Dark Knight] 396684

>>396674
"What indeed? I share your fears, my friend. But Stormheart can no longer stand on belief alone. Especially when those beliefs turn us against ourselves. Like it or not, the eyes of other nations are on us. If we cannot stand together, what sort of promised land is this for us?"

DM 396686

>>396680
The guard just sits back down
Frostmourn turns with a smile
"Thank you, but there really is no need. The healing is going fine."
>>396682
"Well, guess we got that much in common at least."
>>396684
"Hrm… I will admit I don't like it. And it's exactly why I wanted to support Grimalphas. But… this is too much for me. I did not want to see gryphons being harmed."

Venia [Battlemage] 396688

>>396679
"Well, I'm not sure the king will have time for something like this."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396690

>>396686
"Uh, ok then."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396691

>>396688
"And the garrison leader might be in on the plot."
Sigh.
>>396686
"So, can you at least help us calm those gryphons over there?"

DM 396692

>>396688
"If he does not have time for this, what does he have time for?"

DM 396694

>>396691
"Well I suppose I can at least take your sentiments back to Grimalphas if you want."

Venia [Battlemage] 396697

>>396692
"Well if you want to take him along, I wont stop you."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396698

>>396694
Turn to Frosty.
"Do we want that?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396699

>>396686
"We are witnessing history being made once again, brother. The choices we make will determine if Stormheart's legacy dies today or rises anew, stronger than ever."

>>396694
"Do what you will, but stay safe. She is not known for being malleable."

DM 396704

>>396697
"I'm not sure if it's… wise."
>>396699
"You might be ring… I would probably get in trouble."
>>396698
"…not necessarily."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396707

>>396704
Shrug and turn to the gryphon.
"We just want to move safe, you know."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396709

>>396704
… use astral projection, and scan ahead to see where his friends ran off to and if they're going to get more support '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

Godric [Dark Knight] 396710

>>396704
"Dwell on these happenings. With any luck, we can bring his highness out of his doldrums. Perhaps you can make a decision by then."
Turn to Frosty.
"Still, King Garret must be warned of this."

Venia [Battlemage] 396712

>>396704
"For one, taking along a prisoner could cause issues along the road, yes. We could just turn him in here and just tell the King what happened. I'm sure he'll believe us."

DM 396714

>>396707
"Then I'd suggest keeping a low profile."
>>396709
In the words of the great one: They're gone!
>>396710
"Then we shall take the message to him. The storm is settling. We should move."
>>396712
"That sounds sensible. Shall we go?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396716

>>396714
"Right. We should. The quicker we get there the better."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396717

>>396714
Stand up.
"Well, thanks for the chat George. T'was fun."
Rejoin Frosty.
"Ready to leave?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396718

>>396714
"Right behind you king!"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396719

Back, give me a moment to catch up on things.

Godric [Dark Knight] 396722

>>396714
"Yes."

DM 396723

>>396716
>>396717
>>396718
>>396722
"Very well. Suit up and meet me out here. I'll go get Gomez and the others."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396725

>>396723
Suit up.

Venia [Battlemage] 396726

>>396723
Do just that.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396727

>>396723
"I'm coming with you. Not leaving you without a cover now."
Follow him, I'm already suited up after all.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396728

>>396723
Skulk behind Frosty in the shadows

Godric [Dark Knight] 396730

>>396723
Gather my things, taking special care of the help and key.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396732

>>396723
teleport back to my room and get ready again '1d10+3'

Roll #1 9 + 3 = 12

DM 396738

>>396727
>>396728
He heads up to the barracks office
"Gomez. We need to leave. Grimalphas' flock tried to blow us up."
The sergeant and what seems to be the garrison commander turn to look
"So that's what it was. I'm putting this place on high alert. This is going all too far."
"I'll take them to Castle Stormheart sir."
"Good. May the winds guide you there swiftly."
Gomez then grabs his gear and heads out.
>>396725
>>396726
>>396730
>>396732
"Alright everyone, we seem to have a clear path from here to the castle. Just keep up and we'll make it with time for some more sleep!"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396740

>>396738
"Fly strong, sergeant."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396741

>>396738
"Uh.. a-alright."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396742

>>396738
"Frostmourn, I'd advice against a retaliatory strike… They are just like us after all. Trying to preserve their home…"

Venia [Battlemage] 396743

>>396738
"Sounds good."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396744

DM 396745

>>396742
"Let us hope that feeling is mutual…"
>>396740
>>396741
>>396743
>>396744
And off you go.
The wind has died down, and the rest of the trip is rather smooth in the cold night sky. The starts light your path and the moon shines bright in the thin mountain air.
And shortly after you pass the cloud cover, you see it. Castle Stormheart. A mighty fortress built here on this lonely peak in a sea of clouds. Entirely inaccessible by any who cannot fly. It's spires reaching out to greet the sky, and it's walls curved to make climbing them from the mountainside impossible.

Below, several guards scramble to take up positions, but Gomez dives down to tell them to hold their fire and let you land.

Welcome to the castle.
The king awaits. But is asleep right now. It is the middle of the night after all.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396746

>>396745
I ain't no king. But I can make sure the rooms are safe.
Do we have an escort or anyone to call on for help? Do they even know we are here?

Godric [Dark Knight] 396747

>>396745
Take a deep breath as I land, enjoying its grandeur.
"It is good to be home…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396748

>>396745
Yawn. Where are the beds?

Venia [Battlemage] 396749

>>396745
"What a great castle…"
I scrunch and turn to Unyielding.
"Think we can build a similar one back home?"

DM 396750

A few of the palace guards come greet you
>>396747
"Lord Blackmane. Welcome back. I take it these are your guests?"
>>396746
>>396748
"Quite a lot of you… say, a couple of you don't mind sharing a rooms do you? We didn't prepare this many."
>>396749
"…what's wrong with Palace Wintersgrasp?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396751

>>396745
"u-uh, are there rooms that we can use?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396752

>>396750
"Not at all. How many rooms are there? We will have to organize a few things."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396753

>>396750
Yawn again.
"I don't mind."

Godric [Dark Knight] 396754

>>396750
"Yes, they are. They have come far to speak with the king, and bring a great gift. Is Lord Garret well?"

Venia [Battlemage] 396755

>>396750
"It doesn't have spires! See how amazing they look!"
I chuckle
"I'm only teasing you, palace Wintergrasp is just as great. Now who should I share a room with? Hmmm…"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396756

>>396745
I just keep quiet and wait for the group to move on

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396757

>>396753
>>396755
Walk up to one of the guards.
"Do you happen to have earplugs or something laying around?"

DM 396758

>>396752
>>396753
"Well if a few of you pair up or something we should manage."
>>396754
"Garret has slept poorly as of late. The worry will be the death of him I'd wager. Truly now if ever we need a solution."
>>396755
"Why not ask Valeriana for a slumber party, and I'll go sleep with cousin Frosty?"
He puts on a teasing tone.
>>396757
"…I doubt ours would fit these"
He wiggles your ear with his claw

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396759

>>396758
"Right. I don't think that will be a problem. Might I check these rooms?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396760

>>396758
"I don't mind, I kinda want to sleep."

Godric [Dark Knight] 396761

>>396758
I pat the case and smile.
"Then this will surely provide him some peace of mind. I look forward to speaking with him once again."

Venia [Battlemage] 396762

>>396758
"Valeriana? Why would I possibly want to be around her? I bet she snores really loud."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396763

>>396758
Spaghettiroll

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396764

>>396763
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396765

>>396764
I smile awkwardly.
"Yes….yes…that wouldn't work, I see."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396766

And now I've caught up.

DM 396767

>>396759
"Go ahead, but don't bother anyone."
>>396761
"…what's in that?"
>>396763
>>396764
>>396765
"Mhm?"
he's still holding your ear.
>>396762
"Guess you're stuck with me then."

396768

>>396767
Find said rooms and scan them with SbS for more traps and stuff.

Roll #1 1 = 1

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396769

>>396767
I smile sheepishly and push his arm away.
"I'll…just go check my room now."
Run over to the rooms quickly

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396770

>>396758
Pairing up, hmm.
I'll shoot a quick glance at Ambrosia, but other than that, remain silent.

Venia [Battlemage] 396771

>>396767
I feign a desperate sigh.
"How dreadful. I guess you'll have act do as a pillow then."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396772

>>396770
I stare back at him

Godric [Dark Knight] 396773

>>396767
"Our history returned. Come tomorrow, it shall be returned to its rightful place."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 396774

>>396767
Where are the rooms at? Teleport to one and curl up in a bed '1d10+3'

Roll #1 8 + 3 = 11

DM 396775

>>396768
You close your eye and peer around with the gem for a while. After a moment the image blurs and darkens, prompting you to pat the gem to make it sit right. After this fails to help you get up to adjust it better, only to misstep and slip on a pillow on the floor, causing you to tumble backwards out of the room and land against the catbutt of the maid working the hallway. As you scramble to open your eye and get up, you grab something, making her yelp and walk off flustered.
No doubt about it.
You have found a trap.
>>396769
As you rush to the rooms, a flustered gryphon maid walks past you.
>>396774
You pomf into a bed and get comfy. The beds here are really big….
Everything here seems really big…
>>396773
"Do you need us to guard it?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396776

>>396775
"What the flying feather…"
Scratch my head in confusion.
I like cattbutts, but not that kind.
Okay, my gem is too tired for this.
Gotta do it like ponies would.
Test each and every bed.
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396777

>>396775
Huh. That's odd.
Go inside the room. What got her so upset?

Godric [Dark Knight] 396778

>>396775
"I would prefer to keep custody of it until then, but your vigilance is most appreciated. Now, are my quarters prepared?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396779

>>396772
After a fairly long silence, I'll clear my throat slightly.
"Ambrosia, would you be willing to share a room? Or were you planning to share with someone else?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396780

>>396779
"Okay."

DM 396781

>>396777
Well the room seems just fine. She did a wonderful job on it.
>>396776
This one's too hard
This one's too soft
This one's juuuust right
>>396778
"They are, Lord Blackmane. We will stand guard over your guests."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396782

>>396781
I should… I should get up.
Go to Frosty's side.
Protect him…
'1d10' to leave this bed.

Roll #1 9 = 9

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396783

>>396780
"Alright."
>>396781
And then we'll head to our room. There's more than one bed, right? '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Venia [Battlemage] 396784

>>396775
>>396781
Then go to our room we shall.
But first… lean in on Valeriana.
"Where will you be sleeping, hmmm?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396785

>>396781
Shrug my shoulders.
Get a bed. A good one. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Godric [Dark Knight] 396786

>>396781
I nod my thanks.
"I trust you will. Thank you."

Go and retire for the night, checking the helm as soon as I arrive in my room.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396787

>>396783
Follow him.
"Who will guard Frosty?"

DM 396788

>>396782
Maybe he could have the nice bed.
Or, well, if you want him in this room.
>>396784
"Where I am most needed. If Pumpkin does not watch over Frostmourn, I will."
>>396783
>>396787
There are two gryphon sized beds here.
>>396785
Well the bed here seems nice~
>>396786
It's sitting safely.
Home at long last. May it never again cause strife among nations.

PAUSE SOON

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396789

>>396788
Roll up in there and get some rest.
I'm sure I'll hear something if the rest need me.
Rolling for dreams about Waveform '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396790

>>396789
>5
RNG pls
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396791

>>396788
Pls.
My dick could use a rest. So could my ass.
Just find Frosty and join him.
I won't be sleeping tonight.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396792

>>396787
"The gryphon guards, most likely. They would probably think it rude of us to second-guess their willingness to protect guests."
>>396788
Well, that's both a relief and a disappointment.
"As it is, we are not the only two guards King Frostmourn has. So, let us at least enjoy gryphish hospitality while we can."
And then off comes the helmet, and…
"Hmm. I seem to have encountered a small problem."

Venia [Battlemage] 396793

>>396788
"Dutiful as always."
I chuckle
"I'll miss you tonight~"
Then head off with Unyielding to bed for some rest.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396794

>>396792
I sit down behind him
"What's wrong? Do you need something?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 396795

>>396788
Good…tomorrow it will take its place.

DM 396796

>>396789
>>396790
You dream of cat butt.
Loads of cat butt.
>>396791
"Valeriana will watch over me this night. Feel free to rest."
>>396792
Nobody said the beds were separated
>>396793
"What a big bed…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396797

>>396794
I'll turn to face her with a small bit of embarrassment.
"I'm… not actually wearing anything under this armor. So it would be indecent of me to continue to strip while in open view."

Venia [Battlemage] 396798

>>396796
I shrug
"What does it matter? I think we'll be very close to each other tonight anyway."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396799

>>396796
Shake my head.
"I almost slept through an assault and a bombing attempt. Not again. Lead the way."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396800

>>396797
"Okay."
Get up and leave the room.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396801

>>396800
"Wait, no, where are you going? I could just leave."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396802

>>396796
Oh shi-
Rolling not to enjoy it too much '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396803

>>396801
I turn around and cock my head
"You said you did not want me to see. So I will leave until you are done."

DM 396804

>>396798
"I do hope so~"
He climbs into bed
"Let's enjoy this night."
>>396802
Ewwwww butts.
>>396799
"Very well then."
The High King climbs into bed, with Valeriana sitting in a shadow in the room, watching the bed with sharp eyes.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396805

>>396803
"I could also just…"
There aren't any privacy screens, are there? '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Venia [Battlemage] 396806

>>396804
I smile
"Mmmmm~"
And then we slept in a close embrace

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396807

>>396804
Damn right. I'm not a filthy catfucker….I hope.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396808

>>396804
Climb onto the rafters, stealth.
'1d10+1'
Spend the night alert.

Roll #1 4 + 1 = 5

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396809

>>396805
Ah, there.
"…go behind that privacy screen there. Perfect. No sense in me chasing you out of the room."
And off behind them I go, to finish getting out of this armor.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 396810

>>396809
"Okay."
I wait for him to do his business

396811

>>396804
Rolling for slumber.

Roll #1 1 = 1

396812

>>396808
Also, roll to stay up.
Please don't fudge this.
Valeriana is watching.


Roll #1 10 = 10

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 396813

>>396810
"You don't have to wait on me, feel free to get comfortable. It would be best to get all the sleep we can before everything tomorrow."

DM 396814

>>396806
How cute
>>396807
It was a nice looking maid though…
>>396808
>>396812
Valeriana keeps a hoof around you so you don't fall.
"Rest your eyes… mommy is here…"
>>396811
How can you sleep at a time like this?
You have brought non-gryphons to the capital of Stormheart. You have with you helm of Eaglecrest.
You are at the same time the greatest hero and defiler of Stormheart's history.
And tomorrow you will see which history will remember you as…

NEXT TIME ON BUTT QUEST
THE BUTTS
GET EVEN
BUTTER

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 396815

>>396814
It was, wasn't….nonono.
Just keep calm. I'll make it through this.

396816

>>396814
Rolling for hug quality

Roll #1 9 + 2 = 11

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 396817

>>396814
"You should too. I can wake you up if anything happens."
And then I spent the night up.

DM 397791

And so morning dawns.
You have a king to meet.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397792

>>397791
Well that was…not restful. I hope that doesn't reflect badly on my performance…

Venia [Battlemage] 397793

>>397791
So we do. Better get ourselves properly suited for the meeting.

Sion 397794

>>397791
Get up and suit up.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397795

>>397791
Gather my things and teleport to the main hall '1d10+3'

Roll #1 8 + 3 = 11

Kilana [deathsinger] 397796

>>397791
Stretch and go meet up with the others.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397797

I don't even need to ready up.

DM 397798

>>397792
>>397793
>>397794
>>397795
>>397796
>>397797
Frostmourn arrives as well
"Good morning.
Lord Blackmane, I trust you have it?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 397799

>>397798
"It has not left my sight, King Frostmourn."

DM 397800

>>397799
"Perfect.
I trust we are all ready then?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397801

>>397800
Nod. "I am. What would you have us do?"

Venia [Battlemage] 397802

>>397800
"Ready, although I'm not sure what to expect."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397803

>>397800
"Yes."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397804

>>397800
"I am fearful we could start full a civil war, but yes, I am ready.."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397805

>>397800
After suiting up, I'll join the others.
"I await your command."

DM 397806

>>397801
>>397802
>>397803
>>397804
>>397805
"We should be polite and professional. Listen to him, not make our own demands. Be saviors, not conquerors."

The Royal Guards come to escort you to the throne room. A pair of massive, heavily armoured gryphons. They signal the door guards, who open the throne room door, granting access to the king.

King Garret looks rather old. His colours are faded and his feathers are falling out. His eyes shift rapidly from face to face, but he sits still otherwise.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397807

>>397806
I bow as I reach the foot of his throne.

"Milord. It has been far too long since I have seen you last."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397808

>>397806
gulp lightly and mimic what the others do

Venia [Battlemage] 397809

>>397806
Well we are his guests, so I'll bow.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397810

>>397806
I bow my head and keep my stare fixed at the floor.
It's probably a very nice floor.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397811

>>397806
Slight bow to Garret, and then I'll stand at attention near Frostmourn.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397812

>>397806
Bow my head respectfully.

DM 397813

>>397807
"Blackmane. What is the meaning of this? Who are these?"
>>397810
Rolling for floor niceness
'1d8+2'

Roll #1 1 + 2 = 3

Kilana [deathsinger] 397815

>>397806
I give a polite bow.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397816

>>397813
"I present to you the king and queen of Wintersgrasp, as well as the Iron-Legged Shepard, bane of Ebonwreath, Frostmourn of Ironfoe."

DM 397817

>>397816
His eyes fixate on Frostmourn as he steps forth
"Frostmourn… the Pony Emperor?"
Frostmourn nods, unpacking his crown and placing it on his head
"Exactly. I have come to aid you."
"…Aid?"
"To see to it that the nation of Stormheart survives without need for civil war. To preserve it from immediate danger, and the ever looming threat of Equestria.
These, are some of my closest allies, aides and friends."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397818

>>397817
This could go any which way, really.
So I'll watch. And wait.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397819

>>397817
Stand and watch what's going on.
Dirty floor though. That maid should do her job better.

Venia [Battlemage] 397820

>>397817
I'll just keep standing next to Frostmourn looking pretty.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397821

>>397817
I'll let him make his case, unless the king decides to speak to me again.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397822

>>397813
Master would never allow a floor to be so dirty… He'd whip us if this were his mansion.

DM 397823

>>397820
"You must be Queen Venia…
And he…"
Garret shifts his eyes to Unyielding
"…must be King Unyielding. Heir to the Swordless."
Unyielding twitches a little but says nothing
>>397822
>>397819
"You avert your gaze. Be it out of fear or respect I do not know…"
>>397818
"And you… I guess you're just some guard."

He turns his eyes back to Frostmourn
"So, Emperor of Ponies. If you have come here to aid me in dealing with this upstart oracle, how do I know your intentions are pure?"
"I did not know you were in any position to negotiate.
Then, I have not come as a conqueror, but as an ally in need of aid of his own."
"Hmm? The conqueror emperor needs our aid?
…in what?"
"In ending the war in Timberjaw. And as a token of my good will, I brought you a little gift. Lord Blackmane saw to transporting it."
>>397821
He turns back to you
"Well, Blackmane?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397824

>>397823
Well, he's not wrong, at least on my count. Let's see how he reacts to the skull cap.

Venia [Battlemage] 397825

>>397823
"You are well-informed, your highness."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397826

>>397823
I step back forward.
"Indeed, milord. As winner of the King's Challenge and new ruler of Eaglecrest, the Emperor has decided, as a show of good faith, to bestow us with this."
Open the case and hold the helm aloft.
"The so-called Eagle's Crest itself, the mortal remains of Father Stormheart's chosen, Lord General Galahad himself."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397827

>>397823
I look back up again.
"Respect."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397828

>>397823
Mind Reader on the king from behind Kila '1d10+1'

Roll #1 1 + 1 = 2

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397829

>>397828
NOPE

ABSORB THAT

NEVERMIND

Kilana [deathsinger] 397830

>>397828
staring at something back there?

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397831

>>397823
Look up.

Kilana [deathsinger] 397832

>>397823
>>397826
Wait for this to happen

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397833

DM 397834

>>397828
>>397829
The failure is contained
>>397827
>>397831
"Hrm. Very well."
>>397825
"As a king needs to be."
>>397826
Garret snaps to attention and gets off his throne, shedding a few grey feathers as he descends down to grasp the helmet
"Galahad's remains…"
His eyes tear up ever so slightly
"…at long last… back where they belong…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397835

>>397834
Well, that should certainly score the High King some credit.
Wonder if this gryphon king is aware of the enslaved Gryphons we ran across at the mansion…

Venia [Battlemage] 397836

>>397834
"Indeed."

DM 397837

>>397835
You could bring it up
>>397836
The king wipes his eyes
"I need to get this to his tomb…
…please. If there is anything you wish, just… ask."

Venia [Battlemage] 397838

>>397837
"Don't let us keep you from doing what you must, your highness. There can be more talk later, after that artifact has been laid to rest."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397839

>>397834
I gently let him take possession of the helm.
"Yes. At long last, a blight on our history has been righted.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397840

>>397837
I'll whisper a bit to Frostmourn.
"My King, do you think he might know anything about the enslaved gryphons we ran into at that mansion? That does seem like something he would be interested in knowing, if he didn't already."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397841

>>397837
Are there any more guards out here or just the king?

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397842

>>397837
step forward
"U-uh K-king?"

DM 397843

>>397838
>>397839
"…Do you mind if I see to this now?"
>>397842
"Yes, pony?"
>>397841
There are several guards around the throne room
>>397840
"It seems like a good thing to bring up"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397844

>>397843
"I-I.. u-uhh.."
'1d10'

Roll #1 3 = 3

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397845

>>397843
"I will let lady Nylis have her say, then, and bring it up after, unless you wish to do so."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397846

>>397843
"Of course not, your highness. It has been astray for far too long. Would it be presumptuous if I accompanied you? I wish to see its journey completed with my own eyes…"

Venia [Battlemage] 397847

>>397843
"Of course not. This is important after all."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397848

>>397844
"n- uh.. Sorry I interrupted you, it's nothing."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397849

>>397844
I give you a pat on the shoulder as a confidence boost "go on."

DM 397850

>>397848
>>397844
"Speak your mind, pony"
>>397845
"Go ahead."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397851

>>397850
I'll nod slightly, and then wait for Nylis to speak.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397852

>>397850
gulp louder

"It- I could teleport you to Gah- Galahad's Tomb if you needed..

But You probably don't so it's alright"

DM 397853

>>397852
"Teleport?
Ah yes… I've heard that the Emperor has employed much teleportation.
However, I fear you probably don't know the way there."
Garret thinks for a moment
"Why don't we… all go together?
After all, without you, this would never have been possible."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397854

>>397853
I'll turn slightly to the High King, and await his response.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397855

>>397853
Without me?

nod and follow him

Godric [Dark Knight] 397856

>>397853
"It would be my honor, sire."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397857

>>397853
"It would be an honor to accompany you." I say.

Venia [Battlemage] 397858

>>397853
"Of course, we'd be honored to accompany you."

DM 397859

>>397855
Without all of you
>>397854
"Very well, King Garret.
Lead on."
>>397856
>>397857
>>397858
"Right. This way then.
GUARDS! Open the crypts. I have an old crime to undo…"

A few guards fly off and Garret begins making is way to the crypt door deeper inside the castle.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397860

>>397859
Take my position at his flank.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397861

>>397859
Follow.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397862

>>397859
still, this mage doesn't really believe that

follow behind with the others

Venia [Battlemage] 397863

>>397859
And follow him we shall.
I lean in to whisper to Unyielding.
"How are you holding up, sweetcheeks?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397864

>>397859
Trail after the group

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 397865

>>397859
In the shadows, stalking quietly.

Kilana [deathsinger] 397866

>>397859
Trot after him, knowledge check to see if I know any songs about Galahad '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397867

>>397859
And away we go, then.

DM 397868

>>397863
"I really do feel like going out on a hunt with these magnificent things…"
>>397866
There are many songs dedicated to the old general, both in memory of his deeds and death, and in open mockery of his death at the hooves of a pony
>>397860
>>397861
>>397864
>>397862
>>397865
>>397867
He leads you down inside the mountain, where a crypt for the heroes of Stormheart has been cut
"here is where we bury our old kings and champions… so they can rest safely, away from those who would disturb their revered rest."

Venia [Battlemage] 397869

>>397868
I smirk
"I figured you'd like gryphons too."

"I see. A highly important location to gryphonkind then."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397870

>>397868
I'm getting pretty bored.
Nothing hiding in the darkness?
SbS '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

397871

>>397868
How awed am I by this sight?

Roll #1 1 = 1

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397872

>>397868
How does it look? Any decorations of sorts?

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397873

>>397868
listen intently

Godric [Dark Knight] 397874

>>397871
Not very, apparently. And yet such an honor!

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397875

>>397868
Well, let's look while walking and listening. How "populated" is this crypt, anyway? '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

Kilana [deathsinger] 397876

>>397868
"Indeed, I've heard about how much respect you have for your dead, almost fearful from the sounds of it."

DM 397877

>>397869
"Among the most important…"
>>397870
Just bones here.
Dead bones.
Perhaps he brought you here for a reason
>>397871
>>397874
"You seem uneasy, Blackmane."
>>397875
Not very.
Only a few dozen tombs.
>>397876
"The dead have served well. They deserve to rest, and we deserve to learn of their deeds."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397878

>>397877
S-s-skeletons….
No pony skeletons I hope?
"I'm honored you took us here, King. It must not be common for ponies to enter such an important place."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397879

>>397877
>>397878
"Considering the closed borders, we're likely the first in the entire history of this kingdom."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397880

>>397877
>>397879
"Would it be customary to sing of the deeds of the fallen?"

DM 397882

>>397880
"We rarely speak down here, let alone sing. There is a time and place to revere the fallen, but they deserve to rest.
…however. This is a very special day."
He opens a large tomb and enters.
The inside is a grand hall in itself, lined with dozens of banners of war, weapon racks, armour racks and equipment.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397883

>>397882
I'll shoot a quick glance around. Quite a lot of things for one gryphon.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397884

>>397882
"Galahad was entombed with great glory, it seems."

Venia [Battlemage] 397885

>>397884
"Not exactly surprising seeing how significant he was for gryphonkind."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397886

>>397884
I nod replying quietly. "A great warrior, send off with his favorite weapons for lack of a body.."

DM 397887

>>397883
>>397884
>>397885
>>397886
"His deeds helped us secure this promised land. He is second only to our kings in honor. If even them."
At the back, Galahad's memorial stands. It is impossible to say if the great stone casket is empty or not, but you won't get a chance to know. Garret asks you all stay back.
"I do not feel it is proper that you look upon his rest. Please. I will be but a moment."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397888

>>397887
I'm checking from here.
SbS '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Venia [Battlemage] 397889

>>397887
"Of course."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397890

>>397887
"Of course." I say while staring at the casket.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397891

>>397887
I'll nod slightly and stay where I am, away from the casket.

Kilana [deathsinger] 397892

>>397887
I nod, standing back.

DM 397893

>>397888
Yes.
May show signs of repeated breaking and healing, and the skull has a cut along where the scalp was removed.
>>397889
>>397890
>>397891
>>397892
He opens the casket and mutters a few words.
"Rest now, general Galahad. Most exalted of our champions. Your defeat is undone, your honor returned. No longer shall it be defiled by the hooves of ponies…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397894

>>397893
Do I hear that? '1d10'

Roll #1 5 = 5

397895

>>397893
Can we hear that?

Roll #1 9 = 9

DM 397896

>>397895
You sure could
>>397894
You kinda missed the gist of it

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397897

>>397896
Must have been nothing offensive then.
How do the weapons look?

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 397898

>>397896
look around, that's it right?

DM 397899

>>397897
Old but very well crafted.
They are a little ornate, but still clearly meant for practical, rather than decorative use.
>>397898
Seems so.

Garret turns around
"Before we go…
There is something I wish to ask"

Kilana [deathsinger] 397900

>>397899
I perk my ears up "What is it?"

Venia 397901

>>397896
I frown slightly, but keep quiet.

>>397899
"Yes?"

DM 397902

>>397900
>>397901
"Here in the depths of death, I feel I can speak freely and without fear. The revered dead watch over me, not spies and assassins.
I wish to negotiate."

Venia 397903

>>397902
"… Of course."
I look at Frostmourn expectantly

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397904

>>397902
I look at Frosty.

Kilana [deathsinger] 397905

>>397902
"I too feel that we have cleared the air between us King Garret. If you may I will speak plainly to you.." I pause seeing if frostmourn agrees with me.

DM 397906

>>397902
>>397903
>>397904
>>397905
"Speak then, Griffon King."
"How old do you think I am?"
"Over seventy."
"I am not even forty. This worry and stress is taking me to an early grave. With every passing day, Grimalphas' followers grow more bold and audacious. I fear it is but a small matter of time until I have to fight a war against my fellow griffons, and that I simply refuse to do."
"Then tell us what must be done."
"Grimalphas must die."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397907

>>397906
Well that was obvious.

Venia 397908

>>397906
"… Ah."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397909

>>397906
"Why have you not send your own assassins to see to this?"

DM 397910

>>397909
Garret looks at you with visible anger
"Assassins? What kind of monster do you take me for?"

Venia 397911

>>397910
"But why tell us this? What do you expect us to do?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 397912

>>397910
"…I apologize for the mistake, What are you asking us then? Challenge her to a dual? "

DM 397913

>>397911
>>397912
"Things ponies are not above doing.
Consider this offer my first step towards trusting your kind with our future."

Venia 397914

>>397913
"Is it wise to send foreigners after somepon- someone like her?"

DM 397915

>>397914
"I feel it better than to fuel the fires of gryphon fighting gryphon.
Your methods shall be your own. Do whatever you feel is needed. My talons are clean of this business.
But should you succeed, I will owe you a great debt. One I will gladly pay in full."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397916

>>397914
"I am in agreement with you, milord, but are you certain death will put an end to her problem? If word gets out that she was murdered by ponies, she can ne'er be silenced again."

DM 397917

>>397916
"Hrm… why must every passing moment only make this world more complex…
Then go with them Blackmane. May your gryphon mind find a solution to this issue."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397918

>>397916
"I agree, and her having been murdered right after we arrive will likely seal any doubt it was us. We came here with the desire for peace with the griffons not another generation of hatred." I pause.

Venia [Battlemage] 397919

>>397915
>>397917
I scrunch and look at Frostmourn.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397920

>>397917
I salute.
"May your word be law, my king. I only wish to avoid turning her into a martyr for her cause. Rest assured her rantings will no longer lead Stormheart down the path of self-destruction."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397921

>>397917
"If Grimalphas is…taken care of, you would lend us your support?"

DM 397922

>>397921
"Yes. Yes I will."
>>397920
"Good. Good…"
>>397919
>>397917
>>397915
Frostmourn gives a sly look to the king
"And why would I not simply kill you where you stand and take your kingdom?"
"Because I am more valuable to you alive. I am still in charge here. The citizens of Stormheart respect me. And obey me. Save for the errant souls of Grimalphas.
In short, you need me where I am, pony emperor."
Frostmourn smiles and nods a few times
"No need to worry. I was but testing your reaction.
Come, friends. We have a deal to see to."
"Thank you for your… aid. Accommodations will be arranged for you all so you may rest safely and discretely.
Happy hunting."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397923

>>397922
Before we leave, I take a look at the king.
Did he lie when he promised support?
4th Eye '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397924

>>397922
I'll clear my throat slightly.
"King Garret, there is one further issue that may or may not relate to the situation at hand. In a recent raid against a slaver ring, there were found several gryphons, both in captivity and partaking in the act. As gryphons seldom leave your kingdom, we thought this worth mentioning."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397925

>>397922
I'll make a sharp glance at Frostmourn as he asks that question.

DM 397926

>>397923
4th eye is not a plot coupon. You may use your meta knowledge on this issue.
>>397924
His eyes almost flare up as he leaps around to look at you
"Say WHAT!?"
>>397925
He looks back as to ask what the problem is

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397927

>>397926
I'll speak again.
"As said, there were both captives, and those taking advantage of those captives. The slavers were, on the whole, killed wholesale, while the slaves let free. Lord Blackmane was also appalled at the presence of gryphon captives, and captors."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397928

>>397926
Improved - Fourth Eye: spell; can see beyond walls, barriers, illusions, lies and the fourth wall. Can tap into meta information and listen in on out of character discussion.
I'm simply asking wether at this point he is conciously lying or not, yes or no. I don't need to know his true thoughts, nor can I read them.

If you con't want to tell me, I'll leave it at that.

DM 397929

>>397928
He's legit, and will ally with you if Grimalphas dies or is otherwise removed.
>>397927
"This… complicates things once again. To think… some are abandoning the promised peaks for… that kind of life…"

Venia [Battlemage] 397930

>>397929
"There are gryphons living in Wintergrasp as well, it should come as no surprise that some of your people have wandered astray."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397931

>>397929
Then I'll take my eyes of him and wait for the king to finish his discussion

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397933

>>397929
I cock my head slightly but keep quiet.

Godric [Dark Knight] 397934

>>397926
Not in front of the king. I shake my head and return to the discussion.

>>397929
"The conflict between you and the crone has caused many to lose faith in Stormheart's destiny. If we can return unity to these lands, the triumphant rise of a new order may bring lost souls back to the flock."

DM 397935

>>397930
He rubs his face
"I've gotten too old for this shit…"
>>397934
"Then time is critical. Go forth and do what must be done.
Save these promised peaks, and they will fight for you."

NEXT TIME ON THIS SHIT
HUNTING SEASON
SHUNNING REASON
AND PLANNING TREASON

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397936

>>397935
Going back to a room with some fireplace, nice and cozy, and read a bit in my book, while I wait for the planning.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397938

>>397936
I'll enter as well, after a while. Take a seat near the fire.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397939

>>397938
Nod as he comes in and lay the book to the side for now.
"Hello, Mister Waxing."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397940

>>397939
I'll nod to him slightly.
"Greetings, Mage Torch."

Venia [Battlemage] 397941

>>397938
As do I, shortly after.
"Evening, you two."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397942

>>397938
I enter the room, looking concerned.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397943

>>397941
I'll follow her in as well

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397944

>>397940
"I'm rather surprised by this turn of events. I hadn't expected the Griffon to outright ask us to kill Grimalphas."

>>397941
I smile as she comes in
"Evening Venia."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397945

>>397941
I'll nod to her as well.
"And to you, Queen Venia."
>>397942
>>397943
I'll wave slightly to those two.
>>397944
"True. I had expected a few more hoops to jump through."

Venia [Battlemage] 397946

>>397944
"Neither did I, but I shouldn't be so surprised. Gryphons are not known for their diplomatic skills after all. Still, the King must be really desperate."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397947

>>397942
>>397943
"Hello again."

>>397945
"Better like this. It means he must be desperate for help. Something we can capitalize on."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397948

>>397944
"Expect everything, especially from the most desperate. Which this Griffon king decidedly is"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397950

>>397946
>>397948
I nod with a smile.
"Seems we're all thinking the same then."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397951

>>397948
"Miss Kilana, what did you think about those tombs? These griffons certainly seem serious about their dead."

Venia [Battlemage] 397952

>>397950
"And yet, this wont be an easy task."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397953

>>397950
"As well you should," I offer as I stalk into the room.
"Grimalphas will use far more than firebombs against you."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397954

>>397953
I stare at him as he enters

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397955

>>397953
"She'll likely use words, which can be decidedly more dangerous."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397956

>>397953
"We have a few mind readers within our group, I'm sure we will be able to root out traitors quickly."

Venia [Battlemage] 397957

>>397953
"We've overcome worse odds."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397958

>>397955
"Mm. If she is not yet aware of your presence, then the encounter in the village will give her much fire."

>>397956
"None of her followers believe themselves to be traitors though. To them, she is the one true voice of Stormheart."

>>397957
"Have you? I know little of your exploits up to now."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397959

>>397950
I frown "I don't like it, he asks us to do what's necessary because he's unwilling not unable. Perhaps the rumors are true about his weakness are truer than we wanted to believe.."
>>397951
"They do, Its amazing how much care they seemed to take for them, better than a mere hole in the ground… I wonder if they do this for all their great warriors or just the ones from legend?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397960

>>397958
"Or it could take some the fuel away. As we didn't kill any of the group who attacked us, and provided she doesn't kill them and say we did, then it will give other gryphons pause on how truthful her rants may be."

Venia [Battlemage] 397961

>>397958
I chuckle
"I've been here since the start of this fairy tale, and we didn't get this far without to occasional bump in the road. Still, Grimalphas certainly shouldn't be underestimated. She clearly knows how to rouse a crowd into her favor."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397962

>>397960
I frown.
"I fear she may do just that."

>>397961
"Yes, which is why she is so dangerous. The greatest evils rarely need to take the field themselves."

Venia [Battlemage] 397963

>>397962
"My biggest fear is that rumor will spread of our presence and that she will become some sort of martyr for her cause if she does die. That would be disastrous."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397964

>>397963
"The ideal way would be if we could convince Grimalphas followers of the benefits for Stormheart by allying themselves with our cause.
Of course, as we're ponies, we're at a serious disadvantage."

>>397959
"Interesting question. Maybe we should ask about that later.
Though a tomb like Galahad's must be exceptional."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397965

>>397964
"… Why do gryphons hate ponies?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 397966

>>397963
"Exactly. If she is able to spread word that Frostmourn has set foot in the capital, much less met with the king, then her support will double at least. We must tread carefully."

>>397964
"I hope to find a way to discredit her somehow. If she is found wanting in the eyes of her people, then she need never be touched at all."
Fluffy my feathers a bit.
"And yes, Lord Galahad's tomb is most hallowed. A work of true art."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397967

>>397963
"Then we must simply deny her that death. Even if we have to bind her so that she doesn't take her own life in our care."
>>397965
I'll look at Ambrosia for a moment.
"Well, I don't think it's so much as hate as it is they think we're beneath them."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397968

>>397965
"I think Godric could explain that far better than me."

>>397966
"What sort of evidence should we need?"

Venia [Battlemage] 397969

>>397965
I turn to her
"I don't think 'hate' is the right word to use, dear. It's more a matter of distrust and a sense of superiority."

>>397966
"Discrediting her would be an ideal solution… She must have some secrets or bad things on her slate, right?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 397970

>>397968
"That, I do not know."

>>397969
"If she does, then she keeps those well-hidden. Truthfully I know very little about her."

>>397965
"…how well do you know your history?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397971

>>397959
Think about it for a second.
"That would require us infiltrating wherever she hides out. Not to mention, she might have already killed whoever knew about it."
Look at Kilana.
"Too bad communing with the dead is frowned upon here."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397972

>>397971
Should link to >>397970

But it's a bit related to Kilana too.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397973

>>397967
>>397969
"Ponies are lower than gryphons?"

>>397970
I look down
"Not well, sir."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397974

>>397973
"Not at all. At least, not in a social sense."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397975

>>397974
>>397973
"And yet you are, as we see it. Put simply, you are…prey. It is the easiest way to explain it."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397976

>>397975
I frown at that.

Venia [Battlemage] 397977

>>397975
"Good thing I probably wouldn't make for a good meal then."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 397978

>>397975
"… Oh. Okay."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397979

>>397975
"Even so, we are prey not to be trifled with."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397980

>>397977
I smile.
"Perhaps."

>>397979
"So you say."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397981

>>397980
"Considering the last Gryphon who tried to eat me is now short one wing and most of a beak, it as indeed as I say."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397982

>>397980
"Prey. And yet ponies populate most of the Northlands and outer world, while Griffons stay on the most remote peaks of the world."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397983

>>397971
>>397972
"They have a different view here, a view I would like to change. but that's a thought for the future. I just hope I won't be forced to use my art here and cause us a bad name.."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397984

>>397980
I narrow my eyes a bit "What a strong view you have up here.."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397985

>>397981
>>397982
"You misunderstand. You are not hunted, but you can never stop being prey. It is simply your nature of being."

>>397983
I grimace.
"Keep your arts to yourself, necromancer. Start raising rested dead and you doom yourself to a swift end, no matter your purpose here."

Venia [Battlemage] 397986

>>397985
"Still, it's a bit disconcerting. Ponykind and gryphonkind could surely live alongside one another peacefully without one side looking down on the other, no matter what their inner nature may say."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397987

>>397985
I roll my eyes. "I fully intend to keep them to myself feather brain, I just said as much. But I won't hesitate if my hoof is forced to defend myself. Or don't you like it when your prey can fight back?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397988

>>397985
"I'm surprised Griffons can claim to know the nature of ponies while they isolate themselves here. We do not claim to know the nature of Griffons."

>>397985
"But you must admit there could be certain advantages without the need for raising the dead permanently. Think for example what sort of guidance a fallen hero could give to other griffons, if he was able to speak for even a few minutes before resting again."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397989

>>397985
I'll just grunt a bit at that.
>>397987
"At least your songs will still be welcome, Lady Kilana. Even gryphons should appreciate music."

Godric [Dark Knight] 397990

>>397986
"It is just the way things are. Nothing can change that but history."

>>397988
"We do not claim to know your nature either, nor do we desire to. It is part of who you are, and as such is part of your culture."

>>397988
"No such advice would be listened to, nor should it be given. The dead earn their rest, and to disturb them for further assistance is unthinkable. The path ahead must be forged by those still alive."

>>397987
I'll turn and growl at her.
"Watch your threats here, necromancer. You are hear as a guest. Slight our tenants at your peril."

Kilana [deathsinger] 397991

>>397989
"music is a universal laungage after all." I smile "Thanks for the encouragement. "
>>397988
"It is nice to think about, the things you could learn from the past heroes.. but the griffons I'm afraid won't see it that way, not yet at least"

Kilana [deathsinger] 397993

>>397990
I glare at you "I'll remind you that we aren't particularly welcome or safe on these lands, someone planted explosives to try and kill us as we slept, in the kingdom's own barracks. I'm not taking this situation lightly, Godric, know if I'm forced to use necromancy here it was absolutely necessary." I keep staring at you.

Venia [Battlemage] 397994

>>397990
"Then let us hope we can change history for the better."
I let out a slight yawn
"I must leave now, I'd hate to leave Unyielding alone. Good day to all of you and please try not to get in trouble again."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397995

>>397990
>>397993
I'll clear my throat slightly.
"But, it should not come to that. So long as we can keep out of complete danger."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397997

>>397994
"Goodnight Venia."

>>397991
"Not yet. About music, here did you learn to play so well, if I may ask?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 397998

>>397997
>where

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 397999

>>397994
"Good night, Queen Venia."

Godric [Dark Knight] 398001

>>397993
I glare down at her-
>>397995
Then turn away and growl my displeasure.

>>397994
"Goodnight then."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398002

>>397998
>>397997
I look relived at the change in topic. "I learned when I was just a filly, my parents were so proud when I got mark. They had sat me down at a piano and encouraged me to try it.. So I sat down and started playing, and singing..before I even realized it had appeared" I look a little dreamy at the memory. "From there I was constantly being taught music until they couldn't teach me anymore."

DM 398015

You have your mission.
Now all you need is a plan.

Venia [Battlemage] 398016

>>398015
First stop is Frostmourn, I guess. Let's see what he has to say about all this…

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 398017

>>398015
Frosty must have a plan… he's smart!

Kilana [deathsinger] 398018

>>398015
planning room, HO!

DM 398019

>>398016
>>398017
>>398018
"So, we have an obstacle to remove. But I doubt we can simply storm her hold.
Or, well, we can, but I fear that may accomplish little in the end."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398020

>>398015
I don't know the mission…

DM 398021

>>398020
When Grimalphas is removed from the picture, Garret will agree to aid with Timberjaw.

Venia [Battlemage] 398022

>>398019
"Just outright killing her is hardly an ethical way to deal with this anyway, Frostmourn. We need to prove her wrong somehow. Uncover her flaws to the masses and make her lose support."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398023

>>398019
"We have to lure her out, show her true nature as a radical tyrant. " I pause thinking about this "in the end it might be better to leave her alive but broken.."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398024

>>398015
All those missed sessions are making it hard to figure out what that plan is.

I'll be idling until I catch up. Next to Kilana.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398025

>>398021
"We should remove support to her cause from within."

DM 398026

>>398024
The goal: remove Grimalphas as a threat
The plan: ??? but probably not kill her outright
>>398022
>>398023
>>398025
"Hm… I wonder what would be the best way to do that. We can hardly play for sympathy here."

Venia [Battlemage] 398027

>>398026
"She must have some dark secrets of her own. From what I've heard, she sounds like a wicked dissenter if anything."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398028

>>398026
"We could disguise as gryphons and infiltrate her lines and…"
Trail off. I was totally gonna say plant a dagger in her back.

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398029

>>398026
"Get her own supporters to openly disagree with her?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398030

>>398022
"We could ask her to surrender, and when she does, take her into custody."

>>398027
"Getting an audience with her, or capturing her lieutenants would give us access to her secrets."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398031

>>398030
"And.. why should she?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398032

>>398026
I frown "How quickly do you want to solve the issue? We could use the griffon's prejudices against them, plant evidence that would make them turn on her if we can't find any real things."

Venia [Battlemage] 398033

>>398030
"I don't think she'd allow us to walk away alive from a meeting with her… and she would never surrender either. She'd rather kill herself and turn into a martyr for her cause before that."

DM 398034

>>398027
"I heard the gryphons mention her eye. And that she was some kind of oracle.
I wonder what that means…"
>>398028
"Disguise?"
He looks at this body
"…uh…?"
>>398029
"Hm. This could work if we found a way"
>>398030
"I doubt she'd surrender. She seems too dedicated to her cause."
>>398032
"With every passing day Timberjaw reduces more of itself to rubble. Time is not on our side."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398035

>>398031
>>398033
>>398034
"I was implying that we don't leave it up to choice. But perhaps you're right, it would be a risk going so deep into their land. They might be better than Eaglecrestians at identifying one under the effects of my magic."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398036

>>398034
"If we find one, I could teleport them somewhere they can't make a noise.. T-then we uh- we- we either persuade or force them to change their thoughts on Grimalphas.

But I don't know how to do anything besides the teleporting thing."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398037

>>398034
"I mean, if she was found to be doing something the griffons detest, that would be enough to make them turn on her, but what I had in mind.. in the long run it might be worse off for us."

Venia [Battlemage] 398038

>>398034
"Oracle… Sounds like a euphemism for a large spy network to me."

Sion 398039

>>398034
Listen to the conversation

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398040

>>398034
"We should ask Smouldering. He said something about visions when we first met."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398041

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398042

>>398040
Perk my ears.
"What would you like to know Mister Pumpkin?"

DM 398043

>>398037
"Speak your mind."
>>398038
"Or perhaps she really does have the gift of foresight.
somehow."
>>398036
"Hmm.. what if…"
>>398035
"Domain. Have you ever tried using a Pylon Catalyst?"
>>398040
>>398039
>>398042
"Tell me of your gift of visions."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398044

>>398043
"Pylo- !

They're ready!?"

try to contain my excite '1d10'

Roll #1 4 = 4

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398045

>>398042
"You mentioned visions. She might be an oracle. Time to explain how those work."

DM 398046

>>398044
"Northscrown isn't… but I did make one sort of portable one, just in case."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398047

>>398045
"It is not quite a simple as that, Mister Pumpkin. There are many examples of oracles throughout history though their powers aren't always fully understood."

>>398043
"It is a power that came to me some years ago. I wasn't born with it like most examples of oracles I found.
I can see past illusions and lies, and sometimes….other things I normally shouldn't know."
I turn to Venia.
"Like that time I knew about the plan to blow up the mansion before Kilana explained us."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398048

>>398043
"I haven't. The Convention grew accustomed to working with what we had, not anything on that kind of large scale. It would be hard to hide, wouldn't it?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398049

>>398046
"Omigoshomigoshomigosh! this is so great! Have you tested it out- what's the strength capacity- do you know if it can hold off the effects of overuse?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398050

>>398043
"We could plant evidence that she has been abusing necromancy, it would be an easy way to make them hate her, but its disrespectful to their culture and will freshen their hate for it even more making things potentially harder for us later."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398051

>>398047
"Can't you like… Use it now to know what Grimalda is like?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398052

>>398050
"The only risk might come if they realize it…"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398053

>>398049
"You sound like a specialist yourself. What can you tell me about how pylons differ from normal catalysts other than size and strength?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398054

>>398051
I pause for a second.
"Maybe. I usually look the person or whatever I'm trying to learn more about in the eyes to conciously focus those powers. But I've had visions that came completely out of nowhere, so it might be possible."

DM 398055

>>398049
"I have ill had time for it. But… I think it will make for a fine backup plan here."
>>398048
"Indeed. But how many minds do you think you could affect using one, at once?"
>>398050
>>398052
"Perhaps if we got close, we could even implant thoughts. Desires in her to use forbidden powers…"

Venia [Battlemage] 398056

>>398055
"So we rig her."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398057

>>398055
"I dunno Frosty. Smearing mud all over her is one thing, but changing her mind… Yeah. I'd not do it even to a lordblade."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398058

>>398053
"It's a way to store and use extra power necessary for long-range or high-strength spells! Normally they would be stationary due to their size, but mobile ones could temporarily eliminate the stationary restrictions!

I was mainly asking for their design because I wanted long-range teleportation for single use for King Frostmourn or Queen Venia. hehe, or even just so I can teleport long distances.."

>>398055
"I hope so! It's a brilliant plan Winterbreeze helped hammer down!"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398059

>>398052
"I don't think you're seeing the larger picture here pumpkin, even if that plan was to go flawlessly it would have consequences for the future. Furthering hate only breeds more hate."
>>398055
"Changing her thoughts…Do you think that's possible? This is something inbred into griffon culture that they wouldn't do anymore than we could eat another pony.."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398060

>>398055
And split off in another time, after that reading with Radiant and before we left. I'll go to his chambers. Is he alone?

"High King Frostmourn, I have… collected my thoughts on my read of Lady Radiant Goldentail. I assumed you'd be interested?"

>>398055
"Interesting question. Typically because of the fine nature of the mind, one works with only one at a time until total control has been established. However, if the scale is large enough and the orders relatively simple, it would seem that at least theoretically possible to deal with large numbers at once. If anyone could do it, I could. I bested Mage-King Longshanks in the endeavor with Lady Goldentail."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398061

>>398055
Go sit down again.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398062

>>398055
"Pardon my reluctance, my king, but wouldn't planting such thoughts simply prove her right?"

DM 398063

>>398056
>>398057
>>398062
"I see you disapprove? I'm open to ideas."
>>398059
"I do not know. I am merely trying out ideas."
>>398060
>past
"I am. Do share."
>present
"Perhaps we could… alter a few thoughts floating around here. Instill some loyalty and dispel a little doubt…"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398064

>>398063
"The idea is plausible. Though if she's really an oracle, she'll know our intentions.
In fact, if she's really an oracle she already knows what plan we're going to decide."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398065

>>398063
"If we could perhaps find solid evidence of Grimalphas doing wrong, or perhaps link her to the slavers, that could put her position in tatters. A pity that mansion exploded, otherwise I'm certain we could have found more information."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398066

>>398063
"So uh.. what are we doing?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398067

>>398063
"You know, I really wonder who her generals are… How her whole rebellion works…"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398068

>>398063
>Present
"Ah. Confidence. One of the oft-overlooked virtues of mind magic. I would certainly attempt it."

>Past

Is he alone?

"The information I gathered is potentially disturbing, which is why this report has taken some time to prepare for. It poses a significant national security risk."

Venia [Battlemage] 398069

>>398063
"Find actual evidence of any wrongdoings and bring her down justly instead of falling back on backhoofed tactics every time."

DM 398070

>>398064
"Perhaps we could find some dirt on her… powers then? Show her followers their leader is impure?"
>>398065
"There were survivors, and we have the name of their contact in Snowborder."
>>398067
"We might need to seek out her supporters. Possibly starting with that George fellow."
>>398068
>present
"Let us consider it Plan B"
>past
he is
"Speak."
>>398069
"And if there is nothing to find?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398071

>>398070
"Frostmourn please, oracle or not, she cannot be perfect. That's ridiculous."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398072

>>398070
"If only Godric would help us contact them…"

If only I had disguise!

Kilana [deathsinger] 398073

>>398071
"But what if she is?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398074

>>398070
"True, but hard evidence is less likely to be deemed as a forced confession or lie."
I'll shake my head a bit.
"Anything we find might have to come from her chambers, or anywhere she might keep sensitive documents for safekeeping."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398075

>>398070
I shift uncomfortably.
"If she uses the power to see the future solely for personal gains, that would certainly cause controversy even amongst her more devoted followers."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398076

>>398070
>Past
Pause. "Do you believe in fate, High King Frostmourn? More importantly – fate that cannot be changed? I know many ponies are prone to it because of your Graphical Specialization Notation."

>Present

"Of course, High King."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398077

>>398073
"Oh please Kila. There is no such thing as perfect. We are all just ponies. And zebras. Equines! Oh, and birds."

Venia [Battlemage] 398078

>>398073
I roll my eyes
"Are we going to jump to assumptions all day and worry about the 'ifs' and 'whats' or what? Nopony is perfect, especially not those at the top."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398079

>>398075
"She can always argue she does that for her cause."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398080

>>398070
"…can I see the pylon?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398081

>>398079
"It would be hard to prove, I agree. Such powers usually don't leave any sign."

DM 398082

>>398071
"Not perfect. Just not bad enough to be abandoned."
>>398072
Pumpkin wants to learn [Disguise]
But Pumpkin can only know 11 skill points worth of skills!
Delete an old move to make room for [Disguise]?
>>398074
"Perhaps infiltration is the key then"
>>398076
>past
He takes out his die and rolls it, without bothering to look at the result
"What are you getting at?"
>>398080
"I left it in the nearest Deep Road entrance for safe keeping. I suppose you could reach it with a few teleports."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398083

>>398077
>>398078
" I agree with wanting to know more, to find real dirt on her.. but, will civil war wait for us to find out? Not only that, we could research her for years and find out she was completely clean down to hatchling age. Do we have time to waste on a potentially fruitless effort just now?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398084

>>398082
"Oh…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398085

>>398082
"Perhaps."
>>398083
"Lady Kilana does have a point, though. So things might just boil down to either making her a martyr, or making certain she has some dirt on her before she is taken down."

Venia [Battlemage] 398086

>>398082
"So you give up on the hard road before even trying then?"

>>398083
I glare at her
"Why not shove some poison down her throat like they did to late king Goldenblood then, huh?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398087

>>398082
Spellbreaker.

DM 398088

>>398084
"It is still larger than both of us combined. Hard to move around discretely."
>>398087
Congratulations!
Pumpkin forgot [Spellbreaker] and learned [Disguise]!
>>398086
"I'm not giving up on anything. And remember, I made you the commander on this mission. I trust your judgement."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398089

>>398082
"Lady Radiant Goldentail hasn't been born yet. And likely won't be for a considerable amount of time. She was banished to our time from the future by a spellcaster."

Give him some time to absorb that.

>>398086
"Normally I am all for the hard road. It's usually the safest. But every day we spend, we spend in blood. Timberjaw is at war."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398090

>>398082
"The simple truth of the matter is that we don't know enough about Grimalphas to decide how to properly deal with her. I feel we should get more information either through interrogation or infiltration. There is really no other way."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398091

>>398086
"Why should we show mercy to someone who wanted to kill us, in the middle of the night, for being a certain race?" I sigh "If Grimalphas causes this war many griffons will die, good claws that the north will miss should equestria come to our door. Not only that, should she win.. with her radical views on non griffons she would likely come to war with us."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398092

>>398091
"This situation does seem to favor Equestria…."
I pause for a second.
"Weren't they somehow involved with the slavers as well?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398093

>>398091
"To show her that she is wrong, Lady Kilana. If we act as we did in that mansion raid, then we'll only prove her right, and fewer gryphons will come to our aid."
>>398092
"Possibly. But as Lord Blackmane made clear, gryphons care little for pony slaves, and are riled only when gryphons are involved."

Venia [Battlemage] 398094

>>398089
"Every day of our lives in the North is spent in blood. Conflict is commonplace here, and we cannot act rashly because of it. We are better than that."

>>398091
"To prove that we are better than that."

DM 398095

>>398089
The high king thinks for a moment.
"Are you saying…
time magic?"
>>398090
"That should probably be our first course of action then. Seeking information."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398096

>>398093
"I wasn't thinking about that…."

>>398095
"We should probably find some of her supporters or try to infiltrate her hideout, wherever it is. Gather information and then decide how to proceed.
It might require some time but dealing with this the wrong way might be disastrous."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398097

>>398096
"I can do that."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398098

>>398095
Incline my head.

"The question remains, High King Frostmourn. Do you believe in immutable fate?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398099

>>398097
"As long as we don't take any unnecessary risks this time we should be fine."

DM 398100

>>398098
"I believe in what I have been shown. And fate as it has been shown to me is a complex, if not immutable thing."
>>398096
>>398097
"It must be done with utmost discretion though."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398101

>>398094
"I will defer to you, but I would remind you that just because something is commonplace does not make it right. We should always strive to reduce the toll of war. Isn't that what Frostmourn's administration is about?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398102

>>398097
"Forgive my misgivings, master Swansong, but I would rather not have another building explode."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398103

Stay quiet..

Venia [Battlemage] 398104

>>398097
>>398100
"I think we can trust Valeriana to do so, no?"

>>398101
"With that mindset, we are no better than Equestria. Self-righteousness and recklessness is not what this administration is about, I hope."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 398105

>>398093
>>398102
I frown at the memory of the raid

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398106

>>398100
Continue quietly.

"At some points in Lady Goldentail's life she observed political maps of the known world."

>>398104
Frown. The mindset of saving lives is no better than Equestria? Are all of Frosty's paladins as bloodthirsty as Radiant?

Just remain quiet.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398107

>>398100
"Why, don't you trust me?"
Smirk at him.
>>398102
"Good thing Minstral isn't here then."
>>398104
"I wast't talking about shadow skulking, Venia."

DM 398108

>>398104
"I will have her send out some shadows."
>>398106
"Get to the point."

Venia [Battlemage] 398109

>>398107
"And why not? Her shadows are near impossible to spot."

398110

>>398109
"But they can't ask questions."
Try to disguise as a griphon.

Roll #1 6 = 6

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398111

>>398110
"I certainly hope Grimalphas won't be able to see through illusions. Even the best disguise might be useless then."

Venia [Battlemage] 398112

>>398110
"We need written evidence more than anything Pumpkin, but if you think you can handle yourself then I wont stop you. Just… don't blow up anything please. And don't get caught or seen, that would be disastrous."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398113

>>398111
"I'm not planning on approaching her or any of her officers. Just gonna have a friendly chat in front of a mug of beer."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398114

>>398108
Frown.

"A noticeable lack of a Northlands as an independent sovereign state. This concludes my generalized report on your courtier. Do you have any pursuant questions?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398115

>>398113
Nod.
"That might be best."
I think.
"I wonder if Grimalphas would be interested in my powers…."

Venia [Battlemage] 398116

>>398115
"She would probably see you as a threat more than anything. You being a pony wont help matters either."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398117

>>398084
"I'd be interested in discussing the matter with you further. You seem to be an expert in catalytic magic. I heard about the tattoos in Eaglecrest, of course."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398118

>>398116
I nod.
"Probably….I figured it might be a way to get close. There aren't many beings with these kinds of powers out there. If she wanted to meet another she couldn't afford to be choosy."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 398119

>>398118
"She also wouldn't be able to afford letting you leave."

Venia [Battlemage] 398120

>>398118
"But I doubt she'd allow you leaving either…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398121

>>398112
"Seriously. I'm getting quite sick of this explosion thing. The alarm had gone off. We had a chance to instantly thin their numbers without risks. And we have a perfect lead to then anyway, because I did my job that night. Now I would appreciate if you could stop talking about it like it was my fault. If I hadn't followed Minstral inside we would all have died once she triggered the explosion!"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398122

>>398119
>>398120
"That's why I've got all of you, right?
The only real thing I'd need is a way to communicate to all of you."

DM 398123

>>398114
"Tell me more of this… time magic."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398124

>>398117
"N-not really, I've only gotten interested in it since Frostmourn tasked winterbreeze and me to research on it.

what about the tattoos did you hear?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398125

>>398122
"If she's truly an oracle it means that she'll know if you are a mole. We have little crystals for communication, but they are short ranged. And you might be searched."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398126

>>398125
"Good point."

Venia [Battlemage] 398127

>>398121
I frown
"And if you had followed your damn orders, the mansion may still have been intact as well as the evidence. Not only that, but Mistral may have still had flesh on her back. You know damn well what you did was wrong, so don't you dare try and argue with me."

>>398122
"It seems like a pointless risk right now… If you get caught, who knows where they'll put you?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398128

>>398127
Look at her, baffled.
"You haven't listened to a word I said! And how on earth do you think she is still alive? I gave some of my life to her!"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398129

>>398124
"Nothing elaborate. In fact, it was quite in passing. Simply that they serve as a catalyst without the means of being disarmed of it. Presumably mutilation would disrupt the runes, though…"

>>398123
Clear my throat uncomfortably.

"She observed the spell in process. I was able to comprehend the basics. Being a professor, it's my job to understand things. Did you have a specific question, or did you want me to pontificate?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398130

>>398127
"I thought this might be a way to get closer to Grimalphas herself, since disguises might be completely useless against her and I understand the risks. I can't do it without support however, so I'll drop it for now if you disagree."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398131

>>398129
"Oh, alright. Yea casting runes are a lot like a unicorn horn, completely useless if taken off the caster's body…"

awkwardly force a laugh '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Venia [Battlemage] 398132

>>398128
"Yes, you owed her that much, didn't you? Now stop arguing about it. The damage has been dealt and the consequences shown, all we can do is make sure a similar event does not occur."

>>398130
"I don't disagree, but it could hold quite a lot of risk. If you think you could pull it off, I wont stop you. Just know that there is quite a lot of risk involved."

DM 398133

>>398129
"I want to know ever detail you could possibly glimpse. And if possible… shove that entire memory in me so I can study it."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398134

>>398132
"It's like you keep ignoring the part where we would have all died by her hooves if we hadn't stopped her.
And that were you and Sunrise would have been in mortal danger hadn't we blown the place."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398135

>>398132
Look at Pumpkin.
"I'm not sure. Pumpkin is right. She'll know what I'm trying to and will search me.
And if I find a way to communicate she can't take away, she'll probably kill me."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398136

>>398132
"Venia, can I ask you something?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398137

>>398131
"You know, in the Convention, I had a friend who was always trying to animate horns – regenerate the nerve and marrow to make them work again after being removed from the body. I don't know if he ever found success… Of course, bones are bones. Since I do have the opportunity to ask an expert, what makes a unicorn horn functionally different than other bones in the body?"

>>398133
"That seems unsafe. Especially after what happened last time. However, I am a research professor. Further study is a possibility."

Venia [Battlemage] 398138

>>398134
"She didn't want to hurt the slaves, Pumpkin. Godric told me she was nowhere near the trigger when Kilana melted away part of her back. I'm honestly getting a little sick of your excuses. Running away from your mistakes and denying them is no way to learn from them"

>>398135
"Well… you could always stick the crystal somewhere they wouldn't look."
I chuckle

>>398136
"Yes, Kilana?"

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398139

>>398138
I wince
"You're underestimating how thorough true Sight can be."

Venia [Battlemage] 398140

>>398139
"It was a joke… mostly."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398141

>>398138
"Why bring me here at all?"

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398142

>>398137
"W-well a unicorn horn is alot more sensitive and allows for an easier and more ranged mode of magical dexterity than a normal catalyst."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398143

>>398138
"And about where Kilana was I have already had lots of words with her and Frostmourn. If somepony who might be a treat appears during an operation, subduing them is the least I have been trained to do. Since Kila was there I should have killed her outright!"

DM 398144

>>398137
"Time is the one thing I never imagines I could get more of.
This… changes everything."

Venia [Battlemage] 398145

>>398141
"You are a friend, are you not? We may not agree on some things, but that doesn't mean your expertise can't come in valuable. Who knows what we'll encounter?"

>>398143
"Godric said she was not a threat after all. What you did was reckless and stupid, you should accept that, learn from it and move on."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398147

>>398142
"Right, but what makes the horn more sensitive from a biological standpoint? I'm a surgeon, you see. The keratin layer, perhaps?"

>>398146

We're alone in the past.

"Change must be calculated, High King Frostmourn."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398148

>>398147
Should point at >>398144
too

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398149

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398150

>>398145
"She claimed not to be! Are You so naive to believe anypony you meet on a slaver's outpost? I have been trained better, by somepony not as self righteous as you are!"

DM 398151

>>398147
"I don't think you quite understand.
I do not seek to alter time. No… I wonder if I could isolate time."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398152

>>398145
I look annoyed. "If you're going to constantly mistrust me, and bring up my mistakes. I don't think I should be here. And knowing how griffons feel about necromancy would have made the call easy for you to make.. so, I ask again. Why bring me here at all? What purpose does it serve?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398153

>>398150
I roll my eyes but ignore him further.

>>398152
"And that is why we left Codar behind. To the gryphons, you don't look like a necromancer after all. I brought you along because I trusted you would not use your powers in public."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398154

>>398151
"It doesn't seem as difficult as reversing it, or sending someone back into it. I'll look into it. Unfortunately, without the resources of the Convention or the yet-unfinished Academy at my disposal… It will take – axiomatically – time. I am certain the Tyrant-King of Rockeye would collapse in agony had he known what he missed out on because he had shunned Neurology as a so-called Dark Art."

>>398149
pls

>>398147

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398155

>>398153
Angrily sit back without another word.

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398156

>>398152
"I appreciate your presence here, Kilana."

DM 398157

>>398154
"Without resources?
My dearest Domain, I own those resources. And this… this is a reason worth spending them on.
You need but say what you need."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398158

>>398153
"So you brought me along to hide me? Seems a rather ineffective plan."
>>398156
I give you a slight nod, "I know, but this isn't the place for mere companionship, your skills could be useful here.."

Venia [Battlemage] 398159

>>398158
"Don't be silly Kilana, you are hardly hidden. As a friend of ours, you don't have to do anything like that. It's just a sensible thing to do given the nature of gryphon culture."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398160

>>398154
"Uh.. I- I wouldn't say so. That's only to house the uh… uh…

s-sorry I don't really know how to say it, but the horn itself houses the nerves that detect and manipulate magic through a singular and controlled point"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398161

>>398159
"I appreciate your friendship but I don't think you understand.. no one is bringing you into a land where using arcane or holy magic would outrage people, and no one is constantly mistrusting you for just knowing what you know. And if its really a question of trusting my judgement because of recent actions, why would you want a pony whose judgement you don't trust with you on a very sensitive mission?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398162

>>398161
"Because I would hope that you have learned from your earlier exploits."

DM 398163

Frostmourn taps his head
"So… we will find a way to gain information on Grimalphas from her followers, then use that information to find out where to dig and pry to find her weakness and expose it?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398164

>>398157
Think a moment. "I'll need a magical power supply. A big one, so that tests can go on uninterrupted. Testing facilities… research associates… test subjects, such as magnets, prisms, ice, ants, and rats. And perhaps most importantly, mutual trust and secrecy."

>>398158
"Regardless of the applications of my skills, if you had stayed behind, I would have elected to as well. We have much to do together. There's the matter of research to be done."

Send her a little message. '1d10+3'

And I prefer your company, too.


>>398160
"I see. Does it have to do with proximity to the brain? Or perhaps the shape of the horn houses natural rune formations?"

Roll #1 3 + 3 = 6

Venia [Battlemage] 398165

>>398163
"Yes."

Smouldering Torch [Burninator] 398166

>>398163
"It seems so."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398167

>>398162
I shake my head "You bring a pony you don't truly trust with you on hope, and possibly worse you think that constantly reminding me of my mistake will help anything? That's just holding guilt over my head."
>>398164
I smile and think back at you
Thankyou, but this is something I have to get threw to her

Kilana [deathsinger] 398168

>>398163
"Yes, can we send someone immediately?"

DM 398169

>>398164
"And in return, I will need your absolute trust and loyalty. Do not even think of hiding things from me. This… I cannot even stress enough how utterly vital this is.
You will have all you can ever need. I will see to it."
>>398165
>>398166
"Good. Good. Then let's get to work."
>>398168
"Indeed.
Valeriana, would you kindly?"
"I am already on my way."
A shadow slithers out the door

Venia [Battlemage] 398170

>>398167
"I said I trusted you earlier, Kilana. I know you wont mess up like that again."

Venia [Battlemage] 398173

>>398169
"How long, Valeriana?"

DM 398175

>>398173
"I may need a few hours at least. Possibly a day."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398177

>>398170
"If you trust me, then why are you bringing it up over and over and using it as a reason to dismiss my ideas? Do you just enjoy hurting me? Do you enjoy hurting pumpkin too? Holding it over us both?" I stare at you.

Venia [Battlemage] 398178

>>398175
"Bless you. Let's hope this works…"

>>398177
"I was making a joke and Pumpkin overreacted, nothing more. When he started denying blame, I couldn't just let him, could I? That's very inconsiderate towards Ambrosia and Mistral."

DM 398181

"And now… I believe we wait."

NEXT TIME ON ICE PUNS
A LEAD
IN NEED
OF A DEED

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 398182

>>398178
And at this point I leave the room and go find someplace to gather Intel.

out of battery

Kilana [deathsinger] 398183

>>398178
"Making jokes about it and then going on about it, certainly is inconsiderate, and not just too Ambrosia and Minstral." I tear up slightly and look away.

Venia [Battlemage] 398185

>>398183
"It was not pointed at you or them. You weren't the one who decided to blow up the mansion after all. Nor was your magic involved in that part of the… event."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 398186

>>398169
"Then you should know two things. First, the one who banished Goldentail could be a threat. Second, my close associates call me Id."

Think for a moment. "Oh. And since Lady Goldentail doesn't realize she's in the past, she has just finished wandering south to a land where no one knows her. And I have no lodgings here in Eaglecrest."

DM 398188

>>398186
"I have half a mind to send you back to the security of Wintersgrasp to begin work, Id.
And as of the one who banished her… I feel he may be a key to many things here…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398189

>>398185
"So, the fact that I was right here, and a friend, that didn't change anything? You couldn't have pulled him aside to talk about it?" clearly hurt I start to leave "I'm going to look at the clouds or something while we wait.."

Venia [Battlemage] 398190

>>398189
I sigh and go after her
"I didn't mean to make you sad…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398198

>>398190
I guess we're outside now "Somehow I doubt that you even considered anyone's feelings in that rant."

Venia [Battlemage] 398203

>>398198
"But it had to be said to Pumpkin. He acted like a total wild card back there and needed some talking to."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398208

>>398203
"Did you not talk to him enough about it before? Did it have to be done in front of everyone, including Ambrosia and me?" I shake my head staring at into the distance.

Venia [Battlemage] 398210

>>398208
"Apparently I did not, seeing how he still denies any blame. That's a downright dangerous attitude to have."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398214

>>398210
"What makes you think having the same conversation over and over will change his mind?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398215

>>398214
"I have not spoken to him about it yet. Only to Frostmourn."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398222

>>398215
"Well, it still could have been handled more privately.." I sigh "Well, it all comes down to what kind of information we can get and how fast.. Do you really approve of that back up plan?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398226

>>398222
"… If there is no other option. As much as I hate doing it…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 398238

>>398226
"I know you don't like the idea, but there may not be a way to do this without getting our hooves dirty, at least secretly.. And from what Garret said, and what we've seen.. she won't hesitate. I think we could safely draw the line at framing her.. but going a step further is a going to be more effective provided her eye doesn't offer her protection.. "

Venia [Battlemage] 398247

>>398238
"I hope we can just find evidence first though. So we don't even need to resort to doing something like that."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398258

>>398247
"We aren't left with many choices in the situation, or much time.. She didn't waste time in trying to get of us, and could possibly use our presence here as fuel for their fire. I certainly hope that she hasn't destroyed all potential evidence already.."

Venia [Battlemage] 398268

>>398258
"She probably thinks too lowly of us to actually pose a threat to her, so I don't think she will have. I can only hope that those rumors of her being an 'oracle' are exaggerations."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 398270

>>398164
"In a way, yea. The runes are a work-around by non-unicorns to be able to cast spells."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398273

>>398268
"What if its not us she was trying to hide it from? It seems like common knowledge that she's plotting this rebellion, don't you think the king would have tried to find some way to discredit her already?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398276

>>398273
"The king does not have Valeriana."
I smirk.

Kilana [deathsinger] 398280

>>398276
I frown "do you think he would reveal it even if he did have such a griffon?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398283

>>398280
"Valeriana is unique. She employs a form of necromancy, which is something we've already establish is looked down upon here."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398285

>>398283
"Perhaps not, but he most likely has spies of his own variety, there is more than one way to find information, and he's desperate enough to ask 'lowly ponies' for help.. That tells me that he's tried everything he can already.."

Venia [Battlemage] 398289

>>398285
"Then let's hope I am not wrong and that Valeriana knows how to handle this."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398291

>>398289
"I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't think we will have a 'clean' way to handle this, and I need to know, just how dirty are you willing to go?"

Venia [Battlemage] 398293

>>398291
"There is nothing dirty about revealing secrets and flaws in her campaign. Making her lose support is the cleanest possible way to go at this, which is what we are doing."

Kilana [deathsinger] 398297

>>398293
"Well, if I come up with anything else, I'll come personally to you with it.. I just ask that you have an open mind when I do present something to you." I smile slightly.

Venia [Battlemage] 398301

>>398297
"Yes, of course."

DM 401316

If you have talking/faffing to do, do it now.
Once I get the READY from everyone, Valeriana's shadow returns with news.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401317

>>401316
Well yes actually. Where is mother?

Venia [Battlemage] 401318

>>401316
Anvil and I need to talk about serious fucking business.

DM 401319

>>401317
Sitting around, controlling a shadow
>>401318
"Ah, these winds really make me feel young and alive…"

401320

>>401316
I'll skulk around the palace a bit, exploring the place.
I don't suppose they have a garden here, right?

Roll #1 6 = 6

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401321

>>401319
Jump over there, sit beside her.
Should I talk? '1d10'

Roll #1 7 = 7

401322

>>401316
I'll do some meditation until then. Surely being home will help calm my worries?

Roll #1 7 = 7

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401323

>>401321
Yes, yes I should.
"Why doesn't she understand?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401324

>>401319
I sit down next to him
"Mmmm, I bet they do, dear."

DM 401325

>>401320
Not much grows up here, and they eat meat so there is no real need for a garden.
>>401321
>>401323
"Because she has a mind of her own, capable of making her own decisions based on her own observations."
>>401322
It seems to aid your heart. If you wish to be proactive, you could seek out information on Grimalphas from the locals. Not like they'd talk to non-gryphons…
>>401324
"Indeed! I haven't felt this full of life in years! Ha!"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401326

>>401325
That's too bad… they could use some nice flowers and plants to cheer them up.
Is there a library at least?

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401327

>>401325
I'll frown.
"This gives her no right to insult me and Kilana for following the orders of the King and the training you gave us."

Venia [Battlemage] 401328

>>401325
"So… I was wondering… about us… and the future."

DM 401329

>>401326
Indeed there is.
You can't help but notice everyone giving you long looks as you pass them.
>>401327
"You must admit, your actions did lead to harm."
>>401328
"Any time, any place. Heck, right here, right now."
He flaps open his wings with bravado. He really does seem more lively than in ages.

Godric [Dark Knight] 401330

>>401325
Yes, I could do that. Hopefully someone in the castle knows something about her. I'll flag down one of the guards first, hopefully they can at least give me some direction.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401331

>>401329
Just keep staring at the ground as I walk… is there someone tending to the library?

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401332

>>401329
"I engaged an unknown factor on the field.
Since Kilana was there I should have killed her outright, it was too much of a danger to the High Queen."
I'll then look at her.
"And this is something you taught me."

Venia [Battlemage] 401333

>>401329
I bite my lower lip and look away
"Anvil this is serious. I need to know something. And… I want you to answer this to me honestly."

DM 401334

>>401330
"Grimalphas?
Well I know the official dossier on her, if that helps? I believe the king knows more details though. And we have a prisoner who was a part of her group but broke off and turned himself in for protection."
>>401331
There are a few attendants around, dusting the place.
>>401332
She deflates a little
"I am not infallible…"
>>401333
"Then ask, my queen~"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401335

>>401334
"So what are you saying, that I should not do whatever is needed to bring about the success of a mission?
That I should let emotions decide?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401336

>>401334
I approach one of them, still looking at the floor
"Am I allowed to use the library, sir?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401337

>>401334
I turn back to him and hold his hooves with my own
"… It's about kids. About starting a family… with you. Do you… want to start one? As a king, you'll need an heir…"

DM 401338

>>401335
"I am saying you should not kill when it can be avoided… unless… well, you are willing to bear that weight on yourself."
>>401336
"Hrm?
A pony? What's a pony doing here?"
>>401337
'1d10'

Roll #1 1 = 1

DM 401339

>>401337
>>401338
He goes pale
"I… I… Uh… I…"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401340

>>401334
"I'll take the dossier first. If nothing else, it will help lay the foundation."

Venia [Battlemage] 401341

>>401338
>>401339
I cock my head
"… yes? Just… say what you want. Don't think about me. This is about you."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401342

>>401338
"It was a mission.
Not by my hoof did any of that happen.
But I am worrying my judgment might be wrong. If Venia insists so much, then, maybe, I am unfit for this. Maybe all that training was wrong. Maybe I'm a failure."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401343

>>401338
"Visiting Stormheart."

DM 401344

>>401340
"Grimalphas, also known as the Crone and the Crowmother, is an old Stormheart gryphon. Her exact age is unknown, but some insist she is as old as Stormheart itself.
She is credited as a seer and oracle, possessing a magical sight in her strange eye. She has also been a strong driving force for many past kings to strengthen the borders and fight back any who dare appear. At times, she goes into hiding, but now she has emerged again and is urging the people to overthrow king Garret after he suggested reaching out to bordering nations for aid in these times of poor hunting."
>>401341
"A… child is a… big responsibility and… you'd be out of commission for a long time and… and…"
>>401342
"There are no bad students. Only bad teachers.
…and possibly… bad creeds."
>>401343
"Visiting? I've never heard of a pony visitor in Castle Stormheart. How did you even get here?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401345

>>401344
I will think over this one for a while.
In silence.
"I don't regret learning with you. Not a single minute of it all."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401346

>>401344
I frown.
"Strange eye…hm. Sounds like I have much to ask this prisoner."
Thank the guard and go meet with that bird.

Venia [Battlemage] 401347

>>401344
"… Right. So… you think it's a bad idea then. But… if you really wanted a child, I could retire for a while. I just… I want to know if you actually want an heir or not. Regardless of me and what I do."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401348

>>401344
"Visiting the king. We flew here. If you wish me to leave, I will obey."
I take a step back

DM 401349

>>401346
The dungeon guards salute you and take you to the prisoner.
He has a nice, if windowless cell. It's more like a little room for him to stay in than what one might expect in a dungeon.
"Yes, how can this wayward feather aid you?"
>>401345
"But do you regret what you learned?"
>>401347
"I don't mean it's a bad idea… or that I wouldn't want a heir… it's just that…
…it's such a huge change…"

DM 401350

>>401348
"The king?
Well… if that's the case, I don't think I'm in any status to deny you. Welcome in."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401351

>>401349
"I hear you were one of Grimalphas' flock. Tell me about her."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401352

>>401349
Shake my head.
"The life of a pony is nothing compared to that of all of us.
Of all of you.
The north needs ponies like us to protect it."

Venia [Battlemage] 401353

>>401349
"Anvil sweetie… we're both nearing our forties. If you want children, there is not much time left. You're an adult, a king even, you should be used to responsibility. I have to know what you really want here."

401354

>>401350
I bow
"Thank you, sir."
And then enter the library. Are there… any books around that could help me learn to read better?

Roll #1 3 = 3

DM 401355

>>401351
"The Crowmother… her inner circle say she is as old as this very castle. That she was among those who first followed King Stormheart here.
She says that King Garret has betrayed our ideals and very reason to exist in seeking allies from the outside. That he has opened our gates to conquerors and doomed our way of life, undoing all we have worked for here. And she insists a new, stronger king needs to be chosen. One capable of keeping us safe from outsiders.
She says if the current course is kept, all of Stormheart and the heritage of griffons will be swept away, devoured and forgotten by those who do not share or understand our ways. Her eye has seen it.
But as much as her words fill her flock with pride and duty, they always just scared me. And she looks too young to be as old as this nation. Indeed the only part of her that looks that old is that evil eye of hers…"
>>401352
"Pumpkin… do you think the north needs blades as cold and heartless as the south?"
>>401353
"…I don't want my family name to die with me…"
>>401354
[Reading for hatchlings: The basics of the ABC]

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401356

>>401355
"Mother, do you think the north can survive without them?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401357

>>401355
I sigh and wrap my hooves around him in a hug
"… Then we'll start a family together."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401358

>>401355
"Yes, it seems she cannot be mentioned without speaking of this eye of hers…what is it exactly? Is it tied to her abilities as an oracle somehow?"

401359

>>401355
This should do…
Flip it open and start to read.

Roll #1 6 = 6

DM 401360

>>401356
"I cannot know.
At times I only fear I may be turning us into the very thing we so hate."
>>401357
"…I feel so conflicted…"
>>401358
"I think so. It is entirely different from her other eye. An inky black orb that yet still somehow sees. And it sees into hearts and minds. Past lies and half-truths. It sees impossible things. And maybe even the future."
>>401359
[A is for Apple, that lures out the prey
B is for Bird, like our front half, hooray!
C is for Claws, of which you have eight
D is for adults, you'll understand later, for now just wait.
E is for Eagle, a proud and mighty bird
F is for Fuck, a very naughty word
G is for Griffon, which me and you are
H is for Heights, from where you can see far
I is like me, but shorter to spell
J is for joke, some of which are hard to sell
K is for killing, which we do to out foes
L is for loving, which helps us forget our woes
M is for mating, see D, up there
N is for No, I won't explain it here
O is the sound surprised prey make
P is what they they when their lives you take
Q is for Questionable, which the value of this book is
R is for Rubbish, which also describes this
S is for Silence, which this will leave you in
Y is for You, are dense or something?
U is not the same as you, even if they sound the same
V is for Very, like "this is very lame"
W is like V, only there are two in one
X is 2edgy, but soon we are done
Y sounds like Why, a good question to ask
Z concludes the alphabet, boy was that a big task]

Venia [Battlemage] 401361

>>401360
I keep holding him
"Do you… want some alone time to think about it? I just want to make sure you're happy no matter what… This is a big decision."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401362

>>401360
"You saw her yourself? What was it like?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401363

>>401360
"We are not waging war and killing innocents without a word."
Look towards Frostmourn.
"I hope we are not…"

401364

>>401360
… Close that book.
I should get something more advanced. This is borderline silly!

Roll #1 5 = 5

DM 401365

>>401361
"I guess it's time I finally grew up…
I want you to be happy."
>>401362
"She looked far too young for all the stories to be true. And that eye of hers that everyone speaks of… well, I'm not surprised they do. It's hard to ignore. It looks like it has a will of it's own."
>>401363
"Yet here we are, acting as assassins to a coward king…"
>>401364
[Reading, Righting and Rending for the school-aged Catbird]

401366

>>401365
This better teach me some difficult words…

Roll #1 1 = 1

Godric [Dark Knight] 401367

>>401365
"Interesting. If you do not mind me asking…what did it see in you?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401368

>>401365
"A… Coward King? Frostmourn?"
Look worried, even frightened, at her.

Venia [Battlemage] 401369

>>401365
"No Anvil, this is your choice to make, regardless of my feelings. Whichever choice you may make, I will follow. As much as I would like a child of my own… Frostmourn also needs me. What I want to know is what you want."

DM 401370

>>401366
You can't even read the first half of the first word.
What the hell kind of language is this?
>>401367
"It saw doubt, fear and a weak will. She told them to cast me out. So they did."
>>401368
She nods the other way
"I meant Garret."
>>401369
"My happiness is tied to your happiness. I could not stand to know I made a decision that hurt you."

Venia [Battlemage] 401371

>>401370
I slump down slightly
"I don't even know what path to take myself… I always wanted to have a child but… If I start a family, I have to leave Frostmourn's side."
I sigh
"That's why I want to know what you truly want. A family or… not."

401372

>>401370
uh… flip through a few pages and see if I can read anything at all?

Roll #1 1 = 1

DM 401373

>>401372
No, you illiterate fuck.
You probably can't even spell illiterate.
>>401371
"As I said… I don't want my family to die with us.
And if it is something you have always wanted… then… I guess Frostmourn will just have to do without you."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401374

>>401370
"I see. It seems her words are not as strong as we thought."

401375

>>401373
I…
Yes I can! … Right?

Roll #1 3 = 3

401376

>>401375
I guess not…
I just close the book and find something easier then…

Roll #1 1 = 1

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401377

>>401370
"Oh c'mon, don't you really believe we will kill anyone.
It'd actually work against us. We are here just to save ponies. And gryphons."

DM 401378

>>401375
>>401376
[Simple words for reading]
>>401374
"She is as ever-changing as the winds, going from a furious demagogue to… almost motherly."
>>401377
"We must never lose sight of the good path. The day we accept a good excuse is but a day away from us accepting any excuse."

Venia [Battlemage] 401379

>>401373
I gulp
"He needs me… He already lost Radiant, isn't it selfish of me to do this? I should be at his side and guide him…"

401380

>>401378
I tentatively open up said book and start reading.

Roll #1 10 = 10

Godric [Dark Knight] 401381

>>401378
"Strange. I would not want a leader to be so…moody."

DM 401382

>>401380
This seems about right for your level.
It spells out the longer words for you, and has helpful pictures to explain the context of the words and story.
It's also rather long, meaning you could learn a lot from it.
>>401379
"You must choose then, I guess. Do you want to devote your life to him, or to yourself?
Do you feel you've already given him enough?"
>>401381
"It was a part of the reason I left. I never felt confident in her. She seemed like two minds in one body."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401383

>>401382
"I always assumed she was not right of mind, but to think she is genuinely insane?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401384

>>401382
"I… I…"
I fall back onto my haunches
"I really don't know what to do anymore… I can't afford to wait several more years or I'll be too old but… he needs me now more than ever."
I give him a pleading look
"What am I supposed to do? How am I even supposed to choose between these two paths?"

401385

>>401382
Good, I'll spend some time reading it then, absorbing as much info as I can.

Roll #1 4 = 4

DM 401386

>>401383
"It is very hard for me to say for certain. She had strange powers and powerful words, but in my eyes it seemed like her mind had already been broken by something."
>>401384
"By asking yourself what you want most. What you deserve most.
None can take your life from you Venia. You alone can know what you should do.
But whatever your decision may be… I still love you."
>>401385
The attendant comes stare over your shoulder
"Need any help in finding something?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401387

>>401386
"You have given me much to dwell on. What is your name, lost one?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401388

>>401386
My lower lip will probably start trembling as he speaks those words.
"I-I should… I should to speak to Frostmourn about this…"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401389

>>401386
I turn to stare at him
"Find what?"

DM 401390

>>401387
"Godwin."
>>401388
He hugs you softly
"Shh… I'm here for you…"
>>401389
"Was there anything you wanted to find? Or are you done here?"

401391

>>401390
Try not to tear up
"I missed you… Gods I missed you…"

Roll #1 10 = 10

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401392

>>401390
I put a hoof on the book I'm reading
"I found a book. Do you wish me to leave?"

DM 401393

>>401391
"Well, I'm here now. Now and forever if you want me."

DM 401394

>>401392
"If there was nothing else you needed from here, yes.
King's guest or not, you smell of food to me, and it makes me a little uneasy."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401395

>>401394
Ready.

Venia [Battlemage] 401396

>>401391
Not even close

>>401393
I'll just keep enjoying the embrace for now.
"Thank you… I love you. I'll always love you…"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401397

>>401390
"Thank you, Godwin."

Go back up and wait for the others.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401398

>>401394
I smell of food? '1d10'
"Okay. I am sorry for disturbing you, sir."
I put the book back where I found it and leave

Roll #1 7 = 7

DM 401399

>>401398
"Feel free to take the book if you liked it."
>>401396
"I love you too… I'm glad I got to say that again…"

Venia [Battlemage] 401400

>>401399
And after a while, I'll release him of the hug, sniffling and wiping my nose with a hoof.
"I wonder what the others will have to say about this…"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 401401

>>401399
I turn to stare at him for a moment, then nod and take the book with me after all as I leave

DM 401402

>>401400
"You can only know if you ask"

IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO ANY NPCs NOW IS YOUR LAST CHANCE BEFORE THE PAUSE

Venia [Battlemage] 401403

>>401402
I nod
"You're right… of course. I'll go see Frostmourn straight away…"
Do so.

DM 401404

>>401403
"Venia. Always glad to see you.
…have you been crying?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401405

>>401404
"I… yes."
I wipe my eyes with a hoof
"Sorry."
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
"Frostmourn… we need to talk. It's something serious."

DM 401406

>>401405
"Please. I will gladly listen."

Venia [Battlemage] 401407

>>401406
I gulp and sit down somewhere
"I… spoke to Anvil about a few things and… we decided that we will start a family at long last."

DM 401408

>>401407
He pauses for a moment then looks away
"I'm…
I…
…I wish you the best of luck with that… you…
…you deserve to be happy. Both of you."

Venia [Battlemage] 401409

>>401408
"… I'm so sorry, Frostmourn."

Kilana [deathsinger] 401410

I'm probably staring off into the distant clouds if someone needs me.

DM 401411

>>401409
"It… it's ok.
You have given me much… so very much. My entire life you have selflessly sacrificed for me… and for that… I thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
I cannot dream of asking you to sacrifice your happiness for my sake any more. Please… go to him. You two… have given more than anyone ever should be asked to."

Venia [Battlemage] 401412

>>401411
I tear up slightly and walk over to hug him.
"I-I feel so terrible for doing this… So terribly torn… I wish I could stay at your side and help you but… I just… There's just so little time…"

DM 401413

>>401412
"Venia… I owe my existence to you. Everything I am, is because you allowed me to be born. Because you raised me. You watches over me from that very first day. You saw me through all my hardships, and were there for me when I needed a soldier, a friend… and a mother.
I… I cannot ask more of you. I simply cannot."

401414

>>401413
Rolling not to burst into tears completely

Roll #1 3 = 3

Venia [Battlemage] 401415

>>401414
Nope, looks like I do start weeping. Hug him a little tighter too.

DM 401416

>>401414
>>401415
He extends his wings of light and wraps them around both of you, making a cozy bubble of warm energy around you, where you can be safe and alone.
"Thank you Venia… thank you… for everything…"

DM 401417

NEXT TIME ON UNDERAGE PANTY QUEST: HURT FEELINGS EDITION

THE FATE OF VENIA
THE LOWDOWN ON GRIMALPHAS
AND MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, THE PLOT GOES SOMEWHERE

Venia [Battlemage] 401418

>>401416
And after a while, I calm down enough that I can speak again
"This… this is the worst decision I've ever faced… I'm so sorry to make things ever harder for you too…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401683

Gee, it sure is terrible failing to find anything to do in this crazy gryphon kingdom where no pony has ever set hoof. You'd think I'd have more to do than watching the scenery.

Ambrosia 401687

>>401683
And I'll be leaving the library at this very moment, that book clenched between my teeth

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401688

>>401687
"'Lo there, Ambrosia. Seems you've found something to entertain yourself."

Ambrosia 401691

>>401688
I stop and stare at him, then try to speak but realize the book is in the way, after which I just nod my head slowly.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401692

>>401691
I'll smile a little under my helmet.
"You know, couldn't you just carry the book under your wing? It would free up your mouth. Or perhaps you'd like someone to carry it for you?"

Ambrosia 401694

>>401692
I lower my head and place the book on the floor.
"Okay. I was allowed to take it with me to learn."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401695

>>401694
My horn will light up as I pick up the book, and float it near Ambrosia.
"Well, that's good. What are you studying?"

Ambrosia 401696

>>401695
"Words."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401698

>>401696
"Words?"
I'll nod a little to myself.
"Don't suppose you'd like a study partner? I find myself at a loss of things to do."

Ambrosia 401699

>>401698
"Yes. Do you read, Crescent?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401701

>>401699
"I do. Write, as well. What did you need help with?"

Ambrosia 401702

>>401701
"I wish to learn to read and write better."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401704

>>401702
"Well, then, we might as well get started. Were you planning on studying anywhere in particular, or…?"

Ambrosia 401705

>>401704
I cock my head
"No."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401706

>>401705
"I find that being comfortable tends to help speed learning along, at least when it comes to reading. Let's find somewhere to sit, and we can get started."

DM 401708

Valeriana's shadow returns, bringing information of a group of Grimalphas rebels you can reach easily.

This, combined with what was learned of her last time, should give you a good idea of what you're up against.

Ambrosia 401709

>>401706
"Okay. Had to leave library because I smell like food."

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401710

>>401708
"So we go up to them and what? Ask if they just want to join us, no fuss?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401711

Godric [Dark Knight] 401713

>>401708
So what has she learned? Does it line up with what I learned?

DM 401714

>>401710
"I was thinking of a subtler approach."
>>401418
"Whenever your heart feels ready, whatever you decide, know that I accept it."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401715

>>401709
"Like food? Well, I have heard back in the old days they did used to eat ponies…"
Shake my head.
"But, that's neither here nor there. Let's find somewhere comfortable."
>>401706
Time schism, activate.

Pumpkin Swansong [Northblade] 401716

>>401714
"So was I."
Disguise as a gryphon. Can I default this, since I have all the time and resources needed?

Kilana [deathsinger] 401717

>>401710
"We could go back to the idea of sending a spy to find out more. "

DM 401718

>>401716
Let's go with that.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401719

>>401718
Pomf.
"Where do I sign for your rebel army?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401720

>>401714
I nod
"Right… I'll… I'll stick with you for the time being… I still have to talk to some ponies about this… think about this…"
I sigh

>>401717
"We could risk sending Godric along too."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401721

>>401720
"Lord Blackmane might be too well known, though. Especially since he came to the castle first. If anything, his going to Grimalphas would be more suspicious."

Ambrosia 401722

>>401715
"Okay."
Follow him.

DM 401723

>>401719
"There was a group stationed in the town below the castle. At the inn."

Venia [Battlemage] 401724

>>401721
"He could paint his feathers differently and take up a different name…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401725

>>401721
"We could touch his feathers up a bit."
>>401723
"What will I be looking for exactly? Just info on Grimalphas? Their ideals? How to break their ranks?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401726

>>401722
The room will do, for now. Out of the way, and I can take my helmet off in there. Plus, the beds are large enough to sit on comfortably.
Once there, the helmet will come off, and I'll motion for Ambrosia to have a seat on the edge of the bed.
"So, where do we start?"
>>401724
"Forgive my doubts, Queen Venia, but he'd like be as successful with that against a seer as my armor was against master Swansong's eye."

DM 401727

>>401725
"Any information on Grimalphas and her group that can aid us."

Venia [Battlemage] 401728

>>401726
"And Pumpkin's disguise would?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401729

>>401728
"So long as he doesn't run into Grimalphas herself, I suppose it might."
I'll nod slightly.
"It all really depends on how far-reaching her sight is."

Venia [Battlemage] 401730

>>401729
"Then we make sure that Godric sticks with Pumpkin. He knows gryphon customs better than any of us."

Kilana [deathsinger] 401732

>>401730
"Can we be nearby in case something goes wrong? Give them some kind of emergency signal if they need us to bail them out?"

Ambrosia 401733

>>401726
I open up the book and settle down next to him
"At start."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401736

>>401724
"Paint my feathers?"
I bristle at the thought.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401737

>>401733
"From the top, then."
And I'll sit down near Ambrosia, but not on the bed, floating the book up for her.
And then, I'll try and teach. '1d10'

Roll #1 6 = 6

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401738

>>401736
"Oh c'mon, it would be for the good of the mission."
Chuckle.
"I might get lost without you!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401740

>>401736
I smile slightly
"Come on Godric, just to make sure nobody recognizes you. We can wash it out afterwards."

401741

>>401737
And I try to absorb knowledge.
I have to learn… this is important.

Roll #1 5 = 5

Godric [Dark Knight] 401742

>>401740
>>401738
"I suppose so…but this will take much preening to remove!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401744

>>401742
"Who knows, maybe you'll like the new touch of color?"
I chuckle

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401745

>>401742
"Sacrifices we make..:"
Sigh.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401746

>>401745
"So between you and your partner, which shall be the back end? Gryphons are a fair bit longer than ponies, after all."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401747

>>401744
"I highly doubt that…"

>>401745
"These feathers are more for just show. Each one is crucial to keeping me aloft and safe."

Kilana [deathsinger] 401748

>>401746
"The campsite isn't that far away, this isn't like when we tried to cross their country in a single evening.. Pumpkin will be fine."

Ambrosia 401749

>>401741
I don't learn too much from this…
I look down, somewhat sad
"Sorry."

Venia [Battlemage] 401750

>>401747
"This is for the sake of Stormheart."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401751

>>401750
I'll just grumble a bit at that.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401752

>>401748
"I meant which of them will be taking the role of the cat half, Lady Kilana."
>>401749
I'll put a hoof under her chin, bringing her eyes back up to meet mine.
"There's nothing to apologize for, Ambrosia. You are trying, and that is what's important. All that's left is the doing."
Give her a little smile.
"Besides, I wouldn't be helping you if I didn't want to. Learning to read better is important to you, right?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401753

>>401746
Look at my already complete disguise, the one I'm wearing in this very moment, and then back at him with a flat stare.
>>401747
"Because you are talking to somepony who never had feathers of his own in his whole life, right?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401755

>>401751
"Just swallow your pride and do this for the sake of your people. We need your expertise on gryphon society."

Ambrosia 401756

>>401752
"Yes. Very important."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401757

>>401753
And my expression is hidden by my helmet. Dreadfully useful thing.
>>401756
I'll nod towards the book.
"Then all that's left is that we keep going until we've got it down. From the top, then."

401758

>>401757
"Okay."
Come on, I'm just uneducated!

Roll #1 2 = 2

Godric [Dark Knight] 401759

>>401755
"Yes, you are right, of course. If you need me there, then I will go."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401761

>>401758
Teaching assistance roll. '1d10'

Roll #1 10 = 10

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401762

>>401759
"Hey, it's not a must. You could just give me a few pointers and i will wing it from there."

Venia [Battlemage] 401763

>>401759
"That's good. You're put charge of this task then. I would like to join too, but I'm not skilled at stealth or disguising myself."

Ambrosia 401764

>>401761
That helps! Looks like I learn a few new complex words!

Godric [Dark Knight] 401765

>>401763
"Very well."

>>401762
"Given how important this is, I would rather you not 'wing it' at all."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401766

>>401765
Smirk.
Beaks are hard to use.
"Good. Let's get going then."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401767

>>401762
"Last time you decided to 'wing it', master Swansong, there was an explosion."
>>401764
"See? You're doing better already."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401768

>>401767
"And thanks to that, you are alive today. Had I not blown up the mansion, you would be dead, or a slave.
Isn't life beautiful?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401769

>>401768
"You underestimate both myself, and your companions. But this is not the time for such talk. We must focus, of course, on the task at hoof."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401770

>>401768
"Control yourself."

Venia [Battlemage] 401771

>>401768
I roll my eyes
"How about you two focus at the task at hoof instead."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401772

>>401769
"I have all reasons to."
Stand up.
>>401770
"Right. Shall we?"
>>401771
Ignore her.

Ambrosia 401773

>>401767
"Yes. Thank you for helping me with this… it helps."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401774

>>401772
"Fine."

Let's go.

DM 401775

>>401772
>>401774
A short flight later you reach the lower town. The inn is not too hard to find. It's big and well lit.

Venia [Battlemage] 401776

>>401775
Valeriana around or…?

Godric [Dark Knight] 401777

>>401775
Go inside and take stock. What kind of crowd is it attracting?

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 401778

>>401775
"Can uh… Is it possible to wander about?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401779

>>401773
"I'm just pointing you in the right direction. It's you who's doing the hard work."
Give her a little smile.
"You're really very smart, Ambrosia."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401780

>>401775
>>401777
Follow Godric, Staying behind.
"What's our story and what are our names?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 401781

>>401778
"I just hope they will be alright down there " wear golem wings, and look worried.

DM 401782

>>401776
A shadow trails you
>>401777
A few night guards
Some hunters
A few who look like merchants
One old drunk
>>401778
>>401781
…you came down too?
I thought only Pumpkin and Godric did

Kilana [deathsinger] 401783

>>401782
No, I am not coming down, I am just worried and want to be ready in case they call for help. Still at the palace

Venia [Battlemage] 401784

>>401782
We're still at the castle, yeah. I was just looking for Valeriana

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401785

>>401782
I will be staying silent behind Godric for now.

Godric [Dark Knight] 401786

>>401780
"…Grit, nationalist thug. You are my squire…Grunt."

Nylis [Thaumaturge] 401787

>>401782
I'm in the griffon keep


nevermind I'll stay out this session

Ambrosia 401789

>>401779
"I never needed smarts. Only strength and obedience."

DM 401790

>>401784
She is around.
"Yes, Venia?"
>>401787
…oh…
>>401786
>>401785
The patrons eye you up as you enter

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401791

>>401786
Nod.
>>401790
And pay said patrons no mind, looking instead towards the bartender.

Venia [Battlemage] 401792

>>401790
I slump down next to her
"Did you hear?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401793

>>401789
"Now that you're a free mare, though, smarts will help you find where to direct your strength, and determine who is worthy of your obedience."
I'll ruffle her mane gently.
"Do you want to keep going, or should we save some of this book for later?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401794

>>401790
Go on up to the bar, ignoring them, and order a drink.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401795

>>401794
Follow and order the same.

Ambrosia 401796

>>401793
"I should learn more… Become better."

DM 401797

>>401791
He is opening a bottle of wine
>>401792
"That you want a child?"
>>401794
>>401795
"Evening. Looking for something strong, or?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401798

>>401796
I'll nod.
"Then continue we shall."
And back to book learning.

Venia [Battlemage] 401799

>>401797
I nod
"Unyielding and I both want one… I just had to know that first before I could make my decision."
I gulp
"So… uh… what do you think… about this?"

401800

>>401798
ABSORB THAT KNOWLEDGE
FOR MISTRAL!

Roll #1 6 = 6

Godric [Dark Knight] 401801

>>401797
"Strongest you got. I need it with what's going on out there."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401802

>>401797
"Something to forget the insults."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401803

Back. Let me catch up for a moment

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401804

>>401797
Is there a library in the keep?

DM 401805

>>401799
"Venia… I've known you for such an incredibly long time. We've been through more together than most ponies even read about.
All I can say to this is that I want you to be happy. And that you deserve to be happy."
>>401804
There is.
>>401802
>>401801
"Rough night hm. Can't say I'm surprised. Heck there was a rumor going on that the Pony Emperor had entered our borders."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401806

>>401805
Turn to Godric.
"See mylord? They even dare cross into our mountains! I hope they fall off a cliff and are forever forgotten!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401807

>>401805
"But… what about you? If I retire to go back to Wintergrasp I'll…"
I pause
"… We wont be able to see each other as often anymore… I don't want to abandon you like that…"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401808

>>401805
"That puny little three-legged tinhead, here? What has the world come to?"
Slam it back.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401809

>>401805
Oh boy. Maybe there's some stuff to learn here, no pony has been here since forever.
Look first for books concerning Stormheart history, maybe there is something to learn here that can help us '1d10'

Roll #1 2 = 2

DM 401810

>>401806
>>401808
"Some say they are here to make deals with out beloved king. I wouldn't put that sort of thing above either of them."
>>401807
"I will still be around…"
You feel someone touch you even though she sits still
"…in my own way"
>>401809
The attendant looms behind you
"And just who are you?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401811

>>401810
"Dark days in the kingdom…I just wish there was something to be done about it."

Venia [Battlemage] 401812

>>401810
I don't even need to look at the shadow to know it's there
"But it wont be the same for you… You'll be… lonely."
I bite my lower lip and look down.
"It just feels like I'm abandoning you for my own selfish wishes… all of you. Frostmourn, Sunrise, you…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401813

>>401810
Turn around and say with a smile.
"I'm Smouldering Torch, one of the Kings guests. I was hoping I could have permission to study some of these books."

DM 401814

>>401811
"Well, I just run an inn. No point in making it a political hotspot if you ask me."
He makes a very subtle nod at the table towards the back
>>401813
"Hrm. How many of you things are there?
Very well. Go ahead."
His stomach growls a bit
>>401812
"Venia.
You have given up more than most ponies could in their whole lives. You have been perhaps the least selfish of us all. It's time you took something for yourself once in your life."
He puts a hoof on yours
"Trust me."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401815

>>401814
"Are there any books on the history of Stormheart you'd recommend?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401816

>>401814
Exchange a glance with Godric.

Godric [Dark Knight] 401817

>>401814
"Well good luck to you then."

Pay him and head to the back to nurse my drink, keeping an eye on who's gathering back here.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401818

>>401817
And then I will turn around too, taking a look at said table.
SbS.
'1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Venia [Battlemage] 401819

>>401814
I take her hoof and hold it
"… I just don't want to break your heart… and I'm afraid that by leaving you like this your heart will ache more than ever."

DM 401820

>>401815
"Well you are speaking to one of thing kingdom's foremost historians. I could run you through it personally if you let me eat your leg."
>>401817
>>401818
A few guards, or possibly some kind of militia. What appears to be a pair of merchants. A fat old griffon with a torn up wing and a balding scalp, A couple of younger, smaller teenagers and a surprisingly wealthy looking one.
>>401819
"My heart will find ways to live on, Venia. And you won't be gone forever.
Heck… I'd get to be an auntie…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401821

>>401820
Look at Godric.
Not like the squire can move first.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401822

>>401820
I chuckle.
"Good one. But a book would be fine. I don't want to take up your time."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401823

>>401820
>>401821
Take a seat next to the older one.
"Ho, elder. Rough times out there."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401824

>>401823
Sit beside him.

Venia [Battlemage] 401825

>>401820
"… Thank you… Valeriana."
I pull her close and hug her tight.
"I'll miss you… and think about you when you're not around…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401826

>>401800
Looks like she's learning well on her own, now. Just needed a good push.

DM 401827

>>401822
"Hmp. Very well. My book on our nation's history is in the case near the center. Try not to wrinkle the pages with your… whatever you turn pages with."
>>401823
>>401824
"DAMN STRAIGHT BOY! THAT DAMN XENOPHILE KING OF OURS IS RUINING THIS COUNTRY!"
>>401825
"A bit of me will always be around, Venia… I do love you, after all…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401828

>>401827
"No shit. Soon they will tell us we can't even hunt anymore, because it offends those lettuce eaters!"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401829

>>401827
"Thank you."
Go take the book….and read it while making sure I'm not with my back towards the gryphon.
Let's start at the founding. Why is Stormheart considered the promised land?

Godric [Dark Knight] 401830

>>401827
"Indeed. It's gotten so bad a gryphon can hardly go hunting anymore without running into some raiding party!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401831

>>401827
"And I love you too… I hope you know just how much you taught me and helped me in life…"

DM 401832

>>401828
"The heck's wrong with your VOICE boy? You eatin' enough?"
>>401830
"Too right! We should be expandin' our huntin' to the bordering pony lands, not actively evading them! That's all a pony's good for anyway! Eatin'!"
>>401829
[-The founding of Stormheart came to be by the claw of Prophet-King Stormheart, who lead all the gryphons willing to listen to his word north to plentiful, promised hunting grounds.-]
>>401831
"I do, Venia. I do…
You're a big reason I'm still alive."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401833

>>401832
Take a quick glance wether the attendant is still far away from me.
Does it say more about the Prophet-King?

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401834

>>401832
Clear my throat and try to imitate a gryphon's voice.
Shouldn't disguise do this already?
"No I'm not! Not since those raiding parties have moved into our land!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401835

>>401832
"You best not die on me while I'm off delivering a child… I'll bring your ass back and hit you if you dare…"

DM 401836

>>401834
I'm trying to build atmosphere you uncultured swine
"Well that ain't good, lad like you, not getting enough to eat. WAITER! A ROUND OF EATS FOR US!"
>>401835
She looks like she's about to quip something back but then she just closes her mouth and shies away from saying it.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401837

>>401836
I seriously hope gryphons don't eat meat.
"I've another hunger right now. A hunger for revenge!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401839

>>401836
I prod her with a hoof
"Come on… Cough it up, Valeriana."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401840

>>401836
>
>>401833
>Does the book say more about the Gryphon King prophet? Did he have powers or something?

DM 401841

>>401837
He just talked about eating ponies.
They all focus on you
"Big words boy."
"Some might even say dangerous words"
>>401840
>>401833
[-Prophet-King Stormheart was said to have asked his ancestors for a gift that would let him lead his people to better roosts where they could build their own nation. And he did. A gift of the seer, the power to glimpse at fate and future with his blessed eye-]

Venia [Battlemage] 401842

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401843

>>401841
Lean onto the table, looking grim.
"Dangerous for taking back what's ours? I say it's a danger worth taking."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401844

>>401841
So the First King of Stormheart was a seer. It starts to make sense why Grimalphas would claim she's one as well, wether or not she speaks the truth.
Does the book mention what happened to the first king after he died?

DM 401845

>>401839
"…I was about to tell you the same but… yeah…
…sorry about that arrow…"
>>401843
"At the eye of the storm…"
They all look at you as if they expect you to finish the sentence
>>401844
[-He was laid to rest in the halls of heroes beneath his castle-]

Venia [Battlemage] 401846

>>401845
I scrunch
"That was a loooong time ago… for all we know the effect could have faded by now."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401848

Mental note: check that out.
Flip the pages. Does the book detail any incidents between Stormheart and other pony lands?

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401850

>>401845
Lean back on my chair, raising a brow.
"…the winds don't blow?"

DM 401851

>>401846
"Venia, I could count your heartbeats from that lingering magic if I wanted to. It seethes within you. And me… possibly forever."
>>401848
More than half the book details the long wars between Stormheart and Eaglecrest, as well as several conflicts with Rosefall.

Venia [Battlemage] 401852

>>401851
I gulp
"… Ah. Sorry to have reminded you then…"

DM 401854

>>401852
"That's fine…"
>>401850
"Guess you're new to this then. Never been to a meeting before?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401855

>>401854
Look at them slightly surprised, and slowly shake my head.
"We are just normal griffons trying to keep living like such!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401856

>>401854
I look around uncomfortable
"So… uh… no retirement plans of your own yet?"

DM 401857

>>401856
"I still have one last loose end to tie up.
I'll… just be honest with you here. I have my oldest and dearest shadow trailing Radiant back to Canterlot. The shadow that kept be company for my loneliest years.
I told it to find Ilistar so I can see his face one final time. I need to know Venia. I need to make my own big decision."
>>401855
"What's your name, boy?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401859

>>401851
Hmmm.
I'll put the book down for now and go to the attendant again.
"Excuse me. I assume this castle is the same castle in which the Prophet-King Stormheart lived a long time ago."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401860

>>401857
"Grunt.
Squire of sir Grit."
Motion my claws towards Godric, bowing my head slightly.

DM 401861

>>401859
"Oh yes. It's even named after him. Castle Stormheart."
>>401860
"Grunt, huh.
I take it you know of our New Prophet?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401862

>>401857
"… Ah."
I look down.
"I see. So…"
I look around the room
"… You may decide to lay down your weapons and go back then?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401863

>>401861
"Thank you."
Go away and look for the entrance to the tombs again. Is it guarded?

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401864

>>401861
"Yeah, I've heard of her. But it's hard to trust any new shepard of our people, after what the king did to us."

DM 401865

>>401862
"Only if my heart demands it of me.
I would go back as a lady and a noble, not as a spy. Not as a blade.
Never as your enemy."
>>401863
Heavily.
Gryphons revere their dead deeply.
>>401864
"The king is just some weak politician. Unlike our founding father, who, too, was a seer!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401866

>>401865
"I'm guessing we'd never see each other again then…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401867

>>401865
"But what of her actions? Does she actually plan on doing something, or is she just as weak willed as the king?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401868

>>401865
There's no way I'm going to get in there.
Think for a second, then go see if I can get an audience with the griffon king.

DM 401869

>>401866
"Only if fortune is cruel to us.
But as you need to follow your heart, I need to give my at least a chance at peace."
>>401867
"She has much brewing. Once she is done, a new line of rulers will become reality. The Seer-Kings!"
>>401868
He is fiddling with his claws
"Ah, pony. How goes your hunt?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401871

>>401869
"Bah, what will we do with even more rulers? Rulers don't protect our land or hunt our food!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401872

>>401869
I nod
"… Right… I… I'm sorry I could never give you the same love Illistar gave you. And… I'm sorry for hurting your feelings when I sort of snapped…"

DM 401873

>>401871
"Rulers unite us in protecting our land, boy.
Or are you sayin' you know a better way?"
>>401872
"None of us are perfect, Venia. We each give what we can, and take what we get.
I hope I will soon come crawling back to you looking silly for yearning over that old noble…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401874

>>401869
"We are gathering information about Grimalphas and soon we shall strike, King.
But I have a request for you.
Seeing how Grimalphas has such influence over griffons, I'm learning the history and ways of Stormheart, to better understand her and her followers and how we might deal with them.
And it is because of that, I'd like to visit the Tomb of the Prohet-King."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401875

>>401873
"Hey, I'm just a squire. But if there are too many rulers, nothing gets done.
You can't have many griffons lead a charge, while hunting. They will all disperse in every direction!"

Venia [Battlemage] 401876

>>401873
"You'll always be welcome in Wintergrasp at my side Valeriana… don't you ever forget that. You are more than just my dearest friend and a lover to me… Just… please stay safe. And think long and hard about your choices."

DM 401877

>>401874
"King Stormheart's tomb!? What? Why? What would you do there!?"
>>401875
"And she'd lead us, as Stormheart led our revered forefathers!"
>>401876
"I can only say the very same things to you, Venia…"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401878

Well, after teaching Ambrosia to read a bit better, I'm going to wander the halls a bit. Fully armored, of course, though I'll leave my axes and the mountainbreakers in the room with Ambrosia.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401880

>>401877
"How can you trust her so much?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401881

>>401877
I stay silent for a moment, then ruffle her mane softly with a hoof
"Now… let's leave those thoughts behind for the time being, okay?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401882

>>401877
"I think it would be vital for me to see it.
King Stormheart was the father of this nation, the very founder of all the customs and traditions of Stormheart.
A seer, just like Grimalphas claims to be.
If I could visit the tomb I would understand the ways of Stormheart and the ways of Grimalphas better. After all, a hunter must know its preys movements and thoughts before he can strike"

DM 401883

>>401880
"Ha. I can tell you haven't seen her. Any who do know she's the real deal. Even her blessed eye is a dead ringer for the Old King's one."
>>401881
"Okay.
So, what now?"
>>401882
"Hrm. Well, I will come with you. There is no way I am allowing a non-gryphon in that holy tomb alone."
You can notice there is a painting of King Stormheart in the throne room. A majestic if frail-looking Griffon with strikingly mismatched eyes. One a piercing yellow, the other a featureless inky black.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401884

>>401883
Grunt at this.
"Of course I haven't. My days are spent trying to feed my family!
What's so strange about her eyes?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401885

>>401883
Blessed eye….
"Of course. I'll follow you."

Venia [Battlemage] 401886

>>401883
"This place isn't exactly pony friendly. Any ideas?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401887

>>401883
>>401878
There's got to be something to do here aside from watching the scenery. Maybe… Hmm. Maybe I can ask around about those herbs used to bolster fledgling wings?

DM 401888

>>401884
"She has the gift of a true seer! An eye that sees things others cannot. It sees fate and future!"
>>401885
"Very well, come along."
He leads you to the deepest part of the catacomb
"And don't you dare speak a word. Make even one noise down here, pony, or I am serving you and all your kind as dinner. Do you understand?"
>>401886
"Very few. Until we know what to do with Grimalphas, I fear we can hardly leave the castle grounds without risking trouble."
>>401887
There is a doctor in the castle
"Medicine for weak wings? Hmm… well, I do know what you're looking for. Not sure how it works on ponies though."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401889

Kilana [deathsinger] 401890

>>401887
I'm here staring out a window intently. I could explore with you.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401891

>>401888
"That's nearly too strange to believe! Is she a descendant of king Stormheart?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401892

>>401888
I fake a pout
"But Valeriana, I don't know what to do with myself in this stone prison! It's dreadful!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401894

>>401888
"Well, there's always time to find out, doctor. A smaller dose than what would benefit a gryphon might have the same effect, though it's working against nearly a lifetime of the wings being bound. There is only so much strength-training can do for someone who hasn't been allowed to fly since she was born."

DM 401897

>>401889
He opens the tomb.
Inside is a perfect replica of the throne room, and upon the throne, the bones of Old King Stormheart, clad in his royal attire, leaning on his sword.
>>401891
"No. She must be another chosen one."
>>401892
"Maybe I could toss you off the roof so your big strong husband could catch you in the air."
>>401894
He looks visibly disgusted
"What manner of evil are you talking about!?"

Venia [Battlemage] 401898

>>401897
I prod her belly with a hoof
"You think you can toss me around like that, fatty?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401899

>>401897
"Chosen by whom? The ancestors?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401901

I make no noise and look around.
The King was probably buried with other weapons and treasure?
Is his Eye displayed here somewhere I can see? '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401902

>>401897
"One of our companions was born into slavery. Her former master made an exception for her and let her keep her wings, while cutting off the wings of the rest of his slaves. She has been forbidden to fly for the entirety of her life, and is only recently learning how, now that she has been freed."
I'll nod slightly to the doctor.
"We had heard that the herbs you gryphons use here could help offset the years of atrophy in addition to helping her rebuild her strength."

DM 401903

>>401898
She attempts to lift you with telekinesis
'1d10'
"Yes."
>>401899
"Indeed. The oldest and wisest."
>>401901
No.
But the socket of said eye looks a little odd. Like it was corroded or… eaten.
>>401902
"Bah. Disgusting ponies and their disgusting ways… Here. Take this, rub it on her wings twice a day. Get it on the muscles. Just lathering the feathers will do no good."
He gives you a jar

Roll #1 3 = 3

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401904

>>401903
"Uh."
I will relax back onto the chair, maybe slumping down slightly.
"And what's her plan, following her visions?"

DM 401905

>>401904
"They act to guide us. To grant us glimpses at out goals and act as milestones along out journey to a new dawn."

401906

>>401903
I smirk as she fails to lift me up, then try to do the same to her.

Roll #1 7 = 7

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401907

>>401903
Odd….
I bow my head before the skeleton in respect.
Take another look around the room.
Are there any chests or something in the room, armor that's displayed?

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 401908

>>401903
"Thank you, doctor."
I'll bow slightly.
"And the monster that did this is likely the example of what anyone can sink to if no one is there to stop them."
I'll frown slightly beneath my helmet.
"Before we came to Stormheart, actually, we encountered a group of slavers. Gryphons were among both prisoners, and their keepers. It seems that the feud with Grimalphas is letting the sons and daughters of Stormheart lose their way. A pity the two won't work together…"
And then I'll head back to the room, jar in possession. This will help Ambrosia greatly.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401909

>>401905
Take a sip from my drink.
"And she just rounds you all up and tells you from time to time what her visions say?"

DM 401912

>>401906
She's now floating in the air
"Don't you dare throw me anywhere!"
>>401907
The banners and helmets of his knights are arranged on and around the table before his throne. Some treasure is left in the stands and coffers around the walls.
>>401908
He hisses audibly at the news of wayward gryphons, but bids you a good day.
>>401909
"Well if you want to sound blunt, yes."

Godric [Dark Knight] 401914

>>401912
"And what have these…visions been of late?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401916

>>401912
Take a look through it from a distance with SbS to make sure there's nothing I'm missing '1d10'

Roll #1 9 = 9

Venia [Battlemage] 401917

>>401912
I chuckle and flip her upside down.
"Well well well… It would seem that you are completely at my mercy now."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401918

>>401912
"That's gotta be a lot of griffons in one place."

DM 401921

>>401914
"That the weak king will bring about our downfall if he is not stopped. He will let our nation be swallowed by the Pony Emperor!"
>>401916
That eye must have had something very weird about it. It just doesn't sit right with you at all. I mean what kind of eye gnaws on it's own socket?
Maybe you should ask someone who knows about the dark things of this world…
>>401917
"You are enjoying this way too much…"
Her frown looks like a cute smile this way around
>>401918
"Yep. I think we had hundreds there last time."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401922

>>401921
I've been thinking about it.
Guess I have seen what I should see here.
I walk back to the King and indicate I've seen enough.

Venia [Battlemage] 401923

>>401921
"Maybe I am~"
I giggle at the sight
"I don't see you try and escape though~"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401924

>>401921
"I be damned, that's a gal we can respect!
But… What's she had you do, so far?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401927

>>401921
"Sounds like she might be on to something. Where is she holding these gatherings?"

DM 401928

>>401922
As he leads you out he smiles
"I appreciate your ability to respect our ways, pony."
>>401923
"Now that'd hardly be fair.
Go on. Let's see if you overstep your boundaries and force my hoof~"
>>401924
"She has urged us to be watchful and vigilant. To share what we see, hear and find. To spread knowledge and to rally those who still believe in saving this nation. And that she has seen the Emperor arriving. She just does not know when it will come to pass."
>>401927
"She finds a place that is big enough. Often a market square in one of the towns."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401929

>>401928
"The Emperor? And who's that?"

DM 401932

>>401929
"The Pony Emperor who has claimed many other nations in his conquest already. The one they call Frostmourn."

Venia [Battlemage] 401933

>>401928
"Hmmm? Whatever do you mean?"
I flip her over a few times

DM 401934

NEXT TIME ON TWIN PEAKS
TALK THE TALK
WALK THE WALK
AND STALK THE CAULK

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 401935

>>401932
"Uh."
Look at my drink, lost in thought.
"Then we better do something against her, uh?"

Godric [Dark Knight] 401936

>>401928
"She has seen the emperor?"
Discreet looking around.
"Is this one of her visions as well?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 401939

>>401928
I nod with a smile.
When we exit the tombs, I say.
"I'm honored you allowed me to see this tomb. I feel I already understand Stormheart and its citizens better. This will surely aid in our struggle against Grimalphas."

DM 404265

Make peace with your end

>>401935
"…her? Is the Emperor not a stallion?"
>>401936
"Indeed. A vision of a pony conquering these lands, and assimilating them, filling them with ponies and casting the gryphons to the forgotten shadows"
>>401939
"I certainly hope so… was that all then?"

Venia [Battlemage] 404266

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404267

>>404265
"Only pony emperor I know of stays south."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404268

>>404265
"I was wondering something.
When I studied the legend of the Prophet-King it said his blessed eye was a gift of the ancestors and it seemed to imply he received it before coming to Stormheart.
Is there any idea of where he received such a gift? And was the Eye buried with him?"

DM 404269

>>401933
"Yeah. It is a mystery indeed."
She tries to keep her mane out of her eyes in vain
>>404267
"And expands ever northwards. You do know half the northern ponylands have already fallen to him, right?"
>>404268
"I have no intimate knowledge of that. Legends say his ancestors guided him to a sacred place, where he cast out his own eye to receive the gift of the Blessed Eye.
And I would think he was buried with it. I mean… it was his eye."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404270

>>404265
Hmm..

"How certain is she that this… 'Emperor', is a stallion? She could have been seeing one of Twin Pricnesses of Equestria. Was the pony's appearance mentioned?"

DM 404271

>>404270
Ahem.
Please do not materialize in the inn unless you are disguised a s a gryphon.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404272

Let's see… I could show Ambrosia the bottle of wing medicineIf Tela were here, but I think I'll split off time to after I apply it to her.
Let's go find… somebody. Perhaps one of the Companions, or the King, if he isn't occupied.

Venia [Battlemage] 404273

>>404269
"You look really cute like that, you know…"
I smile and set her down again

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404274

>>404271
Okay I don't know what's going on fuck

Give me 20-30 minutes

In the meantime Pumpkin fills in for me

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404275

>>404270
And don't drop stuff like that which a gryphon is clearly not meant to know.
>>404269
"I've heard rumors. But if he has so much land already, why would he need to kick gryphons out?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404276

>>404274
Me and Godric are at a inn gathering intel with the gryphon tea party about Grimalphas.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404277

>>404269
"Interesting. I thank you again for this honor. I'll return to my duties once again."
Slightly bow my head and walk away.
Now….someone who knows of the dark things….well Venia doesn't but maybe she knows somepony who does.
I'll go to Venia.

DM 404278

>>404272
Then king needs to go AFK in 10 mins
>>404273
"Mhmm… so, I'd hate to ruin the mood but…
Have you made up your mind?"
>>404275
"Not necessarily kick out, but abandon and forget about. Our culture trampled to dust under pony hooves, our mountains defiled with the roads of ponies, our homes defiled with their vile smell."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404279

>>404278
Should I barge in with Venia now or wait?
I think I'd like to talk to Valeriana as well about this eye stuff.

Venia [Battlemage] 404280

>>404278
"… Yes. I have to do this. For Unyielding. For mom. For… myself."
I gulp
"I just hope I'm not making another rash and stupid decision here."

>>404277
I'm talking to Valeriana… somewhere. You can butt in though.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404281

>>404278
"This is terrible! We have to find a way to stop this! I won't leave my home because a bunch of ponies choose they are better than us!
Has anyone ever tried to talk with them?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404282

>>404278
Then I won't bother him.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404283

>>404280
I knock on the door or barge in if there isn't a door.
I halt when I see both of you talking.
"Oh, Venia, Valeriana…I hope I'm not interrupting, I can come back later….."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404284

I'm around.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404285

>>404284
I'll pester you, then.
"Good day, Lady Kilana. How goes it?"

Venia [Battlemage] 404286

>>404283
I turn to him and shake my head
"Of course not Smouldering. We were just talking about… life choices. Is there something you need?"

DM 404287

>>404280
"A lot less stupid than trying to fight me as a kid, that's for sure.
And you came out of that just fine."
>>404281
"Talk? To invaders?
Are you dumb or something boy?"

NPCs TEMPORARILY OFFLINE

Venia [Battlemage] 404288

>>404287
I smirk and give her a playful push.
"Cheeky…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404289

>>404286
"I've discovered something about Stormheart and possibly Grimalphas that might be of use. But I need to talk to a necromancer or somepony who knows about demonology. I was wondering if you knew somepony I could talk to?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404290

>>404287
"Did they attack us yet?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404291

>>404285
"Stressful Waxing, being in this place, at this time.. " I shake my head "I just hope we get enough information to be precise."

Venia [Battlemage] 404292

>>404289
"Well… Valeriana here is somewhat of a necromancer and I've learned a thing or two about it as well. What did you find out?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404293

>>404291
"I'm certain the King's spy and Lord Blackmane will uncover enough to be useful."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404294

boop

Kilana [deathsinger] 404295

>>404293
"I'm sure they'll do their best, but its still an unknown until they come back.." I pause "Is something else on your mind?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404296

I'm around if someone needs me.


>Past
After Radiant has said all her goodbyes, I'll approach.

"Don't feel obligated to take this offer, Lady Goldentail, but if you'd like to know your past, I'll be available."

Head off to a quiet room with no one else.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404297

>>404294
Meanwhile, back in time after the lesson and before I went to talk with Kilana…
"Ambrosia, you recall that herb you mentioned that would strengthen wings?"
>>404295
"No more than the usual, Lady Kilana. The one benefit of being in a guard position is that, so long as you have faith in who you follow, you need not think terribly hard about things."
I'll shuffle a little.
"Though… while in Wintergrasp with Queen Venia, we ran into someone called Naik, who claimed to be your fiance."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404298

>>404292
"Well, have you seen the painting of the first King of Stormheart? He was a seer as well, and legend says he received a blessed eye from his ancestors. You can see it on the painting, it's completely black.
Now I've been to his tomb and the part of his skull where the eye was seems to been damaged as if the eye itself tried to…eat it or something. Like it had a mind of its own.
And when think about it, I can't help but think about that heart of Ebonreth. I think the "blessed eye" is actually something demonic."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404299

>>404297
I turn to him.
"Fleetclaw. Yes."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404300

>>404296
Raise an eyebrow but silently follow him.

Kilana [deathsinger] 404301

>>404297
I attempt a weak smile "You saw him? Its been a long time since I've seen him, well not that long, but way before the tournament..But yes, its an arranged marriage."

Venia [Battlemage] 404302

>>404298
I immediately frown as I hear this
"That is… bad news."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404303

>>404300
Once we're in private,

"I didn't think it would be fair to let you go without knowing your past. It's a shame that your own history has been kept from you for so long. Based on the way you've followed, I assume you agree."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404304

>>404299
"Well, with the approval of the castle doctor, I have procured a jar of it in slave form for you. It is to be applied twice a day to the muscles of your wings."
And I'll produce the jar.
>>404301
"He seemed eager to meet you again, though it seems we might have left him behind in Eaglecrest."
I'll puzzle for a moment behind my helmet.
"You don't sound… terribly enthusiastic about the news, Lady Kilana."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404305

>>404303
I nod.
"Yes. And thank you. Did you manage to find out more than Longshanks and what I already knew?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404306

>>404304
I blink as I turn my gaze to then jar
"… For me?"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404307

>>404302
"I know, if it's true we can't tell this to any griffon, they'll lynch us. But we can use this in our favor.
Think about it. If Grimalphas has done the same somehow, if she found out how to acquire such a demonic eye and we can prove it. That would immediately cause distrust among her followers. They believe that the original eye was a gift of the ancestors. If we hide the fact that the first King had such an eye and just prove Grimalphas Sight is demonic in nature rather then a gift of her ancestors, she'll look like a fraud."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404308

>>404306
I'll give a small chuckle, and smile.
"Well, I certainly don't have wings."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404309

>>404304
"Things are more complicated recently, and Him showing back up now of all times.. Well, I'm sure you'd agree I'm a more dangerous pony than I was even just a few months ago.."
"Also, there's no need to be so formal, you can just call me Kilana.."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404310

>>404308
"… You don't. Thank you, Crescent. This will help. Will make a natural remedy with it to strengthen my wings."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404311

>>404309
"As you like, Kilana."
I'll shrug slightly.
"You're no more dangerous now than you ever were, Kilana, since we are on the same side. What happened at the mansion was an unfortunate accident, nothing more. One you helped to fix."
>>404310
"Did you not want any help applying it?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404312

>>404311
"If you wish."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404313

>>404311
"Thanks Waxing, but that's not the only thing.. I might actually be falling in love with someone else."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404314

>>404312
I'll roll my eyes a little.
"And what do you wish for me to do?"
>>404313
"That would certainly complicate matters. Have you told anyone else?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404315

>>404305
Clear my throat. "The Tyrant-King of Rockeye is a talentless hack that knows less than nothing about neurology. I'm unsurprised he was unable to gather anything."

Pause. "But enough about my personal grudges. The answer is yes. Perhaps we should start at the beginning…"

"You are Equestrian, and you had a sister named Dawn. You became a paladin at an early age, and you had young friends like yourself. One of your prized possessions was a toy hammer that was signed by Celestia. You were attacked in the forest with your friends as a child, and passed out, and had a vision of the empress, and earned your cutie mark for the resolve you drew from her. Thus, early on, you concluded it was your fate to follow her."

Stop again to let her take that in.

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404316

>>404314
"You… can do what you wish, Crescent."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404317

>>404315
I nod and frown slightly.
"Yes, Dawn, I remembered her even early on… it has been such a long time since I saw her…"
Sigh, then nod again.
"Go on."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404318

>>404314
I nod "I've spoken with pumpkin about it, he made it sound so simple, " I giggle a bit "Just break it off with Naik, and I was going to just send him a letter when we had a little down time."

Venia [Battlemage] 404319

>>404307
I nod
"Right… right! They'll never follow a gryphon who relies on demonology! Ha!"
I laugh
"Well done Smouldering, that's a great find!"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404320

>>404316
"Then let me free my hooves of this armor, since I doubt they'd be any good at rubbing the salve in while encumbered."
>>404318
"Well, he seemed a fairly rational zebra to me. He may care for you, so it might hurt him, but that is better than a loveless marriage, even if it is arranged, right?"
I'll think.
"You'd have to write both sets of parents as well, to request the annulment of the agreement. And your partner would have to meet your fiance and they'd likely have to agree to part in good terms."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404321

>>404319
I smile wide.
"Well, it's just a theory and we'll have to wait until Godric and Pumpkin are back, and I'll have to talk somepony who knows more about this then me.
But if I'm right…maybe we've got something on her."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404322

>>404320
I nod.
"Yes."

Venia [Battlemage] 404323

>>404321
"This could definitely be it. One heck of a lead! I can only hope Godric wont react too badly about the fact that their founder used demonology as well…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404324

>>404320
"At the very least, I'm certain my parents won't mind at least, they only arranged this marriage to make me happy anyway.. " I sigh "But the way you put it sounds much more complicated, Do you think he does care for me? Why would he just vanish if he did.."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404325

>>404322
And, once thusly unencumbered, I'll ask Ambrosia to take a seat on the floor so I don't muss the bed by climbing around behind her and to spread her wings. Then, taking a dollop of the salve in my hooves, I'll gently rub it into the muscles and pits of the wing. '1d10'
"Tell me if I'm doing this wrong, please."
>>404324
"From what he said, it was to learn more magic in order to impress you. But, you'll likely be able to hear the reasoning from his own mouth once we return to Eaglecrest, or he joins us on the way to Timberjaw."

Roll #1 2 = 2

Kilana [deathsinger] 404326

>>404325
"I see.." I look away shaking my head "That idiot."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404327

>>404325
I tense up slightly.
"Okay."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404328

>>404326
"Still, if he does love you, then he'd be willing to let you find happiness, even if it's not with him. After all, it's more important that the mare one loves is happy, than selfishly keeping that happiness to oneself."
>>404327
Alright, gentler. '1d10'

Roll #1 8 = 8

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404329

>>404328
And that'll make me relax some more, letting out a gentle sigh as I do so.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404330

>>404329
After a short while, I'll finish rubbing it into the wing muscles.
"Feel better?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404331

>>404330
"Yes, Crescent. Thank you. That was nice."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404332

>>404328
"Well, It sounds like you think he'd not resort to violence at least, I'll have to see what happens when I find him again" I smile at you "..That sounds like personal experience, anything you want to share?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404333

>>404317
"The rest is several years of academy, training missions, et cetera. No significant other until after you arrived here. Typical paladin duties, purging perceived heresy, the usual fare. The scar is from one of those missions. On at least two occasions you made physical contact with Celestia. You believe that she gave you this privilege because she was sending you on a possible suicide mission. Fortunately for you, it wasn't. Only one casualty: a royal assassin named Cloak. I don't think you want to know the specifics of it all, but there was a lot of killing in your past. You were lauded and respected for it."

Pause again to let her take that in.

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404334

>>404331
"Remember, twice a day. And if you need any help putting it on, I'm at your service."
>>404332
"Why would he resort to violence? The first impression wasn't a bad one…"
I'll grimace a bit under the helmet at the latter question.
"Not particularly. I'm still… dealing with it."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404335

>>404334
"Its just that, if he actually cares as much as you imply, he might react badly."
I put a hoof on your shoulder
"Whenever you're ready then."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404336

>>404333
I blush slightly at the comments about Celestia, but my expression turns sour at his last comment.
"And what does that supposed to mean? Are you calling me a murderer?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404337

>>404335
"Then don't speak with him alone, if you're afraid of a poor reaction. At least have the one you're choosing over him be there."
I'll nod slightly.
"That might be a long time, or a short one. It all depends on how long it takes to let go."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404338

>>404334
"Yes."
I put the jar in my bags.
"Thank you for doing this for me, Crescent. That's very kind."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404339

>>404336
"I'm not calling you anything, Lady Goldentail. I told you that you would not like to hear the specifics. You should appreciate the relatively fresh start."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404340

>>404338
"You are my friend, Ambrosia. I could hardly do any less."
I'll give her a small smile.
"And if that stuff works quickly, you might even be able to surprise Mistral by flying to meet her on the way back."

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404341

>>404339
"I was a Paladin of Celestia. I am sure that when I had to kill, it had a good reason. You saw the types of ponies I dealt with. The destruction their work caused."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404342

>>404337
"They say music is the healer of the heart. I can sing for you, if you're in the mood for it"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404343

>>404340
I nod
"I miss her. And Radiant too. I am glad you are here still."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404344

>>404341
"I'm not going to lecture you over a past that can't be changed – there would be no point in it. But I would like to let you know that there are alternatives to killing. Prison, reform, et al. But let's not dwell on state-sponsored killing, shall we? It's a dreary subject, and only likely to upset you more. How about one last pleasant memory for the road?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404345

>>404344
I roll my eyes slightly, but nod.
"Yes, that would be nice."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404346

>>404342
I'll smile a little, and take off my helmet.
"If you like, Kilana. A song could probably do us all good…"
>>404343
"Well, so long as you travel with the King, you'll likely not get rid of me too easily."
I'll chuckle slightly.
"You'll be reunited soon enough, though. And it is a shame about Lady Radiant, but sometimes life doesn't move as one wishes it to."
I'll re-equip my gauntlets.
"But so long as you live free, and be happy, then you carry a piece of Lady Radiant with you, since that is what she wanted of you. To be free, and happy."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404347

>>404345
'1d10+3'

Try to send her the memory of

That hug from Celestia.


Roll #1 7 + 3 = 10

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404348

>>404347
That looks like it got over perfectly.
It's like living it all over again!
I tear up in happiness and smile to myself at the mere thought, then give him a thankful look as I wipe away the tears.
"I… Thank you for that…"

404349

Guess I'm sitting alone in my makeshift workstation.

Again.

Roll to get useful work done.

Roll #1 5 = 5

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404350

>>404348
Nod.

"For what it's worth… I hope you do find that happiness again."

404351

>>404349
>5

Roll #1 9 = 9

404352

>>404346
I smile and clear my voice a bit, rolling to sing. Dream on: Aerosmith

Roll #1 7 + 2 = 9

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404353

>>404346
"Reunited with Radiant?"

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404354

>>404350
"And I hope you saw that I can only do that by following my destiny, as much as it pains me to leave the friends I made here behind."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404355

>>404352
How nice. Wonder where the guitar and everything else is coming from though.
>>404353
"One day, perhaps. But I had meant Mistral. And if Lady Radiant once more wishes to come to our side… I doubt we'd turn her away."
I'll look a little wistful for a moment.
"The King might even forgive her."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404356

>>404355
magic, "Feel any better?"

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404357

>>404355
"… Forgive her?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404358

>>404356
"A little. More at ease, at least."
I'll smile slightly.
"Thank you."
>>404357
"She did not leave in the best terms. Her suggestion to simply surrender everything to Equestria, and their rulers, infuriated the king. She chose to leave rather than to accept any alternative to complete surrender."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404359

>>404349
>>404351
Looks like I have a good memory because I'm filling out entire blank pieces of paper with documentation from my head assuming DM doesn't let that do something else.

Hmm.

I hope the others are okay.

Kilana [deathsinger] 404360

>>404358
I smile back at you. "Good, that song always makes me feel better anyway."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404361

>>404358
"Frosty was angry at Radiant? Why does Equestria want us to surrender everything?"

DM 404362

>>404290
"With a king as weak as Garret on the throne, do they even need to?
I bet they could march right up to him and he'd be on his knees begging for surrender."

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404363

>>404354
Shrug. "I don't hold an opinion on destiny. I certainly won't judge you for your choice. But if you do, then to you, there's probably a reason you've spent all this time in the North. So:"

Tap the side of my head with a hoof. "Don't forget what you've learned, or the friends you've made. Our paths may never cross again."

Sylt 404364

>>404362
"I'm gonna accept no king that does that!
They should think of us, the griffons first!"

Venia [Battlemage] 404365

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404366

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404367

>>404363
I nod.
"I will not forget any of you, and I will remember my friends dearly. I can only hope if I ever see any of them again, it will be in peace."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404368

>>404360
I'll nod.
"You might have needed a song yourself, for what is coming."
>>404361
"It seems Radiant was, before she lost her memory, one of the Equestrian Princess's favored servants. When her memory returned to her, she wished to return to the South, and serve again. King Frostmourn saw that as a betrayal not only as his vassal, but also by a close friend of decades."
I'll shake my head.
"As for why Equestria would rather have us surrender, I assume Lady Radiant thought it would reduce casualties of open warfare. Though I can't see anyone in King Frostmourn's empire willingly bowing to the forces of the south, especially since they have already sent assassins in the past to destabilize the north."

DM 404369

>>404364
"Which is why we must let the people know. Inform them of his failings and of the coming darkness if Grimalphas does not become queen!"
>>404288
"It keeps me happy. And alive."

Venia [Battlemage] 404370

>>404369
"Well what do you think of this whole demon eye thing then?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404371

>>404369
Stare blankly for a second.
"Wait, and what makes you think she's gonna save us from the darkness if she does become queen?"

Imminent Domain [Mastermind] 404372

>>404367
"It's been a privilege."

Pause. "If things don't seem right when you get back to Equestria, the lead you should look for is Clover the Clever. You might get lucky."

And with that, I'll turn to go.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404373

>>404370
I look towards Valeriana as well.

Radiant Dawn [Celestial] 404374

>>404372
I raise an eyebrow at that, but nod as he turns to leave.
"Farewell."

DM 404375

>>404370
"It is a mighty weapon we need to wield with care. Revealing Grimalphas' power to be demonic will ruin her position. Revealing this entire nation was founded by demonologist…"
>>404371
"Unlike Garret, she has a strong will and a strong mind. She can see to it that a way is found, rather than sniveling and hiding in her castle."

Venia [Battlemage] 404376

>>404375
"Right. So we all agree we only mention Grimalphas' eye."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404377

>>404375
"I wonder if she'd go so far as to negotiate with the pony emperor…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404378

>>404375
"We cannot let anything about Stormheart himself come out, I agree. And I would still need to talk to somepony more knowledgeable then me to confirm my suspicions about the eye.
Who should be the best to talk to?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404379

>>404368
"I hope not, but I'm glad that I can do something helpful for once."

Ambrosia [Ex-slave] 404380

>>404368
I sit down as I hear that and stay quiet as I think all of this over.

DM 404381

>>404377
"Bah. Sounds like something Garret would do. Offer him our lands and dreams to save his miserable life.
At least with Grimaplhas we could go out with a bang, not a whimper."
>>404378
"Winterbreeze of Wintersgrasp is a student of the Dark Arts. I could have a shadow contact her."
>>404376
"Indeed… let us only hope she never uses that information herself in desperation to spark a civil war if driven into a corner."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404382

>>404379
"You sell yourself far too short, Kilana."
>>404380
I'll let her think that out.

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404383

>>404359
>>404351
any replies to this?

Venia [Battlemage] 404384

>>404381
"If she truly has the best of Gryphonkinds interest in mind, she wont."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404385

>>404381
"If we can help it, I plan to survive. Not ready to join the ancestors just yet."
Smirk a little.

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404386

>>404381
"I think that would be best. We need to know as much as possible about the eye.
Though wouldn't Grimalphas revealing such a thing be more damaging for her? I don't think the griffons would believe a confirmed demonologist, over the legend of their founder…."

DM 404387

>>404383
>>404359
>>404351
Go chat with Venia, Smouldering and Valeriana.
Once you have their info, and that of Pumpkin, you can use your groundwork to create a comprehensive dossier on the enemy.
>>404384
"That depends on how she views best interests."
>>404385
"You ain't ready to give your life to leave an eternal mark in history? Bah. You sound like a heartless coward to me."
>>404386
"As I said, I only fear it as a last resort. Spilling the truth and leaving us with an even bigger mess than when we began."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404388

>>404382
"Maybe.. What do you think of that Minstral mare, did you speak to her before we left?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404389

>>404387
"Just gotta watch my cub one last time before I do."
Take a sip of whatever drink they gave me.
"After that, I might as well. How am I gonna find you guys?"

Venia [Battlemage] 404390

>>404387
"I really hope she wouldn't do something so wicked. Because if she does… it'll be on my head. And on gryphonkind."

DM 404391

>>404389
"Next rally is tomorrow night at Cloudsunder, at sundown."
>>404390
"On your head?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404392

>>404388
"Mistral? Seems nice enough to me. Healing nicely as well, by the way. Her and Ambrosia seem to have fallen in with each other, so there's that."
I'll think for a moment.
"Honestly I've not spent much time with her."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404393

>>404387
I like to imagine these long periods where I don't respond and have to roll for something to happen as me sitting still in my office staring at whatever's in front of my chair.

What time is it, anyway?

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404394

>>404391
"At the eye of the storm…"
Look at him, waiting to hear the end of the sentence.

Venia [Battlemage] 404395

>>404391
"I'm the one who greenlighted this whole plan of not just assassinating her… Frostmourn trusted my judgement on this."

DM 404396

>>404393
Evening.
>>404394
"…our eyes will be opened"
>>404395
"Then see to it that your duty is fulfilled well."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404397

>>404396
Nod, take my stuff, withdraw cooly.
Regroup with the others.

Venia [Battlemage] 404398

>>404396
"I will. I just hope you're wrong and that she's not as wicked as that."

DM 404399

>>404397
Welcome back to the castle.
>>404398
"Indeed… indeed…"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404400

>>404392
"Well, they were familiar with each other already, I suppose it makes sense they would be close.." I smile a bit "I'm glad she's healing alright, I tried to make sure she would have everything she needed available, maybe by the time we get back she'll even feel like seeing me."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404401

>>404399
Well, where is everypony?
The griffons didn't eat them, did they?

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404402

>>404398
"I hope so too."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404403

>>404396
>>404399
Go to wherever they're meeting.

DM 404404

>>404401
there >>404398
and there >>404400

Venia [Battlemage] 404405

>>404403
I nod at him as he enters.
"Verne."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404406

>>404400
"I'm sure she will."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404408

>>404405
"Quee- Venia."

Nod back.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404409

>>404404
>>404405
>>404403
FInd Frosty and Valeriana. Round up everypony and brief them.
"I know where they will meet. And there are gonna be hundreads.
And their key phrase.
Other bad news, they'd rather die than surrender and have their land taken from them.
We could talk with Grimalphas and tell her we don't mean to, but somehow I doubt that will work."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404410

>>404408
"Mister Verne"
I nod at him.

Venia [Battlemage] 404415

>>404409
"Smouldering found something out."
I nod at him

DM 404416

Sorry, 2sleepy2go on

NEXT TIME ON COOL AS ICE
A MURDER OF GRYPHONS
A MEETING OF REBELS
AND A SHOT AT A SEER

Kilana [deathsinger] 404417

>>404409
I suppose everypony means waxing an I too
I frown "That sounds so familiar, What can we do then?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404418

>>404409
"The numbers are unfortunate, as is the news of their not wanting to entertain the notion of not fighting."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404421

>>404415
Look at him.
"What is it?"
>>404417
"If we were not going against a seer I'd kill her personally from the shadows. But this is not an option."
>>404418
"I think the biggest problem is Grimalphas' need for a show of force.
By talking with us, she'd show herself weak."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404423

>>404421
"We suspect Grimalphas powers are demonic in nature. But we still need to confirm this.
Did the supporters mention something about a "blessed eye"?"

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404424

>>404410
"Smouldering Torch."

Return it.

>>404421
"That is why her supporters come to her in contrast to the current rule,r after all. Please go on."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404427

>>404421
"And we are too few if she does press the idea for force."
>>404423
I'll cock an ear to that.

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404428

>>404423
"Plenty. In fact, they didn't want to shut up about it."
>>404424
"Not much else. They just want to keep their lands and traditions.
We might just need to bring across the idea that we won't take those away from them but…
Their racism makes it all worse."

Amber [Crystal pony Ascendant] 404430

>>404382
"Who do Equestria and the North fight?"

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404435

>>404430
"From what I hear, Equestria is more concerned with enemies even further southward, and that's why they haven't focused on the North. However, a unified whole is harder to conquer than a divided bunch of squabbling city-states. Likely why they tried to kill King Frostmourn in the first place."
I'll sigh a little.
"The North just seems to fight itself for now. But we're working to end that."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404437

>>404428
"You could call it at base a reflex to defend what they see as their culture being threatened, of course. From there, Grimalphas plants seeds of xenophobia, turning these fears to her agenda. If we were to discredit or remove her properly…"

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404438

>>404428
"Then that almost confirms my suspicions. I still need some information from Winterbreeze but if my theory is true, that would mean we could undermine Grimalphas position by proving her oracle powers are not blessed by their griffon ancestors but actually demonology."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404439

>>404428
"Do they say anything useful about her eye?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404440

>>404437
"She'd see that coming."
>>404438
"Fuck.
I was hoping this was all a big joke."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404442

>>404438
"We assume that the gryphons reject demons in the first place. For all we know, they could acknowledged and embrace such a trait."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404444

>>404440
"If Mage Torch's hypothesis proves true, then King Garret can use the might of their own religious fervor against Grimalphas."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404445

>>404440
"Of course. That's why we need more information and time."

>>404444
"What do we know of the gryphon's beliefs, at any rate?"

Venia [Battlemage] 404446

>>404442
"They wont. Godric confirmed as much."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404447

>>404445
"Necromancy, and by extension demonology, is inherently repugnant to them. That works in our favor, if we can link it to Grimalphas."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404448

>>404442
"It is more then that Verne, Grimalphas seems to claim she's a new Prophet, just like the first king of Stormheart was.
The legend goes that the first king of Stormheart was blessed by his ancestors to receive such power and Grimalphas claims the same.
We might prove that's a lie."

Ambrosia 404455

>>404435
"… Radiant wants to kill Frosty?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404460

>>404447
>>404438
"Then its all the easier, we just expose her demonic eye to her rebels."
>>404440
"Pumpkin, how long do we have until that meeting?"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404464

>>404460
"It's tomorrow night. No idea how far, I'll need a map for that."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404465

>>404455
"It is a complicated issue."

>>404448
>>404447
"Hmmm… hmmm. The general plan seems simple enough. But we must prepare if they reach the conclusion that the first king of Stormheart was blessed by a demonic eye as well, unlikely as it is."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404466

>>404455
"No. She thought that, by having him surrender, she would save his life. It isn't Radiant herself who wishes to do away with the unified North, it is Equestria, and those who run it. Radiant is just a servant."
>>404465
We're in the paaaaast.

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404467

>>404464
"Leave it to me. I'll prepare as much as I can."

>>404466
Aaaah. Damn time travel

Ambrosia 404472

>>404466
"Okay."
I look down
"… Will we have to fight Radiant?"

Kilana [deathsinger] 404473

>>404464
>>404467
"Not much time then, we'll need to expose her during that meeting.. get her eye to react somehow, or" I nod to Verne
"Present evidence that they'd believe. If you need help let me know."

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404477

>>404473
"I'm still waiting on word from Winterbreeze. I'll let you know once I know more."

Waxing Crescent [M Uni Dark Knight] 404478

>>404472
"With any luck… no."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404482

>>404477
"That might take a while."
>>404473
"So, looks like we will have a civil debate after all."
Smirk, emitting a brief chuckle.

Venia [Battlemage] 404483

>>404478
"Okay. Good. She's strong…"

Ambrosia 404486

>>404483
>Venia
brain pls
I don't know why the fuck I typed that in

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404487

>>404482
I frown.
"If I could find out more some other way, I'll try."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404488

>>404477
"Oh, you've already called her in for this? Good, good." I smile.
>>404482
"Yeah, maybe. " I frown "Or maybe they will outright attack her and try to kill her."

Verne Foglight [Advisor] 404490

>>404482
"Hopefully. Whichever is advantageous for us."

Stand up to leave.

"Be well. I'll be back when I've put things in order."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404492

>>404487
"You would think a demon in an eye would be easy to notice."
>>404488
"Bad for them. After fighting a dragon and a hundread or so hired blades, a bunch of fanatics are not going to be much trouble."

Groves 404493

>>404486
VENIA IS MINE FAGGOT

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404494

>>404488
"I'm not an expert on demonology. And if we're going to confront Grimalphas, we have to be sure."
I pause.
"I went to the tomb of the first King. The skeleton seemed weird, almost as if the eye tried to…eat the inside of his skull.
If Grimalphas has the same, she might be in constant pain and needs something to relieve that…"

>>404492
"Nopony knew about Ebonreth's heart either…"

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404496

>>404494
"A heart is hidden inside your body though."

Kilana [deathsinger] 404497

>>404494
I nod "I think I follow you, but discovering her supply's state, and her supplier may take more time than we have.. With a gathering that size they could attempt to take the castle."

Ambrosia 404504

>>404493
brainfart. I just had her stuck in my head. accidentally typed in Amber earlier too, I think I need sleep

Smouldering Torch [Red Lantern] 404506

>>404497
"It's something we must consider.
Certainly she'll have a supply of whatever she uses with her everywhere."

>>404496
"The griffons seem to believe it's a blessing from the ancestors. You should take a look at the painting of the first king of Stormheart, it's easy to notice. One eye yellow like a griffons, the other on pitch black."

Pumpkin Swansong [Gryphon] 404510

>>404506
"Be I damned.
We need some kind of spiritual leader they trust, a gryphon that cares for demonic corruption…"


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