File: 1373329438344.png (344.39 KB, 721x466, Northlands OP.png, IO Google TinEye)
This is the story of faffers faffing in faffland
EPISODE 19: THE AFAFFENING
EPISODE 19: THE AFAFFENING
>>448023
Frostmourn stays behind to enjoy the last of the heat, but Sunrise follows you.
"Hey…
…thanks for considering it."
>>448023
>>448022
>>448021
>>448020
>>448025
>>448028
>>448027
>>448029
At the old academy, preparations are pretty well complete.
Not much, nothing overt, but still enough to make things look important and festive.
To bring a bit more life into things, several noted troubadours from Eaglecrest, along with the best military musicians of the United North, have come to provide the music.
Frostmourn is attending, with Sunrise in tow.
Valeriana and Highhorn are sitting near the back, out of the way.
Ironfoe sent its regards in the form of a few gifts.
Timberjaw only sent a sealed message.
Frostmourn stays behind to enjoy the last of the heat, but Sunrise follows you.
"Hey…
…thanks for considering it."
>>448023
>>448022
>>448021
>>448020
>>448025
>>448028
>>448027
>>448029
At the old academy, preparations are pretty well complete.
Not much, nothing overt, but still enough to make things look important and festive.
To bring a bit more life into things, several noted troubadours from Eaglecrest, along with the best military musicians of the United North, have come to provide the music.
Frostmourn is attending, with Sunrise in tow.
Valeriana and Highhorn are sitting near the back, out of the way.
Ironfoe sent its regards in the form of a few gifts.
Timberjaw only sent a sealed message.
>>448048
I'll snort slightly.
"That's the thing I never understood about Eaglecrest. You all value your individuality so much you stopped caring about the ponies who live with you. There's no sense of unity in you. Didn't any of you have friends or comrades amongst those missing? Aren't you curious why they left without a word to you, and after raiding military supplies?"
I'll snort slightly.
"That's the thing I never understood about Eaglecrest. You all value your individuality so much you stopped caring about the ponies who live with you. There's no sense of unity in you. Didn't any of you have friends or comrades amongst those missing? Aren't you curious why they left without a word to you, and after raiding military supplies?"
>>448050
"What?
Marriages are the culmination of a loving relationship. Alliances that are born of them are but a fortune thereupon."
>>448052
One comes tap you on the shoulder
"A friend of mine left with them. Asked me to go. I refused."
>>448054
And here she comes.
Flanked by a pair of guards, as she asked.
Her father marching behind, in his full uniform.
And Venus herself wearing… a surprisingly feminine gown, with only a few trinkets and decorations alluding to her profession. She even had her mane done…
"What?
Marriages are the culmination of a loving relationship. Alliances that are born of them are but a fortune thereupon."
>>448052
One comes tap you on the shoulder
"A friend of mine left with them. Asked me to go. I refused."
>>448054
And here she comes.
Flanked by a pair of guards, as she asked.
Her father marching behind, in his full uniform.
And Venus herself wearing… a surprisingly feminine gown, with only a few trinkets and decorations alluding to her profession. She even had her mane done…
>>448061
"Something about forging a new world for himself an others. About becoming more than just a wandering soldier."
>>448064
"Of course not.
I don't even know what you like yet. But I'm sure you'll teach me when the time feels right."
She gives a very sincere, pleasant smile.
>>448065
"Keep it together Verne. We have duties to attend here."
Destiny looks over both of you.
It has been a while since he has worn his full regalia, but it seems to fill him with inner light not often found on his worry worn face
"Something about forging a new world for himself an others. About becoming more than just a wandering soldier."
>>448064
"Of course not.
I don't even know what you like yet. But I'm sure you'll teach me when the time feels right."
She gives a very sincere, pleasant smile.
>>448065
"Keep it together Verne. We have duties to attend here."
Destiny looks over both of you.
It has been a while since he has worn his full regalia, but it seems to fill him with inner light not often found on his worry worn face
>>448070
Well, that doesn't sound suspicious at all.
"A new world in the frozen hoofhills of the Northscrown? You'll have to forgive me for believing that is patently ridiculous. I can respect his desire to be something more than a sword-for-hire, but that was the point of the United North, wasn't it?"
I'll think a moment.
"Would you like to come with us to discover exactly what they've created up there? You will be compensated for your time, of course."
Well, that doesn't sound suspicious at all.
"A new world in the frozen hoofhills of the Northscrown? You'll have to forgive me for believing that is patently ridiculous. I can respect his desire to be something more than a sword-for-hire, but that was the point of the United North, wasn't it?"
I'll think a moment.
"Would you like to come with us to discover exactly what they've created up there? You will be compensated for your time, of course."
>>448072
She waves you off with a smile, then trots back inside to enjoy a quality moment with Frosty.
>>448073
"I came in case you needed a clerical authority."
Frostmourn gives you a smile
"So, anything left to say between you two?"
>>448074
"I… suppose I could.
I still have the note he gave me, if I wanted to follow him."
She waves you off with a smile, then trots back inside to enjoy a quality moment with Frosty.
>>448073
"I came in case you needed a clerical authority."
Frostmourn gives you a smile
"So, anything left to say between you two?"
>>448074
"I… suppose I could.
I still have the note he gave me, if I wanted to follow him."
>>450395
Cloudcaller's Federation of Brazilians?
>>450396
This is something we should really note down for everyone by now. What exactly will you all be doing for the following age.
Radiant: Canterlot
Pumpkin: Training
Crescent: Searching for the deserters
Smouldering: Lavan and Alaran
Kilana: Underkingdom
Gordic: Politics
——-
Liviana: ???
Id: ???
Nylis: ???
Verne: ???
Please tell me your thoughts.
Cloudcaller's Federation of Brazilians?
>>450396
This is something we should really note down for everyone by now. What exactly will you all be doing for the following age.
Radiant: Canterlot
Pumpkin: Training
Crescent: Searching for the deserters
Smouldering: Lavan and Alaran
Kilana: Underkingdom
Gordic: Politics
——-
Liviana: ???
Id: ???
Nylis: ???
Verne: ???
Please tell me your thoughts.
>>450419
Trust me, you might need the axe and armor by the time this is over.
>>450418
Well feel free to go anywhere.
And if you run out of stuff to do, Sunrise and Frosty can always use company.
>>450420
At night, this part of the market is always so empty. Even though there is vibrant night life in other parts. Mostly the parts that cater to those who enjoy drink and dance.
Just step into the fountain and you should end up where you are needed.
Trust me, you might need the axe and armor by the time this is over.
>>450418
Well feel free to go anywhere.
And if you run out of stuff to do, Sunrise and Frosty can always use company.
>>450420
At night, this part of the market is always so empty. Even though there is vibrant night life in other parts. Mostly the parts that cater to those who enjoy drink and dance.
Just step into the fountain and you should end up where you are needed.
>>450426
I'm not entirely comfortable with butting in on them like that yet.
I would have liked to have Smouldering accompany us to Rockeye, but I guess he'll be away for a loooong time. So Longshanks it is. Let us meet this famed wizard king with his many spells… if I'm allowed a audience. I guess I should ask Frostmourn.
I'm not entirely comfortable with butting in on them like that yet.
I would have liked to have Smouldering accompany us to Rockeye, but I guess he'll be away for a loooong time. So Longshanks it is. Let us meet this famed wizard king with his many spells… if I'm allowed a audience. I guess I should ask Frostmourn.
>>450439
"Meeting with Longshanks? I'm sure he'll find time."
>>450442
Some are checking out the poster. You can go interview them if you want.
>>450443
It seems some of the stuff has been packed away, and what's left around is mostly things that are needed constantly.
Looks like they are making preparations for the big move.
"Meeting with Longshanks? I'm sure he'll find time."
>>450442
Some are checking out the poster. You can go interview them if you want.
>>450443
It seems some of the stuff has been packed away, and what's left around is mostly things that are needed constantly.
Looks like they are making preparations for the big move.
>>450475
"Yes. Construction of the grounds is underway. I've met with the local specialists and have already begun organizing construction plans and bringing in hoof-selected foreign teachers to add to the repertoire. High King Frostmourn has promised whatever we require, and the United Northlands have made some interesting advances of their own."
"Yes. Construction of the grounds is underway. I've met with the local specialists and have already begun organizing construction plans and bringing in hoof-selected foreign teachers to add to the repertoire. High King Frostmourn has promised whatever we require, and the United Northlands have made some interesting advances of their own."
>>450490
"The locals are dangerously reactionary, and even if the noble practices are de jure allowed, they are still de facto frowned upon it seems. I am hopefully that establishing a presence will help turn public opinion, though I still place removal of the Tyrant of Rockeye from power as an important step toward equal rights."
"The locals are dangerously reactionary, and even if the noble practices are de jure allowed, they are still de facto frowned upon it seems. I am hopefully that establishing a presence will help turn public opinion, though I still place removal of the Tyrant of Rockeye from power as an important step toward equal rights."
>>450493
He snorts
"Do I at least get some renown out of it?"
>>450497
"…Very well then. Right this way."
He takes you through the palace and to the throne room door
"Please wait here a moment."
He then enters to announce you.
>>450503
A few roll their eyes as you mention "tyrant"
"Same old Ten, that's for sure.
What of the High King and his thoughts?"
>>450504
It's high up and should have lovely fresh air.
Or you could ask to visit Stormheart.
He snorts
"Do I at least get some renown out of it?"
>>450497
"…Very well then. Right this way."
He takes you through the palace and to the throne room door
"Please wait here a moment."
He then enters to announce you.
>>450503
A few roll their eyes as you mention "tyrant"
"Same old Ten, that's for sure.
What of the High King and his thoughts?"
>>450504
It's high up and should have lovely fresh air.
Or you could ask to visit Stormheart.
>>450512
After a while the doors open for you.
Longshanks is a rather skinny old pony with a long, if narrow, beard and sharp eyes. His throne is on an elevated platform, and several unicorn guards line the throne room.
A faint glow can be seen around the throne perimeter.
>>450516
"Bah.
Can I at least get like a medal or badge or something?"
>>450522
"Well it's certainly a step in the right direction."
"You've done a good job, Ten."
>>450525
If you wish to study magic, I can arrange for that.
After a while the doors open for you.
Longshanks is a rather skinny old pony with a long, if narrow, beard and sharp eyes. His throne is on an elevated platform, and several unicorn guards line the throne room.
A faint glow can be seen around the throne perimeter.
>>450516
"Bah.
Can I at least get like a medal or badge or something?"
>>450522
"Well it's certainly a step in the right direction."
"You've done a good job, Ten."
>>450525
If you wish to study magic, I can arrange for that.
>>450539
"That's a deal then."
She spits on his hoof and offers it for a shake
>>450540
Better go tell her the plan then.
>>450542
"Envoy of Trotantium. Welcome to the halls of the Mage King. I've read much of your empire, but never expected contact from them."
You notice there are some hovering trays of fruit and wine moving around the room.
"That's a deal then."
She spits on his hoof and offers it for a shake
>>450540
Better go tell her the plan then.
>>450542
"Envoy of Trotantium. Welcome to the halls of the Mage King. I've read much of your empire, but never expected contact from them."
You notice there are some hovering trays of fruit and wine moving around the room.
>>450546
"Huh? U-uh.. No not really. I mean those teleporting arrays and the long range teleporting… thing, were more or less my main range of research. I uh… w-well unless having doors that are somehow consistently powered to ensure a lasting teleportation is possible… but.. but that would take too much energy to keep open for more than a minute."
"U-uh why?"
"Huh? U-uh.. No not really. I mean those teleporting arrays and the long range teleporting… thing, were more or less my main range of research. I uh… w-well unless having doors that are somehow consistently powered to ensure a lasting teleportation is possible… but.. but that would take too much energy to keep open for more than a minute."
"U-uh why?"
>>450547
How… charming.
I'll offer my hoof as well.
"A deal. We leave day after tomorrow, from Wintergrasp. When you're ready to go, head up to the transporter and say that you're working with Waxing Crescent on the King's business. They'll send you through to Wintergrasp."
I'll look at the tracker.
"Same goes for you as well. I'll expect both of you on time, and I'll deliver the first half of the payment then. Agreed?"
How… charming.
I'll offer my hoof as well.
"A deal. We leave day after tomorrow, from Wintergrasp. When you're ready to go, head up to the transporter and say that you're working with Waxing Crescent on the King's business. They'll send you through to Wintergrasp."
I'll look at the tracker.
"Same goes for you as well. I'll expect both of you on time, and I'll deliver the first half of the payment then. Agreed?"
>>450552
"Oh, nothing much. I just thought, since we have some time to rest, you might be interested in meeting High King Longshanks and learning from him. He personally trained me in my youth and though I've fallen out of practice, I was very good at mirror images for a while. Best part is, they say he's a master of almost every magic field there is. Interested? "
"Oh, nothing much. I just thought, since we have some time to rest, you might be interested in meeting High King Longshanks and learning from him. He personally trained me in my youth and though I've fallen out of practice, I was very good at mirror images for a while. Best part is, they say he's a master of almost every magic field there is. Interested? "
>>450547
Rise up again.
"With the passing of late Empress Lavinia XIV and the ascension of empress Lavinia XV, foreign policies have changed. These lands were abandoned by our earth pony ancestors centuries ago, but we did not forget about them. To prevent estrangement from happening, her majesty has ordered for diplomatic channels to be opened at last, and hopefully through that, friendship with the North."
Rise up again.
"With the passing of late Empress Lavinia XIV and the ascension of empress Lavinia XV, foreign policies have changed. These lands were abandoned by our earth pony ancestors centuries ago, but we did not forget about them. To prevent estrangement from happening, her majesty has ordered for diplomatic channels to be opened at last, and hopefully through that, friendship with the North."
>>450569
"It's not a problem. Just… do me a favour. See if can find out if he has developed anything new, any contributions to magic. You've developed a lot, but all records say Longshanks has nothing like this to his name. I don't believe that. I'm sure he has something he kept secret.. maybe he'll share it with you. "
"It's not a problem. Just… do me a favour. See if can find out if he has developed anything new, any contributions to magic. You've developed a lot, but all records say Longshanks has nothing like this to his name. I don't believe that. I'm sure he has something he kept secret.. maybe he'll share it with you. "
>>450581
"You are correct. I've met with the High King already, but I did not come all the way up North to confide myself to his retinue alone. I wanted to speak with the other lords of these lands. Admittedly, I was more pressed to visit Rockeye because of the reputation it holds. From what I hear, it is the single most important hub of arcane magic."
"You are correct. I've met with the High King already, but I did not come all the way up North to confide myself to his retinue alone. I wanted to speak with the other lords of these lands. Admittedly, I was more pressed to visit Rockeye because of the reputation it holds. From what I hear, it is the single most important hub of arcane magic."
>>450583
"Helpful. They know a lot that I don't, seeing as I'm just a traditional weaponsmith."
>>450588
"Please.
We are the single most dedicated, advanced and expansive collection of magical research and knowledge in the north, if not the world. We have expanded our knowledge from arcane and elemental magic to the arts of life and death, the mind, alteration, conjuration, illusion and most other schools of magic. Our academies hold a ceaseless project to research and discover new aspects of magic, and refine our exiting knowledge, as well as integrate it into out everyday life to enable an easier lifestyle for the people.
The mass teleportation arrays of the north are but one tiny fragment of this vast knowledge."
As he speaks, images of the things he speaks of appear as brief mirages around the room, projected to your mind by an unknown force.
"Helpful. They know a lot that I don't, seeing as I'm just a traditional weaponsmith."
>>450588
"Please.
We are the single most dedicated, advanced and expansive collection of magical research and knowledge in the north, if not the world. We have expanded our knowledge from arcane and elemental magic to the arts of life and death, the mind, alteration, conjuration, illusion and most other schools of magic. Our academies hold a ceaseless project to research and discover new aspects of magic, and refine our exiting knowledge, as well as integrate it into out everyday life to enable an easier lifestyle for the people.
The mass teleportation arrays of the north are but one tiny fragment of this vast knowledge."
As he speaks, images of the things he speaks of appear as brief mirages around the room, projected to your mind by an unknown force.
>>450595
"A shame I couldn't be among them, but I suppose I should be happy to at least know how to sharpen my weapons with cutting off a hoof."
I'll shake my head slightly.
"Ah, one thing. I mentioned to king Deep Rock, and suggested to the High King, that the envoys from Trotantine might like to visit Ironfoe. One of them is a smith himself, and he's crafted a golem almost entirely out of mechanical parts. I wager the two of you would have much to speak of together."
"A shame I couldn't be among them, but I suppose I should be happy to at least know how to sharpen my weapons with cutting off a hoof."
I'll shake my head slightly.
"Ah, one thing. I mentioned to king Deep Rock, and suggested to the High King, that the envoys from Trotantine might like to visit Ironfoe. One of them is a smith himself, and he's crafted a golem almost entirely out of mechanical parts. I wager the two of you would have much to speak of together."
>>450597
"I don't know Verne, If he's been quiet all these years about this higher ability to learn… It might not have worked."
"Uhm… I- well, He's been doing for this long, maybe he's harboring a demon like the other kingdoms. hahahaahahaaa…..hah"
rolling to not spill my spaghetti with that '1d10-1'
Roll #1 7 - 1 = 6
"I don't know Verne, If he's been quiet all these years about this higher ability to learn… It might not have worked."
"Uhm… I- well, He's been doing for this long, maybe he's harboring a demon like the other kingdoms. hahahaahahaaa…..hah"
rolling to not spill my spaghetti with that '1d10-1'
Roll #1 7 - 1 = 6
>>450607
"It will probably happen sooner than you think, and while I'm away chasing supply thieves and deserters. I will have to apologize to them for not personally taking them around, but I'm sure they'll do well enough."
I'll look around the forge for a moment, and breathe in the smell of metal, fire, and hard work.
"I'll leave you to your work, then, Mastersmith Narpa. I've a few preparations to make before my team leaves."
"It will probably happen sooner than you think, and while I'm away chasing supply thieves and deserters. I will have to apologize to them for not personally taking them around, but I'm sure they'll do well enough."
I'll look around the forge for a moment, and breathe in the smell of metal, fire, and hard work.
"I'll leave you to your work, then, Mastersmith Narpa. I've a few preparations to make before my team leaves."
>>450620
Shrug
"Yea I guess."
>>450626
"W-well he's not really hoarding much of the rest of magic that's floating around, so uh- don't be disappointed if he's just keeping quiet about a few experiments he didn't want to let others know. Someponies don't like knowing they're capable of failing an experiment.
Oh! W-when did you want me to see him?"
Shrug
"Yea I guess."
>>450626
"W-well he's not really hoarding much of the rest of magic that's floating around, so uh- don't be disappointed if he's just keeping quiet about a few experiments he didn't want to let others know. Someponies don't like knowing they're capable of failing an experiment.
Oh! W-when did you want me to see him?"
>>450623
"Yes. Though I'm really just hoping we can found out why they deserted, and who let them into the supply caches."
And I'll head off to make sure my own supplies are in order. Tent, firestarters, blankets, cold-weather padding… Ah, right. And the reward I need to scrounge up. Probably shouldn't have said they were getting paid before I made certain they would be.
Head to the guard station, where we keep the confiscated goods and contraband. Because we've totally got one of those, right?
"Yes. Though I'm really just hoping we can found out why they deserted, and who let them into the supply caches."
And I'll head off to make sure my own supplies are in order. Tent, firestarters, blankets, cold-weather padding… Ah, right. And the reward I need to scrounge up. Probably shouldn't have said they were getting paid before I made certain they would be.
Head to the guard station, where we keep the confiscated goods and contraband. Because we've totally got one of those, right?
>>450667
Hmm. If the effects haven't been cataloged, probably best not to take them. Could be something cursed. Or dangerous. I'll just take another greataxe, so I've got a pair of them again.
Perhaps a visit to Adviser Foglight is in order. He should have and idea on how much of a reward this job should be…
Hmm. If the effects haven't been cataloged, probably best not to take them. Could be something cursed. Or dangerous. I'll just take another greataxe, so I've got a pair of them again.
Perhaps a visit to Adviser Foglight is in order. He should have and idea on how much of a reward this job should be…
>>450667
"We… are an earth pony nation at heart, your grace. When our tribes migrated from here across the sea, our relations with the unicorn tribes were… strained. It wasn't until the great winter came along that we saw unicorns again. Most ponies at home are content with earth magic and divine magic, so the drive to indulge ourselves in the arcane is not exactly high."
Straighten up slightly.
"I think differently, however. I find it a fascinating school of magic."
"We… are an earth pony nation at heart, your grace. When our tribes migrated from here across the sea, our relations with the unicorn tribes were… strained. It wasn't until the great winter came along that we saw unicorns again. Most ponies at home are content with earth magic and divine magic, so the drive to indulge ourselves in the arcane is not exactly high."
Straighten up slightly.
"I think differently, however. I find it a fascinating school of magic."
>>450674
"I- uh… w- well I don't know how much you don't already know, unless Miss Shadow Song didn't tell you anything.
B-but uh, she's spent almost all of her time since we went to school - into researching the Dark Arts, and I think above anything else she's translated the dark tongue and was almost ready to summon a demon.."
"I- uh… w- well I don't know how much you don't already know, unless Miss Shadow Song didn't tell you anything.
B-but uh, she's spent almost all of her time since we went to school - into researching the Dark Arts, and I think above anything else she's translated the dark tongue and was almost ready to summon a demon.."
>>450692
I'll just back out and shut the door.
>>450693
The die is cast, it is too late.
But this can be after Nylis leaves.
"Adviser, I was curious. Which should I pull from to fund the expedition to track down the deserters and supply thieves? Would that be under the high king's funding, since it concerns his military, or should this come from Ironfoe's coffers?"
I'll just back out and shut the door.
>>450693
The die is cast, it is too late.
But this can be after Nylis leaves.
"Adviser, I was curious. Which should I pull from to fund the expedition to track down the deserters and supply thieves? Would that be under the high king's funding, since it concerns his military, or should this come from Ironfoe's coffers?"
>>450700
"Recently, there has been a rash of desertions, missing ponies, and thefts of supplies from both Ironfoe and Eaglecrest storehouses. There were no signs of forced entry, so they had the keys."
I'll lay out the map marking the spot north of Hardflank and east of Northscrown.
"This is one of the maps recovered from the homes of missing ponies. They all had this location marked. From what I learned in Eaglecrest, they are going there to start something new, what exactly I'm not certain. From the widespread nature of it, I'm assuming it's some form of cult following that's only now decided to surface. The deserters took their family, friends, anyone who'd go with them. So I've arranged a small team, consisting of myself, two Ironfoe soldiers, and two Eaglecrest mercenaries, to pursue and investigate them. We will be attempting to learn why, exactly, they left, and why they chose that particular spot. Any supplies we can recover, we will. The sticking point is who is going to foot the bill, as I promised the two Eaglecrestans payment for their time and talents. They are to be paid half the total reward the day after tomorrow, our departure day, and the rest upon our return."
"Recently, there has been a rash of desertions, missing ponies, and thefts of supplies from both Ironfoe and Eaglecrest storehouses. There were no signs of forced entry, so they had the keys."
I'll lay out the map marking the spot north of Hardflank and east of Northscrown.
"This is one of the maps recovered from the homes of missing ponies. They all had this location marked. From what I learned in Eaglecrest, they are going there to start something new, what exactly I'm not certain. From the widespread nature of it, I'm assuming it's some form of cult following that's only now decided to surface. The deserters took their family, friends, anyone who'd go with them. So I've arranged a small team, consisting of myself, two Ironfoe soldiers, and two Eaglecrest mercenaries, to pursue and investigate them. We will be attempting to learn why, exactly, they left, and why they chose that particular spot. Any supplies we can recover, we will. The sticking point is who is going to foot the bill, as I promised the two Eaglecrestans payment for their time and talents. They are to be paid half the total reward the day after tomorrow, our departure day, and the rest upon our return."
>>451213
"As you wish."
You suddenly disappear, and find yourself falling from the sky towards the clouds.
As you plummet, the clouds twist to form the face of Longshanks, who lets out a laugh and opens a hole in the cloud with his mouth, allowing you to fall through it as lighting flickers around you.
The lightning follows you down, forming shapes, patterns, and small dancing critters, which soon ignite into little flames than race past you, ramming together and exploding just before you pass them.
You can see Rockeye down below, closing in fast.
And yourself falling next to you.
And a second you. And a third.
They grab your hooves and smile, spinning you around before vanishing in a cascade of magical sparks.
And moments before you hit the top of one of the towers, a small portal opens, allowing you to fall unharmed, but at no less speed, through the roof, before landing, gently as a feather, back where you started.
"Had enough?"
"As you wish."
You suddenly disappear, and find yourself falling from the sky towards the clouds.
As you plummet, the clouds twist to form the face of Longshanks, who lets out a laugh and opens a hole in the cloud with his mouth, allowing you to fall through it as lighting flickers around you.
The lightning follows you down, forming shapes, patterns, and small dancing critters, which soon ignite into little flames than race past you, ramming together and exploding just before you pass them.
You can see Rockeye down below, closing in fast.
And yourself falling next to you.
And a second you. And a third.
They grab your hooves and smile, spinning you around before vanishing in a cascade of magical sparks.
And moments before you hit the top of one of the towers, a small portal opens, allowing you to fall unharmed, but at no less speed, through the roof, before landing, gently as a feather, back where you started.
"Had enough?"
>>451258
"We venture forth and uncover the secrets the old king left behind." I smile "Its like the beginning of a good story, well aside from the fact we're on our own, that's usually how a villain's story begins.. But anyway, with the land being united soon there isn't any time to waste, least someone untrustworthy stumble upon something."
"We venture forth and uncover the secrets the old king left behind." I smile "Its like the beginning of a good story, well aside from the fact we're on our own, that's usually how a villain's story begins.. But anyway, with the land being united soon there isn't any time to waste, least someone untrustworthy stumble upon something."
>>451260
Welcome there.
She's with Longshanks.
>>451261
"You admitted your resources of magic are limited at best. That does not sound like too profitable a deal."
>>451266
"I had some thoughts… a few things we could try again from the old days~"
>>451265
We trust the guardians have kept the secrets well. Had they not, we imagine the roads would have long since been evacuated.
Welcome there.
She's with Longshanks.
>>451261
"You admitted your resources of magic are limited at best. That does not sound like too profitable a deal."
>>451266
"I had some thoughts… a few things we could try again from the old days~"
>>451265
We trust the guardians have kept the secrets well. Had they not, we imagine the roads would have long since been evacuated.
>>451268
"That is true, but there is more to life than magic. But I don't doubt for a second that we have the highest production rate of food in the world, which is to be expected of an earth pony nation. We mainly export salt, grain, truffles, oil, olives, silk, linen, velvet, wool cloth, pearls, jewelry, gems, weapons, armor, clothing, gold, silver, iron, copper, incense, marble stone, pottery, wine, ales, ivory, dyes, spices, dried fruits, honey and so on. And while some of these may already be available through other sources of trade in the North, nopony can beat our prices. Nor can they beat the sheer amount of resources we can deliver and the speed at which we do so. Our fleet mostly controls the sea west of here and keeps merchants safe from attempts at piracy."
"That is true, but there is more to life than magic. But I don't doubt for a second that we have the highest production rate of food in the world, which is to be expected of an earth pony nation. We mainly export salt, grain, truffles, oil, olives, silk, linen, velvet, wool cloth, pearls, jewelry, gems, weapons, armor, clothing, gold, silver, iron, copper, incense, marble stone, pottery, wine, ales, ivory, dyes, spices, dried fruits, honey and so on. And while some of these may already be available through other sources of trade in the North, nopony can beat our prices. Nor can they beat the sheer amount of resources we can deliver and the speed at which we do so. Our fleet mostly controls the sea west of here and keeps merchants safe from attempts at piracy."
>>451294
"I do not mean it in any specific insult to you. It is merely how I see the value of things. We have all we need here, and can invent what we think we still may need.
But there is no such thing as enough knowledge.
By combining your fleet and our teleportation arrays, we could create instant transportation across the sea."
"I do not mean it in any specific insult to you. It is merely how I see the value of things. We have all we need here, and can invent what we think we still may need.
But there is no such thing as enough knowledge.
By combining your fleet and our teleportation arrays, we could create instant transportation across the sea."
>>451298
"Depends. Maybe we'll get ideas, being all alone under those stars with nobody to judge us…"
>>451299
That depends on how he will view us. But first we must get there.
Should I make a separate thread for this?
>>451300
"Due to the limited range of each teleport array, we needed to establish a network to allow for transportation to any location in the north.
Adding a few extra pylons over the sea would allow for the connection to reach Trotantium, eliminating the need for caravans or transport ships."
"Depends. Maybe we'll get ideas, being all alone under those stars with nobody to judge us…"
>>451299
That depends on how he will view us. But first we must get there.
Should I make a separate thread for this?
>>451300
"Due to the limited range of each teleport array, we needed to establish a network to allow for transportation to any location in the north.
Adding a few extra pylons over the sea would allow for the connection to reach Trotantium, eliminating the need for caravans or transport ships."
>>451323
I doubt that will be an option. If he does not accept you as the new king, he has no reason to stop fighting as long as he can keep going.
>>451326
"Whatever suits your fancy."
She lowers her voice
"Be nice and I might even let you put it in my butt again."
>>451327
"It may not be entirely safe then.
Unless we built artificial islands."
I doubt that will be an option. If he does not accept you as the new king, he has no reason to stop fighting as long as he can keep going.
>>451326
"Whatever suits your fancy."
She lowers her voice
"Be nice and I might even let you put it in my butt again."
>>451327
"It may not be entirely safe then.
Unless we built artificial islands."
>>451403
"Lady Windy Valley might be a good choice, as she is Master Oats' assistant. However, master Swansong might also be a good choice, as he has been restricted to Ironfoe until he recovers from his injuries that he suffered in Timberjaw. I'm certain being useful for something will do wonders for his recovery."
I'll think a moment.
"Vicequeen Venia might also be a good choice, as should lady Valeriana."
"Lady Windy Valley might be a good choice, as she is Master Oats' assistant. However, master Swansong might also be a good choice, as he has been restricted to Ironfoe until he recovers from his injuries that he suffered in Timberjaw. I'm certain being useful for something will do wonders for his recovery."
I'll think a moment.
"Vicequeen Venia might also be a good choice, as should lady Valeriana."
>>451410
"It shouldn't be too dangerous, just take far too long for what it is. Thank you for your concern, though, Lady Liviana."
I'll pause for a moment.
"While I'm here, would you like an escort? I've got all of tomorrow to prepare, after all, and it would be rude of me to leave you to your own devices."
"It shouldn't be too dangerous, just take far too long for what it is. Thank you for your concern, though, Lady Liviana."
I'll pause for a moment.
"While I'm here, would you like an escort? I've got all of tomorrow to prepare, after all, and it would be rude of me to leave you to your own devices."
>>451426
"I don't see how you can much improve on the warp gates. Though if they could compensate for movement, I suppose you could put them in less stable areas."
I'll nod slightly.
"Though I'm sure that's something Lady Nylis is already hard at work on, since she never seems to come out of that library."
"I don't see how you can much improve on the warp gates. Though if they could compensate for movement, I suppose you could put them in less stable areas."
I'll nod slightly.
"Though I'm sure that's something Lady Nylis is already hard at work on, since she never seems to come out of that library."
>>451701
I'll nod.
"Yes. Rockeye developed a floating disk that can support the weight of a pony. Lady Mistral required one while her spine was growing back, and the High King scooted about on one during his convalescence after his fight with the late king of Eaglecrest. Fighting a pony powered by a demon is no easy feat, especially if you don't have anyone else to aid you."
I'll nod.
"Yes. Rockeye developed a floating disk that can support the weight of a pony. Lady Mistral required one while her spine was growing back, and the High King scooted about on one during his convalescence after his fight with the late king of Eaglecrest. Fighting a pony powered by a demon is no easy feat, especially if you don't have anyone else to aid you."
>>452521
"Well, not everything is gilded sleighs and wonderful progress. As evidenced in Eaglecrest and Stormheart, demons have been finding their way into the world. The one we ripped out of the former king of Eaglecrest is being kept in a jar somewhere, and if they've any sense they'd be studying it so we can learn their weaknesses."
Or learn to replicate their abilities safely…
"Well, not everything is gilded sleighs and wonderful progress. As evidenced in Eaglecrest and Stormheart, demons have been finding their way into the world. The one we ripped out of the former king of Eaglecrest is being kept in a jar somewhere, and if they've any sense they'd be studying it so we can learn their weaknesses."
Or learn to replicate their abilities safely…
>>452523
"I suppose we should be thankful we've only seen two, or wary that there might still be more lurking inside someone. I prefer to go with the former option, as we've enough on our collective plate with Equestria to worry about."
I'll nod slightly.
"My apologies for bringing up sour memories, Lady Liviana."
"I suppose we should be thankful we've only seen two, or wary that there might still be more lurking inside someone. I prefer to go with the former option, as we've enough on our collective plate with Equestria to worry about."
I'll nod slightly.
"My apologies for bringing up sour memories, Lady Liviana."
>>452525
"Still, it was rude of me to not notice your discomfort."
I'll think a moment.
"From what I've seen of them, however, the demons we have encountered provided different attributes to their hosts. Hopefully vicequeen Venia hasn't had the heart destroyed, so we can learn why. And how to more efficiently kill demons in the future without harming their hosts."
"Still, it was rude of me to not notice your discomfort."
I'll think a moment.
"From what I've seen of them, however, the demons we have encountered provided different attributes to their hosts. Hopefully vicequeen Venia hasn't had the heart destroyed, so we can learn why. And how to more efficiently kill demons in the future without harming their hosts."
>>452529
"From what I've seen, mind you, that is how it appears. I can hardly dare say that I have any real knowledge of the extent of the north's natural and divine faculties. Lady Nylis has made an incredible stride in medical magic with her regenerative spell, and Lady Radiant was one of the louder voices of religion, at least until she left. And you're well aware that Snowborder is not religious in the slightest, unless you count a love of money as a religion."
"From what I've seen, mind you, that is how it appears. I can hardly dare say that I have any real knowledge of the extent of the north's natural and divine faculties. Lady Nylis has made an incredible stride in medical magic with her regenerative spell, and Lady Radiant was one of the louder voices of religion, at least until she left. And you're well aware that Snowborder is not religious in the slightest, unless you count a love of money as a religion."
>>452542
"A lot of ponies like to dress up what they fight for in pretty words and false ideologies, lady Liviana. But in most cases, it simply boils down to greed, or they simply enjoy fighting."
I'll shake my head.
"And some don't even know why they fight, they just do because they are told to. For a soldier like myself, you can see why I would have a certain respect for mercenaries over press-ganged militia or ponies who hide their knives behind silk and lies. The Lordblades are a prime example of the latter type, as they've repeatedly tried to prevent the north from uniting into something that can stand on equal ground with Equestria."
"A lot of ponies like to dress up what they fight for in pretty words and false ideologies, lady Liviana. But in most cases, it simply boils down to greed, or they simply enjoy fighting."
I'll shake my head.
"And some don't even know why they fight, they just do because they are told to. For a soldier like myself, you can see why I would have a certain respect for mercenaries over press-ganged militia or ponies who hide their knives behind silk and lies. The Lordblades are a prime example of the latter type, as they've repeatedly tried to prevent the north from uniting into something that can stand on equal ground with Equestria."
>>452687
"It- we- uh.. w-well it's a way to regrow lost limbs. But… but I wouldn't say it like that.. y-you see it's not something like what lizards do, uh.. I uh.. I learned this from a pony named Embers who said it was close to what lizards do when they lose a tail or something to get away from predators..
I wouldn't say it's entirely like that.. w-what I had to do was to copy the restorative magic that Heal and Mend did not only to close the missing limb at the base, b-but to copy and mirror an existing limb in order to get a new limb to replace the one lost.
i-if that's understandable."
"It- we- uh.. w-well it's a way to regrow lost limbs. But… but I wouldn't say it like that.. y-you see it's not something like what lizards do, uh.. I uh.. I learned this from a pony named Embers who said it was close to what lizards do when they lose a tail or something to get away from predators..
I wouldn't say it's entirely like that.. w-what I had to do was to copy the restorative magic that Heal and Mend did not only to close the missing limb at the base, b-but to copy and mirror an existing limb in order to get a new limb to replace the one lost.
i-if that's understandable."
>>452706
Longshanks levitates you up to his throne and touches your horn with his.
For a brief moment you can feel him inside your head, and soon the feeling passes
"Aha! Very interesting! Indeed!
This is a fine tribute, good Nylis. If you wish to learn from me in turn, I shall allow it."
>>452704
"Valeriana and the High King go back further than any other."
"Back before he was even born. hard to go further than that."
Longshanks levitates you up to his throne and touches your horn with his.
For a brief moment you can feel him inside your head, and soon the feeling passes
"Aha! Very interesting! Indeed!
This is a fine tribute, good Nylis. If you wish to learn from me in turn, I shall allow it."
>>452704
"Valeriana and the High King go back further than any other."
"Back before he was even born. hard to go further than that."
>>452893
"Well, I suppose it's a small perk of being a Black Crest. Though I'm honestly not certain I'll be able to still eat here after the transfer to the Northern Lights is finished. I suppose there's Wintergrasp, but I can't shake the feeling that using the teleport arrays for going to dinner just seems… a little wasteful."
"Well, I suppose it's a small perk of being a Black Crest. Though I'm honestly not certain I'll be able to still eat here after the transfer to the Northern Lights is finished. I suppose there's Wintergrasp, but I can't shake the feeling that using the teleport arrays for going to dinner just seems… a little wasteful."
>>452923
You pull several small items through, but even most of your books let alone stuff like your Pylon Catalyst, her Dark Tongue books or the portable teleporters fit through that.
>>452924
Sunrise comes poke you
"Hey… Liviana?"
>>452922
"THIS is what they serve to guards?
It's delicious! I want to work here too!"
You pull several small items through, but even most of your books let alone stuff like your Pylon Catalyst, her Dark Tongue books or the portable teleporters fit through that.
>>452924
Sunrise comes poke you
"Hey… Liviana?"
>>452922
"THIS is what they serve to guards?
It's delicious! I want to work here too!"
File: 1374532109035.png (65.68 KB, 518x352, Northlands will be right back.…, IO Google TinEye)
